Strength of Thousands (PF2 AP) by DM DoctorEvil

Game Master DM DoctorEvil

Ikto's eyes light up in delight when he sees the spiderlings, and when they are in private... be it his room or hers as she is most comfortable with...

Za Minyahil politely declines the ginger beer.

"It does smell nice, but water and sunlight are all the sustenance I need. Thank you for the kind offer, though."

They retire to their chamber for the evening, but leaves the door open a crack in case one of the other initiates wish to speak with them.

"It does smell nice, but water and sunlight are all the sustenance I need. Thank you for the kind offer, though."

"Needing is one thing. Enjoying it is another." Ntuni says, taking a cup for herself before adding. "Most of it is water anyway. But still good."

Feel free to continue the conversation, or M'Baba with Esi in spoilers parallel to the game continuing, understanding it happened this evening as events advance.

Gotcha. Thanks!

Place: The Spire Dormitory, Magaambya Academy, City of Nantambu, western edge of the Mwangi Expanse, Garund, Golarion
Time: Starday, 6 Rova, 4724AR

The next morning is cool, relatively, and a heavy mist hangs over the school and the city. After a night's rest, you are all rested and restored. Breakfast is eaten with an eye towards today's task.

Soon enough, you are all gathered in the common area of the Spire Dormitory, and two new students you have not met stand there to greet you.
The first is an athletic young man who waves enthusiastically as you enter. Off to the side, a woman in a handsome dashiki sways and casually dances, snapping her fingers to an imaginary beat. A bizarre beast resembling a cross between a two-foot long crocodile and a bear cub prances and nibbles at her ankles as she shuffles and snaps.

"Hi there!", the man says with a wide smile. "I'm Okoro, and this is Noxolo. We are part of the Uzunjati. Well, not yet, but the tale of becoming shall be a good tale to hear, someday. The Uzunjati tell stories to others and learn new stories in return. Today, we want you to tell us the story of your past week so that we can learn it, and pass it on to others. It is not only training for you in how to tell a story, but training for us in how to be good listeners. We all benefit!"

Noxolo picks up the thread. "To be clear, we want a "story" of your week, not a simple recounting of events. You know what makes a story, I am sure. Make it something you would want to listen to. You may each tell your won story, or you may tell one collective story, but everyone must play a part. Go and consider, then come back and tell us when you are ready."

This seems like it might be the quickest, and perhaps simplest task of all, but is it?

This is the hardest task of all, by far, and it fits the Uzunjati nicely.

Once the group is alone to consider how they will accomplish this task, Iovia asks the obvious question. "Shall we do this as a group or as individuals? I think it should be as a group, but some of you may want to speak on your own."

M'baba eats heartily. After the task is given, he says "I am great at listening stories, in fact, I almost never interrupt. But to tell one? I think, we'd be better electing one of us to tell the story of our arrival at the academy. But then everyone else could, and should, include details and embellishment as the story flows."

Ikto is in a good mood! There is a prance in his step, and joy in his heart. He wishes Anchor Root a 'gentle' good morning, asks how her beetles are doing, and waves to his fellow students at the dormitory before having a breakfast.

When they join Okoro, and Noxolo, he grins, "Happy to meet you both, I'm Ikto Banashee." His eyes fall on the odd creature near Noxolo, "And who is this handsome creature?"

He is more interested at the idea of telling a story and was considering going up to tell his, then hears Iovia's suggestion and muses it over, when M'Baba speaks up and agrees with it but with a focal point, he says "I can get restless, I know but my village has some very good story tellers, and I dance without shame so I am not shy about being in the center of things, not always good at it, but that is life's lesson eh? If Za Minyahil and Ntuni agree I can try to tell the main part of the story while others chime in, but then again, the time I lead that ritual backfired a bit so I would understand any caution there. "

Another thought, "My village tells some stories in part by using dance, is that okay?"

Okoro laughs, a merry sound, and says, "Dance makes a story great. Feel free to accompany how you like. Make it memorable. I look forward to the retelling."

"We will be back in two hours to check on your progress," says Noxolo. "Come along Snabble," she says to the strange creature at her feet, and they all wander off towards the dining hall.

Za Minyahil wrote:

"It does smell nice, but water and sunlight are all the sustenance I need. Thank you for the kind offer, though."

"Needing is one thing. Enjoying it is another." Ntuni says, taking a cup for herself before adding. "Most of it is water anyway. But still good."

Raising an "eyebrow" at Ntuni's words, Za Minyahil takes the ginger beer and tries to drink it.

Will that even work? I don't know if ghorans have a "digestive system" given they photosynthesize...

Place: The Spire Dormitory, Magaambya Academy, City of Nantambu, western edge of the Mwangi Expanse, Garund, Golarion

Time: Starday, 6 Rova, 4724AR

The next morning is cool, relatively, and a heavy mist hangs over the school and the city. After a night's rest, you are all rested and restored. Breakfast is eaten with an eye towards today's task.

Soon enough, you are all gathered in the common area of the Spire Dormitory, and two new students you have not met stand there to greet you.
The first is an athletic young man who waves enthusiastically as you enter. Off to the side, a woman in a handsome dashiki sways and casually dances, snapping her fingers to an imaginary beat. A bizarre beast resembling a cross between a two-foot long crocodile and a bear cub prances and nibbles at her ankles as she shuffles and snaps.

"Hi there!", the man says with a wide smile. "I'm Okoro, and this is Noxolo. We are part of the Uzunjati. Well, not yet, but the tale of becoming shall be a good tale to hear, someday. The Uzunjati tell stories to others and learn new stories in return. Today, we want you to tell us the story of your past week so that we can learn it, and pass it on to others. It is not only training for you in how to tell a story, but training for us in how to be good listeners. We all benefit!"

Noxolo picks up the thread. "To be clear, we want a "story" of your week, not a simple recounting of events. You know what makes a story, I am sure. Make it something you would want to listen to. You may each tell your won story, or you may tell one collective story, but everyone must play a part. Go and consider, then come back and tell us when you are ready."

This seems like it might be the quickest, and perhaps simplest task of all, but is it?

Za Minyahil rises with the sun and spends breakfast standing outside, getting what sunlight they can before rejoining the others. They regard the Uzunjati students with cautious curiosity, especially the small creature, which they do not want anywhere near THEIR delicious shins.

Upon hearing what is being asked of the group, and Ikto's proposal, they nod.

"You are among the better showmen among us. I think your plan is a good one."

The ghoran drinks the water, and it flows through him with bit of effervescence and a bit of a dizzying swirl. Much like water, it fills the tubules and leaves that make up Za Minyahil, and while he doesn't taste it per se, the feeling is still quite pleasant. Different than usual water. The normally reserved magus is slightly intoxicated, perhaps, from the experience, but in a mild and mellow way.

M'baba adds "If anyone is uncomfortable chiming in, a story can be embellished with visual elements. For example, a pretty magical spark at the right time can add color, literally!"

"You are among the better showmen among us. I think your plan is a good one."

"Thank you, Za Minyahil, please, think on a few personal touches you believe my plan is missing, but mostly, you don't have to dance well, just... sincerely, more telling than the words."

M'baba adds "If anyone is uncomfortable chiming in, a story can be embellished with visual elements. For example, a pretty magical spark at the right time can add color, literally!"

"HA! Yes!" Ikto gives a deep laugh "A good thought."

"I can handle the lighting." Iovia says with a bright smile. " Mr. Banashee, I think that your idea is a great one! If any of the rest of you have the ability to also add magical embellishments to the story, that would be wonderful.

Iovia cheerfully takes part in any rehearsals that the group does.

Later today. I'll add more in the discussion thread about how she handles lighting for people to see if they like it.

Ikto claps his hands, a broad grin stuck on his face at the kind praise "Well, M'Baba is the one who had the magic use idea, so praise due there." a nod to the fellow.

With only two hours to rehearse, this will not be perfect, but one should never let perfect stand in the way of a good story or a fun moment

"I can make the stone dance like I did with Teacher Ot, or any other props you wish to use," Za Minyahil offers.

"Most of my other cantrips are much more...destructive in nature. Not really conducive to a friendly performance."

"Stone dancing would be very welcome, it would fit in with part of the telling very well" Ikto says, thinking they may just get this done in time.
He started this day in a great mood, and now he thinks he will finish it so. Success or failure, this is a fun challenge!

After the prescribed two hours have gone by, the two proctors return. "Well," Okoro says, with a smile. "How is it going? Do you need more time? You have all day if you wish it."

It can be assumed you practiced your parts and have memorized the lines and the steps. Feel free to ask for more time if you want to continue to build on your creation so far.

"I think we're ready as we're likely to be?" He looks at the others to see if they need more time.

I think that we are ready to go.

"I think we're ready," Ikto nods, and says and motions to everyone to scatter a bit, so the 'audience' can get comfortable, and when Okoroa and Noxolo are ready...
It begins.
The various intiates spiral into the common area spiral in, each with their own slow dance or chosen body language... Ikto begins to speak in his deep voice an introduction
"Each of us were blown here by winds of chance, and paths of choice, each carrying a story that goes too far back to tell now, to the great school of Magaambya. Each of us carried a reason, and a reason carried each of us.. together we came shielded from rain, and saw each other for the first time"
For Ikto this is a lot of neck craning, and wonder as he twirls about as if taking it all in.
Iovia's plan for the lights commence, in a darker gray, to show the rainy day, at the beginig.
"With a smile empty of fangs, and eyes full of kind questions, came Ot the Teacher of the class. His first question that of the Owl but it would not be the last"
More steps, more pantomime, in Ikto's case possibly scratching his head and other 'thoughtful' motions as the questions forced them to think.
"Tests, not of paper, but of secretive snakes, stones that dance alone, Bones put to rest and feathers that must not be plucked were given. Symbols gifted or not as pleased."
Za Minyahil recreates his work from that day and sets the stone to dancing
Despite the 'not of paper' bit, Ikto mimes a quill on a desk writing as part of his dance but then purses his lips, a sign of the symbol he chose. Others might recreate with fingers or gesture which they took, or in N'Tuni's case, a gesture of declining.
The light brightens from its darker gray to reflect how they grew to know each other
"Shelter was granted, as were names of our peers, the seeds of friendship planted one hopes" For Ikto, this has a slow wave to many, then clasped hands opening as it to reveal to another. For him that last bit shows giving the beetle to Anchor Root and her showing her own collection in return.
The full meaning of his peers gestures and motions is often a mystery to him, but that is for the viewer to be engaged by! To hook them into the story.
"Branches await, each with it's wonder, each with it's pull! What part of the great tree should we choose?" Ikto gives an exaggerated hand over eyes to see further motion all around, "Best to know it first, and so we learn. Each a test, each a request."
Ikto does not always chant alone, indeed, he is happy if anyone else 'takes a line' to swap things up if need be. One does not need to sing to intone well.
"Rain Scribes mission was first; the test delicious, yet costly and fowl. A piece of nature to be restored, we never were bored, but the city streets we had to prowl. In shadowed corners where the school was suspect, we worked with some success. Will future generations of a certain chiken thrive? One can only guess! Still, it is good to cradle small lives"
During this there are now four lights, with a spotlight on Ikto and colorful lights to show the wide variety of clothes and people that were there. They seem to hustle about him.
Ikto mimes here sheltering the young chicks from the rain with a slightly dazed look on his face, for the city immersion, particularly THAT Market with liars and coinhoarders was SOMETHING but he smiles.

"The Tempest Sun Mages are a valorous sort, but luck was not on our side. Things came to blows, but Grandmother knows, the path of peace WAS tried. Gremlins infested, we nearly were bested, but in the end they left us be. The reason they came, here in is the shame, it's something of a mystery." Here, Ikto dances with one arm behind his back, making sudden motions as if he ducking and weaving a foe, the one arm a commentary how they were held back from using lethal force but their foes were not. The others have their own dances, as they either recreate their battle, or express their feelings about the mission. Iovia had gotten the cage from her room for a prop, and as a dark dark red light settles on Ikto to show the danger of the battle, a lighter red one, illuminates the cage Iovia bought for the chicken quest almost serenely to reflect the effort of peace
"Cascade Bearers imagine a better way, ones not thought of before. Lucky Bones were much debated, caterpillar juicing, universally hated, but the quest for the mushrooms was alarming, a mushroom being sought are harming. Peace with the attacker, again was tried, but despite his nature? Not a 'fun guy'. For our infected we worried, things quickly were hurried, but the ritual did not quite fly."
Here Ikto gives an over the top facepalm, a reflection of how he felt when he didn't get the ritual right, almost melodramatically so. He's been practicing since and is more confident and realizes that he might have been too hard on himself now. Ikto might have encouraged M'Baba to make scratching motions or other gestures to show how he had it worse than any when it came to the spores that infected three of them. But even if they don't, N'tuni, M'baba, and Iovia get sickly green spotlights to show the danger of the disease. Ikto , shown as lucky, is in a white light, as might be Za Minyahil

"The Emerald Boughs appear to be, a great deal about communication, so when couriering letters became our task, we gladly took up our stations. We flew , a delight, N'Tuni most of all. We found out where places lay that had no names at all. We handled messages sent to the divine, be it fed snake or kite that flew. Best not to mess that one up, the Gods must have their due. Most Bough-ish of all, if that is even a word, was keeping peace between a young lady robbed, and a wrongful recipient most absurd! We made amends for a past error, though it did require guile. In the end we did well I think, and most ended with a smile."
His dancing here is complicated, mimicking flight joyfully, then acting like he's hit something hard (That woman's head) then he kind of makes it a weavy motion to show guile in use, and then he smiles again with a wave as if wishing happy customers well. The blue light of flight trails and lingers mostly on N'Tuni for her hard work, but each of the initiates is graced by it. But when Jatia's jealously wanting to keep the lamp is hinted at , the blue light flies to an empty space meant to stand for the woman and goes green tinted.
All through out this, of course, each of the students has their own dance to reflect the moment, some are more comfortable just swaying, others might bound about. And it is, again, for the audience to guess at what expressions, gestures or body language means.

"And now we're on the final branch, Uzunjati here we are. We hope you like our story and dance, of how hard we all have trained. We hope we've learned a lot of things, and that you? You are entertained"
The lights shift again to four, creating a spotlight for all, as Za Minyahil, N'Tuni, M'Baba, Iovia, and Ikto each give a group bow together

Above subject to a few individual addendums by the other PCs but i Hope i over all got it right.

Fantastic! The text calls for Performance checks, but they can be waived at the GMs discretion. I think you did excellently and waive any die rolls! Awarding an extra Hero Point to Ikto for crafting the bulk of the story![ (I believe that puts him back at 1 Hero Pt)

Okoro and Noxolo listen and watch with rapt attention as the performance, complete with light show, is played out in front of them. They both burst into applause and smiles at the conclusion. "Well done!" says Okoro patting Ikto on the back. "One of the best I have heard. You must spend some time with me so that I can retell it well!"

Noxolo, with the strange beast snuffling her feet, says "One more question before your assignment is complete. What is the moral of your story? What is the lesson you wish to impart on your listeners? You may answer as a group, or as individuals."

Fantastic! The text calls for Performance checks, but they can be waived at the GMs discretion. I think you did excellently and waive any die rolls! Awarding an extra Hero Point to Ikto for crafting the bulk of the story![ (I believe that puts him back at 1 Hero Pt)

It does, and thank you!

Okoro and Noxolo listen and watch with rapt attention as the performance, complete with light show, is played out in front of them. They both burst into applause and smiles at the conclusion. "Well done!" says Okoro patting Ikto on the back. "One of the best I have heard. You must spend some time with me so that I can retell it well!"

"The others may decline but for myself? Delighted to." He hopes to make friends and this is something to do it over. Anchor Root he already hopes is one.

Noxolo, with the strange beast snuffling her feet, says "One more question before your assignment is complete. What is the moral of your story? What is the lesson you wish to impart on your listeners? You may answer as a group, or as individuals."

At that, he pauses, then looks to his fellow initiates, who are definitely on the friend track, at least he thinks so, "I think this one we should answer separately, for while we wove together, each of us may have had different views of the weaving, and perhaps even a different purpose."

"That where any one of us may succeed or fail on their own, united together in purpose, we overcome. And with the rest of the Magaambya's wit and wisdom united to our own...why we would have the strength of thousands!" Za Minyahil states proudly, unable to hide their delight at Ikto's inspired performance and leadership.

Ladies, Gentlemen and Honorables WE HAVE A TITLE NOW!!! :P

"The story may not have a moral yet. It is just the first chapter of what will, with fortune and the grace of the gods, become a novel. For this chapter, I do agree with what Za Minyahil said, and I would add that a lesson from this story is that people from widely differing backgrounds, ancestries, and perspectives can come together, find common ground, and work towards a larger goal." Iovia shares her own thoughts readily.

Ikto listens to Za Minyahil and Iovia, and nods.

"Unity is a good lesson for the story." He says "Another lesson is the journey can change the destination, and how it is perceived. One may find hardships in what one thought would be an easy path, or pleasant delights along what someone thought would be a struggle. That is part of life."

"These are good morals to elicit from your story. Timeless and true as well," says Okoro with a nodding smile. "Are there more?"

Feel free to add for those who have not, but I will move the story along meantime.

"Thank you! You have done well with this task, and seem to be naturals for the Uzunjati, should you choose our branch. Either way, you have the rest of this day to yourselves." the smiling man continues.

Noxolo interjects, "However, we are supposed to pass a message to you. Tomorrow at dawn, Teacher Ot wants to meet with you at the outdoor ceremony stage erected on the grounds." She looks serious for a moment then continues, "He did not say why, thought I surmise it is for your cohort's Induction Ceremony. All initiates go through this ceremony, where your admitting teacher, Ot in your case, presents you to the rest of the Magaambya faculty. Dress nicely," she adds as an afterthought.

"And wear your beaded bracelets," says Okoro as the pair leave you standing in the Spire Dormitory common room once again.

For sharing your stories and passing the Uzunjati challenge, you earn 30xp, which moves your cumulative total to 970/1000. Looks like your rise to 2nd level will coincide with your Introduction Ceremony. Let me know if you have any in-game actions the rest of this day or are ready to move ahead.

Iovia smiles widely when she finds out that there is a formal ceremony the next day.

Wearing her bracelet is not an issue as her beaded bracelet is incorporated into the bracelet she wears to show her faith every day, but a formal ceremony means a format outfit.

That means shopping!

"I am going into Nantumbu to find clothes for tomorrow." she tells her cohort. "If any of you wish to come with me, please feel free to do so."

Iovia will go shopping for a new, local-style, formal dress. If there is something like a spa or salon, she will also go there for some pampering and relaxation.

Iovia, and any who wish to join her, spend an enjoyable day in the finer parts of Nantambu, pampering themselves at a spa and shopping for fine outfits for the ceremony the next day. These things are easy enough to find, and you all have a bit of cash to spend if you choose it.

Fine Clothing is 2gp per the text. Let's say the spa plus tips etc comes up to another 1 gp. So 3gp total if you buy outfits and share in the spa experience.

M'baba enjoys the storytelling very much. He makes extra effort with his part, not caring much how it looks like, just moving with the flow as he feels like it. By the end, he adds his learning experience, which he had discussed with Esi the night before "There's much to be learned about participating in and serving a community. Nothing can make you feel part of something greater."

Afterwards, he joins Iovia in searching for proper clothing for the next day. He even echoes a phrase he once read in a novel about a woman who worked with renovation and preservation of parks in Absalom, "Let's treat ourselves!"

Deducting 3gp from my vast wealth.

Also deducted the money.

"I bought some material and dye on my last shopping trip not long ago, and while I've not made much of a fuss of it, I've kept up with my weaving and sewing. I think I'll try to finish up an outfit here for a few hours, then socialize more with other initiates here. You never know when you might make a new friend eh and I feel like I've neglected some of them to the point of rudeness? And before I choose a Branch I might want to know those already in or heading to branches better. You two have fun!"

----
Ikto sets up some of his sewing gear in the main hall, and uses dyes and threads to construct an outfit. This meant mostly to draw attention to any students with a similar interest into conversation. Even if he fails badly, it will be a subject for discussion.

Crafting 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

Diplomacy rolls may also come up but I leave that to our GM

He already consider Anchor Root a friend and if she walks by he greets her kindly, gives her space, but also makes sure she's welcome to just sit nearby. Tzeniwe is very welcome indeed, should he see her but he knows a mother is often busy. He grins and waves at Haibram, the rain scribe who once invited him for a bit of fun. He was warned the dwarf was a bit of a daredevil, but riding elephant birds through the air and such himself, Ikto thinks a storm dancer like himself needs SOME hobbies beyond weaving and sewing.

In truth, he's happy to engage anyone who comes up politely, and backing off if they don't want to socialize.

Iovia smiles widely when she finds out that there is a formal ceremony the next day.

Wearing her bracelet is not an issue as her beaded bracelet is incorporated into the bracelet she wears to show her faith every day, but a formal ceremony means a format outfit.

That means shopping!

"I am going into Nantumbu to find clothes for tomorrow." she tells her cohort. "If any of you wish to come with me, please feel free to do so."

Iovia will go shopping for a new, local-style, formal dress. If there is something like a spa or salon, she will also go there for some pampering and relaxation.

"I think I will join you, Iovia," Za Minyahil says. "Truth be told, the clothes I wear are the only ones I have left...all my other ones from Nex were eaten along with the textbooks. Cursed insects..."

Subtracting 3 gold from my inventory as well.

"Besides, if the people of the Magaambya and Nantambu as a whole are going to treat me as one of their own so readily, the least I can do is dress like a local!"

Ikto spends the day cutting and sewing and soon has a reasonably fine outfit of his own make. It may not be the world's best tailoring work, but it would be a high-end garment in his own village and should work for the next day's affair. He spends the rest of the day socializing as much as possible with the other denizens of the Spire Dormitory, all of whom are glad to speak and share with him in their own way.

LMK if you want to go into more detail for any of those interactions.

The rest of the remaining initiates head to Nantambu for shopping and a day of pampering. Finding clothing to fit Za Minyahil's unique frame is a challenge, but with the right measurements and some creative tailoring, they have a garment that is mostly like a colorful loose fitting drape.

If dressing the ghoran was a challenge, the spa day proves equally intriguing. With out skin in the normal sense, much of the scrubbing and cleansing is substituted for a milk bath and hydration. Either way, the young students feel refreshed and proud of their new attire.

Anything else you wish to accomplish before appearing in front of Teacher Ot on the next morning?

Now you've got me curious on the interactions. :) If anyone in particular is taking a liking to him that he can tell I'd love to hear it, but not a must. Just trying to get a feel for future contacts and relationships and it is something Ikto would do :)

Ikto looks over his outfit, and yes, not perfect, but he likes the colors and pattern on it. It will show respect to the school, his teacher, and his peers while still reflecting his own style.

His talks with those that talked with him was interesting. He did ask them about the Branches they were picking themselves though by now he knew which ones were going where mostly. Instead he had asked the whys, what drew them to the Rain Scribes or Emerald Boughs etc etc. He respected if they didn't want to talk about it.

But after that, well, he was ready for the ceremony

If we're not continuing my spoilered interaction with Esi, then I think I don't want to RP our day in the mall.

I wasn't assuming we'd RP shopping and spa day. I'm ready to move on once everyone else is.

My fault for dropping the thread on your discussion with Esi

Teacher Ot sent word that the heroes were to meet him at the ceremony grounds at dawn, which is about 30 minutes before the actual Introduction Ceremony was set to begin. When the students near the stage that has been set, Ot has not yet arrived.

The ceremony stage is a simple platform that has been decorated with intricate circular mosaics and a wide ramp that descends to the grass. The wooden platform is about 3 feet off the ground on sturdy wooden supports. Two 8-foot tall pillars flank the ramp to the south, and a low, curving stone wall to the north can provide audience seating.

The sun has not fully risen, but the sky is cloudless and promises to be the first sunny day since you arrived at the Magaambya. The grass around the ceremony platform is still slick with rain however.

As the students near the stage, a shrill cry rings out.

From under the stage bursts a small bipedal creature covered in a hardened exoskeleton and wielding an over-sized maul. It heads straight for the students. A fight is on!

Ambush at the Ceremony - Round 1

30 Kurshkin
23 Havvix
22 Iovia
16 Za Minyahil
16 Ikto
8 M'Baba

From under the stage, another small creature clambers atop the platform, unslinging a shortbow and firing once at surprised Za Minyahil. The arrow hits the ghoran mid-stem, sinking deep and causing a massive early wound.

Barreling at the party, near the pillar on the west side, comes the small gremlin covered with an exoskeleton. It stops next to the pillar, making a come-to-me motion while licking its lips salaciously.

ZM takes 16hp dmg from a critical hit and is already down to 3hp remaining. The rest of the party is now up.

Kurshkin shortbow vs ZM: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (15) + 12 = 27 Critical
Piercing critical dmg vs ZM, deadly: 1d6 + 1d10 ⇒ (3) + (10) = 13 16hp total

Iovia was not expecting an attack at the ceremony and she had not even bothered with her daily casting of mystic armor. When Za Minyahil is hit by the arrow, she frowns and then calls out for Tlehal to heal the ghoran.

Action 1: Healer's Blessing focus spell on ZM, which will add 2 HP to each time they get healed for one minute, though it only triggers once per spell, should a spell be a HoT.

Action 2 and 3: Heal ZM for 1d10 + 8 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 8 + 2 = 18

Iovia smiles as the ghoran's wound fully heals!

I'm out of focus points, and have 3 font heals left.

M'baba jumps back in surprise and runs up the platform and tries to attack the one with the bow and arrow.

Stride, draw rapier, strike

Strike: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21
Damage: 1d6 ⇒ 2

Ikto was delighted to be going to the ceremony, his garb was colorful and while not the best, quite well put together. He approaches the platform, then hears a voice call out in a tongue he does not speak...

And all hells break out

Za Minyahil is nearly killed by the ambush, and thank Iovia AND her goddess for healing them with amazing speed.

At first he tries to see what sort of creatures these are... and definitely if they are gremlins because he is keeping his distance and warning the others to attack by range if they can if they are
Recall Knowledge Nature +7 GM makes those rolls

And he flings fire at the one with the exoskeleton
Ignition aka produce flame. Spell to hit roll1d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Dmg if that hits:2d4 ⇒ (1, 3) = 4

Iovia was not expecting an attack at the ceremony and she had not even bothered with her daily casting of mystic armor. When Za Minyahil is hit by the arrow, she frowns and then calls out for Tlehal to heal the ghoran.

Action 1: Healer's Blessing focus spell on ZM, which will add 2 HP to each time they get healed for one minute, though it only triggers once per spell, should a spell be a HoT.

Action 2 and 3: Heal ZM for 1d10+8+2

Iovia smiles as the ghoran's wound fully heals!

I'm out of focus points, and have 3 font heals left.

Za Minyahil barely has time to gasp in shock as the wind is knocked out of them by the arrow, and even less time before the blessings of Iovia and her god save them.

"Thank you," he says, before drawing their shield to protect themself, followed by their sword.

◆ Interact
◆ Interact

Then they make sure the shield is raised in case another arrow is about to come a-whizz'lin their way.

◆ Raise a Shield

"Stay behind me!" they call to the others.

** spoiler omitted **

M'baba jumps back in surprise and runs up the platform and tries to attack the one with the bow and arrow.

Stride, draw rapier, strike

[dice=Strike]1d20+6
[dice=Damage]1d6

It would have to be a double move to get to the pugwampi with the bow atop the platform which means no strike this round. Is that still your action?

Ambush at the Ceremony - Round 1 - continued

30 Kurshkin
23 Havvix
22 Iovia
16 Za Minyahil
16 Ikto
8 M'Baba

After Za Minyahil gets hurt very badly, Iovia reaches out to her patron for healing assistance, and is able to restore their wounds, as if they never happened.

Za Minyahil, now at full HP again, lifts their shield and draws their weapon asking the others to stay behind.

Ikto takes a beat to study the foe holding a maul, but in the heat of battle, information is right on the tip of his tongue, but can't get useful data into his brain. He does recognize the one with a bow on the platform as another pugwampi, and recalls the bad luck aura that surrounds those creatures. Then he is able to spin up a small ball of flame and successfully fling it at the nearest foe, scorching it some before the flame dissipates.

Waiting for M'Baba's decision about actions. ZM is back to full HP.

Ikto calls out, "The bowman is a pugmwumpi, fire from range if you can, it's got an aura of ill luck if you get too close. I remember that part... it nearly killed us."

He has zero regrets that he burned the other foe. He respects the peace ful ways of the school, but an ambush assassination? All restraint is off as far as he is concerned

My action, then would be Stride x2 then try to push the archer down from the platform. Not sure what the bonus is, but I'd like to keep my roll from the previous action.

Ambush at the Ceremony - Round 1 - concluded

30 Kurshkin
23 Havvix (4hp dmg)
22 Iovia
16 Za Minyahil
16 Ikto
8 M'Baba

M'Baba rushes up onto the platform, making a beeline for the small pugwampi with a bow. As the gets near the small figure, the edge of the platform gives way under his feet, and instead of pushing the gremlin off the dais, M'Baba slips almost falling off himself.

End of Round 1

M'Baba has succumbed to the pugwampi's unluck aura. For any check, he must roll with disadvantage (that is, take the worst of 2 D20s).