The Professor smiles and yields the floor to Shae to discuss the betting with the Princess, though he does smile at "The Beast from the Swamp" title, thinking Fang might find that amusing. Leaning back in his chair, he puffs his pipe and observes the scene intently, paying close attention to the preparation of the arena. While not able to interfere directly, Snively knew that if Fang were in danger of being killed, no rules of engagement would stop Shae or him from moving to the rescue., though none of his magic was effective at such a great distance.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Shae would hang on to be sure, listening for the halfling's response. Once the conversation would conclude and he'd set out on his journey, she'd stand back upright, finding 'Meredith' at her side.
"Hello." She'd smile sweetly at first with a bat of her eyelashes. "Yes, it must have been much too long... Meredith, was it?" Shae'd jest, her playfulness tugging her smile into a smirk, swaying just enough to bump against him. Her eyes would then peer over in the direction Otto ran off before glancing back up to Mulligan beside her. "Maybe he'll surprise me." She'd wink.
Shae would then exchange the briefest of looks and the slightest hint of a smile with the Professor when the Princess would mention 'Beast of the Swamp' in her cast of names. She'd give almost an imperceptible nod. It was Fang... And she'd bet her life on him.
But... The Wolf Lady... Hmm... ?
Shae would cast one last glance and flash a small smile over her shoulder to the Merchant Princess her before leaning forward once again, scanning back out over the pit.
From the viewing ranks, you hear a roar of anticipation go through the crowd as the big gates at the bottom end of the pit open up, and four tiny creatures step out, blinded by the glistening sand and bleached bones scattered throughout. At the same time, gates slide up on the sides of the arena, and three panthers and a lumbering triceratops emerge. The crowd roars as the halfelf Conqueror of hearts makes a run for it, only to be attacked by two panthers at once. The hafling makes for the side of the arnea, and suddenly seems to have vanished from view. The wolf lady and the lizardfolk warrior don't seem frightened by the beasts however, making no immediate moves for the end of the arena.
Shae and Immerson Templeton, you're watching with bated breath, as Fang smashes up some of the scattered bones to cast them around himself, only for the charging triceratops to be slashed by the many bone fragments and leaving a bloody streak in the sand as it charges Fang. He and the wolf lady both seem to be made of hardier stuff, and when she starts to cast spells, you see the Merchant princess' mood darken.
"While they might be liked by the crowd, magic takes all the fun out of the runs, in my opinion..." Seemingly bored, she looks at Shae and the Professor: "Anyway, what is it that you wanted to discuss?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Puzzled by the Princess' sudden disinterest in the proceedings, the Professor tears his gaze away from his friend's life or death struggle and tries to be diplomatic. "Supplies for an expedition into the jungle, Lady Kwayothé--enough for the journey and to resupply those trying to drive back the undead menace and protect our fair city," says Snively. Looking back towards the action, he comments, "Perhaps those strong enough to survive the Run today would be amenable to joining us as well. The jungle can be a dangerous place, for certain."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"If you prefer," Mulligan answers Shae with a laugh. "Though the less absent minded of friends do call me Mulligan"
Mulligan catches a look between Shae and the gnome and wonders for a brief moment if perhaps he was stepping on the studios little fella's toes but almost immediately shook the thought out of his head. Ridiculous, he thought... Right?
Mulligan begins relaying what little he knows of the event, tending to avoid it himself, while trying to avoid mansplaining, even though that is not yet a thing. ;)
"An expedition?" Mulligan asks, overhearing the gnome.
Oho! I like the way you think! says Otto excitedly at Shae's confident betting, and glances just briefly at her attire as he adds: I like the cut of your jib! So some on the Swamp Beast, some on the Wolf Lady. Hey, how about I bet on them both at once? There's a bigger payoff. Fifteen-to-one. Oho! This is gonna be great! Oh, forgive me. Otto Featherbottom at your service, milady. Excuse me...
and with that Otto hurries off to place the bet and watch the proceedings.
Fang/Reng: While watching the race, Otto can use Bend Luck to add a bonus (or penalty) to rolls made by Fang/Reng (or their opponents). I have enough sorcery points to use it three times, so please feel free to use them if any of your rolls need an extra boost (or to nerf the opposition). I don't think it will count as interfering, or at least wouldn't be notices as such.
Bend Luck: You have the ability to twist fate using your wild magic. When another creature you can see makes an attack roll, an ability check, or a saving throw, you can use your reaction and spend 2 sorcery points to roll 1d4 and apply the number rolled as a bonus or penalty (your choice) to the creature’s roll. You can do so after the creature rolls but before any effects of the roll occur.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Otto's suggestion would cause Shae's brow to pop in positive surprise, even letting out a soft giggle from his energetic compliments. She'd give him a warm smile and respectful bow of her head when he introduces himself prior to excusing himself to place their bet. She actually found the halfling quite charming in his own way.
Shae'd briefly return her attention back to Mulligan, smirking from his laughter and set up she'd respond with, "To avoid falling in the less minded friend category, Meredith it is." She'd wink before returning her attention back to the pit. Much like before, Shae let Mulligan dance around his words in her ears while still lending an ear to the Princess and the Professor.
"Hmm..." Shae would muse a little out loud in response to Snively's suggestion of the winners to join them. She'd keep it light to appear that he slightly caught her attention, instead of making her heart pound in hope that outcome would come to be for Fang. She was already nibbling on the inside of her lip to stop herself from letting out gasps in concern, though her blue hues were hard pressed to look away from his fight.
"An expedition?" Mulligan asks, overhearing the gnome. "You too?" he asks Shae. "To fight undead?"
"Mmhmm." Shae would nod, eyes still watching Fang. "We've run into them before." She'd say casually before adding, "As Lady Kwayothé would know from her research." She'd cast a brief glance over her shoulder with a wry smile before looking back to the pits. "It was not our most exciting or interesting of encounters, but one of the more recent."
Mulligan whistles sharply and takes an assessing look at Shae, processing this new information.
“You’re never going to cease amazing me, are you?” Mulligan asks, crossing his arms and leaning his back against the railing.His back was to the contestants as he was looking over the assembled crowd here with a new eye.
He studied and evaluated the merchant Princess and her entourage, scouring his memory for any tidbits he may have picked up about her.
Still not looking at the contest Mulligan asks “So why?Humanitarian? Adventure? Boredom?”
The Princess gives a chuckle: "You mistake confidence and optimism for certainty... just because Lady Shae placed a large bet on some of the Runners of the day surviving does not make it so... But if you're in a gambling mood, I have a bet for you. I'll outfit your expedition, if you're right about which of the Runners will survive. If you're not correct though, you will have to do something for me commesurate in value. That includes you, Wakanga" She gives a sly smirk, knowing fulwell that the conditions here aren't good, but that with the events in the arena already in full swing, that there won't be much time for negotiation.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
“So she loses if more than who she bet on survives?” Mulligan asks, for clarity’s sake. “And just out of curiosity, what if the fuzzy headed handling placed her bets wrong?”
Turning around and directly facing the Princess, the Professor speaks softly, “If both Shae’s chosen survive, we receive provisioning for our journey as our winnings. If either one dies, we perform a service for you as your winnings, in addition to providing the normal payment for the provisions. Let’s keep it simple and only wager on the lives of the ones the intuitive Shae has seen fit to select.”
Such a wager leaves a foul taste in his mouth, but lives are indeed at stake if the fort does not get its critical supplies in the fight against the undead hordes. His time in the jungle taught Snively to be decisive, especially when inaction was fatal.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
“You’re never going to cease amazing me, are you?” “‘A magician never reveals their secrets.’” Shae would toss a wink his way.
“So why?Humanitarian? Adventure? Boredom?” Shae let Mulligan’s words hang in the air for some time. It wasn’t as if there was this grand response she was preparing. No. It simply felt so long ago. And so much has changed, including her.
“The truth,” Shae’d start, her eyes remained focused below. “Originally, I sought death.” She’d admit out loud, pausing for some time, shifting her posture a little. It was the simplest answer. Blue hues would glance over briefly before looking back to the pit. She was a coward, running from the vivid memories that haunted her. But through her time in the jungle, a lot happened... and Shae grew, embracing a more positive out look. “Though now, I must admit,” She’d inhale a breath. “I crave the passion and excitement that came from those wild experiences.” The ones that made her heart race and truly feel the desire to live. Letting out a bit of a longing sigh, a smile tugged at her lips as she reminisced a little. Shae would eventually add to conclude, “Adventure. Discovering the hidden history and knowledge of these jungles.”
”And what brings ‘Meredith’ to these parts?” Shae would glance his way, eyes obviously studying him, his posture and his next words.
Falling silent to allow the others to continue their gentle banter and entertain heavier wager bets, Shae would occasionally let out some thoughtful sounds as they discussed. Her lips would tug into a playful smirk throughout the conversation, casting playful glances over her shoulder to the confident Princess with at least one wink when she hears her name. Curious how things escalate and change the course of conversation. Not thinking she was much of a gambler, Shae had to admit, the anticipation and excitement building around the outcome was making her heart pound. Though, this was Fang’s life they were talking about. This wasn’t something to take lightly or to get comfortable risking.
"Me?" Mulligan asks, as if the question was shocking. "Did you forget inviting me, along with my name?"
Mulligan sighs and turns to watch the run alongside her. "I'm glad you stopped that death thing. They get everyone soon enough and I'd just have to go get you back anyway." Mulligan slides his eyes towards Shae without ever turning his head to get a read on how his lines are working. She likes them, he thinks. She's not falling for them though. Not in that putty in your hands kind of way, anyway. She knew the game. Perhaps liked it as much as he did... How interesting.
"Truth? Now that's a scary concept... But let's see. Passion. Excitement. Wild experiences," Mulligan offers, quoting her back to herself. "Though it sounds like you've had more extreme adventures than I have. I've mainly courted disaster within the city. Sore losers at the gambling tables, jealous boyfriends, insulted stuffed shirts, that kind of thing... Perhaps a few other side projects, with dangers or their own but... Wow, out in the wild, huh?"
Mulligan fell quiet for some time, staring out at the chaos on display and mulling over everything the woman had said...
"Is it worth it?" Mulligan eventually asks, almost too quietly to be heard...
Otto watches the action in the pit with rapt focus. Normally it would be difficult to fix his attention for so long, but there was so much going on that he could turn his view from one thing to another and back again without getting bored. Every ooh! and aah! of the crowd echoed the same expressions in his own head as he watched... the surprise at the early death of one panther from the horns of the triceratops (glad he didn't bet on the cats)... the halfling's early sprint (that's what Otto would have done)... the lizardman making magical spikes of the bone (that's just cool)... the half-elf's struggles with the other panthers (Otto never really liked elvish-types anyway)... the human shooting magic at the dinosaur and summoning a magic weapon (hmmm. interesting magic)...
But Otto's favourite is the lizardman...
What a warrior! The way he ducks and weaves around the horns of triceratops - he's still going strong despite taking a few hits - now he's going to calm the wild beast! Hooray for the Swamp Beast!! Oh but now the human has jumped on the dino's back! Boo! The lizardman was about to put it to sleep, now you've just made it angry! Gutsy move, but probably going to get themselves killed and make me lose the bet. Looks like the halfling's going to be the first out anyway, look at him go! Oh wait! He's stuck in a bear trap. Ouch, that's gotta hurt! Glad Shae didn't want to bet on the elf, he's a goner. Might take one out before he croaks though. What's the lizardman doing now? Oh, he is so awesome!
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Otto having placed the bet is enraptured by the events. Even from the private balcony of the merchant princess though, the next few moments are a spectacle worthy of legend: Fang is nearly gored by the dinosaur, causing both the Professor and Shae to go several shades paler, while the Princess gives a wicked grin. Her's fades rapidly though, while yours turn into a triumphant fistpump as the Wolflady manages to start riding the dinosaur.
Mulligan, you do notice that the merchant princess never answered your question.
In the pit:
Reng, you're still astride the dinosaur, barreling down the length of the pit. You cast a quick glance behind you, to see the lizardfolk who helped you so far straggling about eighty feet behind, and you see the hafling still wounded near the end of the trail. Suddenly, you hear a cacophony of shrieks from several animals, as the sand drops away and four cages are opened with small and fast feral velociraptors emerging, shrieking and hungry for blood!
In the stands:
You're all equally surprised as the rest of the audience at the late arrival of the so far unannounced velociraptors. As you turn around though, you just see Kwayothé give her wicked grin: "Too late to take the bet back now..."
In the pit:
Reng, your triceratops mount suddenly baulks, as a mere twenty feet in front of you, the sand suddenly drops in a cloud as a fifteen feet by fifteen feet grate is dropped, revealing a holding chamber beneath out of which a frenzied feral velociraptor emerges. You manage to peer into the new pit from your elevated position and figure that it is likely about twenty feet or so deep.
Please roll an animal handling check to try and stay on the triceratops, as it panics. The DC is 14, if you fail I also need you to roll a dexterity check to determine how and where you land.
Fang, you're suddenly engulfed in a dust cloud and you hear a high- pitched shrieking. Turning around, you find yourself face to face with a smaller reptilian beast with murder in its eyes, ahving appeared out of a sudden pit behind you. A quick glance over your shoulder tells you that a similar pit emerged on the other site of the arena.
Fang end Reng, it's your turn, what would you like to do?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Yourself surprised by the sudden appearance of the velociraptors, you lose you r grip at the same time as the triceratops baulks, and you go flying of its back. You hit the ground mere feet before the velociraptor, but the full momentum of the charging beast and your sudden fall make you tumble, and fall straight down into the upper right pit!
You take 9 bludgeoning damage from the fall, are prone, and in a twenty foot deep ditch.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Mulligan studies Shae's face after asking if her adventures are worth it, and while he hasn't gotten a verbal response the look on her face is telling. Until he sees her blanche and he turns back to the Run to see what is happening. She seems so vested in what is going on, it couldn't just about losing what seemed a spur of the moment bet. But what else?
Turning to look at the Merchant Princess, Mulligan sees her triumphant expression at the new beasts being added. No time to talk her out of what is happening...
This is stupid. This is stupid. This is stupid, Mulligan thinks to himself but finds himself climbing atop the railing of the balcony. Glancing back at Shae he says "It seems late entrants are allowed," takes a deep breath and then leaps down. Section by section, seemingly reckless and with flourish and insane audacity, Mulligan leaps, jumps and bolts his way down from the balcony to the end of the Executioner's Run. Pushing, ploughing and telekinetically shoving people out of the way, Mulligan pauses just long enough to try to decide just what the hell he is doing...
((Let me know if you need a Dex roll or two (or anything) for Mulligan to acrobatically bounce around and through the crowds to get from balcony to edge of the field...))
Fang moves to the closest pillar and stands waiting for one of the new velociraptor to charge him. As soon as it’s in reach he’ll attempt to grab it and hurl it on to the spike above him.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The velociraptor moves quickly, but is no larger than a dog and so picking it up is easy enough... though you quickly realise that these are feral creatures, as it claws at your hands and starts to bite your fingers. You attempt to hurl it, not aimed anywhere, but just desperate to get it off you for now.
You suffer 3 slashing damage from the velociraptor's claws.
Reng, you're up!
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
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Glasses:
The Professor smiles and yields the floor to Shae to discuss the betting with the Princess, though he does smile at "The Beast from the Swamp" title, thinking Fang might find that amusing. Leaning back in his chair, he puffs his pipe and observes the scene intently, paying close attention to the preparation of the arena. While not able to interfere directly, Snively knew that if Fang were in danger of being killed, no rules of engagement would stop Shae or him from moving to the rescue., though none of his magic was effective at such a great distance.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Shae would hang on to be sure, listening for the halfling's response. Once the conversation would conclude and he'd set out on his journey, she'd stand back upright, finding 'Meredith' at her side.
"Hello." She'd smile sweetly at first with a bat of her eyelashes. "Yes, it must have been much too long... Meredith, was it?" Shae'd jest, her playfulness tugging her smile into a smirk, swaying just enough to bump against him. Her eyes would then peer over in the direction Otto ran off before glancing back up to Mulligan beside her. "Maybe he'll surprise me." She'd wink.
Shae would then exchange the briefest of looks and the slightest hint of a smile with the Professor when the Princess would mention 'Beast of the Swamp' in her cast of names. She'd give almost an imperceptible nod. It was Fang... And she'd bet her life on him.
But... The Wolf Lady... Hmm... ?
Shae would cast one last glance and flash a small smile over her shoulder to the Merchant Princess her before leaning forward once again, scanning back out over the pit.
just an unstable unicorn.
Otto, do you place the bets?
From the viewing ranks, you hear a roar of anticipation go through the crowd as the big gates at the bottom end of the pit open up, and four tiny creatures step out, blinded by the glistening sand and bleached bones scattered throughout. At the same time, gates slide up on the sides of the arena, and three panthers and a lumbering triceratops emerge. The crowd roars as the halfelf Conqueror of hearts makes a run for it, only to be attacked by two panthers at once. The hafling makes for the side of the arnea, and suddenly seems to have vanished from view. The wolf lady and the lizardfolk warrior don't seem frightened by the beasts however, making no immediate moves for the end of the arena.
Shae and Immerson Templeton, you're watching with bated breath, as Fang smashes up some of the scattered bones to cast them around himself, only for the charging triceratops to be slashed by the many bone fragments and leaving a bloody streak in the sand as it charges Fang. He and the wolf lady both seem to be made of hardier stuff, and when she starts to cast spells, you see the Merchant princess' mood darken.
"While they might be liked by the crowd, magic takes all the fun out of the runs, in my opinion..." Seemingly bored, she looks at Shae and the Professor: "Anyway, what is it that you wanted to discuss?"
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Glasses:
Puzzled by the Princess' sudden disinterest in the proceedings, the Professor tears his gaze away from his friend's life or death struggle and tries to be diplomatic. "Supplies for an expedition into the jungle, Lady Kwayothé--enough for the journey and to resupply those trying to drive back the undead menace and protect our fair city," says Snively. Looking back towards the action, he comments, "Perhaps those strong enough to survive the Run today would be amenable to joining us as well. The jungle can be a dangerous place, for certain."
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
"If you prefer," Mulligan answers Shae with a laugh. "Though the less absent minded of friends do call me Mulligan"
Mulligan catches a look between Shae and the gnome and wonders for a brief moment if perhaps he was stepping on the studios little fella's toes but almost immediately shook the thought out of his head. Ridiculous, he thought... Right?
Mulligan begins relaying what little he knows of the event, tending to avoid it himself, while trying to avoid mansplaining, even though that is not yet a thing. ;)
"An expedition?" Mulligan asks, overhearing the gnome.
"You too?" he asks Shae. "To fight undead?"
Oho! I like the way you think! says Otto excitedly at Shae's confident betting, and glances just briefly at her attire as he adds: I like the cut of your jib! So some on the Swamp Beast, some on the Wolf Lady. Hey, how about I bet on them both at once? There's a bigger payoff. Fifteen-to-one. Oho! This is gonna be great! Oh, forgive me. Otto Featherbottom at your service, milady. Excuse me...
and with that Otto hurries off to place the bet and watch the proceedings.
Fang/Reng:
While watching the race, Otto can use Bend Luck to add a bonus (or penalty) to rolls made by Fang/Reng (or their opponents). I have enough sorcery points to use it three times, so please feel free to use them if any of your rolls need an extra boost (or to nerf the opposition). I don't think it will count as interfering, or at least wouldn't be notices as such.
Bend Luck: You have the ability to twist fate using your wild magic. When another creature you can see makes an attack roll, an ability check, or a saving throw, you can use your reaction and spend 2 sorcery points to roll 1d4 and apply the number rolled as a bonus or penalty (your choice) to the creature’s roll. You can do so after the creature rolls but before any effects of the roll occur.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Otto's suggestion would cause Shae's brow to pop in positive surprise, even letting out a soft giggle from his energetic compliments. She'd give him a warm smile and respectful bow of her head when he introduces himself prior to excusing himself to place their bet. She actually found the halfling quite charming in his own way.
Shae'd briefly return her attention back to Mulligan, smirking from his laughter and set up she'd respond with, "To avoid falling in the less minded friend category, Meredith it is." She'd wink before returning her attention back to the pit. Much like before, Shae let Mulligan dance around his words in her ears while still lending an ear to the Princess and the Professor.
"Hmm..." Shae would muse a little out loud in response to Snively's suggestion of the winners to join them. She'd keep it light to appear that he slightly caught her attention, instead of making her heart pound in hope that outcome would come to be for Fang. She was already nibbling on the inside of her lip to stop herself from letting out gasps in concern, though her blue hues were hard pressed to look away from his fight.
"An expedition?" Mulligan asks, overhearing the gnome.
"You too?" he asks Shae. "To fight undead?"
"Mmhmm." Shae would nod, eyes still watching Fang. "We've run into them before." She'd say casually before adding, "As Lady Kwayothé would know from her research." She'd cast a brief glance over her shoulder with a wry smile before looking back to the pits. "It was not our most exciting or interesting of encounters, but one of the more recent."
just an unstable unicorn.
Mulligan whistles sharply and takes an assessing look at Shae, processing this new information.
“You’re never going to cease amazing me, are you?” Mulligan asks, crossing his arms and leaning his back against the railing. His back was to the contestants as he was looking over the assembled crowd here with a new eye.
He studied and evaluated the merchant Princess and her entourage, scouring his memory for any tidbits he may have picked up about her.
Still not looking at the contest Mulligan asks “So why? Humanitarian? Adventure? Boredom?”
The Princess gives a chuckle: "You mistake confidence and optimism for certainty... just because Lady Shae placed a large bet on some of the Runners of the day surviving does not make it so... But if you're in a gambling mood, I have a bet for you. I'll outfit your expedition, if you're right about which of the Runners will survive. If you're not correct though, you will have to do something for me commesurate in value. That includes you, Wakanga" She gives a sly smirk, knowing fulwell that the conditions here aren't good, but that with the events in the arena already in full swing, that there won't be much time for negotiation.
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
“So she loses if more than who she bet on survives?” Mulligan asks, for clarity’s sake. “And just out of curiosity, what if the fuzzy headed handling placed her bets wrong?”
Glasses:
Turning around and directly facing the Princess, the Professor speaks softly, “If both Shae’s chosen survive, we receive provisioning for our journey as our winnings. If either one dies, we perform a service for you as your winnings, in addition to providing the normal payment for the provisions. Let’s keep it simple and only wager on the lives of the ones the intuitive Shae has seen fit to select.”
Such a wager leaves a foul taste in his mouth, but lives are indeed at stake if the fort does not get its critical supplies in the fight against the undead hordes. His time in the jungle taught Snively to be decisive, especially when inaction was fatal.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
“You’re never going to cease amazing me, are you?”
“‘A magician never reveals their secrets.’” Shae would toss a wink his way.
“So why? Humanitarian? Adventure? Boredom?”
Shae let Mulligan’s words hang in the air for some time. It wasn’t as if there was this grand response she was preparing. No. It simply felt so long ago. And so much has changed, including her.
“The truth,” Shae’d start, her eyes remained focused below. “Originally, I sought death.” She’d admit out loud, pausing for some time, shifting her posture a little. It was the simplest answer. Blue hues would glance over briefly before looking back to the pit. She was a coward, running from the vivid memories that haunted her. But through her time in the jungle, a lot happened... and Shae grew, embracing a more positive out look. “Though now, I must admit,” She’d inhale a breath. “I crave the passion and excitement that came from those wild experiences.” The ones that made her heart race and truly feel the desire to live. Letting out a bit of a longing sigh, a smile tugged at her lips as she reminisced a little. Shae would eventually add to conclude, “Adventure. Discovering the hidden history and knowledge of these jungles.”
”And what brings ‘Meredith’ to these parts?” Shae would glance his way, eyes obviously studying him, his posture and his next words.
Falling silent to allow the others to continue their gentle banter and entertain heavier wager bets, Shae would occasionally let out some thoughtful sounds as they discussed. Her lips would tug into a playful smirk throughout the conversation, casting playful glances over her shoulder to the confident Princess with at least one wink when she hears her name. Curious how things escalate and change the course of conversation. Not thinking she was much of a gambler, Shae had to admit, the anticipation and excitement building around the outcome was making her heart pound. Though, this was Fang’s life they were talking about. This wasn’t something to take lightly or to get comfortable risking.
just an unstable unicorn.
"Me?" Mulligan asks, as if the question was shocking. "Did you forget inviting me, along with my name?"
Mulligan sighs and turns to watch the run alongside her. "I'm glad you stopped that death thing. They get everyone soon enough and I'd just have to go get you back anyway." Mulligan slides his eyes towards Shae without ever turning his head to get a read on how his lines are working. She likes them, he thinks. She's not falling for them though. Not in that putty in your hands kind of way, anyway. She knew the game. Perhaps liked it as much as he did... How interesting.
"Truth? Now that's a scary concept... But let's see. Passion. Excitement. Wild experiences," Mulligan offers, quoting her back to herself. "Though it sounds like you've had more extreme adventures than I have. I've mainly courted disaster within the city. Sore losers at the gambling tables, jealous boyfriends, insulted stuffed shirts, that kind of thing... Perhaps a few other side projects, with dangers or their own but... Wow, out in the wild, huh?"
Mulligan fell quiet for some time, staring out at the chaos on display and mulling over everything the woman had said...
"Is it worth it?" Mulligan eventually asks, almost too quietly to be heard...
Otto watches the action in the pit with rapt focus. Normally it would be difficult to fix his attention for so long, but there was so much going on that he could turn his view from one thing to another and back again without getting bored. Every ooh! and aah! of the crowd echoed the same expressions in his own head as he watched... the surprise at the early death of one panther from the horns of the triceratops (glad he didn't bet on the cats)... the halfling's early sprint (that's what Otto would have done)... the lizardman making magical spikes of the bone (that's just cool)... the half-elf's struggles with the other panthers (Otto never really liked elvish-types anyway)... the human shooting magic at the dinosaur and summoning a magic weapon (hmmm. interesting magic)...
But Otto's favourite is the lizardman...
What a warrior! The way he ducks and weaves around the horns of triceratops - he's still going strong despite taking a few hits - now he's going to calm the wild beast! Hooray for the Swamp Beast!! Oh but now the human has jumped on the dino's back! Boo! The lizardman was about to put it to sleep, now you've just made it angry! Gutsy move, but probably going to get themselves killed and make me lose the bet. Looks like the halfling's going to be the first out anyway, look at him go! Oh wait! He's stuck in a bear trap. Ouch, that's gotta hurt! Glad Shae didn't want to bet on the elf, he's a goner. Might take one out before he croaks though. What's the lizardman doing now? Oh, he is so awesome!
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Otto having placed the bet is enraptured by the events. Even from the private balcony of the merchant princess though, the next few moments are a spectacle worthy of legend: Fang is nearly gored by the dinosaur, causing both the Professor and Shae to go several shades paler, while the Princess gives a wicked grin. Her's fades rapidly though, while yours turn into a triumphant fistpump as the Wolflady manages to start riding the dinosaur.
Mulligan, you do notice that the merchant princess never answered your question.
In the pit:
Reng, you're still astride the dinosaur, barreling down the length of the pit. You cast a quick glance behind you, to see the lizardfolk who helped you so far straggling about eighty feet behind, and you see the hafling still wounded near the end of the trail. Suddenly, you hear a cacophony of shrieks from several animals, as the sand drops away and four cages are opened with small and fast feral velociraptors emerging, shrieking and hungry for blood!
In the stands:
You're all equally surprised as the rest of the audience at the late arrival of the so far unannounced velociraptors. As you turn around though, you just see Kwayothé give her wicked grin: "Too late to take the bet back now..."
In the pit:
Reng, your triceratops mount suddenly baulks, as a mere twenty feet in front of you, the sand suddenly drops in a cloud as a fifteen feet by fifteen feet grate is dropped, revealing a holding chamber beneath out of which a frenzied feral velociraptor emerges. You manage to peer into the new pit from your elevated position and figure that it is likely about twenty feet or so deep.
Please roll an animal handling check to try and stay on the triceratops, as it panics. The DC is 14, if you fail I also need you to roll a dexterity check to determine how and where you land.
Fang, you're suddenly engulfed in a dust cloud and you hear a high- pitched shrieking. Turning around, you find yourself face to face with a smaller reptilian beast with murder in its eyes, ahving appeared out of a sudden pit behind you. A quick glance over your shoulder tells you that a similar pit emerged on the other site of the arena.

Fang end Reng, it's your turn, what would you like to do?
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Reng animal handling: 18
Using inspiration to reroll: 3
If it’s athletics to keep hold then that second roll would succeed with. +7 modifier. If not, dex check:
16
Yourself surprised by the sudden appearance of the velociraptors, you lose you r grip at the same time as the triceratops baulks, and you go flying of its back. You hit the ground mere feet before the velociraptor, but the full momentum of the charging beast and your sudden fall make you tumble, and fall straight down into the upper right pit!
You take 9 bludgeoning damage from the fall, are prone, and in a twenty foot deep ditch.
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms
Mulligan studies Shae's face after asking if her adventures are worth it, and while he hasn't gotten a verbal response the look on her face is telling. Until he sees her blanche and he turns back to the Run to see what is happening. She seems so vested in what is going on, it couldn't just about losing what seemed a spur of the moment bet. But what else?
Turning to look at the Merchant Princess, Mulligan sees her triumphant expression at the new beasts being added. No time to talk her out of what is happening...
This is stupid. This is stupid. This is stupid, Mulligan thinks to himself but finds himself climbing atop the railing of the balcony. Glancing back at Shae he says "It seems late entrants are allowed," takes a deep breath and then leaps down. Section by section, seemingly reckless and with flourish and insane audacity, Mulligan leaps, jumps and bolts his way down from the balcony to the end of the Executioner's Run. Pushing, ploughing and telekinetically shoving people out of the way, Mulligan pauses just long enough to try to decide just what the hell he is doing...
((Let me know if you need a Dex roll or two (or anything) for Mulligan to acrobatically bounce around and through the crowds to get from balcony to edge of the field...))
((Acrobatics roll: 24 ))
Fang moves to the closest pillar and stands waiting for one of the new velociraptor to charge him. As soon as it’s in reach he’ll attempt to grab it and hurl it on to the spike above him.
grab:17
throw:1
The velociraptor moves quickly, but is no larger than a dog and so picking it up is easy enough... though you quickly realise that these are feral creatures, as it claws at your hands and starts to bite your fingers. You attempt to hurl it, not aimed anywhere, but just desperate to get it off you for now.
You suffer 3 slashing damage from the velociraptor's claws.
Reng, you're up!
Union!- Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Embers in the Dark - Errydha (Homebrew) Setting
Welcome to the Jungle- Far Realms
Citadel of the Unsleeping Sun - Erathis (Grim Hollow) Setting
Yevelda the Mutt- 3rd Level Half-Orc Battlemaster Fighter- Far Realms
Rehgys- 5th Level Satyr Bard of Eloquence- Far Realms