"Ah, the contractual clauses are always the part that reveals the true mastery of the bargainers!" Makkunod smiles. "I agree with you; it wouldn't be right to let the champion fly out of range. Let's make the duel only ground-based."
With all the details settled, the meeting is adjourned. The characters have a few hours (which they can spend either outside or in the dungeons—but not in the Lords from Below's lair). Mekkunod goes outside and wanders off—presumably to fetch the champion.
During the hours of waiting, however the party chooses to spend them, two things happen.
1) Thetis, enthusiastically, congratulates everyone—since, apparently, no matter what happens, she will gain her freedom! She is, however, especially grateful to Zevriel, who will risk, if not being killed, at least being injured for her!
"You're truly heroic, Zevriel!" she tries to hug and kiss him "You could stay with me, you know, when all this is over? Your words aren't funny, usually, but you're very gallant. You certainly wouldn't steal my mantle and enslave me! I could trust you — and probably make you happy to boot!"
2) One of the Lords from Below (in halfling form for the occasion), after Mekkunod has departed, approaches Tarysaa and Ardana and tries to take them aside for a private conversation (the two don't need to go out of sight, just so others can't hear what they're saying).
If Tarysaa or Ardana accepts, the halfling offers: "The champion is very ferocious... I don't know if your friend can beat it all by himself. But I could change things. I could have a few words with the champion before the fight - and convince it to let your friend win. Of course, I wouldn't do this out of pure goodness, but for personal gain: I want 200 gp for this service. What do you say? Can you pay? Of course, don't tell anything to your friend; I read in his thoughts that he has more honor than cunning... but you would do it for him too! You know how fights are... what if your friend were slow to surrender, overcome by the desire for victory... and the final blow were lethal? It could happen... do you really want to make him run that risk, when a modest 'offering' could prevent it? What are few hundred gp compared to a person's life?"
2) One of the Lords from Below (in halfling form for the occasion), after Mekkunod has departed, approaches Tarysaa and Ardana and tries to take them aside for a private conversation (the two don't need to go out of sight, just so others can't hear what they're saying).
If Tarysaa or Ardana accepts, the halfling offers: "The champion is very ferocious... I don't know if your friend can beat it all by himself. But I could change things. I could have a few words with the champion before the fight - and convince it to let your friend win. Of course, I wouldn't do this out of pure goodness, but for personal gain: I want 200 gp for this service. What do you say? Can you pay? Of course, don't tell anything to your friend; I read in his thoughts that he has more honor than cunning... but you would do it for him too! You know how fights are... what if your friend were slow to surrender, overcome by the desire for victory... and the final blow were lethal? It could happen... do you really want to make him run that risk, when a modest 'offering' could prevent it? What are few hundred gp compared to a person's life?"
Tarysaa listens and nods. "Technically, I agree with your assessment of our friend. Practically speaking, I do not have the gold on hand to offer." She taps her chin in thought, "I can arrange a promissory note from the Harpell. They might be pursued to offer a tithe for permission to visit your scholarly dragon below. Academics love that sort of thing."
"A mere promise for the future!?" the halfling seems almost offended "Your friend is in danger now! You must have found something of value down there... If you don't want to pay now, your friend will have a real fight - agsinst a nasty (and not much honorable) beast. Your choice".
OK, whether Tarysaa or Ardana decide to accept the halfling's offer and pay for an easy victory or not, the time for confrontation has come! If Tarysaa was unwilling or unable to pay the halfling, this is a good time for her to enchant Zevriel's weapon without him noticing.
In a short while, Mekkunod returns, along with a monster that matches Mival's description: a sort of monstrous lion, but with a face similar to that of an old human, two mighty wings (in fact, it's hovering above the doppelganger), and a tail bristling with spikes.
"Tremble before Drondur, the Wings of the Lords From Below!" the monster roars, landing. "Who is it that has come to be eaten?"
"Him," Meekunod points to Zevirel "but I've told you over and over again, Drondur... you can only eat him if he doesn't give up! If he gives up, you have to stop, okay?"
"Not even a final farewell bite?" the monster takes on a plaintive tone. "Only to remind him never to mess with the Lords from Below again..."
"I explained the rules to you, Drondur..." Meekunod sighs. "You want to continue working with us, right?"
"Fine..." Drondur reluctantly agrees. Then he turns to Zevriel: "But try not to give up too soon, okay? Let's have some fun..."
The champions enter the arena formed by the circle of spectators; Meekunod asks if the contenders are ready, then... he announces: "Let's begin!"
[[ OOC: If Zevriel wants to do anything last before we begin, now is the time; if not... he can roll for Initiative ]]
As noted above, Tarysaa will go over to Zevriel and place a hand on his shoulder, "You are taking a huge risk but, I respect your actions. If you will permit me, I wish to say a small elven prayer before you enter combat." Dropping her hand from his shoulder, she lightly touches the pommel of his sword and casts Magic Weapon .
"May you live to tell this story to your great grand children one day."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Zev bows his head to Tarysaa, voice low. “Thank you. I’ll make it count.”
He steps into the ring, squares his stance, and salutes: two fingers to brow, hand to heart, twinblade tipped to the ground. He meets the manticore’s eyes. “Ground fight. Yield ends it. No killing once it’s done, I promise.”
He slides a foot back, knees soft, blade held in two hands with the point angled low, shoulders relaxed—patient, watchful. He keeps the monster’s tail and paws in view, weight centered, breathing steady.
A small nod toward Mekkunod. “I’m ready.”
Zevriel's Initiative: 13
(I know it's not typical for a combat but since this is a staged fight, it would make sense to me that both of us start with thedodge prepared for the first turn.)
[[ OOC: OK, Dodge prepared then; the Manticore will attack at Disadvantage during the first Round ]]
Round 1
Drondur roars in response and, at the start signal, feints a charge—but quickly reverses direction and, as it reaches the edge of the circle, fires a volley of spikes with a sudden flick of its tail!
Three spikes as long as crossbow bolts shoot toward Zevriel.
"I like to poke my meal before I cut it up and eat it!" the monster laughs.
Zev slides in low and sideways, keeping the tail in his sightline as he weaves past the last quivering spike. He snaps his wrists to start a defensive whirl—mistimes it—and the inner blade kisses his own forearm. He hisses, “Clumsy,” but never breaks stride.
He feints high, then steps off-line and drives the twinblade in a tight arc toward the manticore’s flank, angling for the gap behind the foreleg. Steel bites and he rips the cut free, feet already shifting back to a guarded stance—knees soft, point low, eyes flicking between claws, maw, and tail as he readies to slip the next rush.
Move: 20 ft N, 5 ft NW Action: dodge Bonus: Whirl, dex check 9 (2 damage to himself), plus attack that hits AC 23 for 7 damage and 6 sneak damage
[[ OOC: I don't know if I'm overlooking some of Zevriel's quirks, but I don't think he can use Sneak Attack in this circumstance. In fact the description says: "Once per turn, you can deal an extra 2d6 damage to one creature you hit with an attack with a finesse or ranged weapon if you have advantage on the attack roll. You don't need advantage on the attack roll if another enemy of the target is within 5 ft. of it, that enemy isn't incapacitated, and you don't have disadvantage on the attack roll." Zevriel has no Advantage and Drondur does not have another enemy within 5', as this is a 1-on-1 duel. ]]
Round 1
Zevriel also lands a blow that scratches the creature's skin. Both fighters are still fresh, their reflexes sharp. It's difficult to land a decisive blow.
Round 2
"A meal that fights back!" Drondur laughs. "That makes it tastier! Time to enjoy it! Yumm!"
The beast pounces on Zevriel with fangs and claws.
The beast may not have the same finesse as Zevriel, but its impetus and ferocity make up for it—its bite tears away shreds of armor, clothing, and flesh, managing to draw blood from the hero's chest, while its left claw leaves a superficial scratch on his face. Zevriel now feels the pain of his wounds and realizes that another storm of attacks like the one he just suffered could be fatal... [[ OOC: This is the character's perception. The player obviously knows that Zevriel would just fall unconscious, rather than die. ]]
[OOC: Yes, he has a feature that specifically allows sneak attacks in duels. Also I forgot the magic weapon enchantment, so together adds 7 damage. He also can strike as an reaction after his whirl for his blade barrier feat, see below. I had hoped that the disadvantage from dodge would compensate the three attacks per turn but that creature rolls like a devil.]
Zev retorts with a precise blow but also staggers a half-step, then clamps down on the pain with a slow, steady breath. “Not taking another of those,” he mutters, setting his feet wide and bringing the twinblade in close—point low, edge ready to parry. He keeps the muzzle, claws, and tail all in view, shoulders loose, weight light, and begins to give ground in small, measured angles—pure defense, slipping and turning to make the beast miss.
With his off hand he presses two fingers to his ribs, forces his breathing into a rhythm, and rides the surge that follows—drawing on that hard, stubborn reserve he’s built in a lifetime of scrapes. Then he sinks back into guard, eyes calm, blade ready, daring the manticore to overcommit.
Reaction (from melee attack against Zevriel, see Blade Barrier below): Precise Strike (1/2, attack with advantage and additional 1d8 damage if it hits, see below) hits AC 26 for 10 damage (including magic weapon) plus 9 sneak and 5 from Precise Strike Action:dodge Bonus: Second Wind for 3 HP
Precise Strike. Once per turn, when you make a weapon attack roll against a creature, you can cause the attack roll to have advantage. If the attack hits, you roll a d8 and add the number rolled as a bonus to the attack’s damage roll. You can use this benefit a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, but a use is expended only if the attack hits. You regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
Rakish Audacity. Starting at 3rd level, your confidence propels you into battle. You can give yourself a bonus to your initiative rolls equal to your Charisma modifier.
You also gain an additional way to use your Sneak Attack; you don’t need advantage on the attack roll to use your Sneak Attack against a creature if you are within 5 feet of it, no other creatures are within 5 feet of you, and you don’t have disadvantage on the attack roll. All the other rules for Sneak Attack still apply to you.
Blade Barrier (Prerequisite: Proficiency with twinblades). Your expertise with twinblades allows you to turn your defensive flourish into an offensive strike. When you use the Whirl special bonus action with a twinblade, you gain the following features:
You can make one additional melee attack with the weapon. This attack uses the same ability modifier as the primary attack, and the weapon’s damage die for this attack is a d4.
Until the start of your next turn, other creatures provoke an opportunity attack from you when they enter your reach or make a melee attack against you while within your reach.
Bite Attack: 22 Damage: 11 (piercing) Left Claw Attack: 18 Damage: 4 (slashing) Right Claw Attack: 9 Damage: 5 (slashing)
(I just noticed that the rolls weren't at disadvantage but Zevriel declared the dodge action. Perhaps, with some luck at least the first hit doesn't hit.)
Oh, OK. I was confused by Zevriel attacking—but now I see, it was a Bonus Action attack; his Action was Dodge. So yes, I roll the two attacks that hit a second time, and if the second roll is low enough, they miss.
Bite Attack: 16 - we keep this roll if < 22 Left Claw Attack: 21 - we keep this roll if < 18
Oh, OK. I was confused by Zevriel attacking—but now I see, it was a Bonus Action attack; his Action was Dodge. So yes, I roll the two attacks that hit a second time, and if the second roll is low enough, they miss.
Bite Attack: 16 - we keep this roll if < 22 Left Claw Attack: 21 - we keep this roll if < 18
Drondur is also bleeding in several places due to the experienced warrior's determined reaction. The fight seems more evenly matched than the beast would like: "You're putting up a bit too much resistance, my meal!"
The manticore moves away from Zevriel [[ OOC: who can do an Attack of Opportunity, if he wants to use his Reaction ]] and, gaining distance, fires another volley of spikes from its tail.
"Ah, the contractual clauses are always the part that reveals the true mastery of the bargainers!" Makkunod smiles. "I agree with you; it wouldn't be right to let the champion fly out of range. Let's make the duel only ground-based."
With all the details settled, the meeting is adjourned. The characters have a few hours (which they can spend either outside or in the dungeons—but not in the Lords from Below's lair). Mekkunod goes outside and wanders off—presumably to fetch the champion.
During the hours of waiting, however the party chooses to spend them, two things happen.
1) Thetis, enthusiastically, congratulates everyone—since, apparently, no matter what happens, she will gain her freedom! She is, however, especially grateful to Zevriel, who will risk, if not being killed, at least being injured for her!
"You're truly heroic, Zevriel!" she tries to hug and kiss him "You could stay with me, you know, when all this is over? Your words aren't funny, usually, but you're very gallant. You certainly wouldn't steal my mantle and enslave me! I could trust you — and probably make you happy to boot!"
2) One of the Lords from Below (in halfling form for the occasion), after Mekkunod has departed, approaches Tarysaa and Ardana and tries to take them aside for a private conversation (the two don't need to go out of sight, just so others can't hear what they're saying).
If Tarysaa or Ardana accepts, the halfling offers: "The champion is very ferocious... I don't know if your friend can beat it all by himself. But I could change things. I could have a few words with the champion before the fight - and convince it to let your friend win. Of course, I wouldn't do this out of pure goodness, but for personal gain: I want 200 gp for this service. What do you say? Can you pay? Of course, don't tell anything to your friend; I read in his thoughts that he has more honor than cunning... but you would do it for him too! You know how fights are... what if your friend were slow to surrender, overcome by the desire for victory... and the final blow were lethal? It could happen... do you really want to make him run that risk, when a modest 'offering' could prevent it? What are few hundred gp compared to a person's life?"
Tarysaa listens and nods. "Technically, I agree with your assessment of our friend. Practically speaking, I do not have the gold on hand to offer." She taps her chin in thought, "I can arrange a promissory note from the Harpell. They might be pursued to offer a tithe for permission to visit your scholarly dragon below. Academics love that sort of thing."
"A mere promise for the future!?" the halfling seems almost offended "Your friend is in danger now! You must have found something of value down there... If you don't want to pay now, your friend will have a real fight - agsinst a nasty (and not much honorable) beast. Your choice".
OK, whether Tarysaa or Ardana decide to accept the halfling's offer and pay for an easy victory or not, the time for confrontation has come! If Tarysaa was unwilling or unable to pay the halfling, this is a good time for her to enchant Zevriel's weapon without him noticing.
In a short while, Mekkunod returns, along with a monster that matches Mival's description: a sort of monstrous lion, but with a face similar to that of an old human, two mighty wings (in fact, it's hovering above the doppelganger), and a tail bristling with spikes.
"Tremble before Drondur, the Wings of the Lords From Below!" the monster roars, landing. "Who is it that has come to be eaten?"
"Him," Meekunod points to Zevirel "but I've told you over and over again, Drondur... you can only eat him if he doesn't give up! If he gives up, you have to stop, okay?"
"Not even a final farewell bite?" the monster takes on a plaintive tone. "Only to remind him never to mess with the Lords from Below again..."
"I explained the rules to you, Drondur..." Meekunod sighs. "You want to continue working with us, right?"
"Fine..." Drondur reluctantly agrees. Then he turns to Zevriel: "But try not to give up too soon, okay? Let's have some fun..."
The champions enter the arena formed by the circle of spectators; Meekunod asks if the contenders are ready, then... he announces: "Let's begin!"
[[ OOC: If Zevriel wants to do anything last before we begin, now is the time; if not... he can roll for Initiative ]]
As noted above, Tarysaa will go over to Zevriel and place a hand on his shoulder, "You are taking a huge risk but, I respect your actions. If you will permit me, I wish to say a small elven prayer before you enter combat." Dropping her hand from his shoulder, she lightly touches the pommel of his sword and casts Magic Weapon .
"May you live to tell this story to your great grand children one day."
Drondur's Initiative: 21
Zev bows his head to Tarysaa, voice low. “Thank you. I’ll make it count.”
He steps into the ring, squares his stance, and salutes: two fingers to brow, hand to heart, twinblade tipped to the ground. He meets the manticore’s eyes. “Ground fight. Yield ends it. No killing once it’s done, I promise.”
He slides a foot back, knees soft, blade held in two hands with the point angled low, shoulders relaxed—patient, watchful. He keeps the monster’s tail and paws in view, weight centered, breathing steady.
A small nod toward Mekkunod. “I’m ready.”
Zevriel's Initiative: 13
(I know it's not typical for a combat but since this is a staged fight, it would make sense to me that both of us start with the dodge prepared for the first turn.)
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Yawning Portal || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan Shi - Liquid Swords || Syed - Drakkenheim || Kaelthor - Dragonlance ||
[[ OOC: OK, Dodge prepared then; the Manticore will attack at Disadvantage during the first Round ]]
Round 1
Drondur roars in response and, at the start signal, feints a charge—but quickly reverses direction and, as it reaches the edge of the circle, fires a volley of spikes with a sudden flick of its tail!
Three spikes as long as crossbow bolts shoot toward Zevriel.
"I like to poke my meal before I cut it up and eat it!" the monster laughs.
Drondur's Multiattack:
1st Spike Attack: 16 Damage: 10 (piercing)
2nd Spike Attack: 7 Damage: 10 (piercing)
3rd Spike Attack: 14 Damage: 6 (piercing)
Round 1
Zevriel was ready to dodge, but the sudden barrage of spikes puts him in trouble, and one of the spikes grazes his shoulder.
Time for our hero to react...
Zevriel is up!
Combat Stats (those interested can peek):
Initiative Name Status
21 Drondur Undamaged
13 Zevriel 10 Damage
Zev slides in low and sideways, keeping the tail in his sightline as he weaves past the last quivering spike. He snaps his wrists to start a defensive whirl—mistimes it—and the inner blade kisses his own forearm. He hisses, “Clumsy,” but never breaks stride.
He feints high, then steps off-line and drives the twinblade in a tight arc toward the manticore’s flank, angling for the gap behind the foreleg. Steel bites and he rips the cut free, feet already shifting back to a guarded stance—knees soft, point low, eyes flicking between claws, maw, and tail as he readies to slip the next rush.
Move: 20 ft N, 5 ft NW
Action: dodge
Bonus: Whirl, dex check 9 (2 damage to himself), plus attack that hits AC 23 for 7 damage and 6 sneak damage
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Yawning Portal || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan Shi - Liquid Swords || Syed - Drakkenheim || Kaelthor - Dragonlance ||
[[ OOC: I don't know if I'm overlooking some of Zevriel's quirks, but I don't think he can use Sneak Attack in this circumstance.
In fact the description says: "Once per turn, you can deal an extra 2d6 damage to one creature you hit with an attack with a finesse or ranged weapon if you have advantage on the attack roll. You don't need advantage on the attack roll if another enemy of the target is within 5 ft. of it, that enemy isn't incapacitated, and you don't have disadvantage on the attack roll."
Zevriel has no Advantage and Drondur does not have another enemy within 5', as this is a 1-on-1 duel. ]]
Round 1
Zevriel also lands a blow that scratches the creature's skin. Both fighters are still fresh, their reflexes sharp. It's difficult to land a decisive blow.
Round 2
"A meal that fights back!" Drondur laughs. "That makes it tastier! Time to enjoy it! Yumm!"
The beast pounces on Zevriel with fangs and claws.
Drondur's Multiattack:
Bite Attack: 22 Damage: 11 (piercing)
Left Claw Attack: 18 Damage: 4 (slashing)
Right Claw Attack: 9 Damage: 5 (slashing)
Round 2
The beast may not have the same finesse as Zevriel, but its impetus and ferocity make up for it—its bite tears away shreds of armor, clothing, and flesh, managing to draw blood from the hero's chest, while its left claw leaves a superficial scratch on his face. Zevriel now feels the pain of his wounds and realizes that another storm of attacks like the one he just suffered could be fatal... [[ OOC: This is the character's perception. The player obviously knows that Zevriel would just fall unconscious, rather than die. ]]
Zevriel is up!
Combat Stats (those interested can peek):
Initiative Name Status
21 Drondur 7 Damage
13 Zevriel 27 Damage, Wounded
[OOC: Yes, he has a feature that specifically allows sneak attacks in duels. Also I forgot the magic weapon enchantment, so together adds 7 damage. He also can strike as an reaction after his whirl for his blade barrier feat, see below. I had hoped that the disadvantage from dodge would compensate the three attacks per turn but that creature rolls like a devil.]
Zev retorts with a precise blow but also staggers a half-step, then clamps down on the pain with a slow, steady breath. “Not taking another of those,” he mutters, setting his feet wide and bringing the twinblade in close—point low, edge ready to parry. He keeps the muzzle, claws, and tail all in view, shoulders loose, weight light, and begins to give ground in small, measured angles—pure defense, slipping and turning to make the beast miss.
With his off hand he presses two fingers to his ribs, forces his breathing into a rhythm, and rides the surge that follows—drawing on that hard, stubborn reserve he’s built in a lifetime of scrapes. Then he sinks back into guard, eyes calm, blade ready, daring the manticore to overcommit.
Reaction (from melee attack against Zevriel, see Blade Barrier below): Precise Strike (1/2, attack with advantage and additional 1d8 damage if it hits, see below) hits AC 26 for 10 damage (including magic weapon) plus 9 sneak and 5 from Precise Strike
Action: dodge
Bonus: Second Wind for 3 HP
Precise Strike. Once per turn, when you make a weapon attack roll against a creature, you can cause the attack roll to have advantage. If the attack hits, you roll a d8 and add the number rolled as a bonus to the attack’s damage roll. You can use this benefit a number of times equal to your proficiency bonus, but a use is expended only if the attack hits. You regain all expended uses when you finish a long rest.
Rakish Audacity. Starting at 3rd level, your confidence propels you into battle. You can give yourself a bonus to your initiative rolls equal to your Charisma modifier.
You also gain an additional way to use your Sneak Attack; you don’t need advantage on the attack roll to use your Sneak Attack against a creature if you are within 5 feet of it, no other creatures are within 5 feet of you, and you don’t have disadvantage on the attack roll. All the other rules for Sneak Attack still apply to you.
Blade Barrier (Prerequisite: Proficiency with twinblades). Your expertise with twinblades allows you to turn your defensive flourish into an offensive strike. When you use the Whirl special bonus action with a twinblade, you gain the following features:
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Yawning Portal || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan Shi - Liquid Swords || Syed - Drakkenheim || Kaelthor - Dragonlance ||
(I just noticed that the rolls weren't at disadvantage but Zevriel declared the dodge action. Perhaps, with some luck at least the first hit doesn't hit.)
|| Oriace - Halfling Bard - Dragon Heist || Valerian - Elf Rogue - Wildnis || Rowan - Halfling Giant - Runewarren || Khazela - Spiritfarer Dervish - Yawning Portal || Arista - Frost Sorcerer - Old Keep || Marasatra - Blood Mage - Avernus || Lan Shi - Liquid Swords || Syed - Drakkenheim || Kaelthor - Dragonlance ||
Oh, OK. I was confused by Zevriel attacking—but now I see, it was a Bonus Action attack; his Action was Dodge. So yes, I roll the two attacks that hit a second time, and if the second roll is low enough, they miss.
Bite Attack: 16 - we keep this roll if < 22
Left Claw Attack: 21 - we keep this roll if < 18
As you can see, both hit all the same.
Round 3
Drondur is also bleeding in several places due to the experienced warrior's determined reaction. The fight seems more evenly matched than the beast would like: "You're putting up a bit too much resistance, my meal!"
The manticore moves away from Zevriel [[ OOC: who can do an Attack of Opportunity, if he wants to use his Reaction ]] and, gaining distance, fires another volley of spikes from its tail.
Drondur's Multiattack:
1st Spike Attack: 9 Damage: 10 (piercing)
2nd Spike Attack: 13 Damage: 11 (piercing)
3rd Spike Attack: 6 Damage: 9 (piercing)