From the ground, K'lahu keeps her eyes locked on Taban and says, "All I want is the gold, nothing more."
Taban responds with a pained smile, his fingers brushing the pouch at his side. "Go ahead and take it. It's right here." Despite being outnumbered and bloodied, there's a glint in his eyes—he's clearly enjoying himself, reveling in the thrill of the fight.
Thyxius lowers his blade slightly but keeps it ready at his side, his eyes fixed on Taban. His voice carries a hint of admiration at the man's resolve.
"You fight with courage, Taban." He glances briefly at K'lahu, then back to Taban. "This doesn’t have to go further. Surrender the pouch, and keep your pride intact. There is honor in knowing when to yield."
Ready Action: Longsword on Taban or K'lahu if either tries to attack; to hit 19, damage 7
As Thyxius and Lucian express their clear intent to avoid fighting unless absolutely necessary, Taban stands in stark contrast, seemingly triggered by his instincts as an experienced fighter. He thrives on the thrill of combat, unfazed by being outnumbered. This is likely far from his first time in such a situation, and he appears to relish the "sparring" session with unmistakable enjoyment.
In the background, Taban's pupil—the one he had bet on earlier—watches intently. Their eyes track Taban's every move, occasionally mimicking his strikes as if they know what’s coming next. Taban knows he is watching.
K'lahu rises from the ground with a determined glare, her movements swift and precise. She lunges at Taban, her mace swinging in a wide arc, but he sidesteps the first strike with ease. Undeterred, she shifts her weight and brings the weapon back around with a sharp, calculated swing. This time, the mace connects solidly, striking Taban with a forceful blow. (7 dmg)
Petor mutters an incantation under his breath, then audibly chuckles as Taban sneezes, his nose tickles by the black particles that form a cloud around his face. "Gods I love that one." He maintains his position at the back of the pack, his calm demeanour hiding how nervous he really is. Surely any human should be dead by now, right?
Lucian as he approached and upon seeing the fighter stands back up after the beating, holds his approach. He recalculates ,and if needed, he will continue to deliver a surprise assault.
Seeing that Taban won't back down, Thyxius steels himself. He shifts his grip to use his longsword two handed and swings it at the gladiator for a powerful, but of course non-lethal blow, bolstered by radiant energy.
Action: Unequip shield (AC now 18 with shield of faith); Longsword to hit nat 20 + 4, damage 6 slashing and sap
After enduring a flurry of attacks, Taban struggles to stay on his feet. His legs tremble under the strain, and finally, they give out. He drops to one knee, bloodied but conscious, his chest heaving as he fights to catch his breath. Keeping his gaze fixed on the ground, he reaches into his pouch with a trembling hand and tosses the coin purse to K'lahu with a swift motion.
"I apologize for my behavior," he says, his voice low but steady. "I wanted to prove that even against all odds, victory was possible." He shifts his gaze to his pupil, his expression softening. "The fight wasn’t rigged," he says firmly, pausing to gather his strength. Slowly, Taban forces himself to stand, each movement heavy with exhaustion. "You need to get better—and so do I. My pride clouds my judgment, and because of that... I don’t think I’m fit to train you anymore."
He turns to address the rest of the group, his tone carrying both regret and sincerity. "This was fun," he admits with a faint, pained smile, "but I made you go through unnecessary trouble—and I hurt your friend here," he says, nodding toward Cleggor. "The coin purse should cover what I owe, but I believe I’m indebted beyond that."
Taking a deep breath, Taban straightens himself despite the pain. "I’m willing to pay for my stubbornness by working with you for a while—no payment needed. I lost, after all. Maybe along the way, I’ll learn something about depending on others."
The pupil steps forward quickly, concern etched on his face as he moves to support Taban. He slides an arm under his mentor's shoulder, carefully helping him to his feet. Though Taban winces with each step, the pupil steadies him with quiet determination, guiding him toward a nearby bench where other trainers wait to tend to his wounds.
Once Taban is seated, the pupil crouches beside him, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. "Master, I understand your decision, and I won’t dishonor it," he says, his hands tightening into fists. "You’ve taught me so much already. If you believe this is what’s best, I’ll respect it."
Despite his composed words, his expression betrays a flicker of sadness. His shoulders sag slightly, and his eyes linger on Taban for a moment longer, as though searching for the strength to accept the change. After a deep breath, he straightens, resolve returning to his posture. "But know this—I won’t give up. I’ll become stronger, not just for myself, but to honor everything you’ve taught me."
Thyxius lets out a quiet sigh of relief as the fight ends, hurrying to Cleggor's side. Kneeling, he places a steady hand on his companion and murmurs a prayer, channeling divine energy to heal his wounds. As Cleggor stirs, Thyxius offers a small, reassuring smile before rising and turning to Taban. "You’ve shown great strength in taking responsibility, Taban," he says firmly. "If you choose to stand with us, let it be as an ally, not out of penance. Together, we can move forward with purpose."
“Whosis, whassat, huh?” Cleggor comes round, rubbing his head. “I took im down, didn’t I? Gave him a wallopin, didn’t I? What happened? Why is it so fuzzy….” He keeps rubbing his head, feeling a knot come up under his skin, vision comes into focus and he sees Thyxius over time, he struggles for a moment to stand on woozy legs. “Oh. I guess I didn’t take him out, there he is… thank you Thyxius..I uh.. need to get my er uh noggin straight.” He leans on his staff and walks over to Taban.
”You uh, knocked me for a loop. I thought I caught you a good un on the head but boy, you just counterpunched me, but good. That shield of yours, that’s the last thing i remember before my light was turned out. Ifn you want to join us, I’d be glad to have youns on our side. I have firsthand knowledge of your skills now…” Cleggor holds his hand out to shake hands with the fighter that beat him down, feeling the various bruises and lumps that are starting to pop up on his body.
Petor grins. "You're good there, eh, Cleggor? You'll wanna be careful of that head for a few days, knockins to the noggin are no joke." He's happy to have made it out of the battle without taking any damage or hurting anyone badly. "I'm always looking for new allies and connections, and it's nicee to know there's somebody stronger than us who can help out in a pinch. Not a word about the magic though, alright? I don't need people knowing, at least not yet."
Rhys sheaths his blade and ends his mark on Taban seeing he is no threat anymore. “You had us rightfully worried there, thought you might take out our whole lot! We’d be happy to borrow your strength for whatever time you have to lend it.”
Then turning towards K’lahu. Will you honor your deal now that you have the gold in your hands?
Once K'Lahu picks up the coin purse and whatever else was tossed, she carefully counts the contents to confirm the amount is correct. Satisfied, she says, "Sure thing, here's your part." (250 gp) With a crooked grin, she bows in an exaggerated, mocking gesture—not out of respect, but to poke fun at the group’s overly chivalrous attitude toward Taban.
Cleggor lies unconscious.
(Lucian is next)
Holding his sword ready, Lucian says "What do you want us to do with him he asks?" turning to his employer.
Action - HOLD ACTION (Strike with sword; if attacked)
D&D since 1984
From the ground, K'lahu keeps her eyes locked on Taban and says, "All I want is the gold, nothing more."
Taban responds with a pained smile, his fingers brushing the pouch at his side. "Go ahead and take it. It's right here." Despite being outnumbered and bloodied, there's a glint in his eyes—he's clearly enjoying himself, reveling in the thrill of the fight.
Lucian says "Cover me." He moves to pick up the money with his sword.
Ready Action to dodge if he moves towards me.
D&D since 1984
Thyxius lowers his blade slightly but keeps it ready at his side, his eyes fixed on Taban. His voice carries a hint of admiration at the man's resolve.
"You fight with courage, Taban." He glances briefly at K'lahu, then back to Taban. "This doesn’t have to go further. Surrender the pouch, and keep your pride intact. There is honor in knowing when to yield."
Ready Action: Longsword on Taban or K'lahu if either tries to attack; to hit 19, damage 7
Seeing Taban not backing down, Rhys continues the assault, knowing he will not stop until the fight is concluded.
Rhys closes with him drawing his blades and strikes with both his swords.
Shortsword: Nat 1 (using luck pt) -> 9 to hit 😑
off hand scimitar: 17 to hit: 6 + 3 hunters mark
K'lahu rises from the ground with a determined glare, her movements swift and precise. She lunges at Taban, her mace swinging in a wide arc, but he sidesteps the first strike with ease. Undeterred, she shifts her weight and brings the weapon back around with a sharp, calculated swing. This time, the mace connects solidly, striking Taban with a forceful blow. (7 dmg)
(Does Thyxius attack K’lahu now? Triggered held action)
Petor mutters an incantation under his breath, then audibly chuckles as Taban sneezes, his nose tickles by the black particles that form a cloud around his face. "Gods I love that one." He maintains his position at the back of the pack, his calm demeanour hiding how nervous he really is. Surely any human should be dead by now, right?
Lucian as he approached and upon seeing the fighter stands back up after the beating, holds his approach. He recalculates ,and if needed, he will continue to deliver a surprise assault.
Stealth to hide: 18
D&D since 1984
Seeing that Taban won't back down, Thyxius steels himself. He shifts his grip to use his longsword two handed and swings it at the gladiator for a powerful, but of course non-lethal blow, bolstered by radiant energy.
Action: Unequip shield (AC now 18 with shield of faith); Longsword to hit nat 20 + 4, damage 6 slashing and sap
Bonus Action: Divine Smite for 8 radiant damage
Hoping to finish the fight, Rhys continues his dual assault.
Shortsword: 14 to hit; 7 dmg + 3 HM
Off hand scimitar: 10 to hit; 3 dmg + 6 HM
<bump>
D&D since 1984
After enduring a flurry of attacks, Taban struggles to stay on his feet. His legs tremble under the strain, and finally, they give out. He drops to one knee, bloodied but conscious, his chest heaving as he fights to catch his breath. Keeping his gaze fixed on the ground, he reaches into his pouch with a trembling hand and tosses the coin purse to K'lahu with a swift motion.
"I apologize for my behavior," he says, his voice low but steady. "I wanted to prove that even against all odds, victory was possible." He shifts his gaze to his pupil, his expression softening. "The fight wasn’t rigged," he says firmly, pausing to gather his strength. Slowly, Taban forces himself to stand, each movement heavy with exhaustion. "You need to get better—and so do I. My pride clouds my judgment, and because of that... I don’t think I’m fit to train you anymore."
He turns to address the rest of the group, his tone carrying both regret and sincerity. "This was fun," he admits with a faint, pained smile, "but I made you go through unnecessary trouble—and I hurt your friend here," he says, nodding toward Cleggor. "The coin purse should cover what I owe, but I believe I’m indebted beyond that."
Taking a deep breath, Taban straightens himself despite the pain. "I’m willing to pay for my stubbornness by working with you for a while—no payment needed. I lost, after all. Maybe along the way, I’ll learn something about depending on others."
The pupil steps forward quickly, concern etched on his face as he moves to support Taban. He slides an arm under his mentor's shoulder, carefully helping him to his feet. Though Taban winces with each step, the pupil steadies him with quiet determination, guiding him toward a nearby bench where other trainers wait to tend to his wounds.
Once Taban is seated, the pupil crouches beside him, his voice steady but tinged with emotion. "Master, I understand your decision, and I won’t dishonor it," he says, his hands tightening into fists. "You’ve taught me so much already. If you believe this is what’s best, I’ll respect it."
Despite his composed words, his expression betrays a flicker of sadness. His shoulders sag slightly, and his eyes linger on Taban for a moment longer, as though searching for the strength to accept the change. After a deep breath, he straightens, resolve returning to his posture. "But know this—I won’t give up. I’ll become stronger, not just for myself, but to honor everything you’ve taught me."
Thyxius lets out a quiet sigh of relief as the fight ends, hurrying to Cleggor's side. Kneeling, he places a steady hand on his companion and murmurs a prayer, channeling divine energy to heal his wounds. As Cleggor stirs, Thyxius offers a small, reassuring smile before rising and turning to Taban. "You’ve shown great strength in taking responsibility, Taban," he says firmly. "If you choose to stand with us, let it be as an ally, not out of penance. Together, we can move forward with purpose."
Bonus Action: Lay on Hands on Cleggor for 5 Hp
“Whosis, whassat, huh?” Cleggor comes round, rubbing his head. “I took im down, didn’t I? Gave him a wallopin, didn’t I? What happened? Why is it so fuzzy….” He keeps rubbing his head, feeling a knot come up under his skin, vision comes into focus and he sees Thyxius over time, he struggles for a moment to stand on woozy legs. “Oh. I guess I didn’t take him out, there he is… thank you Thyxius..I uh.. need to get my er uh noggin straight.” He leans on his staff and walks over to Taban.
”You uh, knocked me for a loop. I thought I caught you a good un on the head but boy, you just counterpunched me, but good. That shield of yours, that’s the last thing i remember before my light was turned out. Ifn you want to join us, I’d be glad to have youns on our side. I have firsthand knowledge of your skills now…” Cleggor holds his hand out to shake hands with the fighter that beat him down, feeling the various bruises and lumps that are starting to pop up on his body.
Petor grins. "You're good there, eh, Cleggor? You'll wanna be careful of that head for a few days, knockins to the noggin are no joke." He's happy to have made it out of the battle without taking any damage or hurting anyone badly. "I'm always looking for new allies and connections, and it's nicee to know there's somebody stronger than us who can help out in a pinch. Not a word about the magic though, alright? I don't need people knowing, at least not yet."
Rhys sheaths his blade and ends his mark on Taban seeing he is no threat anymore. “You had us rightfully worried there, thought you might take out our whole lot! We’d be happy to borrow your strength for whatever time you have to lend it.”
Then turning towards K’lahu. Will you honor your deal now that you have the gold in your hands?
Once K'Lahu picks up the coin purse and whatever else was tossed, she carefully counts the contents to confirm the amount is correct. Satisfied, she says, "Sure thing, here's your part." (250 gp) With a crooked grin, she bows in an exaggerated, mocking gesture—not out of respect, but to poke fun at the group’s overly chivalrous attitude toward Taban.