The dragonborn nods, "As the seer decreed, those who wish passage to the city must prove themselves through trials of endurance and strength. You have traversed the venom drakes territory, so you have endured. Now we must test your strength in a duel." He walks to the back door of the building, a few feet from the shrine. He opens it to reveal an open space with a circle marked upon the ground. "One of you shall face me in a match. If you win, I guide you all to the next trial. If you lose, then nothing. I do not believe blood is necessary for martial glory like my other colleges. So if I defeat you, you will just be unconscious for a little while."
He does a slight bow, "If you wish, we may begin. Otherwise, I will prepare cots for you all. It has been quite some time since the temple has received more than a dozen visitors."
Hari shrugs. "I am happy to be the dueler if need be. It will be a good opportunity for deeds of song. But if another wishes to be the fighter, I will watch and weave it into a dirge for memory."
"I can duel if that is needed, and no one else wishes to take that place." Nasaar says with a nod. "Either way though I think we should rest and face this challenge when we are at our full strength."
Sylvester replies to Nasaar and the group at large. “I’m at full strength, I wasn’t targeted by those drakes not sure why. I can be champion if we need to do it now. But I’m down to make it a group decision so we can easily proceed.”
"Feel free to discuss among yourselves, but I must excuse myself for a moment. I have to greet the other challengers." He heads back into the temple's entrance.
"Of course. The city garners much attraction but not many brave the drakes territory. So I meet only a few successful each year, It has been quite some time since a group this large has made it. Although I am not accustomed to such numbers, I must be a good host for you all." He gives a bow towards the entrance, "Fekiikiri travesh."
A group of lizardfolk enters the temple and returns the bow.
Conversation is done in Draconic -
"We have come in search of Haka'torvhak, dragonborn."
"Very well, you have succeeded upon the endurance trial. Now we must test your strength in a duel."
The lizardfolk glance at the party then asks, "And what of the trespassers there, are we to fight them as well?"
The dragonborn shakes his head, "They are seeking passage to the city as well. But now it is clear that your group and theirs are not together."
The dragonborn looks towards the party then the lizardfolks, speaking in common.
"Whoever be the victor will do what they want with their spoils, that being guidance to the next trial. They may take their group or all with them. I will not stand for subterfuge nor open violence against each other. There is no glory in assassination or massacre. Now then I shall have beds for you all and prepare for dinner in a moment. If you wish to conduct a duel, then to speak to me."
Nasaar listens to the conversation then translates for his group.
"I do not feel we can wait till morning to do this trial." He tells the others. "If we do we risk letting someone else have a head start into the next location, and I don't like the idea of having someone possibly setting traps ahead of us." He glances to the others for agreement or other thoughts. "I would need a rest to be at full strength, and have spells for such a battle, so I should not be the one to stand for our group, unless we are prepared to wait, though I still say that is a bad idea."
Sylvester replies: “I agree better to be out in front. I have no need for spells or sleep to be honest. I can be our champion if we choose to go now, but if the group thinks we should wait for one of the magic users then I’ll wait.”
"What are the rules of this Duel? A Duel suggests no help from friends, but what if that "friend" is from within you?"
To the rest of the group, Kastor says "With a short rest, I could use my Spirit to take numerical advantage in this Duel, but I cannot do so right now, nor do I claim to be our best choice. But I am also willing if people think it a good option?"
"If you are speaking of magic then it is allowed, but only yours and no one else's. If there is any outside help or interference then the duel will be stopped until the matter is resolved."
One of the lizardfolk speaks, in draconic
"Dragonborn, one of ours can duel you now. No need to wait for these trespassers."
"But their group was first to arrive, therefore, they have the right of challenge. If they need time to rest and heal, then we may duel. Otherwise, the first duel is theirs."
Unless someone from the group stops him, Sylvester steps forward.
Drawing his daggers looking around the building getting a look at hiding spots, Sylvester steps before the Lizardfolk and says. “I will take on the challenge.”
Axon was just about to step forward and take the challenge when Sylester stepped forward. It was curious, the smallest amongst them offering himself up for the duel. He didn't judge him based on his size, it was just an interesting dichotomy.
"Very well, the halfling shall duel me. Hand to hand or with weapons is his choice. I shall meet you in sparring round to have our duel." He returns to the backside court.
The lizardfolk give a slight growl but remain at their place.
"Would you like to have the first strike?"
(The dragonborn is offering Sylvester if he wants to face him with or without his weapons. Along with offering him the first turn in initiative.)
Sylvester responds: “I think I’ll keep my daggers” He looks around the ring to see if he could gain some advantage.
(OOC: I know this is a pit. Is it empty or is there any debris? Is it sunken in or just a ring? Sylvester will take the first strike that is offered. Will give actions depending on answers)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Sylvester will use his Cunning Action to Dash at the edge of the inside of the ring and uses Bolts of the Grave. After he will hold his attack action for the Dragonborn to come to him.
Bolts of the Grave: 12 Damage: 10
Held Action when he is within Sylvester melee range: 18
Spear Attack: 14 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.
Kick Attack: 13 Damage: 8
Kick Attack: 19 Damage: 6
The bolt of necrotic energy shoots into the chest of the dragonborn. He shakes off the feeling of the life sapping energy as he goes for Sylvester. He dodges Sylvester's dagger as he thrusts at him with his spear. Following it with a swing of legs, the kick going over Sylvester. He pivots back and sets the foot down in a full circle. But he carries the momentum to his other leg, thrusting it towards Sylvester.
The dragonborn nods, "As the seer decreed, those who wish passage to the city must prove themselves through trials of endurance and strength. You have traversed the venom drakes territory, so you have endured. Now we must test your strength in a duel." He walks to the back door of the building, a few feet from the shrine. He opens it to reveal an open space with a circle marked upon the ground. "One of you shall face me in a match. If you win, I guide you all to the next trial. If you lose, then nothing. I do not believe blood is necessary for martial glory like my other colleges. So if I defeat you, you will just be unconscious for a little while."
He does a slight bow, "If you wish, we may begin. Otherwise, I will prepare cots for you all. It has been quite some time since the temple has received more than a dozen visitors."
Rusty addresses his party
My proficiencies are best suited for stealth and subterfuge not ideal for dueling. But I will be our champion if required.
Pori Gathar - Level 1 Tiefling Life Cleric - GamoRust's Baldur's Gate Descent to Avernus
Rusty - Level 4 Warforged Rogue - Virst's Clifftop Adventurer's Guild/Fiendfall Scouting
Hari shrugs. "I am happy to be the dueler if need be. It will be a good opportunity for deeds of song. But if another wishes to be the fighter, I will watch and weave it into a dirge for memory."
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
"I can duel if that is needed, and no one else wishes to take that place." Nasaar says with a nod. "Either way though I think we should rest and face this challenge when we are at our full strength."
Sylvester replies to Nasaar and the group at large. “I’m at full strength, I wasn’t targeted by those drakes not sure why. I can be champion if we need to do it now. But I’m down to make it a group decision so we can easily proceed.”
Sylvester Nimble lv. 3 Rogue (Clifftop Adventure’s Guild)
"Feel free to discuss among yourselves, but I must excuse myself for a moment. I have to greet the other challengers." He heads back into the temple's entrance.
"Other challengers?" Nasaar asks, glancing to the one who led them here. "What other challengers are there?"
"Of course. The city garners much attraction but not many brave the drakes territory. So I meet only a few successful each year, It has been quite some time since a group this large has made it. Although I am not accustomed to such numbers, I must be a good host for you all." He gives a bow towards the entrance, "Fekiikiri travesh."
A group of lizardfolk enters the temple and returns the bow.
Conversation is done in Draconic -
"We have come in search of Haka'torvhak, dragonborn."
"Very well, you have succeeded upon the endurance trial. Now we must test your strength in a duel."
The lizardfolk glance at the party then asks, "And what of the trespassers there, are we to fight them as well?"
The dragonborn shakes his head, "They are seeking passage to the city as well. But now it is clear that your group and theirs are not together."
The dragonborn looks towards the party then the lizardfolks, speaking in common.
"Whoever be the victor will do what they want with their spoils, that being guidance to the next trial. They may take their group or all with them. I will not stand for subterfuge nor open violence against each other. There is no glory in assassination or massacre. Now then I shall have beds for you all and prepare for dinner in a moment. If you wish to conduct a duel, then to speak to me."
Nasaar listens to the conversation then translates for his group.
"I do not feel we can wait till morning to do this trial." He tells the others. "If we do we risk letting someone else have a head start into the next location, and I don't like the idea of having someone possibly setting traps ahead of us." He glances to the others for agreement or other thoughts. "I would need a rest to be at full strength, and have spells for such a battle, so I should not be the one to stand for our group, unless we are prepared to wait, though I still say that is a bad idea."
Sylvester replies: “I agree better to be out in front. I have no need for spells or sleep to be honest. I can be our champion if we choose to go now, but if the group thinks we should wait for one of the magic users then I’ll wait.”
Sylvester’s vote is to go now.
Sylvester Nimble lv. 3 Rogue (Clifftop Adventure’s Guild)
"What are the rules of this Duel? A Duel suggests no help from friends, but what if that "friend" is from within you?"
To the rest of the group, Kastor says "With a short rest, I could use my Spirit to take numerical advantage in this Duel, but I cannot do so right now, nor do I claim to be our best choice. But I am also willing if people think it a good option?"
Mordekai | Tiefling Warlock/Bard (Lv.12) | Pizazz's Beyond
RavenloftAnnihilation"If you are speaking of magic then it is allowed, but only yours and no one else's. If there is any outside help or interference then the duel will be stopped until the matter is resolved."
One of the lizardfolk speaks, in draconic
"Dragonborn, one of ours can duel you now. No need to wait for these trespassers."
"But their group was first to arrive, therefore, they have the right of challenge. If they need time to rest and heal, then we may duel. Otherwise, the first duel is theirs."
Unless someone from the group stops him, Sylvester steps forward.
Drawing his daggers looking around the building getting a look at hiding spots, Sylvester steps before the Lizardfolk and says. “I will take on the challenge.”
Sylvester Nimble lv. 3 Rogue (Clifftop Adventure’s Guild)
Axon was just about to step forward and take the challenge when Sylester stepped forward. It was curious, the smallest amongst them offering himself up for the duel. He didn't judge him based on his size, it was just an interesting dichotomy.
"Don't fail" he offered as a modicum of advice.
Hari tilts her head and nods slightly, committing this moment to memory for a dirge.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
"Very well, the halfling shall duel me. Hand to hand or with weapons is his choice. I shall meet you in sparring round to have our duel." He returns to the backside court.
The lizardfolk give a slight growl but remain at their place.
"Would you like to have the first strike?"
(The dragonborn is offering Sylvester if he wants to face him with or without his weapons. Along with offering him the first turn in initiative.)
Sylvester responds: “I think I’ll keep my daggers” He looks around the ring to see if he could gain some advantage.
(OOC: I know this is a pit. Is it empty or is there any debris? Is it sunken in or just a ring? Sylvester will take the first strike that is offered. Will give actions depending on answers)
Sylvester Nimble lv. 3 Rogue (Clifftop Adventure’s Guild)
(it's just a ring, he's been keeping the place clean so no debris.)
"Very well." He reaches above the backside entrance and takes down a spear. "Whenever you are ready." He takes a stance in the center of the ring.
Sylvester will use his Cunning Action to Dash at the edge of the inside of the ring and uses Bolts of the Grave. After he will hold his attack action for the Dragonborn to come to him.
Bolts of the Grave: 12
Damage: 10
Held Action when he is within Sylvester melee range: 18
Damage: 7
Sylvester Nimble lv. 3 Rogue (Clifftop Adventure’s Guild)
The bolt of necrotic energy shoots into the chest of the dragonborn. He shakes off the feeling of the life sapping energy as he goes for Sylvester. He dodges Sylvester's dagger as he thrusts at him with his spear. Following it with a swing of legs, the kick going over Sylvester. He pivots back and sets the foot down in a full circle. But he carries the momentum to his other leg, thrusting it towards Sylvester.