Taken for Granite
Log Info
- Title: Taken for Granite
- Emitter: Cryosanthia
- Characters: Halani, Jinks, Lanier, Munch
- Place: A03: The Colosseum
- Time: Wednesday, December 15, 2021, 10:00 PM
- Summary: The colosseum owners are making do with the new restrictions. Safe, summoned monster combats are being replaced with riskier monsters, dragged in from the wild. The current champion is a Medusae who was pretending to be an oracle, and was sentenced to death for turning adventurers to stone. Deadly combat with her is being offered to all adventurers, some of whom are leaving as statues. Halani, Jinks, Lanier and Munch are singled out and invited up to try their luck. There are four mages on hand, to control the medusae between combats, and she is a large, hissing monstrosity with big hair, snake hair. Battle Ensues! An entropic shield, then multiple mirror images prevent the heroes from successfully hitting her with arrows. Halani and Munch move up, while Jinks casts supportive spells, like haste. The mages back away, but remain near, as the barker comments on the adventurer's abilities and the monster's. Lanier fires more arrows. Halani moves in and disrupts all of the mirror images, allowing Munch to land a crippling blow. The islander is bitten and poisoned as the Medusae backs up and casts defensively. They're close, they're urged to finish her! They lay on, though Halani is suspicious, something isn't right. This is confirmed by Jinks loremaster appearing as a Lunar Naga, who informs all that medusae is likely not a medusae. Munch beats her near death before more can be determined, and her snake hair continues to attack. Halani manages to stop the war-golem, saying something is wrong, as Lanier recognizes the barker. It's Lars! He's done this before. He's shot! A healing potion and some communication spells later, and it's clear that they've been fighting a Lamia who was welded into a helmet full of snakes. Lars has some epxlaining to do, and this time, perhaps the adventurers weren't in the wrong.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-<* A03: The Colosseum *>-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
Crafted largely of stone, the Colosseum sits heavily in the midst of the district. Effectively a giant arena, seats form its sweeping sides like the forefront of a great stage. At its center is a stained, stone floor. Each end is overseen by the opposing statues of Kor and Angoron, their arms raised and each holding weapons in gestures of triumph. Staged at a crossroads, their stone gazes stand in eternal challenge over the battlefield floor. Angoron's statue appears to have something of a smirk, opposing Kor's dreadful scowl.
Construction here is on the massive scale. The Arena's stone form was carried piece by piece from the Redridge. Borne on the shoulders of ancient oruch and formed by the tireless hands of the khazad, it is second to none in ancient craftsmanship. Old tribal and clan symbols, nearly worn away, reveal themselves when blood and sweat pools in their minor crevices. Their unusual display brings to life, if only for moments, memories of warrior traditions past. It is for this reason the Arena serves as a diplomatic grounds for some cultures, as well as sport and competition.
Beneath the arena's stage are preparation rooms for competitors, and retiring areas for the wounded. Here, warriors are tended to by aids and medics, by coaches and priests. Tarianic laughter echoes from the chambers on the Angorite side. These unseen areas run alongside a cleverly, khazad-designed system to flood the arena's floor for certain performances. When flooded, the arena draws waters from the nearby Tornmawr. During these occasions anything is possible, as even the Nar-Sektoth have been known to visit from far off Am'shere, and display their powers beneath the gods' banners.
The encircling seats provide a grand view, while vendors often walk the aisle ways between, selling food or taking bets. Clear as blood is the single, red line drawn down the arena's center between the twin statues, daring an opponent to cross.
-=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=-
-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= As the Contestants -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Halani 5'4" 120 Lb Human/Xian Female Shortish, dusky skinned woman with almond shaped eyes. Jinks 3'4" 39 Lb Gnome Male A gnomish fellow in fancy garb and jewelry. Lanier 6'0" 245 Lb Human Male Young, lean and strong Acanian wearing hide clothing. Munch 6'5" 225 Lb War Golem Male Dreadlocked golem with metal scales. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Not Bob Barker -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Lars the Charming Bard Human Male A northern skald, charming and immoral, the promoter. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--= -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Secretly Evil GM -=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-= Cryosanthia 6'9" 291 Lb Sith-Makar Female A dashingly tall, elegant white-scaled lizard woman. -=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=--=
The sudden, city-wide abdjuration has had some ripple effects. The main unintended consequence in the colosseum has been the sudden derth of combatents. Sure, Angoronians and Korrites can butt heads to their bloody hearts content, but many were here to practice or at least risk their lives in a controlled setting with summoned creatures that could be dismissed, in emergency.
No More!
"Wasn't that wonderful folks! Perhaps those adventurers cut off more than they could chew!" A sandy haired announcer with a northern complexion calls out, his voice magically enhanced and projecting. Behind him, two petrified statues are being dragged from the field. Behind that, four mages are both casting restorative magics and imprisoning a monster in a magical globe.
A medusae!
"We'll never run out of adventurers, right Alexandria? So who's next? How about you?" It seems like the promoter has a few people in mind. He fingerguns, pew, pew, pew, you, you, you.
Jinks doesn't make a habit of getting sweaty in public spaces but he does occasionally find the practice lanes of the colosseum handy. He has his bow balance on his shoulders, with the grip bracing his neck and a hand wrapped loosely around either limb. His studded doublet is open with buckles dangling to let the chill circulate into his soaked undershirt. An extra bit of soft, crimson-dyed fur wraps around his left forearm while the new buckler decorates his right.
The gnome turns his head to and fro in the classic 'who me?' scan before offering the caller a quirked eyebrow. His chest is still rising and falling in a more exaggerated fashion from a recently-concluded practice. A golden locket dangles just above his sternum.
Damn right! If you shake a tree in Alexandria, you'll find an adventurer. In some cases, like today, Lanier would fall out of it. Followed shortly after by a dire wolf. That's who approaches today, raising his hand and responding, "We'll fight." Only a step behind him is the dire wolf named Spud, eyeing the person Lanier is addressing with curiosity.
Munch blinks with a soft click, peering at the promoter mildly. "I came to practice, but guess can put on a show or something. Already metal, so turning to stone isn't a big deal." Mostly metal. By weight.
"He is definitely talking to you, Jinks," Halani says brightly, coming from seemingly out of nowhere to clap the gnome on the shoulder. "Ah, it makes my spirit sing with joy to see you training here, yeah?"
"I was rutting with one of the armorers behind the warmth of his forge and if you tell anyone differently you will not believe how quickly rumors can spread about you tripping orphans in the street for fun." Jinks counters Halani, half-turning and smiling up at her easily. "Hello, tallman."
"Excellent! If two didn't work last time, perhaps four will." The blond haired man says eagerly, pointing at Halani, Jinks, Munch and Lanier. He grins very wide, "Oh, a puppers, well if you must!"
Behind him, the mages are back away from the monster, one holding the imprisonment spell, the other just wanting some distance. One calls, "Ready!"
"Okay then! FIGHT! Haa haaa! Fight!" The announcer laughs, the spells drops.
"Lars, what's going on?" The medusae hisses! A sound full of fury and threat. Her tail lashes behind her, "Thisss isn't what you promissed." <parseltongue>
The mages back up further. The shimmering field around the medusae goes down, partially. There's still a bubble of some sort surrounding her.
The announcer moves past the group, so they're between him and the monster, "You're up!"
GAME: Jinks rolls Knowledge/Nature: (13)+12: 25 GAME: Jinks rolls Spellcraft: (19)+7: 26 <OOC> Jinks says, "Alright. I'll inspire and haste." GAME: Jinks casts Haste. Caster Level: 9 DC: 20 GAME: Jinks spends ONE use of BARDIC PERFORMANCE. <OOC> Jinks says, "+2 to hit/weapon damage, +2 to saves vs. charm and fear." <OOC> Jinks says, "A stacking +1 to hit and +1 to reflex saves. +30' move (up to double base speed). Extra attack on full attack."
"She's guarded against ranged attacks with a shield of mild entropy," Jinks warns, "and hides venomous snakes beneath her helm. No long, loving come-hither looks, either, tallmen."
The gnome sweeps a hand through the air, reality pulling as he toys with the threads of the Weave looking for the strand draped between the five facing down the creature. His finger loops and he begins to tap out an increasing rhythm to hasten their tempo. And he's humming, the humming grows into singing, and the melody spills out through the air to bolster and embolden as he builds towards the first verse of lyrics.
GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+12-2: (17)+12+-2: 27 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+12-2: (18)+12+-2: 28 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+12-2: (1)+12+-2: 11 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+12-2-5: (10)+12+-2+-5: 15 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d100: (8): 8 (vs 20% - Miss) GAME: Lanier rolls 1d100: (7): 7 (vs 20% - Miss)
As the medusa is unleashed, Lanier's eyebrows shoot up, and his eyes flick towards the monster. His eyes then widen as the affects of the haste spell settle in on the ranger. Like lightning, he unshoulders his bow, whipping the weapon around until the string pounces off his forearm. With mechanical precision, he draws two arrows, nocking them with between three fingers, and draws the string taughtly. He takes only the briefest moments and then releases the arrows. Two more fire in rapid succession right behind the first. The first two fly true. Very true. Only veering away at the very last moment before impact. The other two are perhaps a little less accurate, endangering the far wall before endangering the medusa per se.
<OOC> Halani says, "Alright. Swift to fall into crane stance, instead, moving within 30'.. doing total defence."
"Huh.. are those even.. I mean.. how is that.. bah." As Jinks's enchanting melody falls upon her, Halani takes off at.. well, she's not running, exactly, between the magically enhanced speed and her own long legged strides, she crosses much of the distance between the lineup of challengers and the arena monster, cutting off to the side to remain clear of Lanier's and, likely, Jinks's arrows.
<OOC> Munch says, "Blind-fight feat, and Blind-sense 60ft." <OOC> Munch says, "Draw intelligent Axe, the axe casts Enlarge Person, turning Munch into a 13 foot Large Creature. <OOC> Munch says, "Move 30' straight forward (8:9) and close eyes. Then turn them off so I don't forget to keep them closed."
Munch buzzes happily, hauling the massive wedge of adamantine from his back. The weapon ripples a moment, and the golem starts to swell like a balloon, increasing to massive size as he strides foreward. "Been wanting to fight one of these Me-oo-sah things. They got eyes all over their head, wanna learn how their neural cortex process the multiple input streams. Plus they might taste good." Shutting his meatl eyelids, the magicite orbs behind them go dim as they deactivate. However the leathery 'dreadlocks' on the golems head twist and writhe, rising under their own power to float in a halo around his head, very similar to the Medusa's snake hair.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11: (11)+11: 22 (Mage Bluff Casting) GAME: Halani rolls perception: (4)+25: 29 (vs DC 22) GAME: Munch rolls perception: (17)+21: 38 (vs DC 24 for distance) GAME: Lanier rolls perception: (16)+13: 29 (vs DC 30 for distance) GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+6: (11)+6: 17 (Spud Perception vs DC 30 for distance) GAME: Jinks rolls Perception: (4)+7: 11 (vs DC 30 for distance)
The mages are casting spells.
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Lanier and Halani, will saves please, DC 18" (Slow Spell) GAME: Lanier rolls Will: (13)+5: 18 (vs DC 18) GAME: Halani rolls will: (11)+17: 28 (vs DC 18) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d4+4: (4)+4: 8 (Medusa Mirror Images)
The medusae hisses loudly again, as arrows fly her way. She ducks, weaves, hissing like a teakettle. Closer, Halani and Munch are able to notice a few details, the armour on her upper torso seems rather elaborate. Her helm has a visor, with a bar blocking across her eyes. She has two weapons, but is only holding one at the moment.
Her free hand flickers through an arcane gesture, "Image of one, undone! Image of more, Encore!" <parseltongue>
Her appearance shimmers.
There are a lot more of her. Images overlaid. Boils of coils. It seems like a massive ball of snakes. Snake-women, who slither forward a short step and draw their other scimitars.
"Oh look at her go! Great start isn't it folks?" The announcer calls out.
The mages hold their positions, robes fluttering, cheering, something. Their lips are moving.
GAME: Jinks casts Glitterdust. Caster Level: 9 DC: 19 <OOC> Jinks says, "Maintain song as a freebie, move to 13,12." GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11: (19)+11: 30 (medusa vs DC 19)
- "Return to life, feel what happening
- "The seasons have made me whole..."
Bardsong fills the arena, an almost tangible thing pushing through the Hymn and forcing it into the physical world. Jinks' tenor is throaty and full, a true performance with a fight as window dressing. So much noise from such a little man.
A hand crosses the gnome's torso and finds a pouch at his hip. A pinch, a sweeping gesture, and a flick of a wrist. The mica puffs into the air, twisting and taking on a life of its own to spiral violently at the oversized medusa. It balls there and bursts brilliantly blowing blankets of billowing and blinding stuff across the multitude of stacked and staggered sorceries.
Well. All of that except the blinding bit. Bummer.
GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+13-2: (16)+13+-2: 27 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+13-2: (18)+13+-2: 29 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+13-2: (19)+13+-2: 30 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+13-2-5: (20)+13+-2+-5: 26 (THREAT) GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+13-2-5: (11)+13+-2+-5: 17 (not confirmed) GAME: Lanier rolls 1d100: (76): 76 (vs 20% - Hit) GAME: Lanier rolls 1d100: (23): 23 (vs 20% - Hit) GAME: Lanier rolls 1d100: (82): 82 (vs 20% - Hit) GAME: Lanier rolls 1d100: (43): 43 (vs 20% - Hit) <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "okay, now roll 1d8, 1 is her, if you don't get a one, the next is 1d7, etc." GAME: Lanier rolls 1d8: (3): 3 (Image) GAME: Lanier rolls 1d7: (1): 1 (Medusae) GAME: Lanier rolls 1d6: (2): 2 (Image) GAME: Lanier rolls 1d5: (1): 1 (Medusae) GAME: Lanier rolls 1d8+4: (2)+4: 6 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d8+4: (3)+4: 7
"Hold, Spud," the ranger intones with a mildly distracted tone. Magic fueling his actions, his hands shoots over to his quiver once again, removing another arrow and putting it to the string. To facilitate his already fast movement, he holds the bow straight ahead with no waving motion. The arrows move to the bow, while the bow remains on target. Arrow after arrow fly from the Elven trained woodsman, two slamming dead on into the medusa while the other two remain useful by impacting and completely shattering two of the mirror images that flit around their enemy of the day. He then nods quickly to Jinks, "You were right. There's something altering the flight of my arrows. Slowing them down just before impact."
<OOC> Halani says, "Flurry. Flying kick, let's me move my monk move bonus and still flurry. Fighting defensively." <OOC> Jinks says, "and +3 to hit from song/haste, +2 to damage" GAME: Halani spends ONE point of KI POOL. (extra attack) GAME: Halani rolls 1d20+15+7+4-1+3: (1)+15+7+4+-1+3: 29 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Halani rolls 1d20+15+7+4-1+3: (2)+15+7+4+-1+3: 30 GAME: Halani rolls 1d20+15+7+4-1+3: (17)+15+7+4+-1+3: 45 GAME: Halani rolls 1d20+15+7+4-1+3: (8)+15+7+4+-1+3: 36 (Ki extra attack) GAME: Halani rolls 1d20+15+7+4-1+3: (11)+15+7+4+-1+3: 39 (Haste extra attack) GAME: Halani rolls 1d20+15+7+4-1+3-5: (1)+15+7+4+-1+3+-5: 24 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Halani rolls 1d20+15+7+4-1+3-10: (7)+15+7+4+-1+3+-10: 25 GAME: Jinks casts Gallant Inspiration. Caster Level: 9 DC: 19 GAME: Jinks rolls 2d4: (6): 6 GAME: Halani rolls 1d5: (4): 4 (Image) GAME: Halani rolls 1d4: (2): 2 (Image) GAME: Halani rolls 1d3: (3): 3 (Image) GAME: Halani rolls 1d2: (2): 2 (Image) GAME: Halani rolls 1d1: (1): 1 (Medusae) GAME: Halani rolls 2d6+2+4: (8)+2+4: 14
Halani's grin shows teeth as the Snakehead multiplies.. and watches some of those images wink out as arrows pierce them and dispel them. One step, two.. and then she is airborne, crossing the distance, twisting around to lead and lash out with her heel. This takes her past the creature, but as her feet touch down, she immediately pushes back, images disappearing as she manages to pick them off, one after another. Until there's the one left. "Found you," she says, grin broadening.. and a fist hardened by years of punching things that don't take well to being punched slams into the creature.. guided by Jinks's inspiration.
<OOC> Munch says, "casually threaten the magi, rage, close on the medusa (10:4, leave room for monk and arrows), attack." <OOC> Munch says, "Medusa has full concealment(50/50), but reroll a miss with Blindfight" GAME: Munch RAGES!, gaining +2 to melee attack/damage/Will saves and 30 temporary HP GAME: Munch rolls weapon28+3: (20)+22+3: 45 (THREAT) GAME: Munch rolls weapon28+3: (20)+22+3: 45 (THREAT) (Confirmed) GAME: Munch rolls 1d100: 60: 60 (vs 50% - Hit) GAME: Munch rolls 1d100: 95: 95 (vs 50% - Hit) GAME: Munch rolls 9d6+33+2: (20)+33+2: 55
Munch turns to peer at the magi, apparently utterly unbothered by his eyes being closed. Raising one hand, the golem points two fingers at his own eyes, the turns the hand to point at the mage, then back to his own eyes. An understood gesture for 'I'm watching you.'
Turning focus to the medusa, the golem flexes, internal bladders dumping toxic chemicals into reinforced chambers, which in turn blast the steaming mix into artifical muscles, straining the material with literally inhuman power, the golem starting to swell visibly.
The faceplate cracks open, splitting along both axis as the metal peels back, revealing row upon row of gleaming metal fangs within. Sort of a lamprey meets chainsaw sorta thing going on. Translucent green spittle flies as Munch roars, sounding like a buzzsaw going through sheetmetal.
Moving foreward, the massive axe, Reaver, swings in a vicious arc, splitting snaky scales and sending gore flying. It's not a good day to be a monster.
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (4)+5: 9 (Snake bite) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (17)+5: 22 (Snake bite) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (18)+5: 23 (Snake bite) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (3)+5: 8 (Snake bite) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (8)+5: 13 (Snake bite) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (20)+5: 25 (THREAT) (Snake bite) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (18)+5: 23 (Not Confirmed) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (13)+5: 18 (Snake bite) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (6)+5: 11 (Snake bite) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d3: (1): 1 (1 Halani, 2 Munch, 3 medusae) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d4: (4): 4 GAME: Asp damaged Halani for 4 points. 97 HP remaining. <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Fort DC15 Halani please" GAME: Halani rolls fortitude: (1)+15: 16 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d2: (2): 2 GAME: Asp Poison damaged Halani's Constitution for 2 points. 2 total damage. <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "she backs up 5', defensive casts" GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+11: (8)+11: 19 (concentration check) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d4+4: (4)+4: 8 (mirror image images)
She glitters, so fancy, sparkling under the spell, and then her illusory copies are battered away, one by one. Leaving her wide open for a rib shattering punch.
Munch's punch blasted in her breastplate, making a huge dent that must cause breathing difficulties. There's a sudden, angry gasp. "Lars!"
"This..." The medusa is having trouble catching air, and speaking, "... isn't what..." another angry hiss, "... what hit me..." <parseltongue>
Her hair goes wild, lashing out, biting everything, including her. In most cases the snake fangs slide off her scales, or golem scales, or Halani's skin. Escept one, which sinks its fangs in, drawing blood and adding venom.
The islander feels a weakness spreading from that wound.
The snake woman sidewinds back, dropping a scimitar and flinging the other around defensively as her hand flickers through arcane forms. "Image of one... undone! Image of more... enc...! Encore!" she hisses, and gasps. Several more of her pop into existence.
All of them seem to be pulling at a catch on the side of their heads, something to do with the visor that blocks their eyes.
GAME: Munch rolls will: (18)+13: 31 (vs DC 18, Slow) GAME: Halani rolls will: (15)+17: 32 (vs DC 18, Petrification)
The mages look on, murmuring, robes wafting.
GAME: Jinks rolls Perception: (11)+7: 18 (vs DC 25) GAME: Jinks rolls Knowledge/Arcana: (4)+11: 15 <OOC> Jinks says, "Maintain song as a freebie" <OOC> Jinks says, "No PBS. But Precise Shot, Deadly Aim, Rapid Shot, and Many Shot. (and Haste shot)" <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "okay, and make a will save" GAME: Jinks rolls Will: (16)+6: 22 (vs DC 18, Slow) GAME: Jinks rolls weapon11+2+1-2-2: (9)+12+2+1+-2+-2: 20 GAME: Jinks rolls weapon11+2+1-2-2: (2)+12+2+1+-2+-2: 13 GAME: Jinks rolls weapon11+2+1-2-2-5: (19)+12+2+1+-2+-2+-5: 25 GAME: Jinks rolls weapon11+2+1-2-2: (18)+12+2+1+-2+-2: 29 GAME: Jinks rolls 1d100: (91): 91 (vs 20%, hit) GAME: Jinks rolls 1d100: (3): 3 (vs 20%, miss) GAME: Jinks rolls 1d8: (1): 1 (Medusae) GAME: Jinks rolls 1d4+2+1+4+1: (1)+2+1+4+1: 9
Jinks doesn't even seem to step, shuddering instead a short distance with the aid of the hastening spell to appear closer and to one side, slightly. Up comes the bow and out go the arrows, whistling in rapid fire as most fly wide or bounce off the creature's armored hide.
Somehow, one manages to find the trueform of the monster within the myriad illusions. The little needle whistle-thacks and buries itself the short distance down to the fletching.
- "The storm inside gone with the undertow
- "Your glowing lights make me high."
<OOC> Lanier says, "+3, and +2 to damage, from Jinks to hit, right?" <OOC> Lanier says, "Thanks. I'll factor that in going forward. Going to fire another volley. Spud is going to get in the fight." GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+13+3-4: (6)+13+3+-4: 18 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+13+3-4: (12)+13+3+-4: 24 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+13+3-4: (12)+13+3+-4: 24 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+13+3-4-5: (12)+13+3+-4+-5: 19 GAME: Jinks casts Gallant Inspiration. Caster Level: 9 DC: 19 GAME: Jinks rolls 2d4: (3): 3 (Make a 24 a 27) GAME: Lanier rolls 1d100: (14): 14 (vs 20% - miss) GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+14: (7)+14: 21 (Spud attack)
Narrowing his eyes, looking at Halani on one side of the Medusa and Munch on the other, Lanier growls, "Spud, get it," putting specific emphasis on the word 'get.' The wolf takes off only slightly faster than Lanier's arrows, which the ranger seems to have to take a little extra caution to pick out his shots around the combatants.
Unfortunately, each of the arrows pick their way through the images of the beast, except one arrow magically guided by the work of the bard Jinks. That arrow falls victim to the entropic shielding around the creature.
GAME: Halani rolls perception: (13)+25: 38 (vs DC 25)
The Medusae's helm looks odd, a little larger than it should be, with a larger swell on the top and back of the head. The snakes come out of individual tubes on it that don't seem big enough for the mid part of the snake-hair section. Also it's bolted on, and the visor over the eyes is welded so it won't open.
"Some of you may be wondering," The dulcet tones of the announcer ring out across the crowd, "Why we have a sentient prisoner being used for blood sports within the city."
"You might not be aware, but this is the Oracle of the Swamps, who has lured many a hopeful to a stony death with promises of prophesies."
He leans forward toward the crowd, riling them up, "Dozens of broken statues were found in her home, and two, immaculate ones in her bedroom. Imagine! All those adventurers, lost. Well this is justice. Finish her!"
<OOC> Halani says, "Same thing as before, Cryo, but I'm switching to subdual. Well, nonlethal." GAME: Halani spends ONE point of KI POOL. GAME: Halani rolls 1d20+15+7+4-1+3: (19)+15+7+4+-1+3: 47 GAME: Halani rolls 1d20+15+7+4-1+3: (16)+15+7+4+-1+3: 44 GAME: Halani rolls 1d20+15+7+4-1+3: (5)+15+7+4+-1+3: 33 GAME: Halani rolls 1d20+15+7+4-1+3: (11)+15+7+4+-1+3: 39 GAME: Halani rolls 1d20+15+7+4-1+3: (19)+15+7+4+-1+3: 47 GAME: Halani rolls 1d20+15+7+4-1+3-5: (1)+15+7+4+-1+3+-5: 24 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Halani rolls 1d20+15+7+4-1+3-10: (13)+15+7+4+-1+3+-10: 31 GAME: Halani rolls 1d9: (6): 6 (Image) GAME: Halani rolls 1d8: (7): 7 (Image) GAME: Halani rolls 1d7: (3): 3 (Image) GAME: Halani rolls 1d6: (4): 4 (Image) GAME: Halani rolls 1d5: (2): 2 (Image) GAME: Halani rolls 1d4: (4): 4 (Image)
Being bitten does bring about a bit of wooziness.. but Halani has endured worse! She presses in, not giving the helmed monster a reprieve.. and a half dozen more images flicker out as Halani tags them one by one.
Even as her fists push through each image, she calls out, "Something's weird about this! Don't think we should kill it!'
<OOC> Munch says, "I don't think mirror images apply with closed eyes? Not certain on that." <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "right, that makes sense, they don't" <OOC> Munch says, "5' foreward, full attack. Haste, first, second, third, bite" GAME: Munch rolls weapon28+3: (9)+22+3: 34 GAME: Munch rolls weapon28+3: (1)+22+3: 26 (EPIC FAIL) GAME: Munch rolls weapon28+3-5: (9)+22+3+-5: 29 GAME: Munch rolls weapon28+3-10: (6)+22+3+-10: 21 GAME: Munch rolls weapon1+3-5: (3)+18+3+-5: 19 GAME: Munch rolls 1d100: (47): 47 (vs 50% - miss) GAME: Munch rolls 1d100: (37): 37 (vs 50% - miss) GAME: Munch rolls 1d100: (58): 58 (blindfight re-roll, vs 50% - Hit) GAME: Munch rolls 1d100: (23): 23 (blindfight re-roll, vs 50% - miss) GAME: Munch rolls damage28+2: aliased to 1d12+13+2: (4)+13+2: 19
Munch advances like an avalanche, adamantine blade whirling before him. Gore flies, and the snake woman drops, as the golem turn, distracted, towards the monk. "What? No no no, you ALWAYS kill something before you eat it!"
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (6)+5: 11 GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (1)+5: 6 (EPIC FAIL) (Snake bite) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (6)+5: 11 (Snake bite) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (18)+5: 23 (Snake bite) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (8)+5: 13 (Snake bite) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (3)+5: 8 (Snake bite) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (19)+5: 24 (Snake bite) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (9)+5: 14 (Snake bite) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d4: (4): 4 (1 spud, 2 munch, 3 halani, 4 Medusae for the 23 & 24 - Medusae) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d4: (4): 4 (1 spud, 2 munch, 3 halani, 4 Medusae for the 23 & 24 - Medusae) GAME: Halani rolls will: (19)+17: 36 (vs DC 18, Petrification) GAME: Halani rolls fortitude: (10)+14: 24 (vs DC 18, Poison)
Hiding amongst her illusions, the medusae manages to avoid the Islander's blows, as they whisk away copy after copy.
The war-golem's punch however, finishes collapsing her breastplate and chest, and she has one last defiant gasp, "I yiel...." <parseltongue>
She falls. Dropping to the floor of the colosseum, her remaining images flickering, a moire of overlapping scale patterns.
Her hair goes wild, thrashing and snapping, one snake-strand biting her, the others attacking the things that surround her. No fangs penetrate this time.
The mages continue to stand and watch.
"I think we've got a winner here." The announcer cheers, "let's wrap it up!"
<OOC> Jinks says, "Any chance I can drop my loremaster to figure out why the snakes are trying to bite the medusa?" <OOC> Jinks says, "Seeing as they should be the same critter." <OOC> Jinks says, "32 on Knowledge/Nature, and it's a standard for me to do that." GAME: Jinks rolls Perform/Sing: (19)+22: 41 (As Sense Motive)
Jinks considers the downed woman for a moment as her snakes continue to thrash and bite even after she's crumpled to the floor; even going so far as to cause self-inflicted wounds. He cocks his head and his solid-onyx eyes go glassy.
A memory pulls from the Weave, a massive, pale, and armless woman with long alabaster hair and matching flesh. Her hips dive, naked into a snakelike tail of black scales the glitter like a star-filled nightsky. She coils around the gnome twice, as large as the combatant, and her almost-human torso towers above the dandy to consider the fallen form. "A sssstrange sssseeming indeed. Perhapsss not a medussssa. Not one of my kinsssship. No. Too many armssss. Too few, though, for the Marilith. A lamia? A chanssss."
The creature bobs down into the wide loop of her own tale, next to the inert gnome. "Her hair issss not her own. The assssps ssssscalessss... missssmatch."
Up and over she goes, twisting in on herself until the memory is retaken by the Weave and vanishes from sight.
"Perfidy," Jinks manages, blinking away the draining insight. "Ssss--" He pauses, clenching his jaw. "Subdue her. Something is amiss." He squints at the barker suspiciously.
The barker is not surprised at all, by anything that's happened so far, or what the Lunar Naga said. It seems he wants her killed, or is okay with her being killed. The mages are also acting suspicious.
"Just another one of her confusing illusions my friends," The barker says, his voice amplified much more than the gnomes, easily carrying around the colosseum, "looks like she has some fight in her still. Don't fall for her tricks."
<OOC> Lanier says, "I'm going to approach the downed Psuedusa and see if I can discern how the hair is attached. And also pull back Spud." GAME: Lanier rolls Perception: (5)+13: 18 (vs DC25) GAME: Lanier rolls Knowledge/Nature: (16)+13: 29 (vs DC20) GAME: Lanier rolls Spellcraft: (4)+13: 17 (vs DC20) GAME: Lanier rolls craft/armorsmithing: (12)+4: 16 (vs DC15)
Her helmet looks very strange. Not the standard headwear for a 'standard medusae', and the woman on the ground is is definitely not a 'standard medusae' either. Her snakes are too few and too large, and several other details stand out.
As the madusa goes down, Lanier springs forward, running at full tilt to get to Spud. He comes to a halt, sliding the last few feet as a result of the lack of care made while running with magically fueled speed. He leans forward, "Spud, down. Come." He looks towards their downed opponent, narrowing his eyes as he looks over the creature, "What in the heavens and hells?" He glances around, first towards the mage and then towards the promoter. He narrows his eyes, "This is wrong."
He then points, "The snakes are in pain. They're melded to that helmet, and the helmet is bolted and welded on to her head." He then shakes his head, looking to Jinks and then nodding the affirmation, "You're right."
"I said something's weird here! Stop!" Halani doesn't so much as change direction as flow into place in front of Munch, holding one hand between the warforged and herself, palm towards him.. the other held back and to the side, arm bent at the elbow and the wrist. "We're inside the city, yeah? Not some random cave or ruin! When something weird's going on, if you're not careful you'll get in trouble! All of us in trouble!" The unspoken being that adventurer reputations are shot enough as it is. "We're not eating it."
<OOC> Munch says, "end rage, reactivate eyes," <OOC> Munch says, "pour potion of Cure Moderate Wounds into the snake womans mouth, casually threaten Barker" GAME: Munch used a Potion of Cure Moderate Wounds. GAME: Munch rolls 2d8+3: (13)+3: 16
Munch trusts Jinks... for some reason, and relaxes, steaming slightly as his body is purged os noxious, but harmless, gasses. His eyelids open, and his eye glow a dim blue. Ripping a 'dreadlock' free from his head, the golem pours the contents into the snake lady's throat. A free hand points at the Barker. "you can't run, you can't hide, and with the new shields, you can't teleport."
GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (16)+5: 21 (Snake attack) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (18)+5: 23 (Snake attack) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (1)+5: 6 (EPIC FAIL) (Snake attack) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (10)+5: 15 (Snake attack) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (7)+5: 12 (Snake attack) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (4)+5: 9 (Snake attack) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (1)+5: 6 (EPIC FAIL) (Snake attack) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+5: (8)+5: 13 (Snake attack) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d4: (1): 1 (Snake damage to Medusae) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d4: (1): 1 (Snake damage to Medusae) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+7: (15)+7: 22 (Medusae Fort vs DC 15 poison) GAME: Cryosanthia rolls 1d20+7: (13)+7: 20 (Medusae Fort vs DC 15 poison) <OOC> Medusae is at 2 HP
"She's sentenced to death in the colosseum." The barker calls back, sounding self assured, "To fight until she falls."
The potion takes effect as soon as it is poured into the medusae's mouth. That's a complex procedure, her visor is welded shut so there are no openings at her eyes. There are holes at nose and mouth to all respiration. Dumping the potion in through those openings is the only option. Fortunately, the potion finds a way.
"No... not again... Lars... pleassssse." The medusae hisses, sounding bitter and angry. Awakening full of threats. <parseltongue>
The snake hair continues to thrash and snap at everything in range, including her. Fangs puncture scales, drawing blood, leaving poison and the medusae's tenuous hold on consciousness slips. She's awake, just barely.
GAME: Jinks rolls Knowledge/Local: (18)+14: 32
Is there a precedent for that sort of sentence? It's a question that rises in the gnome's mind. He considers... it's a possibility. Death by combat could be an alternative to death by hanging or other methods of execution. Depends on the criminal, depends on the crime, depends on the evidence.
If such a sentence exists it is likely to be rare. The alleged prisoner-combatant is a monster, they aren't afforded as many protective rights as regular people are. Especially if they're violent.
GAME: Jinks used a Scroll of Comprehend Languages. <OOC> Munch says, "Cast Tongues, and pretty massive strength to take off the helm bolts or no. TRY not to cause more damage" GAME: Munch rolls strength: (19)+7: 26
Munch murmurs quietly ,making use of his seldom used magic to translate the Crazy Talk. Mithril fingers grip careful at the edges of the snake covered helm, ignoring the snakes themselves, and pull with a force matched only by hydraulic pistons and jotun.
Jinks trots closer to the fallen woman, trying not to focus too much on how ready he was to engage in this bloodsport at the simplest invitation. Old habits. He plucks a scroll from a pouch on his belt and sings the simple song as the paper unravels into colored threads, from threads into motes that quickly vanish.
The gnome approaches closer to the rest, glancing over his shoulder at the barker, turning to consider the mages. He glances up at Halani. "The crier may try to run as we get to the bottom of this, tallman."
A sudden realization strikes the ranger. This the same barker that had Braelnoir in the tank. It's Lars!
<OOC> Lanier says, "HE'S GETTING AN ARROW TO THE KNEE RIGHT FUCKING NOW!" <OOC> Lanier says, "roah!" GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+13-2: (11)+13+-2: 22 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+13-2: (19)+13+-2: 30 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+13-2: (19)+13+-2: 30 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+13-2-5: (5)+13+-2+-5: 11 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d8+4: (5)+4: 9 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d8+4: (6)+4: 10 GAME: Lanier rolls 1d8+4: (1)+4: 5 <OOC> Halani says, "Well. This escalated quickly."
The medusae's helm was not designed to resist the strength of a joton, or the mechanical equivalent. It's bent and pryed from her head.
Its a moment of truth, her eyes are exposed. They are reptilian, her face, her head have patches of scales that match her coils. And the snakes come away with the helm. They're pinned to it, bleeding from their tails. Her expression is one of confusion and terror, both hands held up as she focuses on the people surrounding her.
"I yield, I.... yield! .... Pleasssse." She still speaks in the same strange tones, but is now understood, by three.
As the helmet comes off the 'medusa', Lanier's emerald eyes meet her reptilian eyes. Then a flash of recognition comes to his eyes. He grits his teeth, a growl starting low in his throat that rages out into a frustrated roar, "I've seen this before. "Monsterous" humanoids being captured and used as sport in the Collosseum." He looks back towards the barker and then adds, "I've seen what this man does!" The ranger, for his size, strikes like lightning. His bow pops up, four arrows nocked and headed towards the barker before anyone can react. There's an anger, and a rage behind those eyes few see from the Green Warden, and it seems to be directed at the barker.
The sudden attack by the ranger even leads Spud to be confused, and for a moment, the dire wolf doesn't seem to know what to do. He looks back and forth between the medusa and the barker, waiting.
"I..." and then the arrows are flying and she cuts herself off. She glances at Jinks, then at the fallen snake woman.. then the target of Lanier's sudden ire. "Aw nutters." Then she's bounding off towards the barker. To subdue him? To keep him from getting killed? Both?
GAME: Munch rolls intimidate: (8)+25: 33
Munch buzzes in annoyance, and stands, no longer a giant, but still a mass of barely contained power. The removed helm is in his hand. He looks to the four magi in turn. "If you run, I will chase you. If I chase you, I *will* catch you. And if I catch you..." Metal fangs snap, and half the helm is gone, grinding to paste inside the TerrorMaw. "...don't run."
GAME: Lanier rolls Will: (3)+5: 8 (vs DC 18, Hold Person) GAME: Lanier rolls Will: (6)+5: 11 (vs DC 18, Charm Person) GAME: Lanier rolls Will: (15)+5: 20 (vs DC 18, Command)
Lars screams, staggered, shot in his leg, falling back onto the sand.
The mages immediately rush spells. It's odd, there are briefly two images of each of them, one seemingly standing and watching while the other is quickly casting. At Lanier. Spells which hit one after the other. He feels his body stiffen, a Hold, then a compulsion followed by a command.
The compulsion, "Calm down, this is an official colosseum event. It's safe."
The command, "Drop your weapon."
The ranger has to stand on the spot.
The last mage is bubbling up the 'medusae' again. "Careful," she tells Halani, "She's dangerous and evil."
At this point the war golem threatens them, and they all stand stock still, and stare. They're terrified.
"There's... there's enough warriors in here to take you apart!" Lars shouts, clutching at his leg, "If you're going to go wild! Look at all of these witnesses." His voice is magically amplified, everyone hears him clearly. It's not certain that what's being said, or seen, on the field is noticeable in the stands.
In much quieter tones, just for Jinks, Lanier, Munch and Halani he says, "Just calm down and it will be worked out. I'm just the mouthpiece here."
"I need some healing, and cover her eyes before she petrifies someone!" Loud again.
Halani stops short of the fallen Lars, half an eyeball on the mages while she looks the barker over. "Eh. You'll live, yeah?" Making sure she's between him and any more arrows. For the moment. "Maybe you better talk about who you're mouthing off for, yeah? This all stinks. Big stink. And sounds like you're in the middle of it."
The snake-woman is lifted up in a sphere of force. Her species can be determined, she's definitely a Lamia.
Munch laughs. "Take -ME- apart? ...eh, maybe. But we're to the talky part. Helmet is off, trick is out, now just the mop up." The golem looks to the crowd. "YO! GET THE WATCH! SNAKE LADY AIN'T A MONSTER!" ...he's loud.
GAME: Lanier rolls Willpower: (18)+Willpower: 18 <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "you break the hold, charm... is probably a reasonable command that wouldn't let you get another save"
Captured by the spell, Lanier is paralyzed, held in place, his eyes casting about wildly as he breaths deeply, but otherwise doesn't move. As the events play out, Lanier squints his eyes, twitches, and then steadily works his way out of the magical hold that has held him in place. Much calmer, it seems, his bow at his side and at the ready, Lanier seethes, and then calls out loudly, "This is sanctioned, but under false pretenses! This isn't a medusa, it's a lamia. And this isn't the first time this has happened." He takes a breath, his eyes smoldering as he continues quieter, "If you're the mouthpiece, start talking, or my friend starts tearing mages new places to shoot magic from."
At the war-golem's order, some of the crowd break to get the watch. There are signs a few of them, individuals with binoculars or particularly quirky seeming sorts, clued in that something was up. Confirmation helps.
The Lamia struggles with her armour, gasping to undo buckles and breath. Her collapsed breastplate finally falls away and she hugs herself. She hisses, sounding angry, a snake's voice always has a bit of menace in it, even if the words are plaintive, "Larssss... why? Why do thiss to me?"
The mages are glancing around, and staring at Munch a lot.
"Look, ah, I can explain." The barker answers Halani, staring up at her, "I just need a minute."
To come up with a good story, and for the guards to arrive. The colosseum guards.
The watch, well they will be a few more minutes.
OOC & Combatty
Pre-Game <OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Okay, I know some of you are in the other scene, so let me know if you need to pose there and we can pause briefly. Generally I like to move snappy in combat, so if your turn comes up and we aren't working on it within 5 min, I'll move on, and your init will move down. We'll circle back."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Halani, note your damage for Whirl's scene"
Post-Game
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "oh, and some of those will saves, were vs Flesh to Stone spells the mages were casting to 'make it look convincing'"
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "the others were Slows"
<OOC> Lanier says, "Daaaaaaamn."
<OOC> Lanier says, "You evil. :D"
<OOC> Cryosanthia tailswishes. She is a white dragon
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "Sometimes!"
<OOC> Munch hehs
<OOC> Lanier laughs, "Have a good night, Cryo. Thanks for rehashing old business. I love it." :)
<OOC> Cryosanthia hugs all, "Kill you next time. :)"
<OOC> Lanier says, "I can't wait to tell Braelnoir that I shot Lars in the knee."
<OOC> Cryosanthia says, "YUS"
Map!
https://www.mipui.net/app/index.html?mid=mnntg8k81a8
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
| Name | CHP (T) | HP |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
| Halani........| 49 | 101 | Whirl-Scene damage
| Jinks.........| 58 | 58 |
| Lanier........| 2 | 67 |
| (C) Spud......| 59 | 59 |
| Munch.........| 234 +30 | 234 |
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
===================== Current Initiative Order - Round 1 =====================
---Init--Name------------AOO-Notes--------------------------------------------
20 NPCs
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
19 Jinks 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
13 Halani 1 Flat-footed (0 rnds active)
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
10 Munch 1
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
9 Medusa
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
==============================================================================
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
| Name | Race | Class | CHP | HP | AC/FF/T |CMD |For |Ref |Wil |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
|Halani |HUMAN |Mnk | 82 | 86 |34/27/30 | 47 | 14 | 21 | 17 |
|Jinks |GNOME |Bard | 58 | 58 |20/16/15 | 20 | 5 | 10 | 6 |
|Lanier |HUMAN |Rgr | 67 | 67 |22/18/16 | 28 | 9 | 11 | 5 |
|Munch |WAR_GOLEM |Bbn/DDs/Sor| 234 | 234 |29/26/21 | 34 | 18 | 10 | 13 |
------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Not Munch, but gets the idea
https://tinyurl.com/2p8tbasc
Inspirational Images
https://tinyurl.com/4ub2y6u3
https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/779877879382802442/919431572405493781/nahuri___horned_viper_by_sylessae_desnkns-pre.jpg
Regrets
<OOC> Jinks says, "Oh, man, we really are just gigantic jerks."
<OOC> Jinks says, "Well, I'll kick myself for not questioning the weird situation sooner. But I need to get into bed."
<OOC> Munch kinda assumed SOMEONE was understanding the snakey babble....
<OOC> Halani was understanding, but not understanding.