Holding their ground as the Devil charged towards them, Fargrim & Danse each managed to score hits on it as soon as it got into range, though it barely seemed to notice the strikes. Though visibly frightened, the squad of Guardsmen joined the fray as well, getting a close as they dared to the devil before stabbing at it with their spears.
The Devil meanwhile roared in anger once again as the weapons began to cut at it. Setting its sights on Danse and Fargrim, it attacked them both with its massive Glaive and its strange "beard". Luckily for the duo, the its attacks were two wild and missed both adventurers...
You're both up again! You're both in melee range with the creature.
Forced to leave the immediate protection of their father to Arcadia as he fought through the lower tier of the stands, Kaisaras could do nothing but watch from a distance as the scrum intensified on the V.I.P. Platform above. Quickly outmatching the few Guards above, the assassins were about to bear down on the V.I.P.s before a blur appeared from the righthand side and began to repel them back: Arcadia! Her father moving stepping forward to join her, the two held their ground against the encroaching force.
Throughout the rest of the battle, the deadlock continued with bodies of assassins, Guard and Brigade alike strewn about. And though in the thick of it, Kaisaras could tell that the result of the battle one way or another would be determined soon!
Same thing! Please let me know what you’d like to do this round. Also roll me a Perception Check please!
If you beat a DC13
You hear the sounds of more Guard rapidly coming from below. Looking behind you quickly, you see that the High Marshal has rallied a large group soldiers and is sprinting up the stands towards you! (She'll reach you in about 2 more turns)
If you beat a DC18
Rumbling can be heard from below
Assassins: 10-15ft away
Guards: 20-25ft away
Aracadia: 0ft away from the V.I.P. section!
Kaisaras: 20ft away from V.I.P. section. He is currently in Melee Range
Closest assassin to V.I.P. section: 0ft away!!
Current Troop Count: Enemies ≈15/ Guard ≈25-30
DM Roll:
Assassins Check Round 3: 4 (Shocking Victory!!!)
Kurstin:
With GHOST unable to target the woman once again - landing blast against the side of the newly released monster, Kurstin took aim and fired, though his shot missed wide of the channeling woman.
Releasing another piercing screech, the bug monster shuffled towards the students before landing in front of Ambrose and trying to grab him within it's sharp beak-like mouth. Managing to just dodge out of the way, Ambrose and the other students managed to launch another volley of fire at the creature before Sophie and Belerine ran off back towards the the area the rest of the students were waiting.
Meanwhile, another monster began to pull itself out of the shimmering portal on the ground...
Your up! Let me know what you’d like to do…
The 3rd bug monster is about halfway out, it will make it out of the portal next round... 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.
Students: 12 (Valo/ Ambrose: Light Wounds, Sophie/ Belerine: Medium Wounds)
Mystery Woman: 7 (Healthy)
Kurstin: 3
Bug Monster #2: 3 (Medium Wounds)
Bug Monster #1: 1 (Dead)
Radgar:
"Excuse my bluntness, but why exactly should I let them through - even just one or two as you suggest? Especially with someone I've never met before? Rules are rules for a reason dwarf. They broke the rules and now have to deal with the consequences." The squad leader replied to grunts of agreement from the troops backing them up.
"We do not need a watcher!" one of the Riders called out angrily at Radgar's suggestion. "She is right. And if one enters, then we all enter. And again nosy dwarf, this does not concern you. You would not understand."
Shifting their mount to face the squad leader again, the lead rider addressed them again. "I will not ask again. Move and let us through."
"No."
The leader rider growled in response as the group of mounted riders began unsheathe their weapons; a mix of light cutting swords, and massive hammers with spiked faces.
Let me know what you'd like to do... Also please make a Charisma Check to see how well you do
'Fine, bash yer skulls in fer all I care.' The dwarf turns to leave the group, but stops and makes one last plea, looking directly at the Steel Brigade commander 'Bloodshed solves nothing here, boyyo. Was just offering my services as an honest broker, one 'hos proven himself to the Throne in moments of need and crisis. If you'd rather butt heads like an angry ram so be it. Not my place to tell ya how to do yer job.'
Kaisaras, now in melee with the assassins, strikes at as best as he can while repeatedly shouting out commands and warnings to the Guard and Brigade members. With little more he could achieve beyond the melee, the young nobleman would once more cast Bane on members of the assailants to assist the guards in gaining an upper hand against them. Furthermore, to try and weaken the assassins even further, Kaisaras spoke some Unsettling Words, towards them, threatening their lives and souls to damnation least they cease.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Kurstin orders GHOST to remain in place and keep firing at the woman (or bug if it fails the check!) while he will move within 15' of the woman and bug(s) but beyond that range from his fellow students before pressing a button on his belt and releasing a thunderwave! (DC13 Con save or take 9 and be pushed 10' away. Success takes 1/2 damage and is not moved...)
GHOST DC13 Wis: 2 Attack: 20 Force Damage: 13 and be pushed 5' away.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Comfortably parrying the devil's attack with a swipe of his own scimitar, Danse whirled around and carved down twice over the Bearded Devil's form - careful to avoid slicing apart any guards who happened to be in the way.
(Assuming Flanking is in effect) Scimitar Attack: 20 Damage: 4 Bonus Action: Scimitar Attack: 20 Damage: 9
Working in tandem, Danse and Fargrim both managed to score hits on the hulking devil, though their weapons continued to be less effective than they should've been. While the guards fearfully continued to poke their spears at the Devil, it continued to bear down on the two Harrowers. While Danse's magic allowed him to just dodge out of the way of the Devil's "beard", it's glaive made it past Fargrim's defenses and scored a solid hit on the dwarf that instantly began to turn an unhealthy looking black...
You're both up again!
Fargrim make a DC12 Con Save. On a failure, take an additional 8 damage (typeless) due to a festering infernal wound. In addition, make a DC10 INT or WIS check (your choice). On Success, you know that you can spend your action to make a DC12 Wisdom Check or receive magical healing to end the effect.
Caught in the melee down below, Kaisaras was forced to focus on the threat in front of him and hope for the best up above. When he next looked up, Kaisaras saw a rather terrible sight on the V.I.P. Platform. While his Father and Sister still stood, they were surrounded by a few more assailants who had managed to make it to the platform above. What was worse though was what was happening to the other members in the V.I.P.. Overrun, the few Guards up above had been cut down by the assassins who then quickly made their way to the dignitaries and other nobles trapped on the Platform who offered little resistance to their blades. While Kaisaras was unsure how many had fallen, he knew it did not look good for those up above...
Last round for all the marbles! Please let me know what you’d like to do this round.
Assassins: 5-10ft away
Guards: 15-20ft away
Aracadia: 0ft away from the V.I.P. section!
Kaisaras: 15ft away from V.I.P. section. He is currently in Melee Range
Closest assassin to V.I.P. section: 0ft away!!
Current Troop Count: Enemies ≈10-15/ Guard ≈20-25
DM Roll:
Assassins Check Round 4: 11 (Loss!!)
Kurstin:
As Kurstin's blast streaked forward and hit the woman, he saw that for the first time since the fight had started, the woman's attention was drawn away from the portal towards the action around her. As that was happening - even from a short distance away - Kurstin could see that the woman's veins were bulging and featured prominently on her head. Screaming as she grabbed her head in pain and rocked back and forth, she tried in vain to chant something in an unknown language as blood began to pour out of her ears, eyes, nose and mouth uncontrollably. Within moments, she had fallen to the ground, lifeless on the ground with a pained look permanently etched onto her face. A second later, the portal snapped shut, slicing the half-emerged monster in half and killing it instantly!
Kustin did not have long to celebrate though as he was caught unawares from behind by the remaining monster and lifted into the air between the creatures clamped jaws! Ambrose, GHOST and Valo all attempted to free the Harrower from the monster's clutch but the creature managed hold on and stay alive, ready to finish the job...
Your up and you're currently grappled! DC13 Athletics/ Acrobatics check to escape. Let me know what you’d like to do…
Students: 12 (Valo/ Ambrose: Light Wounds, Sophie/ Belerine: Medium Wounds)
Mystery Woman: 7 (Dead)
Kurstin: 3
Bug Monster #2: 3 (Critical Wounds)
Bug Monster #1: 1 (Dead)
Radgar:
Peeling his eyes momentarily from the Shoanti riders, the Squadron leader turned to Radgar and said, "Services to the Throne... You're not in the Brigade and you don't like you're from any of the other divisions. Who exactly are you?"
"It doesn't matter! I said we would not work wit-"
"Quiet for a moment! This might be your only chance." the Squad leader told the Shoanti as he cut them off...
Let me know what you'd like to do... Also please make a Charisma Check with advantage to see how well you do
"Ghost! Fire support mission tango three!" Kurstin calls out between gritted teeth. He wasn't about to let this overgrown bug get the best of him! He pushes the button on his belt again, releasing the last of the energy stored there. A thunderous clap explodes from the belt into the ankheg! (casting Thunderwave once more!DC13 Con save or take 10thunder damage and be pushed 10' away. Success takes 1/2 damage and is not moved...)
The flying homunculus spins on an axis, beeps a series of tones, and emits a blast of force at the creature. Attack: 15 Force Damage: 11 and be pushed 5' away.
With the playing field already in a dis-favorable slant towards their side, and not seeing any other options, Kaisaras clicks his tongue and casts, Calm Emotions on the assailants. Specifically, he tries to erase their battle tension, relaxing them as far as he could with his magics to soften their guards so that their relatively smaller numbers could finally be broken through. He pushed his final bit of inspiration, to blend some biting words into their minds, weakening their resolve to resist the spell as he'd then try to rush up to the VIP section where his father and sister stood their ground.
It took Kaisaras a few moments to realize that something had changed as he made his final push towards the V.I.P. platform: he heard cheering! Spinning about quickly to see who and what were the cause, he spotted a large contingent of the Guard steps away from the battle led by the High Marshal herself. Within moments, they were upon the remaining assassins and quickly began overwhelming them through sheer numbers. With their aid, Kaisaras managed to push himself the rest of the way forward and see the final aftermath of the fight atop the V.I.P. Platform:
He found both of his relatives alive thankfully, though his Father had more than a few cuts and bruises and his sister looked utterly exhausted - probably due to her signature enhancement wearing off. The rest of the occupants up above weren't so lucky. The fight appeared to be fiercest in this area of the stands with bodies strewn across the platform - assassins, Guard and V.I.P.s alike. None of the assassins or Guards had managed to survive and only half the V.I.P.s were still standing, most in rather poor shape. Kaisaras would eventually learn that dignitaries from the powerful nations Cheliax, Taldor and Absolam had fallen as well as prominent members from Korvorsa's own Great Houses: Lady Anya Leroung, the sister to the Head of the House Lady Eliasia and Lord Montayn Jeggare, Head of House Jeggare...
House Leroung:
The ancient and esteemed House Leroung have long served Cheliax and its colonies as teachers, instructors, professors, scholars, and sages. To this day, House Leroung maintains extensive libraries in the three largest cities of Cheliax and controls both the University of Egorian in Cheliax and Almas University in Andoran.
They carried this tradition to Varisia when in AR 4488, Jessa Leroung founded the University of Korvosa. More than two hundred years later, the University has developed a reputation for greatness that attracts secular scholars from across Varisia and beyond.
While academia is a family passion, the Korvosan branch draws its wealth from shipping. The widespread practice of using halfling crews on trading ships was started by House Leroung in an effort to maximize profits. Today nearly half of all the ships belonging to Korvosa’s elite are halfling-sized ships built by House Leroung with halfling crews.
The family’s fortunes and powers have fluctuated little since its founding, and, although many of the younger nobles of the family gladly wade into the dirty politics of court life, the lord or lady of House Leroung rarely bothers with such things. Indeed, lovely Lady Eliasia Leroung, current Headmistress of the University of Korvosa, is considered an ally by most other noble houses, including those at odds with one another. Lady Anya was a rising scholar who had devoted her research chronicling the history of Varisia.
House Jeggare:
House Jeggare is an ancient and wealthy noble house found across the entire extent of Avistan, although centered in Cheliax.
The cadet branch of House Jeggare in Korvosa descends from a nephew of the famous philanthropist Montlarion Jeggare. It controls the second-largest share of dock space in Korvosa, allowing the family to generate an enormous income through its brisk trade. Nearly a quarter of the city’s privately held assets are controlled by the family, making it not only a powerful and influential noble house but also the wealthiest.
The Jeggares pride themselves on being Korvosa’s chief patron of the arts and culture, sponsoring the Marbledome Opera House and operating the Jeggare Museum.
House Jeggare survives the sometimes cutthroat politics of Korvosa by keeping a line of credit open for the monarch and other noble families, and by acting as the chief financial backer of both the Korvosan Guard and the Sable Company.
The previous head of House Jeggare in Korvosa was Lord Montayn Jeggare, a man of middle years whose dark hair is beginning to fleck with gray. His younger brother Mercival - who currently serves as Curator of the Jeggare Museum - would take is place as the new head of the House.
Scene #2
A short time later when the situation was eventually under control, Kaisaras was approached by the High Marshal. Her red-orange armor was scratched here and there but she otherwise appeared unharmed. "They fought to the end. Every single one of them." she began before sighing. "Our clerics will see if they can gather any information from them but they're not particularly hopeful. They doubt they'll be able to get anything useful from the ones found down below either; whatever magic they were using left a messy end when it was disrupted." Rubbing her head tiredly, she added, "Can you give me an update on what happened up here? I will need to make a report to the Queen..."
Give us some post-battle reactions/ actions as well as anything want to say or do with the High Marshal.
DM Roll:
Assassins Check Round 2: 9 (Win!!)
Kurstin:
Scene #1
Hitting the dying Ankheg in unison with GHOST, Kurstin felt the monster's jaw go slack before tumbling down to the ground. When he managed to extricate himself from the situation and get back onto his feet, he found the last bug monster dead on the ground with a hole in its side and part of its head blasted off!
"Are you alright?" Ambrose asked as he and Valo approached the remains of the creatures and woman before them.
"Why do you think this happened?" Valo commented quietly.
"And I'm guessing the Games are cancelled right?"
Not long afterwards, Headmaster Ornelos suddenly winked into existence next to the Ambrose, startling him. "I see you've managed to kill a couple of the Ankhegs. Well done," the Headmaster began curtly before noticing the remains of the woman, "Though I do wish you would've managed to do so while keeping her alive. I had questions for that one."
Before anyone could reply, Headmaster Toryr appeared moments later in a puff of smoke, a bit disheveled but seemingly unharmed otherwise; the Half-Orc he had been dueling tied and held by one of his duplicates. "We can speak with this one Toff." Headmaster Toryr replied casually. "Oh and well done students! I'll admit I was a bit concerned for a moment when I saw you engage with those monsters back there but I shouldn't have been. It seems they were no match for you!" he added cheerily.
Rolling his eyes as he turned to the captive, Headmaster Ornelos continued as if uninterrupted. "Go. Check on the rest of the entrants. And leave this one with me. I will figure out everything we need. One way or the other..." he added on menacingly.
"Right. I do hope this was an isolated incident. Let us hurry back quickly students." Toryr replied as he conjured a sparking doorway out of thin air
Scene #2
Walking through to the other side of the portal and ending up on the dais in the chamber, Kurstin found a very different scene from what he had left not too long ago. It seemed that his fight in the tunnels was not the isolated incident that the Headmaster was hoping for. Instead, the staging area for the games had turned into a battlefield! Scores of Ankheg remains were scattered across the large chamber. There were also more than a few students and teachers lying on the ground unmoving as well though it was difficult to tell from Kurstin's vantage point which school they might've been from.
Those that survived were either huddled together or shifting through the mess that remained. He was surprised to find that a contingent of the Guard had also appeared in the chamber as well - Kurstin even caught a glimpse of Sergeant Farima walking quickly through the chamber. Spotted by a few of the wizards down below, they called out to the Headmaster with questions and reports.
"Oh, this is not good. Excuse me, I need to figure out what's going on here." Toryr commented before rushing in direction of those who had called to him.
Give us some post-battle reactions/ actions as well as anything you want to do or say to any of the survivors or Guard down below.
Kurstin quickly surveyed the carnage and mayhem in the staging area. He thought he had seen destruction with the Harrowers, but it was a pale comparison to this. Students he knew were lying dead on the ground, mangled by those horrific bug-like creatures. He then turned to Ambrose, looking him in the eye and fighting back years of animosity between them. "You fought well, Ambrose. Thank you coming with me and handling those creatures so well." He couldn't manage to shake the other boy's hand or clap him on the shoulder...this honest gratitude was the best he could muster.
Seeing Sargeant Farima and the Guard, he moved towards them to ask if everyone else was safe - if this was an isolated incident. Hearing about the fight up in the stadium, Kurstin shook his head. "This is more than just civil unrest - this was a well-planned attack on the city! I need to find my fellow Harrowers - no, wait...I need to find my sister and make sure she is safe!"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The cleric is already walking off as the Brigade commander responses. The dwarf hardly breaks stride, calling over his shoulder 'No I'm not in the Bloody Brigades ya fool. But I assure ye, the High Marshall knows of ma work and ma service. Good luck to 'yas here on the skull cracking - yours and theirs!'
Scene #1: Kaisaras, not allowing himself the chance to feel the after-effects of adrenaline leaving his system quickly began to try and organize the survivors and getting those still breathing to be treated, whilst those who passed to be respectfully covered until they could be moved. Looking to his sister, he offered what little aide to his father that he could before advising him, "We've lost the heads of two of the Great Houses today, not to mention dignitaries from Cheliax, Taldor and Absolam. Take Arcadia along with our people back home and do what you need to do. I'll see to wrapping up things here." Regardless of whether or not his father heeded his words, Kaisaras would begin doing as he said, speaking to members of the Guards and Brigade about identifying the remaining dead on their side. Their families needed to be notified.
Scene#2: As he spotted Cressida approaching him, he'd quickly finish his conversion with those he was speaking with before approaching her. By now the pain he had been ignoring through the various minor wounds on his bodies was becoming more notable as his body relaxed and grew tired, the adrenaline finally leaving him. Still, he did his best to offer a polite and stoic expression, he couldn't allow the Brigade or his family to appear weak, not here, not now. He nodded as he heard Lady Kroft's words, "I figured as much. They all appeared to be clones of some sort, so they're expendable. Beyond that, there's little I can say beyond what you likely know. I noticed an uncanny similarity between far to many people, so I questioned one and quickly realized what they were up to. Sadly, most of them were already on the move to make their attack, but were were able to delay and push them back enough to save those we could." His gaze would move back over to the VIP box, where he recalled the faces of the prominent family heads all...grouped together...Kaisaras' stoic expression hardened. "...Cressida. Was it made public who would be staying in this particular VIP box? Do you have a record of who was attributed to staying within it?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Neatly evading the devil's blows once more, Danse slices across the fiend's chest twice more, seeking to swiftly end the fight before any further injuries were sustained by himself, Fargrim, or any of the guard - dealing with officials would be easier if all of the guards lived.
Growing more and more enraged as it's life was slowly chipped away, the Devil continued to bear down on the two harrowers with extra vigor! While the "beard" narrowly missed the Bladesinger once again, the glaive found its mark past Fargrim's defenses again! Though he just managed to stay upright after the slash, the festering wound began to spread throughout his body; quickly covering half of it in an infernal black color. A moment later, the dwarf fell backwards onto the ground unconscious and close to death!
Seeing the devil cut down Fargrim, the guards wavered for a moment and nearly ran for the hills before their Squad Leader rallied them. As the leader managed to ram their spear into the devil's side, on of the guards rushed towards Fargrim's side and dumped a healing potion down his throat. Within seconds, the black wound had receded from the dwarf's body and he lurched awake hacking wildly.
Danse, you're up again!
Fargrim - as a reminder in my games - when you're revived after being downed, I consider you "dazed" for 1 round and you cannot take any actions (though you can move and speak)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Danse's eyes widened momentarily in concern as Fargrim fell, though relief translated to a light chuckle as the guard promptly revived the dwarf. Danse paused the twirling of his blades to point one directly towards the guard who healed Fargrim before continuing his assault on the devil. "Once this is over, take me to your boss, won't you? I will need to discuss giving you a raise."
Fargrim sat up groggily and pushed the soldier away. "What'd you do that for?! If anyone here deserves to be struck down, it's me. Next time save it for someone else or just dump it out, you dumb nugget."
Fargrim leaned on his hammer and slowly pushed himself up to prepare to take on the monster.
Before Danse could hear a reply from the Guard, he felt a stinging sensation on his side. Looking down, he could see one of the Devil's snake-like tentacles attached to his hip. Ripping it off, he immediately felt his strength begin to drain. Luckily for Fargrim though, he managed to regain his wits just in time to block the next attack from the Devil.
With the Devil on it's last legs, the Guards pushed to finish it off once and for all, stabbing at it from multiple angles with their spears and nearly bringing it down!
You're both up again!
Danse, please make a DC12 CON Save or be poisoned for 1 minute. You can reroll the save at the end of each of your turns, ending the condition on a success.
A second cheer rang out among the soldiers as the last of the assailants was dropped. Chants of "Korvorsa!" and "For the Queen!" quickly followed. It took Kaisaras a little bit to get them under control, but he was eventually able to task some of the soldiers with organizing the scene.
When Kaisaras approached his father and Sister and began administrating to their wounds, Lucian sat quiet and motionless, lost in deep thought. As he prepared to head off, Lucian grabbed his son's arm to stop him for a moment before speaking to both of his children. "Arcadia. Return home and gather all of the Brigade leadership in the city. Have them reinforce the land borders and then have them wait for me at the Estate. Kaisaras, once you've finished here, go to Winry and let her know of the situation. The new Healer's Guild is going to be needed. I will inform Lady Anya and Lord Mercival of what has occurred here personally." Standing up himself, he straightened his slashed and bloodied attire as best as he could and began walking towards the High Marshal before stopping and saying quietly, "I am glad that you are both alright..." Without waiting for a reply, he continued ahead.
"I don't know what's stranger..." Arcadia began and she rose herself and gave her cloths and armor a quick dusting, "this wild attack or Father being affectionate..."
Scene #2
"I thought as much but thank you for confirming. But they weren't clones. I thought similarly at first but it was actually something much simpler." she began as she pulled out a small vial filled with a glowing purple liquid and handed it to Kaisaras. "It's a potion ofDisguise Self. They aren't particularly cheep or easy to make. So the fact that they had this many means that the assassins were well connected. As for your other concern... while a formal list of V.I.P.s was never created, it wasn't much of a secret that today's event would draw some very important names. And for people of that stature, it was unlikely that they would watch from anywhere else." She paused for a moment to sigh and rub her head once again before growing serious. "Keep an eye out for anything odd from now on. We're missing something important, and we need to get ahead of whatever it is before we're too late. Hopefully, with less monsters..."
"Yeah... you to..." Ambrose replied. After a quick pause, he added, "I uh, I don't know how you weren't terrified back there. I almost ran away like 10 times but seeing you not scared and charging right at those things held me in place. How'd you do that? Just charge right at that monster I mean..."
"Kurstin. Glad you're safe, those Ankheg's were vicious! I have no idea how those bastards figured out how to bring those things back here; the barrier was supposed to be shored up centuries ago!" the Sargeant began fuming in her usual manner. "I have no idea if your other friends were up there, but Kai was fighting in the stands upstairs. It got pretty bad but thank Desna that they never made it above ground. That would've been a disaster! And if you looking for any family, hopefully they got away. Otherwise I would check the gates right outside the stadium, that's turned into the makeshift gathering space."
Scene #2
If/ when there was nothing else, Sargeant Farima gave Kurstin a nod before walking off to continue to get the the staging area in order, leaving the artificer standing alone in the hall...
Radgar:
Scene #1
Any sort of reply - or glare - sent Radgar's way after his response was missed by the dwarf as he walked back to caravan in a huff. The result of the confrontation was also lost to him as he made it back to the others and waited for the line entering the city to start up once again.
Scene #2
After some time, a sense of relief came over the nearby caravans as movement forward slowly restarted. It wasn't long though until the line lurched to a stop again before eventually moving at a glacial pace. When Radgar's caravan arrived at the checkpoint into the city, he found a very different scene than the one he had left earlier in the morning. The group of Shoanti were nowhere to be found, instead replaced with triple the amount of soldiers standing on high alert around the entrance. An unusual amount of people were also attempting to leave the city as well though they were being checked thoroughly by the Brigade on duty before being allowed to do so. It didn't take long for news to spread to the Caravans and travelers that an attack had just occurred with the city! As worried murmuring spread throughout the line, Radgar caught sight of the Guard leader from earlier though he didn't spare the dwarf a second glance.
After a rather thorough search and questioning, Radgar's caravan was allowed entry into the city where he was paid, thanked and parted ways with his temporary traveling companions, leaving him free to do as he pleased within the city...
Scene #1: "Agreed. Thankfully Marcus wasn't around otherwise he might have actually shed a tear." Kaisaras stood for a moment, somewhat in shock at his father's final words, almost half sure that he had misheard the usually serious man. Shaking his head, he offered a rare smile to his sister, as he gave her a light punch to her shoulder, "Great job by the way. Make sure you get yourself looked at before you go about in a rush...I'll see you at home." He'd then get to it.
Scene #2: Putting the potion in his own pouch, Issac sighed and reach out a hand to pat Cress on her shoulder, as a honestly TERRIBLE idea formed in his head that he imagined would get him laughed at by his sister once more. "...Lady Kroft, if I may, you've already spread the limits of the guards. Not to mention your own limits are beginning to show, of which I mean no offense, you've done an astronomically good job considering all the shit you've had to shovel through...but eyes will be on you for this incident, and I think that... The Hallowers, might make for a more subtle inquisiting force on what the hells is going on as opposed to your own forces." He tries his hard to not cringe at the name for the adventuring party he had partied with some time ago. "We'd be more suited to figuring out what it is we're missing and getting it...beyond that," Letting go of Cress' shoulder, he begins to move away, "I'll see to sending organizing what healers I can to come and assist the current situation."
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Danse & Fargrim:
The Devil meanwhile roared in anger once again as the weapons began to cut at it. Setting its sights on Danse and Fargrim, it attacked them both with its massive Glaive and its strange "beard". Luckily for the duo, the its attacks were two wild and missed both adventurers...
DM Rolls
Guard #1 Attack: 10
Guard #2 Attack: 19
Guard #3 Attack: 17
Guard #4 Attack: 8
Guard #1 Damage: 8
Guard #2 Damage: 8
Guard #3 Damage: 7
Guard #4 Damage: 5
Bearded Devil "Beard" Attack (Danse): 10
Bearded Devil "Beard" Damage: 4
Bearded Devil Glaive Attack (Fargrim): 6
Bearded Devil Glaive Damage: 10
Initiative Order
Kaisaras:
Throughout the rest of the battle, the deadlock continued with bodies of assassins, Guard and Brigade alike strewn about. And though in the thick of it, Kaisaras could tell that the result of the battle one way or another would be determined soon!
You hear the sounds of more Guard rapidly coming from below. Looking behind you quickly, you see that the High Marshal has rallied a large group soldiers and is sprinting up the stands towards you! (She'll reach you in about 2 more turns)
Rumbling can be heard from below
DM Roll:
Assassins Check Round 3: 4 (Shocking Victory!!!)
Kurstin:
Releasing another piercing screech, the bug monster shuffled towards the students before landing in front of Ambrose and trying to grab him within it's sharp beak-like mouth. Managing to just dodge out of the way, Ambrose and the other students managed to launch another volley of fire at the creature before Sophie and Belerine ran off back towards the the area the rest of the students were waiting.
Meanwhile, another monster began to pull itself out of the shimmering portal on the ground...
DM Rolls:
Ankheg Target: 4 (Ambrose)
Ankheg Bite Attack: 10
Belerine Firebolt: 10
Valo Firebolt: 21
Sophie Firebolt: 10
Belerine Firebolt Damage: 10
Valo Firebolt Damage: 3
Sophie Firebolt Damage: 2
Ambrose Firebolt Attack: 15
Ambrose Firebolt Damage: 7
Ankheg #3 Initiative: 18
Initiative Order:
Bug Monster #1: 1 (Dead)Radgar:
"We do not need a watcher!" one of the Riders called out angrily at Radgar's suggestion. "She is right. And if one enters, then we all enter. And again nosy dwarf, this does not concern you. You would not understand."
Shifting their mount to face the squad leader again, the lead rider addressed them again. "I will not ask again. Move and let us through."
"No."
The leader rider growled in response as the group of mounted riders began unsheathe their weapons; a mix of light cutting swords, and massive hammers with spiked faces.
Reference Docs & Info
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Charisma is not Radgar's strong suit 3
'Fine, bash yer skulls in fer all I care.' The dwarf turns to leave the group, but stops and makes one last plea, looking directly at the Steel Brigade commander 'Bloodshed solves nothing here, boyyo. Was just offering my services as an honest broker, one 'hos proven himself to the Throne in moments of need and crisis. If you'd rather butt heads like an angry ram so be it. Not my place to tell ya how to do yer job.'
Kaisaras, now in melee with the assassins, strikes at as best as he can while repeatedly shouting out commands and warnings to the Guard and Brigade members. With little more he could achieve beyond the melee, the young nobleman would once more cast Bane on members of the assailants to assist the guards in gaining an upper hand against them. Furthermore, to try and weaken the assassins even further, Kaisaras spoke some Unsettling Words, towards them, threatening their lives and souls to damnation least they cease.
Perception: 10
Leadership: 8
Kurstin orders GHOST to remain in place and keep firing at the woman (or bug if it fails the check!) while he will move within 15' of the woman and bug(s) but beyond that range from his fellow students before pressing a button on his belt and releasing a thunderwave! (DC13 Con save or take 9 and be pushed 10' away. Success takes 1/2 damage and is not moved...)
GHOST DC13 Wis: 2
Attack: 20 Force Damage: 13 and be pushed 5' away.
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Fargrim takes a swing with his Warhammer Attack: 23 Damage: 8
Comfortably parrying the devil's attack with a swipe of his own scimitar, Danse whirled around and carved down twice over the Bearded Devil's form - careful to avoid slicing apart any guards who happened to be in the way.
(Assuming Flanking is in effect)
Scimitar Attack: 20 Damage: 4
Bonus Action: Scimitar Attack: 20 Damage: 9
Danse & Fargrim:
DM Rolls
Bearded Devil "Beard" Attack (Danse): 18
Bearded Devil "Beard" Damage: 4
Bearded Devil Glaive Attack (Fargrim): 21
Bearded Devil Glaive Damage: 9
Infernal Glaive Damage: 8
Guard #1 Attack: 14
Guard #2 Attack: 5
Guard #3 Attack: 22
Guard #4 Attack: 7
Guard #1 Damage: 5
Guard #2 Damage: 3
Guard #3 Damage: 4
Guard #4 Damage: 2
Initiative Order
Kaisaras:
DM Roll:
Assassins Check Round 4: 11 (Loss!!)
Kurstin:
Kustin did not have long to celebrate though as he was caught unawares from behind by the remaining monster and lifted into the air between the creatures clamped jaws! Ambrose, GHOST and Valo all attempted to free the Harrower from the monster's clutch but the creature managed hold on and stay alive, ready to finish the job...
DM Rolls:
Mystery Woman Concentration Check: 7 (Faile)
Ankheg Target: 3 (Kurstin!)
Ankheg Bite Attack: 17
Ankheg Damage: 7 Slashing Damage + 5 Acid Damage + Grappled!
Valo Firebolt: 14
Valo Firebolt Damage: 9
Ambrose Firebolt Attack: 11
Ambrose Firebolt Damage: 8
Initiative Order:
Bug Monster #3: 18 (Dead)Mystery Woman: 7 (Dead)Bug Monster #1: 1 (Dead)Radgar:
"It doesn't matter! I said we would not work wit-"
"Quiet for a moment! This might be your only chance." the Squad leader told the Shoanti as he cut them off...
Reference Docs & Info
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
"Ghost! Fire support mission tango three!" Kurstin calls out between gritted teeth. He wasn't about to let this overgrown bug get the best of him! He pushes the button on his belt again, releasing the last of the energy stored there. A thunderous clap explodes from the belt into the ankheg! (casting Thunderwave once more! DC13 Con save or take 10 thunder damage and be pushed 10' away. Success takes 1/2 damage and is not moved...)
The flying homunculus spins on an axis, beeps a series of tones, and emits a blast of force at the creature. Attack: 15 Force Damage: 11 and be pushed 5' away.
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
With the playing field already in a dis-favorable slant towards their side, and not seeing any other options, Kaisaras clicks his tongue and casts, Calm Emotions on the assailants. Specifically, he tries to erase their battle tension, relaxing them as far as he could with his magics to soften their guards so that their relatively smaller numbers could finally be broken through. He pushed his final bit of inspiration, to blend some biting words into their minds, weakening their resolve to resist the spell as he'd then try to rush up to the VIP section where his father and sister stood their ground.
Leadership: 18
Kaisaras:
Scene #1
He found both of his relatives alive thankfully, though his Father had more than a few cuts and bruises and his sister looked utterly exhausted - probably due to her signature enhancement wearing off. The rest of the occupants up above weren't so lucky. The fight appeared to be fiercest in this area of the stands with bodies strewn across the platform - assassins, Guard and V.I.P.s alike. None of the assassins or Guards had managed to survive and only half the V.I.P.s were still standing, most in rather poor shape. Kaisaras would eventually learn that dignitaries from the powerful nations Cheliax, Taldor and Absolam had fallen as well as prominent members from Korvorsa's own Great Houses: Lady Anya Leroung, the sister to the Head of the House Lady Eliasia and Lord Montayn Jeggare, Head of House Jeggare...
House Leroung:
The ancient and esteemed House Leroung have long served Cheliax and its colonies as teachers, instructors, professors, scholars, and sages. To this day, House Leroung maintains extensive libraries in the three largest cities of Cheliax and controls both the University of Egorian in Cheliax and Almas University in Andoran.
They carried this tradition to Varisia when in AR 4488, Jessa Leroung founded the University of Korvosa. More than two hundred years later, the University has developed a reputation for greatness that attracts secular scholars from across Varisia and beyond.
While academia is a family passion, the Korvosan branch draws its wealth from shipping. The widespread practice of using halfling crews on trading ships was started by House Leroung in an effort to maximize profits. Today nearly half of all the ships belonging to Korvosa’s elite are halfling-sized ships built by House Leroung with halfling crews.
The family’s fortunes and powers have fluctuated little since its founding, and, although many of the younger nobles of the family gladly wade into the dirty politics of court life, the lord or lady of House Leroung rarely bothers with such things. Indeed, lovely Lady Eliasia Leroung, current Headmistress of the University of Korvosa, is considered an ally by most other noble houses, including those at odds with one another. Lady Anya was a rising scholar who had devoted her research chronicling the history of Varisia.
House Jeggare:
House Jeggare is an ancient and wealthy noble house found across the entire extent of Avistan, although centered in Cheliax.
The cadet branch of House Jeggare in Korvosa descends from a nephew of the famous philanthropist Montlarion Jeggare. It controls the second-largest share of dock space in Korvosa, allowing the family to generate an enormous income through its brisk trade. Nearly a quarter of the city’s privately held assets are controlled by the family, making it not only a powerful and influential noble house but also the wealthiest.
The Jeggares pride themselves on being Korvosa’s chief patron of the arts and culture, sponsoring the Marbledome Opera House and operating the Jeggare Museum.
House Jeggare survives the sometimes cutthroat politics of Korvosa by keeping a line of credit open for the monarch and other noble families, and by acting as the chief financial backer of both the Korvosan Guard and the Sable Company.
The previous head of House Jeggare in Korvosa was Lord Montayn Jeggare, a man of middle years whose dark hair is beginning to fleck with gray. His younger brother Mercival - who currently serves as Curator of the Jeggare Museum - would take is place as the new head of the House.
Scene #2
A short time later when the situation was eventually under control, Kaisaras was approached by the High Marshal. Her red-orange armor was scratched here and there but she otherwise appeared unharmed. "They fought to the end. Every single one of them." she began before sighing. "Our clerics will see if they can gather any information from them but they're not particularly hopeful. They doubt they'll be able to get anything useful from the ones found down below either; whatever magic they were using left a messy end when it was disrupted." Rubbing her head tiredly, she added, "Can you give me an update on what happened up here? I will need to make a report to the Queen..."
DM Roll:
Assassins Check Round 2: 9 (Win!!)
Kurstin:
Scene #1
"Are you alright?" Ambrose asked as he and Valo approached the remains of the creatures and woman before them.
"Why do you think this happened?" Valo commented quietly.
"And I'm guessing the Games are cancelled right?"
Not long afterwards, Headmaster Ornelos suddenly winked into existence next to the Ambrose, startling him. "I see you've managed to kill a couple of the Ankhegs. Well done," the Headmaster began curtly before noticing the remains of the woman, "Though I do wish you would've managed to do so while keeping her alive. I had questions for that one."
Before anyone could reply, Headmaster Toryr appeared moments later in a puff of smoke, a bit disheveled but seemingly unharmed otherwise; the Half-Orc he had been dueling tied and held by one of his duplicates. "We can speak with this one Toff." Headmaster Toryr replied casually. "Oh and well done students! I'll admit I was a bit concerned for a moment when I saw you engage with those monsters back there but I shouldn't have been. It seems they were no match for you!" he added cheerily.
Rolling his eyes as he turned to the captive, Headmaster Ornelos continued as if uninterrupted. "Go. Check on the rest of the entrants. And leave this one with me. I will figure out everything we need. One way or the other..." he added on menacingly.
"Right. I do hope this was an isolated incident. Let us hurry back quickly students." Toryr replied as he conjured a sparking doorway out of thin air
Scene #2
Walking through to the other side of the portal and ending up on the dais in the chamber, Kurstin found a very different scene from what he had left not too long ago. It seemed that his fight in the tunnels was not the isolated incident that the Headmaster was hoping for. Instead, the staging area for the games had turned into a battlefield! Scores of Ankheg remains were scattered across the large chamber. There were also more than a few students and teachers lying on the ground unmoving as well though it was difficult to tell from Kurstin's vantage point which school they might've been from.
Those that survived were either huddled together or shifting through the mess that remained. He was surprised to find that a contingent of the Guard had also appeared in the chamber as well - Kurstin even caught a glimpse of Sergeant Farima walking quickly through the chamber. Spotted by a few of the wizards down below, they called out to the Headmaster with questions and reports.
"Oh, this is not good. Excuse me, I need to figure out what's going on here." Toryr commented before rushing in direction of those who had called to him.
Reference Docs & Info
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Kurstin quickly surveyed the carnage and mayhem in the staging area. He thought he had seen destruction with the Harrowers, but it was a pale comparison to this. Students he knew were lying dead on the ground, mangled by those horrific bug-like creatures. He then turned to Ambrose, looking him in the eye and fighting back years of animosity between them. "You fought well, Ambrose. Thank you coming with me and handling those creatures so well." He couldn't manage to shake the other boy's hand or clap him on the shoulder...this honest gratitude was the best he could muster.
Seeing Sargeant Farima and the Guard, he moved towards them to ask if everyone else was safe - if this was an isolated incident. Hearing about the fight up in the stadium, Kurstin shook his head. "This is more than just civil unrest - this was a well-planned attack on the city! I need to find my fellow Harrowers - no, wait...I need to find my sister and make sure she is safe!"
Love God. Love Others. Any Questions?
Con Save 4
Wis Check - 3
Fargrim takes the hit from the Glaive and feels it festering inside him. He screams in rage and swings his hammer at the Devil Attack: 15 Damage: 4
The cleric is already walking off as the Brigade commander responses. The dwarf hardly breaks stride, calling over his shoulder 'No I'm not in the Bloody Brigades ya fool. But I assure ye, the High Marshall knows of ma work and ma service. Good luck to 'yas here on the skull cracking - yours and theirs!'
Charisma 10
Scene #1:
Kaisaras, not allowing himself the chance to feel the after-effects of adrenaline leaving his system quickly began to try and organize the survivors and getting those still breathing to be treated, whilst those who passed to be respectfully covered until they could be moved. Looking to his sister, he offered what little aide to his father that he could before advising him, "We've lost the heads of two of the Great Houses today, not to mention dignitaries from Cheliax, Taldor and Absolam. Take Arcadia along with our people back home and do what you need to do. I'll see to wrapping up things here." Regardless of whether or not his father heeded his words, Kaisaras would begin doing as he said, speaking to members of the Guards and Brigade about identifying the remaining dead on their side. Their families needed to be notified.
Scene#2:
As he spotted Cressida approaching him, he'd quickly finish his conversion with those he was speaking with before approaching her. By now the pain he had been ignoring through the various minor wounds on his bodies was becoming more notable as his body relaxed and grew tired, the adrenaline finally leaving him. Still, he did his best to offer a polite and stoic expression, he couldn't allow the Brigade or his family to appear weak, not here, not now. He nodded as he heard Lady Kroft's words, "I figured as much. They all appeared to be clones of some sort, so they're expendable. Beyond that, there's little I can say beyond what you likely know. I noticed an uncanny similarity between far to many people, so I questioned one and quickly realized what they were up to. Sadly, most of them were already on the move to make their attack, but were were able to delay and push them back enough to save those we could." His gaze would move back over to the VIP box, where he recalled the faces of the prominent family heads all...grouped together...Kaisaras' stoic expression hardened. "...Cressida. Was it made public who would be staying in this particular VIP box? Do you have a record of who was attributed to staying within it?"
Neatly evading the devil's blows once more, Danse slices across the fiend's chest twice more, seeking to swiftly end the fight before any further injuries were sustained by himself, Fargrim, or any of the guard - dealing with officials would be easier if all of the guards lived.
Shortsword Attack: 22 Damage: 4
Bonus Action - Shortsword Attack: 18 Damage: 7
Danse & Fargrim:
DM Rolls
Bearded Devil "Beard" Attack (Danse): 18
Bearded Devil "Beard" Damage: 10
Bearded Devil Glaive Attack (Fargrim): 24
Bearded Devil Glaive Damage: 9
Infernal Glaive Damage: 15
Guard #2 Attack: 7
Guard #3 Attack: 15
Guard #4 Attack: 23
Guard #2 Damage: 5
Guard #3 Damage: 5
Guard #4 Damage: 2 + 4 Crit Damage
Healing Potion (Fargrim): 6 HP
Initiative Order
Reference Docs & Info
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Danse's eyes widened momentarily in concern as Fargrim fell, though relief translated to a light chuckle as the guard promptly revived the dwarf. Danse paused the twirling of his blades to point one directly towards the guard who healed Fargrim before continuing his assault on the devil. "Once this is over, take me to your boss, won't you? I will need to discuss giving you a raise."
Scimitar Attack: 18 Damage: 4
Bonus Action: Scimitar Attack: 8 Damage: 6
Fargrim sat up groggily and pushed the soldier away. "What'd you do that for?! If anyone here deserves to be struck down, it's me. Next time save it for someone else or just dump it out, you dumb nugget."
Fargrim leaned on his hammer and slowly pushed himself up to prepare to take on the monster.
"Alright, lets do this."
Danse & Fargrim:
With the Devil on it's last legs, the Guards pushed to finish it off once and for all, stabbing at it from multiple angles with their spears and nearly bringing it down!
DM Rolls
Devil Target : 3 (Fargrim)
Bearded Devil "Beard" Attack (Danse): 22
Bearded Devil "Beard" Damage: 8
Bearded Devil Glaive Attack (Fargrim): 14
Bearded Devil Glaive Damage: 6
Guard #1 Attack: 13
Guard #2 Attack: 22
Guard #3 Attack: 6
Guard #4 Attack: 13
Guard #1 Damage: 2
Guard #2 Damage: 4
Guard #3 Damage: 9
Guard #4 Damage: 4
Initiative Order
Kaisaras:
Scene #1
When Kaisaras approached his father and Sister and began administrating to their wounds, Lucian sat quiet and motionless, lost in deep thought. As he prepared to head off, Lucian grabbed his son's arm to stop him for a moment before speaking to both of his children. "Arcadia. Return home and gather all of the Brigade leadership in the city. Have them reinforce the land borders and then have them wait for me at the Estate. Kaisaras, once you've finished here, go to Winry and let her know of the situation. The new Healer's Guild is going to be needed. I will inform Lady Anya and Lord Mercival of what has occurred here personally." Standing up himself, he straightened his slashed and bloodied attire as best as he could and began walking towards the High Marshal before stopping and saying quietly, "I am glad that you are both alright..." Without waiting for a reply, he continued ahead.
"I don't know what's stranger..." Arcadia began and she rose herself and gave her cloths and armor a quick dusting, "this wild attack or Father being affectionate..."
Scene #2
Kurstin:
Scene #1
"Kurstin. Glad you're safe, those Ankheg's were vicious! I have no idea how those bastards figured out how to bring those things back here; the barrier was supposed to be shored up centuries ago!" the Sargeant began fuming in her usual manner. "I have no idea if your other friends were up there, but Kai was fighting in the stands upstairs. It got pretty bad but thank Desna that they never made it above ground. That would've been a disaster! And if you looking for any family, hopefully they got away. Otherwise I would check the gates right outside the stadium, that's turned into the makeshift gathering space."
Scene #2
Radgar:
Scene #1
Scene #2
After a rather thorough search and questioning, Radgar's caravan was allowed entry into the city where he was paid, thanked and parted ways with his temporary traveling companions, leaving him free to do as he pleased within the city...
Reference Docs & Info
Zoldier’s Curse of the Crimson Throne: DM/ Redii || Zoldier's Strange Aeon's: DM
Scene #1:
"Agreed. Thankfully Marcus wasn't around otherwise he might have actually shed a tear." Kaisaras stood for a moment, somewhat in shock at his father's final words, almost half sure that he had misheard the usually serious man. Shaking his head, he offered a rare smile to his sister, as he gave her a light punch to her shoulder, "Great job by the way. Make sure you get yourself looked at before you go about in a rush...I'll see you at home." He'd then get to it.
Scene #2:
Putting the potion in his own pouch, Issac sighed and reach out a hand to pat Cress on her shoulder, as a honestly TERRIBLE idea formed in his head that he imagined would get him laughed at by his sister once more. "...Lady Kroft, if I may, you've already spread the limits of the guards. Not to mention your own limits are beginning to show, of which I mean no offense, you've done an astronomically good job considering all the shit you've had to shovel through...but eyes will be on you for this incident, and I think that... The Hallowers, might make for a more subtle inquisiting force on what the hells is going on as opposed to your own forces." He tries his hard to not cringe at the name for the adventuring party he had partied with some time ago. "We'd be more suited to figuring out what it is we're missing and getting it...beyond that," Letting go of Cress' shoulder, he begins to move away, "I'll see to sending organizing what healers I can to come and assist the current situation."