[User]
 The news had not yet spread to the rest of the multiverse, but the Lords of the Nine knew, and now, so do you. Each of you, for your own reasons, has at least agreed to inspect the crime scene, and, here you are, the lowest layer of hell, suspended above what appears to be a small lake full of blood.

The body of the Master of the Nine lay in that lake, the massive snake-thing still slowly twitching. All around it, the forms of thousands of pit fiends slowly melted away into blood, slowly dripping away, forming the lake.

All of the Lords of the Nine stood there, in person, or in proxy, and some chattered amongst themselves, but all kept a sharp eye on the powerful newcomers. Mephisto was the first to truly approach any of you, and that was by speech. " Please, dear friends, we need you now to help us in our time of need. Know that you will be payed handsomely for the service you provide. Asmodeus is dead, and we need you to find out why. It's no secret that there was little love between the Arch-Devils and him, but surely, you understand the need for such investigations. " His speech drones on a bit after that, but, it was nothing worth hearing. After the speech, he stepped down from his podium, and bade you start asking questions.

[User]
 Among the detectives, there is a young man appearing to be in his late twenties. A mantle of shadow is covering most of his body wearing black from head to toes. The young man take a good look at Asmodeus in the lake. It is quite unexpected to see such a scene.

 "When did you find out Asmodeus was dead?"

[User]
 And a woman with slightly blue skin, long red hair, and a pair of sweeping draconic horns looks thoughtful.
" We must be dealing with something tremendously powerful. I can't imagine him going down to anything without a fight... "

[User] Mephisto looks over to the two who spoke. " About four hours ago. But the body was already cold, so it may have been some more time than that. And, yes, which is why it was so surprising, why we had to call you in. "

[User]
 The young man rubs his chin.
 "Four hours ago..."  He picks up a few rocks on the ground not far from the lake.

 "Say, tell me did you see anything unusual today?"

No the young man isn't talking to any of the archfiends but instead talking to the rocks in the palm of his hand. The power of Gaia enables him to talk with rocks and plants, understanding them as well.

[User]
 Cruciatus looks at the lake, absorbing everything that has been said.

I cast Greater Arcane Sight. If I don't see any auras, I'll fly until I'm within forty feet of Asmodeus (unless I'm already within that range) and cast Mage's Disjunction, hopefully removing any spells messing with the auras.

[User]
 nerd-7i+42e

 Spoiler

The aura is something you think you remember from a lesson, long ago. It emanates from somewhere outside the normal realms of reality, from somewhere... else.

[User]
 "Did Asmodeus cast magical aids on himself every so often, just as a precaution?

"Also, I don't suppose any of you have a spell that improves one's knowledge?"

[User]
 Mephisto nodded. " Of course he did. We all do, I'd assume so, anyway. "

The representative of the Ice King, a balor, looked at Cruciatus. " I do. May I have permission? "

[User] Cruciatus nods at the Balor.  "Of course."

[User]
 "I see."  He put down the rocks and now look around for some other clues.

He searches around the scene of the crime for anything that seem out of place while his colleagues are looking for clues in their own ways.

 Spoiler

1d20+32

[User]
 The Balor walks up to Cruciatus and touches him on the shoulder. Suddenly, new, fresh knowledge floods into your mind, a fleeing almost as if ice was poured into your head.

Johnny spots a small silver medallion floating in the lake of blood.

[User]
 Volfe stood aside from the rest, silent for a while as they talked. His memories and thoughts swam with muddled clarity; his eyes glazed over, seeming to be off in the distance and alert at the same time.
Dressed in worn clothing and concealing robes, he nonetheless manages to cut a striking and exotic image, inspiring fear of the unknown in even the most well-traveled, causing even the wisest and most learned to feel a temporary shudder on their spine.

 Spoiler
Spot:  (1d20+7)[ 24 ]
Listen:  (1d20+40)[ 43 ]
Sense Motive (on everyone and everything; have me roll more if you feel the need):  (1d20+28)[ 46 ]
Spellcraft (again on everything):  (1d20+39)[ 54 ]

 "Now where exactly was the sport of the death? Or do we know? If you all won't mind my staying here a while, I do happen to have this delightful ritual. Only problem is, it requires a rather pricey diamond. And silly me, I just forgot to leave my house with one of those. So if by any chance one of you here has an hourglass shaped diamond, I'll certainly refund you for it. Or perhaps you know a place I can be buying one?"

His speech is slurred slightly. He looks at no one in partucular while he is talking, his eyes wandering, never making solid contact. When he finished, he just stands there, whistling a bad tune.

[User]
 The gathering of Archdevils looks around at one another for a moment, though whether they are silent or simply communicating through some sort of telepathy, it's not obvious. Finally, Mephisto sighs. " Yes, yes, I can bring one, though it will take some time. And keep it, I'll just subtract it off whatever reward money you get. Assuming you get one, of course. "

Cruciatus, you realize where you recognize the aura from. It's from a place called the Far Realms, from somewhere far outside what any entity would call normality, where things creep in the minds, a place where ancient elven mages tried to tame and failed, causing the deaths of billions.

[User] Volfe turns slightly as Mephisto speaks, but not the direction of his voice. "Excellent. Before you go out of your way, it might be best to ensure divinations are not blocked in this area. I can't see any reason they would, bu that's just me."  he grins slightly.  "Anyone know any different?"

[User]
 Cruciatus thanks the balor before addressing Volfe.

 "I just cast one, to detect magical auras in the area. It worked fine."  He turns to the rest.  "Speaking of which, there's an aura of the Far Realms here. I don't suppose Asmodeus had any known enemies from there powerful enough to conceivably kill him?"

[User]
 Mephisto sniffed. " Far Realms? Would you mind coming into private with me for a moment? We need to discuss something. "

Dispater approaches Volfe as Mehpisto is talking to Cruciatus. " Most, if not all, of the protections of this place emanated from Asmodeus himself, and now that he is dead, I think it should be safe. "

[User]
 The irony of the situation was not lost on him. He was in the lowest layer of the Nine Hells, with all sorts of Devils nearby, and overlooking a Lava Pit as these three... people, inspect the body,  as Mephisto continues to talk. And here he was... with a cold. He sniffled.

He moves towards the body below, and floats in the water next to it, ignoring the blood staining his body and clothes. He crouches down, and starts looking over the body, moving his eyes and hands over it, looking for any... oddities.

 Spoiler
Sorry I'm late.
Search:  (1d20+42)[ 59 ]

[User] "Certainly,"  agreed Cruciatus.  "Lead away."

[User] Volfe looks over at Dispater as he approaches, but his eyes do not focus on him. Instead they appear to be looking at everything and nothing at the same time.  "Excellent. I'll just get to my work then, as soon as that jewel gets here."

[User]
 Mephisto leads you away into a smaller chamber- a bedroom of some sorts, by the look of it. Richly carpeted, velvet bedding, golden furniture. Any number of odd amenities, some you don't know the use of, litter the room. Mephisto quickly looks you over, then stands close, seeming to tower over you. " What do you know of the Far Realms? "

Morrison, you find a small, silver medallion, along with several scattered body parts. The actual 'body' of Asmodeus is a massive, massive thing, perhaps several thousand feat long. It takes you a minute to descend, and that impresses upon you the massive size of the thing. The lake is perhaps 200 feet in diameter, roughly circular, and and the body is coiled very deep.

After about thirty seconds, a pit fiend walks up to Volfe, and kneels, holding out an hourglass shaped diamond.

[User]
 Volfe takes the diamond from the fiend, not bothering to look at him. Or amybe he just forgot.

 "Thanks."

He then walks over to Asmodeus's body, moving with a strange sort of unintentional grace, despite the fact that he sways from side to side occasionally, and his path curves randomly until he arrives. He then sets the diamond in front of him, and begins to move slowly, chanting under his breath in a sort of mysterious melody. The diamond begins wearing away slowly, bits of it flying off like dust, until it resmembles a normal hourglass, with the sand floating up rather than falling down. Over the course of the hour his movements speed up and his chanting becomes louder until the spell is completed and the diamond turned to dust.

 Spoiler
Casting Hindsight (Bard 6th level)

[User] "I never devoted a large amount of studies to it, so all I know is what was necessary to learn about other topics. It is a place far beyond what we would consider the 'normal' part of the multiverse, filled with things that 'strange' barely begins to describe. The Elves tried to tame it at one point and failed horribly. I believe I have a book about it in my library, but that's all I can think of off the top of my head."


[User]
 Arena Tournament, Round 104:  Lucian  vs.  Oskar
 Map:
 Spoiler

 XP Award:  300 XP
 GP Award:  300 GP

 Lucian  - Sanity702
 Oskar  - Rahas

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

[User]
 hello and still considering purchases...

a few questions tell me what does Moment of Perfect Mind (please don't be what I think it is...) and your other maneuvers do.

and init -
 (1d20+3)[ 11 ]

[User]
 Init  (1d20-6)[ 8 ]

Moment of perfect mind allows me to replace a will save with a concentration check, with douse the flames if i hit you with it you cannot make AoO's for 1 until the beginning of my next turn, and for Sapphire nightmare blade if I make a concentration check equal to your AC you are flat footed against my attack and take extra damage. My Stance trades 2 AC for +1d6 damage.

Purchases
Buy Longbow -75 gp
Buy 100 Arrows -5gp

Reserve right for reactionaries.

[User]
 buying -
1 scroll of protection of arrows (150 gp)

good except for reactionary buys.

refs -

 Spoiler

spells prepared.

1 st -
2 color sprays
1 silent image
1 fists of stone

[User]
 No Reactionaries

Ref/Starting stats

 Spoiler
Standing in M2 with longbow in hand,10 arrows in me other 90 outside arena, dwarven waraxe on my back

Once you are ready go ahead and take turn 1.

[User]
 Starting -

 Spoiler
Start in N-25 scroll in main hand

 Lucian the magical magician! Turn 1!

refs/los -

 Spoiler

open the doors

use the scroll.

 (1d20+1)[ 20 ]  vs dc 3? (not sure if I did that right for the scroll.

pocket the used scroll.

stats -

 Spoiler

HP: 5/5
Ac: 13
Touch: 13 FF: 10
protection from arrows 3 hours or 30 damage.

End turn!

[User]
 Oskar Round 1

Ref/LOS
 Spoiler
Move action to open the door in M-3
Standard Action - Ready action
 Spoiler
Shoot an arrow at any Valid target that enters LOS up to 100 Ft away.

Swift Action - Activate Punishing Stance

Turn done

Stats

 Spoiler
Loc - M2
HP - 15/15
Ac - 12/12/8 (Reg/FF/T)

[User]
 Lucian Will save master Round 2

Refs/Los -

 Spoiler

move to O - 19

cast a spell -

 Spoiler

mirror image
 (1d20+1)[ 21 ]

for  (1d4+1)[ 5 ]  images.

End Turn.

[User]
 Lucian:
 Spoiler
Stowing an item requires a move action, and you don't have one left; please correct your first turn.

Edit: Also, the DC is 4 (CL+1), for future reference.

[User]
 Refs -

 Spoiler

in that case just drop the scroll, and that wont change anything.

[User]
 Refs:
 Spoiler
Nyar.

Lucian:
 Spoiler
Your opponent's door is open.

Oskar:
 Spoiler
Taking any action after readying an action causes you to lose the readied action.  Your opponent's door is open.

[User]
 Oskar Round 2

Ref/LOS

 Spoiler
Move Action - Move to M4
Standard Action - Ready Action
 Spoiler
Attack Lucian if I gain LOS to him or if he ends his turn within LOS to me.

Turn done.

Stats
 Spoiler
Loc - M4
HP - 15/15
Ac - 12/12/8 (Reg/FF/T)

[User]
 REFS/los

 Spoiler

Move to q-14

Ready an action

 Spoiler

Cast color spray if Oskar comes within  15 ft

End turn

Stats -

 Spoiler

HP: 5/5
Ac: 13
Touch: 13 FF: 10
protection from arrows 3 hours or 30 damage.
mirror image 5/5 images 1/10 rounds

[User] LoS established as 6 Lucians enter Q16, holding nothing.  Oskar is in M4, wielding longbow, and his readied action triggers.

[User]
 I am going to post this now as I am fairly busy over these next few days and internet access may be limited.

After he takes his readied action my turn will remain unchanged.

continue move to q-14

ready an action -

 Spoiler

Cast color spray if he gets within 15 ft

[User]
 Readied action - launch an arrow at lucian

Attack  (1d20-1)[ 4 ]
Damage  (1d8)[ 5 ]

[User]
 Opps forgot mirror image roll
 (1d6)[ 6 ]  1=Lucian

 Oskar Round 3

Move to H-5
Standard Action Shoot another Arrow
Attack  (1d20-1)[ 12 ]
Damage  (1d8)[ 6 ] + (1d6)[ 3 ]
Mirror Image chance  (1d6)[ 1 ]  1 = Lucian

Stats
 Spoiler
Loc - H-5
HP - 15/15
Ac - 12/12/8 (Reg/FF/T)

[User]
 Looks like me and all my images are intact still (posting from school)

refs/me

 Spoiler
8/10 arrows left  just to remind myself how many arrows I still have to avoid.

 Turn 4 of the magical magician that is LUCIAN

move to N-10

Speak -  Aww come on I just want to talk no need to do it from so far away

Ready an action -

 Spoiler

Color spray if he gets within 15 ft

End turn

[User]
 Oskar Round 4

Move action  to F-10
Swift Action Activate Law Devotion to attack
Standard Fire an Arrow at Lucian
Attack -  (1d20+2)[ 6 ]
Damage -  (1d8)[ 6 ]  +  (1d6)[ 3 ]
Mirror Chance roll  (1d6)[ 1 ]  1 = Lucian

 Spoiler

Loc - F-10
HP - 15/15
Ac - 12/12/8 (Reg/FF/T)
Law Devotion 10/10

[User]
 That spoiler is for my eyes and Ref eyes only, and it is not holding up play.

My turn is done.

[User]
 Turn 5 Time for some will saves Lucian

Move to H-10 and cast everyone's favorite level 1 spell!

Dc 16 spell craft -

 Spoiler

Color spray.

Bright colors spring out and require you to make a will save!

Just in case you fail your save -

 Spoiler

unconscious, blinded, and stunned for -  (2d4)[ 6 ]
then blinded and stunned for -  (1d4)[ 4 ]
Then stunned for 1 round.

END TURN.

Stats -

 Spoiler

HP: 5/5
Ac: 13
Touch: 13 FF: 10
protection from arrows 3 hours or 30 damage.
mirror image 5/5 images 3/10 rounds

[User] Note the dc for the will save is 18.

[User]
 Use Moment of Perfect Mind

Save roll  (1d20+8)[ 17 ]

Edit: Well GG's I'm pretty sure thats the end of me.

[User]
 😁

Wow Luck has not been on your side for this match.

Lets see round 1
draw scythe
move to Rahas
Round 2
Coup-de-grace  (8d4)[ 16 ]  Dc 26 or die
Round 3
Coup-de-grace  (8d4)[ 22 ]  Dc 32 or die... Though I think you are dead at that point.
Round 4
Coup-de-grace  (8d4)[ 17 ]
Round 5
Coup-de-grace  (8d4)[ 20 ]
Round 6
Coup-de-grace  (8d4)[ 17 ]

[User]
 Fort save 1  (1d20+5)[ 24 ]
Fort save 2  (1d20+5)[ 7 ]
Fort save 3  (1d20+5)[ 25 ]
Fort save 4  (1d20+5)[ 18 ]
Fort save 5  (1d20+5)[ 17 ]

I'm only rolling all of these to see how my luck might have been, I do admit GG's and good rolls with your scythe there.

[User]
 Originally Posted by Rahas
 Fort save 1 [roll0]
Fort save 2 [roll1]
Fort save 3 [roll2]
Fort save 4 [roll3]
Fort save 5 [roll4]

I'm only rolling all of these to see how my luck might have been, I do admit GG's and good rolls with your scythe there.

Haha yea I rolled fairly well and it looked like you did too (at least on the last few) and yea I could of made it wose by first casting fist of stone... can you say an extra 12 damage to each attack? 😛 haha well good game overall.

[User] Lucian's pumped-up spell save DC snags him a Color Spray knockout and the win!


[User]
 Freedom, law, right, wrong, good or evil. It doesn't matter what side you think you're on, or what your enemies are. It's a simple thing, this fight. It's a fight for...
    Liberty

Welcome and greetings young traveller! I see you come with great merit an-

To hell with the intro reader, let's just get this going!

 The Map  : It's the first test map. Asymmetry is  in .

 Spoiler

 The Teams
{table=head]Team | Player | Character | Colour | Health
Law | Makensha | Templar | Plum | 100
Law | Forza | Inquisitor | Blue | 100
Law | Pie Guy | Sentry | (Dark) Green | 100
Anarchy | Folytopo | Militia | Dark Red | 100
Anarchy  |Sirro | Plague Doctor | Orange | 100
Anarchy | Iceman | Waster | Purple | 100
[/table]

 The Link To The Rules
 Here
 Important Notes
 ... ... We'll fill this in later.
Though it may seem very tempting, don't go sit in the back corner of the warehouse if you're the only guy left on your team. (The big building.)

[User]
 I guess I'll be on Team 1 and Team 1 shall be Law.

<-- Templar.

[User] Militia is me. Boom Headshot.

[User] I'll play a Plague Doctor. Team doesn't really matter, just place me so that things balance out.

[User] Waster please.

[User] Inquisitor for me.

[User]
 And, one more for an even three versus three?

Going once, going twice...

[User] I'll be a sentry, whichever team is somewhat balanced.

[User]
 First turn coinflip!

...So, yeah. Call 1 or 2, then roll a d2 in the same post. Pretty simple. First to post, first to call the side. (Of the dice.)

The deployment is whoever goes first, deploys first, but the second-turn gets to pick the side. (And the other team sets up opposite.)

[User]
 1 I guess.

Roll:  (1d2)[ 2 ]

[User] As a representative of Law, I'll choose to go second, but we deploy on the West side of the map.

[User] Is that the same as saying the right side?

[User]
 Originally Posted by IcemanJRC
 Is that the same as saying the right side?

Law's on the Left, and you're on the Right. So, Anarachy! Pick tiles, that are against the right hand boarder, and colours for characters! (Not any of the colours in use, or Red/Yellow)

[User] I'm gonna assume that coordinates go horizontal-vertical, so 24-19. I'll also be choosing the color  Purple.

[User] I will go with  Dark Red  and would like to be 24 14.

[User] Orange , 24-12.

[User]
 And that's all of the Anarchists placed! (Will post updated map in the afternoon.)

...now if Law would do the same.

[User] Blue  is my color, and I'll start at 1-12

[User]
 1-09

My color will be  Plum

[User] 1-8 and Green

[User]
 Alrighty! The first post has been updated with the deployment map, and the Anarchists may now begin thier first turn.

All future maps will be updated on both the first page, and in a post after each team's turn ends.

[User] Iceman, meet me and Sirro on mumble some time at mumble.ukgame.com port 59219 to discuss strategy.

[User] I'll try my best, but until then could you PM with what you've all decided?

[User] I go camo.

[User]
 Just waiting on you, Iceman.

Oh, and Sirro, if you're not invisible while moving, would you mind posting movements here? 🤨

[User] Just gonna run forward three and end.

[User] Move to 22,14.

[User]
 I'll take the liberty of starting law's turn.

Move to 10,3

[User] got a question about the grid. For the columns, which number do you use for the hex's halfway between the ones on the bottom, like where Iceman and folytopo started?

[User] Errr... Just count the tiles as you move. Look up to the top and pick the one... probably behind the line.

[User] alright. I'm gonna move two right, to 12-3

[User] And now, one mister Pie Guy?

[User] I'll go to 8-3, but I won't be here for the next week. Family bike trip.

[User]
 ...Rightyo, then.

 End of Turn 1
 Map

 Spoiler

And we need a Law player to take over for Pie while he's gone.

[User] Move to 20-17.

[User] Still camo!

[User] Forward another three.

[User] Retain current position.

[User] I'll move forward one hex.

[User] I'll move into cover two spaces forward.


[User]
 Arena Tournament, Round 102:  Cinder  vs.  Robert the Blade
 Map:
 Spoiler

 XP Award:  600 XP
 GP Award:  600 GP

 Cinder  - TheFallenOne
 Robert the Blade  - Bakkan

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

[User]
 Cinder Initiative  - (1d20+3)[ 19 ]

purchases under consideration

[User]
 Initiative  - (1d20+0)[ 10 ]
Still working on purchases also

[User]
 I add to my scroll
2x Kelgores Firebolt CL5 - 125 GP, 10 XP
a wand of Magic Missile with 25 charges - 375 GP
a potion of Faith Healing  - 50 GP
Glasses of Kamina(masterwork  awesomeness  spot tool) - 50 GP

all except reactionary

[User]
 Purchases:

Potion of Invisibility (300 gp)
2x Potion of Faith Healing (Boccob) (100 gp)

All except reactionary

[User]
 well, that leaves me little choice

2 separate scrolls of See Invisibility CL3 - 300 GP

[User] I think that's it for me, no more purchases

[User] turn coming shortly

[User]
 Cinder Turn 1

LoS

 Spoiler
well, now I have to wonder if he uses the potion or not... My scrolls can counter it, but maybe he uses it expecting me expecting him not to do it... I'll hold it off until turn 2, if we get LoS the question becomes moot

Start in Y10, holding my scroll(the one with lotsa spells)
move to S6
Standard: cast Mage Armor from scroll
note: inform me about any Listen successes please, including simple

 done

Stats

 Spoiler
HP 8/8
AC 17(3 dex, 4 armor), Touch 13, FF 14
Mage Armor 100/100
Abrupt Jaunt 4/4

Rageclaws with 1 Essentia

Searing Kelgores
Searing Kelgores
Searing Kelgores
Kelgores
Expeditious Retreat

Detect Magic
Acid Splash
Acid Splash
Acid Splash

[User]
 Robert the Blade: Round 1

Actions (LoS/Refs)

 Spoiler

Start in  B10  with 3 Potions on my belt and one held in my mouth and my Greatsword in both hands

Potion details

 Spoiler
Belt: Shield of Faith, Faith Healing, Invisibility.  Mouth: Faith Healing

Move Action: Move to  F11

Ready Action:  Move if I gain LoS to Cinder

Turn Done

Stats and Status (Refs)

 Spoiler

Position:  F11

HP: 25/25
AC: 16 (+4 Armor, +2 Dex)
PP: 4/4

[User]
 Cinder Turn 2

LoS

 Spoiler
Move to N1
Ready Action: Kelgores on LoS
[roll=hide]1d20+[/roll]
Note: if I get an improved Listen success without LoS I will Jaunt

 done

Stats

 Spoiler
HP 8/8
AC 17(3 dex, 4 armor), Touch 13, FF 14
Mage Armor 99/100
Abrupt Jaunt 4/4

Rageclaws with 1 Essentia

Searing Kelgores
Searing Kelgores
Searing Kelgores
Kelgores
Expeditious Retreat

Detect Magic
Acid Splash
Acid Splash
Acid Splash

[User]
 Refs:
 Spoiler
Nyar.

Cinder:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

Robert:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

[User]
 Robert the Blade: Round 2

Actions (Refs/LoS)

 Spoiler

Standard:   Ready action

 Spoiler

Move if I gain LoS to Cinder

[User]
 assuming that's end of turn

  Cinder Turn 3

LoS

 Spoiler
Active Listen  (1d20+1)[ 7 ]
if nothing
Ready Action: Kelgores on LoS
  hide  - (1d20+5)[ 13 ]

 done

Stats

 Spoiler
HP 8/8
AC 17(3 dex, 4 armor), Touch 13, FF 14
Mage Armor 98/100
Abrupt Jaunt 4/4

Rageclaws with 1 Essentia

Searing Kelgores
Searing Kelgores
Searing Kelgores
Kelgores
Expeditious Retreat

Detect Magic
Acid Splash
Acid Splash
Acid Splash

[User]
 Refs:
 Spoiler
Nyar.

Cinder:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

Robert:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

[User]
 Robert the Blade: Round 3

Actions (Refs/LoS)

 Spoiler

 Move:   Make active listen check
  Listen  - (1d20+1)[ 11 ]

Standard:  Ready action

 Spoiler

Move if I gain LoS to Cinder

End turn

[User]
 Cinder Turn 4

LoS

 Spoiler
I'll opt to roll my reactionary detection myself from now on. Really need to know if he is invisible and I botch my rolls or we just don't have LoS
Reactionary Spot  (1d20+1)[ 6 ]
Reactionary Listen  (1d20+1)[ 15 ]
If nothing: Cast Spell DC 15 to identify

 Spoiler
Detect Magic. Looking in direction southwest

tumble at half speed to K2  (1d20+5)[ 20 ]  DC 15
Hide  (1d20+5)[ 12 ]
Move Silently  (1d20+5)[ 8 ]

 done

Stats

 Spoiler
HP 8/8
AC 17(3 dex, 4 armor), Touch 13, FF 14
Mage Armor 97/100
Abrupt Jaunt 4/4

Rageclaws with 1 Essentia

Searing Kelgores
Searing Kelgores
Searing Kelgores
Kelgores
Expeditious Retreat

 Detect Magic
Acid Splash
Acid Splash
Acid Splash

[User]
 Refs:
 Spoiler
Nyar.

Cinder:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

Robert:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

[User]
 Robert the Blade: Round 4

Actions

 Spoiler

 Move Action:   Move to  G17

Turn not done, need LoS before continuing

[User]
 Refs:
 Spoiler
Nyar.

Cinder:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

Robert:
 Spoiler
No LoS.  You can only reach F17 with one move action.

[User]
 Actions:

 Spoiler

 Standard Action:   Move to  K17

Turn Done

[User]
 Refs:
 Spoiler
Nyar.

Cinder:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

Robert:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

[User]
 Cinder Turn 5

LoS

 Spoiler

Reactionary Spot  (1d20+1)[ 18 ]
Reactionary Listen  (1d20+1)[ 19 ]
Standard: maintain concentration on Detect Magic. Pointing south now
Move to F8.
Hide  (1d20)[ 18 ]
Move Silently  (1d20)[ 2 ]
Empty vials in sight would change my turn

 done

Stats

 Spoiler
HP 8/8
AC 17(3 dex, 4 armor), Touch 13, FF 14
Mage Armor 96/100
Abrupt Jaunt 4/4

Rageclaws with 1 Essentia

Searing Kelgores
Searing Kelgores
Searing Kelgores
Kelgores
Expeditious Retreat

 Detect Magic
Acid Splash
Acid Splash
Acid Splash

[User]
 Refs:
 Spoiler
Nyar.

Robert:
 Spoiler
No LoS.  Please include statblocks in your posts.

Cinder:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

[User]
 Robert the Blade: Round 5

Actions (LoS/Refs)

 Spoiler

Start in  K17
 Move Action:   Move to  Q17
 Standard Action:  Ready action to

 Spoiler

move if I gain LoS to Cinder

Turn done

Stats and Status (Refs)

 Spoiler

Position:  Q17

HP: 25/25
AC: 16 (+4 Armor, +2 Dex)
PP: 4/4

Potions:

 Spoiler

In Belt: Shield of Faith, Faith Healing, Invisibility. In Mouth: Faith Healing

[User]
 Refs:
 Spoiler
Nyar.

Robert:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

Cinder:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

[User]
 Cinder Turn 6

LoS

 Spoiler

Reactionary Spot  (1d20+1)[ 16 ]
Reactionary Listen  (1d20+1)[ 12 ]
Standard: maintain concentration on Detect Magic. Pointing southeasteast now, emanating from SE corner
Move to E16.
Hide  (1d20)[ 10 ]
Move Silently  (1d20)[ 15 ]

 done

Stats

 Spoiler
HP 8/8
AC 17(3 dex, 4 armor), Touch 13, FF 14
Mage Armor 95/100
Abrupt Jaunt 4/4

Rageclaws with 1 Essentia

Searing Kelgores
Searing Kelgores
Searing Kelgores
Kelgores
Expeditious Retreat

 Detect Magic
Acid Splash
Acid Splash
Acid Splash

[User]
 Refs:
 Spoiler
Spot for Robert:  (1d20+1)[ 11 ]
Listen for Robert:  (1d20+1)[ 13 ]

Robert:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

Cinder:
 Spoiler
When you reach E16, you see Robert in Q17, wielding greatsword, with potion in mouth.  You may revise your turn from this point.

Still Cinder's turn.

[User]
 all the same. Roberts turn

edit: Refs

 Spoiler
I notice I forgot to account for the Masterwork Spot Tool I bought. For conveniences sake, if this would've caused me to see Robert at an earlier time I decline any potential rewind

[User]
 Robert the Blade: Round 6

Actions (LoS/Refs)

 Spoiler

Start in  Q17

Move Action (Partial): Move to  T17

Turn  not  done, need LoS

Stats and Status (Refs)

 Spoiler

Position:  T17

HP: 25/25
AC: 16 (+4 Armor, +2 Dex)
PP: 4/4

Potions:

 Spoiler

In Belt: Shield of Faith, Faith Healing, Invisibility. In Mouth: Faith Healing

[User]
 Refs:
 Spoiler
Nyar.

Robert:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

Cinder:
 Spoiler
Robert is in T17.

[User]
 Robert the Blade: Round 6 continued

Actions

 Spoiler

 Rest of Move and Standard:   Move to  U10

Turn done

Stats and Status (Refs)

 Spoiler

Position:  U10

HP: 25/25
AC: 16 (+4 Armor, +2 Dex)
PP: 4/4

Potions:

 Spoiler

In Belt: Shield of Faith, Faith Healing, Invisibility. In Mouth: Faith Healing

[User]
 Refs:
 Spoiler
Nyar.

Robert:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

Cinder:
 Spoiler
You lose LoS to Robert as he leaves U17 to the north.

[User]
 Cinder Turn 7

LoS

 Spoiler

Reactionary Spot  (1d20+3)[ 8 ]
Reactionary Listen  (1d20+1)[ 15 ]
both going clockwise, inconvenient...
don't maintain concentration
Move to F8
Ready Action: Kelgores Firebolt on LoS
Hide  (1d20)[ 9 ]
Move Silently  (1d20)[ 2 ]

 done

Stats

 Spoiler
HP 8/8
AC 17(3 dex, 4 armor), Touch 13, FF 14
Mage Armor 94/100
Abrupt Jaunt 4/4

Rageclaws with 1 Essentia

Searing Kelgores
Searing Kelgores
Searing Kelgores
Kelgores
Expeditious Retreat

 Detect Magic
Acid Splash
Acid Splash
Acid Splash

[User]
 Refs:
 Spoiler
Nyar.

Robert:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

Cinder:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

[User]
 Robert the Blade: Round 7

Actions

 Spoiler

Start in  U10
 Move Action:  Move to  U16
 Standard Action:   Ready action to

 Spoiler

Move if I gain LoS to Cinder

Turn done

Stats and Status (Refs)

 Spoiler

Position:  U16

HP: 25/25
AC: 16 (+4 Armor, +2 Dex)
PP: 4/4

Potions:

 Spoiler

In Belt: Shield of Faith, Faith Healing, Invisibility. In Mouth: Faith Healing

[User]
 Refs:
 Spoiler
*snerk*  This could take a while.

Robert:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

Cinder:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

[User]
 Cinder Turn 8

LoS

 Spoiler

Reactionary Spot  (1d20+3)[ 8 ]
Reactionary Listen  (1d20+1)[ 21 ]
from when I saw him it seems he doesn't hide. So either he stopped moving or reversed direction at the same time 😩
ah, screw it
Shout:  "I'm going clockwise!"
Move to L5
Ready Action: Kelgores Firebolt on LoS
Hide  (1d20)[ 10 ]
Move Silently  (1d20)[ 14 ]

 done

Stats

 Spoiler
HP 8/8
AC 17(3 dex, 4 armor), Touch 13, FF 14
Mage Armor 93/100
Abrupt Jaunt 4/4

Rageclaws with 1 Essentia

Searing Kelgores
Searing Kelgores
Searing Kelgores
Kelgores
Expeditious Retreat

 Detect Magic
Acid Splash
Acid Splash
Acid Splash

[User]
 Refs:
 Spoiler
Listen for Robert:  (1d20+1)[ 15 ]

Robert:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

Cinder:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

[User]
 Robert the Blade: Round 8

Actions

 Spoiler
Start in  U16

Move Action: Move to  P17

 Standard Action:  Ready action to

 Spoiler
Move if I gain LoS to Cinder

Turn done

Stats and Status (Refs)

 Spoiler
Position: U16

HP: 25/25
AC: 16 (+4 Armor, +2 Dex)
PP: 4/4

Potions:

 Spoiler
In Belt: Shield of Faith, Faith Healing, Invisibility. In Mouth: Faith Healing

[User]
 if no LoS

  Cinder Turn 9

LoS

 Spoiler

Reactionary Spot  (1d20+3)[ 18 ]
Reactionary Listen  (1d20+1)[ 4 ]
Shout:  "I'm going clockwise!"
Move to T6
Ready Action: Kelgores Firebolt on LoS
Hide  (1d20)[ 8 ]
Move Silently  (1d20)[ 4 ]

 done

Stats

 Spoiler
HP 8/8
AC 17(3 dex, 4 armor), Touch 13, FF 14
Mage Armor 98/100
Abrupt Jaunt 4/4

Rageclaws with 1 Essentia

Searing Kelgores
Searing Kelgores
Searing Kelgores
Kelgores
Expeditious Retreat

 Detect Magic
Acid Splash
Acid Splash
Acid Splash

[User]
 Refs:
 Spoiler
Listen for Robert:  (1d20+1)[ 14 ]

Robert:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

Cinder:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

[User]
 Robert the Blade: Round 9

Actions

 Spoiler

Start in  P17
Move Action: Move to  J17

Standard Action: Ready action to

 Spoiler

Move if I gain LoS to Cinder

Turn done

Stats and Status (Refs)

 Spoiler

Position:  J17

HP: 25/25
AC: 16 (+4 Armor, +2 Dex)
PP: 4/4

Potions:

 Spoiler

In Belt: Shield of Faith, Faith Healing, Invisibility. In Mouth: Faith Healing

[User]
 if no LoS

  Cinder Turn 10

LoS

 Spoiler

Reactionary Spot  (1d20+3)[ 17 ]
Reactionary Listen  (1d20+1)[ 9 ]
Move to T7(+10)
Ready Action: Kelgores Firebolt on LoS
Hide  (1d20+5)[ 9 ]
Move Silently  (1d20+5)[ 24 ]

 done

Stats

 Spoiler
HP 8/8
AC 17(3 dex, 4 armor), Touch 13, FF 14
Mage Armor 91/100
Abrupt Jaunt 4/4

Rageclaws with 1 Essentia

Searing Kelgores
Searing Kelgores
Searing Kelgores
Kelgores
Expeditious Retreat

 Detect Magic
Acid Splash
Acid Splash
Acid Splash

[User]
 Refs:
 Spoiler
Nyar.

Robert:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

Cinder:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

[User]
 Robert the Blade: Round 10

Actions

 Spoiler

Start in  J17
Move Action: Move to  F15

Standard Action: Ready action to

 Spoiler

Move if I gain LoS to Cinder

Turn done

Stats and Status (Refs)

 Spoiler
Position:  F15

HP: 25/25
AC: 16 (+4 Armor, +2 Dex)
PP: 4/4

Potions:

 Spoiler
In Belt: Shield of Faith, Faith Healing, Invisibility. In Mouth: Faith Healing

[User]
 Refs:
 Spoiler
Nyar.

Robert:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

Cinder:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

[User]
 Cinder Turn 11

LoS

 Spoiler

things were so much simpler when playing Sturmherz on this map -.-
Reactionary Spot  (1d20+3)[ 18 ]
Reactionary Listen  (1d20+1)[ 13 ]
Ready Action: Kelgores Firebolt on LoS
Hide  (1d20+5)[ 25 ]

 done

Stats

 Spoiler
HP 8/8
AC 17(3 dex, 4 armor), Touch 13, FF 14
Mage Armor 90/100
Abrupt Jaunt 4/4

Rageclaws with 1 Essentia

Searing Kelgores
Searing Kelgores
Searing Kelgores
Kelgores
Expeditious Retreat

 Detect Magic
Acid Splash
Acid Splash
Acid Splash

[User]
 Refs:
 Spoiler
Nyar.

Robert:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

Cinder:
 Spoiler
No LoS.

[User]
 Robert the Blade: Round 11

Actions

 Spoiler
Start in  F15
Move Action: Move to  F9

Standard Action: Ready action to

 Spoiler
Move if I gain LoS to Cinder

Turn done

Stats and Status (Refs)

 Spoiler
Position:  F9

HP: 25/25
AC: 16 (+4 Armor, +2 Dex)
PP: 4/4

Potions:

 Spoiler
In Belt: Shield of Faith, Faith Healing, Invisibility. In Mouth: Faith Healing

[User]
 Cinder:
 Spoiler
Robert moves to F9, triggering your readied action.  Do you take it?

[User]
 well, took us long enough to find each other

When you enter F9, you trigger my readied action

Kelgores Firebolt
  Fire damage  - (5d6)[ 23 ] , Reflex 15 halves

Cinder becomes visible in T7(+10), wielding scroll. You can revise your actions after entering F9

[User]
 First, a Reflex save
  Reflex  - (1d20+2)[ 6 ]

Will edit in rest of turn in a moment.

EDIT:  Ouch, that hurt.

 Immediate Action:   Spend 4 power points to negate 16 points of the damage.

EDIT2:   Have to run, will finish turn a little later.

[User]
 Wow, it seems like I built this guy so long ago, I keep noting things that I would do differently now.  I can't decide whether after this round to scrap and rebuild him at level 1 or just try to redeem him.  It will likely depend on whether I can win a fight.

 Standard Action:   Move to  J6

Turn Done

Stats and Status

 Spoiler

Position:  J6

HP: 18/25
AC: 16 (+4 Armor, +2 Dex)
PP: 0/4

Potions:

 Spoiler
In Belt: Shield of Faith, Faith Healing, Invisibility. In Mouth: Faith Healing

[User]
 well, 30 ft speed only on a meleer is a problem obviously. Also, maybe Psionic Warrior instead of fighter would've been a better choice. Different bonus feats, more power points to burn. Elans can be a pain to take down

  Cinder Turn 12

A Searing Kelgores Firebolt
  Fire damage  - (5d6)[ 18 ] , Reflex DC 15 halves

 done

Stats

 Spoiler
HP 8/8
AC 17(3 dex, 4 armor), Touch 13, FF 14
Mage Armor 89/100
Abrupt Jaunt 4/4

Rageclaws with 1 Essentia

Searing Kelgores
Searing Kelgores
 Searing Kelgores
Kelgores
Expeditious Retreat

 Detect Magic
Acid Splash
Acid Splash
Acid Splash

[User]
 Yeah, all those things.  I can't remember why I didn't go Psychic Warrior or Barbarian, why I didn't pick up the Quick trait and/or Speed of Thought, etc.

  Reflex  - (1d20+2)[ 10 ]

[User]
 Robert the Blade: Round 12
 Standard Action:  Drink potion in mouth

 Spoiler

Faith Healing

 Move Action:  Move to  P6

Turn Done

Stats and Status

 Spoiler
Position:  P6

HP: 11/25
AC: 16 (+4 Armor, +2 Dex)
PP: 0/4

Potions:
 Spoiler

In Belt: Shield of Faith, Faith Healing, Invisibility.

[User]
 Cinder Turn 13

Another Searing Kelgores Firebolt
  Fire damage  - (5d6)[ 14 ] , Reflex DC 15 halves

 done

Stats

 Spoiler
HP 8/8
AC 17(3 dex, 4 armor), Touch 13, FF 14
Mage Armor 88/100
Abrupt Jaunt 4/4

Rageclaws with 1 Essentia

Searing Kelgores
 Searing Kelgores
 Searing Kelgores
Kelgores
Expeditious Retreat

 Detect Magic
Acid Splash
Acid Splash
Acid Splash

[User]
 Oh, come on now Reflex save....

  Reflex  - (1d20+2)[ 19 ]

EDIT:  Yes!  I live to fight another day!

[User]
 Robert the Blade: Round 13
 Full-Round:  Charge to  S6 , attacking Cinder from there

  Attack  - (1d20+10)[ 28 ]
  Damage  - (2d6+6)[ 9 ]

Turn Done

Stats and Status

 Spoiler

Position:  S6

HP: 4/25
AC: 16 (+4 Armor, +2 Dex)
PP: 0/4

Potions:

 Spoiler
In Belt: Shield of Faith, Faith Healing, Invisibility.

[User]
 Originally Posted by Bakkan
 Oh, come on now Reflex save....

  Fire damage  - (5d6)[ 20 ]

EDIT:  Yes!  I live to fight another day!

Well, 'day' is a tad optimistic, don't you think? 😛

Immediate: Abrupt Jaunt to T9+15

  Cinder Turn 14

Another Searing Kelgores Firebolt
  Fire damage  - (5d6)[ 20 ] , Reflex DC 15 halves

 done

Stats

 Spoiler
HP 8/8
AC 17(3 dex, 4 armor), Touch 13, FF 14
Mage Armor 88/100
Abrupt Jaunt 4/4

Rageclaws with 1 Essentia

 Searing Kelgores
 Searing Kelgores
 Searing Kelgores
Kelgores
Expeditious Retreat

 Detect Magic
Acid Splash
Acid Splash
Acid Splash

I think you're on 2 HP, so that should do it barring ridiculous rolls

[User] Yeah, that does it.  Man am I disappointed in this character.  I probably will end up retiring him and rebuilding him either as a PsyWar or a martial adept.

[User]
 I'd do it. Elans can be awesome tanks. If you were a Psychic Warrior I'd have needed spells from my scroll to put you down

Anyway, nice match. You have no idea how worried I was about you inivibly sneaking up on me when we didn't get LoS for ages. I had Detect Magic up to be save, it seems we just both went counterclockwise. And then when I reversed direction(I saw you once briefly) to catch you, you reversed direction too at the same time O.o

[User] I figured it had to be something like that.

[User]
 High Ref Sallera
 Cinder ends the maypole dance in a rather nontraditional fashion, and takes the victory.


[User]
 Arena Tournament, Round 103:  Guy with a Scythe  vs.  Mariachi Orco
 Map:
 Spoiler

The outer Arena walls for this map are 30 ft high, with a Climb DC of 30.

 XP Award:  300 XP
 GP Award:  300 GP

 Guy with a Scythe  - Sanity702
 Mariachi Orco  - Scorer

 All Combatants, please roll initiative and declare final purchases, if any. Remember that this is a single elimination Endurance tournament; all damage and effects carry over, with one hour between matches.

[User]
 Greetings Sanity, nice to be your opponent, reporting in and rolling init...

 (1d20-3)[ 13 ]

No purchases

[User]
 Hello Scorer it is indeed good to have a you as an opponent.

INIT -
 (1d20)[ 14 ]

Ref question -

 Spoiler

I forget but can someone remind me does dragon born remove my ability to see in dark?

[User]
 Sanity

 Spoiler
yes and no. Darkvision is a racial ability, so the Dragonborn template removes it.  One of the three aspects however  grants Darkvision 30 feet at level 1, so the answer depends on your Aspect choice

[User]
 Well damn

Buying 2 sunrods

done and ready to start, still might have reactionary buys

[User] No purchases. Ready to go.

[User]
 Quick question what kind of action is lighting a sunrod?

Starting in B-10 (you sunk my battleship!)

Edit -  Holding scythe in one hand and sunrod in the other.

[User] It's a standard action.

[User]
 ok

 Round 1 start

Swift - activate travel devotion
standard - activate sun rod
Move to f - 11 then south out of LOS

 Spoiler

move to g - 13

End turn

[User]
 Mariachi Orco 1st Turn

 Spoiler
Start in Y10-Z11 with lance wielded.

Move: To O10-P11
Standard: Ready an Action

 Spoiler
To Move if LoS, attacks me, attacks Azabache, or readies an action.

Ref Reminder, Mariachi Orco has Darkvision 60' and Azabache Low-Light vision.

 End of Turn

STATS

 Spoiler

Mariachi Orco started @  Y10-Z11
Mariachi Orco ended @  O10-P11
HP 10/10
AC 17 (10 +3 Armor, +1 Shield, +3 Dex) T 13 FF 14

100 Loaded Slings left

Hand 1: Lance
Hand 2: Lance
Mouth: Nothing

No Consumables used yet

Azabache (Warhorse)
HP 30/30
AC 14 (-1 size, +1 Dex, +4 natural), T 10 FF 13

[User]
 Guy:
 Spoiler
Please specify which corner of your square the light is emanating from.

Mariachi:
 Spoiler
Without Darkvision, your horse can only move at half speed in areas of darkness, so it would not be able to ready movement after moving that distance.

[User]
 @ refs -

 Spoiler

Bottom right corner unless changed it shall be so

Just getting off work so will post when I get home.

[User]
 GWAS Round 2

 Spoiler

Free move sunrod to mouth
Free shift scythe to proper two handed grip.
swift - move to m-9

Stats -

 Spoiler

HP: 12/12
Ac: 14
touch: 10 FF: 13
Travel devotion: 1/10

Not done need LOS

[User] Still need a revision from Mariachi, actually; sorry about that.

[User] Apologies 😳

[User]
 @Refs

 Spoiler
Drop the reading, then.

[User] LoS established as Guy reaches G11, wielding scythe with lit sunrod in mouth.  Mariachi is mounted in O10/P11, wielding lance.  Guy may revise his turn from this point.

[User]
 swift - finish move to m-11
5 ft step to n-11
Standard -
MTA against mariachi -  (1d20)[ 16 ]  - Total - 23
Trip attempt -  (1d20)[ 18 ]  - Total - 28
If fails
to prevent being tripped -  (1d20)[ 6 ]  - Total - 16
If successful
Damage -  (2d4)[ 6 ]  - Total - 15

[User]
 you can't 5 foot step in the same turn you used Travel Devotion

also, you'd still need an attack roll for the free Improved Trip attack

[User]
 well in that case and thanks for the reminder.

move to n-11

Attack roll
 (1d20)[ 16 ]  - Total - 23

[User]
 and now I wonder in which square a trip-dismounted character lands... Anyway, if the trip succeeds, Mariachi takes  (1d6)[ 5 ]  falling damage.

First though he gets an AoO since his lance has reach

[User]
 Sadly I know...

though he cant beat that trip can he?

his str is +6 so he can only have a 26, and doesn't that game it? 🤨

Though he may still want to hit me as this is an  exhibition  Endurance match.

[User]
 I think you mean Endurance

also, his AoO happens before your attack, so he may end you and win the match before you take the swing

That said, Guy has a unique chance here: he could become the only character whose first victory was against a former Round Champion

[User]
 All comes down to luck now.

Huh I just realized.... I don't have soul meld (rage claws)

I should have that instead of law devotion.... sighs. I will have to change that when he beats me.

[User]
 Last resort life saving AoO...

 Attack
 (1d20+6)[ 18 ]
 Damage
 (1d8+9)[ 11 ]
 If Crit
 (1d20+6)[ 11 ]
 Additional Crit Damage
 (1d8+9)[ 12 ]

At least I got your HP 😛

[User]
 Still got a last card... SRD says I can make a ride check instead of the DEX or STR trip check...

 Ride
 (1d20+9)[ 28 ]

[User] I'm not sure what happens in a tie, RAW doesn't covers it...

[User] The higher modifier wins in a tie.

[User] I believe this means Mariachi deals 11 damage to Guy, then gets tripped and gibbed

[User]
 hmmm where does it say that you can use a ride check instead? Not that it matters but I would just like a heads up for next time.

Good game the dice were on my side today. and WOOT I pulled an arena first!!!!! 😁

 Originally Posted by srd
 If your attack succeeds, make a Strength check opposed by the defender’s Dexterity or Strength check (whichever ability score has the higher modifier). A combatant gets a +4 bonus for every size category he is larger than Medium or a -4 penalty for every size category he is smaller than Medium. The defender gets a +4 bonus on his check if he has more than two legs or is otherwise more stable than a normal humanoid. If you win, you trip the defender. If you lose, the defender may immediately react and make a Strength check opposed by your Dexterity or Strength check to try to trip you

[User] that is a good game right?

[User] hehehehe yup, good game man 😉

[User]
 High Ref TheFallenOne

Guy with a Scythe dismounts and dismembers Mariachi Orco

[User]
 Originally Posted by Sanity702
 hmmm where does it say that you can use a ride check instead? Not that it matters but I would just like a heads up for next time.

Good game the dice were on my side today. and WOOT I pulled an arena first!!!!! 😁

 Originally Posted by SRD, Trip section
 Tripping a Mounted Opponent

You may make a trip attack against a mounted opponent. The defender may make a Ride check in place of his Dexterity or Strength check. If you succeed, you pull the rider from his mount.

 Source here


[User]
 Sigil, The City of Doors. Unfortunately, you cannot see the wondrous streets and alleys. You cannot see them, because at present, you are in a in a jail cell. It's been days since they've bothered to talk to you. They haven't taken your weapons or belongings, not that it really matters. All you can do is wait. They've recently moved you to a holding cell together, all four of you. Four strangers, whose journey has yet to begin.

 Spoiler
 That should get the creative juices flowing. Once everyone has checked in to the IC, we'll get on with the action. Use double parenthesis for OOC comments and spoiler your rolls.

[User]
 "I DEMAND SATISFACTION!"  It just doesn't have the same 'oomph' to it, when coming from a creature the size of a small child. Heartily demoralized for the fifth time in the past hour, Tim-Toot again flutters around the cell. The big people made him nervous. It was too dark. There were no flowers. Well, no real flowers, anyways. Tim-Toot had conjured up some images of flowers, but that wasn't the same.

Tim-Toot woke up on the floor. He'd taken to holding his breath until he passed out. There was little other he could to to pass the time. The big people had put him into a cell with more big people, probably to intimidate him with their size. He continued to ignore them. Their tactic was working, but he didn't need to let them know that.

[User]
 "Okay, kid, tell it to me straight,"   the angel moaned.   "Exactly how drunk was I when they hauled me in here? Because the hangover still hasn't gone away."   Mercutial, once of Ysgard, lately of Sigil, now considering relocation rather strongly, rubbed his head.

  "And I don't exactly know what I did to get in here this time,"   he adds, wearily indignant.   "I didn't even cheat anyone in that poker game. Well, no more than the mercane did, but even that stopped after the kolaryut showed up, and anyway I don't know that I could have thought strongly enough to cheat by the end. And what the Hells is that noise?"

He continues to rub his head. If there actually is a noise, he's likely the only one who can hear it.

[User] Selena paces what little room she has, clearly not at all happy with being in such a confined space. Mostly she stares at the door to their cell while clenching and unclenching a large fist, as if debating to do something about the obstruction. Occasionally though she gives a worried glance at the little one she shares the cell with, unsure of what such a childlike creature might of done to be in here. Inevitably that thought draws Selena's gaze back to the door and her own predicament. She isn't sure what she's doing here either. One moment she had been helping an elder to their home, the next pounced on and brought here...

[User]
 Oneiros sits in the far corner of the room, far away from the others and stares at the wall, trying to make herself appear as small as possible. Every so often, she raises a hand and brings it up to touch the wall, feeling the rough stone of her prison.

Though not immediately visible externally, she is extremely antsy, and on the verge of panic.  I have to get out of here. This place isn't safe anymore. Every second I stay here, they get closer. They are always getting closer.

Finally turning around, she starts scanning the jail cell for any potential source of weakness, quietly muttering as she does so.

 Spoiler
Spot:  (1d20+10)[ 27 ]

Casting Detect Magic

[User]
 The silence continues. The grey walls of the cell seem to reflect an aura of dread. A voice rings out...  Ten minutes, you have ten minutes until your appointment. Gather your belongings and wait for further instruction.
 Oneiros

 Spoiler

Your spell fails; The cell must be anti-magic, or at least resistant to divination.


[User]
 Chapter I     Thought of the Day:    The Man That Wasn't There.

	A blood curdling shriek rips across the eerily silent hallway; hurled from somewhere behind the ominous doorway ahead of you. The voices are familiar; sparking memories still fresh in your minds- to some eliciting an anticipatory thrill, to others the throbbing pains of old scars.

The solemn tapping of your footsteps punctuates the screams of agony as you slowly advance towards your destination; unsure of what to expect with your meeting with the Inquisitor. You could not help but notice that, throughout your time in his service, few have ever been summoned to his private “Interrogation Chambers” and fewer still have returned, or in any case accepted, to speak of what had happened.

Perhaps he’d finally noticed you; your useful talents and impeccable skills: your faultless service to his cause- or one success too many?

Then again, your entire cell was gathered- why would he single you out?
Doubt is a sign of weakness- Imperial Creed Echoes in your mind.

It is far too late to falter now- as you stand before the greying doorways, you have no choice: extending a firm hand forward, you push them open and walk into the gloomy room beyond, alongside the rest of the group.

 ~
“You’re late.”

Inquisitor Soldevan’s sombre tone greets you- followed by another excruciating scream and a nauseating metallic smell that floods out from the room, leaving a bitter aftertaste in your mouth and a knot in your stomach.
Their source is immediately apparent, taking up the majority of the chamber. Hanging on a large metallic blood drenched board- feet, waist, hands and neck firmly bound by metal bars- a man writhes in pain, large sections of his innards exposed, his flesh flayed to the bone. His chest, an open cavity- is empty. Instead, cables- buried into his arms, his shoulders, his legs- spread out towards various containers lining the walls; each containing a floating organ, pulsing with energy.

“I have called you here today...” You hear the Inquisitor say, and turn your attention to him: a sharply dressed man, in a heavily decorated military uniform, standing next to an old, metallic podium upon which several pale green lights glow faintly, only a few meters ahead of you. “Because I have heard of your... work...” he continues, before pressing one of the lights- causing a bolt to course trough one of the containers and another horrid scream to erupt from the hanging man’s desiccated throat.

A chill runs down your spine, it was as you suspected: soon the man would die; and another would need to take his place. The inquisitor turns to face the group, eyeing each Individual momentarily.

“I am proud to have such acolytes in my retinue.” He says, and you hear a faint sigh of relief from within the group- or was it your own breath releasing your bottled tension... “As such, I have a special task for your cell; a matter of personal importance.”

He raises a hand, and you spot- held tightly within his fingers, a small data slate. With click, a large screen whirs on a nearby wall as it slowly descends and locks into place. Another press of a button and the screen flickers on- the image adjusting into that of a young man, in his late twenties- his clothing fanciful; clearly of noble origin.

“This is Andreyus Keetling.” He states, before turning to face the group. “According to his sister, he has been missing for two weeks now- and the Local Arbites have been unable; or unwilling, to find any leads.” He then turns his attention back to the consol ahead of him.

“I expect you to travel to Prudenza, a small coastal hive here on Malfi.” He continues, pressing another button on the data-slate in his hand. A map of the planet replaces the nobleman’s picture, and quickly centers a small, isolated hive on a corner of the continent. “Prudenza Used to be a prominent port-town. Until that is, an accident shattered the rail systems connecting it to the rest of the hive; leaving it rather isolated, and making it rather difficult location from which to transport large quantities of goods. Though repairs started years ago, they are nowhere near complete: as such, the hive has been more or less cast aside by the Administratum; and is now a hotbed of criminal activity.

(A scream interrupts the Inquisitor, who pauses for a moment before continuing.)

You are well aware that vendettas in Malfi are commonplace; as such, it is Imperative that the situation not devolves into a blood bath: though Prudenza is isolated; these nobles are all connected- by ilk or marriage; and such an incident could spark a blood feud across the entire planet.
Remain subtle, and discreet with your investigation, regardless of what you find. Do not attempt to contact me before your task is complete, one way or the other: you never know who might be listening. If word of our involvement reached the wrong ears, then hasty conclusions would quickly follow- and would lead us back to bloodbath- you are strictly to remain undercover.
(Another scream interrupts him once more, but is silenced abruptly.)
Now, I have secured you transport to the hive. Once there, you’ll have to fend for yourselves. First, you’ll want to meet with Sarah Keetling, his sister: she’ll tell you anything else you need to know- you’ll be given their familial mansion’s coordinates on the transport.”

He concludes with a stern nod and another quick press of the data slate- the screen begins to rise towards the ceiling out of view. Without as much as giving you a chance to ask questions, he waves you off (to your great relief) - but as you turn to leave, he calls out to you- freezing you in your tracks.

“Oh, and acolytes- Keep in mind: the Keetlings are personal friends of mine. Their father, before his untimely passing, was a staunch supporter of my research- and provided valuable aid to the Inquisition.
I trust you’ll succeed in this task; I wouldn’t want to have to find out what went wrong.”

You step out of the room, the doors closing behind you, just as the screaming resumes- In retrospect; it wasn’t as bad as you thought it would be.

[User]
 Lenk thinks to himself for a moment as they were unceremoniously kicked out of the Inquisitors room, shrugging his shoulders as he takes out a data slate, searching its numerous entries, nodding his head every once and a while.

  "I think I might have some local info on Prudenza, I'm pretty sure I did a run their once, hoping to dig up some contacts."   He remarks absentmindly as he furiously screens the data slate.

 Spoiler
 Common Lore(Underworld) +10
 (1d100)[ 30 ]

[User] Troll Patrol:  Duplicate, closed by request.


[User] Battle Type: Neutral Ground. Prize: 500 gp.


[User]
 A Manaphy rises out of the water and flashes a cheerful smile. It then transforms, taking the familiar shape of Blue Ghost.
 What a wonderful day it is today, my friend. A wonderful day for a duel. Would you not agree?

[User]
 (d20)[ 9 ]

Draw:
 (5d40)[ 39 ][ 18 ][ 24 ][ 9 ][ 31 ](121)
 (3d40)[ 27 ][ 30 ][ 36 ](93)


[User]
 An address, and the promise of good pay.  That's all you were given.  No explanation, no name, no real guarantees.  But what else is there?  There's no work in Luxerat.  Or, more accurately, there's no pay in Luxerat.  Nothing to do but take a chance.

One-oh-five Hull.  A fancy street in an Aion neighborhood.  As much as anything in Luxerat can be called fancy, anyway.  But like any street, people pass through it as quickly as they can.  Most are wearing cloth masks over their mouths, whatever good it may do them.

The heat is oppressive.  This part of the city is a long way from the docks, and the ocean breeze is nowhere to be found.  The sky is a pleasant blue and perfectly cloudless.

Many of the once-impressive mansions dotting Hull street have started falling apart.  Few are still occupied.  One hundred and five is the last number on the street.

It's a big one, and looks like it's not too run-down.  Pillars in the front are still standing, though it's now become obvious they weren't ever actually made of marble, just metal with an illusion on it.  There's an iron fence running around the property.  The gate is closed for now.

As you're looking around, you notice there are several others here too.  Four of you in total.

OOC note: When I need to give out knowledge to specific characters only, I prefer to just put it in spoilers, rather than use PMs- much simpler that way.  However, that does mean I need you guys to be honorable and not open spoilers that are not for you.  You'll find out what's in it when and if the person it's for decides to tell you.

Olga:
 Spoiler
(knowledge: local)
You know that this is the home of Lord Fidel, a rich Aion noble known for his quest to find a cure for the plauge- by any means necessary.  There are rumors that he has attempted some rather strange and unethical cures.

Astrid:
 Spoiler
The job offer was quite a convenient way to get closer to Lord Fidel, the Aion you've come to investigate.  You know that this is his home.

[User]
 Rafael

Rafael leans casually against the gate pillars, glancing dismissively over the humans near him. Not in any particular hurry to meet his employer - having had a few less-than fruitful offers earlier in the week - he stares up at the sky, tapping his fingers against his leg.

After a few minutes, he sighs and speaks.  "Do you know anything about the job?"

[User]
 Sebastian

Appearance- Wearing what appears to be cold weather gear. (To the effects of a parka with the head cover pulled up. Also He is wearing some exceptionallly baggy pants that are tucked away in some nice boots.)

Sebastian, leaning forward on his horse, speaks to what appears to be slightly irritated man.  "Hmm i see word has caught the eyes and ears of others... no matter.'  *Sebastian leans back up and looks at the address on the piece of parchment then at the rest of the members that have gathered in front of the gate.  'Lets just hope for all of your sakes that there is enough work for all of us and if there is not, pray that our mysterious employer doesn't pick us by our looks."  Sebastian chuckles as he dismounts from his horse then pulls the hooded part of his coat back to reveal his face. He then grabs the reins to his horse and guides it to the side of the gate to wait.

[User]
 Rafael
 "I'm sure the rate of employment here can't be worse than the rest of town, and I've heard at least three have gotten work in the past week burying plague victims. Each in a row, in fact. There you might go if we  are  picked on looks - I hear after a few days on the job there all applicants look much the same.

"…So, are you from Cyrosea or Cartheon? Or merely paranoid?"

[User]
 Astrid

A tall woman, almost Sebastian's height, stands with the group. Her posture is excellent and her blonde hair is tied behind her head in a tight bun. She has broad shoulders and a strong jaw line, and her eyes are a deep blue. She wears a breast plate comfortably over neat and simple white clothing. At her side is a finely crafted scimitar and on her back is a backpack and a well worn wooden shield. Something about her air is serious and disciplined. Winter clothing is bundled up and strapped to her bag, and she fans herself with her right hand. On its palm is a visible scar.

She watches impassively as Sebastian cracks a joke and dismounts. She waits a second or two as Rafael speaks again, before responding to Rafael's earlier question.  "I don't know anything about the job, but work is tough to find, as you've said,"  the woman says in a Cyro accent.  "I just hope it pays well."  She finishes,  "May I ask your names?"

[User]
 Sebastian

Sebastian takes of his cold weather gear. After which he wipes the sweat from his brow.  "Whew! Damn there is a hell of a difference in climate between cities."  He says exhaustedly. Sebastian then puts his gear into his horses saddlebags and then takes off his undershirt and rings out the sweat that had built up in it.  "It would be nice if there were some ladies in town. I didn't see much on my way in."  He grins at the two others.   "Or we could even luck out and this person that is giving out jobs is a temptress and wants us as her personal slaves."  He puts his shirt back on and looks up at the sky with the same funny looking grin.  "Do i dare to dream the dream?"

Sebastian looks at the Cyro girl after she asked for their names.  "My dear, if would be much more proper to introduce yourself before asking the names of strange company, no?"  He says this with a smile as he approaches her and makes a gesture leaning over to kiss her hand.  "But with formalities aside I am Sebastian from Cartheon. And you are?"

[User]
 Astrid

Astrid extends her hand and grabs Sebastian's as he goes to pull it towards him for the kiss. She gives his hand a firm shake, her grip strong, before he can get the kiss in.  "Astrid, from Cyrosea."

[User]
 Rafael

Rafael raises a hand in greeting, giving a short nod to Astrid.  "Rafael A -"  he caught himself  " - Azulai."  It is a common enough name, and he doesn't particularly want anyone getting wind of his disgrace so soon.

[User]
 Astrid
 "Well met, Rafael,"  Astrid says.

[User]
 Sebastian

After Astrid shakes my hand and greets both of us I stood up am scratched the back of my head with my other hand and say with a comical smile of rejection.  "Well met indeed."  I chuckle to myself a little.

I Stand some what between Astrid and Rafael as if to make a triangle and lean against my horse. I try to look up at the sky but i kept feeling my eyes wonder towards Astrid. I began to speak to myself.  "Lle naa vanima... but also Lle naa belegohtar..."

 There is a brief amount of time that passes where there is no talking and just standing around.  "Soooo, does anyone know if we are supposed to go in? Because if in fact we are'  I look at Astrid and step to the side of the gate and open up my arm as if to lead someone in a direction.  'ladies first."

[User]
 As Sebastian waves his hand towards the gate, the door of the mansion behind opens.  A small human man- likely a servant, by his his dress- steps out.  He walks over to the gate, stopping just beyond the length of an arm away from the bars.  He speaks with a rough accent that marks him as a foreigner to Luxerat.

" "You're the one's who're here for work, then?  Just three, I see.  I'll ask that you drop your weapons through the gate before I let you in.  I'll be giving them back to you when you leave.  Not that it matters... three of you and one of me, you wouldn't exactly need em to get up to any mischief."

The servant sighs, glancing down at his feet momentarily.  Seeing that no one has yet moved, he shakes his head.

 "Get moving then, you lot.  Pointless or no, I'm not lettin' you in with you still holding those blades."

[User]
 Rafael

Rafael smiles politely.  "But of course."  He draws the narrow knife at his side, handing it hilt first to the gatekeeper.  "A good day to you."  The magebow still sits slung partway across his back.

[User]
 Sebastian

Sebastian grumbles to himself and rolls down his sleeves as he go to his horse and opens his saddle bags. He unsheathes his long sword and dagger placing both inside the saddle back.

Sebastian thinks to himself   No way im going to be caught off guard.

Sebastian trys to slip his dagger up his sleeve.

Sleight of hand bonus: +10

 (1d20)[ 3 ]

[User]
 The servant carefully takes Rafael's knife and places it in a box behind the gate.
 "You'll be handin' in that Magebow there too, mister, but you can can keep it till you come through, as a guarantee that I won't simply be stealing."

That said, the man accepts Sebastian's sword with a nod, but fails to notice the dagger being slipped away.  The sword is placed in the box with Rafael's knife.

[User]
 Astrid

Astrid removes the sword and sheath from her side and hands it over the gate to the man on the other side.

[User]
 The servant takes Astrid's weapon and places it with the others.  He removes a large iron key from one of his many pockets and uses it to unlock the gate.

 "Welcome to the estate, such as it is.  Lord Fidel will see you inside."

From this side of the gate, you can see more of the area.  The grounds are fairly small, though generous enough for city living.  The grass is yellowed, most of it long dead.  The path from the gate to the door is made of gravel, rather than paved.
The servant turns to Rafael and gestures towards the magebow.

 "In the box with the rest, if you would."

He then turns around and leads the way to the door.

[User]
 Sebastian

Sebastian waits by the box to watch what everyone else is doing.

[User]
 Rafael
 "Ah, yes. I apologize, I sometimes forget that I have it."  Rafael places the magebow carefully in the box and follows the servant.

[User]
 Sebastian

Sebastian sees everyone begin to take off towards the door.  "I'm behind you guys and girl."  Sebastian looking into the box at the mage bow   That will catch a pretty penny.   He reaches for the magebow.

Sleight of hand: +12 (forgot to add the synergies last time)

 (1d20)[ 18 ]

[User]
 Sebastian quickly realizes that the Magebow is simply too large to hide on his person.

At this point the servant has reached the door and unlocked it with another key, drawn out of a different pocket.  He turns around and waits for the group to follow him, tapping his foot impatiently.

[User]
 Sebastian

Sebastian holds the magebow and then begins to move quietly towards his horse.

Move silently check roll :  (1d20+10)[ 17 ]

[User]
 The servant notices Sebastian, having already turned around at this point, and crosses his arms.

 "What do you think you're doing, eh?  I said no weapons inside.  Put that back and get over here."
After a pausing a second, he adds  "and don't you try anything funny when we get inside, or you'll regret it!"

[User]
 Astrid

Astrid follows closely, glancing back at Sebastian.

[User]
 Sebastian drops the Magebow and leaves through the gates, apparently upset at having been chastised.

The servant shrugs his shoulders, rolls his eyes, and turns back to the door, opening it for the remaining two.

Inside, you can see a long hallway and a set of stairs to the right.  The hallway is dimly lit from a few small windows.  The walls are stained wood, flaking in many places.  There is a velvet carpet on the floor, surprisingly quite intact.
The stairs are old wood, with a beautifully carved banister.  They go up for what seems to be two stories.  On the wall along the side of the stairs, there is a portrait of a middle aged Aion- handsome, blonde, with a stern expression.

The servant leads the way up the stairs.

 "Name's Vonn, by the way.  Mr. Vonn.  I work for the owner of this house, Lord Fidel.  He's the one you'll be seeing."

[User]
 Vonn leads Astrid and Rafael down the hall at the top of the stairs.  This hall is much like the one downstairs- small windows, velvet carpet, peeling wooden walls.  There are more portraits spaced along the hallway, likely previous Lords of the house.

Vonn opens the doorway at the end of the hall and steps in.  Inside the room is dim and quiet.  It appears to be the master bedroom of the house.  The windows- much larger than those in the hallway- are covered by blinds.  The centre of the room is dominated by a massive poster bed.  The curtains around the bed are tightly drawn.  One wall is taken up by a large desk and a wardrobe, both stained wood.  On the other wall there is fireplace and a small armchair.  The fire is not lit, but there is a man sitting in the armchair.  You can't see much of him, as the chair is turned the other way.

A raspy voice floats from the poster bed.

 "Vonn?  Have our potential employees arrived?
 "Yes indeed, my Lord, though one left and one didn't show,"  Vonn replies.

 "What a pity."   You hear some shifting from the bed, and then Lord Fidel continues,  "Mr. Azulai, why don't you introduce yourself, to start."

[User]
 Rafael

Rafael blinked.   He must have scrying up outside.  "My lord."  He bows, and continues,  "My name is Rafael Azulai, but you know that already. I was a merchant, but I've recently fallen on hard times - like most - and am in need of work. But I'm sure you knew that already, considering as I'm here."

[User]
 "What?  I wasn't speaking to you, actually.  Though thank you for introducing yourself.  Now, if the  other  Mr. Azulai could continue?"

Lord Fidel starts to chuckle as he is speaking, but then begins to cough, and stops himself.

[User]
 Chuckling is heard from the chair.

 "It's fine.  I have no qualms about letting him introduce himself.  I would say that this sort of things happens often to me...but this is actually a first for me..."

The man in the chair stretches with a groan, as a tan arm extends over the chair, and the other to the left of the chair.  He leans forward and two dark gray feathery wings extend from behind the chair, seemingly stretching as well.

As he stands, he folds his wings back and turns to face everyone else.  His hair is a mess of curls atop his head, mostly dark brown, though streaks of grays run through it, ranging from almost silver to the darker color of his wings.  His face has a few wrinkles, and has a slight "worn" look to it, but his green eyes seem bright with life.  His clothes look somewhat dirty from travel, but no worse for wear.

 "Not bad Lord Fidel, I was hoping for more 'help', but these two will do nicely."

He mutters in Celestial:

 Spoiler
 "At least there aren't any goblins..."

 "I guess a more formal introduction is in order.  I am Mr. Azulai, Azreal I am called, and I am a ... traveler of sorts."

A smirk appears on his face, as if he's enjoying a private joke, before he continues.

 "Pardon me for not being more...'forthcoming'...but knowledge is a very powerful thing, and as we just met, I would rather not convey more than necessary until I know if you're trustworthy."

He crosses his arms, staring at the Human, still with the smirk on his face.

[User]
 Lord Fidel's tone becomes curt and businesslike as he explains the job.

 "Thank you, Mr. Azulai.  You two who've just arrived- you'll be working under Mr. Azulai to retrieve some very valuable goods for me.  Your job is to ensure the protection of Mr. Azulai and my goods.

"Be in the alley behind the Church of the Five in the Mallories in two hours time.  A man will meet you there.  He has the item in question.  If all goes well he will simply deliver the item to you, but if not, you will take it from him.  Vonn will provide you with a seal to prove you're working for me.  The pay is a six hundred apiece, but you won't see a penny of it until I have the cup in my hand.

Any questions?"

OOC: Common knowledge: the Mallories are a particularly run-down area of Luxerat.  They were slums even before the Slow Death began.

[User]
 Astrid
 "No questions, sir,"  Astrid says curtly.  "I'll see you in the alley,"  she says to Rafael and Azreal, before turning to Vonn,  "Will you escort us out, or should I find my own way to the door?"

[User] "I'll be escorting you out,"  Vonn replies.   "You ready to go too?"  he asks, looking at Rafael.

[User]
 Rafael
 "Yes, thank you."  He gives a shallow bow to Lord Fidel and Azrael, and follows Vonn out the door.

[User]
 The Mallories were never a nice neighborhood, and things have only gotten worse in the last few years.  Most of the houses are falling apart.  Half dressed urchins run along the alleys and side streets.  Most of the people here are of the Underaces.  Many have tied their shirts around their mouths in an attempt to escape both the heat and the plague.

The Church of the Five is one of the few buildings which doesn't look like it's about to fall apart.  It's simply made, wooden and undecorated, but looks sturdy enough.  The door is open, but you can't see much inside- it's too dark, at least in comparison to the brightness outside.

An old human man in a white cloth robe sits on the step, surrounded by children of several different races.  The sleeves of his robe are rolled up to the shoulders, and he has his hands out in front.  He seems to be doing coin tricks for the children- dancing a silver piece along his fingers, making it disappear and then pulling it from the ear of a young dwarf.  He smiles warmly as the children's mouths hang open.

The alley you are looking for is just on the other side of the building.  There's ten minutes or so to go before you need to be there.


[User] You stand in the marketplace of Pearlsheen. This small town is built into a coral shelf, near the surface of the The Deep. This small town is populated mostly by sea elves, though other peaceful races are welcome. you are meeting together today to discuss the recent raids by sahuagin on the caravans travelling between towns.

[User]
 In a whispy voice, Felran consults with his contacts from beneath heavy cloak and hood.  "I have found the cause of your recent troubles, as asked,"  the spectral voice continues,  "Have you news or word of my past, to bargain with?"  Truth be told, the caravan raids made him slightly uneasy, as well. If city guards increased monitoring for suspicious peoples, well, not much was more suspicious than one such as he.

Seeing that he wouldn't get something for nothing, he adds, in a voice that slowly boils into something almost lively,  "Raiders. Raiders and bandits, thieves, cowards and knaves! Bottomfeeders who would ruin and encroach upon the work and effort of another to continue their own joyless existence. Would their throats be at my hands, I'd..."  He stops, when he realizes his hands are glowing a cold blue, and that the multitude of carrion eaters normally surrounding him had dropped dead to the ocean floor. " There would be harsh words, indeed."

[User]
 A simple street performer across the path hears Felran's rage. In a booming voice evocative of a sinking boat grinding against coral the crabfolk shouts " Being a knave isn't necessarily a bad thing, you know! I'm technically a knave... You probably are too! " The crabfolk snaps a claw in Felran's direction and begins to glow in myriad colors. Red, yellow, blue, and every color in between emanates from the performer in wiggling sheets; the light appears as if solid to the touch. Truly, it is beautiful.

 Spoiler
Perform (Biloluminescence):
 (1d20+10)[ 18 ](28)

Just in case. 😛

[User]
 Ursula emerges from behind a merchant's stall in the small marketplace of this frontiers-town, dressed in the simplest of clothes.  Her tentacles flex and swing, propelling her towards Glowclaw and Felran, a disgusted look on her face; as she comes to a stop, the appendages appear to sway slightly, keeping her stationary against the ever-present currents in the water.  She forces a more neutral expression onto her face, recognizing the beauty in the crab-man's performance, and speaks to both individuals-  "Yes, my good artist, you may be right about our lot in life.  But what I am  not  is a slave, never again.  If I am to continue my life in this village, something must be done.  And..."  she thinks for a moment, trying to phrase her somewhat selfish motives to be more palatable,  "...and it's not right for these people to live in fear, either.  And... likely, there would be rewards, whether material or more abstract."

Glancing over her shoulder to the merchant stall momentarily, Ursula then looks back between Glowclaw and Felran, folding her arms in front of her.   "I believe we could do something about it.  What say you?  What manner of knaves do you two intend to be?"

[User]
 Spoiler
OOC: I'd intended you two to be my contacts that I was consulting, but this works too :3 I am no knave, however - the roguish life is not for me. Also, I ready Lyndworm's entire post in Taric's voice. Gems are truly outrageous. Truly, truly outrageous. (From league of legend)

A slow sigh escapes Felran's throat, the cold lights of his eyes dimming as the performance plays out.

Coming back to his proper senses, Felran engages his new  friends .  "I know how we can get their attention,"  he says,  "We just need a caravan."

[User]
 Daneth is at the side of the street, yelling at anyone nearby.  "We bust hunt down the sahuagin and retrieve my wife! Will anyone stand up? You sir!"  He says pointing at a random passer-by.  "Can you not help?"

OOC: Very sorry, it's been a hectic week.

[User] Felran reaches out as Daneth passes by, catching him by the arm and pulling him into the circle of assorted oddities that had gathered. Shushing him with a gesture, he urgently intones,  "Listen! Listen! If they have   anyone  in the cities,  anyone  listening for spreading news of their raids, you will have just alerted them to your  plan ,"  he whispers, with disgust,  "And your wife - and any like her - will be gone. Do you want that?"  Felran grins as he delivers this news. But then, what else would he do?

[User] The crabfolk wanders over to where the skeleton manhandles the aventi. " I fear you are overreacting, my friend. This man has listed no plan, only a desire; one likely shared by many. Why don't you both try to calm down just a bit and I'll see if I can't help with either situation. "

[User]
 Lips pursed for a moment, Ursula processes all the information recently made available to her, before a small smile forms on her face.

 "Hmmmm.  I think perhaps I know of someone who may have a caravan in need of guarding.  And it appears we might be just the misshapen menagerie of guards they need.  Perhaps."    Fixing a steady gaze on Daneth, she continues,  "I take it you have the skill to back up your desire to save your wife?"   Pumping several tentacles, she turns to Felran,  "And you... you still wish for information about the past.  There is little to be had here, but perhaps in a larger settlement... maybe somewhere with a library dating to before the deluge?"
 "I must go inform my employer that the nature of my employment has changed, and that he will be 'hiring' three additional guards for his next caravan."   And with that, she begins floating back towards her stall, where a respectable-looking sea elf has taken over operations in her brief absence.

[User] Daneth turns at Ursula. "Of course, I can hold my own in a fight."  He puts his hand on his spear, a comforting gesture he has needed to do more often in the past few weeks.

[User] The crossed spears on Glowclaws back imply that the crabfolk knows how to use them. " I am a competent warrior, as well. I am getting bored of this town anyway, and the money is coming less frequently. Perhaps it is time to move on. "

[User] " I don't particularly care for  the  past, just  my  past ," Felran mumbles. " Anyway, I'm sure that once we've got these... ruffians... settled down, they'll listen to one sort of reason or another."

[User] Your talk is interrupted as you hear screaming coming the edge of town.

[User]
 Glowclaw rushes towards the screaming, drawing the spears on his back as he moves.

 Spoiler
I say "rush," but... he  is  essentially a crab. He's not real fast. He swims at a speed of 15ft per move action, or 60ft while "running" as a full-round action.

[User] "What's the rush?"  Felran asks, genuinely curious. Turning to Daneth, he asks,  "Did he mention somewhere he had to be?"

[User] Daneth 'runs' toward the screaming, drawing his spears.

[User]
 Felran thinks for a second, before sidling over to the merchant's stall, and calling for the octopus.  "The others have rushed off. We'll lose our special guards at this rate, I'm going to go keep an eye on things ."

And with that, he swims off at a leisurely pace towards the scream, careful not to dislodge any of the comforting little creatures using him for their homes.

[User] Ursula, emerging from the merchant's stall with a neutral expression, maintains roughly the same pace as Felran from a good distance back, being both unarmed and unarmoured.  She fishes around in her backpack as she drifts, producing a large piece of shell with some manner of arcane writing scribbled into it.  (scroll of baleful polymorph, just in case.)

[User]
 OoC:

 Spoiler
What's going on now? We're all just running towards the screams, right?

[User]
 Originally Posted by Lyndworm
  OoC:

 Spoiler
What's going on now? We're all just running towards the screams, right?

 Spoiler
They are really far away.

[User]
 You come upon some scaly green creatures. Sahuagin, loading several sea elvs into a cage. Strewn about are the corpses of those who resisted.

OOC: I apologize, apparently this game got lost in the shuffle when my computer melted down, I apologize, just know you aren't alone.

[User]
 OoC:

 Spoiler
Don't worry about it; stuff happens.

About how far away are the sahuagin right now?

[User] I'd say 60 feet.

[User]
 Glowclaw begins pumping out light again, changing the color of the water around himself. Red, yellow, blue, and every color in between floats through the sea around the crabfolk, filling the others with a brand new vigor. Glowclaw continues moving towards the sahuagin.

 Spoiler
Using Inspire Courage to provide every PC who can see the lights with a +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls. Moving towards the sahuagin 15ft.

[User]
 "Whell," Felran mutters, "Looks like they saved us a bit of time." With a sigh, he cracks off his hand, and sends it forth.

 Spoiler
[roll0] damage, and casting Spectral Hand. Next turn, I'll be schooing it off to paralyze and inflict people. Like a boss.

[User]
 Sahugin?   Daneth's eyes flare up with anger, he charges at the nearest one while drawing his shortspears, then tries to stab it.

 Spoiler

Yay for charging.
Attack:  (1d20+11)[ 29 ]  (+8 base, +2 Charge, +1 From Glowclaw)
Damage:  (1d8+5)[ 12 ]   (1d6)[ 1 ]  (Skirmish damage)
Critical roll if needed:  (1d20+11)[ 12 ]
Critical damage if needed:  (1d8)[ 3 ]

[User]
 OOC: I was waiting on the last guy. I'm just going to run you three then, since you seem to be the one's still posting.

A sahuagin goes down, skewered by Daneth. The others turn towards him slashing out at him or moving closer. Daneth takes 2 damage.

[User]
 Glowclaw continues to swim towards the sahuagin, albeit very slowly. The lights around him also continue to swirl and dance, creating a beautiful, intangible tapestry in the water.

 Spoiler
Standard action to continue "singing," Move action to move 15ft closer to the sahuagin.

[User]
 The sahuagin strike out at Daneth savagely, he takes 3 damage.

OOC: It's Trodon's turn, then chris.

[User] My grandmother died this morning (Sunday, June 19, 2011). I'm going halfway across the country to her funeral, and will be largely unable to post for the next week. Sorry for the inconvenience. If the need arises, DMPC me as every James Bond Villain ever, but less retarded :I.

[User]
 Daneth "dances" around the sahuagin, getting on the other side then striking it.

 Spoiler

Tumble check:  (1d20+14)[ 17 ]
Attack:  (1d20+9)[ 27 ]
Damage:  (1d8+4)[ 7 ]  Skirmish damage:  (1d6)[ 3 ]


[User]
 A friendly, well-kept man in a tweed suit wavess to you from a small television set on a wheeled cart.  You're all gathered around the set in a bare conference room, seated in uncomfortable plastic chairs.  With no introduction, the man begins:

  Shopping.  Picking up the kids from school.  Quietly assassinating your next door neighbor in the night.  Some jobs, you can do yourself.  For others, you need someone to show you the ropes.  Someone with experience, and a professional touch.  That's where we come in.  Here at Ninjas, Inc. we provide you with the tools you need to live the life you want.  Our ninjas are trained in various career paths and specialties, but we still focus on the core of what's important: each certified Ninja carries a Bachelor's Degree in Stealth Killing.  However, you can also call us if you need a ninja to fix a flat or show you how to make a perfect souffle.  In feudal Japan, ninjas were mysterious and inspired fear.  But in today's modern world, we like to think of them as quiet helpers who also happen to know kung-fu.  So pick up the phone now--your ninja is waiting.  And remember, when you don't know what to do, just think Ninjas, Inc.
The recording flickers, and is replaced by a chaotic field of static.  The human resources representative enters the room, a stocky woman with glasses and a slight limp.  Turning towards you, she clasps her hands in front of her and smiles broadly.   "Well, okay, new ninjas!  How about we go around the room and introduce ourselves?  Also, please take advantage of this time to ask any questions, since we already have a job lined up for you.  How exciting!"

[User]
 One of the "new ninjas" is pretty obviously preoccupied. He seems to be fiddling with the small television set at the moment. With one hand, he seems to be moving around some sort of thin, long wire that he had pushed inside of the the TV through a screw hole. With the other, he seems to be sprinkling dust out of a cross-shaped container in a little circle around the TV. Finally, he draws out the metal wire and completes the circle - and spits on the powder. It flashes in a burst of light - and the TV promptly changes to a channel popular for hosting a number of comedic shows.
 "Well, we have free cable now. By the way, I'm Maconin."
Having given his... concise introduction, he settles down to eat the provided burgers. A drop of ketchup slips down, splashing onto some residual powder that had landed on his clothing. It doesn't actually -do- anything... except stain his clothing.

[User]
 A small man dressed in simple linen slacks and an orange dress shirt chews on one of the burgers as he watches the orientation video and listens to the others speak.
"Jobs are good. Only by being in the moment may we empty our minds and let in the glow of enlightenment. And only by being pushed are we in the moment."
Finishing his meal, he stands and starts pacing, the stark lights bouncing off his freshly shaved skull.
"The masters called me "He-with-boats-for-shoes""
He points down to his clown shoe sized feet "But you may call me Nick."

[User]
 With Catlike tread and amazing stealth, Nekokyutzi places a small paper bag labeled "Ninja Burger (R)   Guaranteed delivery in 30 minutes or less, or we commit Seppuku !" beside the Technomancer. While he's distracted by the seemingly-sudden appearance of the complementary Cheeseburger, fries, and his favorite soft drink, she slides under the TV set, just out of Boats-For-Shoes' perepheral vision, and sets the other bag next to the inept ninja.

With a quick hop before either can turn and see her, she's against the ceiling, staying out of sight as she waits for more ninjas to arrive for orientation, hiding in the shadows of one of the corners.

Flawless Deliveries!

[User]
 Daro
 "Well, I'm Daro.."  Another ninja stepped forth from the shadows, not quite as hidden as other ninjas for some reason, and spoke loudly.  "I have no need to stick to the shadows, because when other ninjas are hiding out in the darkness, they're hiding from me!"  He smirked at his boast, pulling out a sword to punctuate it. His clothes seemed ninjay enough, a grey open shirt showing off his muscles and some ninja pants with boots oddly enough, but his hair shown the oddest color of red.

[User]
 Spoiler
The Reception Check
I'm assuming a 5 cap on Minor things, 7 on Major, as normal?
All rolls of 4 and under are successes.
 (1d6)[ 5 ]  (1d6)[ 2 ]  (1d6)[ 2 ]  (1d6)[ 1 ]  (1d6)[ 1 ]

[User]
 Nekokyutzi quickly, silently, and invisibly hops down into the shadow Daro previously occupied, interposing his body between the other ninjas and her own to stay hidden. Quickly handing off the Ninja Burger bag into the unsuspecting ninja's hand, she's gone again.

A moment later, she walks through the door in plain view, black-and-orange tail swishing behind her, quite pleased with her work.

 (5d6)[ 5 ][ 5 ][ 6 ][ 4 ][ 6 ](26)

[User]
 The television flickers for a brief second, displaying a Spanish telenovela before finally clicking onto the correct channel.  In stunning HD, a fat and angry man appears on the screen, pumping his fist.   "...and that's why I refuse to eat at Waffle House!"   The audience is in an uproar.

Neko's value meals are delivered in true ninja style, and there is nary a trace of her until she makes herself known.  However, when Daro checks his bag, he notices that no napkins were provided.

The HR representative comes back into the room, her smile even wider than before.   "Now, before we send you on your first mission, we just need to collect some personal information.  Our HR staffers are coming in now to interview each of you for the basics--emergency contact names and numbers, you know the drill.  I'll be back in just a jiffy!"  With that, she exits again, taking her plastered-on smile with her.

Suddenly, the skylights in the ceiling above you shatter, and five young men in suits crash through, landing on the conference table with weapons drawn.  Two are wielding katanas.  One holds two daggers and another, presumably the leader of the group, is a muscular man holding a frying pan.   "All right, worms,"  he grunts,  "let's start with your BLOOD TYPE!"   They all charge at you.

 OOC: And so begins our first combat.  You each have 3 Chi Points, so be sure to protect them with at least 1 yin success per post.  Also, this is my first Wu Shu combat, so if I'm missing anything, inform me in the OOC.

[User]
 Out of nowhere a man in a long black coat leaps into the room and unleashes a spread of ninja stars at the suited men. Reaching inside his coat, he reveals a pair of Sai which he uses to block an incoming  katana  attack.

 "Sorry I'm late."

Trait: Feral Ninja style 5

Defense Dice:  (1d6)[ 6 ]   (1d6)[ 5 ]

Offense Dice:  (1d6)[ 1 ]   (1d6)[ 2 ]   (1d6)[ 1 ]

[User]
 Maconin looks up as the ninja's begin bursting through the ceiling, and grimaces - not out of fear, but pain.  "Wow... that pun was terrible. I mean, really - your mother must have hated you not to teach you any better lines than that before sending you to school."  He begins performing a mystical chant, while bowing his head over the television he had been working on. In mid-chant, he reaches up to scratch his head, causing a storm of dandruff flakes to fall on the television set. The television begins to emit a strange of sounds and lights, which induce painful seizure-like spasms in the ninja attackers!
Trait Level - 4
 (5d6)[ 16 ]

[User]
 Spoiler

I seem to have messed up the dice roll... it's a pity, since my average result on that would only have come out to about 3.2. :/
Defensive
 (1d6)[ 1 ]
Offensive
 (1d6)[ 6 ]  (1d6)[ 6 ]  (1d6)[ 1 ]  (1d6)[ 3 ]

[User]
 Nekokyutzi sighs at the approach of Ninjas. "Nya, It's like this, boys," she growls. The catgirl goads two of the ceiling-ninjas to double-team her, each sending a flying kick at her from opposite directions. At the last moment possible, she ducks down, grabbing the Ninja's by their ankles(Hollywood Ninjutsu YIN 1).

Using the ninja-legs as a acrobat-bar, she spins around, letting the two behind her collide face-first into each other (Gymnast YANG 1), while she uses her acrobatic momentum to fly into the one trying to harrass Tofugan (Gymnast YANG II).

Behind her, the two previously-humiliated ninjas try to charge her again, careful not to repeat their last mistake by making a sword-first approach. Reacting quickly, the catgirl grabs Tofugan's Ninja Harraser's Katana from out of his hands, leaving him befuddled as she parries one of her own assailant's blows, while the other's upward slash merely catches her along the back of her shirt, for instant Fanservice (Hollywood Ninjutsu YIN II).

With a grin, she slashes outward at the two of them, drawing her own Wakizashi to aid the attack. (Hollywood Ninjutsu YANG III)

Yang Dice
 (3d6)[ 4 ][ 1 ][ 1 ](6) =<4
Yin Dice:
 (2d6)[ 6 ][ 1 ](7) =<4

[And that's how it's done! I have 1 Yin protection, and hit 3 times!]

[User]
 Daro
 "More to the feast?"  Daro mocks as the ninjas burst in, and battle is joined.  "After this fight, you will wish that your type was O, universial recipient!"  He paused for a moment,  "I could have also went with this is a weird way to do a blood test."  The last part being mumbled as he was lost in thought. When he regained his thought process he saw most of the mooks were already being engaged. A twinkle lit in his eye as he smirked.

 "I guess that leaves Gregory Bigguns for me."  He boasted, his sword seeming to gain two extra inches as he charged the muscular frying pan man, attempting to sever him directly and cut right through his frying pan if blocked.

 "A frying pan? Is this a restaurant or a battle? Well, either way, come get served!"
 Trait: Beyond the Impossible 4
 Defense Dice:   (1d6)[ 4 ]   (1d6)[ 3 ]
 Offense Dice:   (1d6)[ 4 ]   (1d6)[ 6 ]