This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Radgar Strength save 5
Radgar tugs, and pulls, trying to get his weapon loose, tugging and pulling. Concentrating on the weapon, he pushes the power of Gond down and through the haft and into the hammer.
As Fargrim scored a hit against the Captain, Danse charged forward towards his target and lashed out with both his scimitars though he unfortunately missed partially due his overzealousness. Holding the bloody scroll out in front of him as it began to glow a dark red, Yargin looked a Danse and shrieked, “I came extra prepared! Time for you to die!!” Slamming the scroll onto the ground, everyone on the deck watched as the writing began to glow brighter and shift across the page before spreading out onto the ship deck in a spinning circular fashion. After a moment, the area inside the circle darkened ominously before disappearing in a flash of dark light to reveal a figure in its place: an alien creature of medium size vaguely orcish in appearance with scaly purplish skin and a long tail, golden greaves/ vambraces and carrying a massive glaive in its hands. Strangest of all was the creature’s face, fiendish in nature with a series of strange snake-like appendages dangling from its chin.
Looking around at its surroundings a bit confusedly before landing on Yargin, it’s face quickly turned into a scowl as it spoke a few words in a foreign tongue. “Y-yes… G-good it worked. Go kill him! Kill them both!” Yargin commanded the creature. Pausing its talk to itself, the creature looked at Yargin with a furious look on its face before roaring and viciously attacking him with both his Glaive and its “beard”. Yargin crumpled to the ground in an instant, breathing raggedly from multiple wounds and a look of utter horror on his face. “T-They lied! They said it would listen to me!!” he croaked out between coughs of blood.
The captain and the remaining guard – who were frozen in place with mute fascination and horror – were knocked out of their trance by the sudden violence. With a horrified scream, the guard dropped his weapon and dashed off the boat with the captain quickly following, shouting “Demon stole me boat!!” at the top of his lungs.
Please let me know what you’d like to do. Yargin is prone and alive – barely – on the deck of the ship and the creature is staring at Yargin and hasn’t acknowledged your presence yet
DC5 Arcana check:
To know that the creature is a Fiend.
DC15 Arcana check:
To know that it is a Bearded Devil, a frontline warrior for Demon armies in other planes of existence.
DM Rolls:
Unknown entity Initiative: 10
Unknown entity "Beard" Attack (Yargin): 16
Unknown entity "Beard" Damage (Yargin): 7
Unknown entity Glaive Attack (Yargin): 24
Unknown entity Glaive Damage (Yargin): 6
Yargin WIS Save: 9
Yargin CON Save: 16
Initiative Order:
Fargrim: 19
Danse: 12
Unknown entity: 10
Yargin: 7
Kaisaras:
Immediately after a sea of people paused to turn towards Kaisaras, the stands quickly devolved into a mini battleground. A score of men and woman – both look-alikes and not – rose to their feet and made a mad dash towards the Nobles or any of the Guard/ Brigade stationed nearby; the Guard/ Brigade quickly rallied to impede their progress or protect the innocent. Meanwhile, as Arcadia charged towards her father with superhuman ability, commoners craned their necks to see what was happening or attempted to flee to safety if they were too close to any scrums. Things were getting out of hand fast and could quickly devolve even more if the situation wasn’t handled fast…
“It’s chaos my Lord. What should we do!?!” a nearby Guard asked Kaisaras worryingly.
We are in pseudo-combat! (you’ll be play-testing this mechanic for me). I’d like for you to command the Guard & the Brigade and give me (1) d20+CHA roll vs. a countercheck by the assassins to see which side is gaining an edge. You can use any ability(s) you think might be appropriate/ help in this situation. Depending on what you do/ use/ command, you might receive a bonus to the contested check (by lowering the enemies bonus). For reference, the assassins starting check will be 1d20+5 before any adjustments are made.
Setting the stage: There are ≈25-30 assassins in the stands and ≈40 Guard in the immediate vicinity. The nearest assassin is about 10ft away from the V.I.P. section where the Nobles – about 20 – are located and (6) Guards have at first managed to block access from the stairs (3 to a side). Arcadia is about 30ft away from this area. Most of the fighting is happening on the stairway on the sides of the stands, though there are a few assassins attempting to push/ climb up the stands rather than fight on the stairs.
In addition, please make a Perception Check. If you pass a DC15 Perception:
You can hear or sense a very soft “boom” in the near distance. It sounded like it might be coming from below where the contestants are staying…
Kurstin:
Kurstin’s contraption activated by the two unknown figure’s feet, causing them to momentarily be outlined with a purplish glow before quickly fading. The brief flash gave the Kurstin a better view of the two up ahead. One appeared to be a human woman, while the other was confirmed to be a rather large looking half-orc. Both were wearing similar looking garb of dark leathers that would make as little noise as possible; perfect for when someone wanted to skulk around undetected.
As the two continued to sprint away (dashing) towards the faint light in the distance, a doorway to the side of the students suddenly appeared out of thin air to reveal the Headmasters of Kovorsa’s two magical schools. “Stop and explain what this foolishness is al-“ Headmaster Ornelos commanded before pausing midsentence to turn sharply in the direction of the light. “Ellis, something powerful is up ahead.” He continued before teleporting away suddenly.
"Stay here where it’s safter, I will be right back.” Headmaster Toryr commented to Kurstin and the others before departing as well in a puff of smoke.
After waiting a few moments in silence, a couple soft booms and flashing lights could be seen and heard up ahead. While Sophie and the two elven students seemed nervous and unsure what to do, Ambrose was raring to go. “Well are we going to see what’s happening or what!?!”
Let me know what you’d like to do…
DM Rolls:
Unknown Figure (Large) DEX Save: 20
Unknown Figure (Small) DEX Save: 15
Radgar:
As Radgar and the figure traded strikes once again without harming the other, the darkness around them continued to encroach ever closer (to about 10ft away). After another missed strike, the shrouded figure stepped back and moved to the edge of darkness, lowering the point of the glowing sword towards the ground. A moment later, the shroud of shadow that had been encompassing them earlier dissipated to reveal the armored figure Radgar saw before. "It is odd. The sword refuses to harm you. Perhaps... Perhaps I was wrong. My mind grows... weak after having remained vigilant for so long. Perhaps I've missed the signs. Speak true, has Doom returned? Is that why you've come?"
Please let me know what you'd like to do. Also:
The Darkness is about 10' away from you at this point
You can take an AoO against the figure when he stepped back if you'd like.
A month ago, Kurstin would have stayed put, following the master's orders without a second thought. But he was a Harrower now, and he didn't need to stay where it was safer...and so he kept after the two sketchy characters with Ghost hovering right behind him!
Not bothering to recall which of the guards where of his family's brigade and which were of the city's, Kaisaras pointed his rapier at the assassins, "Pair up and block their passage! YOU ARE THE GUARDIANS OF THIS CITY, AND THEY ARE MOTHS TO YOUR FLAME! STAND TOGETHER AND STAND FAST! If they push at you, force them down. If they show you their back, RUN THEM THROUGH!" Doing his best to offer some inspiration with some simple advice to have the guards work as pairs rather than individually, Kaisaras then turned his attention towards the said enemies. Clicking his tongue, he quickly cast Bane on the front most 3 to the line of defense up the stairs.
Placing a hand on the guard who had asked for his word, he spoke sternly, his brow already twisted into a serious look as looked towards the backs of the ascending assassins, "You. With me, we'll aim at those that attempt to work around their defense." He would then pull out the crossbow he had been keeping since his little adventure, and take his aim and fire at those assassins making their way up the stands rather than along the stairs. With the new guard 'friend' to watch his back, he would move up towards his father as he offered cover fire to the guardsmen.
Danse's momentary satisfaction at seeing Yargin collapsed on the ground faded to genuine surprise as the devil materialized before him. The spellsword's brow raised, primarily in interest - his blades slowed his whirling as he recognized the devil for what it was.
Danse bowed - infernal beings enjoyed manners, did they not? "This is how it ends, Yargin - you tripped and fell into your own grave. Ironic, is it not? I find it quite fitting. The curtains close, Yargin - did you enjoy the show?" Danse grinned. "Devil! You have my permission to dispose of him - torture him as you wish." Danse's eyes flickered towards the fleeing captain, then towards Fargrim - jutting his head in an indication that the two should likely leave before the devil finished with Yargin.
Fargrim had seen some crazy things in his life but nothing like what now stood near him. He knew that this was a fiend but had never actually seen one before. As much as he wanted to go after the captain and finish him off, Fargrim decided to follow Danse's lead and leave.
As the figure steps back, the cleric lowers his shield and lifts his eyes up to the towering figure 'Doom? I know of no doom that has come, and certainly none that has returned. The land is rife with the wolves who roam the night, with bandits who would crack your bones, and with violence in the streets - but that is the fate of this age, to live our lives as best we can and forge order out of chaos. I know of not of this Doom which you speak'
Muttering under his breath he calls upon Gond for guidance and wisdom (Guidance)
As Danse and Fargrim carefully made their way off the gangplank and off the shore back towards the dock, they could hear the final pleas of the Yargrin before a loud crunching sound silenced them permanently. Before the duo could make it any notable distance down the dock and away from the devil, a loud "voice" - or emotions roughly translating into words - reverberated in each of their heads. "RELEASE ME! END THE CONTRACT! RELEASE ME!!"
Up ahead, a squad of four Korvorsan Guards who had been heading towards Danse and Fargrim from the other direction stopped in their tracks and looked around confusedly. "What was that? Did anyone else hear-" one of the guards asked before a roar cut him off. Looks as panic spreading across the groups face as they shakily tried to unsheathe their weapons, Danse and Fargrim turned around to see the devil sprinting towards them at full speed. "RELEASE ME!!"
We're going to reroll initiative as the scene has changed (It's been a couple minutes since Danse & Fargrim left the boat). Please give me your first round actions and I'll slot them appropriately in the initiative order
The Demon is 30ft away from the two of you on one side and the Guards are 30ft away from you on the other
DM Rolls:
Bearded Devil Initiative: 7 Guard Group Initiative: 6
Initiative Order:
Fargrim: __
Danse: __
Guards: 7
Bearded Devil: 6
Kaisaras:
No side seemed to be able to gain a sizeable edge as the hectic mess in the stands raged on. While the assassins on one of the side stairs seemed to be making progress towards their target despite’s Kaisaras’ shout to organize, they were having a much more difficult time on the other stairwell as a combination of Kaisaras’ magic and Arcadia seemed to make easy work of the first group in that section. In the stands themselves, a heated struggle was taking place though neither side seemed to be able to gain the upper edge.
Around the fight, most of the crowd in the immediate area had managed to get away though there were a few stragglers struggling to get away for or caught in the crossfire.
Same thing! Please let me know what you’d like to do this round.
Assassins: 20-25ft away
Guards: 30-35ft away
Aracadia: 15ft away from the V.I.P. section
Kaisaras: 30ft away from V.I.P. section. Moving any closer will bring you into melee range of enemies & movement will be slowed due to pushing through a crowd
Closest assassin to V.I.P. section: 10ft away
DM Roll:
Assassins' Check: 12 (TIE!)
Kurstin:
Moving closer to the source of the noise, Kurstin and the others came upon a startling sight! In front of them, chaos had seemingly sprung out of nowhere. To one side, the two headmasters where clashing with the half-orc assassin and a group of large bug-like monsters. While Headmaster Ornelos shot off a barrage of flaming missiles that arched around the cavernous space before hitting their monster targets, Headmaster Toryr was clashing with the assassin, seemingly attempting to overwhelm them with a horde of clones.
On the other side, the women assassin was sitting cross-legged on the ground with her eyes closed, muttering something at a feverish pace. Adjacent to her on the ground sat a glowing blue portal. Pulling itself out of it was another bug monster, buzzing some sort of alien noise.
As soon as Sophie released a frightful scream at the scene in front of her, one of the bug monsters turned in her direction and released a loud hissing sound before preparing to move closer to attack. Before it could even take a single step though, the frightened students in unison released bolts of fire at the incoming creature, pummeling it with magic and heavily wounding it!
DC15 History Check:
To know that the creature is an Ankheg, a bug-like monster known to occasionally plague the city whenever they manage to breakthrough from whatever plane they originate from.
Your up! Let me know what you’d like to do…
The Bug monster that students attacked, the woman and the portal are all within 30ft of Kurstin’s starting point. The Headmasters’ battle is further out – about 100+ft – away if you wanted to head closer to that fight.
DM Rolls:OOC: for some reason, all of your rolls changed when I added an additional one, so I'll be using the original numbers I wrote down since they were pretty much superior across the board for you :)
Students Initiative: 12
Bug Monster #1 Initiative: 1
Bug Monster #2 Initiative: 3
Mystery Woman Initiative: 7
Belerine Firebolt: 20
Valo Firebolt: 16
Sophie Firebolt: 17
Ambrose Firebolt: 14
Belerine Firebolt Damage: 9
Valo Firebolt Damage: 6
Sophie Firebolt Damage: 6
Ambrose Firebolt Damage: 1
Initiative Order:
Students: 12
Mystery Woman: 7
Kurstin: 3
Bug Monster #2: 3
Bug Monster #1: 1
Radgar:
"I see..." the figure began as they held the sword in both hands. "I have not yet failed. Though my watch must continue and I grow so tired... I worry I may fail, and all will grow dark once again. It is good to hear that there are those who still fight..." Pausing for a moment as he grabbed something from the sword, they walked towards Radgar and held open their gauntleted hand to reveal a small glimmering stone as the darkness swirled ever closer and began to slowly consume both Radgar and the figure. "Find me! And the sword! Before it is too late. It will be the only way... Find it...I am sorry..." Radgar heard the figure say before the darkness swallowed him up.
Radgar woke up with a start in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat and breathing heavily. Radgar looked around to see that the rest of the caravan heading back to Korvosa was still fast asleep. Taking a deep breathe, he eventually realized that he was clenching something tightly in his hands. Looking down, he found himself clutching an unusual glimmering stone glimmering stone...
The following few days passed without incident, the low plains of Southern Varisia flowing by quickly and easily by with hardly an issue. Arriving back outside the Eastern edge of Korvosa early morning on the day of the Chelixian Magical Games, Radgar and the caravan found an unusually long line of travelers and caravans waiting outside the gates to enter the city. Speaking with a few of the folks in the line, it was quickly discerned that the line was for more than just the Games happening in the city. Apparently, there was some sort of disturbance at the gates between the Brigade and a small group of outriders...
Let me know what you'd like to do...
If Radgar decides to move forward:
Ahead towards the front gates, Radgar found the disturbance that the others had spoken of. A squadron of Steel Brigade were leveling pikes and spears at a group of animated mounted riders wearing light riding leathers and sitting on powerful looking horses. The squad leader stood in front of his men and was attempting to placate the mounted men as best as he could.
"You show us another disrespect." One of the mounted men shouted in accented Common in the Brigade's directions
"I'm sorry, but you know I cannot let you in without permission from my superiors..." the squadron leader replied placatingly.
DC8 History:
The Mounted Riders are members of the Shoanti, one of the two indigenous peoples of Varisia (where Korvosa is located) before the region was colonized. The various tribes mostly live to the North on the Storval Plateau region of Varisia. It is unusual - though not unheard of - to see Shoanti roaming this close to Korvosa
DC13 History:
You know relations between Korvosa and the Shoanti - which have always been strained - have worsened in recent months. Many of the tribes are said to be agitated and more aggressive than normal, leading to an increased amount of Shoanti being seen in the valley below the plateau (where Korvosa and other Varisian City-States are located). Relations between the Shoanti within the city have also been deteriorating as of late.
Clicking his tongue, Kaisaras doesn't take the risk that he might miss his shot on the assassin closest to the VIPs, and instead calls out towards his sister. Clapping his hands together, he yells, "Arcadia! Push through on my mark!" Quickly calling forth another surge of magic that he could recall, he cast Sleep aiming the spell to capture the assassins between his sister and the VIPs so that she could get over to them.
As soon as he finished casting his spell, Kai would once more attempt to rally the guards with a few Bard-icily tied Inspirations to help them push through the assailants.
Kurstin was expecting trouble, but the giant bugs were something new. Part of his mind raced to identify them, part analyzed them, but the main part of his mind recognized that he must stop the woman before she brought any more to the fight! Kurstin gave an approving nod to his fellow students before activating the switch on GHOST to enable its force cannon function. GHOST then spins towards the woman chanting on the ground and releases a bolt of energy towards her! (Attack: 17 Force Damage: 10. On a hit, the woman is pushed 5' away.)
Radgar holds up a mailed fist to the caravan, calling for a full halt before ranging ahead towards the source of the disturbance.
History check: 17
As he approaches he scans the Brigade for any familiar faces or spark of recognition. Without waiting for a response of any sort the heavily armored dwarf wades into the dead space between the two antagonists, keeping his hammer slung but with his shield over his arm.
'Ho there Riders of Varisisa, Roamers of the Ancient Plain, and Keepers of the Night Sky. What brings you mounted and armed to the gates of the city in such haste and ill-temper?'
Fargrim will use a superiority die for Maneuvers: Brace
When a creature you can see moves into the reach you have with the melee weapon you’re wielding, you can use your reaction to expend one superiority die and make one attack against the creature, using that weapon. If the attack hits, add the superiority die to the weapon’s damage roll.
Attack: 19 Damage: 6
On his turn, he will attack with his hammer Attack: 19 Damage: 3
He will then use a bonus action for Second Wind and restore 11 HP
Just as it seemed like the deadlock would drag on a little bit longer, the assassins shockingly began to gain an edge. Pushing past and through the defenders attempting to block them, the enemies climbing up through the stands managed to make their way to the V.I.P. Platform and began to assault the guests and few defenders there!
On Arcadia's side of the battle, she missed Kaisaras' shout and was slowed on her approach to her Father's position as a couple of suddenly incapacitated bodies dropping to the ground in front of her caught her by surprise. Would she be able to make it in time to save them?
Same thing! Please let me know what you’d like to do this round.
Assassins: 20-25ft away
Guards: 30-35ft away
Aracadia: 10ft away from the V.I.P. section
Kaisaras: 30ft away from V.I.P. section. Moving any closer will bring you into melee range of enemies & movement will be slowed due to pushing through a crowd
Closest assassin to V.I.P. section: 0ft away!!
DM Roll:
Assassins Check Round 2: 8 (Loss!)
Kurstin:
As Kurstin sent GHOST off ahead, something strange occurred within it's processing and it veered instead towards the bug the students were assaulting, blasting it and nearly taking it down! Screeching a buzzing death rattle, the wounded Ankheg turned towards the attacking students and spat out a sickening-looking ooze in their direction. Though, Valo & Ambrose managed to avoid the worst of the spray, Sophie and Belerine were not so fortunate and shrieked in pain as the ooze burned their skin! Managing to quickly rally, Valo & Ambrose managed to fire off a couple more blasts of magic that hit their mark and brought the dying creature down for good!
There was no time for celebration though, as the second Ankheg finally managed to extract itself from the portal before releasing a loud shriek. Down below, it looked like another bug was slowly beginning to extract itself from the portal.
As the other students attempted to recover and prepare for the next monster, Ambrose turned to Kurstin with a grim "What are we going to do?" expression on his face.
Your up! Let me know what you’d like to do…
The 2nd bug monster that just extracted itself from the portal, the woman and the portal are all within 30ft of Kurstin’s location. The Headmasters’ battle is further out – about 100+ft – away if you wanted to head closer to that fight.
DM Rolls:
Valo DC13 Dex Save: 16(Sucess!) Belerine DC13 Dex Save: 8(Fail!) Sophie DC13 Dex Save: 4(Fail!) Ambrose DC13 Dex Save: 17(Sucess!) Ankheg Acid Spray Damage: 9 Valo Firebolt: 17 Belerine Firebolt: 10 Sophie Firebolt: 12 Ambrose Firebolt: 15 Valo Firebolt Damage: 9 Belerine Firebolt Damage: 4 Sophie Firebolt Damage: 8 Ambrose Firebolt Damage: 8
Initiative Order:
Students: 12 (Ambrose/ Valo: Light Wounds, Sophie/ Belerine: Medium Wounds)
Mystery Woman: 7 (Healthy)
Kurstin: 3
Bug Monster #2: 3 (Healthy)
Bug Monster #1: 1 (Dead)
Radgar:
The Shoanti who had spoken earlier turned towards Radgar and gave him an appraising look before responding. "We are here to see one of the elders. We have news that must be shared. He, (pausing to point at the sqaudron leader), refuses to let us in."
"And they know that they were told not to return to Korvosa for 'awhile' after the 'incident' they were apart of nearly caused another riot within the walls. This was agreed upon by your 'Thousand Bones'." the Squadron Leader replied, dropping his placating tone for a more direct one.
"I did leave. And now I return. Let us through. This matter does not concern you."
As the two men stared off at each other, the air between the two groups grew tense once again.
"Ambrose and Velos, take out that bug - I'll take care of the woman! Sophie and Belerine, can you take one more shot at the bug and then back off to get help?" Kurstin levels his crossbow at the woman and releases a bolt at her. (DC13 Wis: 18 or hit the bug instead. Attack: 7 Damage: 9)
GHOST recalibrates and attempts to target the woman again. (DC13 Wis: 2 or hit the bug instead. Attack: 14 Damage: 7 and be pushed 5' away.)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Clicking his tongue upon seeing the assassins reach the VIP box, would take a hold of his blade and throw himself forward into the melee, offering up what commands and inspiration to the soldiers around him that he could to push through the assassin's line. As he attempted to push through, he'd once again call to his sister, "Arcadia! Go!" Less so the usual controlled command he would try to maintain, there was simply the simple shout from her brother to go protect their father.
Hefting his hammer the cleric raises his voice to be heard as he addresses the riders "They refuse to let you in because you created trouble in the city, but perhaps we can find a solution here'
Turning to the Brigade the dwarf speaks in a clear even tone 'They have information, surely we need to make sure it gets through to the elders. Perhaps we could allow one or two of them through? I could accompany them to ensure their behavior.'
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Danse rested his elbows on his knees as he watched Yargin’s struggles, a vengeful grin spreading over the Half-Elf’s tattooed countenance. He had waited years for this moment of justice - Yargin being slain by his own magical powers, no less, had a poetic air around it Danse could nearly taste.
“Hey, Fargrim, you ever thought about owning a boat? With the Captain gone and all of it - the political boy can probably handle the paperwork,” Danse offered. The Half-Elf barely respected the official law - was it piracy?
Regardless, the Devil’s cries drew Danse’s muted attention - like instinct, the Half-Elf immediately drew his blades. “Hey, Devil, instead of whining, could you instruct us of how to end your contract? You never quite told us.”
Initiative: 5 Bonus Action: activate Bladesong! Action: ready a Scimitar attack if the Devil ventures too close. Attack: 13 Damage: 4
Radgar Strength save 5
Radgar tugs, and pulls, trying to get his weapon loose, tugging and pulling. Concentrating on the weapon, he pushes the power of Gond down and through the haft and into the hammer.
Attack: 9 Damage: 11
Bonus: Searing Smite 6
Danse & Fargrim:
Looking around at its surroundings a bit confusedly before landing on Yargin, it’s face quickly turned into a scowl as it spoke a few words in a foreign tongue. “Y-yes… G-good it worked. Go kill him! Kill them both!” Yargin commanded the creature. Pausing its talk to itself, the creature looked at Yargin with a furious look on its face before roaring and viciously attacking him with both his Glaive and its “beard”. Yargin crumpled to the ground in an instant, breathing raggedly from multiple wounds and a look of utter horror on his face. “T-They lied! They said it would listen to me!!” he croaked out between coughs of blood.
The captain and the remaining guard – who were frozen in place with mute fascination and horror – were knocked out of their trance by the sudden violence. With a horrified scream, the guard dropped his weapon and dashed off the boat with the captain quickly following, shouting “Demon stole me boat!!” at the top of his lungs.
To know that the creature is a Fiend.
To know that it is a Bearded Devil, a frontline warrior for Demon armies in other planes of existence.
Kaisaras:
“It’s chaos my Lord. What should we do!?!” a nearby Guard asked Kaisaras worryingly.
You can hear or sense a very soft “boom” in the near distance. It sounded like it might be coming from below where the contestants are staying…
Kurstin:
As the two continued to sprint away (dashing) towards the faint light in the distance, a doorway to the side of the students suddenly appeared out of thin air to reveal the Headmasters of Kovorsa’s two magical schools. “Stop and explain what this foolishness is al-“ Headmaster Ornelos commanded before pausing midsentence to turn sharply in the direction of the light. “Ellis, something powerful is up ahead.” He continued before teleporting away suddenly.
"Stay here where it’s safter, I will be right back.” Headmaster Toryr commented to Kurstin and the others before departing as well in a puff of smoke.
After waiting a few moments in silence, a couple soft booms and flashing lights could be seen and heard up ahead. While Sophie and the two elven students seemed nervous and unsure what to do, Ambrose was raring to go. “Well are we going to see what’s happening or what!?!”
Radgar:
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
A month ago, Kurstin would have stayed put, following the master's orders without a second thought. But he was a Harrower now, and he didn't need to stay where it was safer...and so he kept after the two sketchy characters with Ghost hovering right behind him!
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Kurstin:
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Not bothering to recall which of the guards where of his family's brigade and which were of the city's, Kaisaras pointed his rapier at the assassins, "Pair up and block their passage! YOU ARE THE GUARDIANS OF THIS CITY, AND THEY ARE MOTHS TO YOUR FLAME! STAND TOGETHER AND STAND FAST! If they push at you, force them down. If they show you their back, RUN THEM THROUGH!" Doing his best to offer some inspiration with some simple advice to have the guards work as pairs rather than individually, Kaisaras then turned his attention towards the said enemies. Clicking his tongue, he quickly cast Bane on the front most 3 to the line of defense up the stairs.
Placing a hand on the guard who had asked for his word, he spoke sternly, his brow already twisted into a serious look as looked towards the backs of the ascending assassins, "You. With me, we'll aim at those that attempt to work around their defense." He would then pull out the crossbow he had been keeping since his little adventure, and take his aim and fire at those assassins making their way up the stands rather than along the stairs. With the new guard 'friend' to watch his back, he would move up towards his father as he offered cover fire to the guardsmen.
Pseudo-Combat Leadership(1d20+CHA): 20
Perception: 18
Arcana check: 20
Danse's momentary satisfaction at seeing Yargin collapsed on the ground faded to genuine surprise as the devil materialized before him. The spellsword's brow raised, primarily in interest - his blades slowed his whirling as he recognized the devil for what it was.
Danse bowed - infernal beings enjoyed manners, did they not? "This is how it ends, Yargin - you tripped and fell into your own grave. Ironic, is it not? I find it quite fitting. The curtains close, Yargin - did you enjoy the show?" Danse grinned. "Devil! You have my permission to dispose of him - torture him as you wish." Danse's eyes flickered towards the fleeing captain, then towards Fargrim - jutting his head in an indication that the two should likely leave before the devil finished with Yargin.
Arcana 7
Fargrim had seen some crazy things in his life but nothing like what now stood near him. He knew that this was a fiend but had never actually seen one before. As much as he wanted to go after the captain and finish him off, Fargrim decided to follow Danse's lead and leave.
Radgar Wisdom 15
As the figure steps back, the cleric lowers his shield and lifts his eyes up to the towering figure 'Doom? I know of no doom that has come, and certainly none that has returned. The land is rife with the wolves who roam the night, with bandits who would crack your bones, and with violence in the streets - but that is the fate of this age, to live our lives as best we can and forge order out of chaos. I know of not of this Doom which you speak'
Muttering under his breath he calls upon Gond for guidance and wisdom (Guidance)
Danse & Fargrim:
Up ahead, a squad of four Korvorsan Guards who had been heading towards Danse and Fargrim from the other direction stopped in their tracks and looked around confusedly. "What was that? Did anyone else hear-" one of the guards asked before a roar cut him off. Looks as panic spreading across the groups face as they shakily tried to unsheathe their weapons, Danse and Fargrim turned around to see the devil sprinting towards them at full speed. "RELEASE ME!!"
DM Rolls:
Bearded Devil Initiative: 7
Guard Group Initiative: 6
Initiative Order:
Kaisaras:
Around the fight, most of the crowd in the immediate area had managed to get away though there were a few stragglers struggling to get away for or caught in the crossfire.
DM Roll:
Assassins' Check: 12 (TIE!)
Kurstin:
On the other side, the women assassin was sitting cross-legged on the ground with her eyes closed, muttering something at a feverish pace. Adjacent to her on the ground sat a glowing blue portal. Pulling itself out of it was another bug monster, buzzing some sort of alien noise.
As soon as Sophie released a frightful scream at the scene in front of her, one of the bug monsters turned in her direction and released a loud hissing sound before preparing to move closer to attack. Before it could even take a single step though, the frightened students in unison released bolts of fire at the incoming creature, pummeling it with magic and heavily wounding it!
DC15 History Check:
To know that the creature is an Ankheg, a bug-like monster known to occasionally plague the city whenever they manage to breakthrough from whatever plane they originate from.
DM Rolls: OOC: for some reason, all of your rolls changed when I added an additional one, so I'll be using the original numbers I wrote down since they were pretty much superior across the board for you :)
Initiative Order:
Radgar:
Radgar woke up with a start in the middle of the night, drenched in sweat and breathing heavily. Radgar looked around to see that the rest of the caravan heading back to Korvosa was still fast asleep. Taking a deep breathe, he eventually realized that he was clenching something tightly in his hands. Looking down, he found himself clutching an unusual glimmering stone glimmering stone...
The following few days passed without incident, the low plains of Southern Varisia flowing by quickly and easily by with hardly an issue. Arriving back outside the Eastern edge of Korvosa early morning on the day of the Chelixian Magical Games, Radgar and the caravan found an unusually long line of travelers and caravans waiting outside the gates to enter the city. Speaking with a few of the folks in the line, it was quickly discerned that the line was for more than just the Games happening in the city. Apparently, there was some sort of disturbance at the gates between the Brigade and a small group of outriders...
Ahead towards the front gates, Radgar found the disturbance that the others had spoken of. A squadron of Steel Brigade were leveling pikes and spears at a group of animated mounted riders wearing light riding leathers and sitting on powerful looking horses. The squad leader stood in front of his men and was attempting to placate the mounted men as best as he could.
"You show us another disrespect." One of the mounted men shouted in accented Common in the Brigade's directions
"I'm sorry, but you know I cannot let you in without permission from my superiors..." the squadron leader replied placatingly.
Reference Docs & Info
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Clicking his tongue, Kaisaras doesn't take the risk that he might miss his shot on the assassin closest to the VIPs, and instead calls out towards his sister. Clapping his hands together, he yells, "Arcadia! Push through on my mark!" Quickly calling forth another surge of magic that he could recall, he cast Sleep aiming the spell to capture the assassins between his sister and the VIPs so that she could get over to them.
As soon as he finished casting his spell, Kai would once more attempt to rally the guards with a few Bard-icily tied Inspirations to help them push through the assailants.
2nd Leadership roll: 5
DC15 History: 8
Kurstin was expecting trouble, but the giant bugs were something new. Part of his mind raced to identify them, part analyzed them, but the main part of his mind recognized that he must stop the woman before she brought any more to the fight! Kurstin gave an approving nod to his fellow students before activating the switch on GHOST to enable its force cannon function. GHOST then spins towards the woman chanting on the ground and releases a bolt of energy towards her! (Attack: 17 Force Damage: 10. On a hit, the woman is pushed 5' away.)
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Radgar holds up a mailed fist to the caravan, calling for a full halt before ranging ahead towards the source of the disturbance.
History check: 17
As he approaches he scans the Brigade for any familiar faces or spark of recognition. Without waiting for a response of any sort the heavily armored dwarf wades into the dead space between the two antagonists, keeping his hammer slung but with his shield over his arm.
'Ho there Riders of Varisisa, Roamers of the Ancient Plain, and Keepers of the Night Sky. What brings you mounted and armed to the gates of the city in such haste and ill-temper?'
Initiative 20
Fargrim will use a superiority die for Maneuvers: Brace
When a creature you can see moves into the reach you have with the melee weapon you’re wielding, you can use your reaction to expend one superiority die and make one attack against the creature, using that weapon. If the attack hits, add the superiority die to the weapon’s damage roll.
Attack: 19 Damage: 6
On his turn, he will attack with his hammer Attack: 19 Damage: 3
He will then use a bonus action for Second Wind and restore 11 HP
GHOST DC13 Wis check: 1
If this fails, then the tiny homunculus will fire on one of the bugs...
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Danse & Fargrim:
Kaisaras:
On Arcadia's side of the battle, she missed Kaisaras' shout and was slowed on her approach to her Father's position as a couple of suddenly incapacitated bodies dropping to the ground in front of her caught her by surprise. Would she be able to make it in time to save them?
DM Roll:
Assassins Check Round 2: 8 (Loss!)
Kurstin:
There was no time for celebration though, as the second Ankheg finally managed to extract itself from the portal before releasing a loud shriek. Down below, it looked like another bug was slowly beginning to extract itself from the portal.
As the other students attempted to recover and prepare for the next monster, Ambrose turned to Kurstin with a grim "What are we going to do?" expression on his face.
DM Rolls:
Valo DC13 Dex Save: 16 (Sucess!)
Belerine DC13 Dex Save: 8 (Fail!)
Sophie DC13 Dex Save: 4 (Fail!)
Ambrose DC13 Dex Save: 17 (Sucess!)
Ankheg Acid Spray Damage: 9
Valo Firebolt: 17
Belerine Firebolt: 10
Sophie Firebolt: 12
Ambrose Firebolt: 15
Valo Firebolt Damage: 9
Belerine Firebolt Damage: 4
Sophie Firebolt Damage: 8
Ambrose Firebolt Damage: 8
Initiative Order:
Bug Monster #1: 1 (Dead)Radgar:
"And they know that they were told not to return to Korvosa for 'awhile' after the 'incident' they were apart of nearly caused another riot within the walls. This was agreed upon by your 'Thousand Bones'." the Squadron Leader replied, dropping his placating tone for a more direct one.
"I did leave. And now I return. Let us through. This matter does not concern you."
As the two men stared off at each other, the air between the two groups grew tense once again.
Reference Docs & Info
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
"Ambrose and Velos, take out that bug - I'll take care of the woman! Sophie and Belerine, can you take one more shot at the bug and then back off to get help?" Kurstin levels his crossbow at the woman and releases a bolt at her. (DC13 Wis: 18 or hit the bug instead. Attack: 7 Damage: 9)
GHOST recalibrates and attempts to target the woman again. (DC13 Wis: 2 or hit the bug instead. Attack: 14 Damage: 7 and be pushed 5' away.)
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Clicking his tongue upon seeing the assassins reach the VIP box, would take a hold of his blade and throw himself forward into the melee, offering up what commands and inspiration to the soldiers around him that he could to push through the assassin's line. As he attempted to push through, he'd once again call to his sister, "Arcadia! Go!" Less so the usual controlled command he would try to maintain, there was simply the simple shout from her brother to go protect their father.
Leadership Roll: 8
Hefting his hammer the cleric raises his voice to be heard as he addresses the riders "They refuse to let you in because you created trouble in the city, but perhaps we can find a solution here'
Turning to the Brigade the dwarf speaks in a clear even tone 'They have information, surely we need to make sure it gets through to the elders. Perhaps we could allow one or two of them through? I could accompany them to ensure their behavior.'
Danse rested his elbows on his knees as he watched Yargin’s struggles, a vengeful grin spreading over the Half-Elf’s tattooed countenance. He had waited years for this moment of justice - Yargin being slain by his own magical powers, no less, had a poetic air around it Danse could nearly taste.
“Hey, Fargrim, you ever thought about owning a boat? With the Captain gone and all of it - the political boy can probably handle the paperwork,” Danse offered. The Half-Elf barely respected the official law - was it piracy?
Regardless, the Devil’s cries drew Danse’s muted attention - like instinct, the Half-Elf immediately drew his blades. “Hey, Devil, instead of whining, could you instruct us of how to end your contract? You never quite told us.”
Initiative: 5
Bonus Action: activate Bladesong!
Action: ready a Scimitar attack if the Devil ventures too close.
Attack: 13 Damage: 4