KC's Age of Worms

Game Master Kobold Catgirl

The Library of Last Resort is your last chance to find the resting place of Dragotha's phylactery. But you aren't the only people looking for it.
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The Gateway Grove, The Isle of Last Resort

Round 8: Sapphire Squad

"Now Korush is hesitating. He's outnumbered and outbuffed, and I'm not s—HE'S OFF! STREAKING TOWARDS FARRUKH like a bullet, whipping a curved dagger out from his sleeve, bringing it down to—"

Charge: 1d20 + 16 ⇒ (2) + 16 = 18

"AND HE FUMBLES! HE FUMBLES! Korush pulls up, hovering five feet off the ground, and MISSES COMPLETELY! Oh, good Cudgel, I swear he just did a double-flip in midair struggling to regain his balance, floundering like a..."

"Meanwhile, folks, the last cavalier is fighting alone. There's a horse behind him, but Korush isn't paying attention and won't direct it to help out, so he's on his own! And...he has surrendered! Dropped his sword, stepped away, and knelt before the cerberi. A wise move—another series of attacks like that would be killed him for sure—but I wonder, the question really is, will this dissuade the beast?"

Round 8: Badlands Revenge Avengers?

"Also, there are still bats! Thank goodness, they do keep us on our toes, don't they?"

Bats B@Carina: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (16) + 5 - 2 = 191d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (6) + 5 - 2 = 9

"I'm so glad they've been able to contribute to this battle. They have a lot to offer."

Bat B@Eben: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (20) + 5 - 2 = 23 Damage: 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7 1d5 ⇒ 4
Crit?: 1d20 + 5 - 2 ⇒ (19) + 5 - 2 = 22

"My, how effecti—wait! THAT HIT! Badlands Revenge is still in the game! My gods, they might just—Wait, no. No. Illusion. False alarm! False alarm, it was just an illusion. Sorry, folks. Bats are useless."

Round 8: You are up!


Female half-orc cleric 10/soul warden 5 | affected by:wind walk, air walk, good hope, haste, inspire courage, aegis? | HP56/123 | AC25/24/13| Fort+15,Ref+10,Will+18 | Init+6 | Perception+17
Resources:
ActionPoints5/12|Channel0/7|Touchofchaos7/7|Copycat5/7|Channeldamage7/7|Orc ferocity1/1|Chaosblade2/2|Master'sillusion15/15|RVeil0/1|RInsanity1/1

Astraden charges towards the remaining mercenary, shouting at the cerberus the entire time. "G'wan home! Go on! Git! Go get Korush!"

Round 7: Movement (move action) and movement (move action). Magic circle against law lasts 783 rounds, freedom of movement lasts 784 rounds, air walk lasts 785 rounds, protection from energy lasts 786 rounds, bull's strength lasts 66 rounds, bear's endurance lasts 67 rounds, shield of faith on Tanith lasts 68 rounds, shield of faith on Rodrigo lasts 69 rounds, and copycat lasts 6 rounds.


HP: 75/81| AC: 30[32] FF: 27 Touch: 22 CMD: 30| Init: +4 (+8 Underground, +6 Urban) |Fort +10, Ref +13, Will +6| Action Points 8/9| Perception +18 (+24 Underground, +27 vs Traps)

I have no clue what Korush's weapon's stats are, so I'm omitting them from this. Add them in?

Readied Attack: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21
Damage?: 1d6 + 15 ⇒ (4) + 15 = 19

"Much obliged, Korush."

Farrukh begins flailing at the genie.

Slash: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (9) + 13 = 22

Damage?: 1d6 + 15 ⇒ (3) + 15 = 18

Haste Slash: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (4) + 13 = 17

Bash: 1d20 + 17 ⇒ (6) + 17 = 23

Damage?: 1d6 + 15 ⇒ (6) + 15 = 21

Bash Iterative: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 32

Damage: 1d6 + 18 ⇒ (4) + 18 = 22

Confirm?: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (11) + 12 = 23

Crit damage?: 1d6 + 18 ⇒ (6) + 18 = 24


The Gateway Grove, The Isle of Last Resort

114 damage? Oh boy.

Farrukh feels a familiar lightness with his weapon, and recognizes that this weapon is essentially identical in magical potency.

"Al'Khatel is cutting into Korush, brutal hacks and slices, Korush is on his last 'legs' (or wings, or)—HOLY! MOTHER! OF IUZ!"

Korush tries to dive beneath a feint and Farrukh rakes his scimitar up. Farrukh feels the slightest resistance as the scimitar rakes against Korush's throat. The janni's own blade is covered in red.

Korush chokes, some sort of retort frozen on his lips. He lets out a gurgle and falls to the ground. Whump.

For one second, the arena is almost totally silent.

Then the crowd is rising as one, howling their enthusiasm to deafening levels. The party can hear names being chanted—mostly Eben's and Farrukh's, but a fair few are chanting Tanith's name as well. Astraden, Rodrigo and Carina receive scattered acknowledgements, though their fans are fairly few so far.

"Well, folks," booms the announcer, rising to his feet, "That is GAME, at a little under a minute! A massive upset by Spiny's Six, which has dominated no fewer than four highly-rated teams with nary a scratch! And I'm checking their odds now—they were at a solid one before, and I have no idea who their agent is but they need to fire him very much. I have a feeling whoever bet on this lot is in quite a good mood right now, though! Gods above!"

Nearby, the lift is rising, and Palemon and his assistants emerge. They begin by checking on the elves and cavaliers and making their way eastward.


HP: 75/81| AC: 30[32] FF: 27 Touch: 22 CMD: 30| Init: +4 (+8 Underground, +6 Urban) |Fort +10, Ref +13, Will +6| Action Points 8/9| Perception +18 (+24 Underground, +27 vs Traps)

Farrukh moves over to check on Korush, dropping the sword to the sand beside him.

Heal (Is he dead?): 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10


The Gateway Grove, The Isle of Last Resort

Rynjin:
I'll give you the option of spending an Action Point to just say "No, he's barely alive", acting as if the crit had been nonlethal damage. Otherwise, Korush is pretty, uh, dead.


Male Suel Sacred Fist/Godling 15 | 161/161 hp, Init +0, AC 32 (39 presently) [touch 23, FF 24], Fort +20*, Ref +12, Will +21; Perception +7
Active Buffs:
Resources:
Blessing 8/8 | Fervor 9/9 | Smites 6/6 | Rage 15/15 | Ki 10/10 | Action Points 6/11

At first Tanith isn't sure if he should be pleased or disappointed that Korush turned to face down Farrukh instead of himself. That decision is made for him when Farrukh brutally slays his airborne opponent. The geniekin had been irritating but Tanith didn't want him dead. He looks Carina's way to watch her reaction.

When the cheers pick up the big man raises his arms in victory, soaking up their admiration.


HP: 75/81| AC: 30[32] FF: 27 Touch: 22 CMD: 30| Init: +4 (+8 Underground, +6 Urban) |Fort +10, Ref +13, Will +6| Action Points 8/9| Perception +18 (+24 Underground, +27 vs Traps)
Dungeon Kobold wrote:
** spoiler omitted **

As has been stated before, I like Korush.

"Hey, can I get some help over here? Korush is hanging on by a thread!"


Action Points: 11/13|Bombs: 15/23|Female Undine (Formerly Yugoloth-Spawn Tiefling) Alchemist (Chirurgeon) 16|HP: 56/85|AC: 22(36)/14(23)/19(26)|Saves: +15 Fort (+20 vs. Poison), +18 Ref, +12 Will (+1 vs. Enchantments)|Initiative: +3|Perception: +21

Once the bats have been dealt with, Carina freezes in surprise as the audience starts cheering for them.

...'Fire their agent', indeed. I think that means we'll be out a bard. She giggles a bit.

Then Farrukh calls out for someone to help Korush, and she stops. She flies over to the prone genie and lands.

"...alright then. I was saving this for an emergency anyway..." She pulls out a flask filled with a deep blue liquid, uncorks it, and pours its contents down the genie's throat.

CSW: 3d8 + 7 ⇒ (6, 8, 4) + 7 = 25


Male Suel Sacred Fist/Godling 15 | 161/161 hp, Init +0, AC 32 (39 presently) [touch 23, FF 24], Fort +20*, Ref +12, Will +21; Perception +7
Active Buffs:
Resources:
Blessing 8/8 | Fervor 9/9 | Smites 6/6 | Rage 15/15 | Ki 10/10 | Action Points 6/11

"He's alive? I thought for sure Farrukh had killed him", Tanith asks as Carina applies her healing extract.


The Gateway Grove, The Isle of Last Resort

Korush's eyelids flutter open. He looks up at Carina—then at his own injured form. He feels the cut along his neck. He's silent for a moment. "Damn," he mutters. "Really thought I stood a chance this year."

He offers Carina his hand, first shaking it, then using it to get to his feet. The janni forces a smile. "But I suppose luck plays into everything to some level. Well played, everyone. You've surprised me." He presents a bloody hand to Farrukh. "You fight better than you look. Tell your summoner friend up there he knows his stuff, too—I've never been able to summon much more than a horse, though I never really tried to learn. Dirty trick that beastman pulled, though I don't expect he'll be pulling it again anytime soon."

"Actually," Palemon says, the medic's voice calm as he rises from behind the crocodile's form, "Joren is alive and stable. We'll have to get him down to the Coenoby, though." He scowls at the party, clearly annoyed at their continued presence. "Creed, you will assist me in carrying this crocodile downstairs. Assuming you are done posing."

By his manner, it can be assumed that Palemon is this way for every battle. He's probably given the exact same line earlier this morning to Final Phoenix.


Male Suel Sacred Fist/Godling 15 | 161/161 hp, Init +0, AC 32 (39 presently) [touch 23, FF 24], Fort +20*, Ref +12, Will +21; Perception +7
Active Buffs:
Resources:
Blessing 8/8 | Fervor 9/9 | Smites 6/6 | Rage 15/15 | Ki 10/10 | Action Points 6/11

Tanith strikes one more flexing muscular pose.

"Okay, let's get big and scaly here someplace where he can be treated."


HP: 75/81| AC: 30[32] FF: 27 Touch: 22 CMD: 30| Init: +4 (+8 Underground, +6 Urban) |Fort +10, Ref +13, Will +6| Action Points 8/9| Perception +18 (+24 Underground, +27 vs Traps)

Farrukh shakes his hand.

"I'll...take that as a compliment."


*=temporarily buffed Human Bard 15/Ranger 1 — 79/119 hp — AC 36*/24*/24* (6 mirror images)—CMB +15, CMD 32*— Fort +14, Ref +*20, Will +12 — Spells 3/3 5th, 1/4 4th, 0/5 3rd, 4/6 2nd, 3/6 1st — Panache 3/3— Performance 36/40— Perception +19 — Init +4— Action Points 13/13—
Daily magic item use:
Bracers of falcon's aim 3/3, Lesser rod of quicken spell 3/3, rod of extend spell 2/3, Forzamele 3/3

Eben cringes significantly as Korush makes a suicide charge at Farrukh. No, that's not how that was supposed to go down, you're supposed to surrender. Or at least just get pounced unconscious by Tanith... he thinks as the genie gets slaughtered by his own scimitar. Distractedly, barely even looking at it, he puts four arrows into 'his' bat, sending it crashing down to the ground, dead in a second. Then he starts running for the other side of the arena, even as Spiny's Six are proclaimed the overwhelming victors. "Yay." he says, halfheartedly, waving to the crowd as he makes his way over to the elves. "Astraden, think you can pop off one of your healing bursts by the Aurigas? I think a couple of them were bad off, and it's probably stronger than whatever Palemon's crew is doing..."

Eben can't do much personally, but he'll take 10 on aiding any heal checks or the like.


The Gateway Grove, The Isle of Last Resort

All but one of the elves prove to be savable. Palemon just rolls his eyes. "Auriga's family may be outcasts, but they still own more in their coinpurses than I make in a year. Krinasa will be back."

The two gnolls are remarkably good sports about the whole thing, despite one of their number being quite dead. They're being paid well, and apparently they were paid as a team—meaning now they get to split the dead gnoll's share between them.

The three unconscious cavaliers appear to be alright—none were terribly injured in the fight. Miskiota is alive as well, as are one of the troglodytes and one of the kobolds. They are carried out behind the rest.

Up in the stands, Ekaym is happily receiving the trophy and coin reward. He turns and grins widely at Spiny's Six, before a strange look crosses his face. He looks up, and the party can see that he is looking at Loris Raknian. His eyebrows furrow.

Raknian looks down upon the party. He is smiling, but there is a coldness to his gaze. It's not unlike the look a dog might give a tick sitting upon its back, [i]just[i] out of reach.

The party makes its way down below, back to the Coenoby. The next batch of teams is already getting ready to head up.

Match 3:
"The Boulders" 2
"Guttuggers" 1
"Drunken Devilry" 0
"The Gravediggers" 1
"The Unhumans" 1

Guttuggers: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 261d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 131d20 + 9 ⇒ (13) + 9 = 221d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 101d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17
Dev il r y: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 251d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 151d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 251d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 191d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19
Gravedigge: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (17) + 8 = 251d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 181d20 + 8 ⇒ (3) + 8 = 111d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 161d20 + 8 ⇒ (20) + 8 = 28
Un hum ans: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 251d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 201d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 221d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 201d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 25
ThBoulders: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (11) + 6 = 171d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 71d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 261d20 + 6 ⇒ (19) + 6 = 251d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23


Match 4:
"The Elderly Lads" 0
"The Snow Leopards" 1
"Varmint Patrol" 2
"The Woodchuckers" 1
"The Sewer Rats" 1

Elderlads: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 111d20 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 51d20 + 4 ⇒ (13) + 4 = 171d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 231d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23
Leop ards: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 101d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 241d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 101d20 + 9 ⇒ (4) + 9 = 131d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11
Varmintpa: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 211d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 191d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 181d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 71d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Woodchuck: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 101d20 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 121d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 231d20 + 3 ⇒ (10) + 3 = 131d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
SewerRats: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 131d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 61d20 + 4 ⇒ (9) + 4 = 131d20 + 4 ⇒ (20) + 4 = 241d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18

Match 5:
"Pitch Blade" 4
"Teeth of Kord" 1
"The Fisthammers" 0
"Rauth's Dragoons" 0
"Night Owls" 0

Pitch: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (20) + 12 = 321d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 261d20 + 12 ⇒ (3) + 12 = 151d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 251d20 + 12 ⇒ (16) + 12 = 28
Teeth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (10) + 8 = 181d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 171d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 271d20 + 8 ⇒ (9) + 8 = 171d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12
Fisth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 161d20 + 5 ⇒ (13) + 5 = 181d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 131d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 161d20 + 5 ⇒ (6) + 5 = 11
Rauth: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (20) + 6 = 261d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 231d20 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 111d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 141d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Night: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 231d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 111d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 141d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 191d20 + 4 ⇒ (10) + 4 = 14

Match 6:
"Auric's Warband" 3
"Iron Hill Monkeys" 0
"The Skull of Murq" 2
"Wacky's Warriors" 0
"Iuz Empire Man" 0

Auric: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 261d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 251d20 + 13 ⇒ (12) + 13 = 251d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 141d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15
Monke: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (19) + 5 = 241d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 71d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 191d20 + 5 ⇒ (11) + 5 = 161d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 14
Skull: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 161d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 131d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 81d20 + 7 ⇒ (20) + 7 = 271d20 + 7 ⇒ (15) + 7 = 22
Wacky: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 151d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 211d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 181d20 + 4 ⇒ (5) + 4 = 91d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16
Iuz Empire Man: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 81d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 151d20 + 1 ⇒ (13) + 1 = 141d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 201d20 + 1 ⇒ (14) + 1 = 15

Later that day, only six groups remain of the original thirty:

Auric's Warband

Pitch Blade

The Boulders

Final Phoenix

Varmint Patrol

And, of course, Spiny's Six.

Nobody from the fifth match—the one featuring Pitch Blade and Teeth of Kord, among others—is brought down, save the three dwarves themselves and a badly injured human woman Farrukh recognizes as Tigri, the group's leader. She's unconscious, and is swiftly rushed into the medical area.

Heal 20:
She looks like she's sustained some nasty burns.

Tanith:
Reminder: Yenaver indicated that the best candidate for handling the shrine would be a woman named Tigri, someone apparently fighting in these very Games. Tanith can always look into it after the Games, of course, but otherwise he might want to try to track her down soon.


The Gateway Grove, The Isle of Last Resort

It's about 8:10 pm now. What you've been doing over the last ten hours is up to you—story will progress shortly. The guards have been getting gradually thinner in number, and by 8:00 pm they're pretty sparse.


Action Points: 11/13|Bombs: 15/23|Female Undine (Formerly Yugoloth-Spawn Tiefling) Alchemist (Chirurgeon) 16|HP: 56/85|AC: 22(36)/14(23)/19(26)|Saves: +15 Fort (+20 vs. Poison), +18 Ref, +12 Will (+1 vs. Enchantments)|Initiative: +3|Perception: +21

Heal: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (11) + 15 = 26

Carina winces as the unconscious woman is rushed off to receive medical care. "Ouch--some pretty bad burns she sustained out there. At least two third-degree, the rest second-degree at worst."

I'll have more to add to the conversation, but I have to go to bed before I fall asleep at my keyboard.


Male Suel Sacred Fist/Godling 15 | 161/161 hp, Init +0, AC 32 (39 presently) [touch 23, FF 24], Fort +20*, Ref +12, Will +21; Perception +7
Active Buffs:
Resources:
Blessing 8/8 | Fervor 9/9 | Smites 6/6 | Rage 15/15 | Ki 10/10 | Action Points 6/11

"Burns? I suppose that means Pitch Blade's more than a bunch of bruisers."

Tanith is disappointed to hear that the Teeth of Kord was eliminated before he'd have a chance to face off against them and doubly so that it was Pitch Blade that had done the eliminating. Hoping to meet whoever survived from the team, he stops by the medical area. Gods willing, Tigri would have made it too.

I assume Carina comes along too.


HP: 75/81| AC: 30[32] FF: 27 Touch: 22 CMD: 30| Init: +4 (+8 Underground, +6 Urban) |Fort +10, Ref +13, Will +6| Action Points 8/9| Perception +18 (+24 Underground, +27 vs Traps)

Farrukh follows along with Tanith.

"I was really hoping Teeth of Kord would win. I liked Tigri. Plus I wanted to see how she fought with two Greatswords at once. Do you know how HARD it is fighting with two NORMAL SIZED weapons? She has to be extremely strong and still super dexterous. I'm surprised they lost."


*=temporarily buffed Human Bard 15/Ranger 1 — 79/119 hp — AC 36*/24*/24* (6 mirror images)—CMB +15, CMD 32*— Fort +14, Ref +*20, Will +12 — Spells 3/3 5th, 1/4 4th, 0/5 3rd, 4/6 2nd, 3/6 1st — Panache 3/3— Performance 36/40— Perception +19 — Init +4— Action Points 13/13—
Daily magic item use:
Bracers of falcon's aim 3/3, Lesser rod of quicken spell 3/3, rod of extend spell 2/3, Forzamele 3/3

Eben, curious at Carina's identification of extensive burn damage, makes subtle inquiries of the arena staff, more framed as 'how is Tigri, what happened to the Teeth of Kord, and where are all the other groups?' than 'what did Pitch Blade do up there?', but really, with the goal of finding out Pitch Blade's fighting style.

Diplomacy (gather information): 1d20 + 21 ⇒ (13) + 21 = 34


2 str dmg; HP:56/73; Summons 10/10; Action Points 10/10
Stats:
AC 20, touch 12, flat-footed 18 // Fort +7, Ref +7, Will +8 // CMD 18 // Init +2 // Perception +1

"Fireball?" Rodrigo asks. He accompanies the others out of pure boredom.


HP: 75/81| AC: 30[32] FF: 27 Touch: 22 CMD: 30| Init: +4 (+8 Underground, +6 Urban) |Fort +10, Ref +13, Will +6| Action Points 8/9| Perception +18 (+24 Underground, +27 vs Traps)

"Could just be a flaming sword."


*=temporarily buffed Human Bard 15/Ranger 1 — 79/119 hp — AC 36*/24*/24* (6 mirror images)—CMB +15, CMD 32*— Fort +14, Ref +*20, Will +12 — Spells 3/3 5th, 1/4 4th, 0/5 3rd, 4/6 2nd, 3/6 1st — Panache 3/3— Performance 36/40— Perception +19 — Init +4— Action Points 13/13—
Daily magic item use:
Bracers of falcon's aim 3/3, Lesser rod of quicken spell 3/3, rod of extend spell 2/3, Forzamele 3/3

To be honest, Eben's more concerned about what seems to be a case of 'one survivor out of 16-20 fighting the three dwarves' than the 'how did they make fire' aspect of it.


The Gateway Grove, The Isle of Last Resort

Farrukh and Tanith (and possibly others) make their way into the infirmary, which appears to also double as a kitchen. They get some looks from the staff, but nobody seems to care overmuch that they're in there.

Tigri and Joren are both lying on cots off to the side. Tigri is clearly awake—she sits in the lotus position, totally silent, as they approach. Her armor has been stripped from her, and she's wearing very simple brown rags—the sort one would more expect to see on a dirt-poor peasant than a seasoned gladiator. She's also unarmed.


HP: 75/81| AC: 30[32] FF: 27 Touch: 22 CMD: 30| Init: +4 (+8 Underground, +6 Urban) |Fort +10, Ref +13, Will +6| Action Points 8/9| Perception +18 (+24 Underground, +27 vs Traps)

@Eben: Considering it VERY easily could have gone down that way with our group if we were just a smidge more bloodthirsty, I wouldn't think too hard about it.

"So, um...you okay?"


The Gateway Grove, The Isle of Last Resort
Eben MacTeague wrote:

Eben, curious at Carina's identification of extensive burn damage, makes subtle inquiries of the arena staff, more framed as 'how is Tigri, what happened to the Teeth of Kord, and where are all the other groups?' than 'what did Pitch Blade do up there?', but really, with the goal of finding out Pitch Blade's fighting style.

[dice=Diplomacy (gather information)]1d20+21

Eben:
Pitch Blade has two major specialties.

First, as the name somewhat implies, their dark blades are nastily fire-enchanted. They're a bit worse than normal flaming weapons, too, possessing the ability to leave a pitch-like substance behind after each hit. This substance burns slowly, but will go near-indefinitely until forcibly extinguished. This tends to lead to fatalities—once unconscious, a gladiator will inevitably burn to death unless someone else comes to save her or him.

Second, their blades are crafted out of adamantine. Pitch Blade favors a sundering style as a result, focusing on well-known weapons and seeking to stagger their enemies' main hitters.

Pitch Blade is managed by Captain Okoral himself, and is extremely well-funded. They also have numerous sponsorship deals with magic shops around the city. Pitch Blade held the Belt for several years before Auric's Warband managed to dethrone them, and every year so far it's come down ultimately to these two teams.

Eben does manage to learn that not everybody died—two members of Teeth of Kord lasted alongside Tigri right up to the end. One survived thanks to a resist energy potion, and the other, a skald, surrendered right after Tigri fell. The bard was able to heal himself and his fallen friend, and they were judged fit enough to be sent away. They weren't too happy about that.

There were no other survivors. The Bloodbath does tend to live up to its name, as inevitably experienced warriors end up fighting green newcomers and the outcome is never good.

Tigri looks up at Farrukh. She nods, her hands twitching repetitively. "Hello, Farrukh. It is a pleasure to see you again, as well as your Kordian friend. Tanith Creed, yes?"


HP: 75/81| AC: 30[32] FF: 27 Touch: 22 CMD: 30| Init: +4 (+8 Underground, +6 Urban) |Fort +10, Ref +13, Will +6| Action Points 8/9| Perception +18 (+24 Underground, +27 vs Traps)

"I'll be honest, I'm surprised you guys lost. Are Pitch Blade really that brutal? Are you the only one that made it out?"


The Gateway Grove, The Isle of Last Resort

"I think Louse and Marta might have made it." Tigri grimaces. "Toulouse fights at Kord's side now. It is the way of things—we knew it would not be easy. The dwarves are...professionals. In the fight, they drew little attention to themselves. Most of the other groups put off targeting them. Fools."

She looks up at Tanith, her hands fidgeting drastically. "The Free City looks on and sees that Tigri of Kord has failed. Utterly. But Farrukh was right—a Kordian can still win these games. Pitch Blade has only improved with time, but Kord would not have only the seasoned rule. In these times of decay, we must set an example. You surprised us all today. Maybe you have one or two more surprises, yes?"


The Gateway Grove, The Isle of Last Resort

Those not visiting the infirmary notice that team managers are beginning to file down to talk to their gladiators. Conspicuously absent are managers for Auric's Warband and Pitch Blade—both of which teams have been quite reclusive thus far.


Male Suel Sacred Fist/Godling 15 | 161/161 hp, Init +0, AC 32 (39 presently) [touch 23, FF 24], Fort +20*, Ref +12, Will +21; Perception +7
Active Buffs:
Resources:
Blessing 8/8 | Fervor 9/9 | Smites 6/6 | Rage 15/15 | Ki 10/10 | Action Points 6/11

”Tanith Creed”, he offers alongside a handshake during the introductions.

Relieved to see that Tigri’s spirits were still high, he nods in agreement with her assessment. ”I’m glad we’re not the only ones pushing back against that decay. And, yes, the Free City needs a champion of Kord as its champion of the Games. I’m certain I can dig up a few more surprises before we’re done here – enough to bring down those dwarves and win this thing.”

”But I didn’t just come down here to talk about Pitch Blade. I’ve been looking for a strong follower of Kord to run things in a shrine I’m building in the Muddle and Yenaver Graveltoes gave me your name. There’s been some trouble in the past few weeks and the faith of the poor folks living and working there has suffered. They need the Brawler’s strength to push back the decay more than most I’d say.”


The Gateway Grove, The Isle of Last Resort

Tigri considers it. "...I have spoken to Yenaver about settling down. Sometimes it feels as though adventuring does little to truly help folk. It just keeps things at the, what is the word...status quo?" She frowns. "But I do not know that I could manage a community. I do not always understand people. It is easier to be strong in battle than in...other ways."

This'll call for a Diplomacy check.


Male Suel Sacred Fist/Godling 15 | 161/161 hp, Init +0, AC 32 (39 presently) [touch 23, FF 24], Fort +20*, Ref +12, Will +21; Perception +7
Active Buffs:
Resources:
Blessing 8/8 | Fervor 9/9 | Smites 6/6 | Rage 15/15 | Ki 10/10 | Action Points 6/11

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 15 ⇒ (8) + 15 = 23
Surge!: 1d6 ⇒ 3

”It’ll be harder that’s for sure - you'd be helping a whole community grow stronger and nobody said that'd be easy. But doesn’t the Brawler teach us that the truest path to strength is seeking the greatest challenges? Muscles that aren’t tested never grow.”


HP: 75/81| AC: 30[32] FF: 27 Touch: 22 CMD: 30| Init: +4 (+8 Underground, +6 Urban) |Fort +10, Ref +13, Will +6| Action Points 8/9| Perception +18 (+24 Underground, +27 vs Traps)

Assist Diplomacy: 1d20 - 2 ⇒ (13) - 2 = 11

"I'm sure you've got it in you. You don't seem like the kind of person who shies away from a challenge."


The Gateway Grove, The Isle of Last Resort

9d100 ⇒ (58, 72, 22, 32, 43, 86, 59, 3, 64) = 439

The others see Ekaym walking towards them, eyes bright. He's carrying the trophy—a bronze bull—as well as several large sacks of gold. "Wonderful news! You've gone up to Rank 3! Eben, Astraden, I've been talking to the bookies. You each won your bets!" He presents them both with sacks containing 250 platinum pieces. "I got it in platinum to spare my poor back, but nevertheless! I can hang on to them for now, by the way, if you would prefer."

The cash prize itself is 2,000 gp, split between contestants and criminally underpaid managers.


Male Suel Sacred Fist/Godling 15 | 161/161 hp, Init +0, AC 32 (39 presently) [touch 23, FF 24], Fort +20*, Ref +12, Will +21; Perception +7
Active Buffs:
Resources:
Blessing 8/8 | Fervor 9/9 | Smites 6/6 | Rage 15/15 | Ki 10/10 | Action Points 6/11

After admiring the prize purse Tanith spends even more time admiring the bronze bull. "That's a nice trophy!"


The Gateway Grove, The Isle of Last Resort

Tanith's in two places at once!

Tigri looks between Tanith and Farrukh, frowning. "I will try it. But if the whole town burns down, remember I warned you."


Male Suel Sacred Fist/Godling 15 | 161/161 hp, Init +0, AC 32 (39 presently) [touch 23, FF 24], Fort +20*, Ref +12, Will +21; Perception +7
Active Buffs:
Resources:
Blessing 8/8 | Fervor 9/9 | Smites 6/6 | Rage 15/15 | Ki 10/10 | Action Points 6/11

Diregard! I assumed that was a time skip or something.


*=temporarily buffed Human Bard 15/Ranger 1 — 79/119 hp — AC 36*/24*/24* (6 mirror images)—CMB +15, CMD 32*— Fort +14, Ref +*20, Will +12 — Spells 3/3 5th, 1/4 4th, 0/5 3rd, 4/6 2nd, 3/6 1st — Panache 3/3— Performance 36/40— Perception +19 — Init +4— Action Points 13/13—
Daily magic item use:
Bracers of falcon's aim 3/3, Lesser rod of quicken spell 3/3, rod of extend spell 2/3, Forzamele 3/3

Bah, Kordians can pummel the time/space continuum into submission!

And Ekaym is only making 4% less than he would have if he'd gotten a full share. Sheesh. Anyway, so 1800 after his cut, so that's 300 apiece for us. And why did anyone NOT wager on us? Did you somehow think the narrative called for us to lose?

"If you could hold onto mine, that's great." Eben says, not that the request stops him from appreciatively holding the hefty little sack of platinum in his hand and running his fingers through the shiny white coinage. "Actually, can you pick up a couple of things with some of my money?"


Female half-orc cleric 10/soul warden 5 | affected by:wind walk, air walk, good hope, haste, inspire courage, aegis? | HP56/123 | AC25/24/13| Fort+15,Ref+10,Will+18 | Init+6 | Perception+17
Resources:
ActionPoints5/12|Channel0/7|Touchofchaos7/7|Copycat5/7|Channeldamage7/7|Orc ferocity1/1|Chaosblade2/2|Master'sillusion15/15|RVeil0/1|RInsanity1/1

Astraden takes her sack with a smile. "Thanks, Ekaym! What're things like out there? Oh, and I think you can find Farrukh and Tanith in the infirmary or something. Tanith'll want to see his bull."


The Gateway Grove, The Isle of Last Resort

"Of course, my friend!" Ekaym pats Eben on the shoulder. "Whatever you need."

He turns to Astraden. "Everyone is most excited to have found warriors in you all. Ah, here they are!" He waves as Tanith and Farrukh exit the infirmary, holding up the bull for them to see.

"Come, now," Ekaym says, heading into Spiny's Six's chambers. "We must discuss our tactics without prying eyes looking on."


The Gateway Grove, The Isle of Last Resort

In the room:

Ekaym pauses by the doorway as the party enters, appearing nervous about being overheard. When he's sure of their solitude, he turns to them. “But let's get serious now.

“While it’s nice that you turned out to be pretty good gladiators, I must admit that I had a hidden motive for entering you in the Games. Not even Celeste knew about this, though she suspected something was up.”

He frowns. “You see… my sister Lahaka disappeared here last year, not long after the previous Champion’s Games. I’ve been looking for her for months now, but I’ve hit a dead end. She was a traveling entertainer, a bright joy that brought happiness to cities throughout the world." His voice catches. "It seems that her travels eventually brought her here, to the Free City, and more to the point, she caught Loris Raknian’s eye. I believe that they became lovers. What I do know is that she vanished the day after the Champion’s Games ended. Obviously, I’ve paid for divination spells to learn more, but some force is blocking them. And so I decided to come to the Games myself.”

He leans against the wall, his arms crossed. “I hoped that by entering some gladiators in the competition, I’d have a chance to explore the area, talk with Raknian. But Raknian's so busy and closely-guarded it seems impossible, and whenever I feel like I'm getting somewhere a guard jumps in my way and escorts me out.

“There are, my friends, two places I've not been able to reach—his palace and the arena understructure. The exterior is well-guarded...but you six are already in. So this is where you come in, my friends. I need your help once more.”


Male Suel Sacred Fist/Godling 15 | 161/161 hp, Init +0, AC 32 (39 presently) [touch 23, FF 24], Fort +20*, Ref +12, Will +21; Perception +7
Active Buffs:
Resources:
Blessing 8/8 | Fervor 9/9 | Smites 6/6 | Rage 15/15 | Ki 10/10 | Action Points 6/11

"That's a fine trophy!" Tanith says when Ekaym holds the bull up for display. "Sure, let's find someplace private to talk tactics."

***

"Well we were planning on checking out the area anyway so looking for your sister shouldn't be a problem. What's she look like? And if we find her how are we going to smuggle her out?"


HP: 75/81| AC: 30[32] FF: 27 Touch: 22 CMD: 30| Init: +4 (+8 Underground, +6 Urban) |Fort +10, Ref +13, Will +6| Action Points 8/9| Perception +18 (+24 Underground, +27 vs Traps)

"And what do you want us to do if she's not exactly being held captive? She could be here willingly. Or, well, dead."


The Gateway Grove, The Isle of Last Resort

Ekaym bites his lip. "I fear that she is most likely dead by now, to be honest. Lahaka liked to play around, but she knew better than to just drop off the face of the earth without giving us word. I know the score, Farrukh—I've done my share of bloody work and I know how it goes. But I have to know." His fists clench. "And if I can, I have to make Raknian pay.

"Lahaka hails...or hailed from the Hellfurnaces, so she was very pale, like me—I'm sure Raknian viewed her as 'exotic'. She had curly brown hair, though she dyed it often, and a tattoo of an iron cage on her shoulder."


HP: 75/81| AC: 30[32] FF: 27 Touch: 22 CMD: 30| Init: +4 (+8 Underground, +6 Urban) |Fort +10, Ref +13, Will +6| Action Points 8/9| Perception +18 (+24 Underground, +27 vs Traps)

"We are definitely on board with any plan that involves making Raknian pay for his crimes."


The Gateway Grove, The Isle of Last Resort

"Splendid. Well, you should have time tomorrow." Ekaym smiles tautly. "As I said, the second day is a break from the main events. It's all mock-fights, celebrity cameos, the Junior Gladiators League...If you want to start exploring the Understructure, you'll soon get the chance."


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Female half-orc cleric 10/soul warden 5 | affected by:wind walk, air walk, good hope, haste, inspire courage, aegis? | HP56/123 | AC25/24/13| Fort+15,Ref+10,Will+18 | Init+6 | Perception+17
Resources:
ActionPoints5/12|Channel0/7|Touchofchaos7/7|Copycat5/7|Channeldamage7/7|Orc ferocity1/1|Chaosblade2/2|Master'sillusion15/15|RVeil0/1|RInsanity1/1

"I'll prepare a spell, in case we only find her corpse. We were actually thinking of scouting tonight - do you advise against that?"


The Gateway Grove, The Isle of Last Resort

"No, the guards should be sparser now." Ekaym stretches. "I can bring you healing in the morning in case you should run into anything, but be careful."

Every day, Ekaym is allowed to bring 1,200 gp in healing supplies. He can also act as go-between, as Eben requested, to purchase items outside the arena. He's allowed one visit per day.


Female half-orc cleric 10/soul warden 5 | affected by:wind walk, air walk, good hope, haste, inspire courage, aegis? | HP56/123 | AC25/24/13| Fort+15,Ref+10,Will+18 | Init+6 | Perception+17
Resources:
ActionPoints5/12|Channel0/7|Touchofchaos7/7|Copycat5/7|Channeldamage7/7|Orc ferocity1/1|Chaosblade2/2|Master'sillusion15/15|RVeil0/1|RInsanity1/1

"Hmm . . . we'll probably be good. Might keep a wand of light healing on you just in case."

She looks up towards the door. "D'you guys think we should go mingle with the other teams again? Seems like everyone I know about got knocked in the Bloodbath."


HP: 75/81| AC: 30[32] FF: 27 Touch: 22 CMD: 30| Init: +4 (+8 Underground, +6 Urban) |Fort +10, Ref +13, Will +6| Action Points 8/9| Perception +18 (+24 Underground, +27 vs Traps)

"All the teams I liked were knocked out too."

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