Amphitryon |
”Well, money. That would be better to fight for. And fame. Fame leads to money, and it can last longer if you have enough of it.”
Polyoinos |
Polyoinos grins and interjects;
"We are lovers and fighters both Fair Lysithea... Besides any reward that your generous father may bestow, it still pales against helping out such a beautiful maid as yourself."
Amphitryon |
”Well...no? Nobody has offered to pay us anything. Father would be disappointed in us, truly we are failures as mercenaries. But, we have a bard and a skald here. So to simply leave when there is injustice or a fight to be had, how could we live it down? I believe at this point we are merely making a name for ourselves. As...poor mercenaries...” He trailed off.
Teledoros |
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"Ah, but money can't sooth the ache in your heart that calls out for the touch of a lover, the perfect symmetry of poetry, the sparkle of the morning sun over the waters of the harbor you call home."
His mind clearly drifts off elsewhere for a moment before the discussion pulls him back in. "But it's certainly nice when people appreciate the beauty you can bring to them with coin." He pats the small coin purse he earned singing to the festival-goers.
Kyronai |
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”Well...no? Nobody has offered to pay us anything. Father would be disappointed in us, truly we are failures as mercenaries. But, we have a bard and a skald here. So to simply leave when there is injustice or a fight to be had, how could we live it down? I believe at this point we are merely making a name for ourselves. As...poor mercenaries...” He trailed off.
"...About that. We still need to talk."
When they have a moment as they're waiting for the new day to arrive, Kyronai pulls his brother aside. He takes a deep breath before speaking.
"I'm not going back to the Silver Company. I'm not going to be a mercenary any more. I may stay in Athens, or I may travel. We've just met a sailor, a traveling minstrel, and a... a, um... and Polyoinos. Surely one of them will be worth traveling with if I decide to do that."
Amphitryon |
”Brother...you can’t...” He was silent for a moment, and uncharacteristically was serious. ”I can’t say I understand. Why? You know what is expected of us. What makes you want to leave?”
Kyronai |
"Because we are asked to oppress for money.
"Yes, father will be disappointed. Which is why I won't be saying good-bye. He's been alive for hundreds of years, and a contract warrior for much of that. I don't think he can envision a life differently. But I think mother will understand.
"There's more to life than fighting others' wars, or waiting around encouraging a war. I want to live a life outside of that system."
Kyronai shrugs. "The last few days have been pretty eventful just as ourselves."
Amphitryon |
”Then I will stay with you, for a time. If you wish to leave I will not stop you. But when I return it will be either with you, or with news that you truly believe in this choice and know what you have done. I believe that the world is all mercenary, just masked. But who knows? Maybe I will be proven wrong. And we have a pleasant enough group to test this theory with, no?”
Amphitryon |
”Of course! We’re brothers. I have to make sure that you don’t get beaten to death after you offend someone with your ‘art.’ Now come, let’s get back to the others and see what the fates have in store for us.”
DM Amazing Red |
The rest of the day passes as you spend time at the centaur encampment. The next morning your group heads out accompanied by Lysithea, Typhonos, and a few scouts. As you reach Treborus' home, you see a small group consisting of 8 heavily armed men and women led by a very large bearded man with who has Treborus by the collar. "Where is my bride, old man? We had a deal. Don't make me hurt you." They seemingly have not noticed you.
Amphitryon |
Amphitryon walked over, wearing his champion belt and a grin on his face. ”Right here! We have come. The centaurs did not want him, but he is all yours. May I present Varocles the Sea Worthy! He brings a dowry in the form of a most impressive beard. Though I fear that is the only bride being offered, as you are no doubt well aware.”
Teledoros |
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Teledoros strums his lyre and picks up a tune, starting to belt a new ballad in his sweetest voice.
.
.
.
Euromenes the Great and Terrible,
Sought for a bride
But she found him unbearable
His boorishness great
His breath far too terrible
Great and terrible Euromenes
Perform: Sing: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (2) + 11 = 13
Or he beefs it...on purpose! Totally on purpose.
Kyronai |
Kyronai looks inwardly and confirms that his ward hex is still over Amphyitryon. It is.
The ward lasts until the target is hit or fails a saving throw, FYI. I guess that means it can last days? +2 to AC and saves.
Varocles Seaworthy |
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Varocles stumbles forward as Amphitryon pushes him forward. He looks backward questioningly, before taking a couple more steps. [b]"Yes, here I be, and I was clearly misled. Your beard is no greater than that of a dwarf woman. Now let my father go, and as for betrothal, you can have me, if you can catch me.
Varocles will cast longstrider on himself and liberating command on Treborus, which will grant him another attempt to escape with a +6 on his escape artist check. I figured it can't hurt to try and free the old man before hostilities break out. Liberating Command is an immediate action to cast.
DM Amazing Red |
Yea, it's permanent until the conditions are met. Also you can save the spell slot, Varocles, as the old man is let go when you announce your arrival.
"Is this a joke?" He growls as he drops Treborus who scurries away to his home. "What is the meaning of this? Why do you have my bride-to-be? I think the old man is trying to renege on the deal."
Amphitryon |
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
”All levity aside, let me introduce myself. I am Amphitryon. Of the Silverstar Company.” He gave a short bow as he walked forward. ”My comrades and I were hired to retrieve your bride, but soon learned something that made the contract impossible. For any with morals, you see. For as one mercenary to another, I tell you now that I learned...well...how to put this. This man, here, you commissioned a spear from him. But the spear? It will not hold up in battle, for it will break when used. And when that happens, it will bring naught but woe. And he has called off the sale for your safety. Do you see? The girl, she fled. To hide among the centaurs. While we could have returned her by force, she would have but fled again. And if she did so, after she was yours, what then? It would have embarrassed you greatly. Imagine the rumors that would spread! Your shame would have been legendary! Truly, not a risk worth taking for any woman.”
Bluff pass secret message...motioning for his companions to have the girl flee home while all eyes are on him: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
He was close now, and he looked around at all present, making sure that his belt was easily visible. ”We are here to save your reputation. As a professional courtesy, for who would hire a company where the lord cannot...well...you can imagine the unfair rumors. So I say now, accept our invitation. Come, drink with us! I can see that you are a man of action whose name is well respected for a reason. Let us drink and share stories of battles won and titles earned. What say you?”
Amphitryon |
Its not my fault! Varocles’ beard charmed him. My dice roll was caused by that
Teledoros |
Teledoros finishes his verse and bows.
"Please, I'd love to have no cause to ever sing Euromenes the Great and Terrible again."
aid diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
DM Amazing Red |
"You are completely right. But what you fail to see is that anyone who would even think of selling me faulty equipment, doesn't ever get the chance to embarrass me again." He nods to half of his men. "Go kill the old man. Everyone else, we take the girl. Maybe she'll be nicer to the next man she gets sold to." His men take off. The centaurs with you take off after them to save the old man. "Out of professional courtesy, I will ask you to step aside and let me take what is mine. I will even offer you a fair sum to basically do nothing. You can even join my troop. The pay is good and we even offer benefits. Hard to pass that up I think."
Varocles Seaworthy |
"Look, I was just along to drink beer and to kick ass, and it has become quite clear that there's not to be any beer drinking just yet, so..."
Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 Sweet! I go first in the second round!
Polyoinos |
Polyoinos holds letting first Varolcles' lesser adorned (but fulsome nonetheless) beard, then Teledoros' odes to take centre stage.
When diplomacy fails, the wild Bacchanal steps forward, his Thyrsus gripped in one meaty fist. In a booming voice he addresses the hulking warlord;
"Hold Euromenes! Let it be know that you also face a Son of Bacchus' wild satyrs in me Polyoinos... Aye I am both a lover and imbiber of titanic stamina by repute. Aye I am a skald and poet whose voice is honey wine and a minotaur's bellow both. And aye... I am as mad as my deity compels we harbinger's of the grape to be!"
He pauses with a hard smile, levelling the signature spear toward the warrior, his deep voice lowering to a threatening growl;
"Call off your men. Cease your folly and save your life... lest you and they become a mere footnotes of conquest in the song our Son of Apollo sings..."
Intimidate: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (18) + 7 = 25
Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 2 = 4 Keeping the theme lol
Kyronai |
Initiative: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Kyronai knows the power of a well-spoken argument, which he thinks his allies are making. But he also knows the corruption inherent in a position of power when there are not proper checks in place to blah blah blah.
Kyronai shoots a sparkling bolt into the midst of Euromenes and his remaining men, which explodes into a cloud of golden glitterdust particles that settle over them.
DC 16 will or blinded
DM Amazing Red |
Amphytrion: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3
Archers: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Euromenes: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Melee: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11
Poly: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Polyoinos' words fall on deaf ears as Euromenes and his men draw weapons. The two standing furthest draw crossbows as the two closer ones draw greatswords. Their leader draws a well crafted longspear as he cracks his neck. You can hear the sounds of furniture breaking inside the house. Poly and Kyronai are up followed by bad guys. I'll use the glitterdust as your action, I just need you to to pick targets. I assume you will target the leader so best case you can get two more mooks. Map is at the top. Poly, I couldn't find your avatar so if you could insert the pic onto the map, that would be great.
Polyoinos |
Round 1
When the warriors react with drawn weapons, Polyoinos bellows a roar and charges the warrior directly opposite him (Full Round Action - Charge Red);
Melee: Charge MW Greenwood Spear: 1d20 + 5 + 2 ⇒ (13) + 5 + 2 = 20
Damage: Spear: 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
DM Amazing Red |
Euro: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5
G/R: 2d20 + 1 ⇒ (4, 4) + 1 = 9
Kyronai's spell connects with all his targets and they are blinded. Meanwhile Polyoinos charges and his spear finds purchase. The two in the front attack Polyoinos.
Green vs Poly, Power Attack: 1d20 + 5 - 1 ⇒ (11) + 5 - 1 = 15
2d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (2, 1) + 3 + 3 = 9
Red with Flank vs Poly, Power Attack: 1d20 + 5 + 2 - 1 ⇒ (14) + 5 + 2 - 1 = 20
2d6 + 3 + 3 ⇒ (4, 1) + 3 + 3 = 11
Euromenes screams in frustration. "Kill that sorceror!" He growls as he steps back, readying his spear.
Raging Will vs Glitterdust: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 4 + 2 = 14
The archers step in front of their leader and take up a defensive stance while rubbing their eyes.
Will: 2d20 + 1 ⇒ (16, 9) + 1 = 26
Red - 7, Yellow - Blinded, Euromenes - Blinded, Blue - Total Defense, Polyoinos - 20
Party is up!
Amphitryon |
Hit Green, flank: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 7 + 2 = 19
Damage: 1d10 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
+any bard song bonuses
Amphitryon walked up, a spear forming in his hands. ”We came in peace.” He said, the totem spear held firmly. Unlike before, it was as sharp as a murder in the dark. He plunged it into the nearest foe. ”And you have chosen death.”
Varocles Seaworthy |
Varocles moves forward, drawing his trident, but he points a finger at the blue bad guy, "I call upon the power of Poseidon to bring cold upon your heart youngling..."
An icy bolt flies from Varocles outstretched hand towards the man...
Icicle Ranged Touch: 1d20 + 4 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 + 1 = 10 Might actually hit against a blind touch AC!
Icicle Damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (1) + 1 + 1 = 3
DM Amazing Red |
Blue isn't blind as he made his save. Varocles can switch targets if he likes.
Amphitryon lands a heavy blow on his target but is unable to lay him low as Teledoros starts up an inspiring song.
Red - 7, Yellow - Blinded, Euromenes - Blinded, Blue - Total Defense, Polyoino - 20, Green - 21
Polyoinos and Kyronai are up! Varocles can switch targets.
Kyronai |
Kyronai targets the green soldier fighting his brother, but he misses out of fear for hitting an ally. After his shot, he moves so that he's not out in the open by himself.
Ranged attack: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 3 + 1 = 12
Damage: 1d8 ⇒ 4
Glitterdust: 2/3
Polyoinos |
Round 2
Despite Amphitryon's mighty blow, both swordsmen still stand. Reeling (5ft Step) from his wounds, Polyoinos can do little save try to inspire his brothers-in-arms...
With a defiant laugh the wild Skald bellows words to stir the blood;
"Υιοί Έλληνες! άσε μας να φύγουμε"
Στα χέρια εναντίον του εχθρού,
Μέχρι να ρέει το μισητό αίμα
Σε ένα ποτάμι που περνάει από τα πόδια μας!"
"Sons of Greeks! let us go"
In arms against the foe,
Till their hated blood shall flow
In a river past our feet!"
Start Raging Song - Inspired Rage (Standard Action - does not provoke): Everyone who accepts the song's effects gain a +2 morale bonus to Strength and Constitution and a +1 morale bonus on Will saving throws, but also take a –1 penalty to AC.
DM Amazing Red |
Kyronai misses with his bow as an injured Polyoinos steps back and decides to inspire his allies!
Green and Red both step/move to engage Amphitryon.
Green, Power Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11
Red, Power Attack: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
And both find their blades shunted by his armor. Euromenes continues trying to shake off Kyronai's spell.
Raging Will: 1d20 + 4 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 4 + 2 = 20
He successfully does and tightens his grip on his weapon. Blue takes a shot at Varocles followed by some rapid reloading and another shot!
Rapid Shot, Point Blank: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 3 + 1 = 15
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Rapid Shot, Point Blank: 1d20 + 3 + 1 ⇒ (6) + 3 + 1 = 10
1d8 + 1 ⇒ (8) + 1 = 9
Yellow continues trying to shake off the spell!
Will: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15
Red - 7, Yellow - Blind - 3, Euromenes - Total Defense, Raging, Blue - 0, Polyoino - 20, Green - 21
Party is up!
Amphitryon |
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Hit Green, raging song, bard song: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Damage: 1d10 + 12 ⇒ (5) + 12 = 17
Amphitryon sidestepped the first blow, took the second on his shield...and then he let the music enter him. It was exhilarating, calming, anger inducing...it was magical. Any fear fled from him, even as he impales the wounded man, plunging his spear deep into his chest before ripping it free in a spray of blood.