Glees roleplaying game thread

The Game Room
101

The tent falls silent as everyone listens carefully to Jornilsson.
"We have the numbers on each side then.

Next let me describe the Arena.

To the North, there is grass, with a path alongside it running right across the Arena.

The rest of the Arena is sandy, with many six feet tall bushes growing along the South side.

In the middle is an abandoned building. Its walls are fully intact (and climbable if you have that Skill) and the pillars holding up the roof are in good condition. The roof has a couple of holes in it (where rubble has fallen down) but is otherwise safe.
There are two openings to the building each of the West and East sides.

Note that each side starts at opposite ends of of the Arena path and I will blow a horn to signal the start of the combat.
Just before the combat starts, you may have a little time to cast spells if you desire.
How much time do you need?"

The Decanus barks “We need no time - our weapons will speak for us!”
Crumlin consults the party, then quietly says “Just time for one spell, thank you.”
He mutters to Plixican “That lets you have your Mage Armour running throughout the actual combat.”

102

Jornilsson then states "The two sides will now each retire to guarded areas, so they will be fresh for tomorrow.
This also allows spellcasters to choose their spells for the day.

We will be advertising this combat for the rest of the day - and if we sell enough tickets, there will be a prize for the winners!
Note that you can also bet on the outcome - if anyone wants to, I’ll get the odds for you.

Now it always helps to have a name for each side - what can we call you?"

The Decanus states firmly “We are the Empire Patrol.”

Crumlin says “Well I guess we could be … Crumlin’s Chosen Combination?”
He looks uncertainly at the party. “Anyone got a better name?”

103

The two sets of combatants are escorted to separate tents, each with Gladiators guarding the entrance. Nobody is allowed in or out.
Jornilsson explains that “This is for the contestant’s safety and protection.”

Time passes slowly.

The party notice that outside their tent, Mayor Crumlin is busy having conversations. Firstly he speaks to Sir Cuthbert (the Ringmaster), then to a couple of well-dressed gnomes and finally … to one of the Empire Patrol (who was not chosen for the fight.)

Crumlin looks happy when these chats are over and tells the party “I’m confident you will win tomorrow - in fact I’d bet on it!”

Here’s the Arena map:

104

The day of the combat dawns. It’s sunny and dry, so the Gladiator Arena is full to bursting.
Jornilsson looks happy as his Gladiators escort the participants to their starting positions.

The Empire Decanus checks that his Soldier’s Armour is polished, then stands at attention - ready to march.

On the other side of the Arena, the party form up.
Johannes takes the centre of the front line, flanked by Quentin and Dale.
Plixican and John Smith stay behind Johannes, each with weapon in one hand and a spell ready to cast.
Dorric is off to one side, preparing to use the bushes on the South side of the Arena as cover. (He agrees with the rest of the party that they will not advance far. This gives Dorric clear shots at the Empire soldiers, both as they advance and once they engage with Johannes, Quentin and Dale.)

Jornilsson bellows for silence, then introduces the two sides.
There are some cheers for Mayor Crumlin’s adventurers, but no support for the Empire.

As agreed, just before the start Plixican casts his Mage Armour upon himself.

Then the guarding Gladiators tense and step aside as Jornilsson blows his horn to commence the combat…

105

The Empire Soldiers march briskly down the path with the Decanus ordering his subordinate “Leave the deserter to me! And stay nearby.”
The Decanus carries a Trident in both hands and the Soldier has a Scimitar and Shield. Both wear Chain Mail.

Meanwhile five of the party take a few steps forward in the agreed formation.
John Smith points his finger down the path.
Plixican looks towards the bushes and gets a thumbs-up from the flanking Dorric that the Thief has a clear shot.

Soon the Empire Soldiers appear around the abandoned building. The crowd give a murmur of anticipation.
The Decanus strides straight towards Johannes, while the Soldier stays on the Decanus’ right – thus facing Quentin.

John Smith fires off Magic Missile, which unerringly hits the Decanus. He looks irritated, but shrugs off the damage.
Dorric tries to Hide in the bushes – and succeeds! He has to aim at the Soldier (since the Decanus is well covered by his subordinate.) Unfortunately (despite a bonus to hit for firing from concealment) his first Sling Bullet goes wide.

Then the heavily-armoured combatants clash.

Johannes cuts superbly with his Longsword and scores a clear hit! The Decanus staggers with the force of the blow, but thrusts back firmly. However the Empire Armour (plus Protection from Evil) does its job and Johannes takes no damage.
Both Quentin and Dale also attack the Decanus. Quentin’s Horseman’s Mace thuds into the Decanus, who begins to look worried. Dale also uses a Horseman’s Mace, but despite flanking the enemy leader, his wallop misses.
Now the Soldier targets Quentin and looks confident with the swing of his Scimitar. The blow is set to penetrate Quentin’s Armour, but is repelled by Johannes’ Protection from Evil.

The audience are now shouting as the combat continues…

106

The battle carries on, with a rising crescendo of noise from the spectators.

Johannes lunges at the injured Decanus but his blade is turned by his opponent’s Armour.
The Decanus retaliates, but is again foiled by the combination of the Paladin’s Protection and his Armour.
Quentin also swings his Mace but doesn’t come close to a hit.
The Soldier strikes again at Quentin but also misses.
Dale strikes from the flank and uses his position well, scoring a palpable Mace hit for maximum damage!
The Decanus briefly looks astonished, then crumples to the ground.

Dorric lets fly with his Sling (he’s not now Hidden, but is instead attacking from behind) – however his sling bullet simply bounces off the Soldier’s Armour.

Plixican looks torn between going in to fight or administering First Aid.
John stays alert.

The Soldier spares a second to glance at his fallen officer, then cries “For the Empire!” and readies himself to face the party’s onslaught…

107

The audience are on their feet now as it seems the end of the combat is imminent.

The party briefly pause as both Johannes and Dale offer the Soldier a chance to surrender, but he ignores their offer and instead switches to attacking Johannes.
Once again the Paladin’s defence holds and Johannes shrugs and hits back – but also misses.
Quentin bashes with his Mace but to no visible effect.
Dale now attacks the Soldier from the flank but like the other recent blows, no damage is done.

Dorric sees there is still space to attack and successfully sneaks up (i.e. both Hide and Move Silently.)
He backstabs for double damage using two daggers (only Thieves can do this) and the crowd gasp as the Hobbit apparently appears from nowhere and hits with both weapons, flattening the Soldier…

Plixican carefully makes sure the Decanus is dead.
John calmly follows suit, dispatching the Soldier.

The party have won – and without taking a scratch!!

108

Jornilsson strides briskly into the Arena, directing Gladiators to deal with the bodies of the Empire Soldiers.
He beckons Mayor Crumlin to join him and then blows his horn – causing the crowd to fall silent.

Jornilsson bellows “Give praise to the Victors! Cheer the name of ….”
He pauses and leans down to the Mayor. Then he shakes his head (looking bewildered) and continues “…Crumlin’s Chaps!”

The crowd duly take up a chant of ‘Crumlin’s Chaps’ as the Arena is cleared of casualties.

Crumlin walks happily over to the party. “Everyone healthy? No damage at all? Excellent!”
He rubs his hands together rapidly and beams at the adventurers.
“You have got off to a great start and I’m arranging a very suitable reward for each of you.
But first let’s make the crowd appreciate you - in case you come back here. I’ll start, then you use your Skills to come up with something…”

Crumlin turns to the crowd, holds out his hands to them, then turns to the party and points at them.
The crowd gives a roar of approval.

109

Dorric mutters to his fellow adventurers “I’ll say something - just give me a minute to think of a few words. Oh, and let’s improve that chant to ‘Crumlin’s Company’…”

John Smith nods agreement and steps forward.
He acknowledges the crowd as Sneakerpuss clambers up his body and finishes on his head. The Familiar raises his front paws in a gesture of triumph as John quietly folds his arms and smiles.
The crowd give a huge cheer at this.

Dale whispers “Let’s all form up behind Dorric and make him look good.”
The party duly agree to form a neat backdrop as soon as Dorric starts speaking.

Mayor Crumlin approaches the nearest spectators and hisses at them “Crumlin’s Company! Crumlin’s Company!”
The new chant swiftly catches on and spreads around the Arena.

Meanwhile Dorric has been rehearsing his speech and feels satisfied with it. He gives a start as Sir Cuthbert suddenly appears in front of him.
Sir Cuthbert uses Thieves Cant “I like your speech - but give me a few seconds to set up a collection for you. Oh, and you can borrow my top hat if you like.”

As Dorric settles the glossy hat on his head, Gladiators appear with buckets and set themselves at intervals around the Arena.
Sir Cuthbert checks that all is set, then bellows in a surprisingly loud voice “Ladies and Gentlefolk! Commoners and children! Pray silence for the worthy Victors of the combat. I give you … from Crumlin’s Company … the one, the only … Dorric!”

110

The chanting dies away, then is replaced by gasps as Dorric first brandishes his two daggers - then makes them vanish!

Now he has the full attention of the crowd, Dorric beckons forward each member of the party and introduces them in turn.
"Ladies and Gentlefolk, Commoners and children, thank you. I would like to take this opportunity to introduce the fine party that make up … Crumlin’s Company.

First I would like to introduce the marvellous Magic-user who struck the first blow against our foe. The fearsome force with the mundane moniker, I give you … JOHN SMITH. And not to be forgotten his fine feline friend Sneakerpuss!

Next allow me to introduce to you the only member of our party who is even shorter than I. But don’t let his size fool you, as he is a superb Summoner in his own right. Along with his fine flying friend Jinx, his presence is critical to the Company’s continued success. I give you all, the finest gnome I know
… PLIXICAN!! A round of applause for Plixican and Jinx please!"

Plixican waves his Staff, with Jinx cawing on top of it.

Dorric continues "Next I am proud to introduce my two oldest friends in the company.
First DALE the Cleric who delivered the final blow to the Decanus, and who is just as skilled a healer as he is a fighter.

Then QUENTIN the Ranger, the epitome of the strong and silent type. He is both of those things, but he is also a tremendous tracker.

Last but certainly not least, the Paladin of Heimdall who trained with the great Versifal de Calaiston, who breeds the finest horses in all of Sherwoodshire.
The devout fighter and fierce believer. A huge round of applause for the most successful warrior in this fight. The fighter of all evil and defender of good both great and small … JOHANNNNNNEEESSS!

Thank you again on behalf of all of Crumlin’s Company. My name is DORRIC the Scout and it has been our pleasure to be here today."

It’s not clear which is the loudest response to this speech - the acclamation of the spectators or the tinkling of coins being tossed into the buckets!

Jornilsson swiftly steps forward at this point and thanks Dorric, then says some appropriate words about the fallen Empire Soldiers.
He reminds the crowd to listen out for future combats…

111

Crumlin waits for a moment, then (as the applause dies down) he ushers the party out of the Arena and into the tent they had used earlier.
The group notice that the small boy previously used to guard the entrance has been replaced by two Gladiators.
Crumlin invites them to rest and recuperate and hurries out, promising to return shortly.

When he does come back (followed by a couple of lads carrying a chest), he is a little out of breath with excitement. “I have great news … and some other news.
Firstly I was sure that the Decanus was over-confident and that your (admittedly basic) training would prevail.
Luckily I found several folk who disagreed with my opinion - and were prepared to back that up with coin and items. Indeed the remaining members of the Empire Patrol were certain you would lose to their Officer.
Oh and there were extremely good odds that you couldn’t possibly win without taking any damage. I, on the other hand, trusted that a) Johannes would be the main target and b) his Armour and Protection would turn all blows aside.
I’ve taken the liberty of adding your share of the monies raised in the Arena afterwards - oh, jolly good job, Dorric! - to the pot and have something special for each of you.”

He instructs the young porters to place the chest on the table in front of the party.
Smiling broadly, he opens it…

112

Crumlin carefully lifts out a number of small Potion bottles and Scroll cases.
“These cost a lot, but they’re worth it. Your first Magic items!”

He sorts the Potions and Scrolls out neatly.

“Anyone can drink a Potion, but only Spellcasters can use Scrolls - and you have to be the correct profession too. So only Dale can use **Clerical **Scrolls, whilst only Plixican and John use Magic User Scrolls.
First the Potions.
I have two of Shocking Grasp. You drink one just before a combat. Then the next time you touch something or hit it with a metal weapon, you deliver an electrical shock. You are not harmed, but your target will certainly know they’ve taken damage!
Alternatively, I have a Potion of Strength. This lasts for about an hour. Every melee attack during that time does a bit more damage.
The final one is Invisibility. This lasts for one day - or until you inflict damage.
The Strength and Invisibility are worth double the Shocking Grasp - which is why i bought two of the latter.
I thought Quentin, Dorric and Johannes would like to share those out, though I do have another offer for you, Johannes.
It’s clear that Empire Soldiers are going to react strongly to your Engraved Armour. Instead of a Potion, I can afford to replace both your Plate and Shield with a set engraved with Versifal’s symbol - a rearing horse.”

He pauses to take a drink of the refreshments on a side table in the tent.

“Now for the Scrolls.
Dale, I’ve got for you a Cure Light Wounds, plus either a Speak to Animals or a Spirit Hammer.
Fortunately the party hasn’t needed curing yet - but I’m sure they will! So that’s essential.
Your choice then is between communication with any normal animal, or conjuring a weapon that you can control mentally as if you were wielding it. It lasts for one combat - and once summoned, you can both strike with it and do your usual actions. A bit like a Familiar, if you see what I mean…”

He smiles benevolently at Jinx and Sneakerpuss.

“Now for Plixican, there’s no choice, because you’re such a specialist - but I think you’ll like this Scroll of Monster Summoning 1. Again it’s designed for one combat and summons a few obedient allies, whom you can order mentally. Extra attackers, bodyguards - whatever you see fit.
Finally John. I have for you either a Scroll of ESP or one of Acid Arrow. The first lets you read somebody’s mind for a few moments; the second to do damage as if your opponent had been struck both by an arrow and then by acid. It’s the second level version of your Magic Missile.”

He looks pleased.

“This is a pretty good haul - but then I won every bet!
Just decide what you want and I’ll return the rest…”

113

Johannes gracefully accepts the new plate armour and shield from Mayor Crumlin, admiring the handsome engraving work on them. He also gratefully accepts one of the Shocking grasp potions, and suggests that Quentin takes the other one along with the potion of strength

114

The invisibility potion seems to be the one for me. This past fight was a bit unusual, I am probably not going to get in close enough for most melee fights. Dale, you might want one too.

115

Plixican graciously accepts the Monster Summoning scroll, knowing that he was this close to perfecting the actual spell himself.

116

Quentin accepts the potions of Strength and Shocking Grasp.

117

Crumlin is apologetic. "Sorry if I didn’t explain clearly. We can’t afford all these items - so some of you will have to make a choice.

Johannes, if you want the new engraved Armour + Shield (and it looks like a good idea), you can’t take a Potion as well.

Quentin, the Potion of Strength represents a full share of treasure, so you’ll have to put the **Potion **of Shocking Grasp back.

Dorric, you’re welcome to have the Potion of Invisibility. It will suit you - but there’s only one available, so Dale can’t have one.

Plixican, I know you’ll enjoy using the Monster Summoning Scroll - and I’m sure it won’t be long before you can cast it yourself.

Oh and please note these useful items are one-shot i.e. you can only use them once."

Meanwhile one of the Gladiator guards pokes his head into the tent.
“Mayor Crumlin, Jornilsson is approaching.”

Crumlin points at the table. “Make your final choices, gentlefolk. I have to return the excess.”
He turns to greet Jornilsson, who enters with panache.
“Crumlin, your lot have just been challenged again! Naturally I accepted on their behalf, since another death match is great for business - and the best training for your lads.”

Crumlin looks quizzical. “Who are they facing? I have the right to balance the combat.”

Jornilsson replies “Why it’s the remaining seven members of the Empire Patrol. Apparently they have chosen the most experienced trooper and named him Senior Munifex.
And they don’t want to go back to the Empire without slaying the party that defeated their Decanus.”

Crumlin has been smiling ever since the opponents were identified.
“Seven against six, eh? I bet I can get good odds again!”

He turns to the party.

“Prepare yourselves for tomorrow - and make those item choices quickly.
I am accepting the challenge - because I wagered with those seven soldiers and won their Armour and Shields! So they will be fighting in just Leather Armour. Our Fighters will be in metal armour plus shields.
You’ll have time to learn your spells again - and you can use your new items too.”

118

Dale gratefully accepts the scrolls of Cure Light Wounds and Spirit Hammer.

119

Dorric grumbles quietly to himself “Go help Crumlin they said. It will be good for business they said. He just wants you to sell and scout a bit they said. They didn’t say anything about getting drafted into multiple death matches. Not that I mind getting into a fight now and again, but this is nuts.”

120

“I’ll take the Spirit Hammer, if you don’t mind,” John says as he reaches out to take it.