ProfPotts' Blood of the Redwyrm PbP

Game Master Alexander Scott

'Know about what?' demands Lady Rebecca, 'you're treating me like a child! Just tell me...' she falls silent as the tent flap is flung open and the balck knight emerges. Still clad in blackened plate and chain armour, helm firmly in place (and concealing his identity), the towering figure steps forwards, glances between the three Ladies, and places his fists on his hips,

'What do you want?' he demands, his deep voice carrying a metallic ring on the edge of its tone...

"We just came to see the black knight. I daresay you are more impressive up close." Alaina says. "But alas, we do not have much time to spare and we must return to the tournament. I'll be watching to see if your strength can endure the rest of the day. Good day to you, Sir Knight."

'Damn your impudence!' roars Sir Guy in response to the jester's words, 'what are you implying? I...' he trails off and stares at Zurladew for a moment, realisation dawning on his face... Suddenly the knight's hand is on the hilt of his sword as he steps towards the jester, 'You! I recognise your voice! It's you who's been tormenting me! You who tricked me into beating that peasant! What sort of sick game do you think you're playing, fool?! You think all this funny?! I ought to...' he draws his sword half from its scabbard... then manages to stop himself, and turns to Sir Clarius, his teeth gritted and his face flush with anger, 'This idiot has been sending me threatening messages whispered on the wind,' he explains, gesturing towards Zurladew, 'implying all sorts of vile things... he's the one who violated my quarters and left the message implicating the rat catcher! Much as I'd like to, I'll not kill the Baron's jester... but you may want to report his actions, so that the Baron can take that pleasure himself!'

"I will say this once, rat - speak to me as a man, for you make me do as much to you regardless of my opinion,"Zurladew says, face twisted in a furious rictus. "As to the matter of your own chivalrous misconduct, I have two options, and I will take the more chivalrous one of answering honestly to your accusations, rather than allowing you to hang yourself on the gallows of your own behavior with the rope of your attitude."

"Yes, I did slip into your tent." Zurladew spreads his arms magnanimously. "Your reputation preceded you, Sir Guy, I'm sure the first and last time you will hear those words again. But this was no sabotage or tryst in your tent, as you are clearly unworthy of either. No, simple reconnaissance, done by a man who likes to keep an eye upon the workings of the kingdom. And what should my wandering eyes chance upon, touched by the magic of divination, but a box, containing poison! Right there in your tent! Under lock and key, but certainly unable to be hidden from the eyes of one gifted in powerful arcane arts!"

"But, rat, tell me, did I flee to the Viscount with news of your carrying poison to a tourney - suspicious at best and damning at worst? No, I gave you the option of a quiet redemption! An opportunity for some means of escaping from the noose you placed around your neck! And yet what did you do? Beat a peasant? Laid hands upon Redwyrm property, and not even the correct peace of property, might I add, making a proper ass of yourself!"

"One thing, rat, for future reference: in political intriuge, people often don't sign their names," Zurladew says condescendingly, a sarcastic caricature a teacher talking to a particularly dim student. "My note was meant to be a subtle piece in a game of chess, a pawn, if you will, but apparently subtlety is lost on you. For future clarification, the end of the note? That was to convey that I. Think. You. Are. A. Rat!" Zurladew says the last sentence slowly, pantomiming dramatically, like he was speaking to an idiot or a child. "And now that my sentiments are clear, I certainly see no reason to mask them any longer."

Finally, he sets himself in a disbelieving stance. "While I admire your abilities in recognizing the dulcet tones of my voice, I am frankly embarrassed for you as your capacities for subtlety, independent thought, personal hygiene, and general pleasantness are sorely lacking. Upon getting to know you better, I am unsurprised that one so untalented in both combat and the chivalric arts resorts to such unsavory means to succeed in either." Zurladew pauses one last time, tapping his finger to the side of his face thoughtfully. "Well, I think that is everything," he says finally, looking at Sir Guy with an undisguised challenge in his eyes.

...'This idiot has been sending me threatening messages whispered on the wind,' he explains, gesturing towards Zurladew, 'implying all sorts of vile things... he's the one who violated my quarters and left the message implicating the rat catcher! Much as I'd like to, I'll not kill the Baron's jester... but you may want to report his actions, so that the Baron can take that pleasure himself!'

Sir Clarius cannot hide his surprise at the vehemence of Sir Guy's outburst. Furiously thinking, Zurladew would not endanger the life of an innocent peasant with his tomfoolery, but that note was written by someone with fine letters... I had already ruled out Sirs Jaymin and Garrett, Aydan, Lady Ailith and Viscount Geoffrey, but Zurladew? It cannot be..., Clarius begins to respond, 'Sir Guy...' Just as Zurladew starts yelling back at the Thevian knight.

'Yes, I did slip into your tent.'... 'No, simple reconnaissance, done by a man who likes to keep an eye upon the workings of the kingdom. And what should my wandering eyes chance upon, touched by the magic of divination, but a box, containing poison! Right there in your tent! Under lock and key, but certainly unable to be hidden from the eyes of one gifted in powerful arcane arts!'... 'But, rat, tell me, did I flee to the Viscount with news of your carrying poison to a tourney - suspicious at best and damning at worst? No, I gave you the option of a quiet redemption! An opportunity for some means of escaping from the noose you placed around your neck! And yet what did you do? Beat a peasant? Laid hands upon Redwyrm property, and not even the correct peace of property, might I add, making a proper ass of yourself!'... 'One thing, rat, for future reference: in political intriuge, people often don't sign their names,'... 'My note was meant to be a subtle piece in a game of chess, a pawn, if you will, but apparently subtlety is lost on you. For future clarification, the end of the note? That was to convey that I. Think. You. Are. A. Rat!'... 'And now that my sentiments are clear, I certainly see no reason to mask them any longer'

Sir Clarius stands mouth agape at Zurladew's tirade. 'Oh, gods, do not, do not...

Heaving a great sigh, Clarius slowly draws his sword. Dully, with a flat voice, he states, 'It is my duty to inform you, Zurladew of Redwyrm, baron's jester, and you, Sir Guy, vassal knight to Viscount Geoffrey of Thevia, are both under my arrest. You will immediately accompany me to Baron Otto Redwyrm where the events of the past day[b]...' He shakes his head in wonder, '...[b]will be recounted and his judgement rendered.'

Sadly, Clarius is readied for either, or both, of them to make a hostile move. If so, he will immediately attack for full lethal effect.

"We just came to see the black knight. I daresay you are more impressive up close... But alas, we do not have much time to spare and we must return to the tournament. I'll be watching to see if your strength can endure the rest of the day. Good day to you, Sir Knight."

The black knight eyes the Ladies with suspicion... (A Bluff roll from Alaina to support that little fib please! ;) )

Meanwhile, in Clarius's tent...

Sir Guy appears livid at Zurladew's words, his hand grasping the hilt of his sword, but so far seeming able to resist drawing it fully to start smiting!

'If you wish to abandon the protection of your station, Fool, to be addressed as a man,' he retorts, through gritted teeth, 'then by all means do so... and I can claim the satisfaction of cutting you down where you stand!'

'It is my duty to inform you, Zurladew of Redwyrm, baron's jester, and you, Sir Guy, vassal knight to Viscount Geoffrey of Thevia, are both under my arrest. You will immediately accompany me to Baron Otto Redwyrm where the events of the past day... will be recounted and his judgement rendered.'

Sir Guy blinks, taking a moment to stare at Clarius's naked steel, then at the man himself, before finally sheathing the portion of his sword he'd drawn, and nodding, jaw clenched tight,

'Fine,' he finally manages to grunt out, 'do what you must - I have nothing to hide... and nothing to fear...'

Aydan gives a polite bow of his head to the Baron and his wife, "A ride across the countryside alongside a beautiful woman, now sent off in search of another, I swear my Lord, this service to you will be the death of me." he grins and rounds his horse, heading off in search of Rebecca and her ladies.

I spose I need a check for this, any one in particular?

"We just came to see the black knight. I daresay you are more impressive up close." Alaina says. "But alas, we do not have much time to spare and we must return to the tournament. I'll be watching to see if your strength can endure the rest of the day. Good day to you, Sir Knight."

"Speak for yourself, I expected someone taller."

Beatrix comments wryly on Alaina's faux praise.

Aid another?

Bluff : 1d20=20 + 8 = 28

Meanwhile, in Clarius's tent...

Sir Guy appears livid at Zurladew's words, his hand grasping the hilt of his sword, but so far seeming able to resist drawing it fully to start smiting!

'If you wish to abandon the protection of your station, Fool, to be addressed as a man,' he retorts, through gritted teeth, 'then by all means do so... and I can claim the satisfaction of cutting you down where you stand!'

"If I thought I would be addressed by a man perhaps I would give the satisfaction of the attempt," Zurladew responds cooly.

Quote:

'It is my duty to inform you, Zurladew of Redwyrm, baron's jester, and you, Sir Guy, vassal knight to Viscount Geoffrey of Thevia, are both under my arrest. You will immediately accompany me to Baron Otto Redwyrm where the events of the past day... will be recounted and his judgement rendered.'

Sir Guy blinks, taking a moment to stare at Clarius's naked steel, then at the man himself, before finally sheathing the portion of his sword he'd drawn, and nodding, jaw clenched tight,

'Fine,' he finally manages to grunt out, 'do what you must - I have nothing to hide... and nothing to fear...'

"Understood, Sir Clarius. I trust your good judgement, upstanding sense of morals, and belief in the place of law to carry out your acts of justice, rather than taking it upon yourself to engage in vigilante acts of misguided revenge at innocent targets," Zurladew responds seriously. "May I request that you bring the r-... our companion's gift?" Zurladew appears to almost choke on his own tongue attempting to censor himself. "I am interested to know of it's precise nature."

"May I request that you bring the r-... our companion's gift?" Zurladew appears to almost choke on his own tongue attempting to censor himself. "I am interested to know of it's precise nature."

Sir Clarius appears at a loss for Zurladew's meaning, then realizes he refers to the vial still in his hand. Disappointment shows on his face at the implication and he responds, 'Yes, I will present it to the baron as your evidence. Now, Sir Guy move to the flap and exit. Zurladew follow Sir Guy.'

Bluff:1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 3 + 2 = 15 +2 from Beatrix
To be clear, they did go to see the knight. The only fib was having to go back to the tournament.

Zurladew nods in acquiescence to Clarius and follows Sir Guy out the door.

To be clear, they did go to see the knight. The only fib was having to go back to the tournament.

Poor choice of words on my part perhaps? What I meant was 'a Bluff roll to support the false intent as to your presence which Alaina was trying to convey'... 'fib' just seemed easier... ;)

"Speak for yourself, I expected someone taller."

The black knight looks between the Ladies for a moment, then lets out a booming laugh,

'Very well,' he replies, 'now you've seen me, you can be off...'

'Wait,' Lady Rebecca interupts, stepping forwards, head held high, 'I, at least, had more questions in need of answers than just your strength or your height, Sir. Who are you, and where are you from, for a start...'

The armoured figure's helmet-clad head swivels to face Rebecca,

'I understand that I'm permitted to conceal my identity in such contests, am I not, my Lady? Would you violate that tradition?'

'You may chose not to reveal your familiar arms,' Rebecca retorts, 'by the display of a black shield, but that doesn't mean just anyone can throw on a suit of armour and pretend to be a knight!'

'What?' for a moment the black knight almost sounds at a loss, and steals a glance behind him, before turning back to Rebecca and taking a step towards her, his tone assertive once more, 'Perhaps if I were to reveal myself to you, m'Lady, in private... I can trust you to keep my secrets, can't I?'

At this point Aydan can find the Ladies - no roll needed.

Meanwhile...

'Yes, I will present it to the baron as your evidence. Now, Sir Guy move to the flap and exit. Zurladew follow Sir Guy.'

Doing his best to ignore Zurladew's continued vocal jabs, Sir Guy nods and exits the tent, turning to Clarius as he does so,

'By all means have the potion checked - you will see that it is nought by the gift I offered in good faith, and should help quickly clear my good name so that fitting punishment can be delivered to those more deserving than I...'

Heading from Clarius's tent towards the lists, the two knights and jester pass within sight of the confrontation between the black knight and the Ladies...

Doing his best to ignore Zurladew's continued vocal jabs, Sir Guy nods and exits the tent, turning to Clarius as he does so,

'By all means have the potion checked - you will see that it is nought by the gift I offered in good faith, and should help quickly clear my good name so that fitting punishment can be delivered to those more deserving than I...

Clarius nods to Sir Guy and motions them both forward.

Correct me if I am wrong, but I believe that Clarius only knows what Garrett said about the black knight's eyes. He has not heard anything about what Sir Jaymin knows. Please let Zurladew and Clarius know what of the scene between the ladies and the black knight they see. Clarius may not give it a thought if he can't hear the conversation or see some overt threats.

Aydan makes his way through the crowds and throngs, spotting Lady Rebecca and her ladies speaking to the Masked Knight. His eyes narrow a little, before he replaces it with a look of mild amusement and heads straight toward them.

, 'Perhaps if I were to reveal myself to you, m'Lady, in private... I can trust you to keep my secrets, can't I?'

"And have our lady's honor brought to question as the gossip spreads like wildfire?" he steps up beside Lady Rebecca and gives the Black Knight a respectful bow, "Not that I question your honor Sir, but we must be careful how we are presented." with that he turns towards Lady Rebecca and the girls, "Forgive my interuption My Lady, your father requests your pressence for the next event."

Aydan's perception to guage the Black Knight 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Hearing the Baron's wishes that they confront this Black Knight with force of arms, if need be, Sir Jaymin gathers up Sir Garrett and goes in search of Banker Hightower and the other clerical types among the retinue, whose divine magics are often useful against extra-planar invaders, as well as Sir Clarius and Ayden.

Unfortunately for Sir Jaymin, Chaplain Hightower doesn't seem to be around (unless he starts posting again...), and the few other priestly types at the tournament don't seem the adventurous sort (and have mostly prepared spells to help heal injured knights in any case)... He does recall that Lady Alaina is reputed to have something of a gift with regards to divine magic though...

That search proving a little fruitless, Sir Jaymin (with Sir Garrett if he's still around...), eventually finds himself approaching the black knight's tent... only to see that the Ladies and Aydan are already there!

Passing nearby, Sir Clarius, Sir Guy, and Zurladew, are all witness to the gathering around the mysterious contestant's tent...

"And have our lady's honor brought to question as the gossip spreads like wildfire? Not that I question your honor Sir, but we must be careful how we are presented. Forgive my interuption My Lady, your father requests your pressence for the next event."

'Of course,' Rebecca replies, a small smile touching her lips as Aydan arrives, 'just as soon as our black-shielded friend here answers some questions,' she turns back towards the black knight and folds her arms in front of her, adding, 'after all, this is meant to be my tournament, is it not? If I'm not satisfied that this man is a noble and honourable combatant, I reserve the right to ban him from competing further...'

Once more the black knight's helm-hidden face glances behind him, into the tent, before taking a step towards Lady Rebecca,

'My Lady,' his voice booms from within the helmet with its distinct metallic ring as he spreads his gauntlet-clad hands wide, 'nothing would please me more than to...' suddenly he snatches Lady Rebecca's wrist, easily lifting her off the ground with one hand! '... crush these noble fools, and give you want you so obviously need, wench!'

Lady Rebecca lets out a gasp of pain and surprise as the formidable black-armoured figure grabs her.

A short (maybe 50ft) distance away, Sir Guy starts at the gasp, his eyes snapping to the scene. Glancing at Sir Clarius he places his hand on the hilt of his sword,

'Perhaps we should leave our legal issues for the time being?' he suggests, pulling his sword free as his charges towards the black knight...

Initiative and declared actions please!

That search proving a little fruitless, Sir Jaymin (with Sir Garrett if he's still around...), eventually finds himself approaching the black knight's tent... only to see that the Ladies and Aydan are already there!

I'm still here.

Initiative:1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12

Seeing the Black Knight grab Rebecca, Garrett's hand darts for his falcata, intent on dropping the black clad warrior where he stands.

Initiative: 1d20 ⇒ 2

Zurladew runs towards the battle as fast as he can, not giving an answer to Sir Guy's truce, but choosing to act quickly instead. He mutters under his breath, causing a large Flare (DC 14) to go off in the knight's face.

"Get your wretched hands off of her!" the rage from seeing Rebecca manhandled is instantaneous, any hints of his casual demeanor gone. He draws his bastard sword from its sheath griping it with both hands. Acting on a split second decision Aydan aims his attack for the Black Knight's helm.

attack 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19

damage 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

initiative 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3

Drat! I was saving this for Sir Thibault, too! Oh well... Sir Jaymin activates his smite evil against the Black Knight.

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 1 = 12
Attack: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 2 + 2 = 23; damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 = 13(+1 again if it's an evil outsider)
Crit confirm: 1d20 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 + 2 = 14; extra damage (not likely): 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 4 + 1 = 12(+1 again if it's an evil outsider)
Charging forward, Sir Jaymin drops the javelin still in his hand, pulls his longsword out, and makes a nasty swipe across the Black Knight's lower torso, (hopefully) finding an opening between the plates.

AC is currently 22 (-2 from no shield, +2 from smite evil)

@Jaymin - I think you shorted your attack modifier by a couple of points

'I accept your parole.' Sir Clarius affirms before charging the black knight while shouting out at the top of his lungs, 'Redwyrm!'; a battle cry and rally to arms.

All d20 rolls include +1 for having Lady Ailith's favour. Please let me know if this situation is inappropriate to the bonus.

Initiative: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Charging Longsword Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19 +2 more if the black knight is somehow human
Damage: 1d8 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 = 2 +2 more if the black knight is somehow human

AC is currently 18 (figure I don't have my shield with me)

Initiative: 1d20=13 + 4 = 17

AC is currently 12

Beatrix says something very unladylike and takes a step backwards, a second later, with a few words and gestures, she vanishes into thin air.

Takes 5 ft step, casts Vanish.

Given Beatrix's lack of combat abilities and the fact that she is unarmed, she is removing herself from the combat and giving the knights one less lady to worry about.

Ok, I thought Proff just asked for declared actions....anyway here's the rolls to go with the declared action.

Attack:1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (12) + 6 + 2 = 20 (charge if applicable)
Damage:1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

I meant charging forward in the figurative sense, not the literal, as I assume there will be too many people in the way for a charge.

I meant charging forward in the figurative sense, not the literal, as I assume there will be too many people in the way for a charge.

Hey, Praxim. This isn't where you parked your car. Oh, and you're still 2 points short on your attack. +1 BAB and +3 STR mod and +2 CHA mod equal +6 on attacks. I've been paying careful attention since I forgot all of my bonuses on the fight at the bridge.

"Lady Rebbecca!" Alaina calls out as Rebbecca is lifted into the air. "Put her down our I swear I will hit all your soft places!"

Move Action: Get her mace out.
Standard Action: Intimidate check 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 19

Praxim wrote:

I meant charging forward in the figurative sense, not the literal, as I assume there will be too many people in the way for a charge.

Hey, Praxim. This isn't where you parked your car. Oh, and you're still 2 points short on your attack. +1 BAB and +3 STR mod and +2 CHA mod equal +6 on attacks. I've been paying careful attention since I forgot all of my bonuses on the fight at the bridge.

Ack! I used the wrong paladin!

You're right. Jaymin's attack bonuses should all be two higher. If he can also charge, that'll make +4.

All d20 rolls include +1 for having Lady Ailith's favour. Please let me know if this situation is inappropriate to the bonus.

As long as it seems likely Lady Ailith will hear about this great deed (it does), and you're doing it in her name, then yup - you can claim the bonus.

Ok, I thought Proff just asked for declared actions....anyway here's the rolls to go with the declared action.

Yeah, sorry if I wasn't clear - by 'declared actions' I generally mean yes, go ahead and roll everything relevant (to speed things up), but just don't assume results (after all, a lot can change in a fight before an individual's initiative comes up). You can even declare multiple options for what your character will do if the circumstances change, if you want.

Lady Beatrix steps back and vanishes from sight, a moment before a battlecry is heard...

'Redwyrm!'

... and Sir Clarius charges, side by side with Sir Guy, at the Black Knight. Both men hit the black-armoured figure with considerable speed, but their swords seem to raise nothing by stray sparks as they bounce off the armoured figure with seemingly little effect... he doesn't even budge, but just lets out a booming, metallic, (and somewhat maniacal) laugh...

Moments later Sir Garrett and Sir Jaymin charge in from the Black Knight's other side - much like Clarius and Guy's blades, Sir Garrett's falcata draws nothing but sparks from the plates armouring the unidentified knight... but Sir Jaymin's strike, apparantly guided by The Strong Man himself, slices through the chain links covering the Black Knight's lower torso, opening up a deep wound... a wound which produces no blood, but instead seeps a sooty black smoke...

... The Black Knight yells, staggering backing a step, in reaction to the paladin's attack, before his helmet-clad head turns towards Jaymin and, Lady Rebecca still struggling in his other hand, retorts with a back-handed smash with his gauntletted fist - a smash which takes Jaymin clear off his feet and carries him a good five feet through the air before he crashes to the dirt! Jaymin takes 10 Hit Points of damage, is knocked back 5 feet, and is prone!

"Get your wretched hands off of her!"

Pulling free his own blade, Aydan follows the knights' example... only for his steel to deflect off the Black Knight with the same lack of effect as most of theirs...

Running up, Zurladew mutters arcane words... and a sudden burst of bright white light erupts right in front of the Black Knight's helmet! Cursing, the Black Knight's free hand shoots to his helmeted head as he staggers a little, peering this way and that, as if dazzled by the light show...

"Lady Rebbecca!.. Put her down our I swear I will hit all your soft places!"

Alaina yells... but the Black Knight seems to either not hear her, or to not be concerned with such threats...

Alrighty then... round two!

Sir Jaymin stands, thankful to be out of the thing's reach to do so, lays hands on himself to give himself back 1d6 ⇒ 4 hit points, then moves in to attack again.

Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 4 + 2 = 16; damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 = 13
A bit shaken, his next attack is not likely so effective.

Zurladew concentrates for a moment, drawing upon his arcane powers. With a flourish of hands and a reality-bending word, Zurladew causes an identical Silent Image (DC 17 v. Will) of Sir Jaymin to appear next to the knight, circling with his longsword drawn.

The idea being to create a confusing situation for the black knight, that Zurladew will control as best he can to not be hit.

Garrett strikes at the black knight again...

Attack:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Damage:1d8 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

Sir Clarius takes a step to put himself opposite one of his allies. 'REDWYRM' he bellows again as he strikes at the black knight, both hands gripping the hilt.

Two-handed flanking attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8

Perception 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (6) + 4 = 10 PHEW!

Aydan's eyes narrow as he tighten's the grip on his blade, he shakes his head in frustration. He can't explain his hunch, but he can't shake it either, "His helm! go for the helm!" and swings his sword again for the Black Knight's head!

two handed flanking atk 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6

Aw sonuva!

I'll assume Lady Beatrix is delaying...

Sir Clarius swings again with all his might... but his sword glances off the Black Knight's armour. Cursing under his breath, Sir Guy pulls his own scabbard from his belt at flings it at the Black Knight's feet - causing the powerful figure to stumble as he's momentarily entangled!

'Clarius!' hisses Sir Guy, 'Maybe you should use that potion?'

As the already dazzled Black Knight stumbles, Sir Garrett manages to land a powerful overhand chop, slicing into the black-armoured figure's shoulder, slipping past metal plates to split chain and release more of that strange sooty smoke... Even as he grunts at the impact of the falcata, the Black Knight slaps Sir Jaymin's own attempt aside with his free hand - obviously wary of the paladin in particular - although throughout he still manages to keep a hold of Lady Rebecca! After turning aside Jaymin's blow, the guantlet-clad fist swings back towards the paladin's head... although good steel armour and sheer zeal combine to turn the punch into an ineffectual glancing strike...

Easily ducking Aydan's wild swing with his bastard sword, the Black Knight howls as, suddenly, a second Sir Jaymin materializes next to the first!

'Curse you, and your tricks!' yells the Black Knight, 'I'll crush you all!'

I'll assume Lady Alaina is delaying...

By now Lady Rebecca appears to have gone limp in the Black Knight's iron grip... fainted, maybe, or... no - some things don't bare thinking about...

Next round!

By the way, to actually target a guy's helmet you'd need to declare a sunder, or steal, or something similar...

It's hard enough hitting this guy, and wounds at the armour seem to hurt it, so normal attack for Jaymin.

Flanking attack: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 2 + 2 = 13; damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 1 = 13

Why do all my great damage rolls come with sucky attack rolls, and vice versa?

Why do all my great damage rolls come with sucky attack rolls, and vice versa?

Bad karma?.. Or evil dicebot... ;)

Garrett tries to take advantage of the black knight's concern with Jaymin and move into a flanking position with Jaymin or Aydan before striking again.

Attack:1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18 (+2 if I can get the flank)
Damage:1d8 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Beatrix uses the safety afforded by the invisibility to slip past the Black Knight and into the his tent.

Vanish expires at the end of this round.

Sunder CMB attack w/ flanking bonus1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16

dmg 1d10 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9

Aydan brings his blade around low on the side of the creature further from rebecca, flexing his grip on his sword he brings it forward in an upward slash, aiming straight for Black Knight's helm, praying to Ieomedae that he isn't wasting precious time.

Zurladew concentrates on maintaining the phantom Jaymin, circling around the melee towards the tent.

Clarius and Guy both keep up the assault, their blows glancing uselessly off the armoured Black Knight as if they were nothing, even as the Knight himself finally kicks Guy's scabbard aside...

Now, with their fellows, totally surrounding the Black Knight, Garrett and Jaymin also hammer away... also to little effect...

Bellowing a deep metallic roar, the Black Knight swings a fist once more at Jaymin... this time the false Jaymin... but the illusion manages (with a little help from its attentive creator) to duck the blow, leaving the Black Knight none the wiser as to which is the real paladin...

Aiming for the Black Knight's helmet, Aydan leave himself open for a moment, and the Black Knight takes the opportunity to land an incredibly powerful punch in the middle of the young forester's chest - powering Aydan off his feet to crash to the ground, unconcious, a couple of yards distant! Aydan takes 11 Hit Points of bludgeoning damage, is knocked back, and is, I think, unconcious (he has 10 HP, yes?).

I'll assume Lady Alaina is still delaying...

Spoiler:

You slip inside the tent a moment before you fade back into view. Inside you find a simple wooden table and a chair, a travelling chest (with a lock) and a basic bedroll. On the table lies the Black Knight's all-black heater-style shield, which looks brand new, as it is remarkably unblemished by the usual wear and tear of knightly pursuits. Resting next to the shield is a longsword which also looks to be a finely wrought piece of equipment, sheathed in a scabbard of black leather. Propped against the table is a combat lance - essentially a long spear (as opposed to a 'safe' jousting lance), and the hammer the Black Knight used earlier. Apart from the weaponry there appears to be nothing else in sight.

O_O Aww sonuva! yeah he's got 10, well less than 1 now. That's what I get for taking a risk

"Hey, you stupid tin can. Keep your flaming hot pink eyes here. I'm the one that's going to put you down, you worthless rust bucket!"

Attack again to back up that bravado.
Attack: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 4 + 2 + 2 = 28; damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6
Crit confirm: 1d20 + 4 + 2 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 4 + 2 + 2 = 25; damage: 1d8 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 4 + 1 = 6

Unbelievable! Minimum damage on a crit!

Garrett tries to strike the black knight again.

Attack:1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 6 + 2 = 28 (flank)
Damage:1d8 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

Confirm?:1d20 + 6 + 2 ⇒ (3) + 6 + 2 = 11 (flank)
Damage:2d8 + 6 ⇒ (1, 7) + 6 = 14

Sorry, been rather busy.

"Aydan!" Alaina gasps as she watches him fly away from the knight. She turns on the knight with a vengeance as she swings at him.

Light Mace:1d20 - 1 ⇒ (8) - 1 = 7
Damage:1d6 - 1 ⇒ (4) - 1 = 3

Her mace might as well be grains of sand for all the damage she's doing, her weapon bouncing off of the black armor with a jarring clang...

"Aydan!"

Witnessing Lady Alaina's heartfelt, yet ineffectual, attack, Sir Guy grabs her to pull her aside,

'Tend the fallen, woman!' he growls, nodding towards Aydan, 'this is man's work...'

Clarius's strike rings off the Black Knight's armour, but Garrett's manages to find a weakness between the plates, hacking a minor wound into the Knight's side... but causing enough of a distraction for for Jaymin to follow up. With a cry of...

"Hey, you stupid tin can. Keep your flaming hot pink eyes here. I'm the one that's going to put you down, you worthless rust bucket!"

... the paladin plunges his sword hilt-deep into the Black Knight's chest, sparks flying as the blade screeches through the metal of the armour! Arching his back, the Black Knight bellows a mighty yell and drops the unmoving Lady Rebecca to the ground, even as sooty black smoke fairly sprays from where Jaymin's sword has transfixed him...

'This is not the end!' declares the Black Knight (in the best melodramatic tradition), laughing as he does so, 'We've hardly even begun!'

... with that, the black armoured figure seems to burst into nothing but sooty smoke, which rapidly disperses on the breeze... freeing Jaymin's sword. The only thing appearing to remain of the figure is his helmet, which drops to the ground with a dull clang...

Seeing the black knight fall, Garrett briefly lets out of sigh of relief...but then sees Lady Rebecca's condition, rushing to her side he calls out...

"Alaina! Come quick Lady Rebecca has need of you healing arts."

Zurladew moves quickly to Aydan's side, checking his pulse and breathing. "We have another with need of some aid," he says. He looks around. "Any other injured? Everyone here?"

"Quickly then, bring Aydan over here! I'll get everyone!" Once all the injured are gathered around, ghostly white fire dances from Alaina's hands and plays across their wounds, leaving a soothing heat in their wake. She does this one more time to be sure no one is in life threatening danger.

Channel Energy:1d6 ⇒ 3
2nd Channel Energy:1d6 ⇒ 3