Quote from ArchitecturallyInclined >>

(OOC: Roughly how far away is the box from the field of combat?)

OOC: Sorry missed this bit. The stands are 20ft away from the front but another 20ft of stands between the front and back, where the Firstforge box is, the area is elevated about 15ft to see over the people in front. So 45ft in total in the back but at the front of the

Elavor is roughly 45ft awa if he's at a high point. He doesn't see anything immediately amiss looking out and over but he's also too far away from his position in the stands to see anything in great detail on the tournament grounds. Other than the big movements of the two opponents he will miss the subtle of the fight. The stands too are large for one pass over. There are the seven house boxes, a central box for the throne, and yet another box for the clergy. There's a lot to take in. 

What section is his 20 perception focused on?

OOC: ok it would take more than one roll and a clear selection of what section he's searching to notice anything in particular. Say it's like noticing everything in a crowd at a local football game, it's impossible. I'd even go as far as to say without calling a section or person out there's so much going on that not even a Nat 20 would tell a PC everything.

(Realizing there's too much to focus on, his gaze settles on the tents of the families , casually scanning to see if there's anything amiss as he talks)

"Idiots and bullies are two traits, I've found, that usually go hand-in-hand old friend." Elavor smiles as his companion sits with him... he takes a large drink. ...

"Look, I wanted to apologize again for the incident last night. I feel horrible about all of that... but it sounds like there's got to be another way down there for both of you." 

Elavor waves down the ale man again as they finish their drinks and orders another round...  

Varen removes the leather armor, now just in road-worn travel clothes. "Yeah... do you remember the albino giant spider Opal and I hunted in the woods outside Bhil Durahl? I've never been able to get the ichor stains out." Varen's face looks sullen a moment, her thoughts on Opal, before she refocuses on the moment. "I'm sure there are some appropriate clothes and a set of half-plate somewhere in this tent!" 

As Petal makes her offer, Varen fingers her mother's amulet. "It's a gamble. But I think we can pull it off, as long as there is no visual effects... Work your magic as I'm getting armored up. The noise should provide cover enough. And if things look dicey, be ready to drop your spell."

And just to make sure Varen actually thinks its a good idea and that her amulet should protect her from being detected: Arcana 24

Varen knows that all divination magi. Is blocked and can not detect her because of her amulet.

OOC: The d4 will determine who goes first lowest to highest.

Opal vs. Marshfield 4

Ran vs Vahar 4

Varen vs. Turco 3

Order is as follows:

Varen vs. Turco

Ran vs. Vahar

Opal vs. Marshfield

OOC: We'll assume everyone gets fitted out.

The stands are packed as Varen is taken into a sandy area that is a 30 ft by 40ft oval. There stands a tan skinned man in full-plate with two long swords wearing Turco colors. He's tall most likely 6'5". He's smiling at Varen as she enters the arena he bows slightly. 

"Here I thought I drew the short straw," he begins, "Kay Tregallis," he adds. "I hope very much to beat you today in the arena but just so we're clear I'd like to take you out for a pint after," he adds holding his hand out to Varen for her to shake.

 OOC: Varen has a chance to answer before I launch into the start.

Varen emerges to the field, her auburn hair tied into a long elaborate braid (she'll have to ask Petal about that technique later) and laced with pink and blue flowers throughout, almost like a crown. She isn't wearing the dusty road leathers from the archery competition, instead, she wears a sturdy set of steel half-plate, the breastplate emblazoned with the emblem of the Firstforges, and a long blue cloak trimmed with the pink that define the Firstforge colors. She has traded the scored wooden buckler for a similarly sized steel shield, also with the Firstforge emblem painted on the front. After she walks out to the arena, she nods at the Turco man, seeing him standing almost a full foot in height above her.

Varen walks up to him and clasps his arm in hers, a warrior's handshake. She gives him a quick smile.

"I'm going to take you up on that offer, Kay, though I'll have you know I drink with the dwarves so you'll have at least two hard fights ahead of you tonight. I am Varen Delisse. Best of luck to you."

Varen returns, standing ready for the competition to begin before she draws the slim saber at her side.

The braid includes 11 Temporary hit points and advantage on CON checks 

Petal follows Varen, carrying her cape so it doesn’t touch the ground.

OOC: Oh slick AND pretty!! I love the creativity!! Petal gets another inspiration d8!

Coming onto the tournament grounds an announcer stands in the center of the sandy area 30ft by 40ft oval between Varen and Kay.

"I submit to you a contest between worthy opponents. House Turco Kay Tregallis against house Firstforge Lady Varen Delisse. May the Light shine on your actions and may this combat be honorable," the announcer explains. Looking to you both. "Let the match commence," they add stepping out of the oval!

Varen is a go!

OOC: As specified above you're being granted points based on HP as well as RP in combat with a twist!

Ronegan looks at Elavor and sighs. "I...I just don't get, Elavor. I've seen your maps. You are very skilled. The level of detail on your cartographic projections is remarkable. Why, exactly do you feel as though you need to pilfer? Is it some sort of compulsion?"

The halfling drains his pint and looks out at the field of battle--the halfling seems in a morose mood for the moment. "You know what? It doesn't matter. If nothing else, this little voyage has taught me we all have our secrets. Even Opal there." He looks at the Princess hard, then back at Elavor.  "I'm trying to let it bother me less. I trust you will not think I am bragging when I say I am the smartest person I know. But there are things that even I don't know. And perhaps...that's okay?"

He claps Elavor on the back and seems to brighten. "Besides, it was probably for the best that you got us kicked out of paradise. I was very seriously considering staying, and if I had, I am certain the food....and the company of course, would be nowhere near as fine, eh? Let's consider it water under the bridge and enjoy Varen's bout. Oh, and keep an eye out for a human wearing traditional halfling clothing. Anger makes me quite peckish."

Varen unsheathes her saber, holding it upwards in front of her as she gives a final bow to her opponent, before adopting a high guard defense, shield in front and saber above, parallel the the ground.

She moves forward, footwork careful, and lashes out with a quick slice. 

Saber: 18 / Damage 15

Kay smiles as Varen bows, and he returns the gesture. Still happy that she said she'd join him for a drink he's almost caught off guard by her quick lunge and slash with the saber. But he's able to pivot slightly and let the blade glance off his armor without causing any harm.

"Ran was right. You are quick."

Taking advantage of the change in momentum the missed blow causes, he slashes out quickly with one of his longswords, looking to get behind that shield and make first contact.

Then he steps forward to press his attack, slashing out with one sword, than quickly following it with other.

(Reaction: Riposte: Attack: 21 Damage: 6 plus Superiority Dice Damage: 3 and then Action: Longsword attack Attack: 20 Damage: 7 and Bonus Action: Longsword attack Attack: 11 Damage: 13 )

Varen deflects the set of blows, just barely. The parry was at an awkward angle, and the efforts would have left her winded were it not for the boost in endurance that Petal had given her. The final blow deflects downward off her shield, and she steps back as the blade carves up a cloud of dust from the arena floor.

OOC: Damage will be taken, regardless of my question in the PM. Flavored as above.

"Not bad yourself!"

She moves to exploit another perceived weak point, trying to get underneath his blows and strike quickly at his legs, following through to his flank.

Attack: 13 Damage: 13

Kay's smile dims a little as he has to react to how quickly Varen moves with that saber. He manages to step to the side, pushing the blade down and away from his legs. And again he is able to take advantage of the missed blow and how that affects Varen's positioning.

In a smooth follow through to the parry, he quickly thrusts his sword forward to make the best of the opening that's only there for a fraction of a second. Then he takes a quick breath, centers himself and slashes out quickly with one sword at Varen's legs and then follows around with the other to her shoulder, hoping to catch her dropping the shield to protect her legs.

(Reaction: Riposte: Attack: 11 Damage: 9 plus Superiority Dice (#2) damage: 2 , then action to use longsword to Attack: 17 Damage: 11 and Bonus Action for second longsword to Attack: 15 Damage: 11 ) 

Varen parries the riposte, rotating her saber in a quick semi-circle to deflect the blow, and then steps backwards quickly, causing both of Kay's blades to catch nothing but air. She breathes heavily, a grin on her face, repositioning into a more aggressive stance, her sword lowered at a 45 degree angle.

"That technique... spend time with the elves, perhaps?"

Before he has time to answer, she rushes forward, slamming her shield into his offhand weapon and spinning the opposite direction to slash into his side.

Attack: 27 Damage: 9

As the fight starts Petal backs away and looks around to find Kay’s gnome companion. She heads up next to her and pulls a disgusted face, pointing her thumb towards the fight. 

“Look’s a bit more like a mating ritual, are they even trying to hit eachother?” She giggles “I’m Petal by the way, we didn’t get a chance to exchange names the other day.” She juts out her hand awkwardly, trying to perform the ritual townspeople call a “handshake”

Kay's missed blows, followed by Varen's taunting of him, leave him open to a quick counter attack. He grimaces as her saber strikes hard, only his heavy armor preventing it from doing a devastating amount of damage.

Quickly he regroups, pushes at her shield with one fist, and comes over the top with a heavy blow. He then spins off her shield and slashes around at the other side, hoping to again catch her loading up her defense on the wrong flank.

(Action: Attack: 16 Damage: 12 and Bonus Action: Attack: 20 Damage: 8 ) 

The second attack, in fact, finds purchase. Varen takes a blow to the chest that is, thankfully, absorbed and deflected by the half-plate. She staggers back, then ducks forward again, weaving quickly with her sword and shield forward to try and break Kay's defenses and sneak in another slash.

Attack: 17 Damage: 12

Kay sees his attack connect and cause Varen to stagger back. He almost asks if she’s okay before remembering this is business. He can ask her later over a beer. That distraction almost costs him again, but luckily he’s able to bring one of his swords down and just deflect Varen’s saber in time.

The sword he parried her attack with bites out quickly, hoping to find purchase in a fast counter strike.

His breathing coming harder with the exertion and the weight of his armor, Kay hopes he can last the few moments remaining. He crashes forward with one blow and then another, trying not to given Varen time to react. 

Reaction: Riposte Attack: 14 Damage: 13 plus Superiority Dice (#3) Damage 1 

Action: Longsword 8 

Bonus Action: Longsword Attack: 25 Damage: 11 

edit: oops messed up the action attack: forgot to roll to hit. Attack: 14 Damage: 7 

Varen tries to keep up with the flurry of blows. Two parries, but she is delayed in the third. She retreats a few steps, eyes leveled at the man, breathing heavily, adrenalin pumping. She feels a wet trickle of blood from the corner of her mouth. When did I take a hit to the face? She uses her forearm to wipe it away, though it leaves a crimson streak across her cheek and gauntlet. She gives a wicked grin to Kay, her teeth also tinged red.

She rushes forward once more.

Attack: 15 Damage: 14

Kay almost laughs when he sees Varen grin, and that drop in his guard, again, proves his undoing as she catches him with another glancing blow. 

He nods his head towards her, acknowledging the quickness and precision of the strike. He doesn't have the breath to talk but he still has enough energy to make one, maybe two more flurries. There can't be much time left in this match.

Kay pushes forward again, slashing down hard with his first sword, trying to push Varen's shield to the side, before bringing his second sword around in a high arc.

Action: Attack: 23 Damage: 12 

Bonus Action: Attack: 18 Damage: 12