Drelluandast carefully creeps forward on the raised platform and tries again to smack the remaining wayang with his wooden blade. "Um, they did say we were supposed to try to win, right?" he asks worriedly, looking up at the near-silent crowd.
And this fighter is now so enraged that he hits Marius’ face with full force!!
7 points of lethal damage. This is against the rules of the tournament!!
Please all make another sense motive check.
This attack was too much for the brawling Wayang and he drops to ground unconscious.
The crowd stands and cheers (save for a few sour apples who probably bet on the home team).
End Combat
Mayor Farzhan and Harjandi enter the arena to congratulate you.
"Well done, well done," says the mayor. "You have four hours before the next part of the ceremony. You may continue to enjoy the festival, rest, or prepare for the debate, however you see fit to spend your time."
Other wayangs are tending to the unconscious fighters. They seem very confused as they are led towards the arena exit.
"But--but we never really started the combat..." one mutters blearily.
“Marius Virlich” | Male NG Medium Rougarou Shifter 2 | HP 9/22 | AC 19* / 15* T / 17*FF | CMD +4 CMD 18 | F +5, R +5, W +3 (+2 vs. fear) | Init +2 | Perc +8 SM +3 |Speed 30ft | Reactive Form 6/8; Sling bullets 20/20| Active Conditions: *Mage Armour
Sense Motive:1d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 13
Marius snarls threateningly on being kicked, smashes his toy sword on the floor and extends wicked looking claws on both his hands in anger, then looks around hoping for a fight. He's disappointed when the mayor comes over.
open | NG male (he/him) human fighter 1 / oracle (Waves) 3 | AC 19 (T 13, FF 17) | HP 36/36 | P 0, I +2 | F +6 R +4 W +4 (+2 vs fear and death) | Spells: 1st (6/6) | Active conditions: lame
Sense Motive:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 9
In the heat of battle, apparently nobody can really tell what's going on.
That the Wayang were not able to hit you is a topic of conversation and amusement among many of the wayang.
Many wayang come up to you to congratulate you on your win. Several seem to be taken with Rossby' martial prowess in particular, while several others seem to be infatuated or awestruck with our gnome wizard.
No success on the sense motive. Are you ready for the dual. Do you have your bonuses for the tactics prepared?
“Marius Virlich” | Male NG Medium Rougarou Shifter 2 | HP 9/22 | AC 19* / 15* T / 17*FF | CMD +4 CMD 18 | F +5, R +5, W +3 (+2 vs. fear) | Init +2 | Perc +8 SM +3 |Speed 30ft | Reactive Form 6/8; Sling bullets 20/20| Active Conditions: *Mage Armour
After the battle Marius asks if any of his fellow pathfinders know how to use the magic stick that his Liberty's Edge faction gave to him for healing wounds?
open | NG male (he/him) human fighter 1 / oracle (Waves) 3 | AC 19 (T 13, FF 17) | HP 36/36 | P 0, I +2 | F +6 R +4 W +4 (+2 vs fear and death) | Spells: 1st (6/6) | Active conditions: lame
As you socialize with the wayang people during the evening, you get the sense that wayangs appreciate allegory as a teaching method and distinctly dislike mockery in serious debate.
Allegory gains a +2 bonus on the roll. Mockery gains a -2 penalty on the roll.
Eventually, Mayor Farzhan comes to collect you for the debate. He leads you to the debate arena where Harjandi waits for you.
"Your task," the mayor begins, "Is to debate the merits and flaws of outsider involvement in assisting the wayangs of Inahiyi. You, role playing your hero, are to argue against outsider involvement."
Harjandi, sounding apologetic, says, "You are expected to lose. It is historical precedence that you lose--that is, the wayangs convince the outsiders to join the cause--however, you still need to put on a good show. It is entertainment, after all. Where would the fun be if you just give up?"
A large stage has been erected on one edge of the town square. A few nearby lanterns shed dim light onto the area. The audience is noticeably smaller than that of previous event, but the space is still packed with wayangs.
Harjandi leads you to your podiums on the stage. Across from you are five wayangs in fine robes of wayang-style (i.e. shades of gray and sharp-edged patterns). "The wayang team will open," she says before taking her leave of the stage.
Mayor Farzhan makes his introduction of the event and the teams. There is eager, if less boisterous than the arena fight, applause as you are introduced.
The wayang debaters consist of Mayor Farzhan, Harjandi, and Unelda, with Eynemb as the leader of the team.
They shortly discuss strategy, but Eynemb does the majority of the talking.
By wayang standards, Eynemb is handsome and charming. He wears scholar’s robes and pair of bifocals that he often takes off for dramatic effect. His dark hair is cut short, and he has slicked it back for the ceremony.
* * *
Before the duel begins, you are able to seed a bias by succeeding at a Bluff, Diplomacy, or Intimidate check with a medium difficulty DC.
If the character chose to seed a positive bias and succeeds at the check, the duelist of her choice gains an edge that can be spent when that duelist uses the tactic associated with the positive bias during the verbal duel. If the character fails the check, she can’t attempt to seed the same audience again. If the character fails the check by 5 or more, no one can attempt to seed that positive bias again in her duelist’s favor.
If the character chose to seed a negative bias and succeeds at the check, the duelist of her choice gains an edge that can be spent when that duelist counters the tactic associated with the negative bias. If the character fails the check, she can’t attempt to seed the same audience again. If the character fails the check by 5 or more, no one can attempt to seed that negative bias again in her duelist’s favor.
open | NG male (he/him) human fighter 1 / oracle (Waves) 3 | AC 19 (T 13, FF 17) | HP 36/36 | P 0, I +2 | F +6 R +4 W +4 (+2 vs fear and death) | Spells: 1st (6/6) | Active conditions: lame
Rossby will seed a positive bias for Emotional Appeal (in case they open with Logic).
Nerfed Intimidation:1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Rossby addresses the audience directly.
"When Avistan sends people here, they're not sending their best. They're sending their problems to us. We have no protection, we don't know what's happening. They're laughing at us. You tell me - do you feel safe?"
You receive a +2 for Emotional Appeal. And you receive one edge for Emotional Appeal that anyone in the team can use.
* * *
The dual begins!
The wayang introduced as Eynemb steps to the podium.
"Bo Lu Dama, the noble wayang come to you to beseech your aid! The eruption of Mount Shibotai has created a great cloud of darkness that strengthens the path to the Shadow Realm. Every day, more and more beasts from that realm emerge from the volcano's crater and spread terror upon the surrounding lands. We wayang have been fighting diligently to keep them at bay, holding them back from the lands of the human, the tengu, the samasaran. We have been struggling and we will soon be overwhelmed. If we are overwhelmed, then there will be nothing to stop the darkness and your lands will soon suffer under the depredation of these creatures. Help us. Help the wayang to keep your lands safe. Your name will go down in history as a hero, and more importantly, there will be future generations of your people to read that history."
Presence:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (8) + 10 = 18
Ante: 1
Party Determination: 6
+2 for Emotional Appeal and free Edge (re-roll) for Emotional Appeal: 1
N male Halfling Mesmerist 2 | HP : 2/15 | AC/FF/T 12/11/12 | Fort +0, Ref +4, Will +5 | Init +1 | Tricks 5/6 | lvl 1 : 4 / 4
Emotional Appeal-Sense Motive:1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 9 + 2 = 17 Guess I'm using the edge right off the bat. Emotional Appeal-Sense Motive:1d20 + 9 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 9 + 2 = 26
Figg nervously steps up, clears his throat, and timidly speaks, "Umm..I am no hero. Nor do I merit that title. Do you think so little of your own warriors, your own people, that you would ask for help as soon as things look bad? I have faith in you, why don't you?"
Eynemb returns to the other wayang debaters, and they huddle in discussion. One of the others leaves towards the podium. Eynemb suddenly breaks away from the group, rushes past the other wayang, nearly knocking him over, and takes the podium.
"Are lands too beautiful to help? Nobali Hohachi, surely even you and your bird-brained people can see that more warriors on the battlefield will improve the chances of driving back the demon hordes. Are the people of this world too naive or too stupid to see the danger these beasts pose? Show us and your neighbors that the tengu have strong hearts inside their brittle-boned chests!"
open | NG male (he/him) human fighter 1 / oracle (Waves) 3 | AC 19 (T 13, FF 17) | HP 36/36 | P 0, I +2 | F +6 R +4 W +4 (+2 vs fear and death) | Spells: 1st (6/6) | Active conditions: lame
N male Halfling Mesmerist 2 | HP : 2/15 | AC/FF/T 12/11/12 | Fort +0, Ref +4, Will +5 | Init +1 | Tricks 5/6 | lvl 1 : 4 / 4
Presence:1d20 + 0 ⇒ (5) + 0 = 5
Figg stays up at the podium, narrows his eyes, and stumbles "For...if I were a hero, would not my reasoning be great as well?"
open | NG male (he/him) human fighter 1 / oracle (Waves) 3 | AC 19 (T 13, FF 17) | HP 36/36 | P 0, I +2 | F +6 R +4 W +4 (+2 vs fear and death) | Spells: 1st (6/6) | Active conditions: lame
Twist!
Rossby whispers, "Let's be careful even after this match is over. It's possible he doesn't want us here, and is trying to have us 'win' the argument against having outsiders as a pretext for riling up the crowd afterwards."
“Marius Virlich” | Male NG Medium Rougarou Shifter 2 | HP 9/22 | AC 19* / 15* T / 17*FF | CMD +4 CMD 18 | F +5, R +5, W +3 (+2 vs. fear) | Init +2 | Perc +8 SM +3 |Speed 30ft | Reactive Form 6/8; Sling bullets 20/20| Active Conditions: *Mage Armour
Marius can only use logic I think by the clarified rules
Marius awkwardly steps up to the podium.
"You say that creatures are pouring from the hole caused by the eruption, but is the fissure not sealing itself as is the way of fissures? This problem will solve itself and we need not put ourselves at risk"
The crowd gives a polite but reserved boooo to Lai Ligau's argument.
The wayang team confers and, once gain, Eynemb pushes his way past the debater to steal the podium. You note that the remainder of the wayang team seems flustered at his behavior.
"Nobali, again, I ask you to come to your feather-addled senses. Lai babbles on about fissures. These are not children's stories. These are fierce beasts who will steal your eggs and drink their yolks. Tell me your eyes can see more than shiny things and worms. Tell me you see the danger."
Despite their distaste for his tactic, the audience seems to be leaning toward the wayang team with interest.
open | NG male (he/him) human fighter 1 / oracle (Waves) 3 | AC 19 (T 13, FF 17) | HP 36/36 | P 0, I +2 | F +6 R +4 W +4 (+2 vs fear and death) | Spells: 1st (6/6) | Active conditions: lame
The majority of the audience seems to be paying rapt attention to the Rossby and Pathfinder team, others look bored, and a few have picked up their cushions and left the arena.
"I understand dear Tengu! But you Tiqa, wise and thoughtful Tiqa Vastrokardoyo, surely you and your people can see the importance of joining forces with us and putting an end to this scourge,". Eynemb says without putting much effort into his argument.
The crowd suddenly lets out a communal 'oh' and seems to be leaning towards the wayang team. Eynemb seems to be frustrated by this turn in favor towards his argument.
Flattery:1d20 + 10 ⇒ (12) + 10 = 22 Ante: 5-2 (due to flattery as counter)=3 DC 22
”As Nobali said, the mockingbird steals the eggs,” Drelluandast answers as firmly as he can manage with so many people looking at him. ”And when the storm comes, each bird must protect its own nest - for eggs do not carry well and are easily broken.”
I think I lost track of whatever point I was trying to make there...
The remaining wayang in the audience laugh in genuine amusement at Hervey's attempt to win the argument and cheer and clap loudly for the wayang team. They begin leaving in groups, now, seeing no further argument that the Pathfinders could successfully make that would convince them that the wayangs should have faced the shadow demon hordes alone.
The other four debaters, irritated as they were by Eynemb's stealing of the spotlight, seem quite pleased with their win.
Sense motive DC 20 :
In contrast, Eynemb tries to hide his dissatisfaction with out performing you all.
"Well done, well done," Mayor Farzhan says as he comes to collect you from the stage.
"Please accept this as a token of our thanks--a consolation prize of sorts--for participating."
He hands you an elaborately carved darkwood box. Inside the box is some sort of pungent, herbal tea.
"The final event of the festival will start soon: the ritual to strengthen the wards sealing the shadow portals. This way, please."
Male !Ini +1PERC: +7NG Dwarf Wiz 1/Sum 1. AC: 19 t11 CMD: 11F: +3, R: +1, W: +6 HP 19
Sense Motive:1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
When away from Wayang ears Fichead asks the Pathfiders, "Did you see Eynumb? I am fairly certain that they were trying to make it easier for us to win. I don't know what that means but they appear to be trying to do so without being obvious about it. Should we tell the mayor or Harjandi?"
"I mean, maybe?" Drelluandast shrugs and sniffs the gifted tea. "Though why? Maybe he didn't want us to participate in this binding ritual?" The gnome's eyes light up as he thinks about portals to other planes of existence.
open | NG male (he/him) human fighter 1 / oracle (Waves) 3 | AC 19 (T 13, FF 17) | HP 36/36 | P 0, I +2 | F +6 R +4 W +4 (+2 vs fear and death) | Spells: 1st (6/6) | Active conditions: lame
Sense Motive:1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
"Eynumb is quite dissatisfied that they won." This is from the spoiler.
"I speculate that, had we won, he would have used our own reasoning to kick us out. We need to watch our backs. "
Mayor Farzhan and Harjandi lead you through the empty streets of Inahiyi to the beach. There you see the entire population of the island has gathered on the beach, waiting silently. The wayang people turn to you as you approach and part for you, bowing reverently. The solemnity of this event suddenly hits you: you five are participating in an important task that dwells in the heart of every island wayang.
Your guides take you to a stage at the end of the beach where several lanterns have been lit and covered. When Harjandi speaks to explain the ritual, it is like a crack of thunder in comparison to the silent passage down the beach. "You will assist us in performing a shadow play to tell the story of the original Minantan heroes and how they drove back the darkness," she begins, pointing to several carved wooden shapes on long sticks. "You will use the shadow puppets to help us craft the story".
Mayor Farzhan speaks up. "That lantern there," he points to a large bull's-eye lantern hanging on a palm tree, "will magically project our puppets in to giant actors over the water. Now I will take my leave of you to operate the lantern. Do your best!"
He hurries away.
You notice that many of the wayang are already moving towards the rocks and dune tops around the beach to get a better view from higher ground.
"Where is Eynemb? Stupid scholar and his foolish theories," she grumbles.
"Without him, at least one of you must be working the puppets at all times. I will assist you."
There is a sudden gasp from the few surrounding wayang stragglers as a shadowy shape moves within the western tent.
* * *
Suddenly, Eynemb with an active mirror image spell darts between a set of large rocks to the east of the stage, his shadow taking on a life of its own as it glides toward the pavilion housing the stage.
Just in front of him you see a dark shadowy giant spider!!
kn planes or nature to identify.
You now have to dicide who performs the ritual and who aides (see discussion) and who is free to engage the spider etc.
"Rossby, Marius! Go get the spider - I'll work on the ritual!" Turning his attention to the lantern, the gnome tries to move his arms like a scary shadow creature.
open | NG male (he/him) human fighter 1 / oracle (Waves) 3 | AC 19 (T 13, FF 17) | HP 36/36 | P 0, I +2 | F +6 R +4 W +4 (+2 vs fear and death) | Spells: 1st (6/6) | Active conditions: lame
Before Rossby breaks from the group, he whispers, "Watch your backs. I don't like the wayangs all taking the high ground."
I can't edit the map for some reason. Will try on my computer latwr.
Rossby moves 15' northeast and draws his lucerne hammer. He swings at the spider.
Rossby moves forward and hits the shadow spider which immediately drops unconscious from the nonlethal blow and then vanishes!
*
Drelluandast wrote:
"Rossby, Marius! Go get the spider - I'll work on the ritual!" Turning his attention to the lantern, the gnome tries to move his arms like a scary shadow creature.
Ritual-izing!
Drelluandast:
This is a not a typical giant spider but a summoned fiendish shadow monster.
The spider is poisonous, immune mind-affecting effects, can shoot webs and has resistance to cold and fire.
Drelluandast, please make the skill check for the ritual and mention if you want to include Harjandi's aid. Anybody who wants to aid please also roll your skill check.
“Marius Virlich” | Male NG Medium Rougarou Shifter 2 | HP 9/22 | AC 19* / 15* T / 17*FF | CMD +4 CMD 18 | F +5, R +5, W +3 (+2 vs. fear) | Init +2 | Perc +8 SM +3 |Speed 30ft | Reactive Form 6/8; Sling bullets 20/20| Active Conditions: *Mage Armour
"Grrr, treachery!"
Marius extends wicked claws on both hands and runs around Eynemb to cut off his retreat.
"What is the meaning of this?"
Swift action to extend claws, double move around. If it seemed advantageous (such as if Eynemb were to 5-foot step and cast) he will use an immediate action (after his turn is complete) to give himself stretching form and gain 10' reach
open | NG male (he/him) human fighter 1 / oracle (Waves) 3 | AC 19 (T 13, FF 17) | HP 36/36 | P 0, I +2 | F +6 R +4 W +4 (+2 vs fear and death) | Spells: 1st (6/6) | Active conditions: lame
Is performing the ritual a standard/move/full action?
“Marius Virlich” | Male NG Medium Rougarou Shifter 2 | HP 9/22 | AC 19* / 15* T / 17*FF | CMD +4 CMD 18 | F +5, R +5, W +3 (+2 vs. fear) | Init +2 | Perc +8 SM +3 |Speed 30ft | Reactive Form 6/8; Sling bullets 20/20| Active Conditions: *Mage Armour
Will vs. Fear, unafraid trait:1d20 + 3 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 3 + 2 = 21
Marius growls in rage at the spell, and unleashes his fury on Eynemb. Knowing that he needs to work his way through the images, he focuses on accuracy as much as he can.
Figg is able to support Drelluandast and the ritual seems under control!
Harjandi rejoices. "Well done!! We have to continue! Do not let Eynemb disturb us more than he alredy has! He has broken some of the runes!"
1 success! So it seems that Figg's bonus is higher so it might be more helpful if he does the main roll and Drelluandast supports. Please remember that for round 2 rolls and also that Harjandi can aid too.
*
Eynemb curses as two of his images pop based on Marius' attacks.
”Nice work!” Drelluandast cheers as he shifts over to let Figg take center stage. He continues making small adjustments to the dancing shadows, trying to focus them on the remaining planar protections.
