Tasha the Fair's page

And the show does, indeed, go on.

Returning to the routine of circus life, some might say that Tasha and her partner, Ruinë, were giving up the excitement of adventuring and heroism for the dust, dirt, and animal waste of the circus. She would declare that she wouldn't have it any other way. This is the life she knows and loves. The roar of the crowd as her lover spirals in the air above. The laughter of children. The cries of the barkers. To her, this is home. And being home with the people that she loves is worth more than any treasure that she could discover.

Speaking of treasures... Upon their return to Absalom, Tasha takes a day to seek out the temple of Iomedae and presents the chief priest with the holy blade, Piereta. Feeling that her time with the sentient weapon is done and it should be in hands that follow the goddess. Her personal magic blade is kept safe in a locked box in the wagon that she shares with her partner just in case she needs it again some day. She continues to carry the blade that the banshee, Ciza, is bound to for her performances.

To Ruinë's disappointment, Tasha holds to her intent of never bearing children herself. That's not to say that children aren't a part of their lives. Seeing as a circus is a magnet for orphans of all ages, there are many young ones in the family that grow up viewing the tiefling and the half-elf as the only mothers they'll know. That's not even counting the plethora of children that Ashlion, Grelda, Tygrah, and Evora produce.

Tasha couldn't wish for a better life than the one under the big top she shares with her family.

With another spin through the air past the slashing tentacles, Tasha takes a moment to bow a 'Thank You' to Ruinë before spinning and attempting to distract her foe and then stabbing at him once more.

{F} Tumble Through - Acrobatics: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (13) + 32 = 45

{A} Tumble Through - Acrobatics: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (14) + 32 = 46

{A} Feint: 1d20 + 33 ⇒ (8) + 33 = 41
If feint beats Perception DC, opponent is flat-footed for the next attack.

{A} Perfect Finish - Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (20) + 36 = 56
Perfect Finish - Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (8) + 36 = 44
Use the higher of the rolls.
Rapier Damage - P/E - spending panache: 4d6 + 6 + 5d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 6, 2) + 6 + (3, 6, 4, 5, 4) + (1) = 48
Target takes 11 damage on a miss (half of the precision damage)

Rapier Critical Deadly Damage- P: 3d8 ⇒ (1, 7, 2) = 10

Banshee Blade Attack: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (3) + 27 = 30
Banshee Blade Damage - P/E: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 6, 2) = 14

Current HP: 128/274
Current AC: 42
Current Effects: stoneskin (15) {7 minutes}

With the nagging worry that her luck may be running out, Tasha continues her aerial maneuvers to try to avoid the worst of the worst while still seeking the key places to put her blade to its best use.

{F} Tumble Through - Acrobatics: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (6) + 32 = 38
Regaining panache if successful.

Pretty sure that's a 'nope'. So no panache for this round. :(

{A} Piereta Attack: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (1) + 36 = 37
Rapier Damage - P/E: 4d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4, 5, 4, 5) + 6 + (5) = 29

{A} Piereta Attack: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (6) + 31 = 37
Rapier Damage - P/E: 4d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 2, 2) + 6 + (1) = 20

{A} Piereta Attack: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (9) + 26 = 35
Rapier Damage - P/E: 4d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 5, 2, 5) + 6 + (3) = 23

Banshee Blade Attack: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (8) + 27 = 35
Banshee Blade Damage - P/E: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 3, 6) = 13

Current HP: 67/274
Current AC: 42
Current Effects: stoneskin (15) {9 minutes}

Folding her wings against her body, Tasha tumbles through the air with no more care than if she were in an aerial ballet with Ruinë under the big tent.

{F} Tumble Through - Acrobatics: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (19) + 32 = 51
Regaining panache if successful.

Coming out of the roll, she fakes a stab towards Sarvel's leg ...

{A} Feint: 1d20 + 33 ⇒ (8) + 33 = 41
If feint beats Perception DC, opponent is flat-footed for the next attack.

... but actually follows through to his belly.

{A} Perfect Finish - Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (4) + 36 = 40
Perfect Finish - Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (16) + 36 = 52
Use the higher of the rolls.
Rapier Damage - P/E - spending panache: 4d6 + 6 + 5d6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 1, 1) + 6 + (5, 4, 5, 4, 6) + (4) = 43
Target takes 12 damage on a miss (half of the precision damage)

Rapier Critical Deadly Damage- P: 3d8 ⇒ (5, 5, 4) = 14

The tiefling then reverses position, spinning back through the air to her original position.

{A} Tumble Through - Acrobatics: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (10) + 32 = 42
Regaining panache if successful.

Banshee Blade Attack: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (18) + 27 = 45
Banshee Blade Damage - P/E: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 3, 2) = 11

Current HP: 66/274
Current AC: 42
Current Effects: stoneskin (15) {13 minutes}

As the distractions of the battle around them fade, Tasha gives Sarvel a salute with her rapier and smiles, showing her black teeth. Then with a lightning-fast thrust, the battle continues.

{F} Demoralize - Intimidation: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (15) + 31 = 46
Regaining panache if successful.

{A} Piereta Attack: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (6) + 36 = 42
Piereta Attack: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (14) + 36 = 50 Fated Confrontation Reroll
Rapier Damage - P/E - with panache: 3d6 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 5, 3) + 11 + (2) = 22

{A} Piereta Attack: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (15) + 31 = 46
Rapier Damage - P/E - with panache: 3d6 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 5) + 11 + (5) = 29

{A} Perfect Finish - Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (14) + 26 = 40
Perfect Finish - Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (7) + 26 = 33
Use the higher of the rolls.
Rapier Damage - P/E - spending panache: 4d6 + 5d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (3, 3, 1, 1) + (1, 3, 1, 3, 4) + 6 + (2) = 28
Target takes 6 damage on a miss (half of the precision damage)

Banshee Blade Attack: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (20) + 27 = 47
Banshee Blade Damage - P/E: 3d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 1) = 6

Current HP: 116/274
Current AC: 42
Current Effects: stoneskin (15) {15 minutes}

Brought up short by the summoned daemon, Tasha eyes narrow before she stabs out with her own blade while directing the banshee blade to attack Sarvel.

{A} Piereta Attack: 1d20 + 36 ⇒ (6) + 36 = 42
Rapier Damage - P/E - with panache: 3d6 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (4, 1, 5) + 11 + (6) = 27

{A} Piereta Attack: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (3) + 31 = 34
Rapier Damage - P/E - with panache: 3d6 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 1) + 11 + (3) = 23

{A} Perfect Finish - Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (12) + 26 = 38
Perfect Finish - Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 26 ⇒ (13) + 26 = 39
Use the higher of the rolls.
Rapier Damage - P/E - spending panache: 9d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 1, 6, 4, 5, 2, 3, 6) + 6 + (4) = 41

Banshee Blade Attack: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (15) + 27 = 42
Banshee Blade Damage - P/E: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 1, 6) = 13

Bleed Damage: 2d6 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6
Flat Check DC 15: 1d20 ⇒ 15

Current HP: 227/274
Current AC: 42
Current Effects: stoneskin (15) {19 minutes}

Reflex Save vs DC 42: 1d20 + 35 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 35 + 2 = 54 Charmed Life
Reflex Save vs DC 42: 1d20 + 35 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 35 + 2 = 43 Charmed Life
Rolling twice for Incredible Luck and using the better of the two.

Reflex Save vs DC 42: 1d20 + 35 ⇒ (16) + 35 = 51

Tasha dodges out of the way of most of the damage and releases the banshee blade before swooping across on her wings to engage with Sarvel.

{A}{A} Activate dancing weapon

{A} Fly

Current HP: 240/274
Current AC: 42
Current Effects: stoneskin (15) {20 minutes}

Swashbuckler 20

Ability Boosts: Sex, Con, Int, Cha

Class Feat: Panache Paragon

Skill Feat: Slippery Secrets

"We could make an act!" Tasha shouts out as she continues to hover and stab at the creature. "The mighty ash and his musical warhammer!"

{A} Piereta Attack: 1d20 + 34 ⇒ (14) + 34 = 48
Rapier Damage - P/E - with panache: 3d6 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 4) + 11 + (5) = 28

{A} Piereta Attack: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (5) + 29 = 34
Rapier Damage - P/E - with panache: 3d6 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 4) + 11 + (6) = 30

{A} Piereta Attack: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (5) + 24 = 29
Rapier Damage - P/E - with panache: 3d6 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 3, 3) + 11 + (5) = 24

Banshee Blade Attack: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (19) + 27 = 46
Banshee Blade Damage - P/E: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 5, 5) = 13

Current HP: 274/274
Current AC: 42
Current Effects: stoneskin (15) {20 minutes}

Once again Ash is far too powerful for any draconic BO - his own is much mightier!

Tasha's considered creating an act of it entirely, but after thinking it over, she's decided that they would enjoy repeat customers.

As her wings beat, keeping her airborne, Tasha continues to stab at the dragon-like creature.

{A} Piereta Attack: 1d20 + 34 ⇒ (10) + 34 = 44
Rapier Damage - P/E - with panache: 3d6 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 2) + 11 + (2) = 22

{A} Piereta Attack: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (9) + 29 = 38
Rapier Damage - P/E - with panache: 3d6 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (5, 3, 3) + 11 + (2) = 24

{A} Piereta Attack: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (7) + 24 = 31
Rapier Damage - P/E - with panache: 3d6 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (4, 4, 3) + 11 + (5) = 27

Banshee Blade Attack: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (19) + 27 = 46
Banshee Blade Damage - P/E: 3d6 ⇒ (1, 3, 1) = 5

Current HP: 274/274
Current AC: 42
Current Effects: stoneskin (15) {20 minutes}

Remaining airborne, Tasha releases the banshee blade and then dives in to stab with Piereta. Her aerial assault leaves something to be desired, however.

{A}{A} Activating Dancing Blade

{A} Piereta Attack: 1d20 + 34 ⇒ (4) + 34 = 38
Rapier Damage - P/E - with panache: 3d6 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 1) + 11 + (4) = 26

Banshee Blade Attack: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (2) + 27 = 29
Banshee Blade Damage - P/E: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 2, 3) = 11

Current HP: 274/274
Current AC: 42
Current Effects: stoneskin (15) {20 minutes}

"This ought to be interesting," Tasha says with chuckle. "I don't know how good of a swimmer you are," she says to Ruinë, "But it wouldn't be a bad idea for you to stay on shore."

She spreads her wings and takes to the air to swoop low over the water as Ashlion does his best to draw up a similar beast.

"Yes, a good place to rest," Tasha says, looking around for somewhere with a clear view of the sky.

As the sun sets, she pulls Ruinë closer to her as they sit with a shared blanket wrapped around their shoulders. "The stars seem even more beautiful here. Is it perhaps since we're so high up that they're closer?" she questions.

The peace and thoughtful moment are interrupted a moment later as Ashlion proceeds to loudly 'thank' his wife.

Tasha will gladly take a pleasant smile as well. :)

Leaving the banshee blade to its work, Tasha engages the huge figure with Piereta.

{A} Piereta Attack: 1d20 + 34 ⇒ (4) + 34 = 38
Rapier Damage - P/E - with panache: 3d6 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (6, 5, 6) + 11 + (3) = 31

{A} Piereta Attack: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (17) + 29 = 46
Rapier Damage - P/E - with panache: 3d6 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (3, 4, 6) + 11 + (5) = 29

{A} Perfect Finish - Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (1) + 24 = 25
Perfect Finish - Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 24 ⇒ (10) + 24 = 34
Use the higher of the rolls.
Rapier Damage - P/E - spending panache: 9d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 3, 6, 4, 3, 6, 5, 5) + 6 + (4) = 47

Banshee Blade Attack: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (5) + 27 = 32
Banshee Blade Damage - P/E: 3d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 2) = 12

Current HP: 274/274
Current AC: 42
Current Effects: bless

Will Save vs DC 45: 1d20 + 25 ⇒ (13) + 25 = 38

The swirling colors seem to cause the flying tiefling some difficulty as she approaches the behemoth. She releases the banshee blade to attack.

{A} Fly

{AA} Dancing Blade

Battle Cry - Intimidate - Demoralize: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (10) + 30 = 40

Banshee Blade Attack: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (19) + 27 = 46
Banshee Blade Damage - P/E: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 2, 1) = 8

Current HP: 274/274
Current AC: 42
Current Effects: bless

Reflex vs DC 42: 1d20 + 33 + 2 ⇒ (20) + 33 + 2 = 55

Continuing to twist and wrapping her wings about herself, Tasha avoids the flames entirely. Her attention only lasts an instant on the pedestal prize before the sound of something ... big ... reverberates from above.

Snatching the stone, she takes to the air again back to the hole above and begins wriggling through the narrow passage to the surface.

Using Assurance with Acrobatics again.

Current HP: 274/274
Current AC: 42
Current Effects: bless

Tasha watches as Grelda manipulates the various locks and latches, hoping to learn something. Once the narrow hole is revealed, she grins and nods.

"Now here's something I can do," she says with a wink towards her paramour. Without hesitation she drops into the hole. Five minutes later and some wriggling and twisting lets her slip through the bottleneck into the area below.

Acrobatics vs DC 39: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (4) + 30 = 34
Ignoring the above roll and per Brainiac's approval, using Assurance in Acrobatics to meet the DC.

"You could certainly try to be sneaky," Tasha says with a grin. "Others may be more inclined towards it, though." She looks between the two paths. "Let us see what the trial of the thief entails, shall we?"

Grelda shrugs. "I'll use our tent, then. Ash and I can sleep under the stars. I prefer it, anyway," she says with a smile.

"If, uh, you're going to be sleeping outside with us," Tasha begins as her skin shifts more to a violet color. "Can you ... uh ... not, you know, well ... you know?"

The witch gets to work cutting up the tent and stitching the canvas together into a caftan suitable for clothing the statue. It takes several hours, but when she finishes and drapes the outfit over the statue, you can feel the magic settling over you, granting you another title.

"There. Shall we rest, or press on?"

Tasha surveys the sartorial display with a nod of approval. "Yes, we should press on. More sheep to be found as well."

Tasha takes a moment to look over the statue. "For a tailor he's wearing a decidedly scant amount of clothing," she says with a smirk. "Is that the challenge? We're supposed to provide clothes for him?"

She confers with the others for a bit as they inventory what they have that could be used to clothe the stone figure.

Tasha nods. With everyone that works in the circus having to do stand-in tailoring at one time or another, they should be able to easily handle the challenge as a group.

Will Save vs DC 36: 1d20 + 25 + 2 ⇒ (19) + 25 + 2 = 46

Ignoring the mental assault entirely, Tasha steps forward while releasing the banshee blade. "We will cleanse this valley of your wretched stench!" she calls out.

{A} Stride
{AA} Dancing Blade

Battle Cry - Intimidate - Demoralize: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (2) + 30 = 32

Banshee Blade Attack: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (1) + 27 = 28
Banshee Blade Damage - P/E: 3d6 ⇒ (5, 5, 2) = 12

Current HP: 274/274
Current AC: 42
Current Effects: bless

"It would seem that by assisting you to gather your flock, we would be taking on the role of the shepherd as well. Does that not seem fitting?" Tasha questions with a smile. "But whether we gain or not, we would still wish to help you. What type of creatures are in your flock and to where have they fled?"

Tasha hides her surprise at the woman's size behind her performance smile. Sprouting her wings, she rises in the air to speak to the shepherd in a more face-to-face manner.

"I am Tasha the Fair and these are my companions, Ruinë the Flame, Ashlion of Vudra, and his wife, Grelda Bonehammer," she says as an introduction. Having quickly mastered the art of bowing while in flight, she doesn't hesitate to put it to good use. "We are humble circus performers who have been placed on the path of heroic deeds that have led us to your beautiful valley."

Returning her hat to her head as she straightens back up - her wings beating quickly to hold her aloft - she continues, "Our travels are enriched by meeting people such as yourself, Eilosseh. What help do you ask for? We are possessed of no small skill in many areas and would be happy to assist if we may."

"Yes, we would just have to get past all the ice, snow, and linorms - easy, peasy," Tasha says with a grin. "What are the odds that we'll be able to trek all the way across this vale to that lovely looking tower without some foul smelling lizard interfering?"

She eyes the valley critically.

"Tempted to just fly over the bloody thing," she offers.

Swashbuckler 19

General Feat: Doublespeak

Skill Increase: Deceoption (Mastery to Legendary)

Light Armor Mastery

Vivacious Speed +30 feet
Eternal confidence

At the sideways glances her companions are giving her, Tasha realizes that she hasn't presented her best face.

"Look," she begins again. "Our deeds will lift our names high and place them upon the lips of the mighty and divine. We would consider it an honor to be able to lift you to that place as well, so the influence of Iomedae is spread even further. You gain nothing for your goddess lying dormant upon an altar that no one visits."

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (16) + 31 = 47

"My deeds would speak for themselves if they had a voice. But since they don't, I will speak for them," Tasha says with a sweeping bow.

She then launches into a narrative of the group's journey and the trials they have faced that have lead them to this point. However, consciously or not, she seems to be downplaying her own part.

Performance - Oratory: 1d20 + 28 ⇒ (1) + 28 = 29

"I'm always polite to swords," Tasha says with a grin. "The owners sometimes? ... not so much." She bows towards the small woman. "We thank you for your silent assistance and if there's anything that we can do to repay you, don't hesitate to ask."

Off to the one-time shrine to Iomedae and the reputed intelligent rapier therein. :)

Thoughts run through Tasha's head. What would the woman say about her? What would the King of Thieves consider to be her deepest secret?

The tiefling shakes off such musings and explains to the woman what their destination is and their ultimate goal.

"If there's anything you know that can help us, we'd be most grateful," she says. She glances at Ruinë before continuing. "We also offer a home to those that are ... different. No one should have to spend their life entirely alone."

Keeping a wary eye out for the linnorm, Tasha gestures in the direction of their goal. "We should keep moving," she says.

Will Save vs DC 40: 1d20 + 24 + 2 ⇒ (2) + 24 + 2 = 28
Spending a Hero point for a reroll.
Will Save vs DC 40: 1d20 + 24 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 24 + 2 = 42

The tiefling steels herself against the howl that reverberates through her soul. She spins through the snow to take a flanking position to Ashlion and stabs at it.

{A} Tumble Through - Acrobatics: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (5) + 29 = 34
Regaining panache if successful.

{A} Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (9) + 32 = 41
Rapier Damage - P/E - with panache: 3d6 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (3, 1, 5) + 11 + (6) = 26

{A} Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (3) + 27 = 30
Rapier Damage - P/E - with panache: 3d6 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (5, 6, 5) + 11 + (5) = 32

Damage is reduced by 5 points each hit if she failed her Tumble Through roll.

Current HP: 232/232
Current AC: 37
Current Effects: bless, stoneskin {15}

Tasha snarls, baring her black teeth as the creatures threaten the half-elf. She then dashes forward, stabbing at the enemy nearest her lady-love.

Demoralize - Intimidate: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (9) + 29 = 38
Opponent flees for 1 round if critical.

{A} Stride

{A} Perfect Finish - Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 32 + 1 ⇒ (11) + 32 + 1 = 44
Perfect Finish - Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 32 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 32 + 1 = 37
Use the higher of the rolls.
Rapier Damage - P/E - spending panache: 8d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 2, 4, 4, 2, 3, 3) + 6 + (2) = 36

Current HP: 232/232
Current AC: 37
Current Effects: bless, stoneskin {15}

Ruine appeals to the linnorm to stand down, and the enormous wyrm regards her curiously.

"I don't get no respect," said in the best Rodney Dangerfield voice.

Reflex Save vs DC 38: 1d20 + 32 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 32 + 2 = 44

Tasha nimbly rolls aside, avoiding the freezing ooze entirely. Not wanting to deal with a creature such as this, she holds her hands out wide away from her weapons as she approaches the dragon-like beast.

Diplomacy - Legendary Negotiator vs DC 36: 1d20 + 31 ⇒ (5) + 31 = 36

"WAIT!" she shouts out in her best crowd-addressing voice. "We are not your enemies, nor do we wish to be! We only wish to pass through and face the evil force that threatens us all! Surely, you in your great strength can show wisdom as well by letting us pass unmolested."

Current HP: 232/232
Current AC: 37
Current Effects: bless, stoneskin {15}

The dancing blade returns to Tasha's hand and she slips it into her belt. Her own rapier, however, remains drawn and pointed in the direction of the previously enchanted soldiers - just in case.

It's a -2 attack penalty to do non-lethal damage with a regular weapon.

"They're not going to listen to us, Ash," Tasha says as she draws both blades. "We'll just hope that our ladies can deal with that ... thing before too many of these people die."

{A}{A} Activate dancing blade.

{A} Perfect Finish - Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 32 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (10) + 32 + 1 - 2 = 41
Perfect Finish - Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 32 + 1 - 2 ⇒ (8) + 32 + 1 - 2 = 39
Use the higher of the rolls.
Rapier Damage - P/E - spending panache: 8d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (2, 6, 5, 2, 1, 2, 2, 1) + 6 + (3) = 30 non-lethal

Dancing Blade Attack: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (19) + 27 = 46
Dancing Blade Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6
Continue Dancing? vs DC 6: 1d20 ⇒ 17

Current HP: 207/232
Current AC: 37
Current Effects: bless, stoneskin {15}

"We're well," Tasha says with a bow. "Thank you for asking." Her eyes move about the room with a care for noticing anything else out of the ordinary other than the magical hold that something has over the guards.

"We rescued your compatriot ..." Not knowing the man's name, she gives him an expectant look, hoping he'll provide it. "... from some vile folk that had evil motives at heart. He indicated that we should visit." She crosses her arms and looks down at them from her not-insubstantial height. "Is there anything we can help you with?"

"Very well," Tasha replies before gesturing grandly for the man to lead the way. "After you, kind sir."

"That's not something one usually sees in giant eagles," Tasha says in an aside to her love. She rests her hands on the pommels of the rapiers on her belt. "Should we introduce ourselves first before entering?" she questions the rescued guardsman.

With Grelda and Ruine unable to determine what sort of enchantment holds the man's will, Tasha shrugs.

"Very well then," she says. "Let us take you back to your post."

Tasha's smile is slightly forced as she greets the man in turn and her gaze glances at Ruine and Grelda hoping they notice his odd behavior and can examine him for further enchantments which would explain it.

"Yes, we should visit your garrison," she says in an attempt to buy time. "How many members do you have and what's your current standing there?"

Tasha continues to attempt to dazzle the lizard with her display of agility by cartwheeling past him, laughing the entire time.

{A} Acrobatics, Tumble Through: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (12) + 29 = 41
{A} Intimidation, Demoralize: 1d20 + 29 ⇒ (6) + 29 = 35

This is followed up by a precise stab with her own blade as well as another strike from the banshee blade.

{A} Perfect Finish - Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (10) + 30 = 40
Perfect Finish - Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 30 ⇒ (20) + 30 = 50
Use the higher of the rolls.
Rapier Damage - P/E - spending panache: 8d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (4, 6, 5, 6, 4, 2, 4, 5) + 6 + (1) = 43
Rapier Critical Deadly Damage- P: 1d8 ⇒ 6

Dancing Blade Attack: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (14) + 27 = 41
Dancing Blade Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
Continue Dancing? vs DC 6: 1d20 ⇒ 16

Current HP: 207/232
Current AC: 37
Current Effects: bless, stoneskin {15}

Reflex Save vs DC 39: 1d20 + 32 + 2 ⇒ (15) + 32 + 2 = 49

The nimble tiefling easily dodges the fiery eruption and continues her steely assault on the enemy, taking a moment to release the banshee's blade to fight on its own.

{A}{A} Activate dancing blade.

{A} Perfect Finish - Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 32 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 32 + 1 = 51
{A} Perfect Finish - Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 32 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 32 + 1 = 42
Use the higher of the rolls.
Rapier Damage - P/E - spending panache: 8d6 + 6 + 1d6 ⇒ (6, 4, 3, 1, 1, 1, 2, 1) + 6 + (4) = 29
Rapier Critical Deadly Damage- P: 1d8 ⇒ 4

Dancing Blade Attack: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (5) + 27 = 32
Dancing Blade Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4
Continue Dancing? vs DC 6: 1d20 ⇒ 7

Current HP: 207/232
Current AC: 37
Current Effects: bless, stoneskin {15}

Fortitude Save vs DC 34: 1d20 + 26 + 2 ⇒ (11) + 26 + 2 = 39

Focusing in on the spell-casting foe, Tasha dashes forward {A} and stabs at her target.

{A} Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 32 ⇒ (14) + 32 = 46
Rapier Damage - P/E - with panache: 3d6 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (1, 6, 4) + 11 + (4) = 26

{A} Rapier Attack: 1d20 + 27 ⇒ (17) + 27 = 44
Rapier Damage - P/E - with panache: 3d6 + 11 + 1d6 ⇒ (3, 6, 5) + 11 + (1) = 26

Current HP: 216/232
Current AC: 37
Current Effects: bless

Tasha was determined that the Family would put on a performance of the decade - one that would be talked about in the years to come. There was no decision to make about which performers would enter the rings tonight. Everyone would get their chance to shine - from the simplest juggler to Ashlion and his awe-inspiring feats of strength. And above it all would be the love of her life flying between the trapezes trailing fire like a phoenix.

In a rare event the tiefling, herself, spread her wings and joined Ruine in the arial ballet. At the climax of the elevated performance, the lavender-skinned woman plummeted to the sawdust at the center of the ring in a perfect three-point heroic landing with her blade spearing the hard ground. As the cheering began to rise, a spectral form emerged from the still-swaying rapier and the audience hushed to an expectant and slightly fearful silence.

The song that slowly grew from the ephemeral woman was haunting and filled with the ache of loss. It built to a strong crescendo, though, moving through grief, resolution, and finally hope, ending on a note of challenge to all that are listening to not accept the fate of circumstances, but to press on.

At the conclusion of the banshee's performance, Tasha makes a grand gesture towards the rings behind her where, unnoticed, the balance of the performers have gathered for a final show of wonder and extravagance. Dinosaurs, devils, clowns, lions, dancers, fire, and rain all make a brief appearance as the show comes to a tumultuous end.

"Bear witness to the Wayward Wonders!" Tasha declares with a last grand gesture as minor fireworks fire off in a cacophony of celebration.

Wanting to leave her Family in the best position possible, Tasha spends time moving from person to person giving encouragement and praise to garner their best efforts. She doesn't focus simply on the performers, but rather works to make sure every single family member understands that the success or failure of any given show rests on everyone's shoulders.

"How can that ...?" Tasha questions. She shakes her head. "Perhaps it is fate?" A realization seems to take her. "You said that she's ... she passed?"

Looking away, she continues. "I'd always ... assumed ... that she was no longer ... But now I know. I guess I should appreciate the fact that I have closure now, but ..." Tears brim in her eyes but she refuses to let them fall.

"I hope you're in a better place now, Mamushka," she whispers before wiping at her eyes.

"It would mean a lot to me if you could tell me everything you remember about her," she says to her newly discovered half-brother as she takes his arm to walk the periphery of the circus.

We can end the scene here if you'd like.

"I ... I would imagine that it was commonly sung among the slave population," she offers. The unlikely possibility that her and Khufar were ... no.

"I never knew my mother's name and perhaps she didn't have one. I was perhaps five the last time I saw her," she continues. "She found a means to escape whatever bondage held her and taking me with her, she fled to the surface world. It was too drastic a difference for her to survive, I think. She left me with a family of jugglers she came across one night - we always traveled in the darkness and hid during the day." She chuckles. "I was terrified of the huge light in the sky."

Her eyes drift away as she remembers the moment.

"She told me ... 'Live your life for me, my little Tasha,' she said. 'When you look up in into the empty sky above with all its lights and emptiness, know that it is the only gift I have for you. The freedom to make of your life what you wish with no shackles to bind you. The open sky is yours.'"

The tiefling is quiet for a moment. "So every night I look up into the sky and I remember her. I remember her face. Her pale skin with just a hint of pink on her cheeks. I see her eyes when I look into a mirror. Although hers were the palest blue, not this unearthly color," she says with a dismissive wave at her own dark lavender irises. Her hand moves up to touch her eyebrow. "One of her eyebrows was divided by a scar that ran from just above it to her eyelid."

"I remember asking one time when I could have a mark like that, because, as most children do, I thought my mother was the most beautiful woman in the world and I hated the patterns on my own skin. I wanted to look just like her instead of ..." She shrugs. "She told me that, like her, my life would leave its own unique marks on me."

Shaking her head, she turns to Khufar. "Tell me about your mother"

"All of us here were prisoners in some way, shape, or form," she replies with a shrug. "We've been freed, so it's our duty to share that freedom with others. I hope you find a place here, but we won't keep you if you wish to leave. You're life is your own now. Your destiny is what you choose it to be."

She begins softly humming a tune that she remembers her mother would sing. It was a song that the slaves would sing in private and quiet places about some day being freed.