Epic Escape
Would you like to react to this message? Create an account in a few clicks or log in to continue.

Main Story Progression

+2
Ammonite
Masonimo
6 posters

Page 1 of 2 1, 2  Next

Go down

Main Story Progression Empty Main Story Progression

Post  Masonimo Tue Mar 20, 2012 10:23 pm

Catch up: It was yesterday that our party so bravely dismantled the small army of lizardmen in the pit and subsequently collapsed the magical shield surrounding the arena. They spent the rest of that day in their room sorting out the rewards and bribes that came from various tribes and recovering from the strains of battle. They had received an almost disturbing document from Dynasty about their actions and are learning more about the arena every day. Speaking of days... Today is a new day and our heroes have a whole world to explore. (Day begins 3/21 and ends 3/22 at midnights)

The Day Begins: Day 1 of the Glassy moon skies (name of the month)
As the group arises and explore beyond their front door they are faced with but not limited to a number of options.
  • There is low level crafting that can be done in the armory/weaponsmith
  • There are possible allies (found at the ends of notes) to be connected with
  • A large half orc stands across the circle glaring at the party as they exit the room
  • A average sized human sits shifty eyed at a table in the grub hall
  • Right next door on the left an elf strings a bow in very odd looking armor
  • An entire arena and city to explore for whatever purpose you desire

What will the party or at least the majority of the party do today?
Masonimo
Masonimo
Admin

Posts : 188
Join date : 2012-02-21

https://mason.rpg-board.net

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty Re: Main Story Progression

Post  Ammonite Wed Mar 21, 2012 11:10 am

Raath, leaving behind his armor and other belongings locked in his chest (taking his swords with him), gets up and walks out of the room alone. He casts some departing gesture over his shoulder at the party as he goes:

I'm heading out for a bit. I won't be long. I don't think.
Ammonite
Ammonite
Powerful Man
Powerful Man

Posts : 100
Join date : 2012-02-21

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty Mirror Mirror Mirror...

Post  Masonimo Wed Mar 21, 2012 8:42 pm

**Continuation of Aki's action in response to the [You must be registered and logged in to see this link.].

As the morning drags on it become apparent that Aki has not moved from being mesmerized by the mirror. From his look it is likely that he has been staring at the mirror all night as if it is recounting to him a great story. Yet the only thing seen presently in the mirror is Aki's own reflection. This could be an item of interest or perhaps it is just Aki being a bit overly obsessive as usual.
Masonimo
Masonimo
Admin

Posts : 188
Join date : 2012-02-21

https://mason.rpg-board.net

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty The Day Passes

Post  Masonimo Fri Mar 23, 2012 2:53 pm

After the return of Raath from his personal excursion the group regathers to bed down for the night. Feeling very much on top of the world with new allies, fans, and some more in their possession than just the skin on their backs. They have even sold a few items and put some money in their pockets. The next fight is not for another week and the party is resting through the night with a hopeful future and confidence in the idea of not being in this crap hole much longer. *Aki still sits admiring the mirror he has been holding for some time. He looks happy Smile
However, their nice little hole in the wall place is shattered at an ungodly time in the middle of the night. Everyone awakes (except Aki who is already awake) to the sound of rushing wind. Still partially asleep the party sees a haze in the room circling above their beds. In just seconds this haze transforms into three distinct beings who stand in the center of the room backs to each other and facing outward. They speak as if with one voice that seems to almost echo off the walls.
We are Volta! You have shown stubbornness in accepting your fate. Your public demise as enemies of the brotherhood is inevitable. Your execution has been set for 1 week from today. Face our power in the pit and suffer your fate. There is no sense in preparing for all your actions are known and we will be ready. A young one will call on the "Thorns of Justice". Death will come from the skies and your flesh will be fed to beasts. Your blood gathered for a toast of our victory. Teaching all that Volta is never to be crossed.
As quickly as they appeared the figures return to their gaseous forms and the haze swirls through the room once more. As it fades the room is left in almost total darkness. The words spoken seem to echo in the room for minutes after before they finally fade. It is apparent that not all the Tribes are as pleased at your success.
In the morning as light creeps into the room the unmistakable sound of a hammer and nail is heard on the door. On further inspection the team finds a one week warning for their next fight. The fight prophesied in the night. The fight that has called for execution.
(OOC: You have one week in game time to prepare. This week ends at the next session. Possible choices... Do nothing and trust your strength, Prepare for the fight by gaining knowledge and equipment, Rally support to try and stop the fight, try and lose the trace and flee for your lives, or Kill yourselves and save Volta the trouble. These are just suggestions but no matter what you do in one week it would seem that Volta is coming for blood.)
Masonimo
Masonimo
Admin

Posts : 188
Join date : 2012-02-21

https://mason.rpg-board.net

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty "Let them come! There is one dwarf yet in Moria who still draws breath!"

Post  Ammonite Sat Mar 24, 2012 9:58 am

Upon reading the note about the upcoming battle, Raath's demeanor grows dark with revenge. He slams his gladius' blade into the wooden door, pinning the notice.

TO THE AIR:
So it comes to it. Sooner rather than later. Just as well. Volta, you will pay for your crimes.
He then turns back to the group, with an earnestness that the group has not yet witnessed in Raath:
I suppose I don't have to tell you that this fight is a big deal to me. We have to win. Volta will not make it easy. We need to prepare in any way we can.
AT LANCE:
You're pretty smart. What can you tell us about Vampires? We need to know their weaknesses. We are going to need the right gear and the right plan. Volta will not be as forgiving of our mistakes as the lizard things were.
He then turns back into the room where the beds are, and notices Aki, still sitting, mesmerized by the mirror. With a slight crease of concern on his brow, he moves over and gives his shoulder a firm shake, as if to wake him.
Aki? Hey! Aki, you alright?
Ammonite
Ammonite
Powerful Man
Powerful Man

Posts : 100
Join date : 2012-02-21

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty Re: Main Story Progression

Post  Masonimo Sat Mar 24, 2012 7:27 pm

Aki blinks several times then shakes his head as if just waking from a long dream. For the first time in 36 hours he turns from the mirror.
Masonimo
Masonimo
Admin

Posts : 188
Join date : 2012-02-21

https://mason.rpg-board.net

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty Re: Main Story Progression

Post  Ammonite Sat Mar 24, 2012 8:01 pm

What's with the mirror friend? You seem to have been a little... preoccupied with it. Is everything okay?
Ammonite
Ammonite
Powerful Man
Powerful Man

Posts : 100
Join date : 2012-02-21

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty :)

Post  Scemmie Sun Mar 25, 2012 12:10 am

Aki is startled and confused why everyone is staring at him and his mirror, but quickly replies to Raath.

"Oh it's nothing its just the first time that Aki has ever seen such an item before."

Aki then quickly pockets the mirror so the mirror can stay close to him but still be hidden from the group.

Aki then walks over to the group with his hand constantly on his pocket (which contains his mirror) asking question about the upcoming fight and possible strategies we should use?
Scemmie
Scemmie

Posts : 25
Join date : 2012-02-21

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty Re: Main Story Progression

Post  Ammonite Sun Mar 25, 2012 4:05 pm

Raath narrows his eyes slightly at the dwarf's unusual behavior surrounding the mirror, but ultimately decides that there are more pressing matters that need attending to at the moment. The challenge by Volta.
Volta is a formidable enemy, I can tell you that much. We still need to find out what their weaknesses might be. I am willing to go out and try to gather such information, though I am probably not the best equipped to do this. **(OOC: Raath's Charisma modifier is a -1)**
Raath announces that he intends to go scout around for any information he can dig up on the Volta clan. (A.K.A. Who are they? How do they fight? What sort of warriors/ tactics might we expect from them? How have they shown weakness in past fights, and to what? etc. These questions are looking for info beyond what we have been told by the challenge itself: thorns of justice, death from the skies, and such.) He invites anyone and everyone who wants to come with to do so. He casts a glance at the charismatic little Lance in particular.

Knowledge Local: +5

Also as an afterthought, Raath poses the question that hasn't yet been address at large.
Did anyone get any offers or requests from any of the tribes in particular? Maybe even someone we could turn to for assistance with this next fight? Lance, do you know anything yet about that "Makah clan" you mentioned earlier?
Ammonite
Ammonite
Powerful Man
Powerful Man

Posts : 100
Join date : 2012-02-21

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty Knowledge Local

Post  Masonimo Mon Mar 26, 2012 9:35 am

Raath Knowledge Local: You know and share with the group the following information.
While Volta is powerful and also known for their executions in the pit they are also arrogant. They usually follow specific patterns and since these are so well known, by design, it should not be difficult to find out information on what is coming. Raath also knows a few places where Volta is not welcome making these great places to find assistance.
Masonimo
Masonimo
Admin

Posts : 188
Join date : 2012-02-21

https://mason.rpg-board.net

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty Re: Main Story Progression

Post  Scemmie Mon Mar 26, 2012 9:51 am

Aki suddenly realizes that he forgets something important, and runs back to his bed side where he pulls out what looks like his mirror and wraps it in cloth. He then returns the item and runs back to the group constantly holding onto his mirror pocket.

Aki then agrees with Raath that we should get more information.

Aki asks the group

"lets get info on the arena. Like who decides the terrain? Who gets to the arena first? Can we access the arena before the battle? Lets get all the information we can.”
Aki then goes around town gathering information about Volta, Possible allies, and the arena.
Charisma +2
Diplomacy +9


While Aki is out he Sells his full plate for - 450 gp (¾ price)
and purchases:
Dwarven Waraxe- 30 gp (full price)
Components for spells- 60 gp (includes 2 platinum rings)
Total profit- 360 gp
Scemmie
Scemmie

Posts : 25
Join date : 2012-02-21

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty Aki in the Lead

Post  Masonimo Tue Mar 27, 2012 10:07 am

The group goes out in search of information on their upcoming fight. Lead by Raath to an area that Volta is sure not to be found Aki begins asking questions for the group pertaining to how the arena is set up. For 3 hours he looks for information regarding the following topics.

Who decides terrain? This is usually decided by the pit masters. It is their job to present a good show so they set the terrain accordingly.

Order of Arena entrance? The underdog always seems to enter last, must help make a good show, gladiators are usually the underdogs.

Early access to the battlefield? As far as you could gather only the pit masters are able to access the arena before a battle.

Aki relays this information to the party.
Masonimo
Masonimo
Admin

Posts : 188
Join date : 2012-02-21

https://mason.rpg-board.net

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty Re: Main Story Progression

Post  Ammonite Wed Mar 28, 2012 9:03 am

Raath tells the group that he knows where we can find the pit masters (those who 'control' the pit) and we may be able to talk to them, but that opportunity would come with an increased chance of Volta finding out what we're up to. If the party thinks it would be worth it, like if we have some good questions we wanted to ask them, then Raath can lead us there. What does the party think?
Ammonite
Ammonite
Powerful Man
Powerful Man

Posts : 100
Join date : 2012-02-21

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty Rayne Wakes Up

Post  Leightonius Wed Mar 28, 2012 1:26 pm

Rayne, unsatisfied with the information acquired thus far, makes his own inquiries about the coming "execution" and Volta. Things he inquires about:

- Strategies Volta typically use
- If anybody has heard what their plans for this battle might be.
- Does Volta receive any preferential treatment or have power to ask or demand things from the pit masters, and if so what?
- What are Volta's weaknesses? Weaknesses of vampires in general?
- Has Volta been defeated or exploited in the past? If so, how?

Rayne uses as much caution and subtlety as he can, hoping to avoid alerting Volta's informants, but he's persistent in his pursuit of information.

Diplomacy +4

With the information he acquires, if any, (OOC: Assuming Mason will reply with what Rayne learns.)
He responds to Raath in support of contacting the pit masters.

Perhaps if we promise them an equally entertaining "performance" they'll be willing to provide us with a few favors.

Rayne suggests these questions for the pit masters:
- Can we request specific terrain/setting? (High Ground, Cover, Archer's nest, walls for flanking protection, open area for Volta, etc.)
- Can we enter first?
- Can we view the battlefield ahead of time to prepare?
- Has Volta requested or demanded any thing from the pit masters?
- Do the pit masters have any information regarding Volta's preparations for this "execution" that we should be aware of?

Rayne also suggests making similar inquires of the pit masters as he did above for any more helpful information, as appropriate. He relies on Raath and his previous experience with the arena to know where the lines of questioning should be drawn.

Rayne also mentions the note that accompanied the bow he took from the previous battle's spoils.

A note accompanied the bow I took. It was from the Hiute tribe. They appear to be bowman who were intrigued by my, um, "blunder", so to speak. They are likely a smaller tribe but did mention their means to support their allies. Does anyone know anything about them? I'd like to seek their aid unless anyone objects.
Leightonius
Leightonius
Powerful Man
Powerful Man

Posts : 48
Join date : 2012-02-21

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty Re: Main Story Progression

Post  Leightonius Wed Mar 28, 2012 2:55 pm

Rayne also brings up the original message from Volta the group received in the middle of the night:

"A young one will call on the "Thorns of Justice". Death will come from the skies and your flesh will be fed to beasts."

So it'd appear we'll be fighting beasts of some sort, perhaps ones that fly. Maybe we can ask the pit masters about terrain that would hinder flight? And does anybody know what these "Thorns of Justice" are? Anything we or the pit masters can do to prevent that? I mean, if Volta' saying someone (whoever this "young one" is) is going to call on them I'd assume it doesn't mean anything good for us.
Leightonius
Leightonius
Powerful Man
Powerful Man

Posts : 48
Join date : 2012-02-21

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty Group Gather information

Post  Masonimo Wed Mar 28, 2012 5:16 pm

Assuming that the group disperses after Rayne's comments to gather information on the topics he suggested they discover the following information. (OOC: Just to speed things along since we play tomorrow. Had to wait to the end Smile )
<Diplomacy Checks>
Rayne Discovers: Volta has great sway and pays large amounts of money to set up the pit for the ritual of an execution. Like most major tribes in the area they are given special treatment in return for money, protection, and continued business. However, to do this they must also provide a good show which means while the fight is perilous they will try to make it humiliating or close for the crowds sake.

Raath Discovers: Vampires are week to sunlight, running water (over extended periods). Also Garlic, a strongly presented holy symbol or a mirror often can keep a vampire at bay.

Aki Discovers: Volta has never been defeated when they have given out an execution order. The orders are greatly publicized and used to show power and threaten future enemies. It is also often used to initiate "young ones" Hopeful Vampire spawns trying to prove they are worth investment.

Krahven Discovers: Vampires are able to drain the energy from a person by simply making contact. He also found that Volta is led by Vampire Spawns and not actual vampires. Not much difference but they are full of pride and confident in their dominance. They rely heavily on their routines and rituals.

Lance Discovers (high roller):
- The "Thorns of Justice" refer to large flying beasts known as Manticores. Bodies of lions, with great wings, and a spiked tail. These creatures often circle their prey flinging thorns at them until they are mortally wounded. Then they move in and devour their prey in a gory fashion. Likely providing both humiliation and gore for the crowd. These beasts simply have a contract with Volta but will only remain loyal as it is in their best interest. However, they are also prideful, vicious, and not to be underestimated.
- Volta's greatest weakness is their pride. They have never lost an execution battle and have it down to a science. A weak onslaught to weaken the condemned and then the big guns to finish the job with relative ease.
- Adjusting the battle field is unlikely since Volta paid a lot to set it up. However, there are a few options:
1. Entering first is a viable option since this may not be specifically spelled out in the contract.
2. Adding extra things to the field also may be possible though the price would be high or the promise very convincing.
3. Getting a layout or explanation of the field should be relatively easy to get depending on who you talk to.

Lance then mentions the name of a pit master (Herb) that is fairly weak minded and easily bought off.
Masonimo
Masonimo
Admin

Posts : 188
Join date : 2012-02-21

https://mason.rpg-board.net

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty Re: Main Story Progression

Post  kenjo Wed Mar 28, 2012 8:36 pm

Lance goes to talk with Herb a bit, tries to get an explanation of the arena setup, and has a very convincing argument that it would be a great thing to have some sort of floating obstacles hanging out in the sky to add to the amusement of the crowd, if Herb could possibly swing it for a good friend.
OOC: Lance casts charm person on Herb. (DC 18 will save)
Diplomacy: + 10
kenjo
kenjo
Powerful Man
Powerful Man

Posts : 59
Join date : 2012-02-21

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty Herb's challenge

Post  Masonimo Wed Mar 28, 2012 10:48 pm

The argument you make is very very convincing and the whole party is impressed with the gnomes ability to talk with people. While talking with herb and making your request he seems to agree with you but you question whether or not he actually has the brains to accomplish floating platforms. However, with this request it does seem likely that you will get some response in way of sky platforms it just may not be what you were thinking. (if the party does not think this worth anything you are welcome to call it off) Herb will do his best to add in some platforms into the arena's design.
Masonimo
Masonimo
Admin

Posts : 188
Join date : 2012-02-21

https://mason.rpg-board.net

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty Re: Main Story Progression

Post  kenjo Wed Mar 28, 2012 11:07 pm

Lance has a couple ideas to present to the party about this fight.
1. Lance is going to do what he can to finagle their way into the arena first, and see if Herb can't also put some way for them to hide and watch the enemy come into the arena, gaining a surprise attack.
2. From what he knows about Manticores, they'll be very dangerous unless we can find some way to block their spikes, or ground them somehow. Any ideas? He's got a bit of sway with Herb, not to bright, but will probably do what he can to give us what we want at this point.
3. Lance has made a few friends around the arena, not many, but he has a few connections going on. He'd like to propose an idea:
I'm not sure how much money we have, but I think we can make a significant profit with it on this battle. I'd like to suggest that we pool our money together, selling any items we won't be using right away, and betting on ourselves to win this fight. This being an execution battle... the odds are terribly against us, which means the stakes are high, and we could stand to make a lot of money. My idea is that if I send my friends out to bet with our money, that we will win, then it won't look like we are confident to win, and the odds will stay where they are. The logic is foolproof, if we lose, we're all dead anyway, and what good was the money? If we win, we come back and roll in the dough. What do you think?
kenjo
kenjo
Powerful Man
Powerful Man

Posts : 59
Join date : 2012-02-21

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty Re: Main Story Progression

Post  Leightonius Thu Mar 29, 2012 9:27 am

Rayne agrees with Lance and can't help but admire his clever plan.

I don't have much to sell but this shortsword isn't going to benefit me much, I don't do so well in close combat... I'll gladly sell it and provide the gold to the pool.

Speaking of poor close combat, any chance Herb could provide a protected archer's nest of some sort that I could use? I know you'll all appreciate my bow a lot more if I'm not swinging it like a club.
Leightonius
Leightonius
Powerful Man
Powerful Man

Posts : 48
Join date : 2012-02-21

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty Re: Main Story Progression

Post  Ammonite Thu Mar 29, 2012 10:53 am

Raath can't come up with a good reason to not go along with Lance's betting strategy, other than: "I've never thought of that before", but that shouldn't stand in the way of progress. Raath is in. He only possesses a little bit of wealth at the moment unfortunately.
26 GP
2 SP
5 CP
Being of very little use to him at this time, he readily donates it all to the pot.

Raath has another idea to present to the group:
In the past I have seen the use of tower shields effectively against ranged attackers. I am not much of a shield user myself, but I would prefer using one of those to keep me alive, just long enough to get me into an advantageous position. You know, striking distance. It's an option to consider, if getting into the arena first and all that doesn't pan out. They normally cost a bit of cash though, unless our handy little friend-making-machine can find a way to "negotiate" the price for us. Just a thought.
Ammonite
Ammonite
Powerful Man
Powerful Man

Posts : 100
Join date : 2012-02-21

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty Re: Main Story Progression

Post  kenjo Thu Mar 29, 2012 11:58 am

OOC: just wanted to discuss some strategy with you guys straight up, since all this typing in character is cramping my style. Also, I don't have a lot of time to come up with exactly what Lance would say.
So, I like the tower shield strategy. I think we should do what we can with that, although most of us can't use tower shields.
I think our best option is going to be to get in before they do, and hide until the time is right to strike.
One possible thought, is that we could all hide except for Aki, who will look like he's trying to hide (the rest of us will actually have brush to hide in or some other cover). The manticores, as we know, circle the sky, and shoot spikes until the prey is down, then they dive in for the kill. Aki can pretend to be hit even if he's not, after a couple shots, and take a dive... like he's crippled and ready for the kill. The manticores will come down out of the sky and gather around him, at which point, we jump out from our hiding places and attack them from behind. This will allow us to have the full force of our fighters with their huge weapons on the manticores, instead of relying on rayne and I to hit them from afar. I choose Aki to be the bait for a couple reasons, he has some of the highest AC, and he has the capability to heal himself. Also, he can channel positive energy, so if the vampires threaten to be a problem, he is best equipped to deal with them.
kenjo
kenjo
Powerful Man
Powerful Man

Posts : 59
Join date : 2012-02-21

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty Re: Main Story Progression

Post  shwilly Thu Mar 29, 2012 12:11 pm

huh? what? oh. i like this plan Lance i dont have much but i'll pitch this axe to the cause 15 is what it will be.
shwilly
shwilly
Powerful Man
Powerful Man

Posts : 42
Join date : 2012-03-05

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty Re: Main Story Progression

Post  Leightonius Thu Mar 29, 2012 12:25 pm

OOC:
Ken's strategy sounds like a a good plan, except I'm concerned that the manticores won't be the first things we fight. Lance learned this:

"They have never lost an execution battle and have it down to a science. A weak onslaught to weaken the condemned and then the big guns to finish the job with relative ease."

Think the manticores are the big guns or the weak onslaught? If we have to fight other creatures, which we know there will be multiple types, then we'll already be exposed when the manticores attack.

I think we should pursue Lance's idea of floating obsticles. Anything that could potentially provide us additional cover from the manticores and force them into melee combat. I get the feeling the manticores are our biggest threat.

We also learned that they are loyal as long as it's in their best interest. I doubt we have enough sway with them (we can't pay more than Volta, obviously) nor do we have enough allies to asist so it's unlikely that we can turn them away from Volta, unless anyone has any other ideas.

Leightonius
Leightonius
Powerful Man
Powerful Man

Posts : 48
Join date : 2012-02-21

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty Re: Main Story Progression

Post  shwilly Thu Mar 29, 2012 12:28 pm

I’ve been gifted from the Mindon Clan and perhaps can convince them to give us the Tower shields. I’ll go to speak with them now.
Krahven turns to leave but leans an ear towards the others in case there are more requests or specifications. After a moment (taking whatever info is then given to him via the others) he leaves to find his generous investors
shwilly
shwilly
Powerful Man
Powerful Man

Posts : 42
Join date : 2012-03-05

Back to top Go down

Main Story Progression Empty Re: Main Story Progression

Post  Sponsored content


Sponsored content


Back to top Go down

Page 1 of 2 1, 2  Next

Back to top

- Similar topics

 
Permissions in this forum:
You cannot reply to topics in this forum