I tell Kemnebi: "Forget about the exploration I mentioned earlier, this place gives me the creeps."
Kemnebi merely nods, but it is absentmindedly. He is totally engrossed in absorbing all he can about the game unfolding in front of him,...
He does jump slightly at the powerful voice coming through the mindlink, and gives Caer a sidelong glance. He nods with a small smile.
Caerwyne; seek yea to join yon companions at melee with the Ancient Foe? Assume they guise of hidden striker, and say thus "take me to my foes" and thus you shall be expelled from this realm to that by my word, and I shall set the to strike at the heal of the foe wildst they dwarven kneecapper the yon group to tarry in combat."
I draw my swords and activate my silver torc for the second time today, since the effects must have expired already. Then I hide in any available shadows and get ready to hide in any shadows at my destination.
Finally I say: "Take me to my foes!"
ok; if I can avoid the post monster...sheesh.
Caerwyn; will post some stuff when I have time about what you learned about the nature of Fae in that place. You may take 1 point of knowledge - Fae
ok; you are successfully transported to a spot right behind the Snakemage; the dirt wall it to your back; beside the snakemage is the snakeshaman; on either side of them are tunnels that go around corners after about 15 feet.
in front of the snakecasters is about 15ft of dirt tunnel about 20ft wide and in front of that are the two enormous abominations; and locked in combat with them; most of the rest of the party fighting shoulder to shoulder. It is cold in the tunnel and you see evidence of ice and slush.
it seems you are well hidden at this moment.
The Ruuckles game begins; very ritualistic; like a stately dance on a game board; positions are chosen and peices moved, countered; advanced; checked.
tension builds; both players totally engrossedin their games; each seeking any advantage; reading body language; lying with body language; faces nearly blank of expression as each attempts their best poker face; move, counter; move counter; gambit; payoff; move; gains and losses of field and oppurtunity.
finally; after a hundred moves the game is called to halt.
The Kalona/Avatar ponders the ending position of each; the preassure of Its vast intelligence and wisdom is brought to bear like a phsycal weight pressing down upon all present.
"IT IS A DRAW; NO CLEAR ADVANTAGE GAINED FOR EITHER SIDE, CLEAR THE TABLE AND RESET FOR GAME TWO."
"THE TIME OF A COUNT OF 500 IS ALLOWED FOR THE PLAYERS WHILE THE TABLE IS RESET"
<The pieces begin marching themselves back to their starting places; then the Avatar gives it an order; and the board is set up completely differently to begin the next game>
The Lord Marshall looks you right in the eye; Llvenoc, and nods a guesture of respect.
ok; if I can avoid the post monster...sheesh.
Caerwyn; will post some stuff when I have time about what you learned about the nature of Fae in that place. You may take 1 point of knowledge - Fae
ok; you are successfully transported to a spot right behind the Snakemage; the dirt wall it to your back; beside the snakemage is the snakeshaman; on either side of them are tunnels that go around corners after about 15 feet.
in front of the snakecasters is about 15ft of dirt tunnel about 20ft wide and in front of that are the two enormous abominations; and locked in combat with them; most of the rest of the party fighting shoulder to shoulder. It is cold in the tunnel and you see evidence of ice and slush.
it seems you are well hidden at this moment.
I take a 5-foot step so that I am adjacent to the shaman, and plunge both swords deep into its back.
So engrossed is Kemnebi in watching the game unfold that he doesn't even realize that Caer has vanished for a while. When Raven calls a break, he rubs his own temples.
"Wow. That is,... something." He murmurs to June. It is obvious that he is impressed.
I will return the measure of respect from the Lord Marshal with a nod. Maintaining eye contact with him to show no disrespect. I am exhilirated that the first game ended in a draw. But I keep in mind this is all a long way from over. There is still two more games. I have to keep my mind fresh, and alert for them both to stand any chance.
do these attacks have your position bonus for back/flank added in?
ok; if I can avoid the post monster...sheesh.
Caerwyn; will post some stuff when I have time about what you learned about the nature of Fae in that place. You may take 1 point of knowledge - Fae
ok; you are successfully transported to a spot right behind the Snakemage; the dirt wall it to your back; beside the snakemage is the snakeshaman; on either side of them are tunnels that go around corners after about 15 feet.
in front of the snakecasters is about 15ft of dirt tunnel about 20ft wide and in front of that are the two enormous abominations; and locked in combat with them; most of the rest of the party fighting shoulder to shoulder. It is cold in the tunnel and you see evidence of ice and slush.
it seems you are well hidden at this moment.
I take a 5-foot step so that I am adjacent to the shaman, and plunge both swords deep into its back.
1d20+5; 1d20+5
4d6+3; 4d6+2
do these attacks have your position bonus for back/flank added in?
No, they do not.
Ok; in that case you hit twice and I need you to roll inits to determine when your actions will take place with this group; also, your unless Astinos aura has a diameter of 30' you will be out of range of those bonuses.
your attacks dont seem to do as much damage as you though they should; but you do notice that some kind of stones are circling both the shaman and the mage <individually> and one of those on the shaman crumbles to dust during your attack.
Ok; looks like my mobs are up in the inits
The shaman activates a stone; that flashes <you may roll a spellcraft if you like> you will have to make a will save DC 19 attack the shaman.
both the shaman and the mage take a 5' step away from you; the mage casts a spell at you; which provokes an attack of oppurtunity; the shaman spits something at you; it hits you; but you dont feel it; damage and effect is delayed until next round. Fort save will be needed.
Something seem to be pulling your hair and ear on your right side; then you hear a tiny voice "HEY NOW MORTAL, Vhats da big idear vipping me outs of me home n brigst minst 'hear? Ah; zee mortal battle the ancient foe; I see; unt youse are in pickle eh; Dis ist not so gut for you, eh; but von against two superior foes; eh; excellent; zer gut young mortal; Defiance, Ja, Ve likes your defiance. Oh; ze foe spits thee wit zee venom eh and a nasty spell comink too? Zer gut; youse makes big impression; hehehe."
Still on the bridge; you look around for June and realize that she and the drow are back off the Winter side of the bridge apparently discussing something in hushed whispers.
from the bridge you catch a reflection in the water; it is of a beautiful Sidhe girl, she is underwater and her skin is green and made of perhaps seaweed; she if of course, like all Sidhe, lovely beyond mortal comparison. She looks at you with a troubled brow; seeming curious and inquires "What is something, Agent of Winter? You are Something, yes, something of an anamolly; very curious in this curious times"
So engrossed is Kemnebi in watching the game unfold that he doesn't even realize that Caer has vanished for a while. When Raven calls a break, he rubs his own temples.
"Wow. That is,... something." He murmurs to June. It is obvious that he is impressed.
With a flash of steel, Durr hits Astinos Abomination for 12 and 13 points.
ok; the two enraged Abominations attack with their multiattack feat to spread the pain with primal ferocity though blood and ichor flows from their dreadful wounds.
Atinos gets hit for 25
Durr for 22
Kosan for 26
Nebibit would have taken 24 ;but Durr uses a feat to intercept and take the blow for her.
Fox; perception roll on the mage, dc 15; your Orb vears away from him and strikes an stone that whirls around him; apparently doing no damage. If you make it you can roll spellcraft to determine what happened.
ok; Round Three; remember; everyone with the Blessing of Horus; make sure you add your fast heal points back; only two points I think by now; but hey; its 2 points.
Spot check
Spellcraft check
applies to everything in this scene; which will not end until either you save the Goddess or are defeated/flee.
Spot check 1d20 + 4
Spellcraft check 1d20 + 13
Fox <insight>
it seems that Snake Magic is much more primal and unrefined than modern magic; apparently, the stones circling them are inscribed with symbols and magic much like scrolls are; perhaps the stones are an indication of how many active spells are on an individual and perhaps work much like or are the basic foundation of where Ioun Stones come from. The stone that flaired when you cast your electric orb was much like what the spell would have looked like if it contacted the modern spell that gives electricity resistance. It becomes readlily apparent to you that this sort of magic is perhaps in some ways more raw and powerful in that cast magics circle the caster until needed rather than modern magic which can at more powerful levels have contingency casting; and also Snake Magic seems more exposed and obvious; as cast spells would seem to take much longer to cast raw than modern magic; but with a spell stone, the magic would be seen by all to be readily useable; thus it would be easy to tell how prepared and perhaps how powerful a magus is by the number of these "quick cast" stones they have circling them. Another drawback is that these circling stones are magics already set in motion waiting for use; it is very very unlikely that such magics could be altered or changed from when cast; so; while you could cast, for instance, protection from energy and choose fire, ice, electricty when cast on the fly; this magic is already cast and the form chosen; so when used by a Snake Mage; is faster in combat; but not changable to fit the situation. This Snake Mage spend some unknown amount of time preparing both these stones and casting these magics some time before this combat; perhaps many hours before, so you have no idea how long it takes for a Snake Mage to cast a spell on the fly; but probably much longer than it takes to cast modern magic.
Ok; in that case you hit twice and I need you to roll inits to determine when your actions will take place with this group; also, your unless Astinos aura has a diameter of 30' you will be out of range of those bonuses.
the mage casts a spell at you; which provokes an attack of oppurtunity;
the shaman spits something at you; it hits you; but you dont feel it; damage and effect is delayed until next round. Fort save will be needed.
In my turn, I will make one attack against the mage and then use the Tumble skill to move past the shaman and mage and try to get closer to my friends. If I succeed I will move 15 feet closer to the fighters.
Still on the bridge; you look around for June and realize that she and the drow are back off the Winter side of the bridge apparently discussing something in hushed whispers.
from the bridge you catch a reflection in the water; it is of a beautiful Sidhe girl, she is underwater and her skin is green and made of perhaps seaweed; she if of course, like all Sidhe, lovely beyond mortal comparison. She looks at you with a troubled brow; seeming curious and inquires "What is something, Agent of Winter? You are Something, yes, something of an anamolly; very curious in this curious times"
Kemnebi blinks, and looks again, not sure at first that he is seeing correctly. Then realizes of what he is looking at dawns, and a grin creeps unbidden to his face, quickly hidden with an embarrassed glance in June's direction. He covers his embarrassment with a polite if hasty bow to the Sidhe in the water.
"I beg your pardon lady. I was referring to the game. It was very enthralling to observe. Who, ME? I hardly dare to think that I would qualify as 'something' lady. I am but a magus. More powerful than some perhaps, but hardly unusual. Although I HAVE seen many curious things of late. The times do seem to be fairly crawling with curiosities." He responds smiling.
He pauses, perhaps mentally reminding himself to be very careful what one says to a Sidhe. And to listen very carefully to what they say. He remembers one tome that wrote what a Sidhe didn't say is at least as important as what one did say.
Kemnebi's gaze wanders around, taking in the sight of June, and the fantastic landscape.
"I seem to be stepping in 'curious' every other step lately,..." He murmurs aloud, then blinks, and returns his gaze to the water Sidhe with a smile.
Kemnebi,
The Sidhe lady, who looks to be about 16 years old and in her prime and both naughty and nice, in the water speaks to you in a soothing, melodic voice; how it can come out of the water like that is a mystery.
"You dont seem so much like a normal Agent of Winter, but there, there it is, I see in now; deep in your soul; all those hurts; all those wounds; all those cold scar tissues on your heart that bind you in Winters grasp. Such a pity for one so vibrant and young. A Magus you say, one of bloodline magic; surely not just a Magus; but a Fey are you not? One of the lost, do you not yearn for your true birthright? to have the real magic of your heart to warm you; great champions of Summer have your people always been; before the Fall of Grimalkin and the retardation of your kind. So much loss and pain, let me heal them; let me show you the way; come to me and take respite before the next match that your burdens be lightened. Will you meet me at the end of the bridge where we can continue our conversation? We could compare...curiosities perhaps."
Bleeding profusely Astinos reels from the blow, turning his body in profile to bring his spear in a straight thrust. As the abomination staggers back he jumps up , the spearhead surging fforward seeking the creature's throat.
My love, I may not survive another hit like the last. If I fall.....
What follows in the llink is a wave of emottion too raw and intense to be formed into words. Emotion that defies the ability of language to aptly describe them.
I take your 26 HP Damage.
Blood soaked inside and out.
Out loud: Don't give in lads I see them weekening and exhausting their strength in a desperate hope of survival. Lets kill these balsted garden snakes. DUMATHION. I strike with renewed strength.
Ok here are my 3rd round attacks (adding the hit bonus from Horus (thank you Fox I was also confused on this)).
Round 3:
My initiative was 26.Hit #1 (Axe side): 06 (1d20) + 8 (Base Atk) + 9 (Mod) + 2 (they are CE) + 5 (Bless from Horus) = 30.
Damage: 10 (1d10) + 9 (Mod) + 11 (5 and 6 2d6 they are CE) + 2 (me and Lrg snake men are on the ground) = 32.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Hit #2 (Axe side): 18 (1d20) + 3 (Base Atk) + 9 (Mod) + 2 (they are CE) + 5 (Bless from Horus) = 37.Damage: 9 (1d10) + 9 (Mod) + 9 (5 and 4 2d6 they are CE) + 2 (me and Lrg snake men are on the ground) = 29.
In the mindlink: FOX where are my range spells that kemnebi promised to prepare. That blasted lamb had better be here fighting with us and not following after June again. Blasted fool headed love struck boy. Fox give me a roll call of the mages ye have back there. First that necromancer bird deserts then Kemnebi. Aahz uses your powers, what ever they may be to possibly confuse or hurt our mage foes from afar. Mages hear me Take those blasted mages down.
"Be Strong! Be Faithful! You shall not fail! I foretell true! you are not Fated to Die here! Thank the Blessed Egg.
<Catches the Shamman in eye contact; Uses her gaze attack and locks the Shaman in place until he makes a will save; he failed this round; but was a near thing>
This shaman is no simpleton; I cannot hold him for long!"
Aahz; <with furvor>
Aye Aye; mon Capitan!
<tumbles betwixt the abominations and throws a dagger at the SnakeMage that hits the mage a blow>
Caerwyn; with a 5ft step; you and Aahz could be 180 apart on the snake mage; and; as you do your roll; the others see the little guy on your shoulder ride you like a rolling log on a river and run over your body as your roll always staying on top and ends up back on your shoulder holding your ear.
Durrs weapons flash again; one hit; one miss; 11 points to Astinos's Abomination; he looks like he cant take much more.
__________________
I want to give kenembi a chance to reply; then will try to post next round of Ruckles play tomorrow.
Kosan, I'm the only mage here. Kemnebi went to investigate the artifact before the snakes arrived. If you get close enough to strike a mage, see those stones floating about them? Catch the stones or destroy them -- I think that's where they get their magic from -- they are using a different sort of magic than I've seen before. I think our cleric must fall back and provide healing or add her spellcasting to the fight - our front row is taking a beating and with Kemnebi gone, we need you!
As the Sidhe woman speaks, Kemnebi furrows his brows. First in mild confusion, then deeper with stronger emotions. He stands in silence, lips tight, then relaxes slightly with a small smile.
"You, see much my lady. There are indeed scars I'm sure. Although I wouldn't have thought of them in that way. I do indeed possess bloodline sorcery as well as more pedestrian means of casting."
He tilts his head curiously, just like a kitten.
"I was, unaware, of that particular bit of my race's history. Fascinating. And yet, it takes no great imagination to see how it fits. And that it explains a few things as well. I thank you for this, for knowledge is truly a great treasure." He takes a deep breath, relaxing slowly as he lets it out, scanning the vista before him once more. He looks to the contestants, both sides with heads buried together, no doubt discussing strategy. He turns back to the sidhe with a smile.
"My lady, I would be most honored to continue our conversation. I shall meet you at the end of the bridge." He replies with a flourishing bow. He struggles to keep his eyes on her face, Or at least above her neckline, as he does so.
Attack spear
attack claw
Damage spear
Damage claw
Nebibit hisses angrily although whether it is at the snakemen or at Kosan's comments Or at Kemnebi himself is unclear
Aahz; <with furvor>
Aye Aye; mon Capitan!
<tumbles betwixt the abominations and throws a dagger at the SnakeMage that hits the mage a blow>
Caerwyn; with a 5ft step; you and Aahz could be 180 apart on the snake mage; and; as you do your roll; the others see the little guy on your shoulder ride you like a rolling log on a river and run over your body as your roll always staying on top and ends up back on your shoulder holding your ear.
Aahz; <with furvor>
Aye Aye; mon Capitan!
<tumbles betwixt the abominations and throws a dagger at the SnakeMage that hits the mage a blow>
Caerwyn; with a 5ft step; you and Aahz could be 180 apart on the snake mage; and; as you do your roll; the others see the little guy on your shoulder ride you like a rolling log on a river and run over your body as your roll always staying on top and ends up back on your shoulder holding your ear.
The snake mage is on the left and the snake shaman is on the right; they are about 10ft apart from each other; Caerwyn is in front of the mage and behind Astinos' abomination and Aahz is between the two snake casters. With two combatants in melee with the snake mage; he is propably harrassed enough not to cast any complex spells, but could use items if he has any and Decidio seems to have the shaman <and herself> locked in some kind of gaze effect. If you or nebibit could finish off Astinos' Abomination, or Kosan's; that would probably make a big difference.
Kosan, I'm the only mage here. Kemnebi went to investigate the artifact before the snakes arrived. If you get close enough to strike a mage, see those stones floating about them? Catch the stones or destroy them -- I think that's where they get their magic from -- they are using a different sort of magic than I've seen before. I think our cleric must fall back and provide healing or add her spellcasting to the fight - our front row is taking a beating and with Kemnebi gone, we need you!
uhm; she has no neckline; if you mean clothes, though she seems to have sea type leaves and stuff in appropriate places; in a blink she moves though the water to the side; and steps out of the water; the sunlight catching and sparkling on her figure as the water flows off yet clings to her wet hair, body enwrapped with vines and leaves; in the sunlight they burst forth with tiny purple, white flowers with deep red bands. She shakes her hair for a violent second and the water casts forth, her long hair lays over her shoulder and down toward her belly. As you walk on that side of the bridge; you seem to notice a harmony; the frogs croak; insects chirp; birds trill; the wind through the grass and other plants; all making a song of summer. As you take a step off the bridge onto the land; the water nymph gently and gracefully hold her hand forth for you to take in greeting. The touch of her hand and the step onto the Summer side of the bridge is synonomous in sequence. You seem to be staring at her navel; if she had one, as it would not seem right to stare at a ladies face; or ...; a comforting warmth floods through you; in and instant you remember the best, most comforting moments of your life; being very young; your first taste of a favorite food; first hunt; first grooming; first kiss; first great accomplishment; warmth and comfort; longing for security, longing for acceptance; love; true friendship; you seem to smell <whatever your version of hot, buttery, freshed baked cinnimon buns would be>
With a shock; like a bucket of freezing water; Iunius breaks into your minds and with a cold voice says "Beware Mage!"
your eyes snap open; you didnt know they had closed. you notice that time has passed and your still holding the water maidens very warm and comforting hand; one foot on the bridge and one foot off.
the Nymph is looking at your with concern and caring. "Are you well? it seems our time for conversation this break has ended, as promised you should return to your ... allies. We make speak again if you wish; <she smiles> if you actually speak <small wonderful giggle>
You see the game board is set up and the Lord Marshall is approaching the bridge only a few feet away; if you linger even a moment to say goodbye; well it will look like you have joined his group entering the bridge, was this planned or coincidence you wonder. Will it distract or demoralize Prince Llvenoc? Will you pounce and flee; which you KNOW will cause Summer to laugh at you and loose face; or what; what will you do; on the other side of the bridge you see Prince Llvenoc with a cold expression on his face; game face with no emotion; ice; approaching the table with Iunius; she is looking at you with a small smile; but a bit hurt.
As the Sidhe woman speaks, Kemnebi furrows his brows. First in mild confusion, then deeper with stronger emotions. He stands in silence, lips tight, then relaxes slightly with a small smile.
"You, see much my lady. There are indeed scars I'm sure. Although I wouldn't have thought of them in that way. I do indeed possess bloodline sorcery as well as more pedestrian means of casting."
He tilts his head curiously, just like a kitten.
"I was, unaware, of that particular bit of my race's history. Fascinating. And yet, it takes no great imagination to see how it fits. And that it explains a few things as well. I thank you for this, for knowledge is truly a great treasure." He takes a deep breath, relaxing slowly as he lets it out, scanning the vista before him once more. He looks to the contestants, both sides with heads buried together, no doubt discussing strategy. He turns back to the sidhe with a smile.
"My lady, I would be most honored to continue our conversation. I shall meet you at the end of the bridge." He replies with a flourishing bow. He struggles to keep his eyes on her face, Or at least above her neckline, as he does so.
I assume you are attacking Astinos Abomination; I got a bit lost; is this correct?
Attack spear
1d20 + 6
attack claw
1d20 + 6
Damage spear
1d6 + 4
Damage claw
1d4 + 2
Nebibit hisses angrily although whether it is at the snakemen or at Kosan's comments Or at Kemnebi himself is unclear
I mean on your init this next round; you can 5 ft step to be in the position I descibed; sorry; we are still in the round you attacked and tumbled. So; you tumbled; Aahz tumbled; way before Fox initiative; think she has like a very low init if I sorta remember.
All; it would be helpful in pbp if you post your init with your actions; so I can sort it all out; just easier for record keeping; thanks.
Aahz; <with furvor>
Aye Aye; mon Capitan!
<tumbles betwixt the abominations and throws a dagger at the SnakeMage that hits the mage a blow>
Caerwyn; with a 5ft step; you and Aahz could be 180 apart on the snake mage; and; as you do your roll; the others see the little guy on your shoulder ride you like a rolling log on a river and run over your body as your roll always staying on top and ends up back on your shoulder holding your ear.
Seeing an opportunity to cut down the opposition's numbers, Fox changes her target to the abomination facing Astinos.
Ranged Touch Attack
Orb of Electricity Damage
ok got it.
hehe; see; bad gm memory; thought someone had around an 8 or so; thanks for the help.
Seeing an opportunity to cut down the opposition's numbers, Fox changes her target to the abomination facing Astinos.
Ranged Touch Attack 1d20 + 3
Orb of Electricity Damage 1d8 + 4
I assume you are attacking Astinos Abomination; I got a bit lost; is this correct?
Yeah thats the one
ok; you poke em and he lets out a gasp and collapses against the wall covered in many wounds; blood; bits of bone, and ichor.
Yeah thats the oneI assume you are attacking Astinos Abomination; I got a bit lost; is this correct?
Kemnebi starts, his eyes snapping open. His eyes flick from the beautiful sidhe, to the approaching contestants. His eyebrows flick upwards on their own accord as he realizes which side of the bridge he is on.
'Aw, Sonuva,...'
The feline mage notices Inius's expression, but doesn't have time to react to the fact that he may have just hurt her feelings, again. His mind is buzzing as it calculates what he knows of fey politics, and how what he does now will cause him to either save or lose face with the winter and summer courts, not to mention his own fractious group of friends.
'Thanks June!' He manages to hastily think as his mind races,...
OK, what does Kemnebi know about fey politics?
On the one hand, he isn't really concerned about 'saving face' personally. BUT he is (slowly becoming) aware that he is a part of a larger group now, and that what he does will affect them in the future.
SO, He is trying to make sure that he doesn't insult anyone, (if possible) but also trying not to 'lose face' (if possible) as it could be as bad or worse than an insult.
Things I can think of are,
1) walk out onto the bridge with the other champions, allowing them to go first. I need to know if walking to my group will be an insult if I do so.
2) walk out BEFORE the champions, and keep going till I am behind June and Llivenoc (basically running, I presume this would be a 'lose face')
3) The only clever thing I can think of without more info is, walk out onto the bridge, and directly up to the RAVEN, and ask permission to observe the game closely with him. :)
Just trying to save face more or less. IF I can think of something clever that will be clever enough to actually 'gain face', that would be a win as far as I am concerned! :) Le me know if I need to make any Knowledge rolls!
As I walk toward the bridge I notice the hurt expression on Junes face. Looking across I see Kemnebi with a Lady of the Summer Court. I match his stare. My eyes and expression are cold. I simply rest my hand lightly on the small of Junes back as we close to the bridge. Kemnebi is the ward of his own actions. I step onto the bridge ready for round two against the Grand Marshal. The thoughts of Kemnebi and the Lady of the Summer Court are put in there place. They are just pieces in the game.
I nod politely out of repsect to the Grand Marshal as he approachs. I am ready for round two.
Kemnebi
OK, what does Kemnebi know about fey politics?
General knowledge until you start putting points into it; basically, there are three courts; Summer and Winter are ruled by Queens; then there is the Wylde; ruled by a male but not called King for some reason; probably because he the Hunter. So; Titainia and Mab are the Queens; Oberon is the Hunter; leader of the Wylde; hence, wild hunt; you know that thing no one can escape from; sometimes he is synomous with death; sometimes just a hunter; sometimes the life and death struggle for meaning; as he is wylde he is obscure. Titainia and Mab are opposites; but necessary; just like Summer and Winter; neither really good nor evil; more these three courts are primal and some scholars think; responsible for the seasons and such. You do not know in depth stuff; like there are actually three of winter and three of summer; ie; the elder crone; queen, and princess, each with their own courts. A Fey Queen is on par with any lesser god; the Elder crone with any greater god; and the princess with a powerful demigod.
On the one hand, he isn't really concerned about 'saving face' personally. BUT he is (slowly becoming) aware that he is a part of a larger group now, and that what he does will affect them in the future.
SO, He is trying to make sure that he doesn't insult anyone, (if possible) but also trying not to 'lose face' (if possible) as it could be as bad or worse than an insult.
With your characters vast intelligence; you would realize the best way to "save face" is to either be comic; thus any laughter is on purpose; and if they laugh; it is payment for a job well done; or save face with some other skill especially if you could show some sort of profit. Another way might be to be extremely bold and swagger, daring any challenge to your right to go where you please; but challenges can sometimes be taken up...
Things I can think of are,
1) walk out onto the bridge with the other champions, allowing them to go first. I need to know if walking to my group will be an insult if I do so.
It would be an insult to your group unless you could make it seem as if they are so low and petty as to be of no concern; like brushing dust off your jacket; but that can be dangerous.
2) walk out BEFORE the champions, and keep going till I am behind June and Llivenoc (basically running, I presume this would be a 'lose face')
Depends how you do it; it only is losing face if you are seen by others to be fleeing or to have forgotten your place.
3) The only clever thing I can think of without more info is, walk out onto the bridge, and directly up to the RAVEN, and ask permission to observe the game closely with him. :)
a gambit type move; very gutsy; this action would be seen as removing yourself as a player in the contest; leaving the sides of winter and summer uneven; ie; unbalanced; so; and unbalanced contest; also would set you up as a judge of the contest; something you may or may not wish to do.
Just trying to save face more or less. IF I can think of something clever that will be clever enough to actually 'gain face', that would be a win as far as I am concerned! :) Le me know if I need to make any Knowledge rolls
Well; you still have the mind link and can ask for help; speed of thought is much faster than movement; you could have an entire conversation with anyone(s)in the mindlink before even another step could be completed.
Kemnebi blinks, once.
'June! I think I took a wrong turn. I was trying to be polite, and maybe find out something,... and now I'm about to look like I'm siding with the other team!' Kemnebi thinks hastily to June.
'Please, I need your help. Is there a way to get back without insulting anyone? Or, better yet, can I pay them a complement?!?' He asks.
There is a sense of tension and a little nerves, obviously. But there is something else in the link as well, just a glimpse, (as a magus of any skill whatsoever has to be able to control his emotions somewhat in order to complete difficult spells), but it is there.
He very much does not want to screw this up,...
mentally communicating:
HMM, well, if you were human; you could moon them and run, might even live through it; you could steal a kiss from the nymph would be tragic heroic; you wouldnt live through it. You could bar their approach to the bridge and make a silly; like "whats the password" would be brave; but they might cut you to ribbons instead of laugh. You could cast a hasty retreat spell or dimension door away. You could just stay there and keep talking, that would make it look like your not intimidated; especially if you dont move aside on the bridge. You could take the nymph's arm and go for a walk; forgetting about the game as your only observing; you could make like your trying to win her over to winter, but then you would have to try to win her to winter for that to make any sense. You could fall in the river comicallyl; or dive into the river to show your distain or conquering of that enviroment; you could probably survive it, but maybe not if there are kelpies or other fey in the water; might be a few trolls under the bridge as well. You could challenge another summer person in the Marshals retinue to a contest.
anything you do; the Prince and I will try to use to our advantage.
I mean on your init this next round; you can 5 ft step to be in the position I descibed; sorry; we are still in the round you attacked and tumbled. So; you tumbled; Aahz tumbled; way before Fox initiative; think she has like a very low init if I sorta remember.
All; it would be helpful in pbp if you post your init with your actions; so I can sort it all out; just easier for record keeping; thanks.
Inuius (and probably anyone else in the link), can hear the wheels of Kemnebi's thoughts turning rapidly. The retinue takes another step closer,...
'Right. Right! I'm so busy being overwhelmed by their power, I forget they are merely creatures like us. OK, long-lived creatures from another plane of existence and an alien mind-set, but still,... Hm. I suppose it's too much to hope for that if I joined their side it would be a distraction for them? Naw, Wouldn't want to be accused of cheating. And there's the little problem, of anyone with the parties is a part of the contest. Also wouldn't want them turning my limited knowledge of the game against us! Hm,... ok,... I think I have an idea,... maybe,...'
<hehe, evil sounding GM chuckle>
Ok; Durrs blades flash and the Abomination takes a hit; Aahz hops about and his knives flash and the Snakemage gains a few more wounds. Decidio throws a rock and the Snake Shaman grunts.
The snakemage cant make a concentration check for beans with all those minuses; so claws Caerwyn for 7 points of damage <being nowhere near as strong as an abomination and having much smaller claws>
The snake shamman gets a spell off and many wounds begin to close on the still standing Abomination.
The abomination attacks and hits Durr really hard leaving him a bloody mess; but still standing; then breaths some sort of poisonous vapor; Durr and Kosan make Fort saves. Anyone without a reach weapon who moves in to base to base with this Abomination will also need to make a Fort save.
_________
ok; pending Kosans Fort save; which I seriously doubt he will fail; sigh.
round four; by inits.
I flank the snakemage with the kid, and attack with both blades, trying to find vulnerable spots under those scales.
Ok; Durrs blades flash and the Abomination takes a hit; Aahz hops about and his knives flash and the Snakemage gains a few more wounds. Decidio throws a rock and the Snake Shaman grunts.
The snakemage cant make a concentration check for beans with all those minuses; so claws Caerwyn for 7 points of damage <being nowhere near as strong as an abomination and having much smaller claws>
The snake shamman gets a spell off and many wounds begin to close on the still standing Abomination.
The abomination attacks and hits Durr really hard leaving him a bloody mess; but still standing; then breaths some sort of poisonous vapor; Durr and Kosan make Fort saves. Anyone without a reach weapon who moves in to base to base with this Abomination will also need to make a Fort save.
_________
ok; pending Kosans Fort save; which I seriously doubt he will fail; sigh.round four; by inits.
OK Fort Save vs Poison.
11 (Fort) + 19 (1d20) + 2 (being Dwarf) = 32.
Astinos takes a step back, pressing his hand against his bleeding chest he summons his goddess' power closing a few of his wounds.
Reaching to the potion belt at his hip he draws one quickly downing it. His skin takes on a layered appearance, reminiscent of ashwood bark.