[User]
 Everyone's first challenge in their journey is working with the hand fate deals them.

Roll 4d6d1 6 times below to see how your journey will begin.

The command is the ROLL command nested around 4d6b3, as below:

 (4d6b3)[ 10 ] [ROLL]4d6b3[/ROLL]

EDIT: one adventurer decided to test their fortune elsewhere.  their hand is as follows: 14; 11; 9; 13; 12; 8.  Anothers is: 13; 8; 13; 13; 7; 18

[User]
 Let's try this again...

I now provoke the hand of fate... DO YOUR WORST!

 (4d6b3)[ 13 ]
 (4d6b3)[ 15 ]
 (4d6b3)[ 12 ]
 (4d6b3)[ 10 ]
 (4d6b3)[ 14 ]
 (4d6b3)[ 14 ]

Edit: Well that wasn't too terrible

[User]
 Let's see what happens:

[ROLL](4d6b3)[/ROLL]
[ROLL](4d6b3)[/ROLL]
[ROLL](4d6b3)[/ROLL]
[ROLL](4d6b3)[/ROLL]
[ROLL](4d6b3)[/ROLL]
[ROLL]4d6b3[/ROLL]

[User]
 So first time messed up, let's see if I can get it right this time

[ROLL]4d6b3[/ROLL]
[ROLL]4d6b3[/ROLL]
[ROLL]4d6b3[/ROLL]
[ROLL]4d6b3[/ROLL]
[ROLL]4d6b3[/ROLL]
[ROLL]4d6b3[/ROLL]

[User]
 Trying to help my fellow player with these rolls. Testing.

[ROLL]4d6b3[/ROLL]
[ROLL]4d6b3[/ROLL]
[ROLL]4d6b3[/ROLL]
[ROLL]4d6b3[/ROLL]
[ROLL]4d6b3[/ROLL]
[ROLL]4d6b3[/ROLL]

Edit: Weird. I'm getting it to work, but now neither the adventurer or the DM can.

Second Edit: Nvm. It's not working for me now.

[User]
 Maybe fate will finally wake up:

 (4d6b3)[ 14 ]
 (4d6b3)[ 15 ]
 (4d6b3)[ 9 ]
 (4d6b3)[ 13 ]
 (4d6b3)[ 14 ]
 (4d6b3)[ 12 ]

[User]
 The final accounting:

a: 13;15;12;10;14;14

m: 14; 11; 9; 13; 12; 8

g: 13; 8; 13; 13; 7; 18

gqt: 12; 13; 11; 15; 12; 16

gm: 14; 15; 9; 13; 14; 12


[User]
 Spoiler: GM tracker
     Player
  Character
  PP
  AC
  HP
  Condition

  DoctorGlock
   Lucien
 13
 16(10)
 12/12

The cool breeze of a spring morning came through the windows of the temple at the far side of the town. Its back against the forest surrounding the area, the building stood tall among the modest habitations forming its parish. A bright star ornate with a horizontal bottom-facing moon crescent was carved over the doors in the honor of Leoht, the All-Father, god of light and bringer of beauty.

The sun was only starting to raise as Lucien, adopted son of Sir Julian Mordeux, was already there for prayers with an handful of young disciple of the light like himself. All church-goers and of a similar age, there was a striking difference between them. Lucien never quite fitted. His colleagues respected him openly and out of necessity, but the young man knew deep down he was despised by more than the common and intolerant citizen of Goresh. His yellowish eyes betrayed his elvish nature. Changeling he was often called, freak, monster, imposter, pagan even. Had he not been found by the man he saw as a father, his infant body would have been left in the woods to perish. As little comfort the prayers brought him, Lucien knew he had a few friends within these walls, but above all else, a brief peace of mind.

The prayers were abruptly interrupted as they are most week day by Templars with duties to assign. Among them was Sir Mordeux. The man was tall and fit of a royal guard, although the only thing he guarded was his precious faith and its values. Decisively he walked to Lucien with a message.

" 'Morning son. "

The man paused and looked at the corner of his eyes the rest of those already present and resumed his greetings once everyone was in motion.

" I have a special task for you today. You will go to the temple of Vii in Bellarive. Apparently they need a new perspective on an issue the priests there are dealing with. The road might be short, but ask for shelter if the sun is about to set once you are done serving there. "

Sir Mordeaux turned on his heels assuming a positive answer.

" May Valott guide your path " he added before heading to the exit.

 Spoiler: Out of character

 Bellarive is a village at the other end of the forest. Smaller than Goresh, but tightly linked by the church. Lucien has already been there several times over. It is in the forest separating the two places that he was originally found by Sir Julian.
 Vii is another deity. Daughter of nature - and of Leoht - she is the one who reigns over nature and who gives it its color.
 Valott is a lesser god, the one of guidance and travel. His name is often used when wishing a safe travel or when seeking wisdom or counsel from others.

[User]
 The words had never meant much to Lucien. Prayers belonged in dusty tomes with dusty gods. But the ringing of the votive bells and the chanting was soothing. He needed that. The nightmares had come again last night, a crooning lullaby with cracking syllables and the harsh croaking of ravens.

Here the bells and sprawling rosebushes brought peace. That was almost like prayer, he hoped.

His father's voice interrupted his reverie. The task seemed a simple one, and his father's warning sensible. And he had turned to leave before Lucien could inquire further. No sense rushing after him, not where all could see. What would they say?  Lucien cannot follow simple instructions. Lucien has no discipline. Lucien is no knight.

So that meant a quick trip to the armory. First, his quarters. A fine set of silver-gleaming mail, lovingly polished through the years, beneath a white tabbard bearing a red and violet rose, styled as if from stained glass. The same that graced the great chapel. It had been his father's once.

 Brigands and blackguards prowl the forests, and far worse beneath the waxen moon...

The armory, yes. The grizzled old quartermaster with his one eye handed Lucien his spear, topped with its long, thin, curved glittering blade, Another gift from his father, so different from the arms of the other knights. He had never told him where it was from, but it was obvious it was made in no local forge.

'What do you know of the road to Ballarive,' Lucien asked the old man-at-arms. "I've heard there are bandits there now.'

[User]
 Spoiler: GM tracker
     Player
  Character
  PP
  AC
  HP
  Condition

  DoctorGlock
   Lucien
 13
 16(10)
 12/12

The quartermaster was not sight to behold. The years have not been kind on him. Once a great man, a great warrior of the holy church, the old man always made time for stories. When in public, the tale of his lost eye was one of wavering faith leading to his fall in battle. " Had I not hesitated and gave the gods all the credits for my victories, I'd be standing in your ranks still... With both eyes! " he often said. That story had a different angle when he talked to Lucien in his younger years. The quartermaster found the young boy crying in the alley behind his magazine and told him his story as he told everyone else. There was a twist then and it was the only time he heard it:

" You know boy, I was doing pretty good that day. Good work too. What I accomplished saved many lives from the grasp of evil and twisted creatures. Yet I was punished by the gods for doubting. I tell the story, but I gotta tell you laddie, I doubt even more since that bloody day. Even more when I see innocent kids like you being bullied for being different. The only difference it really made is that I don't take any chances now. Always watching or not, I won't be caught in their disgrace again. "

Obviously holding back his plain thoughts, the message was clear then: the gods are not perfect if they still care for the mortals.

"  Bellarive  you mean " coughed the wrinkly man laughing. " I thought you would get that word right with that fancy name of yours  Lucien  " now putting an accent in his name.

Erwan took a rag out as he spoke to the changeling and started cleaning the top of the furniture lying about.

" Bandits are a plague that afflicts every isolated road lad. That forest behind the church is no exception. Bandits is too great a word for what they really are. Mostly they are those in need abusing the hospitality of both the temple of Leoht and the nature's goddess'. "

The man took a pause with a changed look in his eye. It examined Lucien from the boots to the tip of his head.

" Don't linger too much there laddie, you more than anyone else. Don't even think of camping there this time of year "

[User]
 Lucien grinned. From Erwan humor always came from a good place, and he was one of the few that would say Lucien's storybook name without a hint of mockery. The grind swiftly vanished under the man's scrutiny.

'Something beyond bandits troubles you about Bellarive, Sergeant?' Lucien asks, his amber eyes gleaming like cats' in the dim torchlight of the armory.


[User]
 Winter Comes

After having traveled many weeks, Sasha has finally arrived at her hometown of Indos. Her eyes looking over the horizon, she can see the tips of the townhouses peaking over the hillside. As she enters into the village proper, she notices the familiar and primarily human peasantry eyeing her cautiously as she passes by. The village seems mostly unchanged, a few new buildings here and there, a few new children running about, and one family that Sasha doesn't seem to recognize. Following her feet, Sasha finds herself at a door with a sign hanging above it, noting the "Shaking Hand," the local tavern and inn. Pushing the door open, Sasha's eyes meet with a familiar and friendly face, seemingly the only friendly face in town. The local dwarf, Hodrick Widegrin, stands from his seat and rushes to her, wrapping his arms for an embrace,  "Sasha! By the Twins, is it truly you? I never thought I would see your starry eyed face again. Why I remember when you were nothing but a wee lass! What's got you back to town?

[User] Nostalgia, I guess,   she says, hugging the much shorter man.   It's been so long, I was hoping some attitudes might've changed. Though I'm glad yours hasn't.

[User]
 "Most folk around here dont change much, 80 years here I know that damned well. You know how humanfolk tend to get around our types"  he says with a whisper.  "Nostalgia is an interesting thing to drive you back to a place like here, not too many happy memories that I recall. Heh, perhaps all the doomspoutin of late made you miss us. They do say that time makes the heart grow fond.Well, not too new here. Although, the Drammonds moved into town say 3 or 4 years back, they're an odd sort. Town built a new hall recently too, the mayor was quite happy about that. Oh, and Tommy Fletcher has gone missin bout a week and a half now, went hunting an never came back. The whole family is a mess.

His tone begins to get a bit more somber,  But you know, the place hasn't really been the same here without you and your mother. You bloody elves always managed to keep a smile peaking through my beard!

[User]
 Tommy? I...   Sasha says, thinking back to all the memories of Tommy. But, thinking even further back, to her mother's words...

 Always be the better person, sweetie. Find room in your heart to forgive, if not to forget. I know doing the right thing isn't always easy-but that's oftentimes how you know it's right.

She sighs.   Where'd Tommy go missing? If he's been gone a week now, his family must be a mess. I can try to find him.

[User] Hodrick let's out a grim laugh,  "Try all you want lass, but I fear that boy is gone. Must've been snatched by a bear or somethin. But, if you must go look, he had gone hunting to the north, said he'd found a "hidden grotto" where there's all the game a hunter could ever dream of. Nonsense if you ask me. Dont know why you'd want to look for him anyway, after the way he'd always treated you and her mum. If you head out for 'im, lemme know. I can't right let an old friend go runnin about in the woods by herself, foul creatures be about now that summer is beginning to peak around the corner."

[User] I'm a bleeding heart, you know that.   she says.   I can't let someone, no matter how much of an ass they might be, be in danger if I could do something about it. And besides... Maybe me helping out will change their tune.

[User] "Very well."  Hodrick looks with concern but quickly readjust himself.  "We should be off then. Let me stop by me house first to pick up some things. Shall we be off?"

[User]
 Take your time, friend. It's been a week already-a few minutes on the end won't change anything.

Sasha stays with the dwarf, letting him fetch whatever he needs, and when he's ready, she nods.   I've learned a few things, in the time I've been gone. Let me know when we're near where he went missing, if you can-I've got a spell that will speed our movements, in case there's something dangerous we have to handle.

 Spoiler: OOC
Longstrider is a good spell.

[User]
 Hodrick begins collecting himself and pays his tab at the bar before heading out alongside you to his house. He enters the building and returns a few moments later geared in a chain shirt with an axe at his hip and a crossbow on his back.  "Let's be off then, shall we lass? Forgive my pace, this hip is getting old."

The pair of you enter into the woods just outside town and begin to follow the trail through the trees. Hodrick smiles the entire hike,  "It's nice to be out like this again. Been some time since I left the village and went on an adventure. You know, your mother and I went on our own treks like this once or twice. We made quite the team once. One time we fought an mad druid in these very woods, he had been pestering the townsfolk and they looked to us to stop him. Was quite the battle, if memory serves"

 Spoiler: OoC
Roll a survival check if you would like to look for tracks

[User]
 Spoiler: Survival
 (1d20+2)[ 11 ]
With advantage, due to my pal helping?  (1d20+2)[ 9 ]

Sasha chuckles a little.   I know you like your tall tales, but it's me. You don't have to try to impress me.

But if that really happened... I'd love to hear more. But it can wait a little bit-can you help me find his tracks before we get lost in memory lane?

[User]
 "Heh heh, suppose you're right lass. Though after a week his tracks are likely gone."

Almost as if on cue, as the words leave his lips you spot a pair of boot prints heading further into the woods. They look almost fresh, maybe a few days old at most.

 "I suppose I may have spoken too quickly"  Hodrick says with a grumble.

The pair of you continue into the woods following the tracks when suddenly you notice the air getting a lot colder. The trees have frost creeping up their sides and the ground is dotted with patches of snow. You can see you own breath escape your lips.

 "Hm. This is odd. Winter fled not but two months ago. There can't be any snow left, this is impossible."

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC
By the way, Imma protect my friend here from my breath weapon. Just takes a bonus action, lasts 24 hours.

Sasha shivers a little.   It is strange. I can't think of anything that might cause it, though.

[User]
 The wintery breeze bites at your skin as the air rushes by. The tracks have faded underneath a thin cover of snow.
 "Should we continue onward? Can'tspy any tracks in this damned snow"  Hodrick calls as he kicks the white powder around with his boot

[User]
 Sasha looks into the distance.   I... I want to keep going. But I know we won't find anything-regardless of what there is to find, neither of us can track well enough to get there.

Let's head back. Thanks for accompanying me,   she finishes with a smile.


[User]
 The air is hot and stale in Bar Mon's Club. The four of you sit stage-left against a dry brick wall. Mona and her band are in full swing. She's a proper Puma dressed in white. Her voice is robust and carries well beyond the walls of this popular dive within the Nightmarket district. The band is groovy. An ensemble of talented musicians that keep Mona in stride. Mona's hips sway and her back arches as she holds a note to near infinity. The crowd cheer and clap, whistle and slap the table. The set is over for now, but the band will return after a short break.

Your server stops by. Her name is Candy. Candy is all legs and horns, stereotypical for a blonde gazelle. After taking your order, you notice she's left behind an envelope. The note is from Hoxley. There is a small crate of whale bone arriving by rail within the next twelve hours. It will be siezed by the Bluecoats as contraband unless the Ethers are johnny-on-the-spot and nab this box of white ivory first.

What do you do? What's your plan?

[User] Milos, currently a bright red and wearing a gray suit, had been lightly flirting with Candy while she took their orders. He quickly read the note and passed it off to whoever next wanted to read it. He crouched down in his seat (for no particular reason other than for effect) and whispered to the others in a conspiratorial tone,  "Well well my friends. It seems we have a spot of trouble to deal with eh? My first thought is to go with my specialty and have us disguise as the boys in azure and nab what is ours before they can. And if they get there before us, well we'll at least have an opportunity for confusion and chaos. How'd that suit you lot?"

[User]
 Traven Rowil , aka  Chit  the Leech

Chit takes a brusque bite of his bamboo snack (bamboo filled with peanut butter and cockroaches) as he reads the note.

 "Huh, not a bad idea."

He speaks between chews. Chit's red fur is subdued by the bar-light, but the bright white of his snout and ears is plain to see that he is twitching in beat to the music. He puts the note down as he takes a claw and scratches near the eye-patch over his right eye.

 "But we should work an exit plan if things go extra wrong. Which means we need to figure the right place to pick up the package that works in our advantage."

He leans back as he takes another mouthful of bamboo into his mouth.

 "Course, I can always break something if we need a distraction."

A small smile could be seen as he chewed his snack.

[User]
 Deirdre, who sighs somewhat wistfully as the singer departs the stage, pricks an ear back at talk of disguises and shenanigans.

 "Mm all good, all good. A shame we don't have just a little more forewarning, or I might suggest we retrieve our fancy before it even pulls into the station..."

She cranes over the table a little to get a better look at the note in question, nearly upsetting Chit's drink in the process.  "I don't suppose it says whether or not the train's already left, and from where?"

[User] Dierdre scans the note. However, there is no indication of a departure location or a time. Only that the train will arrive at Gaddoc Rail Station twelve hours from now.

[User]
 She tsks at the paper.  "Ah Huxley, so helpful and yet so vague. I suppose distraction and disguises it is then, unless you think it would be worth it to try and coax a little more out of him."

She settles back down, playing idly with a deck of cards while she thinks.  "So then, maybe two stalling the bluecoats and two retrieving the goods while they're preoccupied? Stop me if I'm being silly of course, but here are my thoughts. Get to the bluecoats before they get to the train, maybe a good thirty minutes or an hour or so before it's due to arrive. Hold them up in whatever way seems easiest. The other two pose as bluecoats, get on the train and 'confiscate' the shipment before the real bluecoats arrive."

She deals herself out a hand as though she were playing poker.  "Of course that doesn't leave much in the way of Plan Bs but I was never terribly good at those, they take the fun out of things."

[User] Milos smiles and nods and says,  "That sounds good to me my dear. Plan B can just be to improvise. So no leaving your weapons at home."  He gives a chuckle at that, as if anyone in their line of work would ever do so.

[User]
 Some days you just wanted to be pretty, right?

And hey, that was just an advantage that came with being a cute girl in the big city. No one's going to stop you from spending half an hour filing the points out of your gross fingertalons, or from thoroughly shampooing and conditioning your fur so it ripples and shines. You can go out on the street wearing a bright blue dress with a big flower in your hat and maybe just a  slight  hint of ankle without it even being a harvest festival or celestial event or anything. Not every day needs to be spent lurking around in stagnant pits of cold water, and Zoe makes careful note of all those shadows and hollows she could be lurking in but  isn't . She's not on the job. The job doesn't own her. She is her own bat and she can look fine if she wants.

Mrs. Clavindale is selling ribbons today. Zoe buys one and wraps it around her neck so that it flutters behind her in the breeze. People look at her and that's  fine .

Mostly fine. It's fine so long as she's not the one doing the looking. Whenever she spots a mirror or a reflection she holds her breath and carefully avoids making eye contact. It's not that she doesn't like the dress - the dress is wonderful (if not very revealing), the ribbon is cute, the hat - the  hat .

She reaches to turn a door handle and catches a glimpse of her wrist. Muscles like steel coil for a moment are visible in the narrow gap between glove and sleeve.

She hurries through the door.

Briefest of glimpses to the others on her crew. They're plotting. Narrating. Scheming. Deirdre is sitting there like a fallen angel, dominating the entire scene without even noticing.

Zoe glances down a bit. That was the problem with the dress. It wasn't for  her . It wasn't a good fit for an ex-baker with too much muscle and no curves at all. She hadn't even been thinking about herself when she'd been purchasing it - she'd imagined Deirdre's beautiful limbs wrapped up in this colour and some part of her had wished-hoped that she might look even half as pretty as the image in her head.

It took her no time at all to realize that she'd been entirely mistaken. Now she was here dressed awkwardly in a style that wasn't hers and oh Architect this was a mistake. Was it too late, had they seen her? Was this just going to ruin their entire conversation and make everything about her and her terrible fashion sense? Oh Stars, were they going to pity compliment her?

Too late now.

Chin up. Brave face. Smile.

"Hey, everyone," said Zoe Rosen - Khoyshekh if we're doing crime names. Even her attempt to sit down was rendered less than graceful by a flash of Mona's serpentine tail from the stage, and Zoe got her leg half caught on the chair leg, banged her knee in that way that's incredibly painful, but smiled so widely and aggressively that it didn't show. "Hey. Sorry I'm late. We're doing crime," play it smooth, Zoe, "Hi Deirdre, you look amazing," too smooth, abort. "I am ready to do some crime. Crime we should do. Let us focus on the crime." Perfect, nailed it.

[User]
 "Oh Zoe darling there you are."  Deirdre glances up, eyes sparkling with mischief as the fourth member of the crew arrives.  "You're looking well, is that a new dress?"

She doesn't dwell on niceties, just slips her the paper from Huxley and settles back in her seat. " And you're just in time too. We've got a train coming in twelve hours and we were just discussing who should be the distraction and who should slip off with our crate before it's missed. Now I am of course, very good at being distracting..."  She grins wide, a smile full of sharp teeth that manages to be at once alarming and enticing.  "But then again so is Chit, and so are you."

Deirdre takes a drink from the cocktail she's been nursing through the evening so far. She loves the taste, but not so much the being drunk part. She likes to be able to remember her recklessness after the fact.  "Mm I don't know. Milos do you think you can do me up like a convincing blue coat? I bet I look just dashing in a uniform."

[User]
 Milos greets Zoe with a familiar (perhaps a bit too familiar?) smile.

 "I'm sure I could and I'm sure you would my dear."  Milos replies with a grin. He seems like he's about to follow it up when Candy returns with their previous orders. He remarks in some way about the drinks mostly as more flirting with Candy before she goes off to other customers. Then he resumes talking to the group as if there wasn't an interruption at all.  "Are you two fine taking on the role of distracting and delaying then?"  he asks Zoe and Chit.

[User]
 Originally Posted by Raine_Sage
  "Oh Zoe darling there you are."  Deirdre glances up, eyes sparkling with mischief as the fourth member of the crew arrives.  "You're looking well, is that a new dress?"

Resume smoothness. "Oh, this old thing?" Zoe said. Wait, does that come across as humblebragging? Because she certainly hadn't earned  that  right. Walk it back, Zoe. Wait, looking well? Well as in healthy? Did she normally look sick?

 She doesn't dwell on niceties, just slips her the paper from Huxley and settles back in her seat. " And you're just in time too. We've got a train coming in twelve hours and we were just discussing who should be the distraction and who should slip off with our crate before it's missed. Now I am of course, very good at being distracting..."  She grins wide, a smile full of sharp teeth that manages to be at once alarming and enticing.  "But then again so is Chit, and so are you."

 I wonder how hard she could bite without breaking skin.  "Oh, yes, distracting." was that a compliment? Be gracious, Zoe. "Thank you?"

 Originally Posted by Ramsus
 Milos greets Zoe with a familiar (perhaps a bit too familiar?) smile.

 "I'm sure I could and I'm sure you would my dear."  Milos replies with a grin. He seems like he's about to follow it up when Candy returns with their previous orders. He remarks in some way about the drinks mostly as more flirting with Candy before she goes off to other customers. Then he resumes talking to the group as if there wasn't an interruption at all.  "Are you two fine taking on the role of distracting and delaying then?"  he asks Zoe and Chit.

"... Glass! When did you get here?" said Zoe, startled. "I mean. Yes. Yes that is a thing that we can do. As a team."

[User] Milos gives Zoe this over-exaggerated hurt expression along with a change in color to blue, but then has a tiny bit of a smirk on the edges of his mouth as he takes a sip of his drink.

[User]
 Deirdre chuckles and offers Zoe a sip of her drink.  "So tell me, are you getting ready for a special occasion or did you just feel like being fancy today? I have to say the ribbon is absolutely adorable."

Zoe seems nervous, but whether it's actual nerves or the usual raw energy her teammate exudes is hard to tell. The ribbon is indeed cute though, she has to resist the urge to reach over and tug at the ends. Deirdre can be a terrible fidget.

[User]
 Time seems to fly at Bar Mon's Club. A couple of hours of drinking and planning brings you to the hour of Coal and a new musician to take the stage. The Raptors are a group of hip birds with a slow roll and a soulful sound. A new flow and a thumping bass brings a slightly new crowd. A few of the Wraiths walk into the club. These cats are on your turf, minimal as it is. Maxim, the calculating white tiger, moves toward a stage-side table. The three Wraiths know your position within the club and they are keenly aware that you notice them.

What do you do? What is your next move?

[User]
 Originally Posted by Raine_Sage
 Deirdre chuckles and offers Zoe a sip of her drink.  "So tell me, are you getting ready for a special occasion or did you just feel like being fancy today? I have to say the ribbon is absolutely adorable."

Zoe seems nervous, but whether it's actual nerves or the usual raw energy her teammate exudes is hard to tell. The ribbon is indeed cute though, she has to resist the urge to reach over and tug at the ends. Deirdre can be a terrible fidget.

"I - uh -" Zoe glances between Glass and Deirdre and then there's a glass of something in her hand and whoops she's drinking it and was that just an innuendo? Should she have been, like, cooler, about this? "It's a secret," she said and immediately kicked herself because now she'd just trapped herself in a stupid lie and, woah, this drink must be really strong because she was blushing like crazy at that obviously fake compliment.

 Originally Posted by DyerMaker
 Time seems to fly at Bar Mon's Club. A couple of hours of drinking and planning brings you to the hour of Coal and a new musician to take the stage. The Raptors are a group of hip birds with a slow roll and a soulful sound. A new flow and a thumping bass brings a slightly new crowd. A few of the Wraiths walk into the club. These cats are on your turf, minimal as it is. Maxim, the calculating white tiger, moves toward a stage-side table. The three Wraiths know your position within the club and they are keenly aware that you notice them.

What do you do? What is your next move?

 Sweet Architect why is Maxim so cool. Why are cats all so cool. He wouldn't blink if you set his tail on fire.

Still, it was a chance to perform a combat disengage from a conversation that had started off trainwreck and was only getting worse.

"Hey Maxim! Mr. Maxim? Can I call you that? I mean, I don't know if it's your  name  name or, like, your secret crime name, is there a grammar school for crime etiquette -" Zoe thought she heard of a blimp disaster that resembled her handling of this evening's conversation. "You want some drinks? I can buy you some drinks. On the house. Which I am, sort of, I as the house would be doing the buying. Your face is incredibly cool." Smooth as silk.

[User]
 -Flashback to Earlier-
Milos seems to have something on his mind as he enters the club. It's distracting him enough that he even forgets to give a friendly greeting to a few of the strangers he passes by as he takes a seat.
Once he's seated at the table with Chit and gives him the standard warm welcome, he asks,  "You wouldn't happen to have any Trance Powder on you would you?"

 Spoiler

Question for the GM: Does Trance Powder only work when inhaled or would it work just fine if ingested with food or drank in a liquid?

[User]
 Deirdre can't help the high pitched mirthful laughing that Zoe inspires with her less than graceful attempts at diplomacy, but she still puts a hand on her friend's shoulder.

 "Zoe, dear,  darling,  precious creature.  Breathe  a little. Count backwards from ten. You look like you're about to vibrate right out of your skin."  She shoots Maxim a look and a smile that speak to a sort of gracious embarrassment. The sort of unspoken communication that says 'Ah youth' without actually rescinding Zoe's invitation. After all if they want to behave themselves and be civil then Deirdre is hardly going to complain (and that Maxim fellow is fairly easy on the eyes).

However when she turns back to Glass and Chit her demeanor is less accommodating.  "Well then,"  she says in a low murmur,  "someone's being awfully provocative tonight."

 Spoiler: OOC
Not interfering with Milos' plans, just wanted to respond to Zoe. Chit and you commence with the flashback before mentioning anything in the present.

[User]
 Traven Rowil , aka  Chit  the Leech

--Flashback to Earlier--
Chit gives Glass an odd look. With an eyebrow raised, he begins to respond.

 "Why would-"  He pauses as he has a sudden realization that his incredulity would be rather self-incriminating.

 "Yes. Yes I do."  He says as his face falls flat.

He then shuffles through a satchel on his hip and pulls out a small, tightly sealed bag. And holds it in his hand below the table between them.

 "Any particular reason you want this stuff?"

His attention seems to shift suddenly as Candy approaches.

 "I'll have an order of Bamboo Bites and a glass of Leaf & Tonic."  He says with a big grin.


[User]
 It was the day of the Banquet, Starfall rejoiced for its son. Great hermetic contraptions were being hauled out of storerooms, their makers intent on proving themselves the greatest tinkers on the grand stage of the Banquet. The banners of the Vetinari family hung proudly, decorated with flowers, and the very air seemed charged with a sense of excitement. Outside the city walls, the road bustled with dignitaries from all throughout the world, and merchants carrying supplies for the coming feast. The day was sunny and clear, a glad surprise for the summer months, though off in the distance, great clouds could be seen amassing their host.

In the Halls of the Grand Palace, from which House Vetinari ruled the city and the League, was the center of the festivities. These halls, which had seen the House rise to power with whispered deals in hidden corridors, and exchanged coin writ in a thousand ledgers, now played host to laughing nobles, smiling servants, and a smiling father, who patted his son on the back as they left their private rooms.

Phyrex smiled cheekily, as he and his father passed two servants kissing in an alcove, as they headed towards the main hall.

"My oh my. The palace hasn't been this lively since..."

"Herod's birth, I would say."

His father shrugged.

"It's quite the occasion. You are getting betrothed, after all. And to think it took this long."

They exited into a magnificent display of light and color, as the main hall's stained glass roof let light play in dazzling patterns among the rich and famous of the League, who tittered in excitement as father and son entered.

"Now we just have to wait for Olaf and Kendra to arrive."

[User] The Hodeskalle family arrives shortly. Kendra, as the bride-to-be, is in the lead. She wears the long, white gown of a Gamle Mater priestess, but not in the traditional style. Instead, Kendra has made an effort to be closer to the styles common in the League of White Sails, having her dress altered to be far lighter with longer sleeves and added a partially bared midriff, probably just to irritate her mother. Her straight, brown hair hangs just to the small of her back. Following closely behind are her parents. Olaf is dressed in a red cloak with fur lining, very regal in appearance, but uncomfortably warm in the more temperate climate. Clara wears a priestess' gown as well, but it is in the traditional Overvann style, being sleeveless but made from heavy material. Following them is their retinue, various warriors and diplomats. Olaf greets the leaders of the League.  "Greetings, friends. May I present my daughter, Kendra Hodeskalle, daughter of Clara Hodeskalle."

[User]
 Originally Posted by bc56
   "Greetings, friends. May I present my daughter, Kendra Hodeskalle, daughter of Clara Hodeskalle."

Urza and Phyrex made their way past the parting nobles, the gentle tapping of Urza's cane sounding their way through the ranks. Urza was dressed in a style common among nobles of the League, an austere black robe, with gold trimmings at the very edges, which hung loosely upon on his tall, slender form, though the most notable part of his apparel was the golden amulet upon which a great jewel was set, the Philosopher's Stone that he and other hermeticists had developed. Upon his gaunt face was a slight smile, as he introduced his son, though his clothing was less strictly orthodox. He was dressed in a dark red tunic with silver trimmings and lighter red trousers, over which he wore a light white and blue surcoat. Upon his head was a blue cap, with a single white feather in it.

Urza bowed his head in respect, before gesturing his son forward.

"And allow me to present Phyrex Vetinari, son of Urza Vetinari. Welcome to Starfall. I trust you have had a pleasant journey?"

[User]
 Fëkälis entered the banquet hall with a slight scowl, doing his best to hide the slight limp and occasional tremors in his hands. He was dressed as befits a king: the finest silks from Reflas and ostentatious jewelry (including a few pieces of Dažytijan style copper jewelry). The marriage of the son of an important vassal, especially one whose rise to importance was so unexpected, to the daughter of a foreign kingdom of such recent political interest and importance certainly required his personal appearance, but was also poorly timed. His health was troublesome, and it would not do to allow those outside the innermost circles of the royal court to become aware of how bad things could get. He could hide the limp and tremors, he had been doing so for so long already, but the lack of sleep during the journey was no doubt showing. The power of the D̨vatlan throne could not be called into question.

Along with the king came his young cousin Psëtä. Dressed more simply in the formal robes of a lower ranking priest, the teenager also scowled. Not at his own frailty, but at the failure to maintain Tëlir Geza in the League Cities. The king may approve of a local family reestablishing centralized rule over the sometimes troublesome region, but it would be better for everyone if they had not abandoned the gods in doing so. As for Overvann, they might as well be Perijanists: just one more bunch of foreign gods trying to worm their way in between the rivers. But politics was key here, and he had no choice but to play nice with the heathens.

N̨amodl and D̨züssätt had sent lavish gifts, but were too preoccupied with matters in the east to attend. The client-king of Zachodnie sent some representatives and gifts, hoping to show off his relative power among the notables within the D̨vatlan sphere. As did the merchant lords of Hathgjil, eager to get a glimpse of what the future might hold for their main rival as the major sea power under D̨vatlan rule. Even some Dažytijans showed up, hoping for a good party.

[User] "Yes, it was quite uneventful."  Kendra speaks here, earning a disapproving look from Clara, although Olaf doesn't seem to mind.  "Yes, quite pleasant. I brought mead, from my private stock, to celebrate this occasion."

[User]
 Originally Posted by bc56
  "Yes, it was quite uneventful."  Kendra speaks here, earning a disapproving look from Clara, although Olaf doesn't seem to mind.  "Yes, quite pleasant. I brought mead, from my private stock, to celebrate this occasion."

Phyrex smiled brightly.

"Overvanni Mead is famed, lead us hope it lives up to its reputation."

Vetinari shot him a glance.

"Of course, we would be poor hosts if we were not to provide our own refreshments. Come, enjoy the banquet. You are the guests of honor after all."

He gestured to the reserved tables.

[User] "Thank you."  The Overvann delegation moves to sit.


[User]
 Tarinas Dice:

3
 (3d6)[ 4 ][ 5 ][ 1 ](10)
 (3d6)[ 1 ][ 4 ][ 5 ](10)
4
 (4d6)[ 5 ][ 4 ][ 6 ][ 4 ](19)
 (4d6)[ 2 ][ 3 ][ 3 ][ 5 ](13)
5
 (5d6)[ 3 ][ 1 ][ 6 ][ 2 ][ 1 ](13)
 (5d6)[ 3 ][ 3 ][ 3 ][ 2 ][ 2 ](13)
6
 (6d6)[ 3 ][ 2 ][ 3 ][ 3 ][ 5 ][ 2 ](18)
 (6d6)[ 2 ][ 2 ][ 6 ][ 3 ][ 3 ][ 4 ](20)
7
 (7d6)[ 1 ][ 2 ][ 1 ][ 1 ][ 5 ][ 3 ][ 3 ](16)
 (7d6)[ 1 ][ 2 ][ 5 ][ 2 ][ 2 ][ 1 ][ 2 ](15)

[User]
 Combat Test Elfsong tavern

 Spoiler

 Spoiler: Lekard “Dead-Eye” Cadavrus.
Bandit Captain

Armor Class 15 (Studded Leather)
Hit Points 65 (10d8 + 20)
Speed 30 ft.

STR (+2)
DEX (+3)
CON (+2)
INT  (+2)
WIS (+0)
CHA (+2)

Saving Throws STR +4, DEX +5, WIS +2

Skills Athletics +4, Deception +4
Senses Passive Perception 10
Languages Any two languages
Challenge 2 (450 XP)

Actions
Multiattack. The captain makes three melee attacks: two with its scimitar and one with its dagger. Or the captain makes two ranged attacks with its daggers.

Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d6 + 3) slashing damage.

Dagger. Melee or Ranged Weapon Attack: +5 to hit, reach 5 ft. or range 20/60 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d4 + 3) piercing damage.

Ranged vs Spy or double move vs Spy

Dagger :  (1d20+5)[ 19 ]  , Dmg:  (1d4+3)[ 7 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 13 ]  , Dmg:  (1d8+1)[ 5 ]

Reactions
Parry. The captain adds 2 to its AC against one melee attack that would hit it. To do so, the captain must see the attacker and be wielding a melee weapon.

 Spoiler: Bandit Crew
Bandit
Medium humanoid (any race), any non-lawful alignment

Armor Class 12 (Leather Armor)
Hit Points 11 (2d8 + 2)
Speed 30 ft.

STR
11 (+0)
DEX
12 (+1)
CON
12 (+1)
INT
10 (+0)
WIS
10 (+0)
CHA
10 (+0)

Senses Passive Perception 10
Languages Any one language (usually Common)
Challenge 1/8 (25 XP)

Actions
Scimitar. Melee Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, reach 5 ft., one target. Hit: 4 (1d6 + 1) slashing damage.

Light Crossbow. Ranged Weapon Attack: +3 to hit, range 80 ft./320 ft., one target. Hit: 5 (1d8 + 1) piercing damage.

Crew Initiative:
 (1d20+1)[ 4 ]

Crew Atk Round 1:

2 at the door, light  crossbow:
1  (1d20+3)[ 13 ]  , Dmg:  (1d8+1)[ 7 ]
2  (1d20+3)[ 12 ]  , Dmg:  (1d8+1)[ 4 ]

5 Melee:
1  (1d20+3)[ 10 ]  , Dmg:  (1d6+1)[ 5 ]
2  (1d20+3)[ 6 ]  , Dmg:  (1d8+1)[ 7 ]
3  (1d20+3)[ 8 ]  , Dmg:  (1d8+1)[ 3 ]
4  (1d20+3)[ 14 ]  , Dmg:  (1d8+1)[ 9 ]
5  (1d20+3)[ 15 ]  , Dmg:  (1d8+1)[ 7 ]

[User]
 Initiative
Party
F  (1d20+2)[ 11 ]
W  (1d20+1)[ 3 ]
R  (1d20+2)[ 5 ]
B  (1d20+2)[ 16 ]

T   (1d20+1)[ 19 ]

Crew
P  (1d20+1)[ 14 ]
Cpt  (1d20+3)[ 9 ]

[User]
 Tarina gets up,  moves behind the couch and readies the crossbow to hit the first pirate to come up the stairs  (1d20+3)[ 23 ] ,  (1d8+1)[ 6 ]

Khafra inspires tarina,  gests near the south wall.

Bandit Cpt, offers people 5 gold if they help to kill Tarina  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  and moves up to the stairs.

resanys readies action to strike closest enemy when they approach  (1d8+5)[ 9 ]

Bandits 2 stay covering the entrance, 5 move up the stairs. 1st gets hit by tarina, moves closest to her, the others move around the room.

Shagrax attacks pirate in melee with allie for SA,  (1d20+4)[ 24 ] ,  (1d8+2)[ 9 ]  (1d6)[ 1 ]

Thertrun, casts mage armor gets  far away

[User]
 Tarina loads and fires the crossbow to hit another pirate to come up the stairs   (1d20+2)[ 17 ]  ,  (1d8+1)[ 6 ]

Khafra cast vicious mockery to the closest pirate [roll]1d4/roll]

Bandit Cpt, atks tarina  Disadv  (1d20+4)[ 23 ]  / (1d20+4)[ 7 ]  ,  (1d43)[ 11 ] ,  (1d20+4)[ 14 ]  / (1d20+4)[ 12 ]  ,  (1d43)[ 8 ]

resanys action to strike closest enemy  (1d20+5)[ 21 ]  ,  (1d8+5)[ 10 ]

Bandits 2 stay covering the entrance, 1 atks resany [roll]1d20+[/roll] ,  (1d8+1)[ 2 ] , 1 atks tarina [roll]1d20+[/roll] ,  (1d8+1)[ 9 ] ,  1 shagrax [roll]1d20+[/roll] ,  (1d8+1)[ 7 ]

Shagrax attacks pirate in melee with allie for SA,  (1d20+4)[ 16 ]  ,  (1d8+2)[ 6 ]  [  (1d6)[ 6 ]

Thertrun, casts fire bolt on the captain  (1d10)[ 8 ]


[User]
 Mystery in the air!

After a successful series of anti-Rebel operations, Captain Veesha of the Imperial Navy
begins to gather the notice of Naval Command. Unfortunately, it seems the has gathered
the notice of others as well, as a massive bounty has been put upon her head by an
unknown party.

The investigation begins immediately. But the most pressing question on everyone's mind is
"who would dare put a bounty on an Imperial captain?
It is almost the end of Veesha's scheduled sleep time, yet she finds herself lying awake in spite of her best efforts. In a few moments, she will don her uniform and become the captain once more. Yet here, in the privacy of her own chamber, she has a moment to collect her thoughts before the duties of the day begin again.

[User]
 Veesha turned in her bunk as her mind turned over the one question.   Who posted the bounty?   The Rebellion didn't have that kind of money to just throw around.  She'd be first to admit that to get where she was, she'd ruffled some feathers along the way, both in the civilian and military segments of the Empire.  But none that badly.  She thought.  Maybe it was the fallout from Daymar's latest game.  Could it be father himself?  No.  That'd be too far out even for-

The screech of her alarm cut through Veesha's thoughts.  She reached out to slap it into submission, then rolled out the other side of her bunk.  Discarding her night clothes, she stepped into the captain's shower to blast away the last traces of sleepiness with warm water.  Emerging, she stood in front of the mirror and dressed herself as she did every day, sharp like she had just stepped out of a Navy recruitment poster.

After finishing, she turned to leave, but paused, her gaze lingering on her footlocker, and her sidearm within.  She considered taking the weapon for a moment, before rejecting the notion.  She was surrounded by marines and naval troopers paid for that sort of thing.  And it would send all the wrong messages.

She set her face and posture the same way she always did-calm.  Assured.  Unwavering.  And she left her room to begin her journey to the bridge like every other morning.

[User]
 The bridge crew straightens as she enters. Even those who were doing exactly what they were supposed to do (and certainly not whispering with those next to them like those reprobates the next station over) sit a little more upright, subtly adjust their uniforms to be just a little more smooth, unwrinkled, perfectly pressed as they should be.

"Captain on the bridge!" one of the officers shouts. Her first mate, Commander Tiberius Mals, turns away from the bridge window and salutes. A quiet, stalwart man, he has never yet betrayed her or let her down.

"Captain," he says in a soft, but deep, voice.

[User] Veesah's eyes played over the displays she walked past, taking in the ship's status.  Ending in front of her first mate, she crisply returned the offered salute.   "Commander,"  she acknowledged.   "Any news from the night watch?"

[User]
 "A few annoyed freighter captains that didn't like our troopers searching them," Commander Tiberius says, "Nothing out of the ordinary."

He shifts slightly, letting her take the fore. The ship lies in a patrol pattern across Intersection 4, a place where many hyperlanes cross and merge. It makes a very effective checkpoint, but rather boring work.

"The checks were all performed off-ship," Tiberius says softly, "No one was allowed to board."

[User] "I take it you've heard the news then.  How is the crew taking it?"

[User] He looks around, making sure that no officer is paying too close of attention. "Not too well," he mutters, "Rumors and speculation are running wild. No one would dare try, but everyone's on edge."

[User]
 Not unexpected, but not good.  Talking in a normal voice, Veesha said,  "Very good, Commander.  I'll be in my stateroom if there's any new developments.  Dismissed."

She headed back to her quarters.  She could die of natural causes before Intelligence came up with anything.  Time to do her own digging.  She had her own network allies, contacts, and favors.  Time to start calling in her chips.  Veesha began drafting a number of queries to be sent out across the Empire.

((Not sure what I should be rolling here.  Gather Info doesn't seem to quite cut it.))


[User]
 OOC Thread

You are all residents of Oakenleaf. You've been here for varying amounts of time, but long enough to think of the little village as your home.

Recently, though, cattle have been disappearing. Ominous signs have been seen. The fort that overlooks your home, long since abandoned, is likely the source.

Mayor Meekly has called you all, along with Michael Carpenter (who was, in times past, a noble knight working for the forces of good-in his duties, though, he was injured and can no longer fight well) to address the situation.

As you come to his home, you see him readying a pot of tea. "Thank you for coming," he says as he pours the beverage into a cup for each of you. "I wouldn't be asking this of you if I thought there was another way, but... Well, as far as I can tell, there isn't. We all know the problems we've been having. I would like you all to investigate the fort, and find out how we can make Oakenleaf safe again."

[User] "I owe you, Mayor,"  acknowledges a tall human.  Cutter is wearing tidy, clean clothes of the sort that pass for finery in a very rural area, plus a couple wicked-looking knives as usual.   "Not saying I'd give you my firstborn or anything, but frankly, I've been waiting for you to bring this up.  I can leave any time -- and the sooner the better, as far as William thinks."   He frowns momentarily.  It's an ugly combination, kids who throw themselves into trouble like it's a game and parents who would prefer their offspring glued to the floor.

[User]
 "So let's go over the facts,"  proposes one of the half-elves (the one who dresses finer than any local).
 "Livestock has been going missing. People are getting spooked. There's a bad moon, I hear?"

[User] "Bad omens," Michael says. "Not sure if the moon is part of it."

[User]
 How long has the fort been unoccupied, anyways?  And why did that happen in the first place?
 It's been empty since I got here, but that's only been a few months.

[User] The mayor replies, saying "Since before I even came here. I would suppose it was occupied when I was a youth, but I wasn't here then. It's an old imperial fort-they're all over the place, usually empty of anything."

[User] Brynjar shifts slightly, attempting to shift the large sledge at his hooves into a more comfortable position. " If we are to investigate, let us be about it. Unless you know who or what's in there. "

[User]
 Cutter muses about "usually empty of everything".    Yeah, no need to leave any form of wealth behind when you leave.  But the structure itself is wealth, so I can't really understand why no one would cling to  that .  Well, maybe someone's claimed it now ...

 Originally Posted by OracleofSilence
 Brynjar shifts slightly, attempting to shift the large sledge at his hooves into a more comfortable position. " If we are to investigate, let us be about it. Unless you know who or what's in there. "

 "One clue to that would be  how  the livestock disappeared -- like, from where, and were there signs of a fight?  Not that I'm not eager to go too, Brynjar.  But any information might help. "

[User] Michael responds, saying "It seems like something large grabbed them. There were sizable footprints, though of what exactly, I couldn't tell you. And the smell... Something rotten. Something decomposing, it seemed. We think it might be undead, but we can't be certain yet."

[User] Cutter grimaces.   "Uch.  That's not good.  Maybe I should invest in an extra torch or seven."

[User] The mayor nods. "I've talked to the other families, and they'd be happy to chip in what they can. Torches, rations, water... Anything you need."

[User] " I'm used to living on the road ," says Adrie, " but if you've got a fresh waterskin and some rations, I wouldn't say know.  Otherwise, I'd be willing to take a look, if the rest of you are. "

[User] " As I said, let us be about it. "

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC
We ready to move on to the journey?

[User]
 You gather all the needed supplies, food, water, torches... Clarissa, the local tinker, gives you a few sunrods and healing potions.

 Spoiler: OOC
List any supplies you want in your next post or in the OOC. Can't guarantee you'll get them all, but worth asking, neh?

It's a good three day trek to the fort from the center of town-at least, if you're not hurrying too hard. And since you'll want to be ready for anything, you do not force yourselves too hard. The first two days of travel are okay, if marred by steady rainfall. But on the third day, as you draw nearer to the fort, you feel an ominous sensation... You travel a little more slowly, careful to keep an eye out for any potential nastiness. Your caution is rewarded-you see, lumbering down from the fort, two shambling corpses. What was once alive is now animated by a fell force, and before you get the chance to hide yourselves, they spot you. Their jaws open in a vacant moan, and they start shambling towards you.

 Spoiler: OOC
Encounter Number 1!

You've got at least five turns before the zombies close the distance, if you don't draw nearer yourselves. There's an open path leading up to the fort, with undergrowth off to the side.

[User]
 "Perfect time for a crossbow,"  Cutter mutters, kneeling down to get something from his pack.

 Spoiler: equipment! and katwanggg
Well, heck, if we can get more equipment -- how 'bout a hand crossbow and some bolts?  I'd also like one or more Four Sided Caltrops, if I can take that in place of healing potions.

If I do in fact have a crossbow and the foes are within 20 squares, I'll take a potshot:  (d20+5)[ 6 ]  (including the penalty for long range),  (d6+5)[ 8 ]  damage.  The presumable zombies have already acted, so I don't get CA, so no Sneak Attack.

If they aren't in the 20-square range but might be soon, Cutter will Ready An Action to shoot the first one that is.


[User] Things are tense in Pearlglen, so the rumors go. You find yourself at a roadblock and are asked to pay a toll. The guards are humans that you could easily destroy, but you sense they are not bandits, but actual community officials who have been out to this duty due to the recent disturbances.

[User]
 Zarasiel-Esmerelda steps out of the caravan, in the form of Esmerelda a beautiful half-elf with long red hair and a flowing green robe with artistic representations of trees and plants woven into it saying
 "Hellooo~ A toll? How much then, it must be pretty  important . I certainly would not want to hold up such  responsible well-meaning  people. There must be some kind of  trouble  that would be wise for me to know about, for such measures to be taken. Surely someone would be  kind  enough to tell a  humble  traveler like me."
She says as she rifles through her bag of holding to get her gold ready to pay.

 Spoiler: OOC:

Diplomacy check to gather information from them about the situation:
 (1d20+26)[ 27 ]

[User] Amalkah stands out of sight, and casts an Alter Self spell as they approach the toll gate. He decides that he will listen to what is said, rather than talking himself. Since he is better at threats and intimidation than at discussion, he leaves the talking to those better suited to it. But he also pulls coins from his belt pouch, assuming that they will not get away without paying at least a token toll, and perhaps even more. He just hopes that they are not to be taken advantage of by those who may otherwise prove to be friends of a sort.

[User] Lucy assessing the situation pulls a few coins from her pouch so as to pay this toll and be done with the inconvenient stop.

[User]
 The beautiful elf pokes her head out from the side of the caravan, a tiny brown fey creature, with an almost manically friendly look on its expressive face, is perched upon her shoulder.  The tiny fey creature looks to the elf and speaks to her.

 Spoiler: Elven
  Mistress, shall I?

The elven woman nods approvingly to the fey.

The tiny fey slides down from the Elf's arm like a fire pole, bounding ahead of the group toward the toll gate.
 "The mistress wishes to know by whose authority you have set a blockade upon this road and what the fee is for passage.  We have heard tell of a kerfuffle in Pearlglen."  <Diplomacy +15>

[User] Isha is in a bad mood, with her moaning heard clearly well before she even arrives at the front,  "What in the  hell  is holding me up?!  Swear to the gods, it better be bandits and not another ****ing log.  We are behind schedule already, we cannot keep doing this!"   She arrives in a huff, aggressively closing the distance with the guards,  "Is it you?  You're not bandits,"  she frowns, almost looking disappointed before she straightens up, placing her hands on her hips and adopting her 'business pose',  "Fine.  Toll then?  How much?  We've got eighty people spread across fifteen wagons, I'll pay for the whole lot if it can just get us moving faster."   She looks to Esmerelda and Lucy,  "I got this.  Go ahead and join the others, make sure no one's unpacked, thinking they're getting a break."   Not wasting a moment she turns back to the guards,  "Well?  Chop chop, I'm a busy woman.  I need a number."

[User] Tammie sat slumped in a carriage. Just a doll in a pile of stuff, haphazardly arrayed, her white hair and white dress flopping loosely about her body. A variety of weapons were attached to her and her clothing, but they looked like toys in her hands. To all the world, she looked just like a child's toy doll. And that's all she would be until she needed to be something else...

[User]
 Isha's abrupt and somewhat forceful approach to the toll collector, set the little fey creature to a near panic. Sensing this through their empathic connection Neyaphem reaches her soft elven hand out of her carriage, and calls out to her familiar, in Sylvan.
 Spoiler: Sylvan
 "It is OK, Bubkin, Isha will handle this inconvenience. You may return to the carriage."

The little fey seems relieved, but tells Isha with a bit of a trembling voice.  " Isha , the mistress says that you speak for her now as well."  Then it turns and darts back toward Neyaphem's carriage and skitters up her arm before disappearing behind a veil covering the window.


[User] Things are tense in Pearlglen, so the rumors go.  You find yourself at a roadblock and are asked to pay a toll.  The guards are humans that you could easily destroy, but you sense they are not bandits, but actual community officials who have been out to this duty due to the recent disturbances.

[User]
 Tavazosk is likewise no bandit, though he'd been wearing one's stolen likeness for the past couple days. He nods his understanding, addressing himself to the apparent leader.

"  Of course, of course. What is the price to share company with your good people, and, if I may ask, to what end goes the visiting coinage?  "

The disguised dragon's visage is a curious mixture of coarse and refined; a haggard appearance beneath fine clothing, with a sorry, dented, and overworn handaxe tucked into a well-made sash at his side. His delicately inoffensive speech gives the impression of consolement, as if comforting a bloodied animal as it heaves its last dying breaths.

[User]
 Ellesya has spent much of the trip in silence, seemingly deep in thought. Her dark, all-consuming cloak is pulled up and the hood pulled forward, covering her completely as though she were hiding from the light of day.

She is pulled from within her own mind by the roadblock. She stands rigidly for a moment, head tilted back just enough to reveal a frown in the depths of her hood. As Tavazosk takes the lead, though, she settles a bit and her chest swells with a deep breath. She nods at her companion's question as she shuffles beneath her cloak, likely in search of coin on her person.

[User]
 Actuous moved gracefully with his new companions, speaking little as they travelled unless questioned directly.  The area was new to him and he... enjoyed?... the countryside for what it was.  As they approached Pearlglen he was surprised by the lack of traffic on he road until the turned the bend to spy the roadblock.  The group itself posed no serious threat to the group but the instincts instilled in still kicked in.  Casually surveying the surroundings, he kept his gait the same.  Nothing gained his attention so he kept moving with the others.
  "You lads should find some shady while waiting for travellers.  The sunlight is good but too much can wear one down."   he said conversationally as he reached into his pouch, waiting for the guards to answer Tavazosk's question.

 Spoiler: Actuous

Nondescript human

[User] Hana stood a little more in the back her swords sheathed, but visible. Not that she was trying to be intimidating herself on purpose, as she yawned a little. For the moment, one of the others in the group had asked a question first and she was just going to wait on that.


[User]
 Arena Tournament, Round 26:  Bulch  vs.  Todd
 Map:
 Spoiler

 XP Award:  300 XP
 GP Award:  300 GP

 Bulch - stimpius
 Todd - Mavian
 All Combatants, please roll initiative.

[User] Initiative -  (1d20+1)[ 11 ]

[User]
 Bulch
  Init  - (1D20-2)[ 8 ]

reserving right to buy after your purchases. Good luck.

[User]
 I don't buy things,

Todd - Round 1
Swift Action: Activate Punishing Stance
Move Action: Y14 to U14
Standard Action: U14 to Q14

End of Turn

Stats:

 Spoiler

Hp: 19
Ac: 13
Manuevers: All Readied
Breath Weapon: Readied
Stance: Punishing Stance

[User]
 Bulch

Bought

 Spoiler

Nothing

Move to A12

Stats (refs only)

 Spoiler

HP 11
AC 18
Position A12
Ready an action to throw a javelin as soon as he comes into my LoE.
  Attack  - (1D20+5)[ 19 ]  +1 if PB shot.
  Damage  - (1D6+6)[ 8 ]  +1 if PB shot.

[User]
 Todd - Round 2

Move Action: Q14 to N15
Standard Action: Ready an Action

 Spoiler

Ready an action to move after he finish moving

End of Turn:

Stats:

 Spoiler

Hp: 19
Ac: 13
Manuevers: All Readied
Breath Weapon: Readied
Stance: Punishing Stance

[User]
 Bulch

Move to K12

Stats [refs only]

 Spoiler

HP 11
AC 18
Position; K12
Ready an action;

 Spoiler

throw a javelin at him as soon as he enters LoE
  Attack  - (1D20+5)[ 6 ] +1 if PB shot
  Damage  - (1D6+6)[ 11 ] +1 id PB shot

[User] When you stop moving, my readied action goes off, and I move to K15, as per my readied action spoiler.  This would happen before you readied your action.

[User]
 Bulch

Okay then

I throw a javelin at you which well and truely misses

and now my head is completley skew whiff on whos go it is :D

[User]
 It's now mine at the top of Round 3, initiative order doesn't change at all.

Todd - Round 3

 Swift Action : Activate Strength Domain
 Move Action : K15-> K14
 Standard Action : Attack with Sapphire Nightmare Blade and my Heavy Polaxe
 Sapphire Nightmare Blade  -  (1d20+13)[ 31 ]  vs AC
 Attack Roll   (1d20+4)[ 17 ]
 Axe Damage   (2d6+6)[ 17 ]
 Punishing Stance   (1d6)[ 4 ]
 Sapphire Damage   (1d6)[ 3 ]  Only if Sapphire Nightmare Blade Hits

End of Turn

Stats:

 Spoiler

Hp: 19
Ac: 13
Manuevers:  Sapphire Nightmare Blade , Moment of Perfect Clarity, Charging Minotaur Strike.
Breath Weapon: Readied
Stance: Punishing Stance
Strength Domain: 1/10

[User]
 Doh, I messed up my damage roll.  The axe was actually supposed to deal 2d6+5, so I only did 16 instead of 17.

The sapphire nightmare blade hits, leaving you flatfooted against my axe attack, which means that it hits.  So in all you take 23 points of damage.

[User] Assuming it works that way then its game :D I thought you would only get one action having had a readied action but my understanding of them may be off.

[User]
 What happens with readied actions depends on your place in the initiative order.

 If you take the action on the same round as you readied it, your initiative moves to above the one that activates your action, and you don't lose any actions.

  If you take your readied action on the round after you readied it, then it counts as your action for that round.

[User]
 High Ref Bronz

Mavian is correct in his readied action.  Therefore..

 Todd is declared the winner!

[User]
 Todd picks up the pieces of the orc and tries to stick them back together

 You fight good.


[User]
 Arena Tournament, Round 17:  Kale  vs.  Dunkin
 Map

 Spoiler

 XP Award:  300 XP
 GP Award:  300 GP

 Kale - Qworg
 Dunkin - Damionte
 All combatants, please roll initiative.

[User]
 Dinkin Round-0 Initiative

 (1d20+2)[ 15 ]

[User]
 High Ref Paladin Latham

Due to inactivity, Kale is disqualified.

 Dunkin is declared the winner and recieves his due.

[User]
 Yeah !

...

..

.


[User]
 Arena Tournament, Round 26:  Grey Wolf  vs.  Clamber
 Map:
 Spoiler

 XP Award:  300 XP
 GP Award:  300 GP

 Grey Wolf - Olidammara
 Clamber - Stimpus
 All Combatants, please roll initiative.

[User]
 Clamberer
  Initiative  - (1D20+5)[ 17 ]

[User]
 The man and his wolf smirk at the little goblin. "Good luck little crawler..."

  Ini  - (1d20+3)[ 9 ]

[User]
 Prepared spells:

 Spoiler

0st level: guidance, virtue, virtue; 1st level: cure light wounds, updraft

[User]
 Clamberer

To Refs

 Spoiler

Start in B10.
Move to G10
Take 10 on climb check auto success - 26. Racial allows.

Will do this in one move if possible but im thinking it should be 2 actions so perch at the top of G10.

Crossbow in 1 hand.

Stats

 Spoiler

HP 12
AC 19
Pos; G10

[User]
 Grey Wolf, round 1

 Spoiler

GW starts in Y11, with a scroll of sunstroke in his hand. Ranger starts in Y10. GW casts  virtue  on his Ranger and then commands him to  heel  (  Handle Animal  - (1d20+8)[ 28 ] ) and moves to U11. If the skill check is succesful, Ranger follows the druid to U10.

Stats:

 Spoiler

GW
HP:11
AC: 16 (+3 hide armor, +3 dex)
Buffs: none
Position: U11
  Listen  - (1d20+7)[ 9 ]
  Spot  - (1d20+7)[ 14 ]

Ranger
HP: 14
AC: 17 (+2 dex, +2 nat., +3 Studded leather)
Buffs: virtue (10 rounds)
Position U10
  Listen  - (1d20+2)[ 22 ]
  Spot  - (1d20+3)[ 18 ]

You're up.

[User]
 Clamberer

To Refs

 Spoiler

Maintain position in G10.
Hide   Hide  - (1D20+5)[ 6 ]
Ready an action to loose a bolt at the druid or the wolf. Druid preferably with one hand on the crossbow the instant LoS and LoE is established.
  Attack  - (1D20+5)[ 22 ]
  Damage  - (1D6)[ 5 ]

Stats

 Spoiler

HP 12
AC 19
Pos; G10

[User]
 GM Kyeudo

No LoS yet

[User]
 Grey Wolf, round 2

 Spoiler

Grey Wolf casts  virtue  on himself.

Stats:

 Spoiler

 GW
HP:12
AC: 16 (+3 hide armor, +3 dex)
Buffs: virtue (10 rounds)
Position: U11
  Listen  - (1d20+7)[ 9 ]
  Spot  - (1d20+7)[ 16 ]
 Ranger
HP: 14
AC: 17 (+2 dex, +2 nat., +3 Studded leather)
Buffs: virtue (9 rounds)
Position U10
  Listen  - (1d20+2)[ 15 ]
  Spot  - (1d20+3)[ 11 ]

You're up.

[User]
 Clamberer

Actions; To refs

 Spoiler

Maintain position at G10.
Hide again   Hide  - (1D20+5)[ 20 ]
Ready an action to shoot the druid or its wolf on LoS. Whichever appears first.
  Atacck  - (1D20+5)[ 14 ]
  Damage  - (1D6)[ 5 ]

Stats

 Spoiler

HP 12
AC 19
Pos; G10

[User]
 Grey Wolf, round 3

 Spoiler

GW moves to U8 and hides there, looking for Clamber.   Hide  - (1d20-2)[ 4 ]  and   Spot  - (1d20+7)[ 13 ] . My other actions depend on the LOS check.

.

Not done yet.

[User]
 Ref Mav:

Grey Wolf

 Spoiler

No LoS

Clamber

 Spoiler

No LoS

@Refs:

 Spoiler

Clamber gets a reactive spot. Instead of telling him to roll it, and giving him Metagame knowledge, I'll just roll it for him  (1d20-3)[ 7 ]

[User]
 Grey Wolf,  round 3

 Spoiler

Grey Wolf moves to U12 and, while hiding, tries to locate Clamberer again:   Hide  - (1d20-2)[ 18 ]  and   Spot  - (1d20+7)[ 23 ] .

I'm done, but you better wait for another LoS check before you act.

Stats:

 Spoiler

GW
HP:12
AC: 16 (+3 hide armor, +3 dex)
Buffs: virtue (9 rounds)
Position: U12

Ranger
HP: 14
AC: 17 (+2 dex, +2 nat., +3 Studded leather)
Buffs: virtue (8 rounds)
Position U11

[User]
 High Ref Bronz

@Grey Wolf

 Spoiler

No LoS, and for the record you only get one reactive spot check per round.  Any additional checks require actions.

@Clamberer

 Spoiler

No LoS

[User]
 @ Bronz

 Spoiler

My phb states that moving into a new area, allows you to take a spot check without spending an action. In my view this applies to this situation: Grey Wolf can't see things from U8 which can be seen from U12 and vica versa.

[User] Just checking in tell me when its my go :D

[User] Well... you're up since Bronz posted the LoS-check.

[User]
 Clamberer

Actions

 Spoiler

Maintain position in G10
Hiding - result of 20.
Ready an action to attack either to enter my LoE and LoS first. Preferably Grey Wolf but his dog beast thing if that comes first.
  Attack  - (1D20+5)[ 24 ]
  Damage  - (1D6)[ 5 ]

Im done no need for LoS check - same as the spoilers above whatever yours was. Didn't move position.

[User]
 Grey Wolf, round 4

 Spoiler

GW moves to U16, hides (  Hide  - (1d20-2)[ 9 ] ) there and peeks around the corner:   Spot  - (1d20+7)[ 13 ] . Ranger follows him to U15 (  Spot  - (1d20+3)[ 12 ] .

Not done, we will wait again for a LoS check.

[User]
 GM Kyeudo

No LoS.

[User]
 *Poke*

just to say its still your go.

[User]
 Grey Wolf is disqualified due to not posting for 4 days.

 Clamberer is declared the winner and collects the posted rewards


[User]
 Arena Tournament, Round 26:  Bunny  vs.  Kodrul
 Map:
 Spoiler

 XP Award:  300 XP
 GP Award:  300 GP

 Rezig "Bunny' Rene - faithfreebible
 Kodrul - VeisuItaTyhjyys
 All Combatants, please roll initiative.

[User]
 Spoiler
init:  (1d20+3)[ 7 ]

[User] Bunny is declared the winner due to inactivity on Kodrul's part and collects the posted rewards


[User]
 Arena Tournament, Round 26:  Krux  vs.  Xerxes
 Map:
 Spoiler

 XP Award:  300 XP
 GP Award:  300 GP

 Krux - Tortise262
 Xerxes - king_korath
 All Combatants, please roll initiative.

[User] initiative  (1d20+4)[ 8 ]

[User]
 High Ref Paladin Latham

Krux is disqualified for inactivity

 Xerxes is declared the winner and recieves 300xp and 300gp.

[User]
 Krux hurries in on his exhausted mount, hoping to beat the bell. *DING* Too late!
 "Grrrr.... Me oversleep again..."
  Ahhhh! I only just found out the new waiting room was up! Oh, well, I'll just have to rock the loser's bracket 😉


[User]
 Arena Tournament, Round 9:  Rune  vs.  Zaknefein
 Map

 Spoiler

 XP Award:  300 XP
 GP Award:  300 GP

 Rune - Bingo Bob
 Zaknefien - Deathslayer7
 All combatants, please roll initiative.

[User]
 High Ref Morbius

For the records I just PMed both players

[User] ummmmmm i thought rune lready beat me in the final match? 🤨

[User]
 GM Kyeudo

Looks like someone made a mistake setting up matches.

Since I was the one that set up this match, that someone would be me.

Just ignore this and we'll cut it from the official records.


[User]
 This is the IC Thread for Adventures through Ti-ren.

Beastie A

 Test #1

Cat in the Hat

  Test #2


[User]
 Spoiler: Intro
This is a wild and dangerous land, filled with forbidding forests and savage monsters. Along the lonly roads that bind civilization together can be found wayhouses--fortified inns where travelers may rest behind stout walls and have a hot meal before venturing forth once more into the unknown.

The House of Three Squires is such a wayhouse. Situated on a lonely stretch of the Post Road, it's an easy day's travel from the nearest town.
You've decided to leave town and head for the famous House in order to plan your next move with your new, like-minded companions.

The evening is cold and blustery when you arrive at the stockade that surrounds the House of Three Squires, and you have a powerful thirst for one of the famed Three Squires sour beers. The stockade gate stands open and unattended, occationally slamming home with a great thud when the wind catches is just right.

It does not take you long to realize that something is very wrong here. Not only is the place open to the elements and undefended, it seems deserted. And then you find the pool of congealed blood. Whoever or whatever left that blood, something or someone appears to have dragged it through the kitchen and into the cellar...

The common room of the the House of the Three Squires is in shambles, tables overturned and chairs smashed.  A cold draft of the early spring follows you through the door, drawing your attention to the cavernous fireplace that only contains the charred remains of a happy blaze.  Whatever transpired here must have happened in a hurry, because the few bowls on the counter that aren't overturned still contain cold stew, unbothered by insects this early in the year.  The most interesting detail, though, leads you towards the kitchen--splinters and gouges that mar the floor and walls in tracks, leading toward a rickety stair leading down into the darkness.  It looks like something heavy was dragged this way.  Unlike the sterile cold smell of the common room, a slightly unpleasant, spicy odor hangs damp in the air back here, getting stronger as you approach the stairs.

[User] Aleena doesn't hesitate, unhooking her mace from her belt she moves towards the cellar. She nods towards her companions   "Come now friends, I am sure the tavern keepers will reward us, if they yet live."

[User]
 Abernathy absolutely hesitates. He takes out his dagger, but mostly it's for show. And to clean under his nails and pick his teeth. Not that there was any food here apparently.

"You mean he'll reward us if WE live. So let's be cautious out there."

He hides behind Mace Lady and peeks out from around her legs.

[User]
 "Wait... let's first check about traces of who did this. Or what, judging by those signs and the fact that whatever it is is hiding in the darkness"   Ethrandis says, taking out the knife and stsrting to examine the mayhem, especially  the signs of dragging.

 Spoiler: ooc
Does Ethrandis recognize the smell? Any trace that might point to a specific creature?

[User] "You are correct of course, I simply dislike leaving someone in danger, we know not how long they ago they were carried away."   Aleena opens the cellar door and peers down into the darkness, making sure that whatever dragged them away was not waiting in ambush for fresh victims.

[User] While surveying the situation, Ethrandis says   "Let's hope the silence means that they are unconscious..."

[User]
 As Ethrendis bends over to inspect the gouges, a white-ish translucent material catches his eye.  Taking it up in his hand, a closer inspection reveals it to be cast off scales, the molt of some lizard-like creature.

 Spoiler: OOC Test
Identifying a creature from such a cast-off bit is a  hunter  test against the creature's Nature.  As the investigator of the refuse, Ethrendis will be making this test, trying to roll successes equal to the difficulty of the test (in this case the creature's nature).  Failure to do so will lead to a condition or a twist.

[User]
 Emboldened by both the silence and by his compatriots' willingness to walk in front, Abernathy looks over at what Ethrendis was up to. He wrinkled his nose at the gross little scales.

"Oh man," he says, "I seen that stuff before. I used to cook a bit of a fricassee with lizards. Turn it to the light. See the little raised bits? That'll tell you what kind of whatever it came off of."

 Spoiler
I'm going ASSIST! I have Hunter 2! I'm handing him a dice.

[User]
 Baldur laughs gruffly.   "You really believe anyone's left alive in this place? Hmph. Not if they had any brains. The best we can hope for is that the monsters got finished eating and left this place. No, wait. The best we can hope for is that the monsters left, and the victims have wallets stuffed with coin. And maybe a few barrels of sour beer left in the cellar."

The dwarf walks around to the kitchen and inspects the closet door. He kicks it open, and it protests mightily on squeaky hinges. He tries to look into the darkness to make something out.

(OOC: Can I see anything down there? Or will I need to bust out my lantern?)

[User] "Some of us would prefer to have a little faith that the world is not unremittingly dark, Baldur."   she slips her mace into it's belt-loop and draws a torch, getting ready to light it once her companions had finished discussion.   "Though we should also be prepared to shine a light upon the darkness, when necessary."

[User] Baldur turns to Aleena. He raises one eyebrow and jerks his head towards the trail of blood on the floor.   "A whole lot of good faith did these people. I prefer relying on my wits and this right here."    He pats the weapon hanging off his belt.

[User]
 Ethrendis turns the molt over in his hands, but the elf can't make heads or tails of what creature it could have come from, even with Abernathy's helpful suggestions.  The rest of his companions, however, begin to turn their attention towards the dim cellar below, and Aleena is just getting ready to light a torch when the squeak of a loose floorboard behind them alerts all of the adventurers.  Just at the entrance to the kitchen behind them, they see a trio of short, scaly, and almost dog-like beastmen, and there's not a doubt in anyone's mind where the molt came from...kobolds!

One of the three gives a cry of alarm, dropping the burlap sack slung over its shoulder and reaching for a bullet to load into its sling.

 Spoiler: OOC
Alright, we simultaneously get our first twist and our first conflict.  You have come across three kobolds; now is when you decided what kind of actions you're going to take and that determines what kind of conflict this is going to be (kill, drive off, flee, capture, riddle,
 etc).  Once that's settled, you'll pick a conflict captain and we'll go from there.

Additionally, normally Ethrendis would mark a failure for that hunter test, but since he used beginners luck, it works a little different.  In this case,
 he just gets a generic mark in his non-existent hunter skill; if he ever has marks equal to his untaxed Nature, he gets rid of them all and gains the hunter skill at rank 2.  One turn has passed.

[User]
 "That wasn't much of a discovery..."   Ethrandis says, pulling out his knife.
  "May I suggest capturing one alive? If we can communicate, a lot could be explained. What do you think, Aleena?
And I strongly advise against remaining in the trajectory of the fling's bullet"

 Spoiler: spoiler
I'm for a Capture conflict, gonna second Aleena as conflict captain

[User]
 Baldur pulls out his weapon from his belt, and brandishes it menacingly.   "I don't know about you, but I don't speak kobold. I vote for the safest plan: hack them to pieces until they stop moving. They sure didn't give these people a second chance."   Baldur glares menacingly at the three kobolds, his muscles taut. Anyone can see he is a moment away from action.

 Spoiler: OOC
Voting for Kill, and voting for myself as conflict captain, because I am overconfident. :D

[User]
 Bloody melee combat wasn't really Abernathy's scene.

"This isn't really my scene," he said, "I'm, like, predisposed for other things. But I'll help you capture one. Go get 'em Aleena!"

 Spoiler
Votying for Capture. Voting for Aleena.

[User]
 Aleena tosses aside the torch she had readied, instead reaching for her mace and raising her shield.
  "I concur, unless someone can translate we'll gain little by questioning these."

 Spoiler: OOC

I only have the vaguest idea what I'm doing, so will vote Baldur for captain and Kill conflict.


[User]
 Polar seas, Pelegar
The region of Pelegar is one that hosts many ruins of ancient grandeur, but as of late is has been drastically changed. Where before there were only sad ruins of past glories, perhaps veiled by colorful fabrics or makeshift attempts at repairs, grand structures have once again began to rise through the waters in their stead. Tall spires of ancient style but recent build raise from the foundations of old, gifts of the new rulers of the area to once again cast their gentle glow over nearly the entire terrain and making days all the more bright, the nights less harrowing and dark.

There is one particular addition to the profile of the region that has utterly dominated people's attention during the recent years, however: the grand arches and frozen spires of the newly created Polar Institute of Warfare, realized from mere plans of a King seeking to make his mark on the history books. The roads leading to and from the expansive campus are traveled by a great many students, alongside patrols of Nathi legionaries and region's own Talented Crab soldiers... although presently, the traffic towards the Institute has to dodge around the event taking up one of the large courtyards located before the entrance of the outer perimeter.

Number of colorful banners proudly declare the "Summit of Skill" to be in progress, an event hosted by a number of Institute's faculty and certain influential sponsors from Hegemony and beyond. A number of ringed-off areas have been dedicated to the noble and  spirited  sport of Blitzball, reserved for most athletically inclined of potential applicants. Similarly there is a tournament of Fish Go, the most strategic of underwater games, for those who wish to prove their strategic acumen.

All polities across the world are offered an invitation to the event, with a promise of scholarship for the attendee that'll most impress the gathered instructors... and considerable stipends for the runners-up.

 Spoiler: Mechanics
Anyone attending with an action can send a representative to compete in either of the offered tournaments, rolling Military for Blitzball or Intrigue for Fish Go. At the end of the event, the rolls are tallied and ranked from highest to lowest. For mechanical reasons, all rolls compete against each other.

 Prizes:
1st place: Given permission to send their General to study at the Institute without any need to negotiate tuitions, and 2 treasure
2nd place: Given permission to send their General to study at the Institute without any need to negotiate tuitions, or 2 treasure
3rd place: 1 treasure


[User]
 Few outsiders have been welcomed into the Firstreef, first of the reefs and reef of the First. Those who have, have rarely chosen to return. Those who have returned have never been able to communicate the experience, and it is plain to see why.

Here, polyphony and rhythm, melody and magic fuse into something far more real than the eusonic imitations known in the lesser seas. Something about this unity, this joining, this  dream  of a song warps experience and makes it hard to recount the events when they pass.

What is Firstreef? It's up to interpretation. Some experience a sea of reefbacks, layered impossibly on, through, within each other, an omnichromatic sea of chromatic scales, rising half steps from each other endlessly yea unto the bounds of hearing. Some experience a reefback as vast as the sea, the coral gardens on its back admitting guests to join as part of it for their stay, becoming something more than themselves. Some lucky few experience the reefback that  is  the sea, of which we all are and ever will be part.

 Picture yourself on a shell on a reefback
With coraline trees and aqueous skies.
Somebody calls you, you answer quite slowly
A squid with kaleidoscope eyes.

Icthyic glimmers of yellow and green
Pinwheeling over your head
Look for the squid with a song in its beak
And its gone

Chora in the sea with turtles
Chora in the sea with turtles
Chora in the sea with turtles
Ahh

Follow them down to a shrine in the forest
Where crab-seahorse people eat cucumber pie
Everyone smiles as you swim past the kelp fronds
That grow so incredibly high

Sea turtle taxis appear on the waves
Waiting to take you away
Climb on their backs with your head in the air
And your gone

Chora in the sea with turtles
Chora in the sea with turtles
Chora in the sea with turtles
Ahh

Picture yourself on a reef on a turtle
Where dreaming is all, and the old world's a lie
Suddenly someone is right there beside you
The squid with kaleidoscope eyes

Chora in the sea with turtles
Chora in the sea with turtles
Chora in the sea with turtles
Ahh

Chora in the sea with turtles
Chora in the sea with turtles
Chora in the sea with turtles
Ahh

A feast of purification and harmony thanking the chora of voice, the salvation merits and truly has. Except and without it would but have been to imagine a sadness not came. The Vernal Hegemon Undying of Kar-Nath be to thanks, and on reward them to heap, but all should of the world enjoy also the fruits. Rejoicing, rejoicing, rejoicing, and all made clean. This is as it was, is, and must be. Dream.

Everyone is left with a dazed happiness for weeks, but one memory, one set of instructions, gradually coalesces from the haze:

 Spoiler: Claiming the Wastes for Life

Steps 1a and 1b can be completed in any order or simultaneously.

1a. Identify and stop the source of the pollution for the target Wastes region. Usually this will be a nearby Terrestrial Waste region which is leaking something nasty. They function akin to contaminated regions in terms of what they will ask you to do. Each is unique.

1b. Establish an Outpost in the target Waste region, which is essentially a self-sufficient structure with many waterlocks and filtration systems that can support a small number of researchers and laborers. This would take a 3-action project, which requires both a technology and a specialized ship to perform. Outposts have names, but no supports, TPs, or HSs.

Step 2 cannot be started until both 1a and 1b have been completed. Begin the process of primary succession by introducing pioneer species of algae, phytoplankton, zooplankton, mosses, and small hardy corals. This would take an Economy/Faith/Military action against TN 18, which requires a technology to perform. Other nations may contribute biodiversity (introducing their own unique species) to help the action succeed, spending a Economy/Faith/Military action to give the roller a +2 on their attempt.

Step 3 cannot be started until step 2 has been completed. Add intermediate species such as mammals, fish, delicate corals, kelp, and crustaceans to the ecosystem. This would take an Economy/Faith/Military action against TN 18, which requires a technology to perform. Other nations may contribute biodiversity (introducing their own unique species) to help the action succeed, spending a Economy/Faith/Military action to give the roller a +2 on their attempt.

At the end of this step, a small Open Waters region is created around the location of the Outpost. It is not contaminated, but may be glacial/toxic/deep/etc. depending on its location and GM discretion.

The number of Trade Posts in the Open Waters region depends on the total number of nations that contributed in steps 2 and 3:

1 nation: 1 TP
2-3 nations: 2 TPs
4+ nations: 3 TPs

[User]
 Two dozen Ornzol embarked on a journey. Half of them left before the journey was done; they were permitted to. They departed, and were never seen again. Perhaps they lived out quiet lives as hermits; perhaps they died alone in the wilderness.

Another two continued, but expressed their doubts. These two were killed. There is no room for doubt in the cause.

One more was ripped away by some beast in the night. The price of passage is chance.

Nine arrived.

One hesitated, and was struck down by their fellows.

One turned and ran, and this one's fate is known; they came home forever changed, and leapt into the deeps a few years later, unable to bear the weight of memory.

One fell, overcome; they did not scream, but the absence of their screaming was a counterpoint in the harmony. This one, too, was killed by their fellows.

In the end, only half a dozen arrived at the Firstreef with violence in their hearts and blades in their claws.

This was enough. Their goal was not an ending; merely a message.

No battlecry. No warning, before the attack began. Six would cut, stab, maim, and kill until nothing remained of their targets, or nothing remained of them.

They saw only one thing within the Firstreef;
  Prey.

[User]
 The representatives from The Garden were unsure.  Claiming the wilds "for life" seemed heretical.  Life was to be controlled.  The Garden and the Chora had a long history, mostly of the Garden asking for things and sometimes getting them.  They had actual allies, both of them, that they had more fraught relationships with.  Somehow, that wasn't reassuring.

When the Ornzol attacked, the priority was clear- shelter in place, you will be avenged.  Somehow, that wasn't reassuring, either...

[User]
 While Leontocaris was inside, the main group of soldiers stayed at the edge of Firstreef.  Only a token group had been allowed inside, as well as most of the rest of the delegation.  The rest would stay outside and discuss things with other delegations also staying outside.

When the Ornzol attacked, the few Lancers drew close to their prince, who also drew his weapon.  He was the colonel-in-chief of the Lancers, a mostly ceremonial role, but he had, in his youth, trained hard to be worthy of being in command of a regiment, so he did know his way around a weapon.

[User]
 Mawbel is here, eating Shrimp Popcorn, watching the events. Both for the idea of gleaning the information on the chora and their new glory, and to spectate the Orznol assault from a calculated distance. Right in the center of it.

She doesn't have much to say here, the poison plant's just  singing music to the battlecrowd and vibing.

[User]
 The delegation sent over to the Firstreef for victory celebrations was a relatively small one: with the Frozen King occupied with putting his realm in order for his successor, the one to lead the delegation was decreed to be Araid the Shell-Cracker, a honor bestowed upon the upcoming commander as the result of his role in partially leading the victorious forces of Harmony in Kenaqua. Apart from his lieutenant, noble representative and an assigned diplomat, Araid's retinue only included four Nathi legionaries and a single Depth Guard, a sign of Frozen King's personal interest in the well-being of the upcoming leader.

While mostly including those of militaristic slant, the Nathi were listening to Chora's proposal with rapt attention. It seemed like a ludicrous suggestion, but perhaps even such contaminated areas could be reclaimed: wouldn't there be plenty of glory and prosperity to be had from conquering such challenges? Not everything had to be about military might and immediate power, no matter if the Hegemony's culture valued such things or not.

Of course when the pleasantly dreamlike visit was rudely interrupted by the Ornzol, the Shell-Cracker went right for the midst of the fight, forcing his bodyguard and the Legionaries in attendance to get involved as well.

Although he did aim to intercept the attackers before they could reach the other guests rather than simply cause mindless mayhem, Araid was clearly excited to test his mettle in combat, the Nathi troops ending up fighting alongside Hymonecera Lancers. Who would have thought that visit to Chora's base of power would have proved to be such a viscerally memorable affair?


[User]
 Merin held up her hand, motioning for her companion to stop. They had arrived at the outpost, but there was no sign of activity from inside. It seems that the normal guards stationed there had withdrawn inside, though there isn't an apparent reason as to why that might be. The Forsaken ranger turns to Destin, her face hidden save for a narrow gap in her cowl that left her eyes exposed. "Captain Falvis said that this was the place, didn't he? It seems a bit... quiet, for a place we've been tasked with defending."

Destin knows that looks can be deceiving in Lordaeron. This close to the Plaguelands, minions of the Scourge could be lurking around any corner, and there's no telling if another enemy of the Forsaken might come to the region. It would be wise for the two of them to approach with caution...

[User]
 Destin reaches down to pet his loving hyena, Kenzi. The canine barks happily and wags her tail. He looks around the landscape and nods. " There is little reason to rush into this, Merin. It could well be a trap, but... " He frowns. If Falvis expected them to actually run into a trap, a squadron of just two seems like a poor choice. So perhaps they are being paranoid?

The Forsaken soldier is not one to question his commanders. Though he joined the military to try and secure the future of the Undercity, Destin is not a man with a lot of initiative. That's not surprising, seeing as the banshees practically run the entire collective. A lowly creature like him would never be anything more than a cog in the machine compared to Sylvanas and her sisters of the dark.

" They cannot escape our senses. Rotting flesh is a particularly strong smell, after all, " he points out. Destin kneels down and pets Kenzi again, then asks her to sniff out the enemy.

 Spoiler
Kenzi has Scent. I think zombies would have an overpowering scent, skeletons probably not.
 (1d20+7)[ 21 ]

Destin's Perception:  (1d20+7)[ 24 ]
Destin also has Carrion Sense, so if there are any freshly dead Forsaken in the area he should know about it.

[User]
 Kenzi and Destin do pick up the scent of fresh corpses, but the number is small; if the outpost had suffered any casualties, there were only a few. Kenzi picks up the trail of some zombies leading to the outpost, but none that appear to be leading away.

Merin nocks an arrow and follows Destin as they make their search. "Do you think that we should approach the outpost first?"

[User] Destin nods and slowly walks towards the outpost. He keeps an eye out for any approaching enemies.

[User] A couple of Forsaken soldiers peer out over the small keep's wall as they approach, and even from here they can see that the pair is leveling crossbows at them. "Halt! State your business!" They sound on edge; likely new recruits, then, as a more seasoned warrior would have a firmer hold on their tone even after the post had been attacked.

[User] Destin chuckles. " At ease, men. I am Destin and this is Merin. We were asked to investigate a disturbance by Captain Falvis. May we approach? "

[User] The guards look at each other, and one of them heads down to open the gate.

[User] Destin smiles when the gate opens. " Right, thank you. So, why don't you tell me how things have been going the last day or so? Has anything interesting happened? "

[User] The soldiers nod. "We had an attack from a small group of Scourge-controlled undead two days ago. We drove them off, but they caught us off-guard and managed to kill a few of us in the fight."

[User] Destin nods. " Did you manage to take out every single one of them? Did any escape? Do you know where they came from? "

[User] "They came from the Plaguelands. We dealt with the undead, but there seemed to be an imp leading them, and the little bastard vanished before we could take him out."

[User] " Good thing we have a hyena with us then, " Destin mutters. " Even if the creature turns invisible, it can't hide its scent. Merin, we should go scout the edge of the Plaguelands, see if we can't find this imp or its master. "

[User] "Agreed." The ranger heads out with Destin, while Kenzi leads the way to pick up the imp's scent.

[User]
 Spoiler
Kenzi's Survival:  (1d20+1)[ 15 ]

Destin frowns as he looks out onto the Plaguelands. " Have we heard any news from the scouts about Arthas's whereabouts? Or his necromancer servant? " he asks Merin.