Corlis Tern's page

~~~Alabaster Street~~~

Noting the duo's hesitation, Corlis speaks up. "We could just hop the counter. It's not that big an obstacle, though it'll definitely be in our way if we need to make a quit exit. Who knows what they've got ready behind those doors. I could probably bust that little obstacle open, too, but then it's pretty much a guarantee they'll have heard us. I'll trust your judgement on this one."

In hindsight, I forgot to have Tern roll.

Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

Nope, no dice.

Corlis appears to be dressed for travel, the embroidery on his cloak indicating a Varisian origin. He's armed with a bastard sword and a light crossbow. In his current garb, he resembles an adventurer more than a guard. It's obvious that Cressida had him go undercover.

"I'll follow your cues as well. Just be careful." Corlis nods.

Going for the front door, then. Let me know how you intend to go about that.

~~Alabaster Street~~

Lucius and Gheris depart for Alabaster Street, and are joined some minutes later by Tern, who'd first stopped by the barracks to change into something that wouldn't immediately denote him as a man of the guard.

I hope you guys don't mind a little NPC assistance; I figure a little tanking can go a long way.

Alabaster Street, Corlis explains, used to be known for its bright white walls and once-bustling market place. Formerly frequented by many merchants, a long-standing opposition between two criminal groups saw merchants taking their business elsewhere, and the place was all but deserted.

"I can see why they'd pick the place; they'd be unlikely to have many passersby stumble upon their operation. Do you folk have any plans? Going by the blueprints at the city archive, the bank has two entrances; the front door for the customers, and the back door for the workers. I can't start to imagine what kind of traps those three might have in place, though."

I'm sorry, but at this point, I'm going to assume that the game isn't starting back up, and will be looking into joining other games.

Thank you for having me, and maybe we'll have the chance to play together again in another adventure.

I only have one AoO right now because of the size increase, but yeah, that's pretty much what I'd have done. Monk still has his weapon.

[ooc]Am I correct in understanding that my performance successfully shifted the audience's attitude? Also, please remind me, what bonuses are gained from the audience's attitude, outside of potential victory?

Enlarge person actually translates to +2 damage for Corlis, because it brings his strenght up from +5 to +6, or, with the 1.5x modifier from his two-handed weapon, +7 to +9 damage.

I looked it up, Jake: The reach is extended, but so is the "blind spot". A large creature wielding a reach weapon can hit at 15 and 20 feet, but not at 5 or 10

Finding his opponents a little close to reliably attack, Corlis takes a five foot step back, and whirls his weapon, turning his attention to the Hammer monk. He takes care to keep his weapon in rhythm, tapping his foot all the while, and gives a playful twirl of his own body as he keeps the weapon's momentum going.

Applying Combat Expertise: -1 to attack roll, +2 dodge bonus

"Let's see how the crowd likes this one!"

With immense momentum, the Talon dives for the monk's legs, whistling threateningly.

Trip: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (11) + 27 = 38For the sake of posting swiftly, I am going to assume that this succeeds. If it doesn't, I'll probably change the following attacks a little.

Forgoing the AoO from tripping, keeping it for later in the round.

All nonlethal. Substract 4 to the to-hit rolls if the trip is unsuccessful. Corlis will attack a different target if he knocks his opponent out or causes him to surrener before the end of his attacks.
Flying Blade (Haste Bonus Attack): 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (15) + 27 = 42Damage: 1d12 + 16 ⇒ (6) + 16 = 22
Flying Blade: 1d20 + 22 ⇒ (12) + 22 = 34Damage: 1d12 + 16 ⇒ (11) + 16 = 27
Flying Blade: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (13) + 17 = 30Damage: 1d12 + 16 ⇒ (7) + 16 = 23

If Corlis scored a successful trip or multiple hits:

With each strike, the weapon whirls around Corlis, proudly displaying the fresh spatters of blood upon its otherwise-pristine white flag. With a deft maneuver from Corlis, the weapon performs a corkscrew through the air, seeking to dazzle the crowd. The gladiator accompanies this with a series of taunting steps, very much dancing in mid-swing.

Performance Check: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

I'm not sure if Hammer is still conscious after this. If he isn't, Corlis will take the free action perform chance as well:

Performance Check: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (19) + 13 = 32

Corlis's current bonuses, for my own reference: +3 damage, AC +0, +3 saves, +2 to hit. If the perform check is successful, an additional +2 to attacks and +1d6 to damage will be added.

If I get that AoO, it might not.

Some questions before I go: That 21 should, in fact, be a hit, unless I'm mistaken. Corlis's current AC, with Haste and Enlarge is 20... Unless the attacker is evil, that is. Also, am I correct in my understanding that the monks provoked AoOs in approaching? Corlis does, after all, have Combat Reflexes. (Albeit, with the loss of dex from enlarge, only one attack of opportunity per turn.)

I don't think Zephyr would like that too much, but the Talon is a bladed falcon all its own. :P

I particularly like "The Bladed Falcons". I'll give my vote to that one.

Corlis's weapon isn't really a sword. More like a big guillotine blade on a chain. How about Four Blades?

Oo, Black Falcons. I like it.

"As a giant?" Corlis grins. "I've seen it done before, but I've never had the chance myself. Bring it."

The now Large Corlis will step out of the mist before performing that Dazzling display, so their foes can see it fine.

Also I'm kind of lost on which of these buffs affect Corlis. I know air walk does, but some of the other ones I've never heard of before. Anyone mind pointing out which ones affect Corlis?

Earlier that day:

Corlis inspects the document very carefully, making notes of the rules one by one.

"Looks good. Clean fights, minimizing needless cruelty."

Corlis takes the proffered quill and signs his name where requested, bowing to the tournament official before departing to rejoin his team.

Back to the present time:

Corlis enters the arena clad in an outfit his roommates don't recall seeing him unpack. Alongside his well polished breastplate, he is wearing a blue warrior's dress, bearing the Ruby Phoenix Tournament's insignia as a mark of respect. A proud-looking Zephyr is perched on his gauntleted hand, following its master into the arena.

"Well, well, well, that's quite a crowd we have here, wouldn't you say?" Corlis says, grinning to his teammates. "Let's give them the show they came for, wouldn't you say?"

Corlis sends Zephyr off with a motion of his arm, and the bird takes off with a thunderous screech, giving the audience a quick fly-by before finding a spot to perch, high on a wall.

Corlis draws his weapon and gives it a twirl through the air above his head, warming up for the coming fight.

"I'm not entirely sure what that spell was that you cast, Jeevika, but it sure did a good job last time... well until Shu happened, but that's another story."

Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Feeling cheeky, Corlis decides to give the crowd and his opponents something to feast their eyes on. He performs several rapid maneuvers with the Talon, lashing and whirling about, throwing in a few movements of an agile, dynamic dance, in rhythm with the deadly blade. As it slices through the air, the weapon whistles menacingly.

On the last round before the beginning of the fight:
Dazzling Display: Demoralize: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (14) + 17 = 31

The time of final exams is upon me; expect my posting rate to slow down for a week or two, but I'll be back in full force afterwards. My apologies.

Would definitely want a rematch... especially once I acquire some protection against Dominate Person.

Oh... That explains the hubbub about nonlethal. I though Jake was almost full when I attacked, haha. But yeah, Corlis has no reason to keep hitting a downed opponent unless he knows they're getting back up otherwise.

Corlis definitely sees that spell as highlighting a weakness of his. Good at dishing the damage and taking out rival meleers, but rather poor against spellcasters and those who can get through his AoO barrier.

"Thanks, that was a pain in my side... literally. And I'll say. I should see about getting myself shielded from something like Shu's spell. I'd hate to cost my team a victory outside of sparring. You alright there, Champ? I didn't think I'd be able to hit you that hard."

As Corlis is only dealing nonlethal, Jake is in no actual danger. Corlis would definitely stop attacking once his foe is knocked out or yields.

Corlis sighs, realizing exactly what transpired. "Whoa... That was... Strange. That's a powerful spell you have there, Shu. I've never met something like this before. Whew. I sure did a number on poor Jake. He should be fine, though, I'm not one for inflicting deep wounds... Speaking of which, ow."

Corlis clutches his side where Liliara struck him. "That was a pretty tricky strike, right there. Not many people have gotten in on me like that before."

I'll make note of that. You know what's the fun part about Dominate Person? I get to play the enemy for a bit. c:

"No hard feelings, Jake, but Shu makes a pretty convincing argument," Corlis says, turning his attention towards the grappled magus.

Apologies from a fellow player, Jake.

Using the extra attack from the blessing.

Flying Blade Disarm: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (15) + 25 = 40 vs Pinned
Flying Blade Attack: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (13) + 23 = 36 vs Pinned
Flying Blade Attack: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (14) + 18 = 32 vs Pinned
Flying Blade Attack: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (8) + 13 = 21 vs Pinned

He swings at Jake's sword hand, looking to disarm the magus, and then serves up three solid lashes as Chung Po is holding Jake down.

Oh dear. That's three hits, by my count.

Damage: 1d12 + 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (12) + (5) + 13 = 30
Damage: 1d12 + 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (12) + (5) + 13 = 30
Damage: 1d12 + 1d6 + 13 ⇒ (1) + (6) + 13 = 20
All nonlethal. At least. Uh oh. I think I just knocked Jake out.

As the Talon rises from the third hit, Corlis gives the chains a whirl, and, again, the bloodstained bird flies high, offering a dazzling sight.

Swift Action: Performance: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (17) + 13 = 30

Corlis is definitely a team player, and I don't think he'd deliberately drop his current team in the middle of a match to ensure his own victory. It wouldn't be sportsmanlike of him, and if there's one thing that's important, it's sportsmanship.

Will Save, going against nature: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (7) + 6 = 13

"Well, that wouldn't be very sporting-" Corlis suddenly falls silent, and his eyes seem to glaze over for a moment.

"... but on second thought, I'm pretty curious to know what it's like to fight alongside the champ."

My apologies, something has come up as I was writing this post, I'll have to take my actual turn in a little bit.

Oh! Darn! I had Corlis at 14 for most of character creation, and reduced it to 12 near the end, and later went on to forget I had, thinking he still had three AoOs.

Thanks for the heads up, Jeevika.

GM: My apologies for this mistake, Corlis couldn't have made the AoO that disarmed Marthysan; the paladin should still have his sword in hand.

These may be useful.

Seems to me like you could do so. Drawing a sword would most likely only require one hand. I'll let Oni be the judge of this, though.

"Fair enough," Corlis chuckles, giving his weapon a whirl through the air. "Now how about I show you how I got my nickname?"

Corlis's sandals seems to glimmer for a moment, before he agilely leaps out of the reach of the tentacles. He whirls his weapon at a remarkable speed, using the whirling blade as a slashing weapon and a means to protect himself from attacks all at once.

Using the extra attack from Jeevika's blessing, applying combat expertise, and both my displays. Total attack bonus: +2, 1d6 extra damage, Current AC: 24 (+2 dodge)

Corlis takes four rapid swings at Marthysan, aiming the first one at the paladin's legs.

It comes to my attention that I forgot to account for the bonus to AoOs of the Flying Blade during my last post. I'll make sure to remember it next time.

Trip: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (12) + 27 = 39
If successful:AoO #1: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (13) + 27 = 40Nonlethal Damage: 1d12 + 1d5 + 13 ⇒ (2) + (2) + 13 = 17
The Talon: 1d20 + 23 ⇒ (12) + 23 = 35Nonlethal Damage: 1d12 + 1d5 + 13 ⇒ (4) + (4) + 13 = 21
The Talon: 1d20 + 18 ⇒ (16) + 18 = 34Nonlethal Damage: 1d12 + 1d5 + 13 ⇒ (6) + (4) + 13 = 23
The Talon: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (15) + 13 = 28Nonlethal Damage: 1d12 + 1d5 + 13 ⇒ (11) + (3) + 13 = 27

A prone opponent, of course, has -4 to AC against melee attacks.

As Corlis's attack strikes a hit, it leaves a shallow cut in the paladin's skin, but nothing life-threatening. Clearly, he has trained in the art of leaving shallow cuts while still drawing a striking display of blood. As the serrated end of the blade cuts into his opponent, the bright white flag trailing the blade is spattered with bright crimson spots, offering a truly spectacular sight as it speeds through the air.

"Think you can handle him?" Corlis calls out to Jake.

As far as resolving AoOs go, I don't mind you rolling them. I'll make sure to outline my AoO intents pre-battle, possibly pre-rolling them. For this specific combat, Corlis will attempt trips on anyone provoking AoOs on him. If successful, he will follow up with his bonus disarm AoO unless there's a reasonable chance that he'll actually need the remaining 2 AoOs.

As a reminder, Corlis's fame as a gladiator grants his team two victory points right off the bat.

Dealing with AoOs first.

"Aha!" Corlis shouts, as he sees Chung Po charge forward. At his deft pull of a chain, the Talon dives to the monk's legs.

AoO, trip: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (4) + 25 = 29

Given Chung Po's level, I'm going to assume that this fails and the enemy turns continue as given.

Cursing under his breath as the strike fails to bear fruit, Corlis twirls the weapon at ground level with a resounding whistle, looking to tangle Marthysan's feet in the chain.

AoO, trip: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (13) + 25 = 38
Going to presume for now that 38 succeeds at tripping the paladin. will redo turn from here if need be.

With the paladin on the ground, Corlis whirls the weapon upwards and gives the chain a twist, causing the figurative bird to twirl as it flies above Corlis's head before diving threateningly towards Marthysan. [b]"Sloppy footwork there, champ! I expected better![/ooc]

Performance Combat Check, Masterful Display: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22If applicable

Display effects activates: +2 to attacks and combat maneuver checks, +1d6 damage until the end of my next turn.

Improved Trip allows a second AoO for knocking Marthysan prone

The Talon dives for the paladin's sword hand. Corlis smirks.

AoO, disarm: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (19) + 25 = 44

Again, looks successful. I assume this changes the rest of Marthysan's turn, so I'll wait for that before continuing. I'd like to check something rules-wise: I understand that the performance combat check is a swift action. I know you can make a check after knocking the opponent prone. Do I get to make a performance combat check after knocking Marthysan prone with that AoO? I'd venture a guess that it would use my swift action for the following turn, or some such. Please confirm, as the bonuses from Dramatic and Savage Display do have a pretty sizeable impact on my upcoming turn.

I was surprised to find out Roll20 does background music, although I guess it makes sense for when it's used by groups playing real time.

I personally prefer my maps silent, but the beauty of Roll20 is that I have the option to turn the music off, so I don't feel any need to complain about it.

As a software engineer in becoming, I must admire the glory of a well designed user interface.

This'll likely be relevant when my turn comes, so I'm asking in advance: Do any of our foes appear to be wearing locked gauntlets? This is something Corlis keeps an eye on.

At this point I think it is important to make this clear: Corlis has a reach of 10 feet with his flying blade, and can make three attacks per turn, even if flat-footed.

Corlis grasps the chains of his weapon, his gauntlet locking with a hearty click as he adjusts it. He begins whirling it through the air, anticipating the first moves of combat. As it does, it whistles threateningly, not unlike the screech of a bird of prey. The flag unfolds, inspiring the idea of much the same.

"Against a paladin's team, I'm expecting to see a clean fight... and that goes for you guys too," Corlis addresses his teammates. "I've never cheated my way into a victory before, and I have no desire to start any time soon."

"Ahh, I've been looking forward to a good warmup fight," Corlis declares. Before stepping into the arena, he produces a very oddly shaped weapon sheath out of his bag, and unsheathes the Talon.

His weapon is unlike anything most warriors have ever seen, a unique concotion. A guillotine-like curved blade, serrated at both ends yet smooth in the middle. A long loop of chain extends from one side to the other, and what appears to be a flag in the silhouette of a bright white bird of prey flutters from the base of the blade. A strange pattern of holes specks the broad center of the blade; someone with some knowledge of engineering or the gladiatorial circles will quickly realize that they are intended to allow the blade to whistle remarkably as it is whirled through the air.

"Any time," he grins, as Zephyr perches on one of the arena's walls. "and don't mind the bird, he just likes to watch."

Roll20's working for me.

"So, what is the favored ruleset around here?" Corlis asks Chung Po as the group makes their way to the arena. "Staged combat? Fight to the first blood?"

Sounds good. I've had some good experiences with Roll20 before.

"All done and ready for action," Corlis declares, gathering his belongings. On the party's way out, he picks up a leftover piece of fish when he thinks no one is looking, and slips it between the bars of Zephyr's cage for the falcon to enjoy.

"Well, well, well, the champion, is it?" Corlis offers Marthysan a friendly handshake. "Well ain't I the foolish one for not recognizing you. I'd love to get a round of sparring with you myself, though I assume you're a busy man."

"I'd have to agree with Jeevika here," Corlis adds between two enthusiastic bites of his meal. "Teleporting's a bit rough, but the ferry was a charm. So, are you here to compete too?"

"Ah, the magical arts. I appreciate what they can do, but I'm very much a man of the blade, myself."

Corlis reaches for one piece of his luggage, a broad cloth sheath which clinks as he rests it on his knees.

"Inside this is the Talon, the fiercest blade I've ever seen with my own eyes. With this, I've been known to topple over and disarm a man in under six seconds. The crowds love it! When we step into the arena, you can count on me to keep our foes at bay, and our fans roaring."

As the ship begins pulling into port, Corlis brings two fingers to his mouth and gives a shrill whistle. "Here boy! Time to get off the ship!" A moment later, Zephyr comes fluttering, the carcass of a rat in its beak, and hops back into his cage, quickly turning his attention to his meal as Corlis rejoins the group.

"Some strategizing sounds like a good idea. I've participated in a few team fights in my career, and going in with no idea of what you're planning to do is a pretty bad idea."

"Come see the matches and you'll find out." Corlis chuckles.

Corlis leans against the shipside railing nonchalantly.

"It's very nice to meet you, Risha. As a matter of fact, my teammates and I have only just met. It seems like they're having the winners of the qualifiers operating as a team for the tournament. I'd give you an idea of what it'll be like in the arena except... I don't really know, myself. All the more to find out!"

As he speaks, Corlis extends his gauntlet clad arm, and Zephyr comes to perch upon it, eyeing the crowd with curiosity, tilting its head to one side.

Corlis follows the others onto the ship. "Ah, it's been a while since I sailed anywhere."

Once on board, he puts on his falconry gauntlet and lets Zephyr fly free, figuring the falcon would enjoy a chance to stretch its wings.

Please forgive the double post, something just came to mind and I should address it before it becomes even weirder that I haven't addressed it yet.

A metallic rattle sounds from a cloth-covered shape next to Corlis' backpack on the floor, alerting the gladiator.

"Oh! Right! Between the teleportation and the new arrivals, I almost forgot about him!"

Corlis picks up the object and takes the cloth off of it, revealing an irritated-looking falcon.

"Sorry about that." Corlis says, holding the bird cage up for all to see. He rummages through his pockets and produces a small piece of jerky, holding it through the bars of the cage for the bird to snatch.

"Well, if this isn't a fine assembly, let me be struck by thunder. I think we're just about ready to be on our way. Shu the way! Er, I mean, Show the way, Shu!" Corlis declares, perhaps a little too enthusiastically for his own good.

Oof. Here's hoping for the best for you and your family.

"Well! I see the warnings weren't for nothing," Corlis chuckles.

"Think you'll be okay there, friend?"

You just made me realise I have no way to counteract invisibility... Hm. Might need to get my hands on a potion of see invisibility.

"Ah! Prize-seekers, huh? 's fair a motivation as any."

Corlis bows to the assembled.

"Corlis Tern, at your service, though you may have heard the title "Whirling Falcon of Varisia" before."

Corlis's title is of relatively high renown in all of Varisia, and in much of the Cheliaxian empire.

"I am here for the competition more than for the prize, though I do intend to find myself some interesting curio in the vault once all is said and done."

Corlis gives a hearty laugh, doing what he can to push away the nauseating memories of his aunt's cream of spinach.

"Hah! I like this one!" he says, amicably (and quite powerfully) clapping a hand against Karlia's shoulder. "She's got spunk! I'm as eager as you are to start, but you heard the man, we've got a ferry to take first."

Then, he turns to Shu Huang Zhe and offers to shake the man's hand. "It's very nice to meet you, sir, and it's an honor to be invited to such an illustrious tournament."

A week is such short time with such a momentous event looking from just ahead.

Still, in the week, Corlis finds the time to train until he is confident that he can give his best at the arena. He has The Talon sharpened and polished to perfection by a renowned blacksmith, and makes sure that he and Zephyr are well supplied for travel.

When the day comes, Corlis is bright and early at the temple of Abadar, finely dressed in elegant travel clothes, his weapons polished to a sheen, and his backpack ready for travel.

Inspiration struck earlier than I thought. Heh.

I know nothing of PFS, so I'll stay out of that discussion.

"Hold on, just a minute." Corlis motions to the man, raising a finger so as to punctuate the gesture.

The gladiator turns to his prone opponent, a large dark-skinned Shoanti warrior, and offers a hand to help him up. "Good match, pal. Had me scared for my neck back there with that axe of yours."

The warrior accepts Corlis's help and, after standing up, shares a firm and respectful handshake. "Next match'll be mine, Tern. Until then, you should go and claim your prize." the warrior nods, shouldering his greataxe and making his way out of the arena.

Having opted to dispute the final duel in theatrical combat rather than a more brutal form of combat, neither of the men is marked any worrisome injuries, though they each suffered some impressively bloody surface cuts.

"C'mon, people!" Corlis calls out to the crowd, holding his hurting shoulder. "Let's hear it for Tremor-Shouter! I wasn't the only one putting up a good fight in this arena!"

As the crowd cheers for the departing Shoanti, Corlis turns his attention back to the delegation, and takes the scroll, reading it quickly.

"The Ruby Phoenix Tournament, huh?" Corlis grins widely, before giving a hearty chuckle. "It was only a matter of time. Sounds good to me!"

Hey, thanks for picking me!

I'm going to wait until tomorrow before I post. I've had a pretty stressful day, what with having a lot of schoolwork to do and my pet budgie injuring itself in a scary-looking but, in the end, relatively minor way.

I'd rather be well rested and full of inspiration before I really have at it.