Fizzbang groaned, squinting bloodshot eyes against the unforgiving morning sun. "Pelor's fiery balls." He cursed. Not for the first time, he regretted drinking so much the night before (and likely not for the last time.)
"Crimes? Good sir no! Never! I'm the very paragon of upright citizenry!" He lied. Deception 18
"I am the renowned Fizzbang Grogsnout Heathcliff Moldywart! Mast illusionist! Duke of deception! Premier of prestidigitation! Titan of trickery!"
Fizzbang bows with exaggerated aplomb, then lifts his hand, casting Minor Illusion behind his back with the other, creating the illusion of a large meat pie in his outstretched hand.
"I've no need for weapons or ammunition from you good sir, though I thank you for your kindness!"
"I am Kynortas. I have committed no crimes and I have no titles. I need no equipment." He said as he hefted his shield and sword. His armor was clean and well kept as always. He may not be a soldier in the employ of his country anymore but his training and discipline did not leave him.
Tharin eyed his newfound compatriots with slight suspicion. He had only followed along out of respect for the dragonborn who he learned had paid for his stay at the inn the night before. As he inspected the loaner bow given to him for the tournament, he walked back to the rest of the group.
"My apologies for not introducing myself earlier. I had more pressing matters to attend to. My name is Tharin Enderin. I was a bodyguard for a caravan travelling here for this tournament, but the shipment was attacked by bandits. They stole all our wagons, slayed all my compatriots, and left me for dead in the swamp. My gratitude for extending your kindness yesterday. You saved what was left of my life. I hope we win this so I can return the kindness with some sort of payment, though at this rate, I'll owe everyone in town and have none left for myself!"
For DM:
Deception: 15
Tharin never liked borrowing from anyone, even those he trusted. The bow was in decent shape, but he longed for a bow commissioned by the Lions, with a proper handle displaying the sigil of the rightful King. As Tharin counted his newfound allies, he marveled that anyone would leave the service of Law, particularly Aracynth who looked like the Law was part of their being. But he would need to confirm whether or not they could be trusted and not in service to some shady cabal of fallen soldiers, plying the Kingdom's knowledge to plot its downfall.
Kynortas would need to be monitored. According to Aracynth, he was also a deserter, but not of as strong of virtue as the dragonborn. Tharin would need to vet them to determine whether this was a known or unknown leave of absence from the army.
So this was the "Fizz" the townsfolk had been talking about last night. Tharin was almost certain betting on tournaments, particularly public ones, was illegal, so he mentally solidified the faces from last night onto his ever growing roster of crimes committed in Ibben. Insight 14
Fizz seemed to be telling the truth. Tharin was certain Jalud had been accusing this citizen of foul doings to cover his own heinous deeds. Falsifying testimony. Dragging an innocent name through the dirt that spawned these creatures. Shameful. Still, the common citizenry could be unknowingly in the clutches of the hidden forces bent on destroying the Kingdom. Best to be cautious for the time being, before endangering common citizens with the knowledge that Tharin possessed.
The game keepers look up briefly at Fizzbang's declaration, rolling their eyes. They smirk at the meat pie and point to the corner of the table where several piles of coins lie, an apple, and some small trinkets. "Thanks. Put it with the other 'tips'..."
The man with the quill writes all the names down and notes your weapons quickly. The borrowed bow from the armorer gets a small squiggly note next to it and Tharin's name in the book.
"Alright. Go inside, competitors go left, follow the brick wall to the waiting area. You'll hear the call when it's your turn."
A large half-orc, the armorer by his leather apron and lightly held smithing hammer, nods to Tharin as they pass into the coliseum. "Not my best, but it'll do damage." He states shortly in passing.
Once in the waiting area the sounds of the crowds shake the walls and yet the announcer can be heard over the rumbling din. He has a pompous air to his voice, the type of person that seems as though they may be compensating for a lack of personage somewhere else. He shouts with vigor and a control that kills the noise of the crowd instantly. They hang on his every exaggerated word... "Ladies and gentlemen! Lords and Masters! Gentlebeast and barbarian! Let me have your attention please! Today’s entertainment and championship for the honor of our Duke’s quest will be a series of coliseum battles!" *the crowd cheers wildly* "With the dashing defenders against the raging beasts of the seas" *some cheers from the crowd, some laughter*, "followed by a fight against a terrifying undead onslaught!" *a resounding ooohhhh is heard* "The third round is a real treat for you folk, and the true test of our champions, as they will be pit against each other to vie for the spot as the Duke’s personal adventurers!” *the crowd erupts in cheers, deafening the surrounding area*
After what you can only assume is a short introductory jest or play, as the crowd rose and fell in cheers and awe for a few moments, you hear the announcer once again: “Our first round begins with our intrepid investigators facing off against the deadliest catch! Introducing...: Aracynth, the Silver Swordsman! They say his golden eyes are a sign of a true heart, but his breath will chill to the bone!" *the crowd cheers and shouts of awe can be heard* "I would also have you put your hands together for Kynortas, the Silent Slayer! He came from across the sea and some say the eye on his shield wards against evil!" *hushed oohs and ahhhs from the crowd are followed by applause* "Another of our gallant party is Tharin, Bog Bouncer! He survived the evil of Duskwater swamp and is here to put an end to foul beasts!" *gasps and awed applause greet this introduction*The announcer holds his hands out, waiting for the crowd to die down. "Our final combatant you may know from local acts, such as "The Hornet's Nest Folly", or possibly "The Marketplace Mishap" or likely even "The Prestidigitation of Mrs. Poppy"... our very own... home grown... Beautifully Beholden... FIZZBANG! GROGSNOUT! HEATHCLIFF! MOLDYWAAAAART!" *the crowd erupts into uproarious laughter and applause*"Please give them a huge shout of confidence and a hurrah for the beasts!”
And with that the gates from the waiting area opened and you are ushered into a coliseum floor, the bare sky above you and cheering crowd surrounding you in stadium seating as they slam the gate shut behind you. Initiatives, please.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!" DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen" Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
Aracynth squinted as the sudden glare dissolved into row upon row of screaming attendees. He pulled his greatsword free with a smirk as he was announced as "The Silver Swordsman". Pomp and Flair must indeed have their day, he supposed. Still, as he focused his gaze on the arena floor, he readied himself as his training demanded.
Initiative: 5
The clamorous cheering of the crowd distracted him though, and he glanced back into the stands as his first opponents were released onto the arena floor opposite.
Kynortas fighting instincts were sharp. He was used to being able to count on the men in his unit. He walks up next to Aracynth and looks him in the eyes. Kynortas states the motto of the regular Lysian army, "Unbreakable, Incorruptible, Unyielding.", and as he finishes he slams his sword on his shield twice and readies his stance.
This would be his first fight since he left home. He was ready.
Swamp monsters? There were certainly dangers in the swamp, but these country folk certainly had a flair for exaggeration. Tharin readied his bow, feeling the familiar tension and pull of the rosined twine. It may not be his bow, but he would make it sing all the same.
The smell of seawater assaults your senses as the foes enter the arena, claws snapping in anticipation and beady eyes flicking about on antennae. They notice your group when the gates slam behind you, menacing their claws aloft they begin to scuttle toward you. They are both large for a cephalopod, and they appear agile and full of vigor. From across the Coliseum a pair of giant crabs approach! Though they don't seem to be able to cross the arena to you this instant...
Tharin, you're first, then Kynortas! Since this is our first battle I have some suggestions: Once you two post (in order, please so initiative is easy to follow) I will post again as the crabs beat out our other two party members in speed. Roll your attack and damage and my response will be the crab's reaction to getting hit (or not) as well as their attack/move/turn/etc. Also in case it wasn't obvious - the crabs aren't slow, its just they can't traverse far enough in the first turn to reach you... the arena is set up like that. If you guys want I can add a picture of what I imagine it to look like, or we can stick with the narrative. Once you hit the crabs and gain a little insight (or if anyone has a lore/survival/nature check maybe...) I can straight up tag the Giant Crabs as monsters with the tooltip and you'll know what you're aiming for. I also plan to do this with monster's you've fought before later in the campaign. Without further ado - ATTACK!
Kynortas moves forward with his shield raised towards the enemy with an arrow already sticking out of it. Trained to strike true before he an attack he looks at his enemy and examines its body and movements in order to discern more information of where to strike.
Insight: 12
Having seen and eaten crabs before Kynortas began looking if these were just giant versions of the same small creatures. Seeing that they were just large versions of the same he knew that joints were their weak points and would crack open just like the ones he had eaten before.
"Their joints will be their weak points!" He called out to the rest of his team, "Aim there to sever a limb or do more severe damage!"
Moving forward Kynortas raises his sword and brings it down on the joint where the left claw joins the body of the crab!
As soon as the scuttling began Tharin instinctively pressed the attack! The left crab reeled as an arrow suddenly sprouted from one of its mandibles! Before it could fully understand who or what hit it, a bellowing humanoid chopped down onto its left claw! The crab looks to be on death's door... but brings its right claw in for a counter blow to Kynortas' sword strike!
The right claw makes a valiant effort, but as it scrabbles against the shield held high by Kynortas, it finds no purchase.
The second crab, seeing its opportunity, also attempts to attack the shielded human to save its partner... but fails miserably as it is lost in primal anger.
The two crabs are now directly in front of Kynortas in the center of the arena... one flailing hopelessly, almost pathetically, with one working claw. The other scrabbling against the tightly defended hero in attempt to grasp him in its mighty clamps!
As the fetid stench of the crabs assaulted Aracynth's senses, he was brought back to the arena, and a slight wave of nausea overtook him. Tharin had been quick on the draw, and an arrow thrummed into one of the scuttling monsters as Kynortas ranged ahead and took up a defensive stance, looking for an opening. He landed a telling blow on the injured crab as they both scuttled into his range to attack him.
The mantra Kynortas had recited moments earlier was the standard call for the Imperial Army of Lysia that stood in defense of the Empire. The Drakenfaust, as the vanguard of the Imperial expansion efforts, had adopted a slightly more aggressive motto. Words Aracynth had lost long ago.. "Indestructible; Unstoppable; Inevitable!" The words escaped his mouth unbidden, an Oath, a battlecry as he pounced forward with greatsword raised to engage the yet unmolested crab, aiming for the joints of the legs as Kynortas had suggested.
"Crabs," He shuddered, "Why did it have to be crabs?"
He shuffled around, making sure to keep the hulking form of Kynortas between himself and the rapid crustaceans. He drew upon his arcane talent and conjured an Acid Spash, hurling the caustic bubble at his enemies!
Acid Splash. Dex save of 13 or take 6 points of acid damage. I'll target the more wounded crab unless the two are within 5ft of each other, in which case it hits them both.
Tharin takes aim at the other stalk, looking to take the crab out of the fight, enough to take the pressure off the fighter and paladin. Taking advantage of the distraction, Tharin steadied his bow, breathed out, and released.
Kynortas held his shield fast as two blows landed and were deflected. Time to pare down the avenues of attack and make it easier to defend. Pressing forward into the crabs with his shield he knocks aside two of their claws and swings upward with his sword hoping to cleave another claw of the other crab as to further limit the avenues of attack.
Since the two crabs had already converged on Kynortas, Fizzbang's glob of acid splashed into both of their areas. The crab to Kynortas' left, with the limp claw, was flailing about enough to dodge the glob of acid, but the other crab was not so lucky... Already reeling from a massive blow from a greatsword, the crab was doused with the sickly liquid and fizzled to a rotten, salty death.
The other crab glanced over at its companion melting on the arena floor as an arrow surprised it to death! Tharin's sneak attack caught the crab in the side of its gnarled, chitinous body, just where the gap of its top and bottom plates met. Kynortas took its death throes for attacks and attempted to parry its flailing claw, only to watch it fall limp in front of him.
"My, my, folks! It looks like this crew has the gumption to defeat the Balmor Sisters, and DEFINITELY enough to take the lead from the Balmor Brothers..." the announcer hangs his head in mock prayer at the last part. "They sure made short work of our armored beasts, but will they stand fast against the undead?! For now, back to the dungeo-er-waiting rooms with you!" The announcer bellows from a parapet above the waiting area behind you. It is a small balcony with a dark haired man, possibly human, but has very fine features and awfully pointy ears... and two trumpeters (both half-orc) standing on it in regal clothing. He smiles briefly at you and then beams back at the crowd with arms spread wide. "Our next contestants will have to have fresh crab for their bout!"
You are directed back into the open gates to take a short rest and prepare for the next round.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!" DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen" Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
After spending some time resting, chatting, and finishing armor you hear again from the balcony just outside: “Our second round, with our yet again dynamic team of erudite explorers, pits them against the undead from the depths! The shallows beheld the crabs from the previous fight, but these beasts lurk beneath the waves... threatening to overtake lost sailors... poor swimmers... and small fish. Give it up for our team of four including the Silver Swordsman, our Local Debtor, The Bog Bouncer, and the Steadfast Silent Slayer! And of course the undead of the sea!”
Just as before the arena doors burst open and you are unceremoniously shooed out into the coliseum. The gates across are open as well, and a shambling, slimy, stinking thing moans toward you...
Please roll new initiatives as this is a new battle!
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!" DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen" Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The short reprieve seemed hardly necessary, if only to clean the melted and pin-cushioned crab carcasses off the arena floor. Aracynth stepped forward once more, greatsword in hand. As he beheld the moaning, noxious, grotesque shambling in front of them, he was suddenly overcome by an a oppressive and evil aura from the monster. The wind whispered through the stifling arena.
It is your Divine Sense. If you choose to, you can focus, and nearby entities of great good or evil will be revealed to you, their true natures laid bare before your faith.
Aracynth bowed his head in a short prayer and focused in on the task at hand.
Fizzbang groaned, squinting bloodshot eyes against the unforgiving morning sun. "Pelor's fiery balls." He cursed. Not for the first time, he regretted drinking so much the night before (and likely not for the last time.)
"Crimes? Good sir no! Never! I'm the very paragon of upright citizenry!" He lied. Deception 18
"I am the renowned Fizzbang Grogsnout Heathcliff Moldywart! Mast illusionist! Duke of deception! Premier of prestidigitation! Titan of trickery!"
Fizzbang bows with exaggerated aplomb, then lifts his hand, casting Minor Illusion behind his back with the other, creating the illusion of a large meat pie in his outstretched hand.
"I've no need for weapons or ammunition from you good sir, though I thank you for your kindness!"
"I am Kynortas. I have committed no crimes and I have no titles. I need no equipment." He said as he hefted his shield and sword. His armor was clean and well kept as always. He may not be a soldier in the employ of his country anymore but his training and discipline did not leave him.
Tharin eyed his newfound compatriots with slight suspicion. He had only followed along out of respect for the dragonborn who he learned had paid for his stay at the inn the night before. As he inspected the loaner bow given to him for the tournament, he walked back to the rest of the group.
"My apologies for not introducing myself earlier. I had more pressing matters to attend to. My name is Tharin Enderin. I was a bodyguard for a caravan travelling here for this tournament, but the shipment was attacked by bandits. They stole all our wagons, slayed all my compatriots, and left me for dead in the swamp. My gratitude for extending your kindness yesterday. You saved what was left of my life. I hope we win this so I can return the kindness with some sort of payment, though at this rate, I'll owe everyone in town and have none left for myself!"
For DM:
Deception: 15
Tharin never liked borrowing from anyone, even those he trusted. The bow was in decent shape, but he longed for a bow commissioned by the Lions, with a proper handle displaying the sigil of the rightful King. As Tharin counted his newfound allies, he marveled that anyone would leave the service of Law, particularly Aracynth who looked like the Law was part of their being. But he would need to confirm whether or not they could be trusted and not in service to some shady cabal of fallen soldiers, plying the Kingdom's knowledge to plot its downfall.
Kynortas would need to be monitored. According to Aracynth, he was also a deserter, but not of as strong of virtue as the dragonborn. Tharin would need to vet them to determine whether this was a known or unknown leave of absence from the army.
So this was the "Fizz" the townsfolk had been talking about last night. Tharin was almost certain betting on tournaments, particularly public ones, was illegal, so he mentally solidified the faces from last night onto his ever growing roster of crimes committed in Ibben. Insight 14
Fizz seemed to be telling the truth. Tharin was certain Jalud had been accusing this citizen of foul doings to cover his own heinous deeds. Falsifying testimony. Dragging an innocent name through the dirt that spawned these creatures. Shameful. Still, the common citizenry could be unknowingly in the clutches of the hidden forces bent on destroying the Kingdom. Best to be cautious for the time being, before endangering common citizens with the knowledge that Tharin possessed.
The game keepers look up briefly at Fizzbang's declaration, rolling their eyes. They smirk at the meat pie and point to the corner of the table where several piles of coins lie, an apple, and some small trinkets.
"Thanks. Put it with the other 'tips'..."
The man with the quill writes all the names down and notes your weapons quickly. The borrowed bow from the armorer gets a small squiggly note next to it and Tharin's name in the book.
"Alright. Go inside, competitors go left, follow the brick wall to the waiting area. You'll hear the call when it's your turn."
A large half-orc, the armorer by his leather apron and lightly held smithing hammer, nods to Tharin as they pass into the coliseum. "Not my best, but it'll do damage." He states shortly in passing.
Once in the waiting area the sounds of the crowds shake the walls and yet the announcer can be heard over the rumbling din. He has a pompous air to his voice, the type of person that seems as though they may be compensating for a lack of personage somewhere else. He shouts with vigor and a control that kills the noise of the crowd instantly. They hang on his every exaggerated word...
"Ladies and gentlemen! Lords and Masters! Gentlebeast and barbarian! Let me have your attention please! Today’s entertainment and championship for the honor of our Duke’s quest will be a series of coliseum battles!" *the crowd cheers wildly* "With the dashing defenders against the raging beasts of the seas" *some cheers from the crowd, some laughter*, "followed by a fight against a terrifying undead onslaught!" *a resounding ooohhhh is heard* "The third round is a real treat for you folk, and the true test of our champions, as they will be pit against each other to vie for the spot as the Duke’s personal adventurers!” *the crowd erupts in cheers, deafening the surrounding area*
After what you can only assume is a short introductory jest or play, as the crowd rose and fell in cheers and awe for a few moments, you hear the announcer once again:
“Our first round begins with our intrepid investigators facing off against the deadliest catch! Introducing...: Aracynth, the Silver Swordsman! They say his golden eyes are a sign of a true heart, but his breath will chill to the bone!" *the crowd cheers and shouts of awe can be heard* "I would also have you put your hands together for Kynortas, the Silent Slayer! He came from across the sea and some say the eye on his shield wards against evil!" *hushed oohs and ahhhs from the crowd are followed by applause* "Another of our gallant party is Tharin, Bog Bouncer! He survived the evil of Duskwater swamp and is here to put an end to foul beasts!" *gasps and awed applause greet this introduction* The announcer holds his hands out, waiting for the crowd to die down. "Our final combatant you may know from local acts, such as "The Hornet's Nest Folly", or possibly "The Marketplace Mishap" or likely even "The Prestidigitation of Mrs. Poppy"... our very own... home grown... Beautifully Beholden... FIZZBANG! GROGSNOUT! HEATHCLIFF! MOLDYWAAAAART!" *the crowd erupts into uproarious laughter and applause* "Please give them a huge shout of confidence and a hurrah for the beasts!”
And with that the gates from the waiting area opened and you are ushered into a coliseum floor, the bare sky above you and cheering crowd surrounding you in stadium seating as they slam the gate shut behind you. Initiatives, please.
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!"
DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen"
Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
Aracynth squinted as the sudden glare dissolved into row upon row of screaming attendees. He pulled his greatsword free with a smirk as he was announced as "The Silver Swordsman". Pomp and Flair must indeed have their day, he supposed. Still, as he focused his gaze on the arena floor, he readied himself as his training demanded.
Initiative: 5
The clamorous cheering of the crowd distracted him though, and he glanced back into the stands as his first opponents were released onto the arena floor opposite.
My Characters:
Aracynth - Level 2 Dragonborn Paladin - Wins : 4 - Journey Unto Chaos
Kyros - Level 1 Dragonborn Fighter - Wins : 9 - Unconscious : 1 - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Initiative: 10
Kynortas fighting instincts were sharp. He was used to being able to count on the men in his unit. He walks up next to Aracynth and looks him in the eyes. Kynortas states the motto of the regular Lysian army, "Unbreakable, Incorruptible, Unyielding.", and as he finishes he slams his sword on his shield twice and readies his stance.
This would be his first fight since he left home. He was ready.
Initiative 22
Swamp monsters? There were certainly dangers in the swamp, but these country folk certainly had a flair for exaggeration. Tharin readied his bow, feeling the familiar tension and pull of the rosined twine. It may not be his bow, but he would make it sing all the same.
Fizzbang bristled. "Bastards just won't let the Mrs. Poppy thing go." He grumbled.
Initiative 4
The smell of seawater assaults your senses as the foes enter the arena, claws snapping in anticipation and beady eyes flicking about on antennae. They notice your group when the gates slam behind you, menacing their claws aloft they begin to scuttle toward you. They are both large for a cephalopod, and they appear agile and full of vigor. From across the Coliseum a pair of giant crabs approach! Though they don't seem to be able to cross the arena to you this instant...
Tharin, you're first, then Kynortas! Since this is our first battle I have some suggestions: Once you two post (in order, please so initiative is easy to follow) I will post again as the crabs beat out our other two party members in speed. Roll your attack and damage and my response will be the crab's reaction to getting hit (or not) as well as their attack/move/turn/etc. Also in case it wasn't obvious - the crabs aren't slow, its just they can't traverse far enough in the first turn to reach you... the arena is set up like that. If you guys want I can add a picture of what I imagine it to look like, or we can stick with the narrative. Once you hit the crabs and gain a little insight (or if anyone has a lore/survival/nature check maybe...) I can straight up tag the Giant Crabs as monsters with the tooltip and you'll know what you're aiming for. I also plan to do this with monster's you've fought before later in the campaign. Without further ado - ATTACK!
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!"
DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen"
Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
Tharin fires his bow at the crab on the left, then runs to the right, trying to put as much space between himself and the crabs as possible.
20 to hit, 6 damage
Kynortas moves forward with his shield raised towards the enemy with an arrow already sticking out of it. Trained to strike true before he an attack he looks at his enemy and examines its body and movements in order to discern more information of where to strike.
Insight: 12
Having seen and eaten crabs before Kynortas began looking if these were just giant versions of the same small creatures. Seeing that they were just large versions of the same he knew that joints were their weak points and would crack open just like the ones he had eaten before.
"Their joints will be their weak points!" He called out to the rest of his team, "Aim there to sever a limb or do more severe damage!"
Moving forward Kynortas raises his sword and brings it down on the joint where the left claw joins the body of the crab!
Attack: 18 Damage: 7
As soon as the scuttling began Tharin instinctively pressed the attack! The left crab reeled as an arrow suddenly sprouted from one of its mandibles!
Before it could fully understand who or what hit it, a bellowing humanoid chopped down onto its left claw! The crab looks to be on death's door... but brings its right claw in for a counter blow to Kynortas' sword strike!
The right claw makes a valiant effort, but as it scrabbles against the shield held high by Kynortas, it finds no purchase.
The second crab, seeing its opportunity, also attempts to attack the shielded human to save its partner... but fails miserably as it is lost in primal anger.
The two crabs are now directly in front of Kynortas in the center of the arena... one flailing hopelessly, almost pathetically, with one working claw. The other scrabbling against the tightly defended hero in attempt to grasp him in its mighty clamps!
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!"
DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen"
Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
As the fetid stench of the crabs assaulted Aracynth's senses, he was brought back to the arena, and a slight wave of nausea overtook him. Tharin had been quick on the draw, and an arrow thrummed into one of the scuttling monsters as Kynortas ranged ahead and took up a defensive stance, looking for an opening. He landed a telling blow on the injured crab as they both scuttled into his range to attack him.
The mantra Kynortas had recited moments earlier was the standard call for the Imperial Army of Lysia that stood in defense of the Empire. The Drakenfaust, as the vanguard of the Imperial expansion efforts, had adopted a slightly more aggressive motto. Words Aracynth had lost long ago.. "Indestructible; Unstoppable; Inevitable!" The words escaped his mouth unbidden, an Oath, a battlecry as he pounced forward with greatsword raised to engage the yet unmolested crab, aiming for the joints of the legs as Kynortas had suggested.
Attack: 18 Damage: 12
My Characters:
Aracynth - Level 2 Dragonborn Paladin - Wins : 4 - Journey Unto Chaos
Kyros - Level 1 Dragonborn Fighter - Wins : 9 - Unconscious : 1 - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Fizzbang watched the savage melee with revulsion.
"Crabs," He shuddered, "Why did it have to be crabs?"
He shuffled around, making sure to keep the hulking form of Kynortas between himself and the rapid crustaceans. He drew upon his arcane talent and conjured an Acid Spash, hurling the caustic bubble at his enemies!
Acid Splash. Dex save of 13 or take 6 points of acid damage. I'll target the more wounded crab unless the two are within 5ft of each other, in which case it hits them both.
Tharin takes aim at the other stalk, looking to take the crab out of the fight, enough to take the pressure off the fighter and paladin. Taking advantage of the distraction, Tharin steadied his bow, breathed out, and released.
17 to attack
7 damage, 2 sneak attack damage
Kynortas held his shield fast as two blows landed and were deflected. Time to pare down the avenues of attack and make it easier to defend. Pressing forward into the crabs with his shield he knocks aside two of their claws and swings upward with his sword hoping to cleave another claw of the other crab as to further limit the avenues of attack.
Attack: 6 Damage: 4
Since the two crabs had already converged on Kynortas, Fizzbang's glob of acid splashed into both of their areas. The crab to Kynortas' left, with the limp claw, was flailing about enough to dodge the glob of acid, but the other crab was not so lucky... Already reeling from a massive blow from a greatsword, the crab was doused with the sickly liquid and fizzled to a rotten, salty death.
The other crab glanced over at its companion melting on the arena floor as an arrow surprised it to death! Tharin's sneak attack caught the crab in the side of its gnarled, chitinous body, just where the gap of its top and bottom plates met. Kynortas took its death throes for attacks and attempted to parry its flailing claw, only to watch it fall limp in front of him.
"My, my, folks! It looks like this crew has the gumption to defeat the Balmor Sisters, and DEFINITELY enough to take the lead from the Balmor Brothers..." the announcer hangs his head in mock prayer at the last part.
"They sure made short work of our armored beasts, but will they stand fast against the undead?! For now, back to the dungeo-er-waiting rooms with you!" The announcer bellows from a parapet above the waiting area behind you. It is a small balcony with a dark haired man, possibly human, but has very fine features and awfully pointy ears... and two trumpeters (both half-orc) standing on it in regal clothing. He smiles briefly at you and then beams back at the crowd with arms spread wide. "Our next contestants will have to have fresh crab for their bout!"
You are directed back into the open gates to take a short rest and prepare for the next round.
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!"
DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen"
Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
After spending some time resting, chatting, and finishing armor you hear again from the balcony just outside:
“Our second round, with our yet again dynamic team of erudite explorers, pits them against the undead from the depths! The shallows beheld the crabs from the previous fight, but these beasts lurk beneath the waves... threatening to overtake lost sailors... poor swimmers... and small fish. Give it up for our team of four including the Silver Swordsman, our Local Debtor, The Bog Bouncer, and the Steadfast Silent Slayer! And of course the undead of the sea!”
Just as before the arena doors burst open and you are unceremoniously shooed out into the coliseum. The gates across are open as well, and a shambling, slimy, stinking thing moans toward you...
Please roll new initiatives as this is a new battle!
DM "Journey Unto Chaos!"
DM "Hoard of the Dragon Queen"
Roondar Stumbleduck Ningel - Gnome Bard lv 1 "Scourge of the North"
The short reprieve seemed hardly necessary, if only to clean the melted and pin-cushioned crab carcasses off the arena floor. Aracynth stepped forward once more, greatsword in hand. As he beheld the moaning, noxious, grotesque shambling in front of them, he was suddenly overcome by an a oppressive and evil aura from the monster. The wind whispered through the stifling arena.
It is your Divine Sense. If you choose to, you can focus, and nearby entities of great good or evil will be revealed to you, their true natures laid bare before your faith.
Aracynth bowed his head in a short prayer and focused in on the task at hand.
Initiative: 14
My Characters:
Aracynth - Level 2 Dragonborn Paladin - Wins : 4 - Journey Unto Chaos
Kyros - Level 1 Dragonborn Fighter - Wins : 9 - Unconscious : 1 - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
Undead were particular trouble for Thorin, but he always made the best of a bad situation. He readied his bow and took aim. "Second verse, eh lads?"
Initiative 21