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1) I am based in Southeast Asia (UTC +8) so my posting hours may be unusual (especially for those in North America). I usually update at least one or twice per day. Just to keep the game moving, please post at least once every day and at least once during the weekend.
2) Please keep all posts and communication in all channels limited to a PG-13 level and be both positive and inclusive.
3) Please label all three of your actions. Even if you think what you are doing is obvious.
4) If I am unavailable for longer than 24 hours, I will let you know in the Discussion Tab. Out of respect for your fellow players and myself, I ask that you do the same. Real life happens, and real life will always take priority over the game, but out of fairness for your fellow players, please let us know if you will be unavailable for an extended period of time.
5) Please note that on the following days, my posting can get unpredictable:
Tuesday/Thursdays - all day, as they are the 2 busiest days of my work week
6) Please complete the Macros and the Slides linked at the top of the page.
7) Questions, concerns? Feel free to share them in the Discussion tab.
8) Let's have some fun and tell a great story together! After all, that's what we are here for.
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A distracted looking gnome wanders into the briefing room, silver flute in their hand. While their face is pale, their clothes are bright. And singed. There is a definite odor of smoke around them, as if they were sitting too close to a fire recently.
They sit putting flute to mouth and start to play a rather attractive tune while the wait for the rest of the team to arrive. Generally as the others arrive it takes the gnome a number of moments to realise they are in the room, almost as if they are distracted by something. From how their eyes seem to dart around, tracking movement that nobody else can see, perhaps indeed they are.
"Hi!" they say brightly, once each colleague has finally been notice.
"I'm Slipp!" they add, as if that explained everything.
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A familiar feeling settles in: discomfort.
Bella is used to the environment; stuffy nobles trying to hide their resentment or excitement. She's a minor noble herself. Some engage her in wordplay she can easily pierce through. When they notice her purple stained leather armor they always quip about their guards or mercenaries or fencing partners; they'd never get their hands dirty to protect those they lord over. Still, Bella remains polite.
They always have questions for her sister Khiari. Always curious about the horns and the fur and especially the hooves. Khiari is used to it and will break into dance, clopping her hooves to entertain or flirting with the more attractive nobles who don't know how to react. They'll mutter something about the matching glowing tattoos on their abdomens and then retreat, embarrassed they spoke out of turn.
The Oppara Lodge is a welcome sight, honestly.
"Salutations. I am Sidare, given name Bella. This is my sister, Khiari. I am the elder by 7 seconds." She bows. "Well met, Nerifiel."
Khiari waves hello. "Hi, everybody. Hi Slipp. Nice flute. We can tap dance to it if you want. Might help my sister loosen up a bit."
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He arrives at the right time as he can’t be late. It’s simply impossible he would be late.
The half elf carries a strange weapon similar to a spear but different. He doesn’t seem very strong anyway.
My name’s Elduin Nerifiel. he introduces himself.
Do you already know why we have been summoned here?
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Another one is a muscular orc, he is wearing thick leather armor and as weapons he carries short to medium looking blades. When he enters the room he scans it quickly like judging who is where and what do they carry
"Greatings, I am Tharpe, one of the best bouncers in Absalom ... Now a bit far away from known ground"
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Starlight trots into the lodge. She is a poppet that looks like a unicorn, midnight dark fur, black mane and tail and a Mark of Destiny on both rumps that looks like a cluster of stars.
Hi. I'm Starlight Sparkle. I'm a flexible wizard. I think they used to be called Arcanists.
Some sort of symposium I think. To do with the fallen God Gorum.
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Once everyone has arrived, they are taken to a backroom in the lodge for their mission briefing. Lolly speaks first. As Kreighton and the Pathfinders get comfortable, in their seats.
"We'd like to thank you for coming. You're here in Oppara to attend a symposium regarding the warshards of the dead god, Gorum, and the interest the world seems to have with them. These pieces of divine shrapnel have set off a bit of an arms race, hunting these warshards as a means of acquiring their power, for reasons too numerous to name. We, of course, number among those. We're no stranger to acquiring dangerous things, but Taldor has proposed an excellent idea" Lolly then looks to Kreighton who smiles.
"Beautifully put. Sorrina, who could not be here, and myself, leaders of the Spells and Scrolls working with our top mages, have pioneered a method to track and procure these warshards so that they may be held safely. I mean, could you imagine the Whispering Tyrant getting access to them? Frightening prospects. It doesn't work on every shard, but from what we've learned it can find ones that were once part of Gorum's helm, or at least part of a smaller part of that helm. What I have here are notes to an experiment we put together in connecting the warshards to one of our wayfinders, and let me tell you, that was one long ritual. I'm nearly positive I fell asleep in the middle of casting."
Kreighton lingers on this subject for a moment before a gentle cough from Lolly interrupts his musings.
Lolly follows up "Although many of us respect the Master of Scrolls style in processing and expressing thoughts, we need to make sure that everyone can understand this information. While we'd normally keep this sort of thing closely guarded, this symposium will have some of the brightest minds in Golarion. We need to know what they know, and so we need to present our findings in earnest."
"Any questions?"
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The Warshards of Gorum are powerful energies that only attach themselves to weapons and armor, but once used, they dissipate, like a scroll or similar one-use magical item
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"I'm not too sure what the fuss is about." comments Slipp who has come to temporary focus.
"Yes, they hold power, but so do scrolls. And like scrolls, does the power not rapidly dissipate after it is utilised?"
They blow a note on the flute. "Beautiful yes? But once I stop blowing it is gone, never to return."
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An average sized kholo man (meaning the tallest person in the room) creeps in quietly in the middle of the briefing. He has pale fur with dark gray stripes which contrasts sharply with his brightly colored robes. The geometric patterns and designs of the cloth of his clothing suggest they are of Mwangi origin.
A night black hyena carrying bone and with pure white eyes trots at his heels.
"Yes, can you clarify exactly what we are meant to do? Are we demonstrating this technique or presenting our findings to the symposium?"
He seems excited about meeting with scholars but clearly nervous about embarrassing himself, and the Pathfinder Society at large.
Khiari snorts. "Oh, it's never that easy- or that boring. Right sis?"
Bella smiles, keeping her posture rigid. "My sister is blunt, but she is correct. Such a powerful tool in the hands of the foolish powerful leads to abuse."
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Kreighton glares at Starlight. "Of course the ritual worked." he says grumpily. Now if you don't mind, we have some presentations to prepare for. He points to the large pile of data.
Three days have passed since the meeting with Lolly and Kreighton. Taldor has made a bit of a spectacle of the event, with a carnival and festivities that flow onto the streets. The symposium begins just after lunch. The smells of cooked meats, perfumed nobles, and spent fireworks fills the air. The atmosphere seems geared toward showing off the generosity, prestige, martial skill, and resilience of the people of Oppara, and perhaps Taldor overall. Contests of strength, mock duels, archers, gymnasts, and the like spread along the sides of streets, or deeper into alleyways or parts, just orderly enough to never block the streets and provide and easy path to the Kitharodian Academy.
The brightness of the noonday shines as all dignitaries are driven by covered carriage to the grounds of the Kitharodian Academy, which seems a quieter, more scholarly place. If there are festivities here, they are nearly silent against the somewhat oppressive academic environs of this prestigious school. Even as the dignitaries and Pathfinders are disembarked from their carriages, there is almost a physical weight of importance or gravitas to this place.
As each carriage is disembarked, its passengers are walked inside by a small number of guards, before the next carriage is allowed to disembark. As each group is brought inside, they are gathered into a theater and are offered seats in specific rows based on when they will be presenting their research. The Grand Princess is seated in the balcony and waves politely to all research teams and attached dignitaries as they take their seat, a bastion of grace and politeness.
The provided pamphlet shows the order of the presentations: the Dwarves of the Five Kings Mountains, the Knights of Lastwall, the Sincomakti School of Sciences of Ustalav, Erages Academy of Kyonin, the Pathfinder Society, the Magaambya of the Mwangi Expanse, and finally the scholars of the Kitharodian Academy.
For each presentation, the group gets up onto the stage, pulls their specific research notes off a large table on the stage, and presents their findings, often in energetic and interesting ways. This is one part stage performance and one part academic exercise with many mixing in subtle jabs at other educational organizations, including the Pathfinder Society. One could easily see that this is as much a tournament as any joust or grand melee.
After a couple of hours, it is the Pathfinder Society's turn to speak. Kreighton steps up to the stage as they ascend the stairs "Good Luck and break a leg" Kreighton gives an awkward wink and a confident smile.
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Lioness bows low to Princess Eutropia when she waves. He knows it is common, noble courtesy but he is still honored.
He gapes and his blood runs cold, his hackles rising as he sees the list of presenters. "Thank the gods we're at least going on before the Magaambya," he says as what seemed like just an interesting presentation shapes up to be them representing the Pathfinder Society against what are the most prestigious institutions of learning and research on two continents.
He coughs and looks around nervously as they get on stage then gulps and begins.
"For those of you unaware, Wayfinders, the signature item of a Pathfinder, contain an energy matrix field that creates a resonance with certain frequencies of magic generally found in certain magically charged physical items such as aeon stones," he displays his own Wayfinder as he speaks and delves into the magic aspects of the research.
"Of course, even with all we know, there is the unknown and we have accounted for some of those known unknowns in the design functionality of our proposal," he continues, delving into a different area of the research.
"We must also contemplate how these shards and our ideas will interact with the natural world, especially since we know that these shards are having a corrupting influence on nature."
"Of course, I am retreading some ground that has already been established by the eminent establishments that are represented here such as the treatise of..." he goes on to cite several other studies done by each of the other organizations, demonstrating his knowledge of them and their works.
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The Grand Princess herself... watching her in person makes Bella almost skip a step. Khiari twists just in time to wrap it into a dance move. "Thought she'd be taller?" Khiari whispers. Bella covers her mouth with her hand and continues wordlessly.
The scenario is less of a lecture and more of entertainment, a clash of egos.
Bella and Khiari take the stage to present their findings. Well, first a tap dancing routine to add some spice to this lecture. Bella prepares her shoes, while Khiari clicks her hooves.
"Now then, let us present our findings. Gorum's passing presents us with a chance to return to the true meaning of battle. Of conflict. Of War. Gorum himself saw it tilt in a needless direction, and sought correction." Bella prattles on, but varies her rhythm as she paces, pivots and points.
"I must admit, the Pathfinder Society has shown me cities and worlds beyond the walls of the Sidare Manor in Galt. It is only with their help I have seen the home of Fey in the First World. A land of wonder, mystery, and ultimately mutual understanding." Bella continues to brag a bit about the Pathfinder Society's exploits, knowing most of the attendees consider their hunting grounds a source of bravery.
"But once we discover the warshards, we will be able to attach them to our wayfinders. My sister will demonstrate." Bella kicks a rock to Khiari. Khiari is thrown off guard but she quickly falls in line bouncing it between her horns before taking it to Bella's outstretched wayfinder.
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Starlight adds illusion magic to the presentation. A showing of the initial vision as Gorum fell, illusionary arrows to point at the topic in other displays etc. Who knew stage magic techniques would come in handy.
She also talks about who Gorum was and what a Warshard is while displaying illusionary bullet points.
How the thaumic field of a Warshard interacts with a Wayfinder complete with illusionary animated diagrams
Finally rounding off with a summary and links to further research in the field - more illusionary magic
She could really go for a honey drink after that.
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Slipp joins the others on stage, looking a little lost and confused by the massed attention.
As Lioness kicks off and starts to discuss the matrix of energies, they start to lose focus and take out their little silver flute. Taking their timng from the vigorous gestures and pointed emphasis of Lioness they start to play a musical counterpoint to the dry academic prose.
As Bella moves from tap-dancing to presentation, Slipp puts away their flute and casts an interested eye over the audience. They maybe short, but they know when an audience is starting to lose focus. Judging their time, Slipp climbs a ladder and uses a pointer to indicate areas of the large flip chart that Bella is referring to, making sure to catch the eye of members of the audience whose attention is slipping.
Then the attention moves to Sparkle. Now Slipp's own attention is quite rivetted on the gorgeous poppet-unicorn. For a while they stand in awe of the creature/construct. Then a rude member of the audience tries to heckle the noble Sparkle. Slipp turns, and fires blade in their eyes as they glare at the audience member. The look doesn't quite promise hellfire in their near future, but forest fires to their rural properties... that is another thing entirely.
Finally Slipp takes out their own wayfinder, displaying it to the audience. "The shard is attached metaphysically to the wayfinder as much as it is physically touching - at least initially. The balance of the elemental forces twist to keep the 'Matrix'", here they off a nod back to Lioness, "in place."
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Tharpe runs into the stage yelling
"Pathfinders...Pathfinders...Pathfinders..Pathfinders...Pathfinders...Pathf inders...Pathfinders...Pathfinders...Pathfinders" he jumps on the stage trying to energyze people with his sheer enthusiasm
He eyes the other presenting groups and simply comments "Some peer cheering would be appreciate or I will buu on your presentations!"
"When it comes to artifacts we can't escape legal aspects of the matter, we all know that possesion 9/10 of the law, but in this case since Gorum is dead, and he had no acknowledged relatives, the artifacts possession is dependant on where there have fallen."
Then he twists into details about nature magic and how they related
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The Pathfinders use a variety of methods to get their point across. Starlight uses illusion magic to entertain the guests while Bella and Khiari dance their way through the presentation. All in all, at the end of your presentation, the crowd goes wild, applauding and loudly cheering. The Grand Princess looks pleased at this exchange of information and politely laughs if any jokes were particularly humorous.
As the Pathfinder presentation wraps up, and an attendant motions towards the stage exit, suddenly everything is engulfed in darkness What's worse, smoke fills the stage as well making it nearly impossible to see. Shouts of confusion erupt and it seems if people aren't sure if this is still part of the presentation. There is a distinct sound of individuals jumping off the stage and footsteps sprinting toward the exits.
You hear someone yell, most likely from beyond the smoke, "I see Pathfinders fleeing!!"
As you start to pursue the thieves, the guards are suspicious of them and order you to wait while the security forces can take stock of what just happened. "Be patient, Pathfinders, " Kreighton Shaine murmurs, "Rest assured clearing this up will be part of your mission."
Once the smoke clears what has happened is laid bare, the research of all attending nations has been stolen and many staring at the assembled Pathfinders.
Almost immediately recriminations begin to ring out, "The Pathfinders Stole our research!" "They want the warshards for themselves" but are quickly silenced by Grand Princess Eutropia as guards are summoned to surround the Pathfinders, weapons undrawn, but very much at the ready.
The Grand Princess speaks from the balcony above "Let us all remain calm. We will ascertain the nature of this crime and retrieve the stolen research. And we will understand why such a crime was committed when we have extended our hand in friendship to the Pathfinder Society."
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All of you, including Kreighton and Lolly are gathered into a separate room, one used as a classroom. Kreighton and Lolly have no idea what happened, but both believe someone is trying to frame the Pathfinders.
A young attendant to the Grand Princess arrives in the classroom with a single guard. After a moment she removes her hood revealing none other than the Grand Princess. "I never liked sitting in those balconies," the Grand Princess says almost out of nowhere, "I tend to like sitting in the back and having what one might consider the commoner's experience of our intellectual debates. I assume you have something to say for yourselves, as you have several very angry intellectuals who have very powerful friends across the inner sea who can make the lives of the Pathfinders within their borders very tough." She takes a deep breath, "I know for a fact that it was not any of the assembled Pathfinders who have committed this crime, but convincing the other delegates of this might be difficult, and we are unwilling to seem like we are ‘going easy' on the Pathfinders. I need a solution, and I need one now."
Kreighton speaks up "I can personally vouch for the Pathfinders here, your highness. None of us would steal this research or otherwise disrupt this delightful symposium."
With a quick look around, he continues "I would be willing to offer up myself as Master of Scrolls while my team be given the chance to find the real thieves and bring them to justice. Hold me in custody until they return with the research, and proof that the criminals have been dealt with, and we can put this ugly matter behind us and continue."
The Grand Princess sighs, a soft smile appearing on her face. "I would never decline an evening or two of entertainment and intellectual discussion with you Kreighton, but your team better deliver, or I cannot promise your safety, nor can I speak to the potential consequences that might face the Pathfinder Society."
With a small smile "a risk we are willing to take in this instance, your highness. My research was stolen as well, and we both know I cannot abide that." He turns to address you "your job now is to investigate the scene determine who might have stolen this information. I'm nearly certain none of the gathered academics nor would their delegations do this, so I believe it is an outside interloper. Gather the needed information and resolve this, and we can continue our very entertaining symposium"
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As you are let back into the main theater it seems that tempers have cooled and the assembled delegations have been informed that the Pathfinders are looking into this situation.
Several of the researchers and dignitaries outright apologize to you as they do not believe you stole anything. However, they do request that you
act with haste to retrieve the assembled research.
After a few moments, Grand Princess Eutropia requests that all researchers and their staff please calm down as the Pathfinders review this case and assures the other delegations that the Master of Scrolls of the Pathfinder Society is being held in custody until this investigation is completed.
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Several items were scattered about the stage in the confusion, and it even looks done deliberately in some cases. You review the scene with a practiced eye, reviewing all of the details and properly collect whatever evidence is available.
The researchers await the Pathfinders questions as they know each of them could potentially be a suspect and they'd like to get this over with.
The Pathfinders can question each of the researchers from any of the other organizations and speak freely with them. Many of them are willing to help, and answer any questions regarding where they were during the blackout, and if they've had any dealings with potentially unscrupulous characters recently, even something as simple as a conversation about the research at a tavern.
During the confusion a number of people in attendance dressed as Kitharodian Academy scholars began to actively create additional confusion even after the smoke and darkness had cleared the room. Continuing claim the Pathfinder Society were the thieves until removed from the premises by Grand Princess Eutropia's guards. The Seats they were sitting in might have clues as to why they were being so disruptive.
The Pathfinders check backstage to find any additional clues to who led this heist and why they might have done it. The area is littered with debris and the stage manager is missing. The guards of this area are likewise missing. This is all highly suspicious
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Slipp just sighs. "Why would we steal the research during our own time on stage?" they ask.
"And who said it was Pathfinders who stole them anyway? Surely they should be asked why they thought it was PathfinderS? And if Pathfinders were to steal it, why would they be appearing as Pathfinders, surely even the most dense of initiates would dress up as someone else."
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Searching the scene
Slipp starts to join in the search for clues. "Perhaps they left behind a clue about who they were? " they muse. "Did you see where they were standing before the lights went out?"
Questioning the researchers.
After finding nothing in the seating, the gnome is obviously starting to lose their temper. "Bring in the other researchers..." Real flames dance at their finger tips as the gnomes irritation becomes manifest. "Right, now, people. Stick to the facts. And don't skip anything. I'm not interested in your interpretation of them... not just yet anyway.
Searching the seats.
"Those seats over there?" they ask as one of the Sincomakti School of Science students. Walking over, Slipp then bends close and gives a quick sniff to the seating. "Now that is odd. I've smelt something like this before..."
Searching backstage."
Quickly getting bored, the gnome takes out their flute and heads backstage, hoping that someone there might at least enjoy some music.
"Nobody is back here... that is odd.." calls out Slipp as they play a jaunty tune to help cheer everyone up.
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"We seem to have drawn all attention." Bella smiles as they steal the show. "I do not approve of all of this smoke." She frowns as someone shouts the Pathfinders' name. "As if we would ever stoop to such barbarity."
The Grand Princess shows herself to be more and more amenable as she speaks to them about the trappings of status and rank. "Of course we are not responsible for the theft. I would be honored to punish those responsible, or at the very least recover what was taken."
Khiari tracks Kreighton and the Grand Princess. "You think they're going to have some fun while we're clearing his name?" she chuckles. Bella gives a coy smile.
Bella accepts the guests' apologies. "Of course. We must discover who actually did the deed. Rest assured, we will succeed. Pathfinders are quite skilled at a variety of tasks." She can't help but jab at how useless the attendees are after hurling accusations.
The Grand Princess will keep them on a tight leash for now. "Now, the fun begins..."
Khiari takes a look around the presentation hall. Looking for clues, looking for cute patrons. She spots a couple of people for Bella to ask about the theft while she begins flirting.
Bella is polite and to the point. To find the real culprit requires circumstantial evidence. There are small details people will forget that paint a complete picture.
Khiari checks the Kitharodian Academy scholar seats. They were pretty annoying, but maybe something influenced them.
Finally, the duo go backstage. Khiari drags one of the stage hands back to "point things out" while Bella notes security is lacking.
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Lioness is quite humiliated by the theft while the Pathfinders are on stage, at least once the smoke is clearing and he realizes what is happening. How embarrassing to be accused of research theft before all these imminent intellectual institutions!
His naturally stooped posture becomes even more so with the shame as they are escorted back to a separate room to be interrogated. Even before the Grand Princess reveals herself he spills out excuses and explanations and defenses.
Though when the task they are assigned is revealed, he quickly uncurls, his head rising with pride. After all, is it not a testament to the reputation of the Pathfinders that they're going to be allowed to investigate the very crime they are accused of committing?
"We will not let you down!" he declares to both Shane and Eutropia.
Back out at the stage, he strokes his chin, thoughtfully, identifying 4 areas of interest before getting to work.
He starts by closely examining the stage they were on when the theft occurred -
Then moves on to questioning some of the other researchers to learn what they saw, beginning with the Magaambya.
"Esteemed Elders, I am honored by your faith in the Pathfinder society and your wisdom in seeing that we were framed for this heinous crime. Any information you might be able to share with us will no doubt go far in helping us find the true culprits."
After learning what he can from the other researchers, he examines the seats of the people who have suspiciously disappeared as well as suspiciously throwing suspicion on the Pathfinders.
And finally, heads backstage to see if there are any suspicious clues there, as that would have been a good place for the cads who actually stole the research to hide before staging their robbery.
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As you complete investigating the backstage area, men dressed as Kitharodian Academy guards come through the back door and spot you searching around. It is easy to tell that these outfits are ill-fitting and in state of disrepair, unlike the other Kitharodian guards whose outfits are immaculate. The "guards" look around, perhaps to see if anyone is watching. Seeing nobody paying close attention, they draw weapons and attack.
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COMBAT TRACKER
Round: 1
Tactical Map
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Those with ** may go
**Elduin Nerifiel - AC 23 (24 w/shield) 53/53
**Bella Sidare - AC 23 78/78; Khiari AC 23
**Starlight Sparkle - AC 19 (20 w/Mystic Armor) 54/54
**Tharpe - AC 21 48/48
**Lioness Lapping Blood - AC 17 (18 w/shield) 36/36
Red
Yellow
Slipp - AC 22 74/74
Nerze
Blue
White
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The half elf reacts quickly too. He moves two squares diagonal right and two squares up [ooc]currently on the phone for the week so can someone move my token please[/poc] he then casts a spell throwing a sharp stone towards the chief at the back of the intruders group.
Telekinetic projectile, amp:
Damage:
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Bella attempts to distract Red but doesn't quite succeed. Elduin moves up and launches a nearby rock at Nerze and bonks him right on the head.
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COMBAT TRACKER
Round: 1
Tactical Map
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Those with ** may go
Elduin Nerifiel - AC 23 (24 w/shield) 53/53
Bella Sidare - AC 23 78/78; Khiari AC 23
**Starlight Sparkle - AC 19 (20 w/Mystic Armor) 54/54
**Tharpe - AC 21 48/48
**Lioness Lapping Blood - AC 17 (18 w/shield) 36/36
Red
Yellow
Slipp - AC 22 74/74
Nerze (-20; AC <= 21)
Blue
White
"Sis, they're not impressed. Looks like you have to actually try." Khiari grins as Bella pauses long enough to huff.
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Nezre pulls himself up a red spot becoming a lump representing the place Elduil bonked him. "I did not steal anything! This lot just hired me to for a fight! I do not believe you have heard of me. I am Nezre the Fabulous. I have been told that I resemble this 'Ezren' but we are not related!"
Tharpe glares at Red but Red just laughs in his face.
Starlight drops ice on Red.
Red yells in pain as the ice crystalizes on his person, making him rather brittle for a short time.
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COMBAT TRACKER
Round: 1
Tactical Map
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Those with ** may go
Elduin Nerifiel - AC 23 (24 w/shield) 53/53
Bella Sidare - AC 23 78/78 (Panache 1 rd); Khiari AC 23
Starlight Sparkle - AC 19 (20 w/Mystic Armor) 54/54
Tharpe - AC 21 48/48
**Lioness Lapping Blood - AC 17 (18 w/shield) 36/36
Red (-34; W3 Bl 1 rd)
Yellow
Slipp - AC 22 74/74
Nerze (-20; AC <= 21)
Blue
White