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

 Spoiler

 XP Award:  300 XP
 GP Award:  300 GP

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

[User]
 Hey! It's finally the last match of round 9! It's been... wow, a couple months at least. Rune's been getting pretty dusty. 😛
  Initiative  - (1d20+1)[ 11 ]

[User]
 Zak here.

 (1d20+3)[ 13 ]

Refs only: Spells

 Spoiler

Cure Minor Wounds x3
Entangle x2

good luck

[User]
 Spoiler

Wolf will stay in Y14 since i can't control him very well. For now at least.

I'll start in Y13 and double move to O13.

 (1d20+3)[ 15 ]  Hide
 (1d20+3)[ 20 ]  MS
 (1d20+8)[ 13 ]  Spot
 (1d20+8)[ 18 ]  Listen

your turn

[User]
 Rune, Round 1
 Actions

 Spoiler

  Binding Amon  - (1d20+3)[ 7 ] .

Start in B13 with shield and morningstar in hand. Drink potion of Hide From Animals, and then move to F13.

 Stats

 Spoiler
HP: 10/10, AC 21, Fort +5, Ref +1, Will +2, DR 2/Adamantine, Light Fortification. Potion on Round 1/100

Your move.

[User]
 Ref Maurkov

@Zaknefein
 Spoiler
Stairs cost 2 to climb and your speed is listed as 30.  A double move will only bring you to Q13.  No LoS from Q13.

@Rune
 Spoiler
No LoS

[User]
 Spoiler
 Move to L13. If I see him, I'll cast entangle on him. If not, double move to L15.

[User]
 GM Kyeudo

LoS established. Zak moves to L13, spots Rune in F13, and casts a spell. Rune needs to make a Reflex save as vines, grasses, and roots try to entangle him.

[User] Hmm... let's hope...  (1d20+1)[ 14 ]

[User]
 DC 13, but you can only move for half speed until you get out of it. 40. ft radius around you.

Your turn.

[User]
 Double move to J13.

 Stats

 Spoiler
HP: 10/10, AC 21, Fort +5, Ref +1, Will +2, DR 2/Adamantine, Light Fortification. Potion on Round 2/100 (Like it matters)

[User]
 Well we both need to make reflex saves again. I'm to close.

 (1d20+3)[ 22 ]

Also, sorry for not posting earlier. Having trouble with GITP. Have to constantly refresh pages to see new post that are up.

ok double move to O13.

your turn.

[User]
 (1d20+1)[ 16 ]

Come on... Come on...

YES! Double Move to N14.

[User]
 Move to R11, and shoot you. You still need to make a reflex save again since your barely, but still in the 40 ft. radius.

 (1d20+3)[ 22 ]
 (1d8)[ 4 ]
 (1d20)[ 16 ]  heel check for wolf. Wolf is at S11.

your turn

[User]
 Hmm...  (1d20+1)[ 3 ]

So much for that.

[User]
 Strength Check to move:

 (1d20+2)[ 17 ]
 Stats

 Spoiler

HP: 8/10, AC 21, Fort +5, Ref +1, Will +2, DR 2/Adamantine, Light Fortification. Potion on Round 2/100 (Like it matters), Entangled

[User]
 Dc 20 for strength check sorry.

but ill gladly shoot you again. 😉
 (1d20+3)[ 7 ]
 (1d8)[ 6 ]

your turn , going on round 4/10 i think. checking.

[User]
 Trying to move again...

 (1d20+3)[ 15 ]

Dang. Your turn.

[User]
 sorry for the long reply. GITP wasnt working with me.

 (1d20+3)[ 17 ]
 (1d8)[ 5 ]

your turn.

That should be an 18 for attack. Forgot about point blank shot. adds +1 to attack within 30 ft. Going on round 5/10.

[User]
 Rune, Round 5

Strength Check  (1d20+2)[ 17 ]

Le sigh. Your turn.

 Spoiler
HP: 8/10, AC 21, Fort +5, Ref +1, Will +2, DR 2/Adamantine, Light Fortification. Potion on Round 5/100 (Like it matters), Entangled

[User]
 (1d20+4)[ 24 ]
 (1d8)[ 1 ]

your turn. Entanlge is now my new favorite low level spell. Going on 6/10.

edit: that sucks. Crit on a 1. Not bothering to do it since you have DR 2/- so it just goes back to 1 damage.

[User]
 Actually, unless that crit confirms, I take no damage.

Strength Check  (1d20+2)[ 20 ]

Woo! Move to R14, and drink a potion of  enlarge person . I am now in RS 15/16.

[User]
 well heres that confirm. and you dont drink the potion or move. breaking the effects of entangle is a full round action. and dont forget to roll a reflex save again after my turn.

 (1d20+4)[ 6 ]

[User]
 Going on round 7/10.

 (1d20+4)[ 8 ]
 (1d8)[ 7 ]

move to O9 afterwards, staying out of range of the entanglement.

your turn.

[User]
 Doh. Forgot about that.

Reflex Save  (1d20+1)[ 19 ]

Move to R11, Drink potion, I'm now in RS 11-12. Your turn.

[User]
 (1d20+4)[ 24 ]
 (1d8)[ 3 ]

Move to I9. Your turn. Entanglement is going on 8/10.

[User]
 wow another crit. Better damage too.

confirm:  (1d20+4)[ 21 ]

your turn. wooo hoooo.

7 damage

[User]
 Move to MN 8-9, Total Defense. And you do realize that you're in the area of your own entangle, right?

And about that crit... On a 4, it didn't happen  (1d4)[ 4 ] .

Woo! Light fortification FTW!

 Spoiler
HP: 7/10, AC 24, Fort +5, Ref +1, Will +2, DR 2/Adamantine, Light Fortification. Potion on Round 5/100 (Like it matters), Enlarge on 2/10

[User]
 i cant see the map right now, but if i am in the entanglement
reflex:  (1d20+3)[ 22 ]

lets see this roll first

[User]
 going on round 9/10.

 (1d20+4)[ 21 ]
 (1d8)[ 4 ]

Move to I5.

your turn.

[User]
 Hmm... I think it's probably suicidal attack time. Charge! MN 8-9 to KL 6-7.

Balance:  (1d20-3)[ 13 ]

[User]
 Well, I keep my footing... now the attack.

Attacking with the horns that Amon grants.

 (1d20+5)[ 21 ]  (Charge, High Ground, Str)

Damage:  (1d6+3)[ 8 ] + (1d8)[ 5 ]

Wow. I do believe that that is game.

[User] well that sucked. good game. I was going to entangle next round too.

[User]
 GM Kyeudo
 Rune is the Winner!


[User]
 Arena Tournament, Round 23:  The BAM  vs.  Likem
 Map

 Spoiler

 XP Award:  300 XP
 GP Award:  300 GP

 The BAM - bayar
 Likem - Siric
 All combatants, please roll initiative.

[User]
 The BAM
  Initiative  - (1d20+4)[ 20 ]

Hopefully this time, you will post more often and not get disqualified...

[User] WIth a -2 Modifier, I can't win this Init. Go.

[User]
 The BAM - Round 1

 Spoiler
Start in K6 with scroll of expeditious retreat and true strike in both hands.
 Standard action:
Cast Mage armor upon myself.
 Move action:
Move to I10

Familiar:
 Spoiler
Starts in K5.
Hide check: (1d20+16)[ 23 ]

Stats:

 Spoiler
HP: 13/13
AC:22 Flat:12 Touch:15
Spells: 5 0lvl, 3 1lvl
Familiar:
 Spoiler
Hiding in K5

Buffs:
 Spoiler
Mage armor:1/600 (+4 AC)
Cover from tree (+2 AC;+1 Reflex)

Edit: Ermm....it is your turn...feel free to post...

[User]
 Gawd, sorry. These things happen? No, really, I'm a douche. No more of this!

Action...

 Spoiler
Move to G 15 (double move)

And I declare Dodge against you.
Stats, known to everyone-

HP  9
AC 18 (19, you)
FORTITUDE +2
REFLEX +4
WILL +0
Point Blank Shot

[User]
 The BAM, Round 2

Since noref came for LOS check, i will assume there is no LOS...

 Spoiler
Move to F12

Not done, need LOS, this time, hopefully, a ref will say something...

[User]
 Initiate Ref Stimpius

Lets wind it back to round 1.

LoS establish

The BAM in I10

and as Likem rounds the bottom left corner of the barn he sees BAM in I10 - He is in I19 by my counting.

Now you may either change your move or keep it the same but please post anything obvious in the open now with LoS established.

[User] well...that was preety unexpected...1 out of 3 chances that we both go the same way...

[User]
 Originally Posted by Siric
 No, really, I'm a douche.

I am waiting on your remade actions, douche !

[User]
 Oh, no, I'm good. Go ahead and Take your move.

(By the way, didn't this happen last time we fought, except we went the other way?)

[User]
 no, the other time i entered the barn and came the same way you did...

So, I preety much shoot you with a speff from my current position:

  attack  - (1d20+5)[ 14 ]
  damage  - (1d8)[ 1 ]

Stats:

 Spoiler
HP: 13/13
AC:22 Flat:12 Touch:15
Spells: 5 0lvl, 2 1lvl

[User]
 I believe I'm in G15, According to My last post...

Shoot at you and duck behind the barn....
You're barely in PBS range.
  attack  - (1d20+7)[ 25 ]
  Damage  - (1d8+2)[ 9 ]

 Spoiler
Move to K21

[User]
 The BAM round 3

 Spoiler
Standard action
Drink a potion of Cure Light Wounds.
 (1d8+1)[ 7 ]

Free action
Drop empty bottle.

Move action
Move to C14.

Stats:

 Spoiler
HP: 11/13
AC:22 Flat:12 Touch:15
Spells: 5 0lvl, 2 1lvl

[User]
 GM Kyeudo

Just barely have LoS.

The BAM is at C14. Likem is at K21.

[User]
 GM Kyeudo
 The BAM is the Winner!


[User]
 As the Moonspeakers disperse back into the woods, you linger a moment to ponder. This was the first Moonspeaker gathering you have been allowed to attend, and the circle officialy recognized you as an initiate. You suddenly notice that another has remained behind, an old dreamseer name Greva. She is the second oldest in the circle, younger only than the High Druid Hess.

"Come closer, Kren, we must speak," she beckons to you. "I have had strange visions this past week. I have kept them to myself thus far, but when I saw you tonight I knew by the tattoo on your arm that I must tell you. Yes, the others may not know, but you cannot hide your mark from those who have our eyes. Not many of our kind choose the service; few remember the debt we owe to the Empire. But enough of this, we must speak of what I saw."

 I saw a lion, proud and noble.
Suddenly he is struck by an arrow.
He turns and roars in defiance at a mighty giant standing near.
The giant's mouth opens and hundreds of arrows pour forth.
The lion is pierced many times and sinks to the ground.
The ground begins to burn, engulfing everything.
The lion disapears, the giant disapears. All that remains visible are five arrows, embedded in the ground in a circle.

You feel your stomach sink and she relays the vision. For the last month you have seen parts of this vision in your dreams--the lion roaring, the flames, arrows everywhere.

"I fear dark days are coming to this world, and I think you may be somehow involved Arrow-Arm. Leave for Vrath in the morning, in the ages past many giants lived there. Tell me what you find, the survival of our people may depend on it."

Before you can speak she shapeshifts into a crow and flies away, leaving you alone with the smoldering embers of the campfire.

[User]
 Damn! Kren had hoped the dreams were nothing more than the dredged-up memories of his time in the Pathfinders... If Greva saw them too, they must mean  something . She was wise one, and her advice was always good. In the morning he would go to Vrath.

Back to the human lands? Not a pleasant thought. The humans had too much...civilization. Too many rules; too many people obedient out of habit or apathy or fear instead of conviction of right. And too much cultivation! The great forests - out here they still stretched for hundreds of miles - were thinned out and tamed by farmers and lumbermen.

Kren settled down for the night under a pine. As he began to doze, wrapped in his cloak, he let himself consider Greva's vision.

The lion - a symbol of Ilium, and its patron, Volcannon... Arrows made him think of the Pathfinders, but why would they turn on their own country? Why  would they join this giant - whatever it represents? His thoughts spinning, Kren drifted to sleep.

Breakfast the next morning was a small rabbit, which Kren caught and ate while he hiked. A few days walk to the woods edge, a quick stop to get horse from Frez the hostler -  he owes me one  - and he would be in Vrath all too soon.

[User] "Look Kren, I'm very appreciative of what you did for me with that mange. I promised never to give the horses alchemical boosters again. I will only use natural methods from now on. But I just don't have a horse I can give you. The only horse I have right now belongs to a knight who's stabling it here for a week. Its a purebred Ilian charger, not some riding horse. I'm supposed to be getting it ready for a joust. Its tempermental, it probably would buck you off anyway."

[User]
 Fighting back the urge to growl, Kren sighs and rubs the bridge of his nose.  Three days fast walk to get here, barely stopping to sleep, and now this.
 A charger, huh? Sounds perfect. Look, Frez, I'm in a hurry and you owe me more than it'll cost to replace. Give it to me - and throw in the tack - and I'll say we're even. Don't say anything, Frez! I'm too tired to argue. Have the horse at the inn before dawn tomorrow, or you'll have to deal with a very angry druid.

Now for a bath, a hot meal, and the last soft bed for a while. The trip to - Drellin, was it? - would be a long one, with little time for comfort.

 Spoiler

Diplomacy = 16 +0 = 16
Wild Empathy = 5+9 = 14
Handle Animal = 17+7 = 24
Ride = 11+3 = 14

[User] Frez opens his mouth to protest but stands dumbfounded as Kren approaches the horse and leads it over to Frez. Frez nods in agreement as the horse nuzzles its new master.

[User]
 Kren left the inn at dawn. The horse was waiting out front - in full barding.  Well, what did I expect? I told him to throw in the tack.  Kren lead the horse back to Frez's stables, removed everything except the saddle as quietly as he could, and left it neatly piled outside the door.

The horse - Horatio was the name on the saddle - pranced a bit when Kren mounted, but a few soothing words quieted him.  Now, let's see how fast a druid can travel!  Placing his hand on Horatio's neck, Kren muttered a few words and felt a surge of power.

 Spoiler
 Traveler's Mount
Lasts 3 hours.
+10 enhancement to move speed.
Can hustle without damage or fatigue.
Cannot make attack rolls.

Base speed / hour = 6 mph.
With  Traveler's Mount  = 14 mph (hustling)
Casting  Traveler's Mount  twice each day gives an overland speed of 96 miles per day on normal terrain. About three times the speed of an unbuffed horse!

Now, he would ride hard for Drellin. Vrath's capital seemed a good place to start a search.

[User]
 After a day of hard riding aided by magic you arrive in Vrath. Not wasting time to find the main road, you cut cross country straight toward Drellin, hoping to find the road along the way. You crest a hill and see the main road stretch out before you. Suddenly the sound of flames assault your ears and your vision goes dark for a moment. You see flashing arrows again.

You shake your head once the vision passes and look down at the road. To the right you see two humans riding at a medium pace, one wears studded leather, has a mustache and wears a whip and rapier at his belt. The other wears a breastplate and has a huge greatsword strapped to his back. Off to the left you catch sight of something strange. Following behind them about 40 feet you see a bit of dirt from the road being kicked up as if there were a rider behind them, but see no rider. Though you can hear faintly the sound of the two humans horses, no sound seems audible from the phenomenon to the left.


[User]
 Arena Tournament, Round 26:  Oathbreaker  vs.  Kurgan
 Map:
 Spoiler

 XP Award:  300 XP
 GP Award:  300 GP

 Oathbreaker - Paladin Latham
 Kurgan - Dragonstar
 All Combatants, please roll initiative.

[User]
 Initiative  (1d20+2)[ 7 ]

I will purchase: Nothing!

[User]
 Nor shall I!

  Initiative  - (1d20+2)[ 5 ]

Looks like you go first - let the battle begin! 😁

[User]
 Oathbreaker round 1:

Oathbreaker starts in B14 with his Large Katana in two hands.  He then double moves to P15 with murder and glee in his bloodshot eyes!

Stats for Refs:

 Spoiler

  Vital Statistics:
 HP:  10/10
 AC:  16, Touch: 12, FF: 14
 Saves:  Fort +2, Ref +2, Will +1
 Current Location: P15
 Current Buffs:  none

[User]
 To charge, or not to charge?  That  is the question...

Oh, what the hell. 😏 Begin in  Y14 , Heavy Pick and Shield at the ready.

Swift action, enter Righteous Fury.

  Chaaaaaaaaarge!

to Q14 and attack.

  attack  - (1d20+7)[ 25 ]  for a potential   damage  - (1d6+4)[ 8 ] .

[User]
 Actually, it's 2 more damage than that - I called the Righteous Fury but didn't calculate it in the damage roll, so you've taken 10.

Stats (for refs):

 Spoiler
HP: 20/20
AC 14
Righteous Fury (flat +2 to damage rolls) will end at the beginning of my turn on Round 3.

You may go...

[User]
 Oathbreaker round 2:

"OW! Now you will hurt you shiny lizard!" Oathbreaker says in his mocking sing-song voice.

Large Katana Attack!  (1d20+2)[ 8 ]  /\ If it threatens  (1d20+2)[ 20 ]
If it hits  (2d8+6)[ 14 ]  /\ If it crits  (2d8+6)[ 9 ]

Armor Spikes Attack!  (1d20+3)[ 7 ]  /\ If it threatens  (1d20+3)[ 5 ]
If it hits  (1d6+2)[ 4 ]  /\ If it crits  (1d6+2)[ 6 ]

Tail Slap Attack!  (1d20)[ 16 ]  /\ If it threatens  (1d20)[ 17 ]
If it hits  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]  /\ If it crits  (1d6+2)[ 5 ]

Stats for Refs:

 Spoiler

  Vital Statistics:
 HP:   2 /10
 AC:  16, Touch: 12, FF: 14
 Saves:  Fort +2, Ref +2, Will +1
 Current Location: P15
 Current Buffs:  none

Edit: Curse my evil alignment!  Oh well. I just had to try out the two-handed weapon + armor spikes as a two weapon fighting thing.  Not as good as the two sword thing. 😏

I am at -1 and dying.

[User]
 Dying and down... Dragonborn Paladin of Bahamut delivers the coup de grace to the evil dragonblood, eh?

  damage  - (4d6+24)[ 34 ]
😎

One more victory away from another Level 2....

[User]
 High Ref Bronz
 Kurgan is declared the victor

And keep the level 2's coming.  We need competition 😁


[User]
 Week 1. Day 1.
You find yourself regaining consciousness. Your head is swimming and you can't remember your name, how you got here, or even where here is. There is a hard surface below you and a gentle breeze brushing against your face. You can hear the sounds of water. A drop of water hits your face. As you open your eyes you find yourself on a small log, barely big enough to hold you. You are completely surrounded by water, but the current seems to be moving you SW. At the end of the first hour your name suddenly comes back to you, but the rest of your memory is blank.

 Spoiler: DC 10 Spot/Search or Knowledge Nature

You can see land off in the direction the current is taking you. Or you realize that if you were out at sea or in a lake the current this far out would move you towards land.

 Spoiler: Environmental Effects

You gain a swim speed = 1/2 base land speed.

[User]
 My head, it hurts . Arthur sees that he's floating towards land.  Finally  as he eagerly awaits getting close to the land.

Spot:  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]

[User] The land is extremely far off and the current is moving you there slowly. At this rate it could take days.

[User] At 2 miles per hour (20ft swim speed), Arthur swims towards the shore.

[User]
 It doesn't take you long to reach the shore. The current moving with you helping things almost not at all. You reach shore in just about 2 hours.

 Spoiler: ooc

Did you take/investigate the object you were floating on or just swim solo?

[User]
 Arthur takes a deep breath as he sets foot on the shore. He takes a look around, trying to get his bearings back, possibly find some food.

 Spoiler
ooc: I was hoping to paddle with my arms on the object for safer travel? Is it not a log?

I also hope to find my items soon, did they wash ashore? 😁

Spot:  (1d20+4)[ 21 ]

[User]
 Spoiler

Just double checking. I don't like to make assumptions.

As you reach the shore you discover the log like object is actually a crate of some kind. The top seems to be sealed on, though there are no nails. You could probably pry it apart by hand. The shore is sandy, though it quickly turns into a wide open field of grass. You can clearly see where the tide reaches as grass starts growing wildly just beyond it. There are scattered trees off in the distance, never more than a grouping of 2 or 3. There are a few rocks scattered up on the beach, possibly deposited by the tides. Your eyes aren't able to find any food in the immediate vicinity. Perhaps further in?

 Spoiler: In the box

In the box you find a backpack, 10d of rations, and a waterskin.

[User]
 Arthur ventures to near the trees, hoping to find some lodging. He'll be quiet while doing that to avoid getting unnecessary attention, and will be keeping his eyes and ears open for any activity in the vicinity.

 Spoiler

Spot
 (1d20+4)[ 10 ]
Listen
 (1d20+4)[ 18 ]
Move Silently
 (1d20+9)[ 21 ]

[User]
 As you approach the trees you begin to realize they are a good distance off. You estimate it'll take you 1hr if not more to reach them traveling at full speed.. You move silently as you travel. The grass makes most of the efforts easy, but hiding in an open field proves as difficult as it sounds. It does slow your pace a bit. You can hear animals in the grass as you move, their keen senses able to detect you. They seem to scurry off in fear of you. As you draw closer to the trees you can clearly see some birds fluttering about. Occasionally they call out to one another but they are normally silent. Drawing close to the trees proves to be quite inspiring, there are only 5 it turns out, but you can see other groups off in the distance. The shortest tree is at least 30, more likely 40, feet tall. The others are taller ranging between 50'-60'. You can probably jump and grab a hold of the lowest hanging branches of the shortest tree. The others have branches too far off the ground to do so without climbing up the trunks. One of the trees seems to be bearing fruit of some sort.

 Spoiler: Climbing Trees

The shortest (DC 5 jump and 5 climb) reveals little new knowledge of the surrounding area. The exception of course being there is grass as far as you can see from this vantage point. And the landscape is constantly dotted with small groups of trees such as this. Some seem to have undergrowth of some sort while others do not. The trees to the north typically having it. The closest cluster of trees to the south and west also has undergrowth, but the others to the south seem to just be trees.

 Spoiler: DC 10 climb or DC 5 jump and 5 climb

Climbing the largest trees gives you far more information. You soon realize that you are almost surrounded by sea. Looking North and East you see water. Looking West and South you see nothing but land. Straining your eyes it almost seems like the land ends in the South, but at that distance it could simply be a shadow. For sure though the colors are darker. To the west though things stay constant.

 Spoiler

I moved you all the way to the tree line given your post. I'm also assuming you left the box behind where you were without opening it.

[User]
 Originally Posted by Deadlykire

 Spoiler

I moved you all the way to the tree line given your post. I'm also assuming you left the box behind where you were without opening it.

 Spoiler

I assumed I opened it by your last post. I'm obviously taking whatever is in it 🙂

 Seems I'm alone out here. Would better find some shelter.
  mumbles Arthur, as he looks around. He figures he should go around a bit and see what the island has to offer. He goes to the northern forest.

[User]
 Spoiler

Search checks to find things around. Survival to build a shelter. Survival to try and find/food water. If you've already identified a source of each a 10 lets you have food and water for a day. If you don't say you take an action, I assume you don't. I spoiler some possible actions I think you could take or information you might want. If you take them, read the spoiler. If not post what you do instead. I do this in the interest of keeping the game moving. So are you staying at the current trees trying to find supplies with which to build a shelter or moving on? Or are you finding materials and moving on?

[User]
 Spoiler
I'm pretty content with not having a shelter for now, bedroll and the box should cover those, and I have 10 days worth of rations which should be plenty. Where is the box currently, direction-wise?

I walk towards the northern forest, still keeping an eye and an ear on whatever there might be around me.

Arthur whistles a wacky tune that he barely remembers as he walks towards the northern forest, where he hopes to find some company.

[User] You continue to wander North into the woods. Having taken the supplies from it, you leave the crate to the south on the beach where you came ashore.


[User]
 "Miss? Would you be wanting some stew brought up to your rooms? You look as though you've seen better days, and Brenna always does make too much. We can spare a little, on the house."

Open friendliness isn't something you're accustomed to, at least not for extended periods of time, but the innkeeper seems like a perpetually jovial sort, one more interested in making sure his patrons are happy than in collecting their coin. An oddity for an innkeep, Morin, as he warmly gave his name in his deep, booming voice upon your arrival, is a large, muscular man in the prime of his life. Though he looks more suited to toiling away in a blacksmith shop with his leather and cloth apron, his face speaks volumes of his hospitality, with bright, attentive eyes and a ready smile.

The White Horse isn't the only inn in Longdale, but it is certainly the most popular, at least insofar as you were able to tell in your short time here. Merry - and more than a little drunk in most cases - patrons fill the commonroom, laughing loudly over jokes only slightly humorous, singing songs only slightly in key, and giving looks to passing barmaids only slightly within the bounds of decency. Two stories, the White Horse fits the typical architecture perfectly: kitchen and dining areas on the ground level, rooms on the floor above. A single staircase leads upstairs from the commonroom, and while there are four rooms available, Morin has already given you the key to his "finest accommodations", a room overlooking the front of the inn with a single large window nearly the size of an entire wall.

"Or if you like, I could clear a place for you at one of the tables," Morin offers, brandishing a rag that seems only slightly dirtied. "A bit of socializing never hurt nobody, now did it? So, what'll it be?"

[User]
 I feel strange in this new town, and even stranger in this inn. It almost is as though I'm welcome here. That of course rouses my suspicions, something must be happening here. But I don't want to flee again, I don't know where, and this could also be luck. And I do like being in this place, the people are friendly, and there haven't yet been any mobs after me so far. Alltogether, a very nice place. And I even received free lodging. That's never happened before. Thinking about that my suspicions rise again, could Morin be a cultist, aiming to put me at ease to kidnap me?

I just don't know, but I also know that I can't run away now. I look down to the ground for a moment, passing my eyes over my clothes. As I so often do, I wear simple clothes, those of a traveller. It's a wide, loose-fitting dress, and even that is unpleasant to wear. My wings are folded around my body, but I have to keep them there tightly, otherwise they would become visible, and to make things worse, when I'm sitting I have to keep them up, so I don't sit on them, and I can't lean back, that would hurt my back too much. They can't be shown in any way, if they would pop out from under my dress it would lead to problems, especially considering their black color.

But still, I stand here, and I don't want to arouse any suspicions. I smile at him: "It would be wonderful to sit at the table, but I don't want to intrude on your hospitality. You are too kind, sir."

[User]
 "Nonsense!" Morin replies with a laugh. He makes his way to the nearest table, clearing a space at the end of one of the benches - more by forcibly shoving the rest of the patrons further down with the wide sweeps of his broad shoulders as he soaks up spilled ale and stew than by virtue of there actually being enough room for one more - then gestures for you to have a seat. "Back in a jiff with that dinner of yours, miss," he says, moving back toward the kitchen.

Your nearest would-be dining companion looks up before you can so much as take a step toward your seat, eyeing you in a way not quite appropriate for a man of his advancing age. Stringy gray hair hangs almost to his chin, framing a face with a leer made palatable only by the fact that his much-broken nose shows he's been punished for it at least a few times. "And what's a fine miss like yourself doing in a place like this, hm? Here to audition for the - ow! Gods blind you, Morin, that hurt!" The man's voice, pitched low in something you assume was meant to be welcoming, abruptly rises several octaves toward the end, as the tip of Morin's damp rag makes a whip crack against the back of the man's neck.

"Senn, don't bother the girl. Mind your own business and go back to your drink," Morin says, turning back to continue on to the kitchen. "And don't mind the locals, miss. They aren't the most refined bunch, but they're harmless. Feel free to kick some shins if they bother you."

[User]
 Sitting down always is a little difficult, but this time its at the end of a bench, which makes it quite a lot easier to get in place. But still, its not nearly as confortable as a nice pile of pillows to lie on. I lean forwards at all, never backwards. That's too painful. I already hate the man sitting next to me, filthy old pervert. At least he doesn't try to burn me, or carve my heart out. I can feel the hunger gnawing on my stomach, I have to eat, I've not had anything for two days. I never know when I can, so I tend to space out my meals.

"Thank you again, kind sir. I hope that I will ever be able to repay your kindness. "

This all is so strange. Why is he so kind? Especially when all the other visitors are like that. Something must be going on, but I just don't know what. I look at all the other customers, wondering about what this audition is. It takes me a few moments to gather the courage, before I ask, in a soft voice: "Uhm, what is this audition thing?"

[User]
 "Oho, a shy one!" Senn croons, apparently undeterred by his previous treatment. "Why, for the entertainment here, of course. The dear old White Horse just hasn't been the same since since Gwen packed up and left. Easy on the eyes and ears, that one. Shame..." He trails off, staring into his drink with a mixture of what you take to be longing and general drunken haziness.

Morin returns a moment later, reaching between you and Senn to deposit a healthy portion of stew and bread before you, followed swiftly by a mug of a dark red wine. "Appreciate the patience, miss," he says, wiping a bit of spilled wine from his hands with his ever-present rag. "Brenna took some convincing, but I've brought you a bit of our best to drink. I hope nobody bothered you too much while I was gone. Enjoy, and feel free to ask if you need anything. I'll be around, keeping these hooligans content."

 Spoiler
One thousand pardons for the delays. Once I get things back in order around here updates should be both more frequent and more interesting. Right now it's just trying to squeeze a few minutes in to write something between customers, so eh. Anyway, on with the show.

[User]
 "Thank you very much, sir. You are really kind.", I say, before I take a bite. And then a sip of the wine. I never had any before, and I like the taste. I like it a lot actually. But the food also is very good, but I try to not eat too rapidly, that would mark me out as a stranger, and that could even endanger me. So, I try to be as normal as possible. But his best? Why would I be given the best wine, if I can't even pay? There is something wrong, unless luckis shining on me for the very first time. I however do not trust on that, I have never been lucky in all my years. Not in such a way at least.

But what can I do? Run away? They would catch me in an instance, and there are enemies everywhere. I look at this filthy man, Senn: "Where did this Gwen go?"


[User]
 You live in a rather busy growing city called vor rheon which is one of many cross and half-bred cities in this world.  this city has half dwarves with some elven traits like orcs and half-humans with halfling traits.  on top of the other races.  Today your handler named Mrs. Rika a half-giant half-orc woman that can be fun but very strict and you all learned not to make her angry or upset.  She was assigned by the society of chosen an organization that finds chosen ones when they appear and raises and teaches them. The home spent most life in is a rather simple home that has a few magical areas like the training grounds which is a semi-separate dimension that they summon enemies and train you guys to fight them.

 You each have a room with a bed a closet and a drawer for your clothing. it also has a rather simple bathroom with a toilet and a sink for handwashing. There is a basement in there is an indoor bathhouse but also punishment cells as well for when you guys misbehave that makes you almost human and not able to use racial or class abilities while in there. Three playrooms that have toys for you guys to play with and a reading room with all book you guys would want.  There is a schoolroom where you guys get educated.  The city has many markets a lot of garden park areas that you can play in as it has many open spaces.  It has a lot of shops some even have candy and treats in it. Today you guys got lucky as mean old Mrs. Rika has a meeting and you all have free time to do something. You have a massive house or rather a big city to play in or do something in you can do it as a group of by your selves it is really up to you guys.

[User]
 Today Que gets all the perks of the Society of Chosen with none of the downsides. Her handler is gone, and Que is free to do whatever she wants. For today at least. And, the best upside is free food. The house is an adjustment and a half, but living here is better than living on the streets, most days anyways. Que definitely thinks she got the better end of the deal. She has to do some annoying stuff for her handler once in a while, but she completely has life made now.

She rolls out of bed early. Heading to the bathroom, she rubs her eyes. The sink towers over the tiny grippli. She opens her mouth wide and uses her long tongue to stick to the sink. She pulls herself up and flops into the large basin. The fact that her room has running water would have blown her mind at one point. Now, it is an accepted fact of life. Hot water too. She turns the water on and runs a bath for herself. When she finishes she hops down and heads for the kitchen. Her pet frog hops on her head to join her. The small frog is about half the size of her head.

[User]
 Lamia Lamina

Lamina wakes up and uncoils herself from her bed, grabbing a simple robe from her dress. She begins her usual routine of stretches and preening, including brushing her teeth and polishing her horns.

Lamina slithers her way into the bath house and draws a lot of warm water, before sliding in. She could be in there for hours, meditating and soaking up the heat from the water. It was probably her favorite spot to relax in the whole manse. Generally, Lamina was both behaved and witty enough to avoid trouble, but these long soaks would often cause her to lose track of time, making her late for lessons or meals.

[User]
 Celiere

Emerging from the dreams of trance, Celiere slides out of bed and quickly cleans up. Halfway through pulling on day-to-day clothes, she starts for a moment as she realizes that today will be a free day, and quickly pulls on leather armor and a heavy cloak instead. Moving into the hallway, Celiere muses on what she could do today.

Certainly, getting a chance to head outside and explore the city more would be great. Vor Rheon certainly was not like the North. Though initially the amount of unknown people around all the time was a shock and slightly scary, after so much time with oversight a chance to do more independently and have some fun is welcome. Getting a chance to run around a park sounds appealing too, as there is just not enough space in this house sometimes.

Arriving in the kitchen, Celiere starts fixing a simple meal of bread and fruits.

[User]
 Que walks up to the massive kitchen counter. It is not easy being Tiny in a Medium person's world. She sticks her hands to the cabinets and climbs so she can better reach her food. Her tongue whips out of her mouth to open doors. She sticks some fruit to her tongue and drops it on a plate. She hums a little catchy tune while she gathers her breakfast. Some jerky sounds good. She grabs some dried pig and puts it on her plate.

From on the wall, Que greets Celiere, "Good morning, Celiere. Having breakfast?" She picks up some fruit with her tongue. "Want some fruit?" She offers it to Celiere.

[User]
 [Sorry for the delay...]

Finally! A free day! Before she closed her eyes for sleeping, she made plans what to do! Most of the time, she wanted to spend at one of this training rooms - slashing monsters, exercising, meditation. Repeat. What a wonderful day this will become!

But now, in the morning, she sleeps. Snoring, with one foot out of her bad, the nightshirt  somewhere  and the blanket gone missing... Normally, they got woken up by  The Troll  , every morning too early. But not today.

2 hours later than she wanted to stand up, Gethseme opens one eye, slowly. It took a few moments for her to realise, that the sun stands already higher than every other morning.

She shouts and swears, jumps out of the bed, takes her clothings, armor and sword and run down into the kitchen.

 Dammit, I'm late! Can someone help me with my armor?  she asked, still in her slipped nightshirt.
No good morning, no please. Her mood wasn't the best...

[User]
 Que flattens against the cabinet when she hears yelling. Her skin changes to match the furnishings. When she sees Gethseme exit her room, she puts the fruit on her tongue on her plate and hops off the wall. Her skin returns to its normal color.

She blinks. "Good morning. How can you be late? We have nothing to do today." She smiles. "Sure, I'll help you with your breastplate." A dwarf around her height is a nice quality to have around. The kids around her age are normally four times her height, instead a dwarf is near double.

Her feet slap against the floor as she awkwardly walks to receive her armor. "Lamia is in the bathhouse. Are you hungry? I was going to bring her food." If Que is allowed access to the armor she will help don it. She can't really lift it over Gethseme's head, but she can help secure it once the armor is over her shoulders. "Do you think a whole pig will be enough for her?"

[User]
 Neme's room is pitch black, the windows blacked out with heavy coverings. This makes it easier to sleep in. Still, the stirrings of the house begin to wake her. Free time! A novel thought, she always looked forward to them, but of course she had spent most of the night trying to commune with.....her, and now, even this late, she was tired and exhausted. She tumbles out of her top bunk as lithely as a cat, and grabs her black silk kimono off a hook. She opens her door slowly, it is heavy and creaks loudly.

  "Mmphm"

So bright. Coffee. Must. Have. Coffee.

[User]
 Celiere
[Sorry for the delay I hope this works in continuity]

Celiere accepts the offered fruit from Que.

" Sure! And good morning to you as well, Que. " Briefly wiping a thumb over the spot where Que held it before eating, she keeps her head in her food until Gethseme rushes in.

" Well you look to be in a hurry. Do you have plans already?  " The dwarf could be a bit single-minded but was certainly good at and devoted to the training simulations.

[User]
 Que gave Celiere the fruit.

"Celiere, would you help Gethseme with her armor? I want to bring you know who breakfast before everyone finishes eating without her." Que leaves Gethseme with her armor and steps back.

Que raids the kitchen for food for Lamina. Doors wide open. Food left around. A whole pig is probably good? Que gets a big plate and piles on tons of food for the snake person. An animal worth of dried meat. Fruit. Cheese. Veggies. Sliced Bread.

She holds her own plate in the air with her tongue and lifts the larger plate above her head. She wobbles at the weight. The pitter patter of feet echo through the halls as Que runs down them. She heads for the bathhouse. The door...

Que puts her plate down. Opens the door with her tongue. Holds it open with her foot. Grabs the plate again with her tongue. And, tries to sneak inside without making too much noise. She whispers as if not to wake Lamina but, she does want to wake her. "Lamina... Lamina." She looks around for the snake person.

[User]
 Lamia Lamina

Lamia flicks her tongue. Sneaking up on her was usually quite futile, as even if she was asleep, the strong scents and sounds would have awakened her. Judging by the scent, level of intelligence, and sound of the footsteps as the creature struggled to get a meal to her, must be Que. Lamia, who had been laying on the top of the water, wiggled her way to the edge of the bath and let herself sink so that her chin could rest on the edge.

"Good morning, Que," she says, unblinkingly following the Grippli with her golden eyes. "I see you brought me something to eat. It smells like pork." She makes no effort to leave the bath. It's too warm and comfortable for her. Instead she just waits for Que to get the platter to her. "Thanks, but as I strive for enlightenment, the only susss-" Lamia is cut short by the sound of her own stomach growling. Being a growing greensnake naga is difficult. While one might usually sustain themselves on little while doing minimal activity, growing and molting takes a lot of energy.

[User]
 Spoiler: Pic

One of the twins also walks into the kitchen. Their morning routine as always taking a while. There is a lot off to maintain, and a long spell to cast. At least today she didn't have to rush. The other half is still taking care of Kiko, training with little fox friend. Still, there is two of them and that means another half can make food, and maybe chat with the others.

" Doing anything today? " She asked, none in particular. She didn't have any plans herself, well she had and idea, but that would require Que, who doesn't seem to be here. Oh well, maybe there is some else who had an interesting idea.

[User] Neme prays to the Gods of Caffeine as she loads the perculator with delicious wakefulness. She does her best to tone out the others as she inhales the first notes of the aromatic beans.


[User]
 In Downtown, Las Vegas The Fremont Street Experience offers shops, live music, restaurants, live entertainers and even some attractions. The Fremont Street Experience covers five blocks. There are many tourists around, going in and out of the shops, some spending their time taking pictures and some enjoying the slotzilla zipline traveling under the world's largest video screen. Everything is in excess to say the least, with people enjoying their time.

You have come to the Fremont Street Experience, after receiving an anonymous letter, printed on marigold sheet of paper and delivered via 1st class U.S. Mail to your Hotel room, house, apartment etc...inviting you to meet for a Photo op at noon at Binions Gambling Hall, a casino, mostly famous for their free photo with 1,000,000$ cash with other recipients of this letter. Currently it's 11:00am so you have some time to kill and entertain yourself before meeting at the Photo Op with the others.

 Storyteller comment: This invitation came yesterday, so you have had plenty of time to do your research and others before coming here. If you have something else in mind, don't hesitate to let me know or ask in OOC about it, before posting.

[User]
 The only thing Morrigan loved more than a photo shoot was a mystery. So an anonymous letter promising a photo op with a bunch of other people who also received (presumably) an anonymous letter? She was in.

On some level she was aware that this could very well be a scam. Or a trap. She had never really integrated with her Tradition, or with  dat Mage Lyfe  in general, but she supposed this could be some sort of plot by the Nephandi, or whatever.

But still... she had to know what was going to happen.

So she dressed up: pretty sundress with a bold patter of stars and planets, unruly hair pulled back, stylish but sensible shoes. And then over that she yeeted a big giant baggy hoodie and pulled the hood up and squinched her way all the way down into it.

So she could scope the area before being all BOOM! Real star here in the midst.

The only thing she loved more than photoshoots and mysteries was meeting fans. But as her sensei said,  there was a time and a place for every purpose under heaven.

Or maybe that was Byrds.

[User]
 Sister Lily was thinking hard about whether to come or not. On one hand, the message was kind of innocent, on the second, it felt… pointless? Come to casino to meet random people? And take a photo with them? It could be fun, of course, but the whole thing felt… kind of silly, for her.

Then, of course, maybe there was something more behind this all? Like, some twist of Fate? Or, even more to her liking, the God’s will? Who was she, His humble servant, to argue with His judgement and plans?

Good Christian always trusted God. She always considered herself to be one.

So, according to the mysterious note, she went into the casino, wearing her nun’s robes, covered feet to head in that. There was not much about her aside from her clothing, to be honest. Glasses on her nose and a rosary by her belt. Worn-out pair of shoes below her frock. Nothing out of the ordinary.

She was looking around, trying to find other people she was meant to take photo with. The casino was not really her favored environment and there was subtle signs that she does not approve of this place – and that she is feeling lost inside. She spent her life in prayer, contemplation and spiritual pursuit. What could she – her whole education and dedication – be of use here?

[User]
 Johnny knew there was no such thing as a coincidence, not in this town. An anonymous letter offering money and fame? Yeah, right. Maybe it's a promotional stunt, but his hackles were raised. Plus, he wasn't exactly friendly with all of the powers-that-be. Before going, he definitely did some research. He considered checking the letter itself for any wards or magical tracking, but what was the point if they already had his address?

 Spoiler: OOC
Johnny will conduct some mundane research on Freemont Street Experience and Binions Gambling Hall before going. I assume you'll want to roll something like Research+Intelligence or whatever, but wanted to put that out there.

Before the big event, Johnny wandered around the casino a bit, taking in the sights and sounds. He lit up, grateful you could still smoke indoors in Vegas, an indulgence forbidden everywhere else save in this shrine to indulgence itself. He puttered around, watching tourists drinking in the morning, people who had been up all night chasing a strand of luck, the grim professional pleasantness of the waitresses and dealers. He looked for anything out of the ordinary, though that might be impossible here, where nothing was ordinary.

 Spoiler: More OOC
Johnny is gonna try and see if there's anything weird going on - big thugs, shifty characters, people watching him. Again, mundane stuff here, not going to use magic just yet.


[User]
 The first thing Ryoma feels is a warm slab of stone against his back, followed by a dry heat bearing down on him and then, a sharp pain in his leg. When he opens his eyes, he sees a clear blue sky overhead, and surrounding him, people clad in breezy uniform robes. The first looks just like him - if he were older, and carrying a hammer. Beside him is a woman who stands apart from everyone else - and he recognizes her as his mother, the man as his father. Around them are other people he recognizes, people from his Soccer Club, Shimabukuro-sensei, other students who've fawned over him, and he can just about make out the forms of Kezui and Rin, though they're somehow dwarfed by the tool-carrying throngs surrounding him.

 "I don't believe that got it."  Izuru says, as he looks over Ryoma, who suddenly realizes that his arms and legs have been bound to the stone slab. And the fact that he is laid naked on the slab, completely bare for these people to see. He's brought out of a flush of shame as his father slams the mallet in his hand against his shoulder, sending a pulsing pain through it that makes him cough out a sliver of rainbow-colored bile.  "Aha."  He smiles.  "I think we've found another source."
 "You've said that the last ten times."  Megan chides his father, as she wipes the bile off of Ryoma's lips with a rag.  "Our boy will never be normal if you keep jumping to conclusions. Patience, dear."
 "You're right."  Izuru sighs, as he reaches somewhere out of Ryoma's sight and retrieves a clamp that he latches onto Ryoma's shoulder and slowly starts to turn the crank, compressing Ryoma's muscular shoulder tighter and tighter, as he feels more bile building up in his throat, ready to be coughed out.  "I just...he'll never be accepted the way he is. Why is it our son who has to be this way?"  Another turn of the crank.  "Look at all the other parents!"

It's at this point that Ryoma becomes aware of more than just the people surrounding him, and sees the desert that surrounds him. But more than just golden sand, he sees a dozen other teenagers, a dozen other stone slabs, with similar people surrounding them. But, rather than being hammered at, their bodies put in a vice, they go through but a brief examination before being pulled off the table, presented with a grey robe, and another set of people arrives to make use of their crafting table.

 "That's just how it is."  Megan says, as she wipes up another mouthful of rainbow-colored bile that's been forced out of Ryoma's lips.  "But we're all here for him. And if we work hard enough, we'll get these urges out of him, and he'll be able to find a lovely wife. There are so many upstanding girls to choose from,"  She smiles, as she looks over the giggling robe-clad students nearby.  "And the other players won't have to be worried about him doing things to them while they're asleep! Think of what that will do for his career!"  She says, as the soccer club cheers.

A smile emerges on Izuru's face, as he cranks the vice yet tighter.  "He'll be so happy."  He says, as he watches Ryoma spew another mouthful of bile, it gets wiped off, and he finally removes the vice and puts it carefully to the side. Ryoma's mangled shoulder pops back into place, and a quick whack of Izuru's hammer produces no further bile.  "Aha! It seems to have worked this time. We just have the rest of him to check."  He says, as he brings his hammer down on Ryoma's thigh and the boy feels another mouthful of liquid churn out of his guts. Izuru wipes his eye.  "We'll be here all day, if we have to."

Shimabukuro-senpai, Ryoma's gym coach, suddenly speaks up in his usual soft voice.  "I have an idea."  He says, as a pair of pliers suddenly appear in his muscular hand.  "We tackle where his urges emerge."  He says, and everyone's gaze slides over to Ryoma's exposed privates.  "It's not the source. But he won't need it for marriage. And it'd never work for a man."
 "Interesting..."  Izuru rubs his chin.

[User]
 Ryoma struggles helplessly against the restraints, trying to cover himself. His face is burning red and his chin and neck are slick with the sticky, rainbow bile. The heat is intense, as the relentless desert sun bakes the stone slab beneath him. Soon, it will be hot enough to sear his flesh.   I have to get out of here,   he thinks, panicking.

 "How did I get here?!? Let me go!  DAD, PLEASE! "  Ryoma screams at his father, his pleading eyes searching the dark, twisted faces that surround him. They look like his family and friends, but he senses that there's something wrong with all of them. In the distance, the forms of Rin and Kezui start to fade, vanishing like mirages into the sizzling desert air.

At Shimabukuro-sensei's suggestion, Ryoma starts to cry.  "No! No! Anything but that! I'll be good!"  Tears stream down his face, and he sobs, not understanding how or why this all could be happening.

[User]
 "What's wrong with you, Ryoma-kun?"  Izuru says, taken out of his musing by the screaming of his son.  "You never normally act this way. You're such a confident young man."
 "It must be these urges."  Megan says, as she gently dabs away the bile sticking to Ryoma's skin.  "Look at what they're doing to our poor boy."  As she wipes away a tear, her skin stretches more than would be expected.  "Takeru, please give him some water. He'll shout himself sore."

Ryoma's little brother steps out of the robe-clad people, a jug in his hand, and is urged on by Ryoma's fellow soccer-players, whose features seem wider, a little more muscular, with every passing second.  "Hey, big bro."  He says, as he puts the jug to Ryoma's lips.  "Mom and dad say you're going to be awesome again when we get all this stuff out of you."  As he speaks, he pours the liquid into Ryoma's mouth, where it feels like acid rather than water, burning at his tongue, his throat, feeling like it's draining only more of the moisture from his skin.

[User]
 "Ryoma. Don't listen to them."    A strange, yet familiar voice echoes across the desolate sands.    "It's okay to be different."    The figures representing Takeru, Izuru, Megan, and Shimabukuro-sensei suddenly yell, trying to drown out this new voice.  "Ryoma, we just want what's  best  for you!" "Ryoma, why can't you just be  normal ?" "Ryoma, what's  wrong  with you?" "Ryoma, why don't you  try harder ?" "Ryoma, life will be hard if you don't  change ."  Their voices swell into a cacophonous roar, almost overwhelming the boy with their intensity.

   "Be still!"    The new voice asserts, instantly silencing the littany of other urgings. The figures around him fall silent, and the new voice is closer now than ever before.

 "Huh?"  Ryoma struggles against the restraints, trying to get a better view of who is speaking.    "I've always loved you, lil' brother. Mom and Dad love you too. We all do. This, all of this... it's all in your head."    Now, Rin reappears, stepping forward out of the crowd, speaking with this new voice that's not her own. Behind her, the darkened crowd of the shadows Ryoma's family and friends melt into increasingly more grotesque forms.

Suddenly, another figure emerges from the mass of shadowy limbs and body parts. Kezui steps forward and reaches out to Ryoma, offering a hand of comfort. In his other hand, he holds a round cactus plant, bright green and vibrant, but covered in small, sharp spines.    "You don't need to be so hard on yourself,"    he says in that same strange, yet comforting voice, gently caressing Ryoma's cheek.    "Here. Drink this, it'll help."    He breaks the cactus open with both hands, revealing a pool of crystal clear, sparkling water inside. Kezui lifts the plant to Ryoma's lips, tipping the water into his mouth.

Parched, Ryoma drinks. And drinks. And drinks. The water quenches a thirst that he's felt for a long, long time. One that he'd always been afraid to acknowledge, to yield, to believe. When the cactus is dry, Ryoma sits up, the restraints gone. Kezui smiles and grabs Ryoma's hand, and the two boys lace their fingers together tightly. Staring into Kezui's bright green eyes, Ryoma leans forward for a tentative kiss. He feels their lips meet, and the rush of excitement warms his blood. He closes his eyes, and the harsh environment of the desert fades. For a moment, there's nothing and no one else but the boy he loves.

Ryoma opens his eyes to a blinding light. Kezui is glowing, a sort of rainbow-shifting hue emanating outward from his skin. He smiles and steps backward, joined by Rin. She shares the same eminence, and Ryoma stares in awe as the two continue to glow brighter and brighter. Eventually, the glow is so bright that he's forced to shade his eyes and look away. When he's able to glance back at them, there's a third figure standing behind them. A tall, lupine figure, with pointed ears and snout, sharp teeth and claws. Despite the figure's fearsome appearance, Ryoma is not afraid.

When he speaks, the three figures speak in unison. Now, it's clear, the voice he's heard all along, that familiar voice, belongs to the figure standing before him.    "I came to you in these forms to give you strength and reassurance. To remind you of your loved ones. To help you. But only  you  can accept who you are. Who  we  are."
 "W-who we... are? Who I am?"  Ryoma asks, confused.

The figure winks.    "You know."
 "I-I'm gay."  It's hard for the boy to choke out the words, but he does. He feels how important it is, in this moment, to be true to himself.

A light, airy chuckle fills the air.    "There. Was that so hard?"
 "I've always wished I could change it. I never asked to be different!"
   "Liking other boys is not the worst thing that could happen to you. You could be a trickster spirit bound to a confused teenage boy's cognition, after all."    The figure winks again.

 "Who are you?"
   "I am you. You are me. We are Ryoma. We are Mq'ii."
 "Mq'ii..."

Suddenly, the desert landscape melts away, and Ryoma's consciousness rushes back into his body, in a disorienting swirl of light.


[User]
 Shiro finds himself standing in an arena. Lights bear down on him like a wave, the buzzing of the crowd penetrates his skull, and the smell and feel of baby oil dominates his body. The stands are filled with people, whose buzzing starts to quiet down as an announcer in a crisp suit steps into the center of the boxing ring to Shiro's side. He clears his throat.

 "Welcome, ladies and gentlemen, to your main event. This is a something most of you may not be used to, as what we'll be seeing is a gauntlet match. To my right, you see A Figurative Representation of Life,"  He gestured to the broad, muscular figure that stood on one side of the ring. Their features were indistinguishable, from a face that never seemed to settle on a set of features, to boxing gear that shifted colors like oil on water. "And his challenger, The Nikaido Triplets!"

Shiro blinked and became aware of two figures at either side of him.  "First up, Shiro-san!"  To his left was a lean version of himself, a little less bodyfat, a little less muscle, but a wiry figure with an elegant posture, his jet-black hair smartly slicked back, and loose silver shorts. He folds his arms over his chest and the crowd cheers him, mostly older voices, with a particular pair that catches Shiro's interests - his parents, standing in the crowd behind him.

 "If he should fall, Shiro-chan!"  To his right was a much beefier Shiro, with pecs that could pop a watermelon and manly stubble on his jaw. He pumps his fist in the air, making his messy black hair bounce and the crowd erupts in much more boisterous cheers, noticeably younger, and noticeably more feminine. By the end of their cheers, he's standing smugly with his hands on his hips and his tight black shorts accentuating a particular feature.

 "And...the other one."  The announcer says, as he steps out of the ring with his mic in hand.  "Just Shiro."  There's some polite applause from the crowd as Shiro stands there in shorts that aren't even halfway between the two Shiros beside him - just a mess of mottled grey shorts made of some cheap material.

 "First up,Shiro-san! Please make your way to the ring!"  The announcer declares. Shiro-san promptly strides up to the steps, up them...and falls to the floor, as Shiro-chan rushes up and slams his fist under his jaw. The crowd roars in approval, save for Shiro's parents, who gasp in shock.  "And he's out before he's even entered the ring! It looks like Shiro-chan never planned to give him a chance! Well, let's see what happens next!"  He announces, as the knocked-out Shiro-san simply fades away.

Shiro-chan enters the ring, touches gloves with AFROL and the match begins. What follows is a brutal slugfest between the pair of boxers. AFROL lays in the hits, but Shiro-chan takes them and just keeps fighting back. His scrappy fighting turns the crowd even more in his favor, a high-pitched cheer emergig every time he lands a hit, or even gets close. He lands a strike on Afrol's cheek, an uppercut on his jaw, and he seems to have the larger fighter cornered when POW. A fist from out of nowhere, and Shiro-chan's fighting spirit is shattered as he slumps to the mat. The crowd boos at the top of their lungs as he crawls to the edge of the ring, falls off of the apron, and fades away.

 "Well...I guess this'll do."  The announcer says, as the crowd quiets down to mostly their own conversations, a significant portion of them simply starting to leave as Shiro steps up to the ring.  "Now we have Just Shiro. Let's see if this...inspiring young...oh, forget it. Where's my paycheck?"

Shiro finds himself standing in the ring, opposite AFROL,with the crowd not even against him - just apathetic. Not even his parents seem to give a damn. At least his brother is watching.

[User]
 Well, this turned out to be a complete crapshoot.

  Oh, of course they'd support the 'perfect' me. Typical,   thought Shiro as he watched one version of himself clock out the other. Admittedly, the Shiro in the black shorts had good form, too - better than his, as far as he could tell. So, to see him get knocked out so suddenly, and to crawl out like that was... surprising.

Shiro made a sarcastic slow clap as Shiro-chan was knocked out, and stepped up onto the stage as the crowd began leaving. As he settled into his fighting stance, he looked around, and caught his brother's eyes. The only person here who would pay attention to him was his brother. Things were rough between Shiro and his parents, but Kenji always knew that he could depend on his older brother. And now, he was the only one watching this.

Bringing up his fists, Shiro went in against the shifting form of AFROL, launching a quick jab, followed by an uppercut.

[User] Shiro finds his jab pushed aside by AFROLs muscular forearm, the figure only seeming taller the closer her gets, and his uppercut is dodged with a lean of AFROL's head. Then, it's punished with a jab that slams right into Shiro's forehead. His vision fades to black, his ears ring, and he finds himself just barely on his feet. The crowds in the theater have thinned out, the lights dimmed, and his parents are just starting to leave as AFROL starts to close the distance with its ever-shifting legs.


[User]
 Kai finds himself sitting in an apartment. It's nothing special, as far as they go. A little messy. A little cramped. He's sitting  on his couch, a pot of ramen on his lap while something plays on the television. He doesn't know what it is - it's just something, some kind of noise to fill the space outside his head. He feels like himself, at least - he's got his favorite t-shirt on, the ramen is the good kind, with the cute girl on the pot, and he has nothing to do.

Then, his front door opens, and he sees his father standing there. Something like his father, anyway - the same suit he's been wearing since Kai's mother left. Same haircut. All that's different is that he's a little...greyer than normal. It takes a moment to notice, but it's like his suit has seeped into his skin and there's not a dash of color left. No brown eyes, and his skin, though always a shade too pale, is like paper. Even if he squints, Kai can't even tell where the suit starts.

 "Hello, Kai-kun."  The elder Matsuda greets, not stepping into the room.  "I've come to offer you a job."  His voice seems more and more droning by the second, almost like it's recited.  "Again. You've fallen off the tracks, but you can salvage your life. You can be filing paperwork by the end of the day."

When Kai gets up, takes a step to close some of the distance, he feels something rush through him. He looks down and sees that the colors on his clothes have faded by a few shades, his clothes cling to him. And when he thinks about stopping, his vision blurs, and the room around him changes. A few more ramen boxes are laid around, the television's dirtier, and he can feel stubble building up on his jaw. And he feels less youthful than he did a minute ago.

 "Don't just stand there, Kai-kun. You don't know how sad it is, to see you like this."  His monochromatic father chides.  "Insurance isn't as boring as you think. You're not a teenager any more - you should have grown out of this rebellion already. I'll even lend you money for your first suit."

 Spoiler: Kai
So! Here's the deal: You'll control Kai and his Persona, with his Persona's goal being to get Kai to accept a contract with it and Awaken.

Right now, the scenario in the room is that: If Kai takes a step towards his father, he'll become more monochromatic, more dull, and his clothes will cling to him like a second skin - along with changing into a suit. If he replies to his father without approaching him, he'll get older, slobbier, his apartment subject to entropy.

When he accepts his Contract, you can think of some suitably awesome way to break the scenario and be awesome.

[User]
 Kai's head snaps up as he starts awake, nearly sending his pot of ramen flying.  Catching it, he sets it safely on the endtable and rubs the cobwebs out of his eyes.   "Jeez, man, you need more sleep..."   He has a feeling he'd been dreaming about something really strange--something about a man in blue, and a deck of cards--but the details slip away before he can grasp them.

He's just getting comfortable when the knock comes.   "The hell?"   He's not expecting anyone...probably best to ignore it.  Just someone selling something...

 "Hello, Kai-kun."

Kai blinks.  When did he get up?

Something in his dad's voice sets his teeth on edge even worse than usual.   "What are you talking about?"   Snappishness creeps into his voice--the a**hole really has the gall to come to  his  place and read him this act?   "Last I checked, I'm doing just fine."

No sooner have the words left his lips than he's gripped by the feeling of something being off.  There's something in the air...it clings to him like sweat, like needing a bath, his skin crawls.  When was the last time he aired this place out?

 "Don't just stand there, Kai-kun. You don't know how sad it is, to see you like this.  Insurance isn't as boring as you think. You're not a teenager any more - you should have grown out of this rebellion already. I'll even lend you money for your first suit."
  Like this?    Kai feels his hands curling into fists.   "You've got some balls, you know that?"   There's no keeping the anger out of his words now.   "What, you can't be happy unless I'm as miserable as you?  I already said I'm doing just fine, so  leave me the hell alone! "

Something's wrong.  The carpet looks like it hasn't been vacuumed in weeks.  And when did all this garbage pile up?  This isn't how it should be--this is  his  place, his one island of independence from his family and this whole f***ed-up world, how could he have let it get like this?

A stab of pain through his head cuts into the confusion, making his vision blur.

   I am thou...

 Spoiler: OOC
Kai is holding his ground for the moment.  Let's turn up the pressure and see how he handles it.

[User] "I've heard it all before."  Matsuda-san says, without inflection, without even a shift of his hand.  "Leave me alone, father. I don't want to do anything, father. My colleagues have mentioned it. Their children are working now. They stopped saying it. So I can't leave you alone."  His eyes can't even muster the energy to look around the degrading room.  "It's not normal."


[User]
 Overvann is awash with excitement. The grand hall in the fortress of Sikkerhet has been cleaned out, new torches have been installed, and the whole thing gone over by painters, sculpltors, and other artists. The actual ceremony will be performed later, in the Grotto of the Ancestors, but here and now, there is feasting, dancing, and music.

The icicles hanging from the battlements of the fortress twinkle in the light of numerous iron braziers illuminating the area, and in the distance, the lights of the capital city of Festning can be seen.

All of the neighbors (and most everyone else) have been invited. The only thing left to do is party.

 Spoiler: Dramatis Personae

Bjorn Hodeskalle - the groom
Aeshra Kesmar - the bride
Olaf Hodeskalle - the groom's father
Clara Hodeskalle - the groom's mother
Kendra Hodeskalle - the groom's sister
Hrothgar Hodeskalle - Olaf's estranged cousin
The bride's family, who I haven't named.
Assorted nobility from Overvann, Tevrus, region 91, and Delwin.

Olaf is welcoming guests as they come through the door. He's less armed than usual, which means his sword is resting near the door in case of uninvited guests. The bride and groom are resplendent in their wedding finery, the center of attention. The delegation of Kobolds have just unveiled their gift, an exquisite marble statue of the bride and groom, and the recipients are feigning surprise, because they posed for it earlier this year.

[User]
 The delegation of Lindeen was very small. The nation was newly birthed and its gathering of magical energies of all types despite the risk of religious retribution was not something that put most at ease. Regardless they pushed on and meeting with the various "independent" nations was absolutely essential to the survival of a state as small as Lindeen.

Vashta Narada was present alongside her two cleansers, they practically crackled with experimental energies, the vibrant aura they gave off would be completely ignored by those untouched by the divine but those whom actively worshiped could see the almost cerebral and alien force these three distinguished mages gave off. It was a sign of their dangerous games with the magical energies which coursed through them.

When they did approach Olaf the gift they presented was a a singular flower, a stunning and vibrant blue which curled beautifully to take in the sunlight which over four hours grew from a seed into its full vibrant self before rotting into nothing before birthing from the earth again and repeating this process again and again for eternity. (or at least until the magic withered as well though it had already lasted over a month on the trip to Overann.

 "We thank you for your invitation."

[User]
 Lindeen
 "It is our pleasure. Please, present your gift to the couple themselves, as soon as the Kobolds are done, of course. It is quite wonderful."  The huge, red-bearded man with a patch over one eye gestures to the smiling couple as the Kobold sculptors set the statue in an appropriate place where it can be seen by all, but is not blocking anything. Olaf's wife approaches and whispers something in his ear for a few seconds, then vanishes back into the crowd of guests. "So tell me, "  the warlord continues,  "Does your land truly pursue the doctrines of all religions?"

[User]
 These were interesting times, and not in a good way. There was something to be said for the monotony of long-distance travel after the insanity in D̨vatla. Time for D̨züssätt to put this thoughts in order. Crossing  north  across the sands of Regno, the first D̨vatlan prince to do so, far away from his brother and the hawks calling for renewed war with Avakon, blaming them for the king's death. War was coming one way or another, not that that didn't suit the D̨vatlans, but it made diplomacy all the more important. By all accounts these northerners could fight...

D̨züssätt arrives at the feast with the inevitable bounty of gifts: rich silks, high quality ironworks (particularly weapons and armor), and dragon shrimp spice among a variety of less characteristically D̨vatlan luxuries. The prince is dressed simply, suspecting the hosts might be more impressed by martial simplicity than an extravagant opulence to match his gifts. He approaches Olaf and bows,  "Your highness, I am Prince D̨züssätt of D̨vatla. These are dark days for my family, and it is a pleasure to be invited to join yours in a moment of joy."

[User]
 Dvatla
 "Indeed. We are grateful for your extravagant gifts, especially while your land experiences dark days. It is a terrible thing to lose a father. I too lost mine at a young age."  Olaf looks somber, out of place among the celebration. He'll probably cheer up soon though.

[User]
 Collissa was exhausted. The journey from Ti Linnad had taken nearly a month: Collissa had planned to fly northwest with a small contingent of Wingknights, as was usual for the Northern Council's diplomats, but at the last minute Jannan Noross had been thrust into the trip as well, with no explanation from the Council. He had been likewise reticent to explain exactly what was going on, merely hinting that it had something to do with Rhune and, to a lesser extent, Yondar. Jannan had little experience with pegasi (besides being rather on the heavy side for a rider), and so the delegation had been forced to charter a ship from Arfordir. To Collissa's surprise the passage of the strait had been less of a danger than expected, but as if to make up for the disappointment their ship was soon blown off course into the western seas.

  It was a miracle,   she thought,   that we made it in time at all.

She stood now at the entrance to the fortress, seemingly lost in thought. After a minute, Jannan nudged her gently and she started forward. She bowed before Olaf, and introduced herself and Jannan.

 "I bring two pegasi for the couple, with trappings of deep purple. I believe they have been led to your stables."

[User]
 Ti Linnad

Olaf greets the Linnadi ambassadors.  "Thank you for your generosity. Your land's pegasi have served my warriors well as mounts."

[User]
 She offered a rather brief smile before granting their host a nod.  "We have no interest in the worship of the gods but the manifestation of the powers they grant mortals. We in Lindeen believe we can cast off the weight of the gods and use their gifts unfiltered purifying their essence and manifesting it anew for our benefit."  With these words she made her way into the greater dining hall taking in the celebrations smiling gently through them all.

Getting the bride and groom the gift was placed in their care along with a warm greeting from the leader and cleansers wishing them success and the promise of the mandates gift before turning back to Olaf.  "It is incredible how little they care, and how the spirits have many intense rivalries and their own rules, we are left so ignorant of the world but there is so much to learn. We feel Initia has grasped the basis of this but it still does not go near far enough."

She turns back to Olaf and makes a considerate side glance,  "so tell me, how are you coping with being surrounded by an empire as powerful as regno? You remain independent in the face of the sultanate it must feel daunting. We also have the massive Ti Linnad on our border and concerned they may swallow our sovreignty."

[User]
 Originally Posted by bc56
  Dvatla
 "Indeed. We are grateful for your extravagant gifts, especially while your land experiences dark days. It is a terrible thing to lose a father. I too lost mine at a young age."  Olaf looks somber, out of place among the celebration. He'll probably cheer up soon though.

 Spoiler: OOC
Sorry for the delayed response. Also, I didn't exactly make this clear, but D̨züssätt is a cousin in the royal family...in his 30s. The dead king was a 19 year old with no kids. And for the record, the war-hawk brother is N̨amodl. (Entirely off-topic: this is the problem with making the changeover of rulers early in the round for a change, Vëkhglis's death was written as happening shortly after his crowning, meaning that my reaction to the assassination (this round) was delayed like two years... shrug )

 "I thank you for your kind words, though my royal cousin was not so fortunate as to have children before his untimely death. We will survive. I'd be more worried about the cowards and assassins. Soon they'll face us in an honest fight."  With a smile D̨züssätt moved on to make way for other guests, looking to see who else was already present...

  Ti Linnad

The prince approaches the Linnadi representatives when they are free for a moment and bows respectfully.  "Greetings, Your Excellencies, I am Prince D̨züssätt. I must thank you, word has spread of your people's work to track down the hand behind Vëkhglis's assassination. I should warn you though, if you haven't already heard, many are blaming the 'Divine Principality' of Avakon. Not without good reason: they made it clear they are our enemy. All in all, the worship of Coatl is not the most popular in D̨vatla now. Some are already whispering that the Linnadi are too close to the other Coatlists."  The prince gives an apologetic grimace before continuing,  "Hopefully our true enemies will be exposed soon...and destroyed."

[User]
 Lindeen

Olaf frowns at the reference to overthrowing the gods. Such talk is dangerous heresy. As soon as Narada is not looking, he'll make a holy sign to ward off evil. However, he continues the conversation.  "I do not fear Regno, although their lands are large, their armies are weak. War is on the wind, and, by Thur, I will be ready for its arrival."

[User]
 Spoiler: Aventine

 Originally Posted by Aventine
   Ti Linnad

The prince approaches the Linnadi representatives when they are free for a moment and bows respectfully.  "Greetings, Your Excellencies, I am Prince D̨züssätt. I must thank you, word has spread of your people's work to track down the hand behind Vëkhglis's assassination. I should warn you though, if you haven't already heard, many are blaming the 'Divine Principality' of Avakon. Not without good reason: they made it clear they are our enemy. All in all, the worship of Coatl is not the most popular in D̨vatla now. Some are already whispering that the Linnadi are too close to the other Coatlists."  The prince gives an apologetic grimace before continuing,  "Hopefully our true enemies will be exposed soon...and destroyed."

 "Indeed,"  replied Collissa,  "I know of my fellow Coatleans' support for the Principality, but the Premier cares little for Allantalos. It is true that he might be a useful pawn against the Pellocians or the Karysites, but I think you need not worry that we will get involved."  Jannan nodded thoughtfully at this.

 "The Council, to my knowledge, has little interest in the south beyond our allies in Whitefeather; merchants and diplomats have been turned ever northward in the past few years."


[User] diregard.  Double post.


[User]
 Welcome to the hordes of Evil! I will be your resident  player killer   Dungeon Master  for this campaign!

You were brought together for a purpose. THe evil lords have combined their power and are working towards a common goal. The ruling of all the known world!

Each as a servant of a seperate lord, your group was forged together as one. An elite group, sent on missions of utmost importance. Without you, there can be no success. The leaders car not how the job is done, so long as it is done. Killing each other is not acceptable.

Your band of Evilness finally arrives at the destination. The mouth of a particularly boring looking cave. It is difficult to believe this cave could hold one of the most important artifacts to the evil campaigns. You have all been informed that it is an orb of some kind. Appearing to be made of glass, it contains an eternal flame. This is one of many artifacts required by the lords, and is your first assignment.

The mouth of the cave is dark, and cannot be penetrated by ordinary vision. It seems to be a natural formation, but you know otherwise. Stories of terrible creatures that reside here, and the informant who told you of the fanatical cult who guard the orb itself. All these will have to be dealt with to achieve your goal.

[User] Sn'ikt shambles forward to the mouth of the cave and raises his nose, sniffing the air coming out of it. He turns to the group with a wide grin:  "A beautiful place to spread my most excellent diseases!"  he says with an insane chuckle.  "Let's not wait-wait!"


[User]
 You stand in a large, ornate church. Two men in battered guard uniforms guard side doors to the north. Doors to the south lead to support rooms to the church. The larger, more ornate doors to the west had already been locked and secured, and two more guards stand at that door, piling chairs and anything not secured down in front of the door.

About thirty survivors mill about, some looking scared, some carrying weapons, some trying to be brave. Four or five lay on the ground, their face a pale shade of green. You could tell they were near death.

One guard, in slightly better armor than the rest comes walking down from the chapelcroft. He looks tired and weary.  He looks around. " Does anybody have any fighting exper- ".

His sentance is cut short when the doors to the north fall down. Four zombies stumble over themselves, overwhelming one guard instantly. The other guard slashes at the zombies until one of them trip him, dragging him down.

Several people scream, a child begins to cry, and two more zombies appear near the door, and began to moan. You hear shuffling feet in the north alley, and scratches coming from the door in the front indicate the presence of more zombies.

(Alright, that's the fluff, here's the crunch. The church is 70 feet, east to west, and 30 feet north to south. The benches face east, and provide 50 percent cover if you crouch behind them, but only to the east and west, and people with a higher vantage point negate bonuses to AC against ranged attacks.

Right now, 6 zombies are in line of sight. You are scattered about the room, and should all be able to reach the zombies within one round. Roll initiative.)

[User]
 (1d20+3)[ 21 ]

If I can, I move within 10' of two zombies while drawing my chain and attempt to steel wind strike both:

Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 22 ]
Damage:  (2d4+4)[ 10 ]

Attack2:  (1d20+4)[ 18 ]
Damage2:  (2d4+4)[ 10 ]
 "Not even a chance to get a drink today." Gerard murmurs as he places his hand upon his chain. "You rotting bags, I'm gonna put you in the graves you're leavin' empty! They were my sparring buddies!"

I shotgun indigo as my color.

If a zombie approaches me I will take my AoO.

Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 10 ]
Damage:  (2d4+4)[ 8 ]

[User] Int  (1d20+4)[ 11 ]

[User]
 Bah, and i was just getting comfortable!  Aran says, standing and drawing his scimitar. He moves towards one of the zombies (preferable so that i can attack him, and i'm threated only by the one zombie), and swings his sword.

Initiative:  (1d20+2)[ 22 ]
Attack:  (1d20+1)[ 14 ]
Damage:  (1d6+1)[ 5 ]

(i'm taking  dark orange  as my color)

[User]
 (on my turn)

 Hrrmph, scum.  Eldon dashes towards the zombies, weapons at ready.

RAPIER
Attack
 (1d20-1)[ 18 ]

Damage
 (1d6)[ 5 ]

SICKLE
Attack
 (1d20-1)[ 15 ]

(I call  Silver )

Damage
 (1d4)[ 4 ]

[User] (oops just attack with rapier. thanks😁 )

[User]
 (sorry for frequent post, mythweaver engine anomaly char sheet fixed, I need to redo rolls.)  (not full attack)

Rapier
Attack
 (1d20+2)[ 6 ]

Damage
 (1d6+2)[ 8 ]

[User]
 Initiative:  (1d20+3)[ 10 ]

Woz is not amused by zombies.  Men are reasonable, they can be bribed or intimidated.  But zombies just like to bash things, making life difficult for everyone.

With a resigned sigh, Woz shouts to the frightened townspeople  "Why don't you make yourselves useful and KILL SOMETHING!"  He then sprints for the nearest bench and dives behind it.

Pulling his mandolin from his back, Woz begins the age old custom of musicians everywhere:  tuning .  His fingers seem to tremble a bit.  😦

[User] (somebody say something!!!!)

[User]
 Originally Posted by Amras Seer
 (somebody say something!!!!)

((Everyone's gone, were waiting for Halna))

[User]
 Initiative Order:

 Spoiler

Aran
Gerard
Mugma
Zombie #1
Zombie #2
Eldon
Zombie #3
Woz
Zombie #4

Your bladed weapons have little effect on the zombies. Zombie #1 is dropped in the first round of combat, hit by Aran's chain. Zombie #2 stands up, to be hit by Eldon's blade. Zombie #3 continues to maul the man on the ground.

 Next in initiative:  Woz.

OOC: Can you guys post in initiative order? It makes my job a lot easier, not having to go through all those posts at once.

[User]
 His tuning finished, Woz launches into a heartfelt rendition of "Onward Bold Adventurers".  The harmonious strains  Inspire Courage * in all those that hear it.  Peeking over the table, Woz takes a deep breath and sheathes his mandolin.

 Spoiler
 Inspire Courage:  +1 morale bonus on saving throws against charm and fear effects and a +1 morale bonus on attack and weapon damage rolls.

[User]
 Zombie #4, having killed the man on the ground, clumsily stands up.

 Next in Initiative:  Aran

[User]
 Aran continues to slash with his scimitar at the zombies.

attack:  (1d20+2)[ 8 ]
damage:  (1d6+2)[ 6 ]

[User]
 Aran's swords bounce of the zombie, having no effect.

 Next in initiative : Gerard

[User]
 Letting out a bellow that echos around the room, Voth charges the closest zombie and unleashes a punch aimed at the torso.

 Spoiler
 I'm charging the zombie that occupies A7. First roll to hit:  (1d20+4)[ 17 ]

[User]
 Following Voth's Strike, Gerrard takes a tactical stumble back and attempts to hammer the zombie into an awkward defense.

 Spoiler
A five foot step away from the action but still within reach, and a leading the attack strike.

Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 15 ]
Damage:  (2d4+4)[ 9 ]

If it hits, any attacks on the zombie get +4 until my next turn.

Assuming a covering stance, filled with swaying and a smile, Gerard readies to make sure the cadaverous foes don't move easily.

 Spoiler
If they provoke an attack of opportunity from me I will make a trip attempt with my chain.

Touch Attack:  (1d20+4)[ 10 ]
Strength Check:  (1d20+7)[ 18 ]

[User] Bad post (did not roll right)

[User]
 Rapier
Attack: (1d20+4)[ 16 ]
Damage: (1d6+4)[ 6 ]

Sickle
Attack: (1d20+4)[ 23 ]
Damage: (1d4+4)[ 5 ]

Sneak Attack
 (1d6)[ 5 ]

[User]
 Voth, you hit. Now what?

Gerard's chain drops Zombie #2, ripping off it's foot instead of tripping it. Zombie #2 lays on the ground and twitches.

Eldon's attacks drop Zombie #3, killing it and splattering coagulated blood all over.

Zombie #4 moves closer to Eldon, taking it's time and dragging it's feet.

OOC: Guys, remember to add Woz's musical effect to your attack and damage.
Also, post once per round, at any time. I'll compile them at the end of the round and post the results there.

[User] Aran drops his scimitar and draws his club.

[User]
 Spoiler
 Wops would help if I posted damage... (1d6+2)[ 7 ]  +1 from Woz music so 8 total

((Assuming the zombie is now dead... err redead...)) In one fluid motion, Voth turns and rushes the remaining zombie, bringing his fist back and slamming it into the zombie's rotting body with bone crushing force.

 Spoiler
Attack:[roll]1d20+5[/roll] +2 for the charge, +2 for my base attack and +1 from Moz.
Damage:[roll]1d6+3[/roll]

[User] Voth, reroll. Your rolls did not roll well.

[User]
 Spoiler
 (1d20+5)[ 9 ]   (1d6+3)[ 5 ]

[User]
 Update delayed. We need:

Amras Seer
Fusecase
piperx

to post.

[User]
 (Oops, Sorry there Halna)

 "Great, music. Now I'll get to enjoy my drink after this."  Gerard says as he draws out a massive iron jug, and with a slosh he steps forward and pounds whats left of the last zombie.

 Spoiler
Attack Roll:  (1d20+5)[ 14 ]
Damage Roll:  (1d10+4)[ 9 ]

[User]
 As the last zombie falls over and dies, the moans seem to subside a bit, and the air grows a bit warmer.

The civilians come out of their hiding places.

What do you do now?

[User] "Greetings, citizens!  Do not fear, for we have put an end to this zombie menace once and for all.  Speaking of which, um, how exactly did they come to be here?"

[User] They glance around at each other. One cautiously approaches you. " Plauge. " He points to the citizens lying on the ground. " Seems to be transferred by bite. We might wanna leave. "

[User]
 Voth

Standing above the now destoryed  corpses that were once living things. Voth turns to the survivors and the group.
 "I believe we should be going now. It is not certain when more will come."  Voth slowly turns to face the survivors.  "Is there any place we can take you that is safe?"

[User] The man laughs dryly. " Outside the city. Only three miles away. "

[User]
 Voth
 "If you are fit to travel, I believe we should make haste at once."  Turning to the others, Voth continues to talk in a deep voice.  "Shall any of you accompany us on our journey?"

[User] After a long gulp, "Sure, lets take these things out. Worst case scenario, we die fightin'."

[User] I'm in. nothing better to do.  Aran answers, picking up his scimitar.  Besides, i want these zombies gone.

[User] A few of them shrug, and pick up their meager belongings. The man looks around, and then looks back at you. " I guess we're following you. Lead the way. "

[User]
 Voth

Gathering up all the survivors, Voth begins to lead them towards the door leading outside of the church. Pausing as he reaches the door, Voth turns around and awaits the others.

[User] Eldon in the last moments of the battle began to stare at the vllagefolk, plagye ridden and hungry, and realize that this journey would claim they're lives....one way or another.   "Where shall we go, to another zombie infested church, through dead landprodded like cattle by our fear of zombies, we are doomed, you know thiss of marsh, shall we all trudge wearily and tired."

[User]
 Do you mean the main door?
I need you to make a listen check.

[User]
 Valzoa

Listening for anything out of place before opening the main door, Valzoa motions for the others to wait.

 Spoiler
 Listen Roll: (1d20+5)[ 19 ]

[User]
 "Meh, If we be going anywhere I'd best be gettin' me some sleep."  with that Eldon grabs his bedroll, and shakes it a bit, then lies down.

OOC:(please if I am doing anything wrong point it out.)

[User]
 Voth:You hear many, many groans and moans outside the door. You can only assume it's zombies.

Amras: OOC: The group is going to be leaving in a minute, so it would be a good idea to put the bedroll away. Just saying.

[User] Post Invalid

[User] OOC: AS, you didn't hear the zombies since you didn't make a listen check, therefore you don't know that any zombies are out there since Voth hasn't announced anything yet.


[User]
 Arena Tournament, Round 29:  Zaknefien  vs.  Chile I
 Map:
 Spoiler

Extra notes: Houses are on average 20 feet high (just use that average figure all over the house), hay piles are up to 10 feet high against the walls. And, I don't care whether you're immune to  sanctuary  effects, you are not immune to the arena's  sanctuary  effect. Creatures summoned during the 1st round are also affected by the  sanctuary  effect.

 XP Award:  300 XP
 GP Award:  300 GP

 Deathslayer7 - Zaknefien
 chilepepper - Chili I
 All Combatants, please roll initiative.

[User]
 Originally Posted by ArenaManager
    Arena Tournament, Round 29:  Zaknefien  vs.  Gildean

For tonights show, the part of Gildean will be played by Chile I.

[User] Initiative -  (1d20+5)[ 9 ]

[User] Heh.  Thats what I get for cut & pasting.

[User]
 High Ref Paladin Latham

Zaknefien is disqualified for inactivity.

 Chile I is declared the victor and recieves 300xp and 300gp.

[User] "My foot fell asleep." Chile says as he gets up and limps off the arena grounds.


[User]
 Arena Tournament, Round 26:  Roberts  vs.  Kyre
 Map:
 Spoiler

 XP Award:  300 XP
 GP Award:  300 GP

 Mavian - Roberts
 Lord Sarthax - Kyre "the terrible"
 All Combatants, please roll initiative.

[User] Well, I don't plan on buying anything, but I'll wait to roll initiative until your done your shopping.

[User] ok, i just had oral surgery so im still recovering. will post purchases if any in a few hours.

[User]
 purchase
scroll of shield

(i am kind of new to this kind of coding. can some one help me out a bit?

[User]
 Initiate Ref Talic

To spoiler text, type the following, except replace { and } with [ and ].

{spoiler}
Text goes here.
{/spoiler}

EDIT:
To roll, type the following, except replace { and } with [ and ].
{roll}1d20+4{/roll}

The above would be for 1d20+4.  the numbers inside can be changed to anything you need, for example:
{roll}1d4+1{/roll} - Magic Missile
{roll}2d6+6{/roll} - damage for a greatsword if you're medium size and STR 18.

[User]
 Still not purchasing anything.

Starting in A14 with my Rapier in one hands, and my hand crossbow in the other.  Wearing Sharkskin Armor, and wrap-around sunglasses.

Initiative:  (1d20+1)[ 3 ]

[User]
 ok thanks

initiative  (1d20+2)[ 12 ]

[User]
 Ok i start out at Z14 carrying my light crossbow in one hand and my scroll of shield in the other.

i use the scroll and then drop it on the ground. i then cast resistance.

stats for ref

 Spoiler
hp: 6
ac: 19 (+2 dex, +7 shield)
buffs: shield 1/10, resistance 1/10
saves: fort +3, ref +3 (+6 against aoe), will +3
spells prepared: 1- mage armor, fist of stone, lesser orb of acid. 0- mage hand, ray of frost,  resistance

[User]
 "Arr there matey.  Reciting a Scroll and Casting resistance both be actions of the standard type.   Ye not be being allowed to do both at the same time.  Ye be having to choose between them."

The Dread Pirate Roberts - Round 1.

Double Move to M14.

End of Turn.

Stats for Refs:

 Spoiler

HP:  10 /10
AC: 18, Touch: 15, Flatfooted: 13,
Bolts: 50

[User]
 High Ref Morbius

Mavian said it all sarthax, you can only take one standard action each round. You have two options, to use the scroll or to drop something and then cast resistance as you need a free hand to cast.

Also you don't need to tell you opponent what you are casting😁

[User]
 for ref

 Spoiler
dont cast resistance

[User]
 my turn

i move to T14

for ref

 Spoiler
 i ready an action to shoot with my light crossbow as soon as Roberts gets in range. as a free action i position the shield to my right protecting me from attacks coming from that side of my body

stats for refs

 Spoiler
 current position:t14
hp: 6
ac: 19 (+2 dex, +7 shield)
buffs: shield 2/10,
saves: fort +2, ref +2 (+5 against aoe), will +2
spells prepared: 1- mage armor, fist of stone, lesser orb of acid. 0- mage hand, ray of frost, resistance

[User]
 Roberts - Round 2.

Double move from M14 to S14.

End of Turn

Stats for Refs

 Spoiler

HP: 10/10
AC: 18, Touch: 15, Flatfooted: 13,
Bolts: 50

[User]
 ok mavian, i had a readied action to shoot at you as soon as you got into range. that would of been when you about when you passed through N16 or O15, i think its up to the ref where i shot at you or depending on how you got to S14 that would be how i attacked you. so i think i should wait for the ref on this one. but where ever it was, i attacked you with my light crossbow so here is the attack roll on it.  (1d20+2)[ 14 ]

please make me a sharp shooter 😁

[User]
 "Aye lad, ye fired a bolt at me,, but you be missing due to my armor of shark scales, so its not really mattering where I was when the bolt was loosed"

Also I'm a head ref, so if you have any questions that don't relate to spoilered information, I can fill you in.  It's also now your turn.  I'm in S14, and your in T14.

[User] im not entirely sure about readied actions, do i get a full turn now or just a move action?

[User] Due to the fact that it happened in the same round that you readied the action, you get a full round of actions this turn.

[User]
 free action: move shield to defend the front part of my body.
standard action: cast lesser orb of acid at Roberts, giving him an AoO.
ranged touch attack roll  (1d20+2)[ 9 ]
damage if hit  (1d8)[ 4 ]

 Spoiler
location: T14
hp: 6
ac: 19 (+2 dex, +7 shield)
buffs: shield 1/10,
saves: fort +2, ref +2 (+5 against aoe), will +2
spells prepared: 1- mage armor, fist of stone,  lesser orb of acid.  0- mage hand, ray of frost, resistance

[User]
 "Silly Mage, Ye be unable to spit from the shore and hit the sea, yet you expect to be able to lay a hand me whilst I have the protection of his Noodly Appendage?"

Rapier Attack  (1d20)[ 17 ]
Rapier Damage  (1d6-1)[ 5 ]

You still have a move action left.

[User] i am good as is. yoour turn

[User]
 Roberts - Round 3.
 Move Action : I'm going to use  Improved Feint .  Bluff Check  (1d20+6)[ 23 ]
Which requires an opposed Sense Motive From You.  *Edit: I don't believe you can beat that, which means you should be denied your dex bonus.

 Standard Action:   Stick my Hand Crossbow into your gut and pull the trigger.  This doesn't trigger an AoO due to my  Versatile Combatant  feat.

 Attack Roll :  (1d20+7)[ 18 ]  If you fall for my feint, this against your flatfooted ac.

 Damage :  (1d4)[ 4 ]

End of Turn: Although, that should be game, set, and match

Stats for Refs:

 Spoiler

HP: 10/10
AC: 18, Touch: 15, Flatfooted: 13,
Bolts: 50

[User] Though your rapier struck at the speed of wit, it did not pierce your foe.  He still lives.  Though he does have a gut wound...

[User]
 That doesn't make sense.

He's got a listed dex bonus of +2, and he cast shield, for an other +4 bonus.  So  that equals 16.  I don't see anything else on his sheet or in his actions thus far that would increase it past that, so how does a 17 miss?

[User]
 GM Kyeudo

Lord sarthax, how do you have a +7 shield bonus? That doesn't seem possible for this level of play, and all I see is a  shield  spell that you cast.

[User] well i guess i must of been looking at the wrong rules for sheild, i think i have an outdated spell so i thought it was +7 because of what it said on my outdated spell. so i think he won. oh well.

[User]
 High Ref Paladin Latham

My bad.  I Should have noticed that mistake before posting.

 The Dread Pirate Roberts is victorious and collects his blood soaked booty.

[User] Whew, you had me worried there for a sec Paladin.  I know I have some problems with calculus, but I was sure I was good with simple addition 🙂


[User]
 Arena Tournament, Round 23:  Grock  vs.  Deelar
 Map

 Spoiler

 XP Award:  300 XP
 GP Award:  300 GP

 Grock - Morbius
 Deelar - emeraldstreak
 All combatants, please roll initiative.

[User]
 Here goes init

  init  - (1d20+6)[ 24 ]

I will have to buy something before we start...

[User]
 Geez Morbius, are you on a Medal-streak?

Back to the issue at hand: emeraldstreak hasn't posted anything in the playground since January.  This is probably going to be another 'wait and get a medal' round.  You just have to wait 6 days and two fights instead of 3 days and one fight.

[User] Sigh, anyway I sent him a message let's see if he will appear here

[User]
 High Ref Paladin Latham

Deelar and his rotten mule are disqualified due to inactivity.

 Grock is declared the winner and recieves 300xp and 300gp