[User]
 Alpha Complex, DHS Sector

It's almost daycycle in the DHS Sector. The lights are beginning to flicker on in the hallways, and the multi-tudes of infra-reds are getting ready to go to work in the Food Vats, or waste disposal.

But not you.

Nooo, not you. You see you were just recently promoted to Red clearence. Whether you turned in a fellow infra-red for treason, doubled the amount of nutri-bars you made, or simply showed up on time for the mess hall- you've made it.

Around you are several other newbies, each one of them new.

  "Good Morning Citizen's"   The soothing voice of the computer pipes in. Your room, a red square with three bunkbeds, a televison, and several barrels of a strange unidentified substance   "You are all very lucky. You have received your assignments to me my newest troubleshooters- sworn to protect the complex. Now introduce yourselfs to each other. Statistics report that group efficiency is 64% higher among those who share, and 33% higher with the knowledge of names"

[User] "The name's Blank-R-DHS.  Just call me 'Blank',"   says a nondescript clone with the typical pale glow caused by artificial light and a diet of mildly radioactive algae.  Other than the brief introduction, he seems aloof from the rest of the troubleshooters.

[User] "Hello, I am Pla-R-DHS, yes.  I am very pleased to be able to increase my efficiency by sharing.  I will share that when I am not shooting trouble I increase efficiency in my fellow workers for Friend Computer in Crowd Control!  I have shared therefore I am efficient!  Friend Computer told me this, yes!"   Pla smiles a wide, close lipped smile that does not reach his watery grey eyes.  His only notable feature is the fact that a chunk of his left ear is missing, the result of a distant act of commie savotage perpetrated against his work station.

[User]
 a (possibly) nervous looking(but certainly happy!) newly promoted clone turns to the others.  "Neil-R-DHS."  He states  "i work for tech services."  he states again.

after a breif pause, he continues in a slightly less "monotonly state the facts sort of fasion"  "it will be a pleasure working with you all."  his tone more rehearsed than natural, but it doesnt sound like he's lying... at the very least, it does sound sincere.

[User] "Ello everyone, my name is Lex-R-DHS and I'm sure we will be able to do our jobs very efficiently."  Said a clone that seemed to have a little bit more bounce in his step then the others.

[User] The Troubleshooter in an immaculately clean jumpsuit with incredibly white teeth and an aroma of spearmint speaks up next.  "I am Jim-R-DHS, friends. We have now obeyed the orders of The Computer. Long may this continue. I work in the Power Service, but whether doing that or troubleshooting, I strive to uphold our glorious Alpha Complex, and good hygiene."

[User] I give a short burst of applause, careful not to be so loud as to constitute a nuisance.

[User] Blank looks up as Jim says his piece, stares at him for a second, and then goes back to ignoring everybody.

[User]
 Blank-R-DHS looks around the room, peering at the other trouble shooters and sees Pla-R-DHS, he then goes up to him with a smile and shakes his hand from his side so that the others have trouble seeing the handshake. (Description in spoiler)

 Spoiler
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yzosuxq8hkg
It's a light handshake on the tip of the hand that is done three times with three fingers in three up and down motions. Known commonly as "the tribunal". He wants to see if whether or not Pla-R-DHS can keepup with the handshake or if it's foreign to him and he messes it up.

He then turns back to the others and waves.

 "Hello citizens! My name is Blank-R-DHS, and I will be your happiness officer. Feel free to come to me about any questions you may have pertaining to the mission, or if you just want to talk. I'm always willing to listen.

I am pleased to serve with you all, and I'm sure all of you will... get a bang out of this adventure!" 😁

[User]
 (I need one of the blanks to have a different name, or my head will explode)

As the two men shake hands, the roombell rings. All eyes are drawn towards the small red door at the end of the room. Does anyone answer it?

[User]
 Bank-R-DHS extends his arm presenting the door and looks at Blank.

 Blank... I see a lack of assertion in your demeanor, which says to me you have alot of pent up frustration that needs an avenue. As the happiness officer, I want to help you explore your feelings and constructively externalize your thoughts and emotions.

Please... for the sake of your inner child, go over and answer that door. For behind it is your future! 😁

[User]
 Pla manages to keep up, although to looks confused and a little frightened.

When the doorbell rings Pla gets out his recording equipment and gets ready to record whoever will open the door to success and serving the computer.

[User] Blank simply stares at Bank for a few seconds, blinks, and then returns to busying himself with settling in.    "Someone should probably get that,"   he mutters.

[User] "I can't!  I have to document it!"   Pla zooms in on Blank.

[User]
 The doorbell rings again. And again. As you all stand there, the ringing turns to banging.

A muffled "C'mon guys, let a citizen in" comes through the door "Computer?"

[User]
 Neil looks at the others, none have moved, so he decides that he will have to do it. before the people behind the door get too angry.

Neil walks over to the door and opens it, all the while attempting to keep his face out of shot from the camera if possible.

[User]
 The door opens, just as the man behind it is about knock again. He eyes Neil, before stepping inside the room, past him.

He is wearing an orange jumpsuit, and eyes the troubleshooters with barely concealed disdain.

 "Message, from John-I-ITI" He pauses, as if trying to remember something, then speaks again "The occupants of red dormroom C-43 are hearby ordered to report to DHS briefing room 78-x. Bring your gear for a mission. Look both ways before crossing the street"

The man in orange turns to walk away, out the door.

[User] Jim grabs his gear, checks his hygiene is up-to-scratch, then follows the man in orange out of the door, trusting that the others would do the same - after all, who would disobey the orders of a higher-clearance citizen? Only a Commie mutant traitor. He looks both ways every time he crosses the street whle he makes his way to the designated briefing room.

[User] Pla-R manoeuvres towards the back of the group so that he can get the best shot before moving off.

[User] Lex double checks his gear and then follows Jim out the door following the orders he was given, along with copying jim's movement, because anyone who shows blatant individualism must be a commie.

[User] Without a word, Blank trudges off in the direction of the briefing room.

[User] Neil-R-DHS quickly checks he has his gear with him, and collects anything nessisary he doesnt have. then makes sure to not be the last out the door and follows to the debreifing room.

[User]
 Bank is last behind, though he sees Pla purposely being a slowpoke so that he can keep everyone in view. Being a therapist in HPD&Mind Control, he blends in with the team, not showing significant signs of introvered or extroverted activity so noone notices him. And he just finds himself somewhere amongst the team. It seems innocent enough.

He makes observations of the street. Is there anything of note? Streetlights? Signs?

[User]
 As soon as you exit, the man in orange turns into an ORANGE doorway and disappears. What you are in is a red corridor, used primarily for the housing of other Red troubleshooters just like yourselves.

Using your knowledge of the sector, the 'road' he is referring to is the DHS portion of the Intersector Highway. A massive eight laned monstrosity linking the DHS sector to many, many others.

The only safe way you can think of getting across, is by requisitioning a vehicale.

[User] Pla-D pans the camera from the far left to the far right, then zooms in on the other troubleshooters to see if they are following orders.

[User] "we must get to the breifing rooms quickly and efficiently. i advise getting a vehicle to stop and help us reach our destination via orders directly from the computer itself."

[User] Blank finds the nearest comm unit.    "Um. This is Blank-R-DHS. We, um, are on our way to a mission briefing and, um, need some kind of, uh, transport."

[User] "Friend Computer?  Are you there?  Is this thing on?"    Blank examines the comm unit to see if ti appears functional.

[User]
 "Do not doubt Friend Computer, Friend Blank. Friend Computer is always there. Always."

Jim gazes intently at the comm screen.


[User]
 As you walk into the room the walls begin weeping blood and the shrieks of tormented souls fill the air. Before you stands a small horde of fiends, their malicious grins putting an unnatural chill into the air.

 Spoiler

I'm not making a map 'cause I suck at them. The room is a 70' by 90' rectangle that's ~40 ft. high. There's a group of 8 fiends in the center ranging from small to large in size and the floor currently counts as difficult terrain and I need DC 40 Will saves from everyone.

[User]
 Spoiler

Initiative:  (1d20+3)[ 18 ]
Will Save (I'd only fail on a natural 1, so I'm just rolling an unmodified d20):  (1d20)[ 3 ]

[User]
 Spoiler
Int:   (1d20+4)[ 8 ]

Autosuccede on will save ( I Have a 58 )  Might as well roll it anyway, though.

 (1d20+58)[ 59 ]

Really?  Nat 1?  REALLY?!

[User]
 Spoiler

Init:  (1d20+6)[ 24 ]

Will Save  (1d20+34)[ 45 ]

Buffs Active: Shield, Arcane Sight, True Seeing, Mind Blank, Moment of Prescience

[User]
 Well, my character's will save frankly SUCKS even though he's a spellcaster.  There is absolutely no way he will make this unless he rolls a nat. 20.

 Spoiler
 (1d20)[ 6 ]

Initiative

...dangit. someone please roll initiative for me. [ROLL]1d20+4[/ROLL]

[User]
 (1d20+4)[ 7 ]
I think that's everyone. Shall we begin?

[User]
 Okay, everyone who failed the will save is dazed for  (1d2)[ 2 ]  round(s) (yes, I realize undead are normally immune to the dazed condition, it still works on you necro).

The smallest of the fiends breaks away from the pack, seeming to flicker in and out of existence as it launches itself at you. About 20 ft. away from the group the creature stops and lets out an unearthly howl, rending your frames with the reverberation of its voice.

Then a dog-beast the size of a man lurches forward, vomiting a foul residue on you, as it begins to eat into your flesh the smell makes you retch as the rest of the creatures prepare to engage.

 Spoiler

Everyone takes  (20d8)[ 87 ]  sonic damage (fort save DC 35 for half damage, does effect undead but it is a [Su] effect) from the tiny demon.

Everyone also takes  (15d6)[ 57 ]  acid damage from the dog-beast (reflex save DC 38 for half) and needs to make a DC 38 fort save or be nauseated for  (1d4)[ 1 ]  round(s) (does not affect undead).

Anyone who beat a 13 initiative can go ahead and act now.

[User]
 Originally Posted by shadowedsoul
 Okay, everyone who failed the will save is dazed for [roll0] round(s) (yes, I realize undead are normally immune to the dazed condition, it still works on you necro).

If it's a magical effect, Necro's immune anyway.

[User]
 We probably ought to set up an order for who's acting when.

 Little fiend.
 Dog-beast.
 Chess.
 Nerd.
 More fiends.
 Necrotic (maybe dazed).
 Maybe more fiends.
 Drakonzeta (dazed).
 Maybe more fiends.

[User]
 Spoiler
Shadowed, does my magic immunity make me immune to the will save?  Same goes for the Supernatural sound attack.

[User]
 Fort Save:  (1d20+28)[ 33 ]

Need to see results to do turn.

Darn, immune to the damage, but failed my save, so I guess I'll just move to the other conner of the room, away from the rest of the party, so as to avoid area effects.

[User]
 Reflex save (would only fail on natural 1):  (1d20)[ 7 ]

I cast Weird, followed by Automatically Quickened Summon Monster III to create a Fiendish Wolverine, which I order to attack the weakest-looking (HP-wise) fiend other than the two that have already acted.

 Edit: Nice; between the reflex save and my acid resistance, I only take 8 damage.
 Text =Ring of Universal Energy Immunity for the win!

[User] Release the  Hounds!  Fiends!

[User]
 Spoiler

lots'o'rolls
 (1d20)[ 8 ]   (1d20)[ 7 ]   (1d20)[ 1 ]   (1d20)[ 9 ]   (1d20)[ 13 ]   (1d20)[ 15 ]   (1d20)[ 7 ]   (1d20)[ 5 ]
 (1d20)[ 14 ]   (1d20)[ 19 ]   (1d20)[ 3 ]   (1d20)[ 19 ]   (1d20)[ 16 ]   (1d20)[ 1 ]   (1d20)[ 19 ]   (1d20)[ 7 ]
 (1d20)[ 19 ]   (1d20)[ 11 ]   (1d20)[ 7 ]   (1d20)[ 12 ]   (1d20)[ 1 ]   (1d20)[ 5 ]   (1d20)[ 5 ]   (1d20)[ 8 ]

[User]
 The illusionary horrors assault the fiends, causing one to drop dead and a two others to grow pale from the effects. The rest of the creatures seem unaffected as the wolverine lunges forward at another dog beast, taking an ineffectual swipe at it with its claws.

The rest of the beasts react to your presence, the largest of them shambling forward and landing a blow on nerd (take  (3d6+44)[ 48 ]  physical damage that ignores damage reduction) before a four armed creature lets loose with two arrows, one narrowly missing and the other scoring a solid hit (take  (1d12+29)[ 33 ]  physical damage plus  (2d6+8)[ 19 ]  force damage and 1 constitution damage, any immunities you have apply normally).

A wiry looking creature that had been hanging back raises its arms and causes a chasm to open up underneath the bulk of the group (everyone but chess make a reflex DC 42 reflex save, I don't care if you can fly or not) as another four armed creature lets 4 more arrows fly, 3 of them scoring hits on necro (take  (1d12+29)[ 31 ] + (1d12+29)[ 40 ] + (1d12+29)[ 41 ]  physical damage plus  (2d6+8)[ 19 ] + (2d6+8)[ 17 ] + (2d6+8)[ 18 ]  force damage, no con damage for you).

[User] Reflex save (would only fail on a natural 1):  (1d20)[ 6 ]

[User]
 GAH! MY. SAVES. STINK!

 (1d20)[ 2 ]

And as I would only succeed on a natural 20, I fail.

[User] Uh oh, don't make me go in there to save your butt.... 🤨

[User]
 Spoiler
Note:  I'm dazed


[User]
 Arena Tournament, Round 97:  Corporal Rollins  vs.  Louis XVI
 Map:
 Spoiler

 XP Award:  300 XP
 GP Award:  300 GP

 Corporal Rollins  - RandomAction
 Louis XVI  - Dwalin

 All Combatants, please roll initiative and declare final purchases, if any

[User]
 Well now a Ballista. Only way it could be scarier is if it was animated! 🙂

C.Rollins Ini:  (1d20+4)[ 24 ]

Looking over purchases, though undecided.

[User]
 Alright, I will at least craft a second ballista for 250.
Also, Initiative:  (1d20+5)[ 24 ]
If no other purchases, here is my starting stuff.

 Spoiler

Ballistas in M and N 25. I will start in M26

[User]
 Wow, what interesting rolls. You go first, sadly.

Buying Masterwork Chainshirt -250gp
Sell Chainshirt +50gp

No other but reserve right to reactionaries.

[User]
 Alright, no other purchases, so here we go.

Louis Round 1:
Refs/LOS-

 Spoiler

I will actually start in M25 with my ballistas in N25,26. I will take my move to open the doors, then I swivel the ballistas around to M and N 24. Then I take a readied
 Spoiler
attack anything I get LOS to

. I would like confirmation that moving the ballistas only takes an action if I move myself also, but if that isn't the case, then I leave the ballistas and still ready the action.

Stats:

 Spoiler

Louis:
Position: M25
Health: 6/6
Temp Effects: None
Spent Options: None

Ballista 1:
Position: N25 or M24
Status: Loaded

Ballista 2:
Position: N26 or N24
Status: Loaded

[User]
 Oh, Good Luck, by the way.

 Rollins,R-1:
Refs/LoS:
 Spoiler

Start in N-2 with crossbow loaded and held in one hand.
Activate Travel Devotion - swift.
Open Doors - move.
Move to O-10 - move.

End turn.

Stats:
 Spoiler

Location: O-10
Devotion (Travel) 10/10
Hp: 9/9
AC: 18 (4arm+4dex), T-14, FF-14
Saves: F+2/R+6/W+1
Listen/Spot: +5/+5
Attack: Ranged Light X-bow +4 1d8 80'

[User] LOS Please. (and confirmation of my question please)

[User]
 Refs:
 Spoiler
Nyar.

Louis:
 Spoiler
Moving the ballistae would require an action.  Your opponent's doors open.  No LoS.

Rollins:
 Spoiler
Your opponent's doors are open.  No LoS.

[User]
 Louis Round 2:
Refs/LOS-

 Spoiler

Fair enough. New turn time.
Move action, drag my ballistas to K and L 21, with me at L 22.
Standard Action: Ready
 Spoiler
Attack with a ballista if I gain LOS

Also, I will use a free action to activate my Luck devotion.

[User]
 Rollins,R-2:
Refs/LoS:
 Spoiler

Activate Law Devotion, setting bonus to AC - swift.
Double move to O-16 while trying to hide - move.
Hide:  (1d20+9)[ 24 ]

End turn.

Stats:
 Spoiler

Location: O-16
Devotion (Travel) 9/10
Devotion (Law) 10/10
Hp: 9/9
AC: 21 (4arm+4dex+3feat), T-17, FF-17
Saves: F+2/R+6/W+1
Listen/Spot: +5/+5
Attack: Ranged Light X-bow +4 1d8 80'

[User]
 Refs:
 Spoiler
Nyar.

Louis:
 Spoiler
No LoS.  Keep in mind that taking any action after readying an action negates the readied action.

Rollins:
 Spoiler
When you reach Q14, you see Louis in L22.  You may revise your turn from this point.

Rollins's turn still.

[User]
 I'm surprised it is rollin's turn when he said end-turn, but okay.

Refs-

 Spoiler

Could I have clarified what the reasoning is for taking an action after a readied action negates it. If it is some recent ruling then that is fine, but I believe that recently the fallen had a discussion about the issue of what happens if you ready an action, move, your movement triggers an opponents readied action, and the opponents readied action triggers your readied action. I thought the result of that discussion had merely been that a readied action can't be triggered until after the end of turn in which it was readied, as per rules, but if I am misremembering the ruling or if there is a different ruling in play that I should know, then please inform me.

[User]
 Louis:
 Spoiler

 Originally Posted by SRD
 specify the action you will take and the conditions under which you will take it. Then,  any time before your next action , you may take the readied action

Fallen's query was a slightly different situation.  It was actually a readied action, then the opponent's readied action being triggered by his end of turn, not movement.  And in case it comes up, I did rule that readied actions may be taken on the turn they are readied, if the trigger condition is met.

[User]
 refs-

 Spoiler

Okay, that makes me feel better. That is how I expected it to work, but for some reason I kept reading before the end of your next turn instead of before your next action. Understood

Alright, that is totally sorted, so back to rollins turn (apparently)

[User] I'll keep my turn as is. So Louis your up.

[User]
 Louis Round 3

Refs/LOS-

 Spoiler

Move to J19 while dragging my ballistas to J and K 18
Standard: Ready an action
 Spoiler
Attack any enemy I gain LOS to using Ballista

[User]
 Shall I take it that you are finished with your turn?

 Rollins,R-3:
Refs/LoS:
 Spoiler

Start by moving to P-17, while trying to hide:  (1d20+9)[ 23 ] . - This should activate skirmish damage, correct?
Shift grip to two handed on crossbow - free.
Switch devotion to attack - free.
Shoot Louis - standard.
Attack:  (1d20+8)[ 24 ]  vs Flat-footed.
Damage:  (1d8+1)[ 4 ]  +  (1d6)[ 4 ]  skirmish
Return devotion to AC - free.
Activate Travel devotion - swift - moving to R-14 and trying to hide:  (1d20+9)[ 21 ] , before any penalties for 'sniping'.

End turn.

Stats:
 Spoiler
Location: R-14
Devotion (Travel) 8/10
Devotion (Law) 9/10
Hp: 9/9
AC: 21 (4arm+4dex+3feat), T-17, FF-17
Saves: F+2/R+6/W+1
Listen/Spot: +5/+5
Attack: Ranged Light X-bow +4 1d8 80'

[User]
 Dwalin, I called for a Ref.

I was hiding and then shot you when I was in P-17 dealing a possible 8 points of damage, but with my movement afterward I do not think there is LoS between us now.

[User] Only 3 damage.  In addition to not moving 10ft away from your starting position, you're too far away to deal Point Blank or skirmish damage.  At any rate, yes, Rollins shoots Louis for 3 damage from P17, after which Louis's readied action triggers.

[User]
 Thanks Sallera.
I guess that I misunderstood the skirmish movement there. I was assuming that I had to move only 10' to activate it as long as I didn't backtrack myself in the move.
So to gain the extra damage I have to move 10' and not end adjacent to my starting square? Or could I move in a circle for the 10' and it kicks in?

Ok Louis, guessing that your eadied was an attack, fire away.

Do I have cover from this attack, I think I do but rather be safe about it?

[User]
 Skirmish was errated.

 Originally Posted by CAdv Errata
 She deals an extra 1d6 points of damage on all attacks she makes during any round in which she moves at least 10 feet away from where she was at the start of her turn.  The extra damage applies only to attacks made after the scout has moved at least 10 feet.

And yes, you have cover.

[User]
 Alright, my readied action is an attack with a ballista, and it will be the one in
K18.

Attack:  (1d20+5)[ 22 ]
Damage:  (3d8)[ 16 ] , less than 13.5 defaults to 12

[User] Unless my free action on switching my devotion bonus comes first, then I believe that is game. Good match.

[User]
 High Ref Sallera
 Louis claims victory by virtue of one-upmanship.


[User] Map preferences, buff rounds?

[User] How about no cover, 2 buff rounds?

[User]
 I have no use for buff rounds, so compromise and say one?

Initiative:  (1d20+7)[ 8 ]

...figures.

I'll take red, if you're okay with this map.

[User]
 One round is all right, and Blue is fine.

Initiative  (1d20+9)[ 19 ]

Buff Round: Cast Mirror Image for  (1d4+3)[ 4 ]  clones.

1st Round: Fly up 30' and

To hit me with an attack you must first roll a beat a 50% miss chance due to blink, then a 1 on a 1dx, where x is equal to the number of clones I have left +1.  Any targeted attack destroys a clone, but AoE effects do activate ring of blink. not.

[User]
 Variables:  (1d5)[ 2 ]   (1d4)[ 4 ]

Turn to follow shortly.

[User]
 Observers:
 Spoiler
Maneuvers granted: Foehammer, Bonesplitting Strike

Taiom is in the Thicket of Blades stance.

Starting location: B-13.

Taiom moves in a blur of speed, leaping atop the glass ceiling, then disappearing altogether, only to reappear above you. As he falls, he lashes out at you with a flurry of punches and kicks.

Free: Move half speed to F-13 +20, atop the glass ceiling. (Ex. version of Abundant Step class ability)

Move: Dimension Door to 15 feet above wherever you are (you didn't specify), then fall toward you. (Su. version of Abundant Step class ability, burning one use of daily Ki Power.)

Free: Close eyes, expend another use of Ki Power to gain Blindsight to thirty feet.

Free: Charge attack from Battle Jump feat, augmented with Snap Kick.

Note: These attacks ignore any magic-derived miss chances (Pierce Magical Concealment) and your mirror images (eyes closed, attacking via Blindsight).

Attack 1: Soulwarp, Unbalancing, Stunning Fist:  (1d20+40)[ 53 ]  for  (2d6+33)[ 42 ]  damage.

On hit:
 Spoiler
Fort save, DC 30, or nauseated for one round. On a successful save, you are still sickened for one round. Fort save, DC 34, or stunned for one round. Reflex save, DC 32, or lose your dexterity bonus to AC for one round and give all attackers an additional +2 to hit you.

Attack2: Unbalancing, Stunning Fist:  (1d20+40)[ 41 ]  for  (2d6+33)[ 42 ]  damage.

On hit:
 Spoiler
Fort save, DC 34, or stunned for one round. Reflex save, DC 32, or lose your dexterity bonus to AC for one round and give all attackers an additional +2 to hit you.

Not quite done, I still have a standard action left. I'd like to know the results of the above attacks first, though.

[User]
 This allows you to hit Ethereal beings?

First attack hits, second attack is auto fail.

Fort Save
 (1d20+15)[ 28 ]
 (1d20+15)[ 23 ]

Reflex
 (1d20+17)[ 19 ]

[User]
 As a matter of fact, it doesn't. Upon rereading the feat however, I see that it allows me to automatically pick out the real version of a mirror image, so I'll take back the Ki Power for activating Blindsight.

Ethereal miss chance (1-20):  (1d100)[ 77 ]

Edit: So you're stunned (mind that this causes you to drop all held items), nauseated, and unbalanced. Let's see what I can do with a standard action here. Give me a minute to think.

[User]
 Meh, can't do anything worthwhile, so I'll just move back up to U-13 +20, on top of the glass roof.

Do you have a way of preventing stunning, or is it my turn again?

Observers:
 Spoiler
 (1d3)[ 1 ]

[User] Its your turn, and Ethereal Miss chance is 50%

[User]
 I wasn't aware you were completely ethereal. If it was from something other than Blink, then I wouldn't be able to touch you at all, since I cannot touch the ethereal plane.

However, if it  is  from blink:

 If the attacker can see invisible creatures, the miss chance is also only 20%. (For an attacker who can both see and strike ethereal creatures, there is no miss chance.) Likewise, your own attacks have a 20% miss chance, since you sometimes go ethereal just as you are about to strike.

Pierce Magical Concealment obviates miss chances from invisibility effects and a host of other spells.

[User] Ah, okay, carry on then.


[User]
 You start out in your hometown, a sizable town with a well-trained army and very good defenses. However, a jagged hole leading down has appeared inside the city.  Kobolds have been holing up in there.

The last group to be sent in was flung to the surface.

At least, their heads were.

[User]
 Slevetya

The beautiful woman stands, smiling, dressed in a flowing red dress that contrasts with her alabaster skin. She licks her bright, red lips before saying:

 "Ooh, severed heads. Someone was clearly trying to send a message. I'm good with messages. Maybe we should go send one of our own?" .

She looks around at the others stood around the hole with interest.

[User]
 Ran'naidethavar

Ran investigates the ground, looking for signs or tracks, his elven eyes scrutinizing every detail. Selean is sniffing around the entrance, searching for discernable scents.

 "Stay back if you please everyone, I need a few moments to discern the tracks."

OOC

 Spoiler
Survival: (d20+16)[ 33 ]  Selean's assisting DC 10, taking 10 total result 35

[User]
 @Sir_Chivalry:

 Spoiler
You see that 3 patrols of 50 have been walking around. they are in 5x10 rows, with 5 ft of space in between each row and column

Also, everyone make a 10 spot and listen check, and 10 initiative.
I'll write them down and use it in ambush scenarios, to speed things up.

[User]
 Originally Posted by Dragon Elite
 @Sir_Chivalry:

 Spoiler
You see that 3 patrols of 50 have been walking around. they are in 5x10 rows, with 5 ft of space in between each row and column

Also, everyone make a 10 spot and listen check, and 10 initiative.
I'll write them down and use it in ambush scenarios, to speed things up.

Ran- Spot= 20, Listen= 20, Initiative= 15

Selean- Spot= 27, Listen= 27, (and Scent) Initiative= 12, but goes on Ran's turn as a special mount

[User]
 Spoiler

Spot:

 Spoiler

 (1d20+12)[ 13 ]
 (1d20+12)[ 27 ]
 (1d20+12)[ 14 ]
 (1d20+12)[ 18 ]
 (1d20+12)[ 31 ]
 (1d20+12)[ 18 ]
 (1d20+12)[ 19 ]
 (1d20+12)[ 29 ]
 (1d20+12)[ 15 ]
 (1d20+12)[ 23 ]

Listen:

 Spoiler

 (1d20+2)[ 17 ]
 (1d20+2)[ 15 ]
 (1d20+2)[ 17 ]
 (1d20+2)[ 17 ]
 (1d20+2)[ 13 ]
 (1d20+2)[ 18 ]
 (1d20+2)[ 12 ]
 (1d20+2)[ 6 ]
 (1d20+2)[ 10 ]
 (1d20+2)[ 19 ]

Initiative:

 Spoiler

 (1d20+3)[ 18 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 17 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 12 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 7 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 23 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 19 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 5 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 7 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 10 ]
 (1d20+3)[ 16 ]

 Slevetya

The bard looks at the elf, entertainment flashing in her eyes.  "My, I do like a man who can take the initiative."

[User]
 Originally Posted by Cogidubnus

 Spoiler

Spot:

 Spoiler

[roll0]
[roll1]
[roll2]
[roll3]
[roll4]
[roll5]
[roll6]
[roll7]
[roll8]
[roll9]

Listen:

 Spoiler

[roll10]
[roll11]
[roll12]
[roll13]
[roll14]
[roll15]
[roll16]
[roll17]
[roll18]
[roll19]

Initiative:

 Spoiler

[roll20]
[roll21]
[roll22]
[roll23]
[roll24]
[roll25]
[roll26]
[roll27]
[roll28]
[roll29]

 Slevetya

The bard looks at the elf, entertainment flashing in her eyes.  "My, I do like a man who can take the initiative."

 "Thank you child, I appreciate your flirting."

He turns back to the rest of the group.

 "Three patrols, fifty strong, in five columns, ten strong each they were arranged. What is to be done then, hmm?"

[User]
 Spoiler
With tens, I have
Initiative 17, Spot and Listen 15. The spot and listen are 17 if I'm in a canine form, 23 if the thing I'm rolling to notice is feline, and 25 if both.

" I bet we could take any number of them. " said a rather messy looking woman, licking her lips predatorially.

[User] Five columns of ten, actually.

[User]
 Slevetya
 "Fifty? That's a walk in the park. I'm hoping there are more down there than fifty."

[User]
 Originally Posted by Cogidubnus
  Slevetya
 "Fifty? That's a walk in the park. I'm hoping there are more down there than fifty."

 "I must say I share your confidence, though not your drive. I hope it is simply a short foray into the deep before we are back here again."

[User] Okay, let's keep RP'ing until Dire_Weasel posts.

[User]
 "Hm..." Rune mutters, leaning against a tree as he watches the conversation. "Maybe  this  will be where I strike it big..."

 Spoiler
So, you need Spot (10), Listen (10), and Initiative (18)? Done.

[User]
 Tekti joins the group. To anyone who was not paying attention, he looked like a regular halfling. But to anyone who knew anything about fey, they would recognize him as a Redcap. He was holding his Scythe that would better suit an ogre than someone as small as him. He dashes towards the group.

 "Sorry everybody, I was kinda distracted. What did I miss?"

[User]
 Originally Posted by Dire Weasel
 Tekti joins the group. To anyone who was not paying attention, he looked like a regular halfling. But to anyone who knew anything about fey, they would recognize him as a Redcap. He was holding his Scythe that would better suit an ogre than someone as small as him. He dashes towards the group.

 "Sorry everybody, I was kinda distracted. What did I miss?"

 "Tracks, fifty raiders, five by ten. What kept you Tekti?"

[User]
 Originally Posted by Sir_Chivalry
  "Tracks, fifty raiders, five by ten. What kept you Tekti?"

 " We  overslept."  He showed his toothy grin.  "Nice girl, I just hope neither of us die before we see each other again."

[User] Alright, Selean notices a scent in the air. He looks up, and notices something... weird about the surrounding area.

[User]
 Originally Posted by Dragon Elite
 Alright, Selean notices a scent in the air. He looks up, and notices something... weird about the surrounding area.

Selean's growling alerts Ran, who bows his head, his Zaelshin Tu removing itself from around his neck and floating in the air as golden fullplate appears across Ran's body. The Zaelshin fixes itself to his head, and Ran simultaneously looses the strap holding his shield to his back and flicks his wrist, a mithral tube coming to his hand and transforming first into quicksilver, and then into an elaborately carved and gilded double scimitar. The shield orbits Ran as his blade guide, a small white light near his shoulder, begins to whisper in his mind, preparing him for battle.

Scales rupture across Selean's back as fullplate, formed of a fallen cornugon, appears. His helm, made from the fiend's skull, places itself neatly on his head.

OOC

 Spoiler
I think all of that can be completed in a round.

[User]
 ((This is what happens at my next available action))

 "Uhh... I also have some bad news. I didn't get enough rest to cast any spells today."  He then takes the top of his toga off.

 Spoiler
I forgot to show my 10 init, spot and listen.
Init: 16
Spot: 22
Listen 22

[User]
 Slevetya
 "There something up? We in trouble?"  she asks, quite cheerfully, but preparing herself all the same. At least, you think she's preparing herself. A violin is an unusual choice of protective implement.

[User]
 Everyone sees a kobold suddenly appear in front of them.  "I see you have not divined this area well enough to see my friends."  The smug kobold says. "Friends, s'lakresh kihl!"

If you know kobold:
 Spoiler
Fireball now!

You all take 117 fire damage.
*facepalm* Reflex for half, DC 22
Rolls:

 Spoiler
 (7d6)[ 29 ]
 (7d6)[ 30 ]
 (7d6)[ 23 ]
 (7d6)[ 23 ]
 (7d6)[ 24 ]
 (7d6)[ 18 ]

[User]
 Spoiler
Reflex roll: (d20+18)[ 38 ]
Yay evasion, no damage!

Tekti swiftly dodges the fireball, taking no damage.

[User]
 Spoiler
Ran's Reflex was 19, a fail, I forgot Selean's

Reflex:  (d20+12)[ 13 ]

[User]
 Spoiler
Reflex is +24, I can't fail.

Emily dives out of the way, yelping as the fire scorches her, and a surge of hateful magic flows from her to the kobold in front of them.

 Spoiler
On my turn, that Kobold must make a DC28 fortitude save or be turned into a housecat for 11 hours, as per Baleful Polymorph.

[User]
 Fortitude:
 (1d20+8)[ 19 ]

[User]
 "Oh, shi-"  Rune blurts, as he sees the fireball.

And gets burnt by it.

 "EAT THIS!"  He yells back, thrusting his right hand towards their origin and unleashing a gigantic cone of roaring energy.

 Spoiler
Reflex:  (1d20+10)[ 18 ]

And then...

On my turn, things are going to  die .

I'm using an overchanneled to 23 points  Energy wave (Sonic) , directed toward the origin of the fireball. Save DC 29 to take half damage.

Power Damage:  (23d6-23)[ 58 ]

Overchannel damage:  (5d8)[ 21 ]

_____________
   Rune Steelmage
Male CN Half Troll Human Limit Knight 20//Psion 18/Half Troll 2,  Level  20,  Init  +8,  HP  135/273,  Speed
 AC  35,  Touch  18,  Flat-footed  31,  Fort  +18,  Ref  +10,  Will  +16,  Base Attack Bonus  20/15/10/5 /318
   +5 Ghost Touch of Mithral Breastplate of Etherealness ,    +5 Animated Ghost Touch Heavy Mithral Shield  (+10 Armor, +7 Shield, +4 Dex, +4 Misc)
 Abilities  Str 22, Dex 19, Con 23, Int 25, Wis 19, Cha 19
 Condition  None
 Limit Gauge  240/240

[User]
 Ran gestures with his hand, first healing himself and his mount, and then dispelling the spells of the assailants above him. Selean will maul those that fall.

 Spoiler
Battle Blessing'd  Heal  spell, 150 points, which is back to full health, and I share spells with my mount, who I am next to. Regular casting of  Dispel Magic , area dispel, medium range spell, so I place it in the circle of kobolds. 20ft radius is greater than their 15ft radius, so it effects all of them.😏

Dispel check vs. DC of (if I read their caster checks right) 21: [roll0]

[User]
 Spoiler
Dispel check, since the previous one failed to show up due to multiple post restriction:  (d20+10)[ 19 ]

[User]
 Spoiler

 (1d20+15)[ 20 ]
Will post my actions when I see how that turned out.

[User]
 Slevetya

 Spoiler
So we can now see them?

 "Ow,"  the woman says, as the fire washes over her,  "that kind of stung. I wonder if this'll hurt more..."

Waving her hands in strange patterns, she calls out, in a lilting, musical voice:
 "Oshnara, su ma hol. Ish nay qum fal."

If you speak Abyssal:

 Spoiler
My dear, wait for me. You walk so fast.

 Spoiler
Casting Time Stop:  (1d4+1)[ 3 ]
Need that to determine actions.

[User]
 As time slows, Slevetya looks around at her frozen allies and opponents.

 "Excellent. My, you do all look silly. Guess I'd best clean up."
 "Solvara. Solvara."

Her eyes turn dark, and she growls suddenly.  "Now, let's see how you like it."
 "Erlata, komar nasa."

Infernal:

 Spoiler
"Heal. Heal"
"Spirits, fill yourselves."

 Spoiler
Casting Cure Critical Wounds twice on myself, then Weird (DC 34 Will or take a Fort save, which is die/3d6 damage. It jumps from enemy to enemy, so long as they're 30ft or less apart, taking the route that allows it to affect the most enemies.
Healing:  (8d8+40)[ 65 ]

[User]
 Summary:

Rune Steelmage dispels both the kobolds invisibility and fly. They fall. Selean attacks one of them, killing it instantly.

The kobold is now a housecat.  Meow

And then, they all die from the weird.

[User]
 Tekti rests his Scythe on his shoulder, and grins.

 "That fight was  too  easy. I didn't even break a sweat."

[User]
 Originally Posted by Dire Weasel
 Tekti rests his Scythe on his shoulder, and grins.

 "That fight was  too  easy. I didn't even break a sweat."

 "**** you, halfpint."  Ran brushes his burnt eyebrows off his face and coughs some soot.

[User]
 Originally Posted by Sir_Chivalry
  "**** you, halfpint."  Ran brushes his burnt eyebrows off his face and coughs some soot.

 "Hey now, there's no need for vulgarity. Anyways, let's check their stuff. For clues, ya know, if they have any...    information    they might have for the Journey ahead of us."

[User]
 Slevetya
 Once you're quite done looting the corpses, do me a favour and make sure none of them are still around? I need to talk to you all, in private. I didn't really enjoy that bombardment myself.'

[User]
 "Allright, then."

Unless anyone stops him, he checks the bodies for "Clues" anything that would give us information. Gold, weapons, gems, etc.

[User]
 @Dire_Weasel

 Spoiler
You find 2 scrolls, 3 wands, and a emerald ring on the one that went un-invisible, and a sappire ring on the others.

[User]
 Rune mutters a curse under his breath as his burns slowly start to heal.

 "Damn idiots use  fire . They could have used  anything  else, but  no , they had to use the  one  thing that weakens my healing..."

[User] Alright, this battle is over! Anyone with scent (or any common sense) knows that the kobolds came from the rift.

[User] "I think they came from this way!"  Rune says, pointing away from the rift.

[User]
 Slevetya
 "Now, everyone, we have a bit of a problem. We can't withstand another hit like that, so I propose that I change my shape into the form of one of these kobolds we just killed, and you lead me on a leash as we head into the warren. That way, they'll be less likely to use area attacks to avoid killing me."

[User] " Oh, now that's SMART. " grins Emily, devilishly.

[User]
 Slevetya
 "What can I say, I've got brains  and  beauty. Don't get too jealous. But seriously, I'm just sick of being fireballed.  Slevetya smiles demonically.


[User]
 Hodgins compiles the last of the paperwork, taking the hefty stack to a near-by closet. After a moment or so the tall, white haired human servant returns to the foyer, asking you all to be seated. A number of cushioned red-velvet seats have been lined up at the far end of the Grandhall, under the staircase. It is here that the festivities begins, and it is here the night takes a dark turn.

Your hostess, the fabled "Gwendolyn" of Gwendolyn's estate finally makes an appearance. A beautifully dressed human woman of no older then twenty years. Dressed in a deep blue robe with an obvious obsidian corset clenching to the outside. Her outfit is complimented with a number of jewels and ribbons, all of which compliments the light application of makeup on her naturally eloquent face.

The woman descends the stairwell, her shoe-less feet padding softly on the furnished mahogany steps. Finally, as she reaches the bottom of the stairwell, you hear an almost divine voice. The woman speaks soft, and yet can be heard easily throughout the entire room. Her speech is unique, each syllable being pronounced perfectly, with almost no distinguishable accent.

" Pleased to finally meet each of you. I am your hostess, madam Gwendolyn. And for each of you today, I have a generous gift to bestow. I offer each of you the opportunity to earn my estate, and all that is included within. All you must do, is simply relax. To be exact, I will be judging each of you, throughout the coming month, and whoever I believe to be the most deserving of my estate will be the victor.
The woman yawns for a moment, the cold night time atmosphere reminding you all just how late it is.
" But please, this all can wait till the morning I am sure. You may choose any of the second-story guest rooms you please, each of you will have your own separate accommodations. Breakfast will be served at Nine in the morning in the dining hall. Now if you please, I will bid you all a good evening.

With that your mysterious hostess retreats up the landing, leaving most of you a bit flustered, if not out-right confused. Your goal is now clear, you must simply live, relax, and show yourself a worthy benefactor to the good-lady's property. If all goes as planned, within the month, one of you shall be ascending the ranks of nobleman.

[User]
 Nathan Crown
  Nathan Crown, madam.    The troubadour sketches a brief bow at the air behind the retreating benefactor. He inclines his head at the other guests and follows the Lady up after a pause, to let her get where she wanted to go.  He choses a North facing guest room, and then one to the East. He leaves his pack in the room and steps out onto the balcony, lyre in hand and sits down to tune the instrument.

[User]
 Tallin Farr

All thoughts of annoyance at this long wait disappear from his mind and memory as soon as Tallin casts his eyes upon the lady of the estate.  He listens to the voice as much as the message, lost for a moment in his childhood dreams of who he thought Lady Gwendolyn really was.  Upon her exit, he realizes that he did not say a word or have an introduction.   So much for first impressions.

He steps over to Hodgins and presents a bottle of wine to the servant.    "For the Lady.  My thanks for the invitation.  I would not assume to accept the invitation empty handed."    He then moves off after Nathan up the stairs.  He finds a room facing out over the gardens, choosing to know more about what is happening at the estate as opposed to seeing who is visiting.  He searches the room over carefully since it sounds as they may be staying here for a while.  Settling his belongings securely he decides to sleep well, no telling what the next day will bring.


[User] The party recently met each other as they entered the city of Orulna, one of the major trading hubs on the continent. While the market fills the first district of the city, there is plently more to do. Rumors of bandits on the roads are nearly always heard, but there is more information for those who search.

[User] " It really is quite nice, my friend, but it's a little out of my price range. Thanks anyway. Whoever does buy it will have made a good choice. " Turning down an emerald ring, Piegri returns to wandering through the markets, stopping for anything pretty that catches his eye but also searching for cheap scrolls.

[User] Armand looks from one shop to the other with a glazed look in his eyes. He obviously isn't paying any attention to the wares but thinking, trying to discern what his next step will be to immortality. He steps into the store with Piegri.  I must ask you something Piegri, you being the eldest and most likely the most intelligent of our present company, what do you know of undeath?"  A slight sparkle appears in Armand's eye, then fades away.

[User] The fire gnome pauses in his perusal to speak with the Armand. " I may be ancient by your standards, but there are those among my race that would consider me quite young indeed. I am only just old enough for it to be odd I haven't settled down, but I have no plans to do so in the near future. Nonetheless, I thank you for the compliment. " Piegri  stops to think about his answer before continuing. " In all honesty, though I am by no means a scholar, I know enough that it would likely benefit us both for you to be more specific in your questions. It is a complicated concept to explain in its entirety. "

[User] Armand shrugs.  "Nothing in particular, just curious."  Armand smiles.   I'll have to do some researching on my own later.

[User]
 For now, the barrel-like dwarf stuck close with Caoimhe.  She was still getting used to these human towns, and Dainty could certainly use a guide.  Plus, Caoimhe had made clear her aversion to violence, so Dainty wanted to make doubly sure that such a lovely ideal be upheld.  If need be, through the repeated application of her sap.

Dainty took a deep breath, and turned with a kind of wonder to Caoimhe.

 "Really, it's astonishing, you know.  Back home, you could tell whether the shift had changed by the smell in the tunnels.  But here...people talk about the sights an' sounds of the city all the time, it seems, but it's the sheer variety of  smells  that astonish me."

She takes a follow-up sniff.

 "You don't suppose that the smell of orc blood is fresh, do you?"

[User]
 Caoimhe takes a cursory sniff before her nose wrinkles, and the willowy aasimar nods.

 "O-o-oh? I guess that my sense of smell isn't that good, compared to yours.  All I can smell are the wares that the hawkers have, the lovely scent of cooking...Though, I don't know how they can stand to be around cooking meat."

She looks around, curious about the vendors.

 "It's lovely here, though...All the people, so busy...I hope they're careful though..."

[User]
 "Smells of the city? I've lived in them most of my life and the smells I remember aren't very pleasant. I would guess it depends on the city, but most tend to reek of waste and sewage... This one seems to be a bit more respectable though. Probably kept clean to attract more business to the market place."

Veshna continues walking with her companions barely noticing the vendors wares. She seems far more interested in the large crowd of people inhabiting the market district as if keeping a keen eye on would be thieves. Or perhaps finding an easy mark herself..

 "Perhaps we should find some.. knowledgeable locals that might have some real information instead of idle rumors."

[User]
 Originally Posted by Vulaas
  "It's lovely here, though...All the people, so busy...I hope they're careful though..."

Dainty chuckled.  As someone built like the proverbial bull, she was accustomed to being careful.

 "Most people I meet  think  they're being careful.  Dun mean they actually got a clue what to look for."

She lifts her head, sniffing the air.

 "Huh.  Might a been good to set a place to meet up later.  Can you still see the others."

[User] With a gesture that suggests that the others are welcome to follow, Dainty moves among the stalls and shops, stopping when she locates the Magic Boot Shop.  Stepping in, she takes a look around for any bargains.

[User]
 A gnome pops out from behind some of the shelves.

"Aye, miss. Anythin' I can help ye find?" he says in a bouncy voice. He seems over eager about something.

[User]
 Dainty smiles and begins a perusal of the shelves.  She smiles over at the gnome.

 "Do you have anything that guarantees traction?  I need traction."

[User] "What ye need traction against? Gravity o' impact?"

[User] Piegri waits outside the shop. The gnome has a vacant but pleased expression, appearing neither bored nor impatient.

[User]
 Dainty tilts her head, clearly not understanding.

 "Um.  Neither, really.  Slippage.  When you're charging down a slime-covered tunnel towards an ogre, it's useful to not trip and face-plant in the earth five feet in front of him."

[User] "Ah, then you'll be wantin' these." The gnome says, running to a nearby shelf and grabbing a pair of lightly colored slippers. "These are guaranteed to not have ye slip while runnin'."

[User]
 Dainty looks at the iron-toed and hob-nailed boots she was currently wearing.  Then over at the slippers.  Back to her boots, and to the slippers again.  Twice, she seems about to speak, but hesitates.  Finally, she says.

 "Oh, what the hell."

Several undoing of buckles and unscrewing of bolts later, her squarish feet are ready, and slide hesitantly into the slippers.  Experimentally, she takes a lap around the shop.

[User] "See, lass? Ye not be slippen with them on. Ye could even run up walls." The gnome smiles, almost excited at the possibility of a sale.

[User]
 Dainty looks down at the slippers, and back at the gnome with something approximating wonder.  Or perhaps incredulity.  The helmet made it harder to read her facial expression.

 "Up walls?  You mean, like, to get something down off of the ceiling?"

[User] "Aye! These be allowin' ye to walk anythin', regardless o' incline." The gnome smiles.

[User]
 Dainty gives out a rumbling grunt as her two dimensional worldview expands upward and outward for a moment.

 "Huh.  How much?"

[User] "Fer ye, a mere 20 thousand gold pieces." he replies.

[User]
 Dainty has almost enough presence of mind to act unimpressed by the figure.  Almost.  Settling comfortably up against the wall, she veeeery carefully removes the slippers.

 "Well, that's very kind of you.  Unfortunately, I'm about nineteen thousand short.  Um...I don't suppose you know of any work around here?  The kind of work that pays a bit better because only half of the people live to payday?"

[User]
 "Er, no. Thar be no kind of work aroun' here tha' could help ye, an' I am certanly na' tha gnome to offer it to ye." He replies.

Dainty ONLY

 Spoiler

With a little effort, you know he's lying.

[User]
 Dainty nods companionably.

 "No, no, of course not.  But...maybe you know someone else around here who  would  know of such work?  Especially in the interest of earning the gratitude of someone who hopes to become a loyal customer?"

[User] The gnome walks up to you and forces a note into your hand. "No, I dinnae know of anyone. Now I think ye best be leavin'."

[User]
 Dainty lowers her head, abashed.

 "My apologies.  I'll leave at once."

Closing her fist on the note, she slinks from the store, nodding to Veshna and Piegri, who had been waiting outside the whole time.  She motions for them to follow as she looks for a secluded spot in which to read the message.

[User]
 Around the corner, Dainty's brow furrows as she tries to decipher the note.  She offers it up to her companions, frustration creeping into her voice.

 "Any of you got any idea what this might mean?"

The note:

 Spoiler
Meet the contact at the edge of the housing area in fifteen minutes. Identify yourself with *Unknown Phrase*.

[User] " I've no idea whatsoever, except that we should head to the edge of the housing area to find out. Who's in? " Piegri starts walking in that direction.

[User]
 Caohime

The Aasimar blinks, and looks around a bit dazed.

 "I...I don't know about this.  I don't know them, and this might be a bad idea.  I better come along, though, in case it is.  I'm sure I can help if it is."

[User] At the area where you are to meet, there is nothing but an upside down and worn out crate, surrounded with litter of all kinds.

[User] Piegri approaches the crate calmly and attempts to flip it over.

[User] It flips easily, revealing a glass orb.

[User] " Hey! Come check this out, guys. " Piegri touches the orb, feeling its texture and temperature before picking it up.

[User] Dainty gives Piegri space and light to examine the sphere.  She stands back to make sure that no one else seems to be either approaching or taking an inordinate interest in them.

[User]
 There aren't any people nearby, so you can't be watched.
The orb is cool to the touch, and as Piegri touches it she feels a mental ping in the back of her head.

 Runuk the Ruthless has me under his protection plan. It's little more than extortion. He does this to all merchants. Help us. End of Message.

[User] After beckoning Dainty over to feel the orb as well, Piegri asks " Do you feel up to taking an interest in this Runuk fellow? I think it sounds interesting, if nothing else. I don't suppose you'd know how to find him though, eh? "

[User]
 Dainty carefully lifts the orb to examine it - somewhat warned by Piegri's manner that something odd might happen.   She shakes her head slowly in response to the question.

 "My first time in town, I'm afraid.  Plus.  The only evidence we have that this Runuk fellow is actually doing anything bad is...an anonymous message left in a really fancy way under a box.  Back at the clanhome, we'd call that 'uncorroborated evidence by a piece of glass'.

"But...the weired way that they left a message is our best shot.  In order to make something like this, you've got to be good at magic, and good at glassblowing.  I figure, we ask around for local glassblowers, and get them to tell us who made this magicked thingy.  I'd feel a lot better at least knowing whose dirty work we were doing."

[User] " A very good idea! Very well then, let's go find some glass blowers. "

[User]
 Dainty, fearing that her thick gauntleted fingers would do something terrible to the glass ball, carefully hands it back to Piegri.  She shrugs at her other two colleagues.

 "Well, there's just the one sphere, so we might as well all stick together.  Let's try this way first - judging by the smoke, there could be a glassblower in that area."

 Spoiler
Vulaas and Trodon are both still active and posting on the boards.  Shall I PM them to see if they're still interested in this game?

[User]
 Knowledge (Local) Checks:
Piegri:  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]
Dainty:  (1d20+4)[ 9 ]
Caoimhe:  (1d20+2)[ 8 ]

Piegri remembers seeing a glassblower on the way here.

 Spoiler

Yes, that would help. And I think you all just used Bat-Deduction Skills to find a villain. 50 xp each, and a cookie.

[User] Dainty bows to Piegri's amazing powers of recollection, and follows her to the glassblower.


[User]
 The arena is a large circle with a radius of 2 miles, centered around a set of abandoned jungle ruins. The ruins take up approximately a smaller circle of 1 mile. In the center is a overgrown courtyard, with a fountain/shrine in the center. Square in shape, it has an east-west and north-south road bisecting its sides, with each side being 75 yards across. The fountain takes up a 5 yard area, with an additional 5 yards consisting of mud.

There are some auxiliary roads and alleys, as well as holes in the buildings. None of the buildings are over 3 stories high.

Additional scenery may be added/altered per usual with stunts.

 Spoiler
Combatants start out on the north-south bisecting road. One is on the northernmost edge of the courtyard. The other is on the southernmost. The fountain currently provides 90% hard cover.

Charms/effects with a duration of one scene or longer may be started before the battle begins. Otherwise, you start uninjured, with full motes, willpower, etc., etc.

I'm guessing you both just want to go with me adjudicating stunts like we've been doing?

So, first order of business: Join Battle, and declare any charms you want to preemptively activate.

[User]
 Here's the Map. Everyone should be able to see this:
 Spoiler

[User]
 Entering the plaza, Ruinous catches sight of a glimmer of gold. Straining his eyes, he immediately realizes his mistake. Not gold, orichalcum. A sword, shield, and most impressively, armor. Another such as he, then. Perhaps this one would finally give him a hunt to remember. Keeping the armored being in sight, his hands leap to his bow, drawing and notching it in one, mighty action.

"  Ho there, traveler. Want to hunt the most dangerous game?  "

 Spoiler

Using my Join Battle Combo-Panoptic Fusion Discipline, Keen Eye Eye Technique, Unsurpassed Eye Discipline.
Join Battle: (11d10)[ 6 ][ 8 ][ 5 ][ 5 ][ 1 ][ 9 ][ 3 ][ 1 ][ 6 ][ 8 ][ 3 ](55) +2, doubling successes.
9m+1wp
Also, there's a question. Flashing Vengeance draw has errata to it. The permanent keyword was added, as was a totally different ability. Does the ability replace the old one, or is the old ability still there? If it is, I activate it(permanent effects do not count as charm, but as innate abilities) for an additional 3 motes. If so, I add my essence(3) in successes.

Question regarding charms that 'double successes'. Does this work on all automatic successes added by charms, for instance Keen (sense) Technique? Or does it only work on those added by charms that interact with dice caps(like the second Excellency)?

 Combat Stats:

 Spoiler
 Join Combat:
 Attacks:
 Spoiler

Powerbow: Speed 6 Acc: 19 | Damage: 11+ammo |Range 300| Rate: 2

Hands:
Acc: X [(((Dex+Martial Arts)+1)+Any other dice bonuses)] | Damage: [Str+0B] | Parry DV: [(((Dex+Ability)+2)= X /2 round up) = Base + Modifiers] | Rate: 3

Feet:
Acc: X [(((Dex+Martial Arts)+0)+Any other dice bonuses)] | Damage: [Str+3B] | Parry DV: [(((Dex+Ability)-2)= X /2 round up) = Base + Modifiers] | Rate: 2

Clinch:
Acc: X [(((Dex+Martial Arts)+0)+Any other dice bonuses)] | Damage: [Str+0B] | Parry DV: - | Rate: 3

 Dodge DV:  X [((((Dex+Ability)+Essence)+Bonus Dice From Equipment) = X /2 round up) = Base + Modifiers]

 Permanent Charms (Effects)
 Soak:
Bashing: [9]
Lethal: [8]
Aggravated: [7]

 Hardness:
Bashing: 3
Lethal: 3
Aggravated: 3

 Health:
-0 [ ][ ]
-1 [ ][ ][ ][ ][ ][ ]
-2 [ ][ ]
-4 [ ]
X  [ ]

 Mental Defenses:
Dodge MDV: 4
Charisma Parry MDV:
>Presence: [(((Charisma+Presence)+Relevant Specialty)+Any other dice modifiers) /2 round up) + Any other bonuses.]
>Performance: [(((Charisma+Performance)+Relevant Specialty)+Any other dice modifiers) /2 round up) + Any other bonuses.]
Manipulation Parry MDV:
>Presence: [(((Manipulation+Presence)+Relevant Specialty)+Any other dice modifiers) /2 round up) + Any other bonuses.]
>Performance: [(((Manipulation+Performance)+Relevant Specialty)+Any other dice modifiers) /2 round up) + Any other bonuses.]

 Virtues:
Compassion ●
Conviction ●●
Temperance ●●●
Valor ●●●

 Virtue Flaw/Flawed Virtue:
 Intimacies:
 Languages:
??? (Native)

 Willpower:  ●●●●●
4/5 temp

 Essence:
Permanent: ●●●
Personal:  Current (5/14)
Peripheral:  Current (25) (10)

 Bonus Points and XP:

 Spoiler
 Bonus Points:

Total:
7 points on Essence 3.
5 points on combos.
Shadow Over Water
18/18 | Flaws:

 Experience Points.  Spent: X | Left: Y | Total: Z

[User]
 Trudging through the now familiar scenery, the armoured solar notices a strange figure entering from the plaza from the opposite side

"Not again"

Reading his shield and drawing his Daiklave, the Solar digs his feet into the ground, ready to kick off at a moments notice

Observers

 Spoiler
I start with no charms. Join Battle:  (12d10)[ 3 ][ 5 ][ 4 ][ 10 ][ 10 ][ 5 ][ 9 ][ 6 ][ 6 ][ 5 ][ 5 ][ 6 ](74)

As your probably aware, -1 Dice on combat related dice pools while within a mile of me.

[User]
 knightMARE; I either have 8, 10, 11, or 16 sucesses, largely depending on the following question;
Question regarding charms that 'double successes'. Does this work on all automatic successes added by charms, for instance Keen (sense) Technique? Or does it only work on those added by charms that interact with dice caps(like the second Excellency)?

[User] I got a measly 5. Please tell me there's a cap on how many ticks you get before me :P

[User]
 Originally Posted by knightMARE
 I got a measly 5. Please tell me there's a cap on how many ticks you get before me :P

Yeah, maximum starting tick is 6. Note that those rolls take into account that I only rolled  3  natural successes, too. It could have been much, much worse.

[User]
 Tavar

 Spoiler
I have no idea if this is the official ruling, but in the interest of expediency I'll just say that dice added by Charms are  not  doubled.

The errata ability on Flashing Vengeance Draw adds to the original effects of the Charm.

You also should have rolled 10 dice there, due to the -1 internal penalty, but that's my fault for not pointing it out. Doesn't really matter, though.

You have 11 successes on the Join Battle roll. Your first attack will be unexpected.

2m+25m, 4wp left.

knightMARE

 Spoiler
5 successes, but then you already knew that.

?m+?m, ?wp remaining.

Tavar goes on tick 0, knightMARE goes on tick 6.

[User]
 Tick 0:
Already he's bent the ivory and orichalcum bow more than any mortal could hope, but he now draws it even further, storing up a terrible power inside.

Bookworm:
 Spoiler
fine with the ruling.

I activate my second combo, paying 12 motes and 1 wp for 3 purchases of Strength increasing Exercise(adding 3 to my strength for one scene) and one of Lightning speed. This is a speed 6 action, so I act again on tick 6.

In addition, I believe Storm Gathering practice begins to add motes to my pool, at one mote per action, to a maximum of 5 mots. It is currently at 1 mote.

 Tick 6:
Holding the bow fully drawn, Runious seems to merely wait, biding his time for the perfect shot.
Bookworm:
 Spoiler
Spending 3 ticks aiming, each tick converting 1 die given by Panoptic Fusion Discipline into 1 success.

Storm Gathering Practice is at 2 motes.

[User]
 Tick 6

Observers

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Activating my CBA's wings and Essence Shield. 9m out of peripheral, leaving me 1 peripheral, 14 personal and 5wp

Parry DV now 13. Movin 20 yards up into the air, then moving 20 yards a tick directly at my foe. Aiming until I get there

 Golden essence explodes out of patterns in the armour, and ghostly wings appear behind the Solar, swords in place of feathers spanning 10 feet. Solid light extends from the edges of the shield, extending its cover to most of the body. As the essence begins to calm, it congeals into the form of ghostly, winged swordsmen, taking up defensive positions around their master. The armoured exalt crouches, then leaps 20 yards up into the air, before levelling out and bolting directly at his target at a blinding speed

Tick 6 I move up 20 yards, then the following ticks are me moving directly at you, 20 yards a tick

[User]
 Change for ticks 7 and 8; I'll be using my reflexive move to retreat down the road, moving a total of 26 yards over the 2 ticks.

Slowly letting out a breathe, the hunters eyes track the suit as it flies up, over the fountain. Backing down the alley, he looks for places to duck into, breaking sight if needed. He doesn't think it will, though. Pity, but it seems he'll need another day to truly test his skill.

Bow bent, he waits. Then, suddenly, there's no arrow notched. Instead, a fiery bolt flashes toward the flying solar.

 Spoiler
 One unexpected archery attack; Augmenting it with Essence Arrow Attack(through my overdrive) and the First archery excellency(10 dice, +1 mote to keep my banner from flaring).  (28d10)[ 9 ][ 8 ][ 7 ][ 8 ][ 4 ][ 4 ][ 10 ][ 7 ][ 5 ][ 8 ][ 3 ][ 8 ][ 2 ][ 1 ][ 8 ][ 9 ][ 1 ][ 5 ][ 4 ][ 1 ][ 6 ][ 3 ][ 8 ][ 6 ][ 1 ][ 10 ][ 7 ][ 5 ](158) +3(normally it would be 29 dice, but the internal penalty....)

The arrow is a target arrow.Base damage is 17(Str 7+bow 3+Hearthstone 3+Essence Arrow Attack 3+1 armor), and it is piercing. Also add threshold success to raw damage.
Mote pools; 1m+15m, 3wp left. 1 mote in Overdrive

knightMARE
 Spoiler
You have an unexpected attack coming your way. Can you respond to that?

[User]
 Tavar

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I thought I'd bought the dodge charm for that, but apparently not. Crap. Do I get a roll against this suddenly unexpected attack?

[User]
 knightMARE
 Spoiler
Unless you have a charm that would allow you do do so, no. The effect was granted to me by a charm, so you'd need another to contest it.

I'll have to ask, what's your Lethal soak? Divided between natural soak, and armor soak?

Note, however, that cover bonuses and the like still apply.

[User]
 Tavar

 Spoiler
19, 17 armour 2 natural. 11 Hardness
If this kills me, mind telling me what that charm is? Sounds fun but I'm not familiar with it I don't think

[User]
 You only hear two words as you see the arrow streak in  Boom. Headshot. .

Everyone
 Spoiler
Okay, base damage is 17, so hardness is a wash. Attack is piercing, so the armor soak is cut in halve, from 17 to 8(rounded down). Total of 10. Against a DV of 0, I had 18 successes, thus a total raw damage of 35, -10 from soak, so 25 dice of damage. Final value: (25d10)[ 6 ][ 6 ][ 6 ][ 5 ][ 6 ][ 7 ][ 2 ][ 1 ][ 10 ][ 8 ][ 6 ][ 2 ][ 10 ][ 1 ][ 7 ][ 3 ][ 7 ][ 4 ][ 2 ][ 1 ][ 8 ][ 2 ][ 8 ][ 9 ][ 4 ](131) -9 total levels of lethal damage.

I knew I should have done the other Essence Arrow attack. Well, that's it for this attack. I'm going to continue moving away, what are you going to do?

[User]
 Dayam

Well, I probably should forfeit, as you can likely get another one of those off before I can get close

But not for lack of trying!

I keep moving foward at 20 yards a tick. When do I get within 10 yards?

[User] Well, let's see. You're moving 20 yards a tick, yes? I move 13 per tick, so that's a difference of 7 yards. Now, I assume 9 levels of damage have dealt a wound penalty, so that should lower your speed somewhat. Still, you closed to be within 68 yards before the attack did damage(tick 10). There are 6 more ticks before I can take a non-reflexive action, so that should give you more time to close. Of course, because you're 20ft up you'll also have to descend to be able to fight me.

[User] Well, I get within 26 yards, 20 yards up on your next action. Fire away.

[User]
 Is that factoring in wound penalties?

Runious lets one more arrow fly, and then turns to run. No sense letting his prey catch  him .

 Spoiler

The attack is completely normal. Flurry penalty of -2, -3 including the sword's penalty.

Ruinous will then dash, trying to increase the distance between the two of them. Dash action, moving a total of 22 yards per tick, total of 66 yards over 3 ticks.

[User]
 Question
CBA's Essence wings say you fly at 20 yards a tick. Does this mean you can dash for 26, and/or do you take wound penalties

Also, since I'm having a mental blank while AFB, how do wound penalties interact with DV's?

[User] They subtract directly from your DV's. Not sure about the wings.

[User]
 Well, Parry DV of 12 VS that attack
Observers

 Spoiler
Final Sunset Stance

[User]
 Spoiler
 The attack: (19d10)[ 110 ]   herpderp

[User]
 The attack, Take 2.

 Spoiler
 (19d10)[ 9 ][ 7 ][ 4 ][ 4 ][ 5 ][ 8 ][ 8 ][ 10 ][ 2 ][ 2 ][ 10 ][ 2 ][ 6 ][ 4 ][ 7 ][ 8 ][ 6 ][ 7 ][ 3 ](112)

Okay, total of 11 successes.

[User]
 Parried I do so believe.

Can I get a ruling on my movement question?

[User] Mr. Bookworm? There's a request for a ruling!

[User]
 Originally Posted by knightMARE
 Can I get a ruling on my movement question?

You two seem to have it pretty well in hand. 😛

But anyway, I would say "no". You generally can't sprint while flying (at least as I remember, but I could be wrong), particularly as it's the armor doing the flying, not you physically flapping your arms or something.

On a similar note, wound penalties shouldn't apply to the flying movement rate, because again, the armor is doing the work, not you.

[User] Well, I'll keep on moving foward at 20 yards a tick until I die or get in range. Not much else I can do

[User]
 Ruinous will also continue onward, dashing, until he's a total of 60 yards away. He'll then attempt to reestablish surprise, darting into alleys, and generally just being hard to track. knightMARE, you need a Wits+Awareness+2 roll to keep him in sight.

 Spoiler
 (11d10)[ 5 ][ 10 ][ 3 ][ 5 ][ 8 ][ 5 ][ 3 ][ 6 ][ 5 ][ 10 ][ 9 ](69)

[User]
 Observers

 Spoiler
 (12d10)[ 7 ][ 5 ][ 9 ][ 4 ][ 2 ][ 6 ][ 4 ][ 10 ][ 6 ][ 8 ][ 10 ][ 2 ](73)

[User] Okay, I got 6 sucesses, how about you?

[User]
 Forgot the +2

 (2d10)[ 1 ][ 2 ](3)

EDIT: Awful. Total of 7

[User] Still beat mine. Okay, he's going to try and get the distance back up to 60 yards. You going to do anything different?

[User]
 Duck down into the alleyways also, as I can't go faster than 20 a tick

Observers

 Spoiler
Activating Essence Sight for 3m, bringing my banner to the 11+ range, increasing my parry DV's by 2.
Will Essence sight allow me to keep track of him despite not having actual sight of him?

-1 External Penalty on attack rolls, 5WP to resist

[User]
 knightMARE

 Spoiler
No. Essence sight doesn't let you see through walls.

[User]
 Ruinous doesn't resist. After he's about 60 yards away, he'll try to lose his pursuer again. Darn Solar's lacking any decent stealth charm.😡

The Roll:
 Spoiler
 (11d10)[ 76 ]

[User]
 Ruinous doesn't resist. After he's about 60 yards away, he'll try to lose his pursuer again. Darn Solar's lacking any decent stealth charm.😡

The Roll:
 Spoiler
 (11d10)[ 2 ][ 6 ][ 1 ][ 2 ][ 7 ][ 6 ][ 7 ][ 1 ][ 8 ][ 1 ][ 6 ](47)

Sorry about that, forgot the v command.


[User]
 The air surrounding you fairly hums with the residue of magic, an aftereffect of the spell that brought you to this place. A quick glance reveals that you are in a small room, devoid of any life save for yourself. The sound of dripping water can be heard faintly, and the stone walls are slick with moisture. In complete defiance of logic, a torch is already lit, resting in a sconce near the room's single door.

Map:
 Spoiler
{table]|A_|B_|C_
1|||
2||S|
3|||
4|||[/table]

There is a door at C-4, south side.

DM notes:
 Spoiler
 Sheet


[User]
 In goblin warlord tradition, when a warlord would come to a village or town, the two goblin leaders would parley and could agree on any of a number of ways to end the battle before it started. Sometimes this would be a contest (often a one on one duel) to decide the 'winner'. Sometimes, an offering of weapons or provisions (for some warlords, 'mates' for the warriors) was given to the stronger side. In some instances they simply agreed to part ways. Many times the parley was useless, and the battle would soon begin. All goblinoids followed whatever was agreed upon, even the most chaotic and evil one; to deny these traditions was to forget who one way... after all, the turning back on an agreement was something humans did, not goblins. (Though, most chaotic goblin warlords are hasty to find no agreeable terms, evil ones would rarely care how 'fair' the deal was and lawful ones always made sure that they got exactly what they came for.)

On a late spring day, the march of many a goblin, hobgoblins, mercenaries and conscripts came to your village. Your elder went and met the general, a magnificently large and strong goblin. The scared goblin discussed at great length with your pleading elder. You knew no one would be ready to fight someone in a contest, and while the village armed could hold out for a month employing smart tactics, victory would be impossible. The elder came back to you all (all of you ready with your fellow villagers that could muster courage) telling you that there would be no fight. The general only needed a few things; some provisions, a few carts... but most importantly, you. He agreed to not attack as long as he could have the best trained warriors in your village. Everyone else with training was far too old, crippled, or too weak. Your elder explained to the general that all he had was you, and he accepted it. You have been told to gather your things;  it was time to go.

[User]
 Toxotai

A lean young Hobgoblin exits the village and takes the first fateful steps towards the encamped army.  Dressed all in brown leather with a shortbow slung over his shoulder and a bulky pack at his back, he walks with apparent calm toward the future, never looking back.

[User]
 As Toxotai walks up, an grizzled hobgoblin walks up with a few bugbears in tow.

((OOC: actions taken in '[]' boxes are ones that you can resist and then won't happen. They are assumptions taken to speed things up, considering the medium of post by post RPGs))

[The hobgoblin begins looking over Toxotai. He feels over his arm and leg muscles, and pokes a claw in his arm till he breaks skin, then stops. He wags his finger in front of your eyes and snaps without warning]

"Hmm, this is a good one indeed." Came the thick, old voice. He looked over your gear "But this won't do".

[With a snap and a wave to the bugbears, they come over and lift you off the ground. They take off your pack (not hurting it or its contents, as long as you don't struggle) then strip you utterly bare. They throw the torn clothes and worn down armour in the direction of your village, landing in an explosion of dirt and dust. Consider the fact that you are still in clear sight of the crowd of your village. While goblinoids are far from modest (they communally bathe, among other forms of acceptable 'public' nudity, without shame) they are not beast; they don't go around naked without a reason. A few minutes later, you are dressed (not given to put on, the bugbears do this for you) in clothes better than anyone in your village has seen, then fitted with a chain shirt and armoured cap. You look more impressive than you ever have in your entire life]

{Obtain:Chain Shirt, Lose:Leather Armour}

There, that is much better. Don't you agree, Soldier?

[User]
 Toxotai
  "Sir.  Yes sir."

Throughout the whole process, Toxotai had stood stoicly but passively.  Following orders comes naturally to him.  Now he stands expectantly, waiting for whatever comes next.

[User]
 Spoiler
 I'm so sorry I didn't see the link,

As Svendran enters the camp, he gives off a quick prayer to the Red Knight to grant him strength and rubs the hilt of his sword.  His eyes dart over the inhabitants, picking out threats, escape routes and where power seems to be centralized.

[User]
 ((to clarify, this army is not in camp; it is for the most part in formation. If you have seen the movie Troy, you know what this ends up looking like after a small time of leaders talking: a mass of humanoids in roughly a square formation. This location doesn't permit a square precisely, but you have some sense of rank and file.))

The Elder Hobgoblin comes to Svendran next. He looks him over slightly then grins happily. "The Red Knight! Oh what a boon, thank the gods!" He signals his bugbears, but his directions seem a bit different, though inaudible.

[The two bug bears are more gentle and respectful with Sven; still, he is striped naked of his old clothes and then given scale mail armour.

He grabs your sword and tosses it like the rest "They will make better use of that, and you will make better use of this." He hands you a finely crafted long sword in hilt. He then has you fitted with a dull, worn red cloak. "This is something we give to all our workers of the gods. It helps us know where they are in battle. This one has belonged to quite a few good goblinoid clerics. Wear it well."]

{obtain:Chain Shirt, MW Longsword, mundane cloak; lose: mundane clothes, standard short sword}

[User] Svendran gives a nervous smile and bows his head.   "Glad to know there are others who follow the Red Lady.  I'm honored to wear the cloak.  Although hopefully it will bring me better luck than its former owners."  He then turns to the sword,  And you shall be Red Princess."

[User] {Sven:Roll Knowledge:Religion}

[User]
 Spoiler
Knowledge(Religion):[roll0]

[User] [SPOILER]Whoops,  Knowledge (Religion) : (1d20+1)[ 19 ] [SPOILER]

[User]
 Toxotai

Toxotai observes the proceedings while trying not to intrude.

[User]
 Originally Posted by SilentNight
 [SPOILER]Whoops,  Knowledge (Religion) :[roll0][SPOILER]

 Spoiler
You recognize, from the war tattoos on his face the holy symbol of Tempus, God of War (whom the Red Knight serves faithfully). This is a common tradition for those who worship Tempus, especially non-clerics.

((Edit: So far, no response from the others, if there are still others... I'll try to see if I can reach them.))

[User] Svendran approaches Toxotai,  "Svendran Heimdall, servant of the Red Knight.  I like to get to know my comrades."

[User]
 Toxotai
  "I suppose it is fair that you do not know me, for I spend little time at home.  My name is Toxotai, and I am the son of the blacksmith.  I find the prey for the hunters without disturbing it, and watch for enemies who might attack us without being seen.  And you?"