This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As Kira gets up herself Caelyn shrugs and replies As did you.
Realising winning means fighting yet again Caelyn wonders if she should of put in all the effort. While moving to the next mat she spots Cyril as her opponent.
Another one she never really got a good read on. He seemed to just not like her. The anger was clear on Cyrils face but Caelyn couldnt really remember if she did anything to warrant such emotion.
Getting ready she pulls out her daggers.
Initiative 23
With the first indication of Cyrils muscle beginning to move Caelyn bursts into motion using her speed to meet Cyril during his charge. Hoping to get the drop on him she slashes her dagger upward aiming for his torso. As they run out of charging room she makes her stance a bit wider to drop a few inches to dodge Cyril's dagger and using her other hand to make a quick jab with her offhand.
As her movement finishes a huge spark of thunder can be seen through the corner of her eye distracting her long enough to get hit by Cyrils punch to the jaw.
She moves back a step having to reshift her footing to keep her balance.
With both their movements going so fast Caelyn didnt notice at first how well her hits had landed.
Still feeling the sting of his punch she notices a few lines of blood on Cyril where she had sliced and jabbed him. With Cyrils speed he likely didnt notice the initial impact either.
Caelyns stops bending through her knees moving back upright out of her battle stance as she eyes the healers to see if they had already noticed.
There is a moment, where the two are locked eye to eye, Cyril and Caelyn, before either realizes what has happened in that split second of action. Caelyn would see a, perhaps, unfathomable suspicion in Cyril's gaze. Unmistakable, but mystifying.
And then the moment breaks and the monk drops to the ground, a hand clutched around the dagger protruding from the side of his chest. A moment later a healer rushes forward to take control and clear the mat.
With the melee challenge complete, Mist gathers the group and announces the results. "Well done, Ashe, Pernach, and Caelyn for finishing top in the challenge. Ashe is in the lead with 8 points. Pernach is next with 5. Caelyn has 4 points, Pepper has 1, and Cyril and Kira both lost a point. The point, though, is not winning or losing. It is to show you that as an operative of the Queen, you must always be ready to fight your way out of a bad situation. So keep up your drills, and keep your head on a swivel. I relinquish you to your next challenge."
On a board on the wall are the bonus points if you are interested.
Scoring:
Ashe: +1 for a good show; +1 for one-hit knock-out; +1 overkill; +5 for 1st place = 8 Caelyn: +1 for quick hit; +1 for a good show; -1 for wild miss; +1 for quick hit; +1 for hard hit; +1 for 3rd place = 4 Cyril: - 1 for flinching = -1 Kira: -1 for wild miss = -1 Pepper: +1 for taking no damage = 1 Pernach: +1 for one-hit knock-out; +1 for taking no damage; +3 for 2nd place = 5
(Critical hits and misses, nat 20 on initiatives, and maximizing damage rolls give or subtract points. Let me know if I missed anything =)
Up next is the ranged melee challenge. This is held in the outdoor firing range, where multiple targets are set up at various ranges. Your trainer (who will be revealed once I get power back at the house and access to my notes!!) explains the next event.
"Welcome, graduates. This event pits your abilities to hit targets at range in a variety of conditions. As you can see, the targets are at various ranges. You may use a shortbow or a light crossbow from the armory, or your own ranged weapon. Spells are also allowed. Targets beyond 80' are worth double points. You will be given five shots to test different skills. Oh, and there are also a limited number of targets - once one is hit it is out of competition. This gives higher ranked students more options! Please check the posting for your turn. Good luck - and be glad the targets aren't shooting back at you this time!"
For this event, you will each take 5 shots. I will apply them in order of precedence. 20 targets are between 20 and 70 feet. 15 targets are between 80 and 120 feet and are at disadvantage for shortbow and light crossbow shots. You may switch one roll with another - this lets you use a good roll on an easier target for a harder shot. Go ahead and pick your targets, make your shots, and we'll adjust anything if needed. Your ranking, based on previous rolls, is:
Caelyn - 22
Pernach - 18
Ashe - 17
Pepper - 9
Cyril - 7
Kira - 3
Here is the AC for each round, and a description of the conditions/targets:
AC12 - A regular shot at any available target
AC14 - The targets begin to magically move!
AC15 - The targets stop moving, but a fog covers the field, giving the targets 1/2 cover
AC17- The fog remains, and the targets resume their dodging and weaving
AC12 - The field clears and you get one more chance at an easy shot
Cyril eyes the ranged course, noting the various ranges of the targets skeptically. "Well, seems my throwing blades are a bit out of place here..." With a slight nod and a glance around at his compatriots, he picks up a crossbow and bolts to go along with it, taking a seat and going over the device to double check that all is in working order.
Pepper rejoins the group. “No longbows?” she asks this test’s minder. “Will we be required to forgo them in the field, too?” The question comes out innocently, but it isn’t.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he). Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
"Your own weapons may be used, of course. If you are proficient with longbows or heavy crossbows, you may check those out," the trainer replies to Pepper with a grin.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"At a guess," Cyril stands, hefting the bow in his hands once more approvingly, "they've kept it to the simpler weapons to even the field a bit. Let skill show off a bit more than the strength of the weapon itself. Just guessing though." A grin flickers over his face as he slides past the others and out to the range. Once in place, he takes a moment, judging the ranges once more before fitting a bolt and lifting the weapon into firing position.
Round 1 (long range target, AC12): 8
Round 2 (short range, AC 14): 21
Round 3 (short range, AC 15): 13
Round 4 (short range, AC 17): 21
Round 5 (long range target, AC 12): 11
Damage Round 2: 12
Damage Round 3: 6
Frowning, he turns away from the range and returns to the group, placing his bow back on the rack. "Only two hits? Today really is not my day, is it?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
OOC > “You may switch one roll with another.” I assume that means we can make one swap, but not more than one. I will proceed accordingly.
”You’re weeping right I’ll choose the right weapon for the job,” Pepper says, going past the racks for the far lockers. She returns with a longbow and a quiver of long-fletched arrows. She takes the shooting blind next to Cyril, chooses her targets, and lets fly.
She chooses all far targets, taking advantage of the length of her bow. (Unless, of course, they have been shot out of the competition before she gets there, DM will have to adjudicate.)
Rd 1 (AC 12): 17
Rd 2 (AC 14): 19
Rd 3 (AC 15): 6
Rd 4 (AC 17): 19
Rd 5 (AC 12): 22
…seeing if I want to swap a roll…
…yes, she will swap the Rd 1 roll and the Rd 3 roll, hitting all the targets but the first one.
Pepper curses as her first arrow flies so wide of the first, easy target that a nearby page has to yelp and jump out of the way. She mutters and waves apologies, then decidedly ignores the commentary that has surely sprung up. Focusing downrange, she stares down the shaft of her second arrow, and looses, finding the target. The next three come just as easily, though she does not gloat. She knows this is not her contest. When she is done she looks over at Caelyn, and a little insouciant grin does come back as she makes her way over. “It’ll take the best you have to beat that, girl. I know you’re good for it, but do you?”
Ashe goes to help Pernach up, if the warforged allows him to do so. Regardless, he'll stand close to Pernach. "I got very, very lucky... that's what happened. I don't think I would have won if I didn't play a little dirty. Sorry, Pernach. Nothing personal, buddy. You don't look too worse for wear though; you're a tough one!"The boy smiles, patting Pernach on the shoulder, trying to drum up some additional courage in the warforged while also covering his ass in case the mighty construct holds this against him.
(OOC: I'm giving Pernach a bardicinspiration die.For the next 10 minutes, add a d6 to any ability check, saving throw, or attack roll you make - it might come in useful for this next challenge!)
Ashe heads to the archery range, picking up a crossbow and studying the targets before taking aim and loosing a few bolts.
Cyril nods in appreciation, watching the others fire. Knowing that his own performance was anything but optimal, a situation that he chalks up to nerves at this point, he feels more than free to wish the others well. Kira, in particular, catches his eye with an outstanding round of shooting that brings a smile to his face.
Caelyn starts to move back to her own quiver and bow but since the armory has opened up decides to walk over to the longbows and pick up one of those. A bit more clunky but she just has to shoot further.
Gripping the bow with one hand and placing the arrow on the string her mind drifts to the the challenge at hand. Why would the others be tested on archery, it seemed pointless, she had rarely seen any of them use such a weapon. Only Caelyn herself used one on a regular basis. Mist must have something planned.
As Peppers words ring in her ears she looks and Pepper and mumbles under her breath Thats it. As a revelation
Mist was giving the others all the tools they needed to beat Caelyn. But why? Mist is just a trainer.. Perhaps someone else was trying to prevent Caelyn from passing.
With different thoughts rampaging through her mind she draws back the bow to release her first shot and continues to move towards new targets all for the long ranged shots.
Ashe sets down his crossbow, eyeing the three targets he managed to hit before checking on everyone else. He chuckles at the competitiveness between Caelyn and Pepper, then looks to Pernach with a nod before taking a peek at Kira's handiwork. "Not bad, sharpshooter. I feel bad for anyone who ends up on the wrong side of you crossbow."
He turns his head to Cyril returning his bow in a huff and takes a few steps toward him. "Don't let it get to you, Cyril, there's still a few more trials left. Plenty of opportunity to bounce back, right? Being able to turn the tide is sure to earn you some bonus points,"Ashe says, hoping to cheer up the elf.
As Kira gets up herself Caelyn shrugs and replies As did you.
Realising winning means fighting yet again Caelyn wonders if she should of put in all the effort. While moving to the next mat she spots Cyril as her opponent.
Another one she never really got a good read on. He seemed to just not like her. The anger was clear on Cyrils face but Caelyn couldnt really remember if she did anything to warrant such emotion.
Getting ready she pulls out her daggers.
Initiative 23
With the first indication of Cyrils muscle beginning to move Caelyn bursts into motion using her speed to meet Cyril during his charge. Hoping to get the drop on him she slashes her dagger upward aiming for his torso.
As they run out of charging room she makes her stance a bit wider to drop a few inches to dodge Cyril's dagger and using her other hand to make a quick jab with her offhand.
As her movement finishes a huge spark of thunder can be seen through the corner of her eye distracting her long enough to get hit by Cyrils punch to the jaw.
She moves back a step having to reshift her footing to keep her balance.
With both their movements going so fast Caelyn didnt notice at first how well her hits had landed.
Still feeling the sting of his punch she notices a few lines of blood on Cyril where she had sliced and jabbed him. With Cyrils speed he likely didnt notice the initial impact either.
Caelyns stops bending through her knees moving back upright out of her battle stance as she eyes the healers to see if they had already noticed.
There is a moment, where the two are locked eye to eye, Cyril and Caelyn, before either realizes what has happened in that split second of action. Caelyn would see a, perhaps, unfathomable suspicion in Cyril's gaze. Unmistakable, but mystifying.
And then the moment breaks and the monk drops to the ground, a hand clutched around the dagger protruding from the side of his chest. A moment later a healer rushes forward to take control and clear the mat.
With the melee challenge complete, Mist gathers the group and announces the results. "Well done, Ashe, Pernach, and Caelyn for finishing top in the challenge. Ashe is in the lead with 8 points. Pernach is next with 5. Caelyn has 4 points, Pepper has 1, and Cyril and Kira both lost a point. The point, though, is not winning or losing. It is to show you that as an operative of the Queen, you must always be ready to fight your way out of a bad situation. So keep up your drills, and keep your head on a swivel. I relinquish you to your next challenge."
On a board on the wall are the bonus points if you are interested.
Scoring:
Ashe: +1 for a good show; +1 for one-hit knock-out; +1 overkill; +5 for 1st place = 8
Caelyn: +1 for quick hit; +1 for a good show; -1 for wild miss; +1 for quick hit; +1 for hard hit; +1 for 3rd place = 4
Cyril: - 1 for flinching = -1
Kira: -1 for wild miss = -1
Pepper: +1 for taking no damage = 1
Pernach: +1 for one-hit knock-out; +1 for taking no damage; +3 for 2nd place = 5
(Critical hits and misses, nat 20 on initiatives, and maximizing damage rolls give or subtract points. Let me know if I missed anything =)
Up next is the ranged melee challenge. This is held in the outdoor firing range, where multiple targets are set up at various ranges. Your trainer (who will be revealed once I get power back at the house and access to my notes!!) explains the next event.
"Welcome, graduates. This event pits your abilities to hit targets at range in a variety of conditions. As you can see, the targets are at various ranges. You may use a shortbow or a light crossbow from the armory, or your own ranged weapon. Spells are also allowed. Targets beyond 80' are worth double points. You will be given five shots to test different skills. Oh, and there are also a limited number of targets - once one is hit it is out of competition. This gives higher ranked students more options! Please check the posting for your turn. Good luck - and be glad the targets aren't shooting back at you this time!"
For this event, you will each take 5 shots. I will apply them in order of precedence. 20 targets are between 20 and 70 feet. 15 targets are between 80 and 120 feet and are at disadvantage for shortbow and light crossbow shots. You may switch one roll with another - this lets you use a good roll on an easier target for a harder shot. Go ahead and pick your targets, make your shots, and we'll adjust anything if needed. Your ranking, based on previous rolls, is:
Here is the AC for each round, and a description of the conditions/targets:
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Cyril eyes the ranged course, noting the various ranges of the targets skeptically. "Well, seems my throwing blades are a bit out of place here..." With a slight nod and a glance around at his compatriots, he picks up a crossbow and bolts to go along with it, taking a seat and going over the device to double check that all is in working order.
Pepper rejoins the group. “No longbows?” she asks this test’s minder. “Will we be required to forgo them in the field, too?” The question comes out innocently, but it isn’t.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
"Your own weapons may be used, of course. If you are proficient with longbows or heavy crossbows, you may check those out," the trainer replies to Pepper with a grin.
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
"At a guess," Cyril stands, hefting the bow in his hands once more approvingly, "they've kept it to the simpler weapons to even the field a bit. Let skill show off a bit more than the strength of the weapon itself. Just guessing though." A grin flickers over his face as he slides past the others and out to the range. Once in place, he takes a moment, judging the ranges once more before fitting a bolt and lifting the weapon into firing position.
Round 1 (long range target, AC12): 8
Round 2 (short range, AC 14): 21
Round 3 (short range, AC 15): 13
Round 4 (short range, AC 17): 21
Round 5 (long range target, AC 12): 11
Damage Round 2: 12
Damage Round 3: 6
Frowning, he turns away from the range and returns to the group, placing his bow back on the rack. "Only two hits? Today really is not my day, is it?"
OOC > “You may switch one roll with another.” I assume that means we can make one swap, but not more than one. I will proceed accordingly.
”You’re weeping right I’ll choose the right weapon for the job,” Pepper says, going past the racks for the far lockers. She returns with a longbow and a quiver of long-fletched arrows. She takes the shooting blind next to Cyril, chooses her targets, and lets fly.
She chooses all far targets, taking advantage of the length of her bow. (Unless, of course, they have been shot out of the competition before she gets there, DM will have to adjudicate.)
Rd 1 (AC 12): 17
Rd 2 (AC 14): 19
Rd 3 (AC 15): 6
Rd 4 (AC 17): 19
Rd 5 (AC 12): 22
…seeing if I want to swap a roll…
…yes, she will swap the Rd 1 roll and the Rd 3 roll, hitting all the targets but the first one.
Pepper curses as her first arrow flies so wide of the first, easy target that a nearby page has to yelp and jump out of the way. She mutters and waves apologies, then decidedly ignores the commentary that has surely sprung up. Focusing downrange, she stares down the shaft of her second arrow, and looses, finding the target. The next three come just as easily, though she does not gloat. She knows this is not her contest. When she is done she looks over at Caelyn, and a little insouciant grin does come back as she makes her way over. “It’ll take the best you have to beat that, girl. I know you’re good for it, but do you?”
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
Pernach looks over the field with his now mis-matched eyes and collects a longbow and quiver.
Far target Attack: 15 Damage: 4
Far target Attack: 8 Damage: 5
The moving target causes his second show to go wide.
Far target Attack: 19 Damage: 8
Buoyed by his success, he fires the final two at the more distant targets.
Far target Attack: 6 Damage: 6
Far target Attack: 9 Damage: 6
He shakes his head in apparent irritation. "I'm better with throwing weapons, but that doesn't serve well for distant work."
Ashe goes to help Pernach up, if the warforged allows him to do so. Regardless, he'll stand close to Pernach. "I got very, very lucky... that's what happened. I don't think I would have won if I didn't play a little dirty. Sorry, Pernach. Nothing personal, buddy. You don't look too worse for wear though; you're a tough one!" The boy smiles, patting Pernach on the shoulder, trying to drum up some additional courage in the warforged while also covering his ass in case the mighty construct holds this against him.
(OOC: I'm giving Pernach a bardic inspiration die. For the next 10 minutes, add a d6 to any ability check, saving throw, or attack roll you make - it might come in useful for this next challenge!)
Ashe heads to the archery range, picking up a crossbow and studying the targets before taking aim and loosing a few bolts.
Rd 1 (AC 12): 14
Rd 2 (AC 14): 22
Rd 3 (AC 15): 10
Rd 4 (AC 17): 23
RD 5 (AC 12): 21
Kira takes out her own crossbow and some bolts, and begins firing.
AC 12: 12
AC 14: 6
AC 15: 6
AC 17: 16
AC 12: 14
(gonna swap the third and fourth rolls)
The gnome smirks as all her shots hit.
Pepper whistles as Kira shows them all what's what.
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.
Cyril nods in appreciation, watching the others fire. Knowing that his own performance was anything but optimal, a situation that he chalks up to nerves at this point, he feels more than free to wish the others well. Kira, in particular, catches his eye with an outstanding round of shooting that brings a smile to his face.
Caelyn starts to move back to her own quiver and bow but since the armory has opened up decides to walk over to the longbows and pick up one of those. A bit more clunky but she just has to shoot further.
Gripping the bow with one hand and placing the arrow on the string her mind drifts to the the challenge at hand. Why would the others be tested on archery, it seemed pointless, she had rarely seen any of them use such a weapon. Only Caelyn herself used one on a regular basis. Mist must have something planned.
As Peppers words ring in her ears she looks and Pepper and mumbles under her breath Thats it. As a revelation
Mist was giving the others all the tools they needed to beat Caelyn. But why? Mist is just a trainer.. Perhaps someone else was trying to prevent Caelyn from passing.
With different thoughts rampaging through her mind she draws back the bow to release her first shot and continues to move towards new targets all for the long ranged shots.
Rd 1 (AC 12): 12
Rd 2 (AC 14): 25
Rd 3 (AC 15): 10
Rd 4 (AC 17): 24
RD 5 (AC 12): 11
(not sure if it matters in points but could swap the 2nd shot with the 3rd to beat the higher AC instead)
Even with only three shots hitting their mark she couldnt be bothered with it. Someone was after her. Here. Perhaps she was in danger.
Caelyn looked around to see if anyone was watching that she hasnt seen before.
Ashe sets down his crossbow, eyeing the three targets he managed to hit before checking on everyone else. He chuckles at the competitiveness between Caelyn and Pepper, then looks to Pernach with a nod before taking a peek at Kira's handiwork. "Not bad, sharpshooter. I feel bad for anyone who ends up on the wrong side of you crossbow."
He turns his head to Cyril returning his bow in a huff and takes a few steps toward him. "Don't let it get to you, Cyril, there's still a few more trials left. Plenty of opportunity to bounce back, right? Being able to turn the tide is sure to earn you some bonus points," Ashe says, hoping to cheer up the elf.
(OOC: Bardic inspiration coming your way, Cyril!)
Ashe, Caelyn, Kira, and Pepper, please roll damage for the hits you made. These help overall score =) Pending this here are the results:
Scoring:
Targets 1 and 5 - 1 pt each
Target 2, 3, and 4 worth 2, 3, and 4 pts respectively
Hitting all targets (Kira!!) earns 4 bonus pts
Hitting far targets earns 1 extra point for each
Critical hit earns 2 bonus pts
Critical miss subtracts 2 pts
Total damage will score bonus points -
- 1-10 = +2 pts
- 11-20 = +4 pts
- 21-30 = +6 pts
- >31 = +8 pts
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Damage, right...
Pepper's four hits with a longbow...
10
5
9
9
ey/em/eirs, or they/them works, too (just not he).
Role-playing since that keep on those borderlands. I love it so.