Cephadrel will go to the Cypher Lodge, he came here to learn about the gate and blot and this seems a good chance to do some reading.
Female Depemds on the game system (human in the real world)
Eroril gathers his materials and heads down to the dockside. The enigmatic Cyphergate looms large over Riddleport's harbour. The arch rises 350 feet above the water below at high tide, rising from the rocky crags on either side of the harbor mouth — its diameter is exactly 700 feet. Rectangular in cross section and 35 feet wide, the sides bear massive runes and glyphs. It is of an unidentifiable stone of almost supernatural hardness that resists most efforts at defacing or marking, and has weathered countless years amazingly well.
Ironleg betakes himself to the Arena, a massive stone structure that dominates the Wharf District. At this time of day, it's fairly quiet but a few folk are sparring on the sands. The main gossip to be had is that there's going to be one of the rare blood-matches this afternoon: seems that no less a personage than Speaker Tammerhawk of the cyphermages has been challenged to a duel by a visiting evoker who has been denied entry to the Cypher Lodge after one too many insults levied at the school of divination! Tamale Torode, the fellow who has the main catering concession, is busy ensuring that he has plenty of pies and ale laid in, and is deep in conversation with the Arena's owner, Clegg Zincher.
Zincher turns to you as you arrive. "Ah, Ironleg," he says in his loud booming voice. (He's notorious for being incapable of speaking quietly whatever the situation!) "Heard you're doing quite well for yourself these days. You have a good presence, fancy refereeing this afternoon?"
Diego sets off in search of entertainment. It's a bit early, but at an inn called The Mystery of the Gate you find a young elf lad with a nice voice and a delicate touch on the lute singing a song called 'Your own special way' - the usual sort of thing about his own true love whose image sticks in his mind even though he's travelled far, far away.
Cephadrel arrives at the Cypher Lodge to find it a hive of excitement. Speaker Tammerhawk has been challenged to a duel arcane! Seems some fellow thought it was smart to disparage evokers even as he requested use of the facilities, an elf illusionist by the name of Erin, and he's taken offence at being told in no uncertain terms to clear off!
"Of course Mr. Zincher, so long as the battles are over in time for me to get to the Goblin before my shift begins. I have been so busy lately, I haven't had the chance to visit the arena lately."
Eroril settles in usual spot and begins studying the Cyphergate. He casts detect magic to see if any unusual auras have appeared since the recent strange happenings. He also checks carefully for any changes in in the Cyphergate or around it.
Perception 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10
Female Depemds on the game system (human in the real world)
Ironleg: Zircher asks you to return at noon to meet the quarreling mages and agree the 'ground rules' for their duel. Your fee will be 10gp, they will be required to pay half each, in advance.
Eroril: The Cypergate looks much as it always has...
mm it could be interesting to see how masters of the Art handle themselves in a fight.
Cephadrel finds a cyphermage, "Excuse me sir, could you give me the details of the duel?"
"That sounds like a plan, Mr. Zincher, I will be back at 11:30, so that we might set all the specific ground rules and begin promptly on time."
Female Depemds on the game system (human in the real world)
Cephadrel: you see the tall ginger-haired fellow, who recognises you and comes over.
"Duel? Yes, of course. Some ill-mannered fellow... claims to be an illusionist... tried to gain admittance whilst being most rude about the progress made so far by our diviners, indeed most disparaging about that branch of the Art... and upon being asked to leave, challenged the Speaker to a duel arcane. Despite his uncouth behaviour, he made his challenge correctly, observing all the proper forms, and Elias had little option but to accept. Arrangements have been made for the duel to take place this afternoon at Zircher's Arena. Most of us shall attend, of course, and those with suitable skills will ensure that the magicks are confined to the Arena floor."
Meanwhile,Ironleg, Zincher is glad that you have accepted, and bustles off, leaving you to your own devices.
"Mm, sounds like the illusionist came here specifically to make that challenge, which would probably mean that he is not acting out of passion, and he thinks himself at least the equal of Elias. The fight should be a good one, and because it is in the afternoon I can read now, could you point me in the direction of to whom I should speak about getting into the Cypher Lounge Library"
Megan Robertson wrote:
Diego sets off in search of entertainment. It's a bit early, but at an inn called The Mystery of the Gate you find a young elf lad with a nice voice and a delicate touch on the lute singing a song called 'Your own special way' - the usual sort of thing about his own true love whose image sticks in his mind even though he's travelled far, far away.
After the young elf has finished, Diego enjoys the rest of his meal and then heads back to the casino. He'll spend the rest of the afternoon practicing whipe tricks.
Female Depemds on the game system (human in the real world)
"You may be right, at that. Shocking bad manners, I'd call it. You want to speak with Gimster, shall I introduce you?" says the tall, thin ginger-headed mage, to you, Cephadrel.
Female Depemds on the game system (human in the real world)
"Of course. You're... um... Master Drocal..er... I'm sorry, what was your name?" asks the ginger-headed fellow, looking rather embarassed. "Never been any good with names, yet I can remember incantations without even thinking about it..."
He leads you through the halls to an alcove just outside the library proper when a gey-haired mage sits amidst a pile of ledgers.
"Morning." says Gimster, for 'tis he. "How may I help?"
"I would like access to the library, I believe the fee is 20 gp?"
Cephadrel pulls a brown bag out of his cloak and sets it on the table.
"And if you could suggest a good book to start reading on the Cypher Gate I would be grateful"
Seeing that nothing seems changed at the Cyphergate. Eroril gathers his notes and wanders back to Riddleport. As he walks, he carefully listens to gather any new speculation on the recent strange happenings.
Female Depemds on the game system (human in the real world)
Cephadrel:
"Thank you," says Gimster, counting your money. "Do you know anything about the Cypher Gate? If you are new to studying it, the Introductory Survey of the Riddleport Cypher Gate, 14th Edition will get you started. Or you may prefer to read Symbols of the Cypher Gate: Preliminary Thoughts on Their Meanings and Purpose... although I warn you it's rather heavy going."
Beside him, the ginger-headed man starts to giggle. Gimster glares.
"Sorry," gasps the ginger-headed man, "But Gimster, you're always saying that Prelim is dull, when... when... you wrote it yourself!"
Eroril:
You get up with the intention of strolling back into town. A voice says, "Fascinating, isn't it?"
You look round to see a pointy-eared female in a green gown, a couple of arcane tattoos on her face, looking at you.
"Are you a cyphermage?" she asks.
Kozaric has remained at the Goblin, the last few times he ventured out nature turned against the city.
Ironleg heads back to the Goblin, knowing he had a few hours to kill before the duel began. He fills Kozaric in on the excitement, to see if he would like to attend the battle as well.
Diego strolls in, wiping sweat from his eyes after working out with the whip.
"Did I hear someone say soemthing about a duel? What kind of duel? Anyone I know?"
"A duel. Two of the city's citizens decide to take each others life and tickets get sold."Kozaric shakes his head. "Well I guess I have nothing better to do then watch these idiots rush headlong into oblivion. Count me in."
"Not only a duel, gentlemen, but an ARCANE duel. We don't get too many of those in town. Most of the wizards here are too busy studying the gate to get on each other's nerves. This should be really interesting...a good opportunity to prove which of the two are the better."
"I am definitely interested in seeing that! Might get a good tale out of it..."
Slightly startled, Eroril drops some of his papers. Regaining his composure, Eroril bows to the elf, saying,"No, my lady, I am not a Cyphermage. I am Eroril Bazbek, a humble cleric of Torag at your service." Rising again, Eroril continues. Yes, I do find the Cyphergate quite fascinating, although I must confess, I have not been able to fathom its purpose as of yet. And what brings you to the Cyphergate? Are you here to unlock its true purpose?"
Female Depemds on the game system (human in the real world)
The young lady smiles, rather wistfully.
"I'm Samaritha Beldusk. I came to Riddleport several weeks ago, intrigued by what I'd heard about the Cyphergate Riddle and with hopes of becoming a full-fledged cyphermage, and studying it for myself. Unfortunately, no cyphermages were taking apprentices when I arrived, and they all are so distracted by the Blot that I feel I have little hope of getting any of them to take me on. Now my funds are running low, so I guess I'm looking at a long wait with a mundane job to make ends meet until my prospects brighten. But I'm having a tough time finding a respectable job that doesn't require me to abandon my morals. If I cannot get a job here, I'll have to spend the last of my money to return to Magnimar and abandon my dream of becoming a cyphermage. You wouldn't know of anyplace that might be hiring, one that doesn't expect me to do anything, well, improper, would you?"
"Very nice to meet you Samaritha Beldusk." Eroril bows again. "Aye, Riddleport does have its share of sleazy operators looking to taking advantage of unfortunate circumstances. I may be of assistance. I recently became employed at the Gold Goblin. Yes it's a casino, but it does appear to be above board and so far I have not been asked to do anything, improper. If you are interested, I could introduce to the owner, Saul Vankaskerkin. He may still be hiring. I am heading back there now if you wish to join me."
Eroril packs up the remainder of his things and heads back to the Gold Goblin.
Ok, I'm back - sorry for the short hiatus, perhaps we should all check in on the discussion thread to see who is still here
Female Depemds on the game system (human in the real world)
"Thank you, I'll be glad to accompany you. Perhaps something like waiting tables... or housekeeping? I know little of games of chance, or entertaining, though."
"Excellent - let us be off." Eroril leads Samaritha back to the Gold Goblin. Along the way, he asks "So you want to become a Cyphermage? Are you a wizard or sorcerer? Where did you learn your magic?"
Female Depemds on the game system (human in the real world)
"Um, yes - I'm a wizard. I studied in Absalom, specialising in transmutation magics. But everything I've read about the cyphergate fascinated me, so I came here to see if I could learn more. Only nobody is taking students right now... guess I should have written first. If I can get work, I can hang on and see if things change." Samaritha chatters on, clearly quite delighted to have someone friendly and sympathetic to talk with.
Back at the Gold Goblin, Saul Vancaskerkin is overseeing a delivery of barrels of ale. He takes to Samaritha at once, and agrees to take her on as a greeter, and cuts a deal to provide her with room and board, plus a small wage.
We'll move to the duel arcane in the arena on Monday, so that Ironleg is back to referee - does anyone want to do anything else before then?
Sorry all, got caught on the tip with no access at all. I will be back in the swing tomorrow afternoon.
Female Depemds on the game system (human in the real world)
Noon at Zircher's Arena
There is a real buzz of excitement at the Arena as you arrive. A duel arcane is always a draw, and this proves to be no exception. The Cypermages are out in force, with half a dozen senior members preparing a defensive barrier to protect the spectators, and the rest taking their seats ready to cheer on their Speaker.
The two combatants are already here, making their own preparations in separate rooms. When you arrive, Ironleg, Zircher asks you if you wish to speak with them separately or together. Whilst you are an experienced combat referee, this is the first time you have officiated at a duel arcane. Zircher's hosted a few in his time, and suggests that you might wish to discuss victory conditions, duration and what wager the two have with each other; while it's essential that they be reminded about the need to contain their magicks so as not to harm anyone but each other. Oh, and don't forget to make them pay your fee up front!
Who else is coming to watch? Saul Vankaskerkin and most of the Gold Goblin staff have come, the place is almost deserted apart from Dyfrig who says he is concocting a spectacular dessert for tonight and doesn't care for brawls anyway. Looks like a fair selection of townsfolk are here as well, and several enterprising souls are selling pies, sweetmeats and drinks to the crowds.
"Samaritha, do you wish to accompany me to the duel? It may provide an opportunity to meet some of the Cyphermages and plant the seed that you are looking for a mentor. You never know."
Eroril (and Samaritha if she chooses to join him) arrive about 1/2 an hour before to get decent seats and provide an opportunity for Samaritha to mingle.
Diego, never one to miss a spectacle, has arrived as well. Scanning the crowd he notes several former cronies in the Thieves Guild and unsconsciously places his hand over his purse and makes the Guild sign of "off limits" with his other hand. He keeps an eye out for anyone who might still feel the need to try to kill him, but everyone seems fixated on the spectacle at hand.
Female Depemds on the game system (human in the real world)
Arena prices are 3 silvers for the bleachers, 1 gold for the boxes (with cushions on the seats and waiters from the pay bar to fetch drinks) or 1 silver to stand.
Eroril, Samaritha is delighted at the idea, but doesn't want to go alone... if you will escort her, that would be wonderful. It doesn't sound quite the place that a proper young lady would attend by herself.
Diego, indeed yes your sharp - and skilled - eyes detect a few of your light-fingered brethren 'working' the crowd, but the hint is taken and your purse remains unmolested.
(Could those attending please indicate what, if any, visible weapons and armour they have. The concealed ones will only come into play if we end up having a brawl... :)
Kozaric attends dressed as usual with his hands wrapped with cestus, his short sword on his left hip, and his long bow in a quiver of arrows on his right hip. (If he is allowed to bring the bow.)
He looks forward to the match, and will stick close to Ironleg until he needs to take a seat.
Diego is wearing his Chain Shirt under a coat, with his whip on his hip and several daggers around his person. He's left the longsword at home; it's a bit too conspicuous for crowd work.
Are the box seats above the crowd? If so, Kozaric will want to get one of those to maintain the high ground.
"I would prefer to address the combatants together, so there is no allegations of untoward behavior."
Ironleg motions the two wizards together. "Gentlemen, it is now time to set the ground rules for the duel. Arcane combats are not the norm around here, so we need to spell out the exact parameters of the contest. What will consist of a victory? Do you plan on dueling only until one admits the other the victor, or do you want to pursue things further? I would advise if there is time for prepatory magic that it be extremely limited, well under thirty seconds. We also need to announce the terms of teh wager so that there is no question what the winner shall have claim to upon victory. Finally, while you might lose your temper, it is vital to remember that your spells must be contained so that spectators are not harmed. If a spell goes awry and injures a bystander, the prepetrator shall be automatically disqualified. Oh, and I do need my fee up front, in case one of you might not be in such a situation to pay after the duel. With that said, what will be rules be?"
When all the cypher mages start leaving Cephadrel writes down where he was in his books and returns them. Walking to the arena he tries to avoid the cypher mages mostly to stay away from conversation. At the arena he is quite willing to pay an extra 7 silver for some decent seats, and to hopefully get away from the crowd. Sub consciously he starts patting the areas of his body where he has hidden coin purses, then realizing he is telling all the thieves where his gold is starts touching areas where there is no gold. Then realizing he is attracting stairs grabs Logos, his calico cat and familiar, from his shoulders to occupy his hands.
Cephadrel has no visible weapons or armor
Female Depemds on the game system (human in the real world)
Ironleg: The two mages are brought together before you. What a contrast!
Speaker Elias Tammerhawk is a slightly balding middle-aged gentleman wearing a very formal black gown with the Cyphergate embroidered in silver wire across the back. He looks calm and composed, and stands listening to your instructions impassively.
The challenger is a very tall younger human with short sandy hair and protruding lips. He's wearing a scruffy green robe and both his person and his clothing seems in need of a wash! He fidgets throughout your speech and keeps glaring at Tammerhawk.
When you are done, Tammerhawk produces his purse and ponies up immediately.
"I am aware of the requirements to ensure spectator safety, Master Ironleg. Some of my colleagues will maintain a barrier throughout the contest. I would be satisfied with an apology from Magus Erin here. Should he be prepared to offer such, I see no need to duel."
The scruffy mage doesn't look too happy at that.
"Typical no-nothing arrogance. Why should I apologise for stating the obvious? Don't the wizards round here bother about the truth? Or are they content to trade on an unjustified reputation? Scared of a REAL mage seeing the drivel that passes for learning around here? Give me entry to the library and maybe I won't need to fight you just to show you who's best..."
You have to remind him twice before he coughs up his share of your fee.
And meanwhile...
Kozaric - nobody gives your appearance a second glance, although you don't notice many people carrying bows. Armour and blades, however, seem normal attire. The boxes are around the arena above the bleachers except at one end where they come right down to the edge of the combat area, where the President's Box is, reserved for VIPs. You can get one on the opposite side which gives you a fine overwatch position.
Cephadrel, when you arrive, a little apart from the Cyphermages, you can see Kozaric climbing the stairs to one of the boxes, Eroril appears to have acquired female companionship (a tall girl in a green dress with some arcane tattoos, who is staring at the assembled Cyphermages), and Diego is wandering around too.
A group of older Cyphermages in formal black robes - you see Ginster amongst them - are spacing themselves around the arena, centering themselves as they prepare to erect a defensive perimeter to keep the combatants' magic away from the spectators.
Eroril pays for Samaritha and himself for two bleacher seats. He is wearing his hide underneath his clothing, with his crossbow on his back and his war hammer dangling from his side.
If there are any Cyphermages sitting in the bleachers (and not part of the protective magic screen) Eroril and Samaritha sit near those Cyphermages.
Once seated, Kozaric takes a good look at the crowd below him. Other than the Goblin he has never been in a large gathering of people like this. He feel out of place watching all the activity and interaction, and orders a drink. Just to look the part of course.
"Gentlemen, with only an apology as the contested issue, perhaps this duel can be settled with only a minimum of bloodshed. Perhaps to the first blood (maybe 1/4 of hit points, or a 1/2 of them)? That will show who is the better of you, at least for today..."
Female Depemds on the game system (human in the real world)
Speaker Tammerhawk bows to you. "I would be content wi..." he gets out before Erin interrupts. "Typical weasel... you in leaguer with him, Ironleg? No, if you're too arrogant to see the error of your ways, you're better off leaving this plane of existence... for good!"
"There will be no duel until the terms of victory are agreed to. State your preference, specifically, Erin."
Female Depemds on the game system (human in the real world)
Erin draws himself up to his full height.
"Well, if Tammerhawk will make public announcement that his rabble of Cyphermages are a bunch of mediocre, know-nothing fakers... I suppose that will suffice."
"Fine, then we will battle until one of you yields. Elias, do you agree to these terms? Once agreed upon, there will be no changing of them. Now that it seems that is worked out, will there be any prepatory time allowed, or will the battle start with no current spells in effect?"
Female Depemds on the game system (human in the real world)
Elias bows.
"Of course, Master Ironleg. Until submission, then. I do not require preparatory time... Magus Erin, if you need some I shall wait until you are ready."
Erin continues to glower, and mutters, "Bring it on, old fool."
"Once again, please remember to contain your magicks to the arena. An injured spectator automatically disqualifies you. Aside from that, you two should take a starting position, say 50' from each other. I shall count down from 'three.' From three, two, one, and begin shall be the call. At 'begin', you can start your actions. Do not act before you hear me say 'begin.' If there are no other questions or terms, please take your positions," the dwarf calls out, pointing each to a spot roughly 50' from each other.
If there are no other questions or issues to resolve...
Once the two mages take their spots, Ironleg takes a (hopefully) safe spot, and begins the countdown. "Three, two, one, begin..."
Female Depemds on the game system (human in the real world)
The crowd settles into their seats amidst a buzz of excitement.
A couple of men raise trumpets to their lips and blow a fanfare.
Zincher steps out into the arena. Now he can use that loud voice to good effect!
"My Lords, Ladies and Gentlemen. Come one, come all, to see a sight most rare, a duel arcane between our very own Speaker of the Lodge of Cypher Mages, Elias Tammerhawk, and the challenger, the wizard Erin. Pray silence for our referee, our friend Mikhail Ironleg Tunnelsmith!"
He retreats to the Owner's Box on the ground level of the stack.
The guardian Cypermages raise their arms as one, and even the least sensitive among you can feel an almost electric crackle in the air as their barrier goes up.
Ironleg strides out to the centre of the arena, the two duellists following. He points out their starting positions and takes post to one side, well out of the way.
Glowering furiously, a tall and thin individual in a scruffy green robes strides to one position and stands quivering with eagerness...
... while Speaker Tammerhawk walks impassively to his spot and awaits the countdown calmly.
THREE... TWO... ONE... BEGIN!
Tammerhawk makes an underhand throwing motion with his hands, and a whole host of large black rats shimmer into existance, heading for his opponent.
Meanwhile the scruffy green-robed man hurls a lightning bolt at Tammerhawk, who gestures almost casually and the lignting fizzles out.
The first rats arrive and begin to bite. This seems to disconcert the tall man, whose next incantation fails entirely. Nobody is quite sure what he was trying to cast.
The rats continue their meal. Tammerhawk folds his arms and watches impassively, glancing across at Ironleg.
Erin begins to scream...
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