The great doors of this particular Kaaldharth stand open, revealing a long, stone-floored hall with ornate wooden columns and beams overhead. Within, about thirty warriors, ranging from minor squires to blooded jarls feast and lounge around low tables, gambling and drinking and trading tales of the long caravan roads that skirt the Southern Wastes. A few barbarians are even in attendance - a green dragonborn in fluted bone armor shivering with bladed spikes, flanked by two fur-coated goblins so battered and scarred as to give training dummies a clean-shaven appearance. On a throne carved from a single wide stump of oak sits Lord Wulfrick himself, a paragon of the dwarf-race, gray-beard and hair of equal prodigious length and thickness, with himself being wider at the shoulder than he is tall by an easy margin. Currently, his attention is held by a threesome of singers and dancers, performing in a nook off to his left with cheerful noises.
How do you enter?
(What is a Heori Kaaldharth? How should one enter it?)
A Kaaldharth is a permanent longhouse structure commonly used to house Heoran Nobles when on extended stays in the Worldfang. Often rented for a season, they serve as anything from feast-halls to barracks, strategy-rooms to courtrooms. Usually of a similar layout, with a long firepit running the length of the room with private nooks lining the outer walls, the leader of the occupants can usually be found at the opposite end of the room from the doorways, which are traditionally kept open even during winter so as to let evil spirits have a clear egress in the face of such a mighty band of warriors. Those wishing to make a good impression on the assembled warriors (huskarls and squires, in this case) and their captains (jarls, often kin to the warriors they lead) will usually find some way to announce their presence with a boast or attention-grabbing stunt, and while bloodsport is not encouraged as a part of a greeting ritual, for those wishing to make the best possible impression it remains a time-honored tradition.
Using the Gust cantrip as I enter into the Kaaldharth I announce myself "Aroenas rider of the wind, traveler of the tribes of Heor, chronicler of our ways past and present, seeking audience with Lord Wulfric has arrived. Surrounded by the strength of our blood, mighty warriors, strong in mind body and soul. Let this day be a beginning to an even greater tomorrow."
I rap my staff on the floor and loosen my whip in the other hand and boldly make my way across...
Steady Rock will spend a day or two hunting for a large boar, something impressive. Once he kills it, the tall, muscular Tabaxi with tiger features will sling it over his back and walk straight down the middle of the road to the main entrance of the Kaaldharth. He breathes heavy. His hair stands on end. His claws, teeth, and tail lengthen and give him an even more beastly appearance. His rage boils to the top and he lets out a monstrous roar that echoes down the walls, spittle flying from his maw. He struts right down the middle of the room, eyeing each warrior. (Here, he's not going to attack anyone unless attacked first) Once in range to be addressed, Steady Rock will speak, in his rough, growlly voice. "Great Bone Eater, Steady Rock brings you this gift of fresh meat today! Tomorrow: treasures, honor, and glory on your house!"
Aroenas: Startled, but pleased by your dramatic entrance, gives you the nod and gesture permitting your presence at his hearth. Face alight with emotion, he seems glad to add another tale-telling traveler to his hall for the night. A huskarl approaches you about half an hour later bearing a message from Wulfgrim, stating that your audience will be held a little later in the evening as another is expected to come for the same purpose.
Steady Rock: A wildborn tabaxi's roar is not a thing to be trifled with - roll intimidation at advantage!
You gain Wulfrick's attention. He eyes you, a faint grin behind his beard. "Indeed, wild one! Your gift is worthy in my hall." With a gesture, he permits you to take a seat at his tables, sharing in his wealth, warmth, food and company.
Later in the evening, once the sun has set and torches and lamps fill the Kaaldharth, Wulfrick rises from his throne and announces with a voice that rumble like thunder:
"Welcome one, welcome all. You have eaten of my table, and feasted like the gods of old! Welcome!"
It is a fairly standard opening to any announcement, especially when guests or strangers are in the presence of a clan gathering.
"At dawn tomorrow, our clan sets forth for the ruins of Argo, where we shall be the Spear that Leads the Way across the Northern Wastes, beyond all knowledge of kin and hearth!"
Various growls, jeers and laughs accompany these words, but not in an unfriendly way. The Heori view the Argo with mystical suspicion - ancient wizards and sorcerers, blasphemers and sometimes honorable heroes.
"There we shall ride with our brothers of Talis and Mogra!"
Where before the jeers were muffled, now they are loud, and several up-and-coming Jarls unseat themselves in preparation for ritual boasting about how many of Heor's blood enemies he would kill in the coming raids.
"And Yet!" Wulfrick regains control, "How could I bring such a mighty host before our brothers but that they should die where they stand from fright?"
The jeers turn into laughter at the thought. The Heor are not (at first glance) a people of complex tastes in comedy.
"We are limited, by Blood Treaty brought by our King to send only a few of our host, to give only Ten of our Best from each of the Great Clans."
The noise quiets down, as now business is at hand. How will those who will go be selected? The heavily armed Jarls glare at each other, each hoping to bring his own cohort of trusted warrior-kin, not wishing the dishonor of being left behind. "Fear not, brothers, for those who remain are no less in honor. The valley's must be kept clear for our Cousin's journeys, the Mograns must still be taught their lessons in war, and the Talis must be humbled by dragon ships and fire!"
Some good feeling returns to the room, but there remains a tension in the atmosphere.
"Those who wish to join me, step forward towards the hearth."
Both of you, and about forty other warriors, step forward, eyes locked on Wulfgrim but darting towards each other, sizing, planning, tensing, for whatever comes next.
Wulfgrim strides down from his throne and pulls out several of his huskarls and jarls, giving them special assignments that preclude them from going on the Expedition. Of course, he could not deny them the honor of standing before him, but he was in his rights to dismiss them to various raids, hunts, and duties on his various holdings. For most, the commands are expected, for a few, they are disappointments. At last only twenty of you remain.
"Very well, but how now shall we choose?" Wulfgrim pretends to be at a loss, rubbing his beard, but his grin and bright eyes already show his plans.
"M'KREGY'AARHADV!" (Fight until Blood: It is a free for all. Those selected will be those who avoid receiving a blow that draws blood. Maiming, Mauling, Dismembering and Disembowelling are frowned upon severely, but not grounds for expulsion from the fight.)
Initiative roll (it was a 6, had to edit tooltip for spell did not work)
On his turn using 2 sorcery points to cast bladeward subtle & extended, action to cast bonus action to use sorcery points, as part of a 5' movement he will ready his whip also. Reaction to AoO with 10' reach if possible.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Initiative: 18
Action/BA: Steady roars again, his tail lengthening as he lets out his rage. (Since slashing and piercing seem to be off the table, he'll use unarmed strikes with rage for 7 bludgeoning per pop) He will start clunking whichever heads are closest to him.
Attack: 8 Damage: 7
Attack: 11 Damage: 7
Reaction: His tail will deflect an incoming attack, increasing his AC against a single attack: 1
Steady is Alert: enemies don't get advantage as result of him not seeing them.
Action/BA: Steady roars again, his tail lengthening as he lets out his rage. (Since slashing and piercing seem to be off the table, he'll use unarmed strikes with rage for 7 bludgeoning per pop) He will start clunking whichever heads are closest to him.
Attack: 15 Damage: 7
Attack: 26 Damage: 7
Reaction: His tail will deflect an incoming attack, increasing his AC against a single attack: 8
Steady is Alert: enemies don't get advantage as result of him not seeing them.
Why are slashing and piercing out the goal is to bloody 30 combatants?
Maiming, mauling, and disemboweling are against the rules. Which is what he'll do with his claws. Raging, he won't go only a little over that line, he'll jump over it lol.
Aroenas: Your weapon already in hand, you get an attack of opportunity at advantage against a headstrong jarl who turns from you and steps out of your range, triggering AoO, to try to grapple a more imposing foe off to your left. Turning his back to you, your attack will be advantage:
Attack: 25 Damage: 10
Steady Rock: Pulling two sturdy huskarls together by their braids is no simple thing, but you cleanly knock their heads together, sending both sprawling. A moment later, the green dragonborn you all noticed earlier attempts to stab you with a long curved blade, attacking twice with a weapon unique to one of the southern tribes, aimed at your undefended back. Your tail, quick as lightning, attempts to intercept.
GD Attack: 22 Damage: 4
Attack: 9 Damage: 2
The other contestants begin to beat each other senseless. In seconds, more than half of the contestants are down, leaving 12 standing (of which you all are two, assuming the Green Dragonborn's attacks against you are unable to overcome your defense)
In the flow of combat, there is always a moment when the balance hangs on a knife's edge. For all the world, it appears to the naked eye that Steady Rock's tail was successful in stopping the Green Dragonborn's attack, but the dragonborn realizes that this is not entirely true. A small nick off the small of your back, just enough to disqualify you, but easy to hide from observation of all but the most assiduous of investigators. Steady Rock, for the moment you do not realize that this has occurred, your attention being focused on lashing out with fist and tail at any and all who come near, rage bubbling beneath the surface!
(A crit is a crit, but I would like to respect the fact that even as a crit, Steady Rock's AC vs that attack is a 23. Plus this makes for a far more interesting situation, imo - are you ok with that, alvarovanagandr?)
Dodge action, AoO anyone who moves through my 10' area. Aroenas scans those who are left, the Tabaxi & Green Dragonborn, what do the rest look like any notable figures. Anyone using magic or other non weapon attacks?
[OOC] I was thinking bloodied as in half hit points but its literally first blood this is intense. 18 down in the first 6 seconds too, wow.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(We'll go with option 1)The Green Dragonborn attempts to escape your grasp, but a wicked claw rakes him across the face and sends him careening into the spectators - he's out!
Two sturdy humans attempt to double team the bard, swinging in succession!
Attack: 10 Damage: 3
Attack: 9 Damage: 2
Glancing around the room, three Jarls (two human, one dwarf) and six huskarls (1 human, 2 hobgoblins, a rather imposing minotaur, and two more dwarves) remain, besides the raging tabaxi of course.
Reacting to the attacks, Aroenas' blow is directed at the human Jarl!
Though the humans are unsuccessful in striking the elusive bard, disaster strikes as the Jarl is able to catch the whip out of the air with a well placed snatch! The whip is torn from your grasp and tossed aside, to the expectant roar of the surrounding crowds.
Elsewhere in the fight, the two Jarl's faced off, with the remaining human Jarl (the one that did not attack Aroenas) standing. The other Huskarls traded blows, but the match is called as ten contestants remain - the chosen of Chief Wulfrick the Bone-Eater.
I never want that to happen again. If there is a leather worker I must request a weapon strap be fashioned, maybe a backup whip as well... though if this were to the death my true weapons can not be disarmed.
Feeling emboldened with the rush of victory, sweeps into a telling of the tale,”Rose Red & Snow White”. At points during the telling he looks to Wulfric then back to the assembly, finally as he concludes his tale he bows.
He finds his way over to Steady Rock and says, “I’m thrilled that you are with the expedition you will be known forever as one of the greatest Heori warriors, my name is Aroenas I’m just glad I made it.”
The great doors of this particular Kaaldharth stand open, revealing a long, stone-floored hall with ornate wooden columns and beams overhead. Within, about thirty warriors, ranging from minor squires to blooded jarls feast and lounge around low tables, gambling and drinking and trading tales of the long caravan roads that skirt the Southern Wastes. A few barbarians are even in attendance - a green dragonborn in fluted bone armor shivering with bladed spikes, flanked by two fur-coated goblins so battered and scarred as to give training dummies a clean-shaven appearance. On a throne carved from a single wide stump of oak sits Lord Wulfrick himself, a paragon of the dwarf-race, gray-beard and hair of equal prodigious length and thickness, with himself being wider at the shoulder than he is tall by an easy margin. Currently, his attention is held by a threesome of singers and dancers, performing in a nook off to his left with cheerful noises.
How do you enter?
(What is a Heori Kaaldharth? How should one enter it?)
A Kaaldharth is a permanent longhouse structure commonly used to house Heoran Nobles when on extended stays in the Worldfang. Often rented for a season, they serve as anything from feast-halls to barracks, strategy-rooms to courtrooms. Usually of a similar layout, with a long firepit running the length of the room with private nooks lining the outer walls, the leader of the occupants can usually be found at the opposite end of the room from the doorways, which are traditionally kept open even during winter so as to let evil spirits have a clear egress in the face of such a mighty band of warriors. Those wishing to make a good impression on the assembled warriors (huskarls and squires, in this case) and their captains (jarls, often kin to the warriors they lead) will usually find some way to announce their presence with a boast or attention-grabbing stunt, and while bloodsport is not encouraged as a part of a greeting ritual, for those wishing to make the best possible impression it remains a time-honored tradition.
Using the Gust cantrip as I enter into the Kaaldharth I announce myself "Aroenas rider of the wind, traveler of the tribes of Heor, chronicler of our ways past and present, seeking audience with Lord Wulfric has arrived. Surrounded by the strength of our blood, mighty warriors, strong in mind body and soul. Let this day be a beginning to an even greater tomorrow."
I rap my staff on the floor and loosen my whip in the other hand and boldly make my way across...
*Sha-gravis *Fjörn Bhrünt *Leif Aulderoot *Saltstrider *Eron Colborn
Steady Rock will spend a day or two hunting for a large boar, something impressive. Once he kills it, the tall, muscular Tabaxi with tiger features will sling it over his back and walk straight down the middle of the road to the main entrance of the Kaaldharth.
He breathes heavy. His hair stands on end. His claws, teeth, and tail lengthen and give him an even more beastly appearance. His rage boils to the top and he lets out a monstrous roar that echoes down the walls, spittle flying from his maw. He struts right down the middle of the room, eyeing each warrior. (Here, he's not going to attack anyone unless attacked first)
Once in range to be addressed, Steady Rock will speak, in his rough, growlly voice. "Great Bone Eater, Steady Rock brings you this gift of fresh meat today! Tomorrow: treasures, honor, and glory on your house!"
Eubraxa Rising: DM
Astray in the Stars: DM
Aroenas: Startled, but pleased by your dramatic entrance, gives you the nod and gesture permitting your presence at his hearth. Face alight with emotion, he seems glad to add another tale-telling traveler to his hall for the night. A huskarl approaches you about half an hour later bearing a message from Wulfgrim, stating that your audience will be held a little later in the evening as another is expected to come for the same purpose.
Steady Rock: A wildborn tabaxi's roar is not a thing to be trifled with - roll intimidation at advantage!
14
Eubraxa Rising: DM
Astray in the Stars: DM
Not bad!
You gain Wulfrick's attention. He eyes you, a faint grin behind his beard. "Indeed, wild one! Your gift is worthy in my hall." With a gesture, he permits you to take a seat at his tables, sharing in his wealth, warmth, food and company.
Later in the evening, once the sun has set and torches and lamps fill the Kaaldharth, Wulfrick rises from his throne and announces with a voice that rumble like thunder:
"Welcome one, welcome all. You have eaten of my table, and feasted like the gods of old! Welcome!"
It is a fairly standard opening to any announcement, especially when guests or strangers are in the presence of a clan gathering.
"At dawn tomorrow, our clan sets forth for the ruins of Argo, where we shall be the Spear that Leads the Way across the Northern Wastes, beyond all knowledge of kin and hearth!"
Various growls, jeers and laughs accompany these words, but not in an unfriendly way. The Heori view the Argo with mystical suspicion - ancient wizards and sorcerers, blasphemers and sometimes honorable heroes.
"There we shall ride with our brothers of Talis and Mogra!"
Where before the jeers were muffled, now they are loud, and several up-and-coming Jarls unseat themselves in preparation for ritual boasting about how many of Heor's blood enemies he would kill in the coming raids.
"And Yet!" Wulfrick regains control, "How could I bring such a mighty host before our brothers but that they should die where they stand from fright?"
The jeers turn into laughter at the thought. The Heor are not (at first glance) a people of complex tastes in comedy.
"We are limited, by Blood Treaty brought by our King to send only a few of our host, to give only Ten of our Best from each of the Great Clans."
The noise quiets down, as now business is at hand. How will those who will go be selected? The heavily armed Jarls glare at each other, each hoping to bring his own cohort of trusted warrior-kin, not wishing the dishonor of being left behind. "Fear not, brothers, for those who remain are no less in honor. The valley's must be kept clear for our Cousin's journeys, the Mograns must still be taught their lessons in war, and the Talis must be humbled by dragon ships and fire!"
Some good feeling returns to the room, but there remains a tension in the atmosphere.
"Those who wish to join me, step forward towards the hearth."
Both of you, and about forty other warriors, step forward, eyes locked on Wulfgrim but darting towards each other, sizing, planning, tensing, for whatever comes next.
Wulfgrim strides down from his throne and pulls out several of his huskarls and jarls, giving them special assignments that preclude them from going on the Expedition. Of course, he could not deny them the honor of standing before him, but he was in his rights to dismiss them to various raids, hunts, and duties on his various holdings. For most, the commands are expected, for a few, they are disappointments. At last only twenty of you remain.
"Very well, but how now shall we choose?" Wulfgrim pretends to be at a loss, rubbing his beard, but his grin and bright eyes already show his plans.
"M'KREGY'AARHADV!" (Fight until Blood: It is a free for all. Those selected will be those who avoid receiving a blow that draws blood. Maiming, Mauling, Dismembering and Disembowelling are frowned upon severely, but not grounds for expulsion from the fight.)
Roll initiative
Aroenas
Initiative roll (it was a 6, had to edit tooltip for spell did not work)
On his turn using 2 sorcery points to cast bladeward subtle & extended, action to cast bonus action to use sorcery points, as part of a 5' movement he will ready his whip also. Reaction to AoO with 10' reach if possible.
*Sha-gravis *Fjörn Bhrünt *Leif Aulderoot *Saltstrider *Eron Colborn
Initiative: 18
Action/BA: Steady roars again, his tail lengthening as he lets out his rage. (Since slashing and piercing seem to be off the table, he'll use unarmed strikes with rage for 7 bludgeoning per pop) He will start clunking whichever heads are closest to him.
Attack: 8 Damage: 7
Attack: 11 Damage: 7
Reaction: His tail will deflect an incoming attack, increasing his AC against a single attack: 1
Steady is Alert: enemies don't get advantage as result of him not seeing them.
Eubraxa Rising: DM
Astray in the Stars: DM
Why are slashing and piercing out the goal is to bloody 30 combatants?
Steady Rock is awesome just saying.
*Sha-gravis *Fjörn Bhrünt *Leif Aulderoot *Saltstrider *Eron Colborn
Maiming, mauling, and disemboweling are against the rules. Which is what he'll do with his claws. Raging, he won't go only a little over that line, he'll jump over it lol.
Eubraxa Rising: DM
Astray in the Stars: DM
Aroenas: Your weapon already in hand, you get an attack of opportunity at advantage against a headstrong jarl who turns from you and steps out of your range, triggering AoO, to try to grapple a more imposing foe off to your left. Turning his back to you, your attack will be advantage:
Attack: 25 Damage: 10
Steady Rock: Pulling two sturdy huskarls together by their braids is no simple thing, but you cleanly knock their heads together, sending both sprawling. A moment later, the green dragonborn you all noticed earlier attempts to stab you with a long curved blade, attacking twice with a weapon unique to one of the southern tribes, aimed at your undefended back. Your tail, quick as lightning, attempts to intercept.
GD Attack: 22 Damage: 4
Attack: 9 Damage: 2
The other contestants begin to beat each other senseless. In seconds, more than half of the contestants are down, leaving 12 standing (of which you all are two, assuming the Green Dragonborn's attacks against you are unable to overcome your defense)
In the flow of combat, there is always a moment when the balance hangs on a knife's edge. For all the world, it appears to the naked eye that Steady Rock's tail was successful in stopping the Green Dragonborn's attack, but the dragonborn realizes that this is not entirely true. A small nick off the small of your back, just enough to disqualify you, but easy to hide from observation of all but the most assiduous of investigators. Steady Rock, for the moment you do not realize that this has occurred, your attention being focused on lashing out with fist and tail at any and all who come near, rage bubbling beneath the surface!
(A crit is a crit, but I would like to respect the fact that even as a crit, Steady Rock's AC vs that attack is a 23. Plus this makes for a far more interesting situation, imo - are you ok with that, alvarovanagandr?)
Aroenas
Dodge action, AoO anyone who moves through my 10' area. Aroenas scans those who are left, the Tabaxi & Green Dragonborn, what do the rest look like any notable figures. Anyone using magic or other non weapon attacks?
[OOC] I was thinking bloodied as in half hit points but its literally first blood this is intense. 18 down in the first 6 seconds too, wow.
*Sha-gravis *Fjörn Bhrünt *Leif Aulderoot *Saltstrider *Eron Colborn
1. RAW, it hits. So however you'd like to interpret this is fine.
2. He doesn't feel any of this and instead moves in to make 2 attacks with his tabaxi claws against the green dragonborn.
Attacks:
Attack: 21 Damage: 10
Attack: 14 Damage: 10
Reaction: Form of the Beast: Tail 2 added to AC against single attack.
(The dice are being weird)
Eubraxa Rising: DM
Astray in the Stars: DM
Attack: 20 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.
Attack: 23 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.
8
Eubraxa Rising: DM
Astray in the Stars: DM
(We'll go with option 1)The Green Dragonborn attempts to escape your grasp, but a wicked claw rakes him across the face and sends him careening into the spectators - he's out!
Two sturdy humans attempt to double team the bard, swinging in succession!
Attack: 10 Damage: 3
Attack: 9 Damage: 2
Glancing around the room, three Jarls (two human, one dwarf) and six huskarls (1 human, 2 hobgoblins, a rather imposing minotaur, and two more dwarves) remain, besides the raging tabaxi of course.
Reacting to the attacks, Aroenas' blow is directed at the human Jarl!
Attack: 15 Damage: 3
Though the humans are unsuccessful in striking the elusive bard, disaster strikes as the Jarl is able to catch the whip out of the air with a well placed snatch! The whip is torn from your grasp and tossed aside, to the expectant roar of the surrounding crowds.
Elsewhere in the fight, the two Jarl's faced off, with the remaining human Jarl (the one that did not attack Aroenas) standing. The other Huskarls traded blows, but the match is called as ten contestants remain - the chosen of Chief Wulfrick the Bone-Eater.
Aroenas
I never want that to happen again. If there is a leather worker I must request a weapon strap be fashioned, maybe a backup whip as well... though if this were to the death my true weapons can not be disarmed.
*Sha-gravis *Fjörn Bhrünt *Leif Aulderoot *Saltstrider *Eron Colborn
Steady Rock crouches into a defensive position, growling heavily.
Eubraxa Rising: DM
Astray in the Stars: DM
Aroenas
Feeling emboldened with the rush of victory, sweeps into a telling of the tale,”Rose Red & Snow White”. At points during the telling he looks to Wulfric then back to the assembly, finally as he concludes his tale he bows.
He finds his way over to Steady Rock and says, “I’m thrilled that you are with the expedition you will be known forever as one of the greatest Heori warriors, my name is Aroenas I’m just glad I made it.”
*Sha-gravis *Fjörn Bhrünt *Leif Aulderoot *Saltstrider *Eron Colborn