[User] Post your races here.

[User]
 Solons

16 Packs, One strange pack (4 members).

 Brains  : 4 - Not terribly intelligent individually, Solons are at least smart enough to cooperate
 Strength  : 4 - Pack hunters, not individually dangerous
 Toughness  : 7 - Solons, given food, will recover from nearly any injury.
 Agility  : 5 - Agile enough..
 Grasping Appendages  : 2 - Solons have rudimentary fingers on their forlegs which they use to drag corpses.
 Language  : 2 - Solons vocal communication is extremely rudimentary
 Rudimentary Hivemind  : 6 - Solon packs act as an individual of many parts at short distances, at long distances they use their vocals.
 Bacterial Reproduction  : 6 - Solons themselves are actually extremely colonies of extremely specialized bacteria.  As such, any surplus of food becomes new solons.

Solons have no memories of their earlier ancestors.  This is their  history .

One day the first one started moving.  It ate, budded, it was two.  Now it is many.  And the many are not all the same.  It can be (6, number concepts still unknown), but more than that is too noisy, it becomes many again (cannot have a group of more than 6 at this point).

 Appearance  : With roughly the body plan of a dog, Solons are pale grey, moist, and covered in black rigid patches.  Their 'heads' are covered in round black beads, and they have small cilia growing in a frond on their necks and backs.  Their front and back limbs are covered from about halfway down with the stiff material, though the front limbs have segmented 'fingers' arranged just above the base of the limb.

Their diet is anything easily digestable.  Bugs, berries, fecal matter, animals, dead animals...

 The land  :
A big, swampy valley filled with unmoving muggy air, their environment is (by our standards)overwhelmingly hot, and terribly humid.  Fire is an impossibility, and decay is everywhere.   At one end of the valley is a river, which must run close to a volcanic vent, as it is warm already.  Frequently, dead fish will be found floating in the river (the river is fed by an offshoot of a much larger river, everything here is evolved to the high sulphur content in the water).

Food grows everywhere in the fertile soil.  The squelchy, muddy, nearly impassible soil.

Ease of travel : 1
Food and Water : 10
Natural Resources : 3
Safety : 6

[User]
 The Skali

Your average Skali is somewhere between four and five feet long from the end of their face to the tip of their tails, and has rough, dark, leathery skin that stretches over most of their body.  Their most defining features are their long, ski-like feet (almost as long as their bodies) and the large flaps of skin located on top of their necks that they can raise and lower at will to act as a sail.  In addition, they have two small limbs tucked behind their massive sails that they can use for more subtle manipulations of objects.

 Brains : 10 (While not the sharpest tools in the shed, they know how to use certain things to their advantage)
 Strength : 4 (Skali aren't strong; they depend on speed and ambush tactics to hunt for food)
 Toughness : 6 (Skali have a decent hide, however, their thin legs require great care)
 Agility : 8 (Skali are aerodynamic and can make good use of their legs and sail to move faster)
 Grasping Appendages : 4 (Skali use their large hind-feet for gripping and tearing)

 Language : 6 (They have a very simple method of expressing very simple things, involving use of their sails and their natural camouflage)
 Natural Camouflage : 7 (By controlling their bloodflow, Skali can slightly change their skin's colour)
 Sails : 6 (The focal point of most Skali's lives are their sails: they're used in mating rituals, hunting, scaring off predators, and to a lesser degree in their camouflage abilities and communication)
 Housing : 1

 The Jungles of the Skali

The Jungle that the Skali call home is dense when it comes to life.  Plants and animals are everywhere, with many streams and rivers running through the trees to provide proper nourishment.  On the down-side, plants and animals are everywhere, predators are common and many of the plants prove to be effective in slowing down movement.

 Ease of Travel : 4
 Food and Water : 7
 Natural Resources : 7
 Safety : 2

Upgrades:

 Spoiler
 Turn 1 :

  Toughness  +1
  Language  +3
  Natural Camouflage  +2
  Pack Mentality  +4

 Turn 2 :

  Strength  +1
  Toughness  +1
  Brains  +5
  Language  +1
  Housing  +1

[User]
 Quil'Iarth'Na
  Abilities  :

 Brains : 5 (The Quil'Iarth'Na, like most rodents, are quite intelligent, due to their meat-rich diet.)
 (Inventor Caste members have a Brains of 9.)
 Strength : 4 (The Quil'Iarth'Na rely more on pack hunting techniques than on sheer strength to catch their prey.)
 (Warrior Caste members have a Strength of 6.)
 Toughness : 4 (The Quil'Iarth'Na rely more on agility and their spines than on sheer toughness to keep them safe.)
 (Warrior Caste members have a Toughness of 6.)
 Agility : 5 (The Quil'Iarth'Na are small and fast, and often use their speed to escape predators.)
 (Scout Caste members have an Agility of 9.)
 Grasping Appendages : 3 (The Quil'Iarth'Na have four small, but nimble fingers on each of their paws, with small claws to easily rip apart a carcass.)
 Natural Weapon (Spines) : 7 (The Quil'Iarth'Na can flick their tail to release a small volley of hard spines at any prospective prey.)
 Natural Armour (Spines) : 7 (The Quil'Iarth'Na are covered with a dense mat of long spines, much like an echidna, which serve as an effective deterrant to predators)

  Technology  :

 Language : 3 (The Quil'Iarth'Na are a generally social people, with a simple language consiting of small growls and whistles.)
 Tactics: Pack Hunting : 5 (The Quil'Iarth'Na have developed an efficient group hunting technique to make up for their personal weakness.)
 (Warrior Caste members have a Tactics: Pack Hunting of 8.)
 Nest Building : 3 (The Quil'Iarth'Na sleep in groups, and so they have become adept at digging small holes in the ground to keep them safe.)
 Tactics: Camouflage (Stealth) : 5 (The Quil'Iarth'Na roll around in fallen leaves, which stick to their spines, to gain a degree of camouflage.)
 (Scout Caste members have a Tactics:Camouflage (Stealth) of 8.)
 Tactics: Crippling Strikes : 5 (After Quil'Zar'Ha discovered the technique of aiming for the joints, suddenly all Quil'Iarth'Na are picking it up.)
 (Warrior Caste members have a Tactics: Crippling Strikes of 8.)
 (Scout Caste only tech.)  Tactics: Sneak (Stealth) : 3 (After Quil'Zar'Ha created the Caste system, the Scout Caste learnt how to sneak up on prey more silently)
 (Inventor Caste only tech.)  Tools: Stone Cutters : 3 (After Quil'Zar'Ha created the Caste system, the Inventor Caste learnt how to break rocks to form sharp knives.)
 (Inventor Caste only tech.)  Skinning : 3 (After Quil'Zar'Ha created the Caste system, the Inventor Caste learnt how to skin wild beasts so as to wear their fur.)

  Inventor Caste   (Current Leaders):
Notables:  Quil'Zar'Ha , Clan Leader.

 Scout Caste :
Notables:  Quil'Zar'Taj , Scoutmaster.

 Warrior Caste :
Notables: None so far.

  The Quil'Har Forest
 As you enter the forest, the trees seem to loom over you, casting their magnificent shadows over you. Skittering noises come from the undergrowth, and ominous shadows sneak behind every bush. Before you know it, a volley of spines arcs from the undergrowth and into your back, like stabbing needles of white-hot metal. In a few seconds, you're Quil'Iarth'Na food.
 Ease of Travel : 2 (Quil'Iarth'Na lands are as inhospitable as the Quil'Iarth'Na themselves. But they are well adapted to suit their environment.)

 Food and Water : 7 (The Quil'Har Forest is rich and abundant in animal and plant life, perfect for the population growth of a small rodent population.)

 Natural Resources : 7 (The Quil'Har Forest abounds in useful woods, stones, metals, and useful plants. These advantages, althogh as of yet undiscovered by the Quil'Iarth'Na, will be very useful to them.)

 Safety : 4 (The lush environment attracts predators. However, the Quil'Iarth'Na hold to the policy of "The bigger they are, the harder they fall".)

**************************************************  ***

Update status: Updated as of turn three.

Stacking: All tactics tech half-stack.
All techs with the stealth tag stack.


[User]
 Arena Tournament, Round 22:  Grez  vs.  Heleroen
 Map

 Spoiler

 XP Award:  300 XP
 GP Award:  300 GP

 Grez - Theterran
 Heleroen - Neftren
 All combatants, please roll initiative.

[User]
 Totally didn't see this...

Here's Initiative...I'll buy some stuff before we begin (if I have any money...I'll have to look)

  Initiative  - (1d20+7)[ 17 ]

[User]
 Yeah I apparently was eliminated in Round 26 for not seeing my match...  whatever.

 (1d20+5)[ 23 ]

[User] Okay, I'll double move to J14.

[User] You might want to redo your movement since you start from the bottom and not the top. 😁

[User] Ahaha... lets make that Q14 eh?

[User]
 Grez - Round 1

Starting in B14 with a spear in hand, Grez moves to I15.

There he casts a spell.

 Spoiler
Cast True Strike.
Swift Action: Activate Travel Devotion

End my Turn.

Stats:

 Spoiler
Location: I15
HP: 8/8
AC: 18  Touch: 13  FF: 15
In Hand: Spear
Travel Devotion (1/10)
Spears (3/3)
Javelins (4/4)
Scrolls Used:
Spells:

 Spoiler
Level 0 - Guidance, Virtue, Resistance
Level 1 - Shield of Faith, Entropic Shield, True Strike(D)-x

[User]
 Move to R13.

For Refs:
 Spoiler
Ready an action to attack my opponent when I gain LoE

Stats:
 Spoiler
HP: 14/14
AC: 19

[User]
 Grez - Round 2

Free Action: Shift
Move Action: Move to P12.
Standard Action: Throw spear.

  Attack  - (1d20+25)[ 33 ]  (+4 Dex, +1PbS, +20 True Strike)
  Damage  - (1d8+5)[ 11 ]  (+4 Str, +1PbS)

Swift Action: Move to M12.

End my Turn.

Stats:

 Spoiler
Location: M12
HP: 8/8
AC: 19 Touch: 14 FF: 15
In Hand:
Travel Devotion (2/10)
Shift (1/5)
Spears (2/3)
Javelins (4/4)
Scrolls Used:
Spells:

 Spoiler

Level 0 - Guidance, Virtue, Resistance
Level 1 - Shield of Faith, Entropic Shield, True Strike(D)-x

[User]
 Ho hum.  I believe you triggered my readied action as soon as you entered LoE.

 (1d20+7)[ 9 ]  (5 Dex + PBS 1 + Size Mod 1)
 (1d6+1)[ 7 ]  (Small Longbow + PBS)

May I inquire as to how you can move twice in a round with once being a swift action?

[User]
 Aaand I believe I actually have to move...

Will move to T13, draw a glass bottle and drink it.

Edit: By the way, if you're throwing a spear, I don't believe you get to add your Strength to Damage.

 Spoiler
Drinking a CLW Potion.   (1d8+1)[ 7 ]

Stats:
 Spoiler
HP: 10/14
AC: 19

[User]
 @Neftren

 Spoiler
 Movement as a swift Action: Travel Devotion Feat
Thrown Weapon:

 Originally Posted by SRD
 The wielder applies his or her Strength modifier to damage dealt by thrown weapons

 Grez - Round 3

Move Action: Draw a Scroll.
Standard Action: Cast the spell from the Scroll.
@refs

 Spoiler
Casting True Strike

Swift Action: Move to M15.

End my Turn.

Stats:

 Spoiler
Location: M15
HP: 8/8
AC: 19 Touch: 14 FF: 15
In Hand:
Travel Devotion (3/10)
Shift (2/5)
Spears (2/3)
Javelins (4/4)
Scrolls Used: True Strike
Spells:

 Spoiler

Level 0 - Guidance, Virtue, Resistance
Level 1 - Shield of Faith, Entropic Shield, True Strike(D)-x

[User]
 Will move to T10.

For Refs:
 Spoiler
Will ready an attack action to shoot theterran if theterran moves into LoE from any square I can reach within a five foot step.  I hope that's coherent...

Stats:
 Spoiler
HP: 10/14
AC: 19

I think I may have to obtain a pair of Eternal Wands of True Strike from now on... or maybe just scrolls.  But I'd need ranks in UMD for that... right?

[User]
 Grez - Round 4

Move Action: Draw a Spear
Swift Action: Move to U13.
Standard Action: Throw Spear.

  Attack  - (1d20+25)[ 41 ]  (+4 Dex, +1PbS, +20 True Strike)
  Damage  - (1d8+5)[ 8 ]  (+4 Str, +1Pbs)

End my Turn.

Stats:

 Spoiler
Location: U13
HP: 8/8
AC: 19 Touch: 14 FF: 15
In Hand:
Travel Devotion (4/10)
Shift (3/5)
Spears (1/3)
Javelins (4/4)
Scrolls Used: True Strike
Spells:

 Spoiler

Level 0 - Guidance, Virtue, Resistance
Level 1 - Shield of Faith, Entropic Shield, True Strike(D)-x

[User]
 You triggered my readied action... so I'll resolve that first...

 (1d20+7)[ 16 ]
 (1d6+1)[ 2 ]

[User]
 That was pitiful... so I'll retreat to U8 and shoot you again!

 (1d20+7)[ 8 ]
 (2d6+1)[ 8 ]

That was even worse...

[User]
 Grez - Round 5

Move Action: Draw a Javelin
Standard Action: Throw Javelin

  Attack  - (1d20+5)[ 7 ]
  Damage  - (1d6+5)[ 8 ]

Swift Action: Move to Z17.

End my Turn

Stats:

 Spoiler
Location: Z17
HP: 8/8
AC: 19 Touch: 14 FF: 15
In Hand:
Travel Devotion (5/10)
Shift (4/5)
Spears (1/3)
Javelins (3/4)
Scrolls Used: True Strike
Spells:

 Spoiler

Level 0 - Guidance, Virtue, Resistance
Level 1 - Shield of Faith, Entropic Shield, True Strike(D)-x

[User] How exactly are you moving... 9 squares?   Unless there's some rule I don't know about Diagonal Movement...

[User] While I'm shifted, my movement is 60ft (12squares)

[User]
 Bah.  Talk about powergaming by diving through splatbooks...

For Refs:
 Spoiler
Will ready an attack action to shoot theterran if theterran moves into LoE from any square I can reach within a five foot step. I hope that's coherent...

Your turn.

[User]
 GM Kyeudo

 Originally Posted by Neftren
 Bah.  Talk about powergaming by diving through splatbooks...

For Refs:
 Spoiler
Will ready an attack action to shoot theterran if theterran moves into LoE from any square I can reach within a five foot step. I hope that's coherent...

Your turn.

He hasn't even gotten into the realm of crazy speed. The CO boards have the current record for most distance moved in a single turn as being something along the order of 200 miles. Besides, Powergaming is what we do here.

As for your action:

 Spoiler

Coherent enough for me.

[User]
 Well it's pretty crazy at Level One...

I think I've gotten a method of moving a ton of miles with the right gear + levels in several classes.

[User] Did you move out of U8?

[User] Not to my knowledge... and why is the site running so slowly...

[User]
 Grez - Round 6

Move Action: Draw a Javelin
Swift Action: Move to Y9
Standard Action: Throw Javelin

  Attack  - (1d20+5)[ 23 ]
  Damage  - (1d6+5)[ 6 ]

End my Turn.

Stats:

 Spoiler
Location: Y9
HP: 8/8
AC: 19 Touch: 14 FF: 15
In Hand:
Travel Devotion (5/10)
Shift (4/5)
Spears (1/3)
Javelins (2/4)
Scrolls Used: True Strike
Spells:

 Spoiler

Level 0 - Guidance, Virtue, Resistance
Level 1 - Shield of Faith, Entropic Shield, True Strike(D)-x

[User]
 Heleroen keels over dead.  Good game!

Edit:  Actually lets do my readied action first... :D

[User]
 (1d20+7)[ 17 ]  to Hit
 (1d6+1)[ 5 ]  Damage.

All I need is a critical hit to win.  Well, no nat 20 for me today, otherwise I would have won if I had rolled better but whatever.

[User] Nice Match!

[User]
 Ref Morbius
 Grez is declared the winner and recieves 300 XP and gold


[User]
 This will not be continued... and the heroes will have dispersed or retired by now. Olania will be heading to Kingslayers.

Tevrier may retire with Ramona.

Kyroswolf will make a new PC and rejoin old HoE players in Darklords.


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

 Spoiler

 XP Award:  300 XP
 GP Award:  300 GP

 Dunkin - Damionte
 Maren - Bitzeralisis
 All combatants, please roll initiative.

[User]
 Still need to set spells but here's initiative and position.

 Round - 0  Rolling Initiative

 Initiative:   (1d20+2)[ 17 ]

Opening  Status & Position:

 Spoiler

Current Action/Location: / N1
  Vital Statistics:
 HP:   8 /8
 AC:  12, Touch: 12, FF: 10 (Dex +2, Size +1, Base=9)
 Saves:  Fort +3, Ref +2, Will +5
 Special Abilities::
 Conditions:

Current Creatures

 Spoiler

Chevy: Animal Companion:
Current Action/Location: / M2
  Vital Statistics:
 HP:   6 /6
 AC:  13, Touch: 11, FF: 12 (Dex +1, Nat +2)
 Saves:  Fort +4, Ref +3, Will +0 / +2 vs Spells
 Special Abilities::  Pounce, Low Light, Scent
 Conditions:

Robin: Mount
Current Action/Location: / N2
  Vital Statistics:
 HP:   13 /13
 AC:  16, Touch: 12, FF: 14 (Dex +2, Nat +4)
 Saves:  Fort +5, Ref +5, Will +1 / +2 vs Spells
 Special Abilities::  Trip +3, Low Light, Scent
 Conditions:

[User]
 We should likely call this one - remember that Bitz pulled out of all future matches with Maren. =/

They still haven't decided about us having a best 2/3 or what.

[User]
 Yeah but they set the match up so I was taking the XP and gold for it. :)

Winning this one puts me back in the match with you anyway. So no real need to do a 2 out of 3.

Once this one times out this evening it'll be use again anyway.

[User]
 Ref Terran

Dunkin wins by default


[User] Just to recap-Through the efforts of Mr.Rogers and Shinyness, the gate is open and the way out is finally available.

[User]
 Originally Posted by Waifu
 Just to recap-Through the efforts of Mr.Rogers and Shinyness, the gate is open and the way out is finally available.

yo this all looks good

[User]
 We should probably keep the OOC banter in the OOC page
 He says, adding to the OOC banter on the page


[User]
 CHANGELING the LOST (2e)  – GRAMARYE IC
  OOC Thread

Here they come, here they come,
Here they come and they might as well,
Too many birds in my confusion now.
Now they’ll circle over this house ‘til we take them in.

---

You show me a sign,
To rise up from the world we know,
And she’s strung out on life.
He soon rolls his teeth,
Spilling out from a mouth fit to overflow
Back into me.

She moves and it’s fire
Fire Underwater…
Speaks of its flame,
She speaks my name…
Well they all really want you
If only you had wanted them.
Lights move in the chalk lines
Chains that define who I am.
Here we go again
How could I have seen?
Always she’s driving…
How could I have known?
Right through the strangest calling,
Straight through the sound
Gramarye, I’ve found
See how she’s driving me down.

Straight from the sound
She is seen as a bright sun to anyone,
Hollow in mind.
With the weight of the world,
Trailing out ‘til the last stream discovers me
Alive on vine

She moves and it’s fire
Fire Underwater…
Speaks of its flame,
She speaks my name
As you move in a chalk line,
Change in the dream that I am,
Here we are the same.

I used to see something in the idea
But only one did my hands reach
Anything beautiful
Now she’s turned away,
And I…

We move in its fire
Show me a sign
Fire Underwater
Speaking its flame
It speaks my name.
She proves
Soon rolls its teeth,
The Liar.
On every one of them,
We are the same.
Lights move in a chalk line,
Change in the fire who I am.
Here we are again
How could I have seen?
Always she’s driving,
How could I have known?
Right through the strangest calling,
Straight through the sound,
Gramarye, I’ve found.
See how she’s driving me,
Always she’s driving,
Back through the strangest calling,
Straight through the sound
Gramarye, I found…
See how she’s driving me down.

 –  Gramarye ,  Remy Zero


[User]
 You are just beyound the edge of the treeline, concealed by the firs and their shadows, gazing at the log construction over a 1000 yards of stumps, the foot-corpses of the trees whose bodies are now the walls of the Hill giant Steading, the Palisade it commands, and have been the fuel spent to keep the Giants comfortably warm.

The palisade cuts across the foothill valley, controling thereby the mountain pass beyond.  The Steading and the gate 100 ft east of it controls land bound traffic heading to and coming from the Alpine north.

It is not yet moonrise, the time when the theatrical Elders have commanded that you attack. You waited in the cave Their minions led you to during the day, and now you have positioned your self for the assualt to punish these giants for their arrogance. Your retainer is near and might prove useful later in shifting the destruction for the partchments the Elders require and any trinkets.

[User] So...   murmurs Ajdaho, from where he lies among the pines.   It seems the hour of our attack is nearly at hand. My I ask though if anyone has deigned to come up with anything further than rending their flesh beneath might and magic? While there are none there strong enough to stop such an effort it is rather exhausting.

[User]
 The map provided by the Elders is a bit old. It doesn't show the palisade that now runs from the southern corners (of rooms 7 and 14) out into the distance across the whole valley.

It also doesn't show the large pin holding giant goats to the north west or the large barns beyond them further north.

22 is an open court yard containing wolves.

[User]
 Arriving Sarabi would curl around a tree waiting for the hour at hand until a Dragon decided to speak up. Shaking her head she couldn't help but feel the arrogance of dragons with their inflated egos would cause issues; despite their raw power, they were flawed.

 "You say that but why hire all of use if the giants don't have powerful creatures on their side? Before we go head first into danger it would be wise to scout ahead first. I for one am interested in the headspace inside."

[User] Gnawing on a sheep she had found earlier Myla adds  If you want I could burrow into the stronghold, It maybe be slow but would maybe bypass some defenses.  from her place curled around a tree stump making her scales sparkle in the sunlight.

[User]
 (do you mean headcount, or ceiling height?)
(Sorry for lag, everyone in my household took a turn being sick.)

The moon is now rising. However you wish to attack, coordinated or not now is the time to begin...

Flashback:
 When summoned for this mission, an Emissary if the Elders approached you with a ....gift.... Of sorts.
Two multicolored crystals.  "Eat it before you consume the heart and brain of a powerful creature, and there is a chance that you may steal part of that power for yourself. You may share one with your retainer, or consume both and double your chances"

[User]
 Daran, eyes smoldering in the shade of the brush, hisses softly.   "How would you feel,"   he says,   "if we led thiss whole compound to panic a little before we attack? We could let the ssheep free, have the wolvess be disstracted by that, for their bassse nature will drive them to it."

Thendyr nods,   "I could go and open the pen, great one. Just give me the sign."
  "Yes,"   nods Daran.   "Then, one of two thingss will happen. Either the brutess will come into the courtyard to ssee why the wolvess are acting up, in which casse I ssay we assssault them from above. They will be unlikely to carry their weaponss at thiss time. The other alternative iss that they do not come out. In that casse I say we finissh the wolvess firsst sso ass not to have to worry about them later. What ssay you?"   At the prospect of  blood, be it sheep, wolf or giant, a little spittle drips from his mouth, making the pointed, skewed teeth look all the more appaling.

[User]
 Very well, I suppose that makes enough sense, still we must depart quickly if we are to make it in time for this.

As he said this the mighty red dragon took a few paces forward, then launched itself into the air. The budding sorcerer on his back they made for the giants castle.

[User] "Let uss be off then."   With that, Daran launched himself into the air toward the area just east of the compound, to lay in wait for Thendyr to open the gate to the sheeps pen and see whether the giants will come out or not.


[User]
 Your native planes are, relatively speaking, rather calm. They may have their crises from time to time, but overall, they are perfectly safe - and more importantly,  contained . Planar travel certainly isn't impossible, but the planes themselves seem perfectly happy to stay apart.

...this may have been what allowed the Bridge to cause such chaos. Nobody knew where it came from, what it was or who named it; the Bridge was just the Bridge. A sparkling void, lights twinkling within it. Anything that entered never returned, either lost or destroyed. It spread at a steady pace and subsumed all in its path. Some major planes lasted for years, their inhabitants fleeing to the far edges. Others were lost in minutes. However long yours stood for, it eventually met the same fate - and you along with it. As the Bridge surrounds you, you feel yourself being pulled at as if every part of your body was trying to flee from itself. Those around you turned to dust almost immediately, but you had the strength to hold on. After what could have been seconds or centuries, you were freed. The Bridge spat you out onto cold, hard asphalt. In the distance, cars whip past as the Bridge enroaches from the sky once more.

[User] It was not unexpected to be consumed by the bridge so there is no surprise on the face of the rather unassuming blonde woman dressed in a black pant suit. She looks at the other two.  "Are you also strangers here?"

[User] A figure in hooded grey robes falls to the ground, landing on their hands and knees. As they get to their feet, their hood falls back to reveal the face of a human woman. Her head is completely bald with dark grey lines visible just beneath the skin. The woman's haze passes over the two others near her, before shifting to the sky and then back down to the blonde woman.  "Perhaps, but I can't be sure. I recognise this planet, but..."  She seems to sniff at the air for a second.  "It shouldn't be on this plane, or at this level of technology."

[User] Clad in armor with swords in scababards, what could be described as a centaur type creature only human with catlike body, landing on all four feet, looking at the strange surroundings gaining some bearing on what just occurred. On hearing the words of the two strangers,  I am not sure what plane or planet this is but it is not like anything I have seen before.

[User] The hooded woman begins to pace back and forth.  "Did you come here through  that ?"  She points up to the Bridge, sighing slightly.  "Because if you did, we're royally screwed."

[User] I believe that I did come through that, though having done some planar travels this is a first for me

[User] The bridge seems to grow larger (and closer) in the sky. Within it, you can see your own worlds and countless others - and all are slowly being pulled apart. The process seems slower due to their immense size, but it will happen eventually nonetheless.


[User]
 As the sun sets below the horizon, the 'Queen of the Seas' gazes on the port city her ship glides towards. Belith hadn't been to this particular port before, but she'd heard it was a decent enough place. The city of Dremir was just far enough 'out of the way' to welcome travelers (especially with goods to sell), as well as have plenty of odd jobs piled up for the adventuring sort for those looking to make some coin that way as well.

As the ship docks, ropes are thrown and knots are tied - the deck of the ship abuzz with work being done, but Belith could see what looked like the local dock master already waddling down the dock towards the ship, eager to collect the fee. A rotund man with plain but well-made clothing would indicate a professional who has done well for himself with surprisingly little peacocking that city officials are usually known for.

Readying to meet the official, Belith eyes her coin pouch. Hoping the man was a poor negotiator, she waits for the gangplank to be lowered so that she can go out to meet the dockmaster.

[You're free to prep for the meeting with the dockmaster or put it off until you've finished anything you want to do on the ship first.]

 OOC


[User]
 Part One: A mystery

Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, whither thou goest.
--Ecclesiastes 9:10

Redemption was not an easy path. Even when superficially, the actions and commitment advanced the cause of good, internally, gauging the sins against the noble deeds was a much more complicated matter. And there was no assurance that the soul was free from condemnation.

Had Kalma done enough? Had her deeds freed her soul? Would she find solace if she died tomorrow by the sword, spell, or fate? Or would the demons that gripped her immortal soul keep it as payment for her sinful past?

Three kingdoms owed her their freedom from tyrants. Had she not helped bring down the Spider queen and the servants of Lolth? Were her efforts in thwarting  Acererak's plans effective in any way to free her from damnation?

And ultimately, were these sincere acts of goodness? or were they desperate selfish efforts to escape an inevitable death?

In moments of profound doubt, Kalma even envied her ghost companion. For however trapped, at least it roamed the material world. Kalma's fate was Hell.

***

They stopped.
She could have used her magic to travel faster. But they had decided to do the rest of the road as mundanely as possible. This was some pilgrimage anyway. They will arrive early the next day. Kalma hadn't been here since she was a little girl, yet she recognized the twisted, thin acorn trees and the sharp rocky cliffs. The sea was rough today despite the nice weather. In the north, there must be a storm pushing deep long waves that crashed violently against the rocks below. It was a soothing sound.

Time to make a fire and rest.

OC

[User]
 Stopping to take in the view, Kamla's face is a mask of mixed emotions. After a few minutes, she nods to herself and pulls a food ration from her magical cloak's right pocket, and a waterskin from the left. Sitting cross-legged, she thought about trying to make a fire. Remembering her previous attempts, she grimaces and her thoughts turn self-deprecating,   I should really pick up some tinder twigs or something.   Shaking her head, she sighs and eats her meager meal cold, thankful yet again for the magic cloak. Probably the oldest possession she had, it had kept her from starving or dying of thirst more than once and had protected her from the elements for at least fifteen years now.

Whisper, silent as usual, gives her a half-smile, as if realizing her own internal chastisement as she gives a small shrug. Whisper was even worse at starting a fire than she was, and that was saying something. How the woman ever made it as a scout, she'll never know.   Well... she  didn't  make it, I guess. At least not in the end.   With that sobering thought, she finishes her tasteless meal and starts digging through her haversack. Wincing, Kalma turns to Whisper.   "Uh...I'm out of skulls at the moment. Would you mind terribly keeping watch tonight?"   Nodding her assent to the task she'd performed hundreds of times for her friend, Whisper floats upward and hovers above Kalma's position, slowly turning, her gaze on the horizon. Not a lot got past whisper, so Kalma pulled off her cloak and shook it out before speaking the command word that turned it into a small tent. Refreshing the spells on both herself and her companion, she slips into her tent and removes her breastplate to stow it in her haversack before tossing that down to use as a makeshift pillow.

Staring at the top of the tent, Kalma's mind keeps trying to take her to the past, but she pushes the memories aside and closes her eyes to meditate on her spells instead.

 Spoiler: OOC

   Kalma Draven
Female C/N Hellbred (Spirit) Gestalt,  Level  16,  Init  10,  HP  146/146,  Speed  30'
 AC  38,  Touch  26,  Flat-footed  32,  Fort  27,  Ref  32,  Will  27,  Base Attack Bonus  +16/+11/+6
 (Chosen) +5 Hizagkur Kusari-Gama of Sudden Stunning   +32/+27/+22 (1d6+12 +12(Fire) +1d6+1(Electric), 20/x2)
 +1 Nimble Glamered Mithril Breastplate ,  Ring of  Force Shield  (+10 Armor, +2 Shield, +6 Dex, +10 Misc)
 Abilities  Str 14, Dex 22, Con 12, Int 14, Wis 10, Cha 32
 Condition  Awake, Alert, Rested, Sober
 Immunities  Blindness, Dazzling
 Active Spells  Supreme Resistance, Undetectable Alignment, Ghostly Tail
 Other Defenses  Fire Resistance 8, Cold Resistance 5, Electric Resistance 5, Endure Elements Effect, +5 AC vs Ranged, 1/Round Deflect Arrow, Ninja Dodge, Evasive Reflexes

   Whisper
Female C/N Grey Elf Ghost Scout 3 / Ranger 6 / Ghost 2 / Uncanny Trickster 3,  Level  12,  Init  7,  HP  72/72,  Speed  40' Land, 30' Fly (Perfect)
 AC  27,  Touch  21,  Flat-footed  20,  Fort  15,  Ref  21,  Will  15,  Base Attack Bonus  +10.5 / +5.5
 Hank's Energy Bow (∞)   +20/+15 (2d6[+7 if Point Blank], 20/x3)
 +1 Rapier   +18/+13 (1d6, 18-20/x2)
 Skirmish Damage     (+6d6+2,  )
 +1 Nimbleness Mithral Chain Shirt Armour ,    Dastana  (+5 Armor, +1 Shield, +7 Dex, +4 Deflect)
 Abilities  Str 0, Dex 24, Con 0, Int 20, Wis 7, Cha 18
 Condition  None
 Additional Defenses  Uncanny Dodge, +4 Turn Resistance
 Active Spells  Superior Resistance

Kamla uses Travel Cloak for its daily bread and water, as well as tent function.
Refreshing the spells listed in the stat blocks.

Whisper Stands Watch
Listen:  (1d20+21)[ 39 ]
Spot:  (1d20+21)[ 26 ]

[User]
 As the cold sea breeze climbed up the cliff carrying the roaring od the waves, Kalma sat around the dim fire.

But in the quiet night, she felt observed. An eerie feeling of imminent peril crept around the improvised campsite. The night grew darker as if a shadow had covered the nightsky with a veil.

Kalma knew something was coming, and it was coming soon.

 Spoiler: OoC
You passed an Int check, so Kalma knows she is being spied by a scry spell of particular power. You got 1 round of actions and then rol for initiative.


[User]
 Private Thread for Ancient and DMs only, please.

Noona heads towards East Gate, the closest gate out of the city to where the farm is located. She pauses a moment to make sure she's ready to head out of the city before embarking.

[User] With little to leave behind, Noona feels about as ready as she will ever be to go out to this farm and see what happened to this women's son. It might be fruitful or it might be a waste of time, finding out would be the only way to be sure.


[User]
 CRASH LANDED on the Feral World of... R A I N W O O D
   Off The Starboard Bow

You hail from the Empire of Hellheart - the most brutal and tyrannical imperial regime the Astral Sea has ever known. The Empire has stretched its foul wings wide and conquered vast swathes of the multiverse, engulfing whole worlds and stomping out any & all resistance. It is said, eventually, all mortals will bow before the visage of the Emperor of Hellheart, a fallen angel named Raphael Deathwind. Many in the empire chafe under its cruel dominion and attempt to flee; flee far, far away to undiscovered worlds that litter the imperial borderland. You were one such rebel, seeking freedom from oppression. In the port city of Ertza, you befriended a merchant captain who agreed to take you to the elven free world of Lor’Laire, a place that lay far beyond the Empire’s grasp.

However, you were betrayed!

A drunken sailor unknowingly tipped off an imperial informant. With great haste, the Captain woke you up in the middle of the night, yanked you out of bed, dragged you across town and pulled you aboard the Grey Wolf, then set sail for Lor’Laire! Or so you thought… The Imperial Navy was primed and ready, two of their frigates gave chase. Although the Grey Wolf had head start, the imperial ships were faster and more maneuverable. The captain knew if he sailed right to Lor’Laire, the Imperials would follow. Although the elven navy might be able to defeat these two frigates, there was no way the elves could stand against the full might of the Hellheart Empire.

So as to not tip off the Imperials as to where the Grey Wolf was eventually headed, the Captain steered the vessel towards the Feral Expanse, a completely uncharted region of the Astral Sea. The barbarous, untamed worlds of the Feral Expanse were known in the Empire only for their brutish, xenophobic natives. The Captain had hoped sailing towards this region of the Astral Sea would deter the Imperials.

He was wrong.

After many weeks of cat and mouse escapades, the imperial frigates finally caught the Grey Wolf. Although the merchant galleon was a sturdy craft, it was never designed for a war. The Imperial Wizards bombarded the Grey Wolf with dreadful magics, which ignited some unknown substance in the atmosphere above a hitherto unknown world. The resulting explosion not only cracked the Grey Wolf in half, but also scuttled the two imperial frigates. Half of the merchant galleon was dashed across the jagged spires of a blood red moon, the other half - the half you were on - careened into the feral planet, crash landing in the middle of a hot, humid, steamy jungle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Your eyes burst open. Adrenaline courses through your veins. You look around and not but devastation and destruction can be seen, for your half of the ship cut a vast swathe through this primordial forest. It is twilight, now, with the last gold and red rays of light from this world's two suns streaking across the jungle. As the night creeps ever closer, the temperature dips slightly, a cold breeze blows across your face. Off in the distance, you can see animals curiously gazing upon the wreckage, then dart away in fear when they realize you are staring at them. The ship - what is left of the ship after the battle and the crash - is unsalvageable. Very little remains of value or use. As you rummage through the wreckage you find a few odds and ends but nothing spectacular.

Suddenly, you hear someone yell,   "WHAT HO!"   You quickly deduce that the call came from the sky. As you look up, you see a blisteringly fast blue bird streak across the heavens. Its size is difficult to assess but you would wager it is at least the size of two horses put together! Behind it is a trail of ice and snow, like a comet! Giving chase are three bird-men... Not winged elves or tieflings, not kenku or aarakocra, nor even owlin... No, these flying men are different... They look more like harpies but they have humanoid arms with white wings flapping out of their backs. Their feet are bird-like, with sharp talons. These flying men hold primitive bow with their feet, and use their whole body to draw the string back, then loose arm-sized arrows at their icy target. The snow bird is a deft flyer, easily dodging all of these attacks. The bird and these bird-men have not noticed the crash or you yet.

What do you do?

[User]
 Her black eyes opening after the shuddering impact with the planet, Adeya carefully takes in her surroundings.    Ruined ship, not terribly intact, but there might be something.  A massive sign that someone was here.  Searching quickly, assessing survivors, then moving on is the safest course, without a reason to stay here.
An initial assessment complete, the tall Gith stands, shaking wooden splinters and other debris from her blackened steel armor, and she quickly locates the rest of her gear before she starts to move away from her starting point in the ruins of her bunk, shifting through the wreckage for both survivors and useful materials.

At the call, she looks up, quickly taking in the bird, and the hunters, before she turns back to searching the wreckage.    Either they're going to fly past, or not.  No one could possibly have missed the crash.  Conversation would be helpful, but so would more information before such conversation occurs.  Regardless, I have no way to start a conversation.
 (1d20+5)[ 9 ]  Perception(Is there anything of interest in the wreckage nearby)

[User]
 Modar
 Vedalken Berserker
 AC: 16 HP:  32/32
 PP: 11 PIv: 14 PIs: 9
 Conditions:  -
 Raging: -
 Reckless: -

Modar appears from within the ship, casually moving a large piece of debris from his way. Once outside, he looks back to survey the wreckage,   Were the captain here, I would commend him on his somewhat unorthodox but impeccable piloting, and handling of the ship after the Imperial frigates were upon us,  Void take them .   He turns to see Adeya also looking around,   Adeya, good, I am glad you were spared the same fate as our vessel.

Suddenly, a call comes from above and Modar looks up to see a large blue bird being chased by flying feathered men with bows and arrows. The vedalken's voice takes on a rougher, more guttural sound and his hands curl into fists,   They can maintain flight while loosing missiles. Need to find cover, then close the distance when the opportunity arises. Avian traits include light bones for flight. Apply moderate violence to shatter bones.   Modar looks around for something he can hide behind but also pick and move with him if he needs to relocate.

[User]
 Narloth
 Githyanki Eldritch Knight
 AC: 18 HP:  30/30
 PP: 12 PIv: 12 PIs: 10
 Conditions:  -
 Concentration: -

Narloth shakes his head as the slender githyanki rises from the ashes only to duck once more into the camouflage that is the ship's wreckage.  They have any advantage, and we don't know if they don't eat our kin. Violence is not the answer yet.  the pirate whispers somewhat harshly towards the Vedalken.  We should stalk them, learn their intentions and then introduce ourselves. Best in a confined space, where we can punch them, if need be.

The pirate wizard didn't flinch murdering someone who posed even a minimal threat, but he was not stupid. A big open field against flying enemies is just a death wish. The gith draws his bow regardless.  We should take cover in the forest.  he says, cautiously moving towards a less open area.

[User]
 Goops
 Sea Slime
 AC: 16 HP: 20/20
 PP: 13
Slots lvl1 3/4 lvl2 2/2
sorc points 3/3
 Conditions: Mage armour
 Concentration: -

Goops had survived the crash inside her jar, and it was a while after the crash before she had the confidence to emerge.

Nervously, the little slime oozed forth from the ruins as a blob. Her jar - only slightly cracked - was carefully wedged into her mass, and she reformed around it into a more humanoid shape- a distinct head with hair of tendrils, an almost jester-like frill around her neck, and from there the further way down the less detail - until her waist terminated with unfomed mass where she just oozed over obstacles.

As she approached, she heard them talking about leaving. When she spoke, her voice was high-pitched and piping.

  "This slime thinks it wants not to be left!"

She slid to a stop next to them, looking upwards towards the sky and the creatures therein. Her cores flushed a nervous pale red.

  "This slime also thinks we need somewhere to hide before night falls."


[User]
 we cut to vancouver at dusk. two sets of eyes flicker open in different areas as blood pumps to their undead hearts. you rise from your coffins and get dressed

players, gimme your morning routines

[User]
 The man named Johnny Lee gets up in his condo underneath the city block he owns.  Everyone here knows him, is loyal, if none guess the whole truth.  He is not disturbed.  He checks the notebook app on his phone.  He has an appointment.  One of the serious one.  He rarely takes patients, but he needs to keep in practice.  And the gifts of the Malkavians can heal madness and pain as well as Inflict it.

After receiving reports from his cappos and reading headlines in Chinese and English, he settles into his clinic.

The child is brought before him.  Her mind is already broken.  No one will believe what happens next.  He shouldn't fail,  but little will be lost if he does.  He starts with chanting and incense, then begins the careful acupuncturist routine.

Then he breaks into her mind.  She is more broken than him, but he tries to create breakwalls where there are gaps, surety in place of pain.  And, if he takes a little blood, that has been a price even mortals are not begrudged.

When it is done, as best he can, he compells sleep and has her carried to a wheelchair to her grateful parents.

The Great Man, Johnny Lee, Sage of Chinatown,  is at as much peace as a Malkavian can be.  He reads more of his papers, trying to quiet the fear that haunted him these five centuries.

[User]
 Estienne's eyes flutter open as they have for centuries. The rush of blood filling his immortal flesh invigorating him as it always had. Memory upon memory crashing over him like an ancient tsunami... But he was himself. Breathing held no compulsion over him, but he found it to be a comforting gesture, something routine, to take in the sense around him.

Sometimes, his senses are all that he felt he had left in this world. Silk-satin sheets slip off his pale body like water as he rises for the endless night. He extended his fangs, feeling them in his mouth to remind him of the predator that he is, that he always has been.

The dim light in his haven cast deep shadows across the new bedroom he found himself in, an almost dreamy demesne of an extended reality between Estienne's deathless sleep and rebirth into the night. If only he could stay here, forever, dreaming... But it was not to be. Each night, he rose, and each night, the hunger gripped his soul.

Again and again. As always. But these nights proved to be different than before. Estienne had received an invitation, of sorts, to the Prince of Vancouver's Court. Of course, he knew this was not a mere invitation, but more a desperate plea for help. It was almost amusing that the Prince would request the aid of an elder across such vast distances, but it had broken the ennui that had crept up on Estienne once again.

Estienne smiles to himself, half amused and half genuine elation to have a purpose again. He stares into the mirror of his bathroom, looking into the face of a man who could be no more than twenty-three years old, at best. But the truth was disquieting: Estienne was nearly a thousand years old these nights, already over seven hundred. He'd left so much in France, his native land, just to make the perilous (for a vampire) journey to the New World to answer the call from this Prince. It was quite endearing. Perhaps it would make a good love story.

Estienne dresses in an outfit that would seem almost casual, were it not for the clear designer cut and stylings. If it was anyone else, it would look like a rich kid finally got his own credit card and could afford something tasteful, but on Estienne, it looks like a classical statue of a god draped in finery. "You wear the clothes, don't let the clothes wear you," as the saying goes.

Perhaps it was best to head to Elysium, first thing in the evening, but maybe a little detour to sate his thirst. This city had its fair share of fair men and it wouldn't be difficult to pluck one away for a few intimate moments.

[User]
 estienne, what is your usual routine for hunting in a new city? describe who you hunt and gimme an appearance + subterfuge roll, diff 5 to hunt successfully in the rack

johnny lee, you get a phone call from a capo. it appears the prince has asked for your appearance at elysium

[User]
 The stars blanket the firmament like sparkling celestial gems when Estienne breaks from his haven to sate his eternal hunger. Or they would, if they weren't suffocated by the light pollution of the city. Estienne remembers the vast celestial dome that once covered the earth of centuries past, even being able to name certain stars that he'd been taught by one of his tutors in his lifetime as a mortal, but time and "progress" crept ever forward, consuming what had once been, perhaps even now the once glorious night sky.

The hunger... Yes, that was what he meant to sate tonight. Estienne peels his eyes from the sky, consigning all the thoughts to his vast well of a memory. It had been so long since he'd properly hunted and the thrill of hunting again, solo, in a new city so far from his home sends a pleasing current of excitement through his spine. If his heart still beat, it would flutter at the chance...

Estienne wanders The Rack, heedless of the eyes drawn to him because of his perfect beauty. He could easily pluck any man he desired off the street but there was something so...anticlimactic about that. But then one catches his eye: a cute twenty-something, probably a college student. Pale blonde hair, hazel eyes, a backpack slung over his shoulder and all the naïvety of someone who wants to change the world for a better. He was simply endearing.

Estienne approaches the man subtly and sidles up next to him under a covered bus stop, standing there beside him, his intentions obvious. The other man could barely hold up his nonchalant demeanor, stealing nervous glances at Estienne and shifting his posture, clearly unsure of how to break the ice.

"Bonsoir." Estienne says in his native French, his voice smooth as silk. "The night is young. Are you a...student?"

The other man's eyes were big now, his expression betraying his thoughts: 'Me? Really? He's interested in  me ? "Ah, um, yes. To both. Sorry, have we met before?"

"I don't believe so. I'm new the to city; country, in fact." Estienne emphasizes his French accent. "I'm a little bit of a night owl and was wondering where I could meet men like..." he trails off, suggestive in his wording.

"Oh!" He laughs, "I am too. Funny. I mean, if we're talking about the same thing."

Estienne smiles, the nervousness this man radiating was just so sweet. "Of the Greek way? Yes, that is what I speak of." Estienne sits on the bench at the bus stop, inviting the man to join him. "I am Stéphane, nice to meet you."

"Ethan." Estienne tastes the his name on the tongue of his mind. "Likewise." He sits more than close to Estienne, perhaps too eager to get to know him.

The two men exchange some small talk, each turn of phrase becoming more and more suggestive. Eventually, they're so close, their legs and shoulders are touching and the inevitable occurs. Thankfully, they're at a lonely corner of the city.

[Roll Appearance (5) + Subterfuge (4) at DC 5 = 5 successes]

Estienne pierces Ethan's neck, feeling the vermillion nectar burst into his mouth. The blood was strong, vibrant, youthful. It held the false promise of vitality, before eventually withering away as a husk in age. Not so for Estienne. He would be beautiful forever more. For every coming night and whatever comes after.

Drinking his fill, Estienne withdraws from Ethan, his prey's eyes half lidded, head lolling about as he rode the wave of the ecstasy of the Kiss. Estienne wraps an arm around him and rests Ethan's head on his shoulder, savoring this moment.

A spark of an idea, and Estienne takes out a piece of paper from his wallet, scribbling down his own personal number for Ethan. He'd like to see him again. Maybe...maybe he could be the one? Estienne relaxes as on the bench as he waits for Ethan to come to, gazing up at the Moon and his alabaster majesty.

((Sorry his post is so long, I wanted to hunt and get a plot point going for Estienne.))

[User]
 ethan wakes about a half-hour later. his eyes are unfocused but he manages to sorta snuggle himself into your arms  "that was amazing"  he murmurs.  "maybe we can make this a thing?"  he chirps cutely

 Spoiler: ooc
how many blood points did you take from ethan? three is the maximum safe amount

[User]
 The Prince was calling.  It was Mr. Johnny Lee's duty to attend.  For this his clan was sired and for this duty they did not live in vain.  He told himself this whenever he took blood, whenever he sat back as history unfolded and Empires fell, the Malkavians lived to advise, but the Clans of his homeland did not want the order of the Camarilla, so he served the Kin and Kine of Canada.

He worried briefly that he had offended someone, that this was  all his fault.   But that was the bloodline curse talking.  He knew he was as innocent as one such as he be in the laws of his kind,  and even those of mortals.

[User]
 Estienne holds Ethan close as for time, basking in this rarified moment of bliss. He admires the dazed mortal his arms, feeling the softness of his skin and hair. Few mortals passed them, and for those that do, they appeared as a couple might. Estienne dares any mortals to interrupt this moment, begging them to tempt his wrath... But they pass, eyes averted, as good mortals do.

As Ethan stirs some time later and murmurs, a beatific smile spreads across Estienne's face. "Is that what you would like?" He asks, looking down at Ethan and lifting his chin up with his free hand. "I would like that very, very much..."

Had Estienne already become attached to the mortal? Certainly, there was something precious and endearing about him, but what force compelled Estienne to acquiesce so easily? It was not unwelcome, but certainly curious. He kisses Ethan again. "We shall meet again soon, Ethan."

' My  Ethan.'

"I left my number in your pocket, send me a message so we can share our details." Estienne sounded somewhat stiff; perhaps it was due to his age, but he could at least pass it off as non-native English speaker here.

 Spoiler: ooc
Estienne takes three blood points from Ethan to compensate for waking up and activating the blush of life.


[User]
 CRASH LANDED on the Feral World of... R A I N W O O D
   Off The Starboard Bow

You hail from the Empire of Hellheart - the most brutal and tyrannical imperial regime the Astral Sea has ever known. The Empire has stretched its foul wings wide and conquered vast swathes of the multiverse, engulfing whole worlds and stomping out any & all resistance. It is said, eventually, all mortals will bow before the visage of the Emperor of Hellheart, a fallen angel named Raphael Deathwind. Many in the empire chafe under its cruel dominion and attempt to flee; flee far, far away to undiscovered worlds that litter the imperial borderland. You were one such rebel, seeking freedom from oppression. In the port city of Ertza, you befriended a merchant captain who agreed to take you to the elven free world of Lor’Laire, a place that lay far beyond the Empire’s grasp.

However, you were betrayed!

A drunken sailor unknowingly tipped off an imperial informant. With great haste, the Captain woke you up in the middle of the night, yanked you out of bed, dragged you across town and pulled you aboard the Grey Wolf, then set sail for Lor’Laire! Or so you thought… The Imperial Navy was primed and ready, two of their frigates gave chase. Although the Grey Wolf had head start, the imperial ships were faster and more maneuverable. The captain knew if he sailed right to Lor’Laire, the Imperials would follow. Although the elven navy might be able to defeat these two frigates, there was no way the elves could stand against the full might of the Hellheart Empire.

So as to not tip off the Imperials as to where the Grey Wolf was eventually headed, the Captain steered the vessel towards the Feral Expanse, a completely uncharted region of the Astral Sea. The barbarous, untamed worlds of the Feral Expanse were known in the Empire only for their brutish, xenophobic natives. The Captain had hoped sailing towards this region of the Astral Sea would deter the Imperials.

He was wrong.

After many weeks of cat and mouse escapades, the imperial frigates finally caught the Grey Wolf. Although the merchant galleon was a sturdy craft, it was never designed for a war. The Imperial Wizards bombarded the Grey Wolf with dreadful magics, which ignited some unknown substance in the atmosphere above a hitherto unknown world. The resulting explosion not only cracked the Grey Wolf in half, but also scuttled the two imperial frigates. Half of the merchant galleon was dashed across the jagged spires of a blood red moon, the other half - the half you were on - careened into the feral planet, crash landing in the middle of a hot, humid, steamy jungle.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Your eyes burst open. Adrenaline courses through your veins. You look around and not but devastation and destruction can be seen, for your half of the ship cut a vast swathe through this primordial forest. It is daytime right now, with this world's golden and red suns beating down upon you. Off in the distance, you can see animals curiously gazing upon the wreckage, then dart away in fear when they realize you are staring at them. The ship - what is left of the ship after the battle and the crash - is unsalvageable. Very little remains of value or use. As you rummage through the wreckage you find a few odds and ends but nothing spectacular. As you begin to scout the area out, you spy the lapping waves of a crystal clear blue sea to the west.

Suddenly, you hear someone yelling in a foreign tongue. You quickly deduce that the yelling emanates from the beach. As you creep through the trees, you spy a massive, half-sunken stone head. Near by, you see an imperious looking sahuagin siting atop a horse-sized slug, watching dispassionately as his three sahuagin underlings bumble around, attempting to lasso a horse-sized slug, who very much does not want to be captured.

A small rabbit person hops out of the woods near the sahuagin and starts yelling at them, trying to shoo them away. The underlings laugh. They push the rabbit man down to the ground. They loom over him menacingly.

What do you do...?

[User]
 Gunnar arose. Besides minor dings and scratches, his natural resistent plating had held up and prevented any major damage.
After collecting a passable survival bag he finally found a moment to look around.

Dispassionate but curious, he started to walk over towards the commotion.

Trying common he asked:  "What seems to be the problem here?"

[User]
 Drawn to the commotion, a fellow injured survivor stumbled up beside Gunnar. He was a Gith-something and looked lucky to be alive let alone standing. Dry blood smeared his tattered cloak, scratches and bruises lined his exposed skin, and while hard to tell, he looked pale in the face. His eyes appeared to not be fully focused as he gazed emptily in the direction of the noise.

“Wha, what is happening? What’s going on?”

He asked on dry raspy breaths, clearly still dazed and confused.

[User]
 "These natives are in the process of escalating hostilities with each other. I'm trying to judge if intervening is to our advantage."
Gunnar replied, keeping his eyes on the sahuagin.

[User] Gallows rubs his head before muttering   This the last time I trust anyone else with flying. Anit that damn hard to cover your tracks.   He turns towards the rest of the survivors and notices the sahuagin towering over the rabbit man.   Leave him we got more important stuff to worry about like figureing out how we are going to survive this

[User]
 Gunnar didn't turn away from the scene but whispered (actually a low rumble):
 "I see finding allies that can tell us about the environment as part of that surival strategy. If we act decisive now, we might be able to gain support later on - depending on how agressive these indigenous people are."

[User] You make good points but   Gallow sighs sadly  We can't afford it. We just crashed and we still have to take stock of any supplies that we can scavenge. We can't afford to start any fights with any of locals at least not yet. Hell for all we know that rabbitman could be deserveing of it. We just don't know.

[User]
 "Still worth observing - and getting ready in case the sahuagin are getting ideas after dealing with the rabbit."

Gunnar replied, his gun loosely in his hand.

[User]
 Gallow nods   agreed   as he says this he draws his bow true to find a place to hide.

 Spoiler: stealth roll

 (1d20+5)[ 9 ]


[User]
 Early Autumn - Morning
 The autumn sun was burning off the remains of the fog that had settled on the runestone strewn field which was being put back together by various companion members. Just hours prior under the rising sun Rex G'oby had been inaugurated as the first Arbiter for the Pantheon of Souls. Invitations to attend the event had been sent to all the kingdoms of Drenath to send representatives to observe and then attend the planned Quorum over lunch.
The ceremony had been short, the faithful of the Companions had prepared the event to occur at daybreak with a procession through the runestones of the ancestors of the Companions. The Silvermane line going back 100 years mixed among the commoners who could afford a stone or heroes of olde wars, no soul was excluded from the veneration of the populace, every soul was sacred.

At the apex of the ceremony Rex G'oby stood on a small rise in a clearing among the stones and gave a short speech about the Pantheon of Souls.
 "Today is the first step to solidify that which we have already believed. Every Soul is sacred, every life precious. I stand before you now as the Arbiter of Souls, I am not here to command the faithful, or force conformity. I guide the faithful, I shepherd those who seek answers, those who wise to peek beyond the veil of life and death. We believe in the cycle of life and death, of the permanence of the soul and our eventual return to the void. From void we came as souls to inhabit these bodies, these vessels for our greater self. To the void we will return in death, and in death we can aid those we love until we return again. Every Soul is Sacred."

At the close of his speech the companions ushered the guests to contemplate through the runestones as they prepared for the feast and the Quorum.

Each dignitary and entourage was provided their own table, sitting in a semi-circle with Rex's table at the centre point. To his right sat Felix Silvermane, leader of the Companion Collective while a Ancient Owl perched on his left. The guests were offered a varied menu based on their preference, squirrel and mice servers stood on the edges of the tables waiting to take orders and relay them to the equine and canines circling the tables with various plates of foods and drink. The sun shone just right on the clearing to cut off the chill of the autumn air, a bonfire set in the middle of the tables was hosted by several badgers and hares as they spun meats, vegetables and tended to the pots filled with soup.

Clearing his throat the Arbiter waved his paw around at the servers.  "Please, do let one of the severs know if there is something you need or of any dietary restrictions. Please eat, drink and enjoy yourselves, even if you don't intend to participate in the Quorum feel welcome to eat. As for the events of the day - I welcome you all here to the first quorum of the faithful. We have much to discuss about our beliefs so any and all questions are welcome. As Arbiter I will be communing with the Great Souls of the past on a frequent basis and would like input on what the faithful want me to request of the souls.  As such the floor is open, I will do my best to answer what I can."

[User]
 Paralith may not have personally cared much for the faith, in its new or old form, but nonetheless here he was. For one thing, many of his people had taken to the Companion's faith, and leveraging that belief had been useful in cementing his rule. Coming here allowed him to be sure that the restructured faith would continue to be useful to him, and people continuing to think of him as a good member of the faith was important. For another, the faith had allowed him to become friends with the ruler of the Collective. It would've been rude to ignore the request to come to the occasion, and would have caused unnecessary problems. He also had an interest in the other visitors - his actions supporting the Flesh-Reavers might be controversial among some of the other powers in Drenath, and hopefully this meeting to allow him to judge his position among the nations who'd sent representatives.

When the floor was opened for visitors to speak, Paralith had one immediate concern as he stepped forward.   "How is it going to be decided which of our honoured ancestors are worthy of becoming Great Souls? As the faithful grow in number and more of Drenath sees the right path, how do we ensure that their great ancestors are given their due consideration?"   He had already been integrating references to Lithodon, his grandfather and a great warrior of the early Carcini, into his speeches to support his authority and rule, and it was important to him to ensure that ancestor became a part of this new structure. He didn't care about the rest of Drenath being represented, really, but appearing to show the concern might help matters.

[User]
 Rex bobbed his canine head at the leader of the Carcinidan. Barring his teeth into a smile the Arbiter responded.  "Greetings Paralith, this is part of the role I fufill as Arbiter. I am not cognizant of all of the faithful's histories and heroes and souls you venerate; however it is more than likely some if not most were Great Souls. Bring forward the petitions to the Arbiter and based on the deeds of the soul its merit its merit is found."

Tilting his head in a questioning stance the dog continues  " I have spoken to some of the faithful in your lands, and heard some tales of your grandfather 'Lithodon'. There is merit in his emergence as a Great Soul - if you can send some historians to verify his deeds we can formally add him to the registry."

[User] Paralith nods, satisfied at the Arbiter's response.   "That can be arranged. Let my advisors know what is needed after the Quorum, and they will return here soon with the information."   His personal concern dealt with, he steps back for now, watching the other representatives as he waited to see who made the next play for influence here. The dwarven presence was particularly of interest to him - they had been absent from the festival a few years ago where most of the rulers had met, after all, and if they had an interest in the faith he wanted to know what is was. Vague rumours of great war machines in dwarven hands hadn't escaped his notice, after all, and while his people may enjoy the opportunity to see how they stacked up against those things, Paralith didn't that useful for his plans for the nation.


[User]
 (Flags of the Blazing Empire, the Kingdoms of the Rimebarrows and the Protectorate of Turtledew)
 It is a time of exploration, of conquest and (above all else) of profit.
With the blessing of the fire god Surtyr, the Inferno King Sigmund III constructed a massive armada and set about conquering all of the islands in the Great Ocean. Few isles were prepared to repulse the Blazing Empire and so like, dominos, island after island fell before the Inferno King. Only places on the far edges of the Great Ocean were spared the Blazing Empire’s wrath.

You hail from the snowy realms of the Rimebarrows. Your lands are poor, your crop yields small. Only fear of the mighty Frost Giant Jarls keeps the enemies of the Rimebarrows away. Your homeland needs ships, money, equipment, etc. if it is to stand a chance against the Blazing Empire. The Kings’ Moot is divided, endlessly debating and equivocating, playing politics, vying for power and prestige... All the while the forces of the Inferno King inch closer and closer. An enterprising young frost giant Jarl - Astridr the Bearcloaked - has decided to take matters into her own hands. She has given your mercenary band letters of marque.

You are privateers, state sanctioned pirates, sent out into the Great Ocean to take from the Inferno King and sell to the Rimebarrows. Ships, crew and treasure, all are needed. Some of you are patriots, while others care only for fame and fortune. Regardless of your reasons, the Great Ocean beckons you…

Your band of privateers were called together by a powerful Frost Mage Captain named Lillian Henningsen. Your first imperial mark was spotted fifty miles south-west of Turtledew Island. The target appeared slow and cumbersome - an easy mark. Once battle began, a fire giant lumbered up on the enemy’s deck. With a cruel smile, he cast a series of potent fireballs that blasted many holes into your ship’s hull. The fires killed most of your crew. You were lit aflame. With your flesh melted and your bones charred, the enemy sailed away, leaving you for dead…

You sank into the ocean.

Down.

Down.

Down.

Helpless. Defeated. Resigned to your fate…

Your eyes opened.

You awoke in a strange, ethereal place filled with formless clouds and a stiff, cold wind. You…. Do not remember anything else… Only… A booming voice… Your vision blurs and fades to black…

Was that heaven?

Are you dead?

Suddenly, your eyes burst open. Your lungs fill with air as if for the first time. You choke on sea water. Coughing and wheezing, your hands reflexively touch your face… Upon the back of your hand is a strange, glowing, blue-white rune… The longer you stare at it, the colder you feel. You look around. You are on a beach… A tropical beach… Where…? Who knows. How…? Who knows… So many questions.

You see three others, your crewmates… Where is everyone else?

A tattooed satyr trots over. He bends down and asks,   “My name is Jos. Looks like you were in a shipwreck. Who are you…?”

The sun is beating down upon you, the sand is hot. The cool waves of the ocean lap against your bodies. Strewn across the beach around you are the smashed wreckage of your once proud ship. Several crates and chests made it through the ordeal. Off in the distance, you can see two more Satyrs, a woman and a child. They are at the edge of a dense tropical forest, beside them is a fish rack atop a small rickshaw cart. A half dozen fish of various sizes dangle from the crossbeam. The woman has a bloody knife in her hand. She quickly shoves her child behind her.

Jos is a tall man, for a satyr, almost 6 feet high. His horns are shaped like those of a ram. He has a warm smile. His dark colored, furry lower half is dripping wet, covered in muddy sand.   "We - my family and I - are traders, come to beach to catch a few fish for lunch. We rounded the corner of the island over there and chanced upon you and your friends. Most of you were still out in the sea. I leapt into the ocean to drag you on shore. I mean you no harm."

 Spoiler: OOC
There are many items strewn across the beach. In addition to your starting equipment you find the following items. These items represent things you and your crewmates had on the ship at the time when the ship was destroyed.

10 x Bag of Salt
Handsaw
8 x Loaf of Bread
Portable Ram
8 x Sickle
Amphora of Vinegar
Pavilion Tent
2 x Bag of Nails
Bottle of Spiced Mead
Wooden Chair
Elegant red Courtier's Outfit (30 gp, 6 lb)
Crowbar
4 x Potions of Healing

[User] You can call me Eel.  Thank you for saving our lives.   Eel brushed the wet sand of his blue body. He looked around at the others as they to slowly got up. He moved around picking up his personal items.

[User] "Laura" feels around her, then toward her face before she looks up. Short hair. Turning to the side, a blonde mop of damp covers her eyes. Thank the gods. She had never kept form while knocked out. Asleep, sure, but knocked out? She sits up, looking around at the wreckage slowly washing onto the shore.  "Laura Sternwald. Our... our boat was attacked suddenly,"  she says, the images all rushing back on her like an avalanche.  "They're coming, we have to get home and tell people how close they are!"  she says, standing up suddenly.

[User]
 Azara's eyes shot open and her braid flared to life as she abruptly sat up.   "That was real?  But then what about-  How are we alive?"   She looked around and saw their rescuer and, farther away, his frightened family.   "Apologies.  Thank you for helping us.  Would you tell us where we are and how we might find a ship?"

 Spoiler: OOC
Also would like to see what Azara might know about either that ethereal vision or the mark on her hand.
  "Arcana Check"  - (1d20+5)[ 8 ]

[User]
 Eel looks at his hand seeing the strange rune.  It wasn't a dream.  Do you have it as well?   he says to the others.

 Spoiler: arcana
 (1d20+3)[ 20 ]

[User]
 Liljevonkall, hamadyrad, druid of the Twinpeak Grove, was the last to rouse, rolling onto her front and vomiting the ghost of swallowed seawater, thin and bilous. She stayed, panting softly, for a while, mentally working through what had happened. Her limbs... She looked down on them, saw their blackened surface, embers glinting still between the cracks.

  "Liljevonkall,"   she huffed out to the satyr in way of introduction and henceforth ignored him for now. Her voice, naturally husky, felt rough against her throat.   "We live yet because something intervened. I have the mark as well."

Marked by frost and fire. The fates laughed at her, but then kinslayers always were accursed.

[User]
 Spoiler: Symbol

 Spoiler: Arcana

 Spoiler: Less than 10
It felt real. The symbol is unfamiliar to you.

 Spoiler: Arcana 20+
That experience was 100% real. It happened but your memory of what transpired seems to be blocked... Or missing? You know that powerful magic was involved.

The symbol is unknown to you.

The male satyr helps the party members up,   "I am glad you are alive. Faired better than one of your companions."   He motions to am ifrit body on the beach. The corpse is bloated and mangled. It looks to have been under the sea for quite a while. The body is covered in fanged bite marks.   "Poor soul, may the Angel guide him to Dergha, "   whispers Jos as he makes the sign of the Planetar.

Jos looks around his surroundings and laughs,   "Ships? Come here? No. Zghir Island is small and out of the way. Only one ship comes here a year - the tribute ship of the Blazing Empire. We give what meager things we can as tribute and then the empire leaves for another year."

The satyr considers something,   "Well..."   He looks back at his wife and smiles, then returns his gaze to the party.   "Perhaps... There is an old hermit who lives in the jungle. She was a castaway, like yourselves. Came to the island many years ago. She knows how to heal people with magic. She is very wise. Perhaps she will know something I do not? I come from a small town, we would be happy to feed you and let you rest for the night... Unless you would prefer to find the hermit now?

 Spoiler: Corpse

 Spoiler: History15+
As you look at the bloated corpse, you realize his outfit is... Wrong. It doesn't look right... Then it hits you, the uniform is of an older design! The way the coat is cut and the color of it... Yes! This is the uniform design from about 10 years ago. Very strange.

 Spoiler: Investigate 10+
You rummage through the corpse's pockets and find a few knickknacks:
- A Compass
- A standard issue Imperial Dagger
-  (4d25)[ 14 ]  Slices (a gold coin cut up like a pizza into 8 slices, a common currency within the Blazing Empire)

As you open the man's jacket, you find the word, "UNWORTHY" tattooed on his chest.

[User]
 Laura gets up and checks the ifrit body. She was already scowling after laying eyes on the body, but she wanted to hold out hope that they were not part of the empire. Digging into his pockets though, her hope dies out.  "He's Empire kin alright,"  she says, showing the coins in his pocket toward the group. She takes the dagger from its sheath and examines it, then stows it again. Looking to their rescuer, she asks  "Do your traditions require burial for him, or any of his supplies? I can't imagine you want a corpse lying on your fishing route, but his stuff may prove helpful to us."  Looking back to the body, she pulls back the jacket and pauses.  "But he may not have been particularly beloved kin to them...  I'd have gotten a tattooist who could spell. "

 Spoiler: OOC
I tease, of course. 😛

 "Well,"  she continues, standing up straight and looking to the others, adopting a slightly commanding tone,  "I think it prudent that we meet with any other castaways here. Do any of you feel differently?"

[User] I would love to meet this woman. Let's gather up these supplies.    Eel starts picking up different things.

[User]
 "I don't suppose that Empire ship is due any time soon?  Oh well.  Thank you for your hospitality, but we are in no position to accept.  If it's possible this healer knows another way off this island, we should speak with her."

Azara looks over Laura's shoulder.   "'Unworthy?'  That's an odd thing to have tattooed on one's chest.  Do you think they were from the ship that attacked us?"   As conversation continues, Azara picks out her things from the beach, grateful that the protective cover of her spellbook has kept it in good shape, but disappointed in the damage to the history book she had been reading.  She also picks up the potion bottles.   "Potions of healing! One for each of us?"  she asks, offering them to her surviving crew mates.

[User] ”One for each of us... yes, thank you. Do you want to split the slices amongst us? Otherwise, I think I’ll hold onto them and his other articles. I think they may come in handy later.”

[User]
 "Hold on to them,"   Liljevonkall said.   "We can squabble over coin later, if need be. Wouldn't call it a priority right now."
She stowed the potion of healing offered without comment, and retrieved her lyre from its protective beastskin wrap. She plucked at it, and frowned at the wretched sound of salt-soaked strings.
  "Jos,"   she intoned.   "Is there a map on this island? With this castaway of yours, mayhap?"

[User] Eel stows the crowbar and vinegar in his backpack.  Jos , we can't carry all of this if the rest of you will take what you want . Then Jos can have the rest.

[User] Laura takes the sickle, mead, and red outfit.

[User]
 Jos smiles at Eel,   "On behalf of my family, I thank you for any items you are willing to part with. The people of our island are poor and rarely have access to goods from the outside world. What may seem mundane and boring to you is a delight and a wonder to us. May the angel walk with you and guide you to serenity."

After the party has collected what they desire, and had a chance to rest for a bit, Jos asks,   "Are we ready to go? The trek will take some time. The jungle is dense and full of dangers. We must be wary."

The satyr kisses his wife on her forehead and asks that she stay here until he returns, then ventures off into he trackless jungle.

The forest is dense, covered in old growth trees. The land is teeming with life, you can hear the sounds of a thousand different animals going about their day. After about fifteen minutes of walking Jos states,   "The hermit lives atop a plateau. There are only two easy ways to get up there - the Stairs of the Faithful or the Temple of Meyanok. We do not really want to go to the temple. Snake people live there. They always want something of value in return for allowing travelers to use their temple to ascend to the plateau. The Stairs of the Faithful were constructed by my people a century ago. We were building a new planetarium up there... But the jungle proved too deadly. Too many died in its construction, so the project was abandoned. Regardless, the stairs are in good condition and they will serve us well.

The journey continues for another half hour. Jos leaps over a half-rotted tree he asks,   "From where did your ship hail? You do not look like you are members of the Blazing Empire..  . He pauses for a moment as he looks at Azara, then comments,   "Well, most of you anyway."

After another half hour of tough hiking, the satyr sallies forth at a trot, drawing his blade. He holds up his hand to silence the party. Jos drops to all fours and crawls up to the edge of a small hill. He stares back at the party with a panicked look, then returns to the privateers. In a hushed tone he says,   "Grung barbarians. They come from a neighboring island. Attack our people and steal what meager belongings we possess. Their flesh secretes a poisonous sweat, very dangerous. They are camping at the base of the Stars of the Faithful. I do not know how good you are in a fight but... Perhaps we should go to the temple? Or maybe climb the 500 foot high plateau wall?

[User] How many barbarians are there? If we can sneak up on them then we can get them by surprise.   Eel said looking at Jos and the others.

[User] Jos states,   "They were sitting around a fire pit, eating some rations... Best I could tell."

[User]
 Laura nods and tries to sneak a little closer, enough to get a count of their numbers.

 Spoiler
Stealth I assume?  (1d20+5)[ 21 ]

[User] Laura padfoots to the edge of the hill to assess the situation. She finds there are five grung - small frog people in a clearing that is roughly twenty feet wide by thirty feet long. Four of the grung are sitting in the middle of the clearing, surrounding a small campfire. Five  birds are roasting on sticks above the flame. The grung sitting around the campfire are armed with shortswords and blowdarts. None of them look ready for an attack, focusing more on the delicious smell of the cooking food. A fifth grung is larger than the rest, he is armed with a big axe. Unlike his leather-clad fellows, he is wearing scale-mail armor. He has a more determined look on his face. Currently, he is on the far side of the clearing, opposite you, looking up at the stone stair that snake their way up the sheer cliff leading to the plateau.

[User]
 "We are privateers, from the Rimebarrows,"  Azara told Jos.   "And, despite appearances, that includes myself."

When they eventually stopped and were told about the barbarians and the snake people, Azara replied,  "If these barbarians are harming your people, I'd rather go through them.  I am also unsure we would be able to pay these 'snake people' the cost for moving through their home in our current state."

[User] "Aye. I'd agree with fighting,"   the druid said.

[User]
 Laura returns quietly.

 ”Four runts and a leader. If we can take out the leader, the small ones might lose morale and flee.”  She draws her rapier.  “My skills are more toward the close quarters, but I can probably land a killing blow if someone is foolish enough to join me in charging in.”

[User] I will throw darts that can't miss at the leader, maybe we can kill him before he gets to close. Hide if you have to and then make your presence known. If they only see me maybe only a few will come.  Eel says thinking about the village and all the praise and respect he had gotten from saving the  fishermen.

[User]
 "I'm foolish enough,"  Azara says.   "I'll have your back.  I can draw the group's attention so you can hit the leader."

On Laura's lead, Azara will follow and get into position.

 Spoiler: OOC
Need a DM ruling on this one.  Mirror Image has a verbal component, but not sure if it has to be muttered or shouted.  Ideal is Azara casts it and still has a surprise round before being noticed to charge in, Bladesong, and Burning Hands the four.  If she casts it and they notice her, she will step out, Bladesong, and be done with her turn.

And none of this happens until we as a group are ready to go, of course.

  stealth  - (1d20+3)[ 10 ]

[User]
 Spoiler: OOC
 I made a Battlemap to help visualize the encounter space.  LINK

The Grung all failed their perception rolls, so the players can reasonably start in either of the dense forest areas near the Grung.

The players all have a surprise round. Anyone who crept down to the ground level area can place themselves down there before the surprise round begins.

All of the players are up in initiative. First to post is first to go!

[User]
 Originally Posted by TridentOfMirth

 Spoiler: OOC
 I made a Battlemap to help visualize the encounter space.  LINK

The Grung all failed their perception rolls, so the players can reasonably start in either of the dense forest areas near the Grung.

The players all have a surprise round. Anyone who crept down to the ground level area can place themselves down there before the surprise round begins.

All of the players are up in initiative. First to post is first to go!

 Spoiler
Am I in range for magic missile ?
If so then 2nd level magic missile at the big grung.

 (1d4+1)[ 2 ]
 (1d4+1)[ 2 ]
 (1d4+1)[ 4 ]
 (1d4+1)[ 2 ]

 Eel holds his conch shell( arcane focus) in his left hand and with his right he points directly at the big grung as four darts strike the leader.

[User]
 Azara makes a series of hand motions and chants as quietly as she can, three copies of her bending out of the light around her, before climbing down and through the dense forest between her and the Grung.  She pauses a moment to give Laura a chance to get in position.  As missiles pass over her at the leader, she steps out and raises her hand, causing a blast of fire to billow out directed low around the Grungs' existing campfire, hopefully setting some of their discarded weaponry alight as well.  She brandishes her rapier and falls into a graceful pattern of motion, humming as she dances backward, inviting her opponents to try her.

 Spoiler: Mechanics
Casting Mirror Image, then moving to M16 before surprise round.
Surprise round: move to N15
Standard action, Use Burning Hands in 15ft cone against G2, G3, and G4 for  (3d6)[ 8 ]  fire damage (Dexterity save DC11 for half), also ignites flammable objects not being worn or carried in the area (in this case, hoping they lose their blowguns).
Remaining movement to fall back to M17
Bonus action, activate Bladesong

For reference, any attack against Azara needs to roll an extra d20 to see which Azara they target.  6 or more and they target a mirror image instead (8+ if there's only two left, 11+ if only one left).  Mirror images have 13AC, and vanish if hit.

[User]
 Laura draws a dagger and her rapier, then dashes forward into the brush.

 Spoiler
Move to N18
Bonus action: Hide -  (1d20+5)[ 14 ]
Action: Hold action until a Grung is next to her. Then get a sneak attack in with her rapier.

[User]
 Liljekonvall raised a fist and clenched it, and a cloud of embers burst out around the frogs.

 Spoiler: OOC
She casts faerie fire, tryign to catch all of them, for a DC13 Dx throw or all attacks against them have advantage, and they emit dim light.


[User]
 Orlayn's history is dark and deep.

Throughout the Ages of Civilization banal events have been heralded and cataclysms forgotten. Consequently, you were not surprised when rumors of a mysteriously appearing mountain reached your ear one night over dinner. After inquiring along the appropriate channels you received a list of names, your fellow investigators, and a rally point deep in the Wilds.

You had been seeking a distraction, an escape from recent events and as such made your way to the small town of Harker's Ferry.  Although the road was tiresome and dull, Harker's Ferry holds the possibility of intrigue and adventure.

If nothing else, the Bluegill Inn is renowned for its Riverrun Oatmeal Stoat.


[User]
 The Underdark. A place of death, shadow, and betrayal. Yet, even here, alliances happen. They need to happen. One such alliance has taken root in Menzoberranzan. Three houses have joined together, with the attempt to join the top eight houses in the city. But will the alliance hold? Or will their enemies prevail.

The three houses have sent representatives to a meeting in the Stenchstreets. There are also some potential mercenaries there. A new strategy has emerged, and they want to be sure that all the houses are ready for the attack which is impending.

(I’ll be sending out personal PM’s over the next day, running out of time. You can do basic greetings if you like.)

[User]
 (OOC: Guess I'll start, then. Who  are  we conspiring to destroy, anyhow? I kinda joined up at the last minute, so if it's been mentioned, I don't know it.)

 Vassan

A lean elf by the name of Vassan strolled along, on his way to a secret rendevous. This was not unusual for Menzoberranzan - at any one time, a dark elf could assume that most of the drow he met on the streets were embroiled in assassination plots or conspiracies of one sort or another. He looked more like a common merchant than one who had clawed his way through Melee Magthere, the fighter's school; he wore neither armor nor  piwafwi , and his only weapon was a single kama thrust through his belt.

He was only a male, and a commoner at that (and thus completely expendable), but he hoped to curry favor with his Matron by competently representing the House Kenafin, the 12th house of Menzoberranzan. Kenafin did not number many nobles among its ranks, and Vassan (as did many others) hoped to ride the usual chaos up the ranks.

[User]
 Inomonin

Inomonin walks to the meeting with a look of confidence, his eyes carefully scanning the crowd around him.  His clean, neatly braided hair and his well kept armor showed an air of importance, while the scares that criss-crossed under the maze of tattoos on his armorless arm told of a drow who had seen some of the harshest conditions Underdark could offer.

Arriving at the meeting point, Inomonin turns his back to the wall and waits.  His mistress's instructions were clear, to help Srune'Lett, the 11th house, rise to power.  He was to be their eyes and ears in the meetings until his mistress could join the representatives herself.

[User]
 Broshdan

A well-armored duergar marches towards the meeting place, glancing back from time to time to make sure that his charge (a female drow) isn't lagging too far behind. The speed with which Broshdan moves in the plate armor suggests that he is an experienced fighter, and the web of thick scars on his cheeks confirms that impression.

At the meeting place, Broshdan briefly looks over Inomonin and Vassan, then turns back to wait for the female drow following him. The 9th house hired him to guard Nazira and forge weapons, not to speak on their behalf, and he knows not to risk offending the representatives from other houses in such an important meeting.


[User]
 You have been hired by the king of hyrule to find the triforce pieces before the evil monarch named "Gannondorf" can.

It's not known how many of the triforce pieces he has, though he did steal thier's. Which proves he atleast has one, and if he collects all three, he will gain unimmaginable power!

The king has hidden in an underground cellar, as it would be too dangerous to stay in his kingdom visible to gannondorf and his minions.

The nearest dungeon on foot is the dungeon-forest. Rightly named do to the magicaly forged trees having a hole leading to an underground lair of despair.

Feel free to go anywhere you want on the map, the triforce pieces could be located anywhere.


[User]
 [OOC Thread]

The year is 200X. All of the students at Morrowbrook Academy of the Arts are anxiously awaiting the finals of their spring semester, and even more so, the ensuing quarter of summer freedom. Being that the finals are one short month away, the eager adolescents are hard at work, writing the term papers that, in retrospect, should already have been well on the way to completion, but as yet consist of ten blank pages awaiting script. (You know you've procrastinated, admit it!) But four of these students are about to have their worlds turned upside-down!

Cassandra:
 Spoiler
Leaving the library late this night, Cassandra arrives at her dormitory night on the hour of twelve. From the corner of one eye, she sees a transparent, but dark figure on four legs rush past down the corridor and down the stairs toward the courtyard. Just unsure enough that it is a hallucination induced by lack of sleep, she considers following it outside.

Henry:
 Spoiler
In the afternoon, Henry opens an email advertising an art sale, including images of some of the featured paintings. His eyes stop on an irresistible piece that takes his breath away. With his parents' credit card at his side, Henry knows that price is no object. The art sale will be held at midnight in the dormitory's courtyard.

Alexander:

Geoffrey:


[User]
 Arena Tournament, Round 32:  Darren  vs.  The BAM
 Map:
 Spoiler

 XP Award:  300 XP
 GP Award:  300 GP

 Darren - pup3k
 bayar - The BAM
 All Combatants, please roll initiative.

[User] (1d20+1)[ 6 ]   Lengthen message

[User]
 Initiative  - (1d20+4)[ 9 ]

I cant buy items yet since I am at school, but I will update my sheet later and tell you when I am finished...

[User]
 Ok. Finished with shopping.

 The BAM - Round 1

The BAM starts in Y13 with 2 scrolls in his hands. He casts the magic from one scroll and drops the used scroll as a free action.

then he moves to T10. (Y13-X12-W11-V10-U10-T10).

His familiar is in one of his pockets...

 Spoiler
 Casted Shield from one scroll, having in the other hand a scroll of sleep.

 Stats:

 Spoiler

HP: 13/13
AC: 20, T: 15, FF: 16
Spell slots: 5-0, 4-1
Shield: 1/10

Your turn...

[User]
 ref chilepepper

You must state any purchases made between rounds.

[User] it is stated on my cheet, so stop being lazy and check it before...🫤

[User]
 I also have mine listed on my sheet, and I'll start in B13.

Darren starts with his sword in one hand, a vial in the other and his shield on his back.  He applies the contents of the vial to his sword, dons his shield and addresses his foe.   "Let us have a fair and honorable battle!"

Actions:

 Spoiler
Standard action, apply Oil of Magic Weapon to sword
Move action, don shield
Swift action, initiate Fighting Challenge

Stats:

 Spoiler
AC:20
HP:14
Fort: +2
Ref: +1
Will: +2

Attack Bonus: +6
Damage: 1d10+6

Magic Weapon duration remaining: 9 rounds
Fighting Challenge duration remaining: 6 rounds

Current Position: B13

[User]
 Originally Posted by bayar
 it is stated on my cheet, so stop being lazy and check it before...🫤

It's not a matter of laziness, it's a matter of the rules.

 Originally Posted by Bronz
 No need to list the value.  But you do have to list what you bought.

[User]
 The BAM - Round 2
 I can hardly call it a honourable battle with me the size and fighting strenght of a common tree stump against you, the paragon of death and destruction...

Cast a spell as standard action...

Take a 5 ft step in T11

Move action to retrieve a scroll...

 Spoiler
Mage armor on my ass.
Got my expeditious retreat scroll out.
Speed scroll in one hand, knock out scroll in the other...

Stats:

 Spoiler
HP: 13/13
AC: 24, T: 15, FF: 20
Spell slots: 5/5-0, 3/4-1
Shield: 2/10
Mage armor: 1/600

And if it makes such a HUGE difference, I bought a scroll...spellcraft check to find out what it is...since I casted it in my first round...

Edit: your turn...

[User]
 GM Kyeudo

 Originally Posted by chilepepper
  ref chilepepper

You must state any purchases made between rounds.

You do not need to list all purchases made between rounds, just the ones made after the match post was set up.

[User]
 Originally Posted by Kyeudo
   GM Kyeudo
You do not need to list all purchases made between rounds, just the ones made after the match post was set up.

My apologies for mis-stating the rule, however, it did still apply to this instance, since you posted and then purchased.

[User]
 Originally Posted by bayar
 [roll0]

 I cant buy items yet since I am at school, but I will update my sheet later and tell you when I am finished...

Excuse me for not skipping classes so I can play a PBP game...🫤

[User]
 Sorry about the delay in posting, Darren double moves to J13.

And I bought some Potions of CLW (forget exactly how many, maybe 2?) And an oil of Magic Weapon.

Stats:

 Spoiler
AC:20
HP:14
Fort: +2
Ref: +1
Will: +2

Attack Bonus: +6
Damage: 1d10+6

Magic Weapon duration remaining: 8 rounds
Fighting Challenge duration remaining: 5 rounds

Current Position: J13

[User]
 The BAM - Round 3

I take a 5ft step to T12

 Spoiler
Ready an action to start casting sleep if LOS is established

Stats:

 Spoiler
HP: 13/13
AC: 24, T: 15, FF: 20
Spell slots: 5/5-0, 3/4-1
Shield: 3/10
Mage armor: 2/600

[User]
 Originally Posted by bayar
 Excuse me for not skipping classes so I can play a PBP game...🫤

  ref chilepepper
@bayar
 Spoiler

I don't know what the attitude is for.  As Kyeudo said, "You do not need to list all purchases made between rounds, just the ones made after the match post was set up."  Since you posted in this match that you hadn't purchased items yet, you obviously were making purchases after the match was set up.  Therefore, the rule applies to you.  You had to state the purchases you made.  BTW, petty guilt trips like that don't work on me, especially when they have no basis on what actually happened.

Also, concerning your last post, LOS is always established in this arena, but I'm sure you meant LoE.

[User]
 @chilepepper

 Spoiler
Yes, LOE...

[User]
 Darren double moves to Q12.

Stats:

 Spoiler
AC:20
HP:14
Fort: +2
Ref: +1
Will: +2

Attack Bonus: +6
Damage: 1d10+6

Magic Weapon duration remaining: 7 rounds
Fighting Challenge duration remaining: 4 rounds

Current Position: Q12

[User]
 ref chilepepper
@bayar

 Spoiler
 Sleep has a casting time of 1 round.  You can only ready standard or move actions.   I'm sorry, I misread.  You said 'ready to  start  casting' and that's okay.

edited

[User]
 I belive you triggered my readied action...So, I start casting a spell from a scroll on your turn and finish casting it on my turn.

 The BAM - Round 4
 Quel kaima  (sleep well in  elven ...koboldian...)
Targeting the grid intersection P12-Q13

Make a will save.

Not done.

[User]
 (1d20+2)[ 10 ]

Let's hope this goes well...

EDIT:
That was not well, g'night.

[User]
 well that was a close one 😁

Now...to finish my turn...

Move to R12, drawing my crossbow as a free action.

Dont think you can do preety much anything for 10 rounds, so...

 The BAM - Round 5
I shoot you in the eye with the crossbow (coup de grace you)...

  damage  - (1d6)[ 1 ]
  critical  - (1d6)[ 5 ]

make a fort save equal to 10 + the damage dealt (16...not bad...). Fail and die 😁

Stats:
 Spoiler
HP:13/13
AC:24 , touch:15 FF:20
Spell slots: 5/5-0, 3/4-1
Shield: 5/10
Mage armor: 4/600

[User]
 (1d20+2)[ 7 ]   Stealth lengthen!!

EDIT:
Well, (not so) good game.

[User] Yup, good game.  The dice roller kinda screwed you up in this match...

[User]
 High Ref Paladin Latham
 The BAM is declared the winner and recieves the listed prizes!

[User] I don't know if it will change anything but Bayar, you can only draw a weapon during a move as a free action if you have a BAB of +1 or higher, so techincally your one move wasn't legal.

[User]
 Originally Posted by Mavian
 I don't know if it will change anything but Bayar, you can only draw a weapon during a move as a free action if you have a BAB of +1 or higher, so techincally your one move wasn't legal.

I could have drawn it in 10 rounds, since my opponent was asleep...so not making alot of difference. Noted for future matches.