GM Blake |
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GM Blake |
After several months of practices and performances for homesteaders and farmers, the circus is ready to perform a large show in a sizable town. Abberton isn’t what many people would consider a destination for performers, but it’s where the Circus of Wayward Wonders must start.
The Circus of Wayward Wonders performs in an enormous tent capable of holding hundreds of people—and that’s a good thing, as it seems the entire population of Abberton has turned out for the show. Many of the town’s most prominent citizens, including the mayor, are among the throng jostling for seats, peering at the three rings that fill the center of the tent, and waiting excitedly for the show to begin.
Brief pause for introduction and backstage activity.
Rulean |
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Rulean starts doing his rounds of the crowd, helping them find good seats and entertaining the people. He is more than happy to lift a young child up on his shoulders as he guides the parents to their seats.
"Plenty of room for all! Come, see the show! Acrobats and animal trainers. Clowns and magicians!"
Clover Montajay |
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As the audience files into their seats Clover takes a moment to peep through the curtains that separate her and the rest of her fellow performers from the bustling throng. A single green eye eagerly scans the crowd before she shuts the curtains again and spins around with a flourish.
"They're really packing into the seats out there! Pretty sure the whole ding-dang town's come to see us," she proclaims, the excitement in her voice evident. "Our biggest show yet! And our bestest, too - right Snowy?"
The young halfling grins down at the badger that sits near her feet who only offers a rather bored-sounding grunt in response.
"Oh come on, you could at least *pretend* to be excited," Clover sighs at her furry companion. "You're such a Grumpy Gus sometimes!"
GM Blake |
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"Pa! Look!" exclaims an excited child hefted onto Rulean's shoulders. "I'm riding a dragon!"
There are a few other sporadically voiced misidentification of the iruxi here and there as he ushers the patrons. The island of Escadar is far less frequently visited than Kortos, and Abberton is a rural town on the less exciting side of the island, so the unfamiliarity of the locals could be forgiven.
Behind the curtain, there is much bustle and hum as entertainers try to settle into position, finish the last touches to their costumes, or find a wayward element of their act. There is so much back and forth and chatter, that it is difficult to keep track of where any specific individual is at any given moment. In the midst of so much frenetic movement, the badger could be forgiven for being grumpy.
GM Blake |
As the lights go down and the audience settles onto their seats, the circus’s performers take their places backstage, awaiting their cues. Suddenly, several of the performers closest to the curtain that separates the three rings from the rest of the tent leave their assignments, gathering in a small crowd to exchange frightened whispers and hushed gasps. Amid the group, his body contorted as if caught forever in the throes of terrible pain, is the corpse of ringmaster Myron “Thunder” Stendhal. Everyone in the circus knew Myron for his amazing, powerful voice that could bring instant silence to the largest crowd, and he knew everything there is to know about putting on a successful performance.
Now he’s dead, but the crowd is still out there, and they’re expecting a show.
Clover Montajay |
Unsure of what's going on, Clover weaves her way through her fellow performers until...
"No...oh no...Thunder..." she gasps, scarcely able to believe her eyes.
She looks around at the others.
"What's going on?? What happened!?"
Rulean |
Rulean stands there in shock for just a moment, trying to process what he is seeing.
Then he starts moving through the backstage in order to get to where Myron is. Don't be dead! Don't be dead! is filling his thoughts as he moves. When he gets there, he quickly moves the curtain to hide the body and checks to make sure Myron is dead.
"Quick, somebody step up as barker and give the locals a distraction!"
Medicine T: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21 I expect the answer to be he is dead...the character is hoping for a different answer.
Nabi Salekhet |
Nabi looks at the dead man at her feet, and the nervousness of the fellows performers.
Shrugging, as the black skinned woman understands nothing can be done to save the ringmaster, she sneaks a peek behind the curtain, and watches the waiting crowd.
Should we cancel the show, and run with the money of these marks?
She turns to the ring of clowns, acrobats and performers, and tries to read their mood, just in case the murderer was there.
People say it takes a thief to catch a thief, but I'm no murderer
Deception?: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7 To see who could be hiding something, like Sense Motive
She wonders who should be in charge of running the show now that the ringmaster is pining for the fjords
Circus Lore: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
GM Blake |
Rulean's worst fears are confirmed as he comes close to Myron's body. The Thunder is dead, indeed.
Everyone in the circus usually has something to hide, and Nabi's own secrets confound her efforts to sort through who might have been involved in a murder. Even as the thought of what to do about the crowd and who might be in charge now comes to mind, the question is answered by the hoarse voice of the Professor--a thin and frail veteran of the circus.
As the other performers stare at the corpse, whisper to each other, and anxiously peer around the curtain, the Professor looks up from the body of his friend. "Well, what are you all standing around for?" he asks, his weak voice barely audible in the hushed silence. "Have you seen that crowd? We haven’t ever had the tent packed this full. There’s a show to put on, and we have to find a way to do it. So finish your makeup, get into your costumes, and send in the clowns!"
The performers begin to move back to their respective zones to finish their preparations and the clowns burst through the curtain to entertain and distract the crowd from the delay.
The Professor approaches you as the others scatter. "You've got to take over the show," he pleads, his ruined throat barely able to produce more than a whisper. "You saw the other's faces. They're rattled, and we've got to lay out the show. Myron hadn't told anyone what he'd decided on the order of acts."
The Professor looks to Rulean and adds, "Thank you for covering his body. Sadly, we don't have time to figure out what happened. Let's get to work!"
You have seven acts to fill: 1 Act for the Opener, 2 Acts for Build-Ups, 1 Act for the Big Number, and 3 Acts for the Grand Finale. You can choose from the 6 acts available from the NPCs plus any of your tricks that the party possesses. The acts need to be ordered, and you'll need to tell any of the NPCs when their time to go on is.
Clover Montajay |
It takes Clover a minute to snap out of her daze but when she does she swallows hard and nods at the Professor. "R-Right! Myron wouldn't want something like this to be a show-stopper and we can't let the audience down."
After a quick confab with a couple of her fellow performers - Nabi and Rulean - it seems like a tentative plan is agreed upon. Now, to make sure that everyone else is on board with it.
"Okay...so Snowy and I'll go out first and do a little shimmy-shimmy to get folks warmed up and laughing," she repeats, more to herself than anyone in particular. "Then after that we gotta keep raising the stakes. So first..."
The little halfling looks around the crowd of performers until she spots the Dwarven Throwers. She weaves her way over to them, waving to get their attention.
"Hey you guys! We need to try and make the show big and flashy, just like...like Myron would've wanted. I talked with Nabi and Rulean and they think I oughta go on first with Snowy and then bring you in when I'm done. I know it's a lot to ask but do you think you'll be ready to go by then?"
GM Blake |
The four identically dressed, red-haired and bearded--identical quadruplet--dwarves look to Clover somberly as she approaches. "Oh, aye," says one of the brothers--Nivi, Rivi, Nini, or Rini, you're not certain (and rarely are). "We dwarves know how to carry on in the face of sadness."
"Even though we dwarves prefer to wipe away other people's sadness with our amazing feats," one of the other brothers says in what is clearly an effort to be cheerful in the face of anything but cheer.
"Aye. We can be ready. We're not having problems like some of the others," says a third, looking toward the Kanablis (also known as the Feather-Fall Five) where the family is looking over their nets with worried faces.
Meanwhile, Axel approaches the others and says, "Myron was going to put me in the big number! I don't want to disappoint him. I'm ready to entertain the crowd and make this circus famous!" the young magician boasts.
Rulean |
I would like a sense motive on Axel. I believe that is a secret check.
"Let's get a couple of acts out there now, worry about the main act once the crowd has something to distract them!"
Clover Montajay |
"Hey, that's great," Clover replies, forcing a smile as she gives one of the dwarves a pat on the shoulder. "We knew we could count on you guys. Go ahead and start getting ready and I'll go see what's going on with the FFF."
Clover gives the four dwarves a quick salute and then hurries over to see what's wrong with the Kanablis and their nets.
"Hey, is everything okay over here? I mean...well, given the circumstances and all. You guys look worried about something."
Nabi Salekhet |
The halfling, then the dwarves... if that isn't "start small and go big!" I don't know what it is!
Nabi tries to lift up the performers spirits by an (intentionnaly!) awful pun
Perform (bad jokes comedian): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 16
GM Blake |
Rulean, Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
"Our nets have been sabotaged!" the matron Kanabali laments. She holds out the net toward Clover, which appears to have many frays and broken cords.
Nabi's joke gets a few sincere chuckles and smiles from nearby performers.
Rulean |
Rulean doesn't reply to Axel, instead deciding they need to get the show going. Laying a cloth over Myron, he then steps out into the ring.
"Ladies and Gentlemen, you've heard it! We will start with our smaller acts."
Gesturing towards Clover, he calls out "First up, Clover and her amazing dancing badger Snowy!" He starts clapping, hoping the audience will join him in the clapping.
Clover Montajay |
"Sabotaged?? Who-" Clover starts to exclaim, but finds herself cut off by the sound of Rulean calling her name. "Already!? I thought we had more time!"
She gives the FFF an apologetic look as she scrambles to get out into the ring. "S-sorry! We'll talk more when I get back, okay? Okay!"
______________
Unless they're actions that aren't 'unlocked' until later, I'd like to hear from the GM as to what else we can do during our Act besides just the Signature Trick before posting my actions :)
Clover Montajay |
As Clover rushes up to the curtains she leans down and gives Snowy what she hopes is an encouraging pat on the head.
"Come on Snowy, we're up! Just like we did in rehearsal, okay?" she whispers to her friend. Then she takes a deep breath and steps out into the ring.
So...many...faces!
Even though she'd already known that the crowd was enormous (to her, anyway) it hadn't seemed real until this moment, now, as she stood in front of them all. She's faintly aware of a brushing sensation against her leg as Snowy trundles out next to her and it's this that jolts her back into reality.
The audience is waiting.
Choosing to let Rulean's introduction speak for them, Clover gives the crowd a big smile as music (presumably?) begins to play. As Snowy rears up on his hind legs the pair attempt to do a simple, but entertaining shimmying dance...
Perform Trick - Badger Dancing (DC 15): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
...but while it's not terrible or anything, it seems to lack some of the enthusiasm the pair had shown during their practices. And judging by some of the reactions in the audience, the lack of enthusiasm is obvious to the crowd, too.
Gah! Guess it's clown time!
With that thought, the halfling flashes another grin as she gives a signal to summon the clowns to save her and Snowy's bacon. And in they come, cavorting around with a great deal of noise and fanfare - which seems to perk the crowd up. Who doesn't like clowns?
Deciding that it'd be best to wrap her act here rather than press on and just make a bigger fool of herself, Clover grasps Sunny's paw in her hand as the pair bow to the audience and then retreat backstage with the clowns.
______________
One action to Perform Signature Trick, one action to Send in the Clowns. Clover's playing it safe and stopping there rather than trying the trick again with the -5 penalty.
Rulean |
As Clover and Snowy come out, Rulean leaves the center circle. Once behind the curtain, he quickly goes to check on the Dwarven Throwers. He makes sure they have checked their spring boards and other equipment and know they are up next. He will help with anything he can.
When he gets done there, he goes over to Axil the Magician. “I don’t know what your act it. Is there any equipment, and have you checked that it is properly functioning? You will be up after the Dwarven Throwers, so be ready!”
GM Blake |
Excitement: 1/15
The children in the crowd giggle, laugh, and clap at the sight of a halfling playing with a rather large badger, but it seems to have little effect on the older audience members. Clover summons a distraction, and the clowns rush out to cover her missteps. Everyone loves clowns. She retreats early and tries to work off her jitters as the next acts prepare to head out.
The Dwarven Throwers are ready to go and assemble behind their curtain.
Axel begins to head toward his curtain and then freezes in the middle of the backstage. A single bead of sweat forms on his forehead and runs slowly down his nose. He takes a step backward and the bead drops and falls to the ground.
"I knew he wasn't up to it," Mordaine mutters at an unfortunately audible volume.
"I c-c-can't," Axel stammers, frozen in place, staring at the curtain.
Rulean |
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Rulean glares at Mordaine for a moment before coming up behind Axil. He grabs one of his brass rods and puts it in his belt as he walks over there.
“Yes you can.” Rulean encourages the young magician. “This is what you’ve been building towards. Time for you to show everyone what you can do!” He puts an encouraging hand on the fellows shoulder.
Untrained Diplomacy: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 2 = 13
Rulean gives Axil a second to compose himself. If he doesn’t move, Rulean pushes the young man forward into the ring. Time for him to sink or swim! Good thing we put him as the warmup act.
As he is physically forcing Axil out into the ring, he calls out “Everyone our magician Axil needs a little encouragement! Put your hands together and clap if you want to see some MAGIC!”
“Axil!” **CLAP**
“Axil!” **CLAP**
“Axil!” **CLAP**
Now to find out if this turns into a comedy act or a magic act.
Nabi Salekhet |
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Diplomacy: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Hear how they call you, how they chant your name, Axel, even if you haven't yet done anything, even if they haven't set eyes on you? Take your moment of fame, let the circus bask in your glory, create your own path in the legend of circuses by taking that first step. Everyone can dream to be a great performer, in his own mind. But the only way to know if it's true, if we're not delusional, is to face the crowd, and SHOW them how good you are, how great you will be. You're scared? That's fine. That's because you care. You care not to disappoint. Not to disappoint yourself, not to disappoint the audience, not to disappoint your fellow performers. That's why you are an artist at heart. Take your fears, and use them as fuel to put on a great show, not as a nuisance to hinder you. Give these folks a reason to claim for an encore, to pay for our next show, because they will want to see you. The curtain is not a foe: it's merely a frontier between those who dream they can perform, and those who make others dream.
Nabi gives her hand to Axel, and put him back on his feet, before holding the curtain for him
Are you a dreamer, or are you an inspiration to dream?
Clover Montajay |
Clover smiles as both Rulean and Nabi quickly step in to calm Axel's fears; there's not really much she can add that hasn't already been said and probably been said better than she could've put it. So instead she simply flashes the nervous Axel a pair of thumbs-up as he prepares to step out into the ring.
Diplomacy Aid - Trained (DC 20): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
______________
Whew! Glad that small gamble worked this time...
GM Blake |
Axel digs his heels into the ground so hard that he leaves furrows in the dirt as Rulean pushes him toward the curtain. He becomes even more pale as the crowd begins to chant his name.
Fortunately, Shelyn sends aid in the form of a Kelishite acrobat. Nabi's words seem to stir Axel to his senses, and the color returns to the young magician's face. "I'm a dreamer! Was that the right answer?" he questions in a moment of resurging doubt right before Clover gives him an encouraging thumbs-up and the iruxi slaps him on the back and through the curtain.
The crowds cheer on either side of the tent as the Dwarven Throwers tumble out into their ring and Axel moves into the center of his ring. However, Rulean notes that something is amiss among the audience seated in front of the center ring. The father of the young boy whom he let ride on his shoulder yanks him up and holds him away from the ground as he stumbles away from something on the ground. Several other people in the crowd are pulling their feet up, climbing onto the benches, or scrambling to get away from whatever has their attention.
You have time to respond to this event while the other acts are performing.
Rulean |
What is it now? It seems tonight is going to be a very long night.
He tries to motion Clover towards other side of the benches as he heads to the side nearest him. I hope that magic act goes well! Seems I have something else to deal with.
He goes far enough that he doesn't have to stoop, then looks under the benches.
Clover Montajay |
"Oh no, now what?" Clover groans softly as Rulean points out that there seems to be some disturbance down in the front rows.
"Whatever's happening over there, I don't like it. Rulean and I'll go have a look-see, alright?" she informs the others backstage before slipping through the curtains after the iruxi.
GM Blake |
Rulean, Nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (2) + 6 = 8
Clover, Nature: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (7) + 5 = 12
Rulean arrives to find three tiny snakes with brown and gray diamond patterns slithering erratically between the frightened patrons. One man tries to boldly stomp on one of the snakes and is nearly bitten for his efforts as the snake strikes back.
There is time for those who wish to be present for this encounter to be present and reasonable time to try different strategies to deal with the snakes aside from/prior to engaging them in combat (if you desire) before the acts finish.
Rulean |
Looking to Clover, Rulean says "I think you best take care of these. If you want, I could run and get Eliza. "
Waiting to see if someone with diplomacy steps up to deal with the crowd. If so, I will try to see if anyone in the crowd has been bit.
Clover Montajay |
Nothing that would kick in without doing Hunt Prey to make her Hunter's Edge (Outwit) ability work.
"Oh geeze, snakes...why'd it have to be snakes?" Clover groans. "Yeah, you'd better get Eliza and I'll try and do what I can to corral them away from the audience!"
The little halfling focuses on the snakes - or at least on one of them - as she tries her best to be commanding and firm without sounding threatening.
"Hsst! Get out of there, you'll get stepped on!" she hisses to the snake.
Clover tries to use Nature to Command An Animal, directing one of the snakes to 'Stride' away from the audience.
Nature vs. Snake Will: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (1) + 5 = 6
;_;
Rulean |
So do we have Hero Points?
Rulean quickly goes to find Eliza, telling her “Quick, we need you to go to wrangle some snakes! Someone put snakes under the benches and some of the audience is getting worried.”
Nabi Salekhet |
Know Nature: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6
Nabi tries to remember if those snakes are poisonous or not, and tries to get closer without being attacked
acrobatics: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11
She does her best to disperse the crowd in good order, and to defuse the situation
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24
I'm sorry, our cook is a little deaf... I'm pretty sure someone ordered "snacks" up there, not "snakes"? The situation will soon be back in control, but of course, as we are in a circus, we have to do things in style, with panache.. just give us some space, folks!
GM Blake |
Rulean Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Rulean Nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22
Clover tries to handle the snakes like she's trying to dominate an unruly badger. Not being unruly badgers, the cold-blooded serpents do not take kindly to being treated thusly. They hiss and strike at her when she draws too close.
Rulean can tell that the snakes are terrified and confused rather than seeking to harm anyone or anything. Recognizing that Clover is not calming them in the slightest, he rushes off to see if the circus' resident snake charmer can assist them.
"What's going on?" Eliza asks Rulean. He finds her kneeling next to a table where her largest snake lies writhing in coils. The constrictor's scales are inflamed and peeling in several places, and the snake is clearly distressed by something as he incessantly rubs his inflamed patches against the table. "Oh, but something's wrong with Mister Tickles, and I've got to figure it out before we go on in the finale," she protests in a pained voice, clearly torn.
Meanwhile, Nabi tries to dance into the crowd and nearly falls over a young woman fleeing the snakes while trying to avoid the snakes who she secretly really suspects are poisonous based on the effort she's making to not get near them. Her joke fares better and those in ear shot give her a solid laugh and relax enough to take her instructions to heart. She parts the audience and creates a wide enough path for the adders to flee, and flee they do.
The rescued audience members clap and cheer as the snakes slither away and under the tent's flap into the wilderness.
Excitement 2/15
Rulean |
“Goblin pox?” he says at seeing Mr. Tickles. With a sigh, he says “Let me see if I can help relieve that..”
Medicine: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 26
He reaches into his Kit and draws out a salve he uses on his own scales when they are inflamed. He starts to spread it over Mr. Tickles, telling Eliza “This should help.”
Clover Montajay |
"Whew...thanks, Nabi," Clover whispers as the woman's relaxed and joking demeanor allows the situation to be diffused without anyone - snakes including - being hurt. She gives her fellow performer a high-five (or maybe a low-five, in this case) before scuttling back around and behind the curtains once again.
"Okay, snake situation taken care of thanks to Nabi," she announces out loud to no one particular. "What's next on the list of things to go wrong?"
GM Blake |
Nature: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12
Nature: 1d20 + 7 - 5 ⇒ (16) + 7 - 5 = 18 Success
Nature: 1d20 + 7 - 10 ⇒ (13) + 7 - 10 = 10
Athletics: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15 Success
Athletics: 1d20 + 10 - 5 ⇒ (10) + 10 - 5 = 15 Success
Athletics: 1d20 + 10 - 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 - 10 = 20 Critical Success
Rulean, Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Clover, Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (13) + 7 = 20
Nabi, Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 17
"Goblin pox? That's not lethal is it?" Eliza asks the iruxi. When he pulls out his personal scale-care ointments and applies them to Mr. Tickles, the snake appears relieved shortly thereafter, and Eliza sighs with relief.
Thank you, the serpent conveys to Rulean.
Meanwhile, the two acts in the build up are drawing to a close. Axel entertained his side of the tent by pulling doves out of his hat, his pockets, his sleeves, and manages to keep the crowd from falling asleep. The Dwarven Throwers, professionals, have no trouble keeping the crowd's rapt attention. In fact, the final throw that involves two dwarves meeting in air and throwing each other back the way they came is such a flamboyant feat that it catches the attention of everyone in the tent and the whole audience bursts into applause.
While the acts in the far rings are winding down and Mordaine's water tank is being moved out into the center ring, Clover, Nabi, and Rulean notice two burly townsfolk--who they noticed were jeering and deriding even the Dwarven Thrower's most impressive displays of athleticism--are having an argument with a much scrawnier farmer. They sense that this is going to escalate soon.
Just like before, you have time to interact with this encounter while the other act is being happening.
Excitement: 7, Anticipation: 16
Note: Should you wish to make use of it during the finale, if you can convince the Featherfall Five to perform without a net, it would generate extra Excitement.
Nabi Salekhet |
Intimidate: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (18) + 2 = 20
Underworld lore: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20
Nabi walks toward the two thugs, and shows her blade by her side. She wonders if they are members of a local gang, as too much things are going awry for mere coincidences
Whatever your beef is, this is not the time and place. Get out quick and let that man enjoy the show, if you don't want five angry, strong dwarves to come at you for explanations about your attitude and lack of appreciation for their act, and the disrespect you have shown to their ancestors. They don't like that. Won't be the first time they beat some sense into local toughs. Probably the eleventh time this month, in fact.
Rulean |
"Goblin pox? That's not lethal is it?" Eliza asks the iruxi.
“Correct, it isn’t lethal. Very annoying, but it will not kill. Any idea when Mr. Tickles became infected or how it might have happened?”
Someone is sabotaging our circus, and we need to get ahead of it!
Nabi seems to have the toughs well in hand.
Clover Montajay |
With Nabi appearing to have the situation with the angry men under control and the issues with Mr. Tickles resolved thanks to Rulean, Clover anxiously watches as Mordaine's tank is wheeled out into the center ring.
Everything that can go wrong *has* gone wrong so far...
She glances around at the other performers who have yet to go on or who are sitting this particular show out. "Hey, this may seem like a strange question but no one's seen anything weird tonight have they? I mean, um, besides the obvious. Anyone lurking around that shouldn't be, that sort of thing?"
GM Blake |
Rulean, Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13
Clover, Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9
Nabi, Intimidation: 20 = 20
Jaleen: 1d20 + 4 - 1 ⇒ (5) + 4 - 1 = 8
Rhovo: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15
"Uh," one of the drunks stammers as Nabi flashes her blade and threatens to summon a troupe of acrobatic dwarves.
The more rotund and bald of the two steps forward and slaps his companion on the back encouragingly, "Aw, inna tha cute! I beshee donno where ta put it!"
"Ha," the first says with less conviction and more an effort to put on airs, "Prob'ly butters bread w'it."
The Keleshite senses that she is about to be assaulted, and it soon becomes clear to the others that Nabi does not have the situation in hand.
Round 1. Bold may act.
Remember the squares are 20 ft x 20 ft. Make your best good faith estimates when moving and positioning.
Nabi
Rhovo (red)
Rulean
Clover
Jaleen (blue) (frightened 1)
Nabi Salekhet |
Supposing, as I act first, that the man is FF
You really want to see if I can use that blade? Don't blink.
attack, NL: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
NL dmg, sneak attack: 1d6 + 1 + 1d6 ⇒ (2) + 1 + (5) = 8
In a flash, Nabi short sword strikes the bald man's nether regions... fortunatly, with the flat of the blade.
She looks at the man right in the eyes
Feel my blade. Say the word, and I'll just have to twist my wrist to make you an eunuch.
But you're probably one already. Don't say it, Nabi, even if you REALLY REALLY want to say it. It will make the situation worse. Keep your big mouth shut. "There's a time for words, and a time for swords", that should be your motto.
Now, go out and don't come back. Or stay there while the whole circus troupe come to kick your ass. So far you only have your pride-however small That was maybe too much. But that was fun, and probably well deserved.it might be-hurted. Do you really want to spend the rest of your life swallowing soup?
GM Blake |
Rhovo Fist 1: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 11
Rhovo Fist 2: 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 8 - 4 = 22
Rhovo Fist 3: 1d20 + 8 - 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 - 8 = 3
B, NL: 1d4 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7
You do not start combat flat-footed as in 1st edition.
For reference, Nabi's actions would have been: Interact (draw weapon), Step or Stride, Strike.
Nabi draws her blade and steps over to the larger drunk where she jams the pommel of her sword into his groin. He grunts and winces, but the aim was a tad west of his stones, so he grins when he says, "Guess she does!"
He returns the favor with a right jab, which the acrobat nimbly ducks under (miss). Unfortunately, she is caught with a cross she didn't expect, and the man's meaty fist hammers into her jaw (hit, 7 NL dmg). He tries to kick her knee while the stars clear out of her vision, but she's faster than him and hops out of the way (miss).
Round 1. Bold may act.
FYI: There is a map, and I just added the grumpy badger.
Remember the squares are 20 ft x 20 ft. Make your best good faith estimates when moving and positioning.
Nabi (10/17 hp)
Rhovo (red) (-3 hp)
Rulean
Clover
Jaleen (blue) (frightened 1)
Rulean |
Seeing the fight break out, Rulean runs as quickly as he can towards it. That was stupid of me! I should have immediately provided back up!
3x stride. I still will not be there. Are we assumed to be unarmored?
GM Blake |
You may be or may not be as you choose and feel is appropriate to your character. Give the wide range of imagination on fantasy armor, it could easily be applicable to your act/costume. I only assume that your weapons are sheathed.
Clover Montajay |
Are you serious!?
As Clover also realizes that Nabi doesn't have the situation under control she whistles for Snowy. "Snowy! Go get 'em!"
She then hustles as fast as she can towards the melee, managing to just barely reach Nabi.
______________
Command an Animal, Stride x2. Clover's got her armor on (studded leather) but definitely doesn't have any weapons drawn at this point.
Snowball aka Snowy |
As Clover's voice rings out Snowy utters a low chittering sort of sound (00:47 timestamp) and scurries out like a flash, heading for the nearest of the two men.
______________
Stride X2
GM Blake |
Fist, Frightened 1: 1d20 + 8 - 1 ⇒ (8) + 8 - 1 = 15
Wary of Nabi and her blade, the hesitant ruffian carefully steps around her and then tries to take advantage of his friend's distraction. He jabs her in the back, but the reinforced leathers of her armor absorb the force (miss).
Round 2. Bold may act.
FYI: There is a map.
Remember the squares are 20 ft x 20 ft. Make your best good faith estimates when moving and positioning.
Nabi (10/17 hp)
Rhovo (red) (-3 hp)
Rulean
Clover
Jaleen (blue)
GM Blake |
Leaf: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Song: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 20
The scuffle draws the attention of the two tengu performers.
Round 2. Bold may act.
FYI: There is a map.
Remember the squares are 20 ft x 20 ft. Make your best good faith estimates when moving and positioning.
Leaf-on-Wind
Nabi (10/17 hp)
Song-of-Air
Rhovo (red) (-3 hp)
Rulean
Clover
Jaleen (blue)
Song-of-Air |
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Before
"Our nets have been sabotaged!" the matron Kanabali laments. She holds out the net toward Clover, which appears to have many frays and broken cords.
"Sabotage? What sort of bastards would cut a net?" Song-of-Air's feathers puff up in anger as she comes forward to examine the ropes.
Lore (Rope): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18
"Leaf! Do you think we can get this fixed?"
Now
"Hey Rube!" Song-of-Air calls, making the traditional call that townies are causing trouble at the circus as she flanks with Nabi.
♫ Hey Rube, don't make it bad
Take your drunk selves and get sober
Remember to not mess up our art
Go home, go vomit, start over
Hey Rube, you've been outplayed
That's my friend, have you met her?
The minute her blade gets under your skin
Then you begin to think a bit better...
Oh-oh-oh, and anytime you feel the pain
Hey Rube, refrain
Consult the brain upon your shoulders
For well you know that it's a fool
Who acts a tool
Using booze to make himself bolder ♫
She pauses mid-song and says, "Maybe it's time for both of you to go home?"
Non-Lethal Shortsword+I.C.: 1d20 + 7 + 1 - 4 ⇒ (18) + 7 + 1 - 4 = 22
Piercing / Slashing) damage: 1d6 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 + 1 = 7
◈ Inspire Courage
◈ Stride
◈ Strike