Tidelan looks at Wendel's money and recalls the previous deal the two had made, "I believe Victor will pay, no?"...

The man shrugs, "Well, follow me" he says to Wendel, leading him towards the signpost Victor had signed a few minutes ago, by now.

"Write your name here, Wendel" the genasi says, pointing out the margins at the bottom of the nailed sheet. He offers the man a jar of ink and a pen to use.

Wendel outs ink to paper. Signing his own name looks strange. He can clearly write well but the name being signed almost feels like it might not be one he's familiar with actually making into a signature.

"So, I've a few questions about the rules of the tournament. Will there be opportunity to do pre-fight prep like I had with Victor and to what extent might that extend? Will there be environmental hazards introduced in later rounds to spice things up maybe? I see the pit mark you made with your bear form could easily be made into something of the sort."

Tidelan considered each of Wendel's questions carefully, "Hm... pre-fight prep... auh? Well, I have not thought of it. I think that it will not be, or that both fighters may do one. No fighter will do one if the other does not."

The second question was answered more quickly, "I will not be using hazards, for this tournament. If I create a second tournament, then it could be."

OOC - Since Victor hasn't posted in a while, I'm just gonna assume he's paid Tidelan his 10 Gold ? BTW, Wendel, keep your money, Tidelan didn't take it

Adding ten gold to inventory, for now

At this point Victor had gone over to retrieve his glaive and javelin from where he had tossed tossed them, "Tsk, that'll need the whetstone," he admonishes himself before looking up at Wendel's comment, "Yes, Lathander blessed me with glorious knowledge in my meditations. No doubt as reward for our rescue of Nalnya. I had visions of using that icy armour myself though perhaps further devotion is needed before I will be granted that power."

While Wendel and Tidelan converse Victor moves over to where he had left his pack and reaches in for his purse, counting out the 10 gold pieces and wordlessly handing them to the genasi.

"I think after all this excitement I will take my leave and reflect on my learnings, I will return on the day of the tournament. Until later Wendel, and good day Tidelan," he farewells them both and turns to leave.

-10gp, --> To Under the Moonless Sky Quest!
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 20:50, Sun 14 Mar 2021.

Wendel nods along to Tidelan's answers seeming to find them satisfactory. This was the Genasi's endeavor after all. Feeling the pain and fatigue settling in as the adrenaline of the brief combat fades, Wendel finds himself mentally agreeing with Victor about taking the day. "Until later, Victor." It's a somber thought, who knows what they will face exactly, later, but at least Wendel feels confident that perhaps beside someone such as Victor they could stand against those fishfolk and whatever devil they try to summon.

"Well, Tidelan, I wasn't really expecting to get to do this today. I want to thank you for inspiring me to take the opportunity. I will look forward to this tournament. I think I ought to take my leave as well."

Also going to Under the Moonless Sky Quest!

Tidelan waved the two first official combatants farewell, and then returned to his home to meditate, snack and rest.

For the fights: Tidelan gets 200 xp. Victor gets 300 xp. Wendell gets 100 xp.

Carmen writes her name in blood upon the entry ticket.

Malkus walks up to the new arena to see what all of the hubbub is about. Intent to sign up for the advertised tournament, he pauses as he watches a red-haired woman sign up. He does a second take when he realizes she's signing in her own blood.

"Running low on ink, eh?"
He shrugs with nonchalant amusement.
"The grass is always greener when you make it grow in blood."

Izayah walked up behind Malkus and gave a snort. "Yer kinda dark, Malkus, y'know that?" He grinned and let out a small chuckle.

Then he gave a small shrug and signed his own name to put himself in the tournament. "Could be fun. Good practice at least. Possible some money." His grin widened.

At the solar noon of a brisk, sunny day with fresh bay winds rolling in, a shirtless blue man carrying a magical spear and a wooden shield stood on top of the bleachers next to his arena.

As citizens and combatants alike congregated to witness the upcoming spectacles, the man proclaimed in an offputtingly jolly voice with a strong, foreign accent that cannot be placed, "The time is here! The tournament is beginning! I am Tidelan Wavyrus, your organizer! I have gathered the most strong men and most strong women in all of Smith's Gambit! They will soon battle for the glory and gold of being the tournament's winner! I am... overjoyed to see so much faces, zero of you will feel disappointment, today!"

He smiled and allowed the next hour to be spent collecting bets and entry fees, and also letting spectators flock in to take their seats on the bleachers.

OOC: It will likely take a day for everyone to decide how much coin they want to add to the pot, or if they just want to pay the entrance toll.

Also, it may take the GMs some time to decide how many citizens gather around to be involved in the raging festivities.

The first match will begin once all those conditions are met :)

Elisar was keen to see the tourney; two of his companions were competing and he wanted to see how well they got on. He knew them both to be brave and strong, but competitions such as these often threw up unexpected outcomes.

He approached the arena and spied a blue-skinned fellow on the gate, taking entry fees from the locals. He rubbed his pocket, painfully aware of the lack of coin in it. So he chanced his arm...

“Good day to you sir!” he exclaimed. “It is I, Elisar, called the Moonraven! Singer of songs and teller of tales to prince and peasant alike. I trust that your contest will be a merry little affair, but have you thought of how to keep the punters entertained between bouts, while you clean up the blood? Need to keep them eating and drinking, keep their purses loose so to speak. Well, maybe I can help a little. I’d be happy to entertain the crowd somewhat between fights, and I’ll happily do so for free provided you can fill my belly and wet my whistle. What do you say?”

19:44, Today: Elisar Moonraven rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  Persuasion.
This message was last edited by the player at 19:45, Wed 17 Mar 2021.

Tidelan saw the fellow swagger up to him, and then launch into a well-delivered spiel...

Tidelan blinked a few times as he stared at the man... He didn't even understand half of the words nor phrases the man just used... It would seem he was offering to entertain people...

All he wanted in exchange was food... and a 'wet whistle'... did he mean water?

Tidelan thought about it... the man was very charismatic... it wouldn't hurt to let him keep people entertained... Though, this wasn't something he was very worried about. He had faith that the audience could wait five or ten minutes if they needed to...

An idea struck Tidelan, and he finally hummed to himself, "I will give you food and water, as you ask. If you desire to... repay the kindness, I think you could help me by..." he seemed to lose his train of thought, "ugghh how is it said here... hm... sorry, I do not have the most good words..."

He thought quietly for a few moments, before figuring out how to give his instructions, "hm... okay... just go and get more people wanting to watch... and yes... make them want to spend more coin... Yes, that would be much helping to me."

He looked at the fellow again. He didn't know why this decently-dressed man was in need of food and water... In fact, he seemed to carry an instrument... Was he a traveler, and not a beggar? Tidelan shrugged, and added in a generous tone, "If you make me extra coin, I will give you some of it..." he gently smiled to the confusing man.

Elisar grinned. “An audience? Sir, you are speaking to the right fellow! An audience you shall have, with loose purses to boot! In exchange for some warming titbits, a goblet of wine or two and a fair slice of your takings. Sounds fair to me, I think we have an accord!”

He extended his hand to shake on the deal. He had time to drum up some custom in the usual places. Once the deal was concluded he hurried away to drum up some custom.

 

A young woman approaches the fighting pits. Her face is marked with concern but she isn't going to be found anywhere else when her dear brother, sickly little Wendel, is to fight against professionals. The last time that happened he'd come back nearly at the brink of death and that was from something he'd called a 'friendly spar'. The concern is real but she isn't about to take this away from him. Apparently someone here is quite capable of keeping him alive at least if the worst happens.

She pays the entrance fee for the tournament and quietly takes a seat to watch. Interestingly, and without realizing it, she sits right where Wendel had sat to watch Tidelan nearly rip Victor to shreds.

-5g for entry fee

Tidelan shakes the talkative, but highly amiable fellow's hand with his own, and then bids him to go begin.

He also collects the lovely lady's money, but doesn't say much to her, sensing that she seems overstressed about one or more issues.

In good time Elisar returned. He had been around the town and had succeeded in drumming up some trade amongst the locals, with quite a few turning out to see what all the fuss was about.

He found Tidelan and gestured towards the crowd that was arriving. "As promised, good sir, your audience!"

As he looked around the arena, deciding where he was going to seat himself, he mulled over his potential wagers. He knew both of his companions to be able warriors but knew little of the others. In the end he decided to stick with what he knew, and approached Tidelan with his coins. "I have decided to split my wager on the tourney champion, five gold coins on the brave Malkus, and five on the cunning Izayah. I am confident that both will make good progress and I shall enjoy seeing them perform to the crowd."

Hands over -10gp in bets

Tidelan gives a medium-sized smile, "Excellent."

He takes the minstrel's bets and then quickly rushes over to the center of the arena.

He strolls in with practiced grace. Each of his strides kicks up a small patch of dust, and his muscles glisten with the angle of the sunlight.

Clearly, this was premeditated to look cool as hell.

After reaching the exact middle of the arena, he announces in a booming voice, "Greetings Countrymen! I am Tidelan Wavyrus, the Tournament Organizer!" he takes a quiet breath before continuing, "This day is the first round of battles with Smith's most great warriors! Will you many love this show?!" he exclaims with an almost-overbearing, demanding tone. It is the perfect tone for a hype man scrounging for mass applause.

After waiting for the [hopefully abundant] clapping and cheering to settle down, Tidelan speaks up again, "Then, with no more waiting... I witness the first fight; A strike of holy swords; A divine battle; Victor Iustica versus Malkus!!"

He gives a stageman's bow to the audience, before backing off to just outside of the arena, as he spreads his arms wide with a barely-contained grin and beckons excitedly for the two fighters to approach to their ends.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:33, Fri 19 Mar 2021.

Amidst the cheering and fanfare, Malkus strides forward and into the field. His maille and his great sword pommel gleam in the sunlight, and there are some javelins and his halberd strapped across his back. Without his cloak to cover it, those seated near the front can make out his Vigilant Eyes amulet suspended from a stout chain about his neck.  He respectfully bows to his opponent and to the Master of Ceremonies, and then waves confidently to the excited onlookers.

After just a moment of acknowledging the crowd, he again faced his opponent. With practiced ease he draws his great sword, holding it in a relaxed grip in his right hand while keeping his left free.

---

HP: 33/33 | THP: 0 | AC: 17 | Spd: 30ft. | Channel Divinity 1/1 | S1 3/3

Move to [G8].
10:39, Today: Malkus rolled 20 using 1d20 ((20)). Initiative



This message was last edited by the player at 17:55, Fri 19 Mar 2021.

Victor enters the arena on Tidelan's cue, moving to stand across from where he had previously fought.

The man across from him looks to be almost his mirror, less the horns and complexion, perhaps who he might have been if he had not been born as he was.

The tiefling returns the respectful bow and, seeing his opponent choose the greatsword, draws  his own. A drops into a stance with a slightly lower centre of gravity and holds the greatsword close in with both hands, high and right, with the point angled upwards toward the sun.

---

HP: 18/18 | THP: 0 | AC: 16 | Spd: 30ft. | Lay On Hands 10/10 | Divine Sense 4/4 | S1 2/2

08:17, Today: Victor Iusticia rolled 6 using 1d20 ((6)).

Tidelan yelled in a roaring voice that carried itself along the bay winds he had settled near once more, "A beginning of honor. You both fight when I arrive at zero. Three... two... one..."

The man's eyes burn with bloodlust, and he cracks a vicious smile as he says "Zero"

At Tidelan's signal, Malkus rushes hisopponent. Dust kicks out behind him as he rapidly closes the distance. Three steps out, he closes his left hand onto the pommel of his sword and begins to raise it forwards and up.

As soon as he gets within range of his sword, he transfers the driving power from his legs into rotational torque through his core. He quickly reverses the direction of his rising sword and slashes at Victor's left leg in a descending, diagonal cut.

As he finishes the motion, he brings the sword back into a defensive position, held low and pointing at his opponent's face.

He exhales a brief orison to Helm and makes a gesture of devotion as a shimmering barrier briefly envelopes his armored form.

---

HP: 33/33 | THP: 0 | AC: 17+2 | Spd: 30ft. | Channel Divinity 1/1 | S1 2/3

Move to [F3].
18:50, Today: Malkus rolled 24 using 1d20+5 ((19)). Attack
18:51, Today: Malkus rolled 12 using 2d6+3 ((6,3)). Damage

Bonus Action: Cast Shield of Faith



This message was last edited by the player at 23:27, Fri 19 Mar 2021.

Victor grunts in pain at Malkus' swift first strike, nearly dropping to his knees from the force of the blow.

A subtle phrase and his weapon is limned in a pinkish red hue.

Shifting his weight off the left leg he brings his blade to bear in a horizontal swing with the twist of his hips.

Just before the strike connects there is a flash of white light that momentarily flares to represent a 9-pointed starburst.

---

HP: 6/18 | THP: 0 | AC: 16 | Spd: 30ft. | Lay On Hands 10/10 | Divine Sense 4/4 | S1 0/2
Bonus: Wrathful Smite, concentrating for 1 minute
Action Greatsword attack hits AC 24, Divine Smiting!
7 slashing, 4 psychic and 7 radiant damage.
DC 13 Wisdom save or be frightened of Victor.

10:19, Today: Victor Iusticia rolled 18 using 2d6+3+1d6+2d8 with rolls of 1,3,4,5,2.  Slashing, psychic and radiant damage.
10:16, Today: Victor Iusticia rolled 24 using 1d20+5.  Greatsword attack.

As Victor's hit lands, it completely sunders Malkus' magical shield. He doesn't seem to take all of the holy damage, but the sword cuts deeply all the same.

He steels his resolve and slashes at his opponent.

As he counterattacks, his swing looks to go wide, but he somehow manages to punch out at the last moment and aim his sword's crossword at the side of Victor's helm in a savage strike.

---

HP: 19/33 | THP: 0 | AC: 17 | Spd: 30ft. | Channel Divinity 1/1 | S1 2/3


19:35, Today: Malkus rolled 12 using 1d20+2 ((10)). Concentration Save
19:37, Today: Malkus rolled 17 using 1d20+2 ((15)). Wisdom Save

Radiant resist.

19:43, Today: Malkus rolled 8 using 1d20+5 ((3)). Attack.

Channel Divinity : Guiding Strike +10 to attack, so 18 to hit.

19:46, Today: Malkus rolled 8 using 2d6+3 ((3,2)). Nonlethal Damage

Victor frowns as his opponent stands despite his landing the most powerful blow he could muster.

"This must be what Wendel felt," he thinks to himself idly as Malkus's blade swings for his head almost as though it is in slow motion.

"[Language unknown: Te]," he says, before all is blackness.

Good fight, congrats :)