"Just be careful Finn." Tylaerys says with a weak smile. "I care for Jirel too, but we all have a choice, that child down there had none, whatever we do we can't risk the lives of the prisoners." She says, but then she turns to look down at the enemy again, her heart torn over this cruel situation, tears starting to well up in her eyes. No! This wasn't helpful, she had to be stronger than this. "Thank you Jirel, you are our strongest and bravest, our champion, may the might of your clan guide your axe, may your ancestors watch over you and...may you prevail through this night." She turns and says, looking up at the blonde giantess, her silvery eyes briefly meeting the honey hues of Jirel, then quickly turning to face the enemy below again, fighting to hold the tears back.

Jirel holds firm staring down her opponent for a long tense moment, providing any opportunity for response before stepping back to march to battle. While she was prepared to make her way to the agreed upon ring in silence, she was not as prepared to be met with such passionate responses by those around her. The giantess held herself tall with a full stoic visage of a hardened and readied warrior. However, those looking closely would see a crack in the rock. She was genuinely touched. Cheddar was feisty as ever, an energy she’d hope to carry with her in battle. Finn pauses Jirel with her touch of inspiration, causing a stunned blink as her face grows warm. She clears her throat. And when her honey eyes meet to rest on Tylaerys’ they soften. 

Jirel holds her hand to her chest, over her heart, and bows. “Thank you for this honour.” The warrior could not help but feel bolstered by those who surrounded her.

Without further ado, Jirel was prepared to be sent off to battle with those final encouraging words empowering her. Armed and ready, she marches on.

     As Jirel marches on, Finn follows two steps behind and a bit to the left.  Finn follows while playing hitting out a rhythmic beat on her small framed hand drum (think Irish Bodhrán).  It's a small, quick beat then a pause in which she announces "The Champ is Here!" in a rough, heavy and forceful voice amplified by Thaumaturgy. There may be just the two of them but Finn aims, with her poise, her demeanor and the song, to turn their march to battle into a parade!

(( https://youtu.be/ipDvCSL-hKg ))

Jararaka shifts a little uncomfortably at the thanks of the governor, it was strange to be on the receiving end of gratitude from someone who probably would've had her arrested before all this mess. She kept lowkey to minimise her interactions with the humanoids in the keep, opting to assist Tylaerys with her tasks at the same time to hopefully not be equated to the fanatics outside...

While the blue half-dragon proposes the challenge and curled his lips in a frightening smile, Jararaka snarls in disdain. She crosses her arms and taps her claw on her arm both out of annoyances and anxiety. Bunch of haughty pricks.

When Jirel looks over, Jararka holds her gaze for a second, brows furrowed and plainly showing her distaste for the idea of accepting a challenge and meeting the demands of someone already unreasonable enough to take the weak hostage. But seeing the look in Jirel's eyes, she exhales through her nostrils and does a half-hearted 'after you' gesture. "Beat him up quickly, I still gotta ask you for a favour-" Jararaka taps the heavy metal chunks still adhered to her wrist with a claw.

Jararaka raise her shield in front of her, half-obscuring her face. She scans the people around, catching Cheddar walking off in her peripheral vision and fixing her gaze on Finn and Jirel's back as they walk into the challenge. She tilts her head down and whisper to her holy symbol. "Hey I know I've been poking you a lot today but this is also a serious matter..." Her claws begin to glow, lighting up in a jagged vein-like pattern, the divine magic flowing through her and her shield. The raincloud symbol on her shield flashes and bellowing of thunder begins to sound. Electricity and sparks gather around the symbol before flitting around Jirel, ending up as a crackling circlet above her head. Jirel can feel cool, refreshing wind on her skin, the most fleeting warning of the storms to come. Much less ostentatiously, two bolts of lightning finds itself around Finn and Cheddar's wrist. "Huh... My Lord does love a good challenge." Jararaka remarks and cannot help the pride bubbling in her, feeling the electricity in her veins even though the blessing were not cast on her. A smile curls on her lips and she lets her spines stretch out before stepping to the side. Looking at the half-dragon now, he doesn't look all that impressive.

bless on Finn, Jirel, and Cheddar! don't forget your d4s on attacks and saves!

At Jirel’s answer to his challenge, the half dragon’s tail begins to swing back and forth, like a happy pup.

”Just weapons?  Hmmn… Is this what you’re afraid of?” he asks.  Tipping his head back, the is a crackle of electricity from his nose horn, and then he exhales a bolt of lightning into the sky.  It lacks the thunderous boom of Lennithon’s breath weapon, but it looks powerful nonetheless.  The kobolds cry out in exhilaration at the display, while many of the human cultists take uneasy steps backward.  “It hardly seems fair.  It is a part of me… shall I ask you to fight without your great size and strength?  Bah!  No matter.  I accept the term.  Weapons only.”

The clerics gather beside Jirel.  Clystus, the priest of Chauntea, prays over Jirel and the last of her cuts and bruises heal and she feels greatly refreshed.  [heal for 4. Sister Rosri looks up at Jirel, her eyes difficult to read… there is anger, certainly, but also frustration, sadness and… something like maternal concern.  After meeting Jirel’s gaze, she gives the giantess a firm nod and then moves to stand beside the Governor.

Cheddar, an elevated firing platform will be a problem.  The half-dragon has been lingering just beyond 80’ from the castle, likely aware of the effective range of crossbows.  Unless they move close for their fight, you will have a hard time reaching him with bolts.  Alternately, you could exit the keep with Jirel and Finn, and try to find someplace to hide at ground level.

Jirel exits the keep.  The guards cheer for her with legitimate enthusiasm, while the crowd of civilians below do their best to join in, though they are in the dark about what in the Realms is going on.  The sally port is opened to allow Finn and Jirel to pass outside.  Three guards exit as well but stand at the gate, ready to rush back in and close it should this be a trick.  Finn salutes Jirel as she marches toward battle, drawing more cheers from the guards atop the wall, and a few boos and jeers from the human cultists.

The half-dragon paces back and forth, his tail swinging and following behind him like a sail.  When you draw close, he turns to square up, standing straight and formal.  He is taller than even Jirel, and he looks at her with a smile.

”Giant-woman, you have answered my challenge.  I salute you.”  He plants the end of his pole arm on the ground and leans into a deep bow.  Given the circumstances it looks ridiculous, and you might think it mocking if not for his sincere tone.

He rises again and flexes, looking at the scene around you, with the walls of the keep looking above and the flickering torchlights of the cultists.  “This… is perfect.  Glorious single combat to cap an evening of battle.  And the symbolism… the champion of the defenders against the leader of the invaders… dragon versus giant, the ancient conflict played out again in micro… I could not have asked for more.”

”As a sign of my respect, and of good faith…” he says, and he waves his weapon in the direction of some of his kobold retainers.  At his command, they release to to halfling prisoners, who stand frightened for a moment before the kobolds shove them in the direction of the keep.  They start to run and do not look back until they reach the guards, who usher them inside.  The half dragon then levels his weapon on front of the human woman and her son.  “These two… not until our battle is done,” he says with grim finality.

Then he raises his weapon and points it at Finn.  “No aid, no spells, no tricks, or my kobolds will gut the humans, understand?”

“My servants shall not interfere.”  Then he raises his voice and looks at the assembled cultists.  “NONE shall interfere, under pain of my wrath.”  

And then at last, more formally, he looks Jirel in they eyes.  “Jirel Nalekekali, you have accepted this challenge of honorable combat.  Know that you face Langdedrosa Cyanrath, Knight of Tiamat, the Lady of Colors.  May they speak of this battle for all the years to come.”

[Just say the word, and we will start initiative.  You are standing 30 feet apart.  Since it is just two melee fighters I’ll forego a map unless you want one]

Cheddar will exit with Jirel and Finn but when the opportunity presents itself he will break off and find a spot. 

((Can't roll right now, on my phone but I assume Stealth rolls are required. Cheddar will not move until all eyes are on Jirel and Finn))

     "Why hold back those two? The champ is here," Finn says, her hands indicating Jirel as if she was a new chariot on a showroom floor, "And surely you and the massive amounts of backup you need for this singular combat would cut us down if we turned and fled."

     Truth is, Finn is terrified and regretting her life choices right about now. Specifically that of nominating herself to be Jirel's corner man.  The idea of turning and fleeing is quite appealing but she couldn't bear what it may do to Jirel's confidence... Nor the cackling laughter she is sure she would hear from the kobold rats.  

     "The champion is here and you additionally have my word on honor that there will be no aid, spells, or tricks.  I am a bit mouthy though, so I will need the indulgence of you and your minions if I shout a bit of encouragement or derision...  It's just my way," Finn says with a big smile and a shrug.  "As we are giving words and promises...  How about your that once you fall your buddies there will pack up and go home, taking no more than they already have.  They can leave your body but our champion gets to choose a trophy.  I would suggest your pole-arm but I hear she's partial to heads..."

Jirel gives Jararaka a nod of appreciation as she hooks her greataxe to her back as she exits the keep.

With the crackling circlet above her head, the giantess felt the cool, refreshing wind on her skin as she stood outside the keep. Truthfully, Jirel had no quarrels with the half-dragon using his breath weapon, it was technically a weapon, and a part of them. However, he accepted the terms and she was also fine with not having to dodge an added attack. Having had given up her shield to a guard, and having spent up her warrior rage reserves defending the village, her natural armour and defensive abilities were at a disadvantage so she preferred not to have battled an opponent in full metal gear.

Standing before her opponent, Jirel was not use to having a hype-woman, or the draw of this large of a crowd. She was also a woman of few words and even more so when Finn had plenty. The goliath gave the half-dragon the respect of her full attention, drowning out any distractions. Even now she was sizing her opponent up and calculating her best plan of action. She cracks her neck from side to side, then rolls her shoulders back, her own muscles flexing as he addresses them. Honey eyes do not flinch, nor move away from her opponent as he makes his display of good faith. Jirel kept her whole focus forward knowing there were those ready to receive the freed prisoners. Though she does glance over her shoulder when he addresses those to not interfere. Honey eyes said everything. Do not interfere.

Returning her gaze to Langdedrosa, Jirel holds herself tall and proud as he introduces himself formally. They stare intensely at each other from either end of their declared arena. Thump thump. Thump thump. Heart racing. Blood pumping. The giantess raises her chin slowly as acknowledgement. "May they speak of this battle for years to come." 

(I believe I'm as ready as I can be! Should be fine without a map :) )

From the battlement, Tylaerys watches in anguish as Jirel walks to face the massive blue half-dragon. She is relieved to see the halflings being released but she knows in her heart that the lives of the mother and child depends on that no one interferes with the battle. She could only hope that their champion, the brave and mighty giantess Jirel, would defeat this monster, or...that the battle wouldn't claim her life. She found herself praying quietly, praying to her draconic ancestors and to Jirel's giantic, to stand her by in this night of despair, to grant her strength when all was spent, to guide her axe making it strike true, and to not take her away yet should the worst come to pass. Her silvery scales shimmers in the darkness as tension builds and builds down below, the quiet before the storm, the peace before the fury of battle is finally unleashed.

Cheddar, you have no problem seeing an opportunity to hide as all the attention seems to be focused on the two combatants.  Make a stealth check with advantage.

The half dragon scoffs at Finn.  "My brethren have already taken what little of value there was in this town.  We will leave once the battle it over.  As to taking my head as a trophy... " he laughs as he removes his half-plate armor.  Beneath, you see that his blue scales form a lesser armor all their own.  "If the champion wants my head, let her come and claim it!"

Initiative:

Jirel:  27

Langdedrosa Cyanrath:  3

Cheddar's stealth check:  25

At Langdedrosa’s call out in retort to Finn, he is met with flying metal. The giantess reacted quickly, hoping to gain a slight advantage by recklessly hurling a javelin from her stores while he was busy responding to someone who wasn’t her.

VS Langdedrosa
Reckless Attack: 8 Damage: 4 

Jirel lets out a loud battle roar, her muscles flexing as she shifts into an offensive prowl. She was his opponent. Eyes on her. Now assumed to have his full attention, she growls and paces out in a wide circle, like a predator stalking it’s prey. Testing, studying. What, was she supposed to charge in like a mindless brute? The giantess grins, her fangs poking out. She reaches out a long arm towards her opponent, then makes then ‘come here’/‘bring it’ motion with her hand. Let’s play.

Movement: 20ft back 

(Forgot Bless: 3. Adding separately to avoid any manipulation rolls.)

Cheddar becomes the night, slipping into the scrub brush outside the keep and disappearing into the darkness like some kind of sleek jungle cat.  He is hidden for now and within range of the combatants.

[While both the warriors explicitly or implicitly told their allies to back off and not interfere... if anyone does plan on interfering, let us know via a post and roll initiative for yourself.  I will slide you into the next round.  Try to hold a description of what you do until your turn comes around.

Right now it is:

Round One

• Jirel
• Landedrosa Cyanrath]

Slowly, methodically Cheddar loads his crossbow and takes aim. He waits, being the cat on the grassy knoll, waiting and watching. 

[As it wasn't melee, we won't treat that as a reckless attack, Jirel, so no advantage against you.  Of course, that means no advantage on the attack, making your first roll a critical fail.]

Perhaps a little too amped up for the fight, Jirel nearly blind fires a javelin at the half-dragon as she backpedals to get some more distance between them.  The blue reptilian hulk watches the javelin sail harmlessly past.  It sinks into the bushes... just inches away from skewering a certain well-hidden cat.

Then Langdedrosa snaps his head back toward Jirel.  When she waves him forward, he obliges, dashing 45' closer.  But he doesn't stop there.  "Don't run, giant-woman.  This is meant to be dance, not a race!"  Faster than a brute his size has any right to be, he uses the long reach of his polearm to strike out at Jirel.  He stabs once with the spear-like tip of the dragon's snout, then slashes back laterally with the long, curved wing.

Attack: 20 Damage: 11

Attack: 17 Damage: 8

[Landedrosa used his single Action Surge this round to both Dash and Multiattack on the same turn.]

Finn Initiative:  17

Unsure if she will interfere or not but... possibly. 

     Finn started playing her bodrahn once she saw Jirel was going on the offensive.  She plays a bit of a war beat upon the drum, it is a heavy heart pounding beat that signs to any with a racing pulse.  She also has Owl circling high above the combatants, trying to stay out of sight but within range...

Well, she definitely grabbed his attention. Jirel plants her feet on the ground, digging her heels into the ground and flexing her muscles in preparation for Langdedrosa’s charge. He didn’t disappoint. He pressed his attack hard against the goliath, testing the true strength behind her toughened hide.

Reaction
Stone’s Endurance: 3 

Jirel grunts. Crimson stains the ground of the battle field. First blood has been drawn. However, the grin does not falter from the lips of the giantess. She had her opponent expel additional energy to close the gap. He struck hard and fast. All she had to do was outlast. Now toe to toe, it was time to go. “Let’s dance.” Breathing through the familiar sensation of pain, Jirel grips her greataxe and insteps, bringing her blade around in a wide swing.

Action
Attack: 25 Damage: 25 + Bless: 2 

The half-dragon's footwork is excellent, and he almost ducks away from Jirel's axe.  Almost.  The edge of her blade scrapes across his hide, breaking and tearing off blue scales and drawing a flow of dark blood that glistens in the firelight.

Despite his wound, Langdedrosa seems caught in rapturous joy.  "You stand your ground, giantess, but can the mountain hold against the power of the storm?"  He pivots around Jirel, circling.  Twice more he strikes out with the sharpened tip of his polearm, probing for weakness in her defenses.

Attack: 14 Damage: 10

Attack: 12 Damage: 8

ROUND TWO

• Jirel
• Landedrosa Cyanrath
• Finn (optional)