Kara-Turan Martial Exposition

DonBrapp makes the deliberate fashion decision to sport the regenerative ioun stone.

Shuos and Kailute practice combined attacks in the courtyard as a courier delivers a missive to Quilro with the wax seal of the Serpent.

An entreaty for a private meeting is countered with requests for spells.

Gondal strolls into the courtyard and greets the boar and half-orc.  The warrior is enthusiastic of the proposed exposition of western martial prowess over eastern fighting styles.

“A real showbender for the end of the season.  Not sure I can get these jorts out in the snow to watch fisticuffs…  been thinking of a midwinter market.  Full of booze and cheer.  May upset the stallkeepers in the actual market though…”

Gondal admires the home and suggests they retire upstairs to drink the elf’s wine.  On their way up they encounter Sieben nearly collapsing under the weight of all the alchemy equipment he is attempting to carry into the newly established workshop with as few trips as possible.
“EXCUSE ME! Master Brappo requires my services; MAKE WAY!”  Gondal and Shuos snort and make their way upstairs where laborers are delivering newly purchased furnishings in a frenzy.

DonBrapp discusses the halfling Harper Keevan Rightswood who was captured by the guild conducting reconnaissance for the organization in the harbor.  This effort was his first mission and he is excited to find himself in the hospitality of the companions.  He knows that Mordak is doing his best to maintain détente between Zhentil Keep and the Red Wizards.
Sieben has established a functioning alchemy lab although it is littered with the filthy debris of his existence.  Leftover food items and dirty clothes are piled in a corner where the human appears to be making his bedroll.

A missive for Kailute from Seldane arrives expressing her continued affection and appreciate for the business contacts he has referred to her.  The half-orc scribbles off a response when he has the time.

A guild member delivers to Quilro a traveling spellbook with several arcane inscriptions the elf had not previously studied.  The book is bound with green leather and is sturdy and portable for study from the road.  Quilro defers until after the exposition to commit to a meeting with the Serpent.

Gondal helps himself to Quilro’s wine and raises an eyebrow at the elf’s suggestion that the gray warrior should keep his eye on Barla in his absence.  However his attention is immediately taken by the Barovian noble Rosvetta and takes up a seat next to her at the dining room table.

The warrior discusses the proposition of an exhibition display and he is committed and enthusiastic.  Kailute agrees to introduce Arnaud the dwarf (Gondal’s business manager” to the guild to facilitate the details.  Gondal will promote the event throughout the city and Quilro works with the small cohort of elves in the city to provide free Barovian wine during the event.

“Pyotr give plenty of wine!” The noble offers.

DonBrapp asks Fyrnlocke to arrange to contact Rowan and get some information regarding The Serpent.  The Serpent sends Quilro a couple more private messages indicating he understands the burden of family heirlooms and is willing to discuss with the scion.

Rowan answers the dwarf’s and party’s questions about the Serpent, indicating he has access to magical devices but has never been observed studying a spell book.  He dons several pieces of jewelry regularly and employs a coterie of Kara-turan bodyguards in addition to the ones brought in for the exhibition, at least two of are spellcasters.  If he senses danger he believes he cannot over come he will have a plan laid to escape.

Quilro peruses his acquired library doing a cursory survey of the processes required to recharge magic items.

Around the table the discussion turns again to Kailute’s resistance to arcane speed.  Although mildly conflicted internally the half-orc resolutely resists suggestions to augment his combat prowess with magical speed.

Quilro suggests a ruse assassination attempt to build the Serpent’s confidence prior to an actual attack.  He also proposes putting a polymorphed and hasted Kailute in his pocket to set the stage.  Kailute grimaces in disgust and reiterates his opposition to magical speed enhancements.

Gondal reports he has four of his best toughs ready to fight whatever these “ninja” of the east may be.  He also agrees to 10% proceeds to the companions for proposing the event.
The Barovians offer up their two large casks of wine and the church of Hanali Selanil sponsor free wine for all who attend, and the three adherents in the city coordinate criers and promotion at Quilro’s expense highlighting the opening of an elven marriage shrine.
DonBrapp grumbles to himself at the elf’s spendthrift ways.

Risparkle reports the Ampner wagon has been repaired and winterized, and a kit has been added that can replace the wheels with skids as terrain requires.  DonBrapp extends free attendance to the upcoming exposition.

The dwarf heads to his lab and prepares a scrying spell through his magical font.  He observes the Serpent’s daily routine of training and discipline, as well as reflective study.  His left leg appears to have residual effects from his injury on the road, and he wears a series of pouches on his belt and a cross hatched leather bandolier.

The group makes plans for their magical ambush focusing on powerful spells to countermand the Serpent’s combat prowess.

The proposed date for the exposition is 21 Uktar which will also herald a full moon.
Kailute makes sure to remind Rowan that she ensures the audience box is full of pliant and attractive prostitutes.

There is a wet grey sky over the arena, and the air is damp with the expectation of a heavy snow.

Regardless, the seats and stalls are packed with patrons, eager to see one of Gondal’s epic combat displays.  The air wafts with the scent of fried delicacies, and brightly colored fools and jesters work the plaza outside as well as the passageways that lead into the audience decks of the large amphitheater.

Free  casks of wine are placed throughout and the citizens of Hillsfar are drinking their fill.  The party is seated with Gondal in the VIP box overlooking the arena floor.

The Serpent walks through the curtain, his silver hair pulled back in a ponytail and his leather armor covered with a bright green silk robe.  A slightly curved blade the size of a longsword rests in a scabbard across his back.  He is flanked by two muscled Kara-turan warriors each dressed in what appears to be light cotton open cuffed dark blue trousers with loose silk blouses covering leather bands with woven coins.  Each has a pair of swords, one the size of a longsword the other a shortsword on opposing hips.

The Serpent turns to the group and offers a series of bows.

“Well met; well met;  well met.  I am disappointed you avoided all my entreaties of congress and discussion.  I am looking forward to the display for the glory of Hillsfar.”

“I didn’t know you attempted to reach us;  what was your interest?” Kailute asks.

“I was mostly offering to mentor a young elf.  He appears disinterested.”

“The lad is attempting to disentangle himself from his marriage.  In addition to our adventuring preparations, the elf’s schedule is quite full.”  The half-orc covers for him.
“Well, what a solid family he’s built;  even if his selection in partner races is suspect.”  All laugh and the Serpent selects a couple of the beautiful ladies to join him along the covered couch in the booth.

“Tell ya this, Serpent…” DonBrapp interjects.  “..he’s about five hundred gold from being flat broke, so after today is a great time to renegotiate listening to the leaflicker’s tales of Myth Drannor.”

The Serpent grabs a bottle of elven wine and leans over to wager with Gondal.

He mentions the weight of elven heirlooms to Quilro and slugs back the wine.

Quilro asks Gondal to ask his men about the fools and jesters below.

Kailute holds court with several prostitutes, aiming to pull their attention away from the Serpent.  Several silvers have already primed this attention and the ladies hang on every word the half-orc states.

Gondal and the Serpent spar over west versus east fighting styles;  Quilro eggs the Serpent on.

“Perhaps north is the supreme arbiter of combat.” Kailute leans forward through the female company.

Six dwarves face off against each other, lowering their helmed heads and battering each other until they fall unconscious.  DonBrapp scowls at the display.

Kailute moderates his intake to ensure his fighting senses remain sharp.

The Serpent sits next to Barla and Rosvetta as the main event commences and the crowd reaches a fever pitch.  Gondal leaps to his feet to cheer.

Kailute again denigrates the eastern warriors, goading the Serpent to respond.

“An exceptional monkey may beat an average man.”

Fyrnlocke leans in to support, implying that the avoidance of the blades is at best cheating, but at worst a lack of bravery.

The warriors from the east are slowly beating Gondals warriors through a thousand cuts.

“Once you know their tricks, they are easily defeated.”  Kailute presses.

“What do you know of the east, Greenskin?” The Serpent retorts, insulted.
“I’ve knocked more than a few of these dancers on their asses.”

“Be silent!  There is no way to solve this!  I am trying to enjoy this fight!”  Quilro riles the group.

The serpent takes the sword from his back and examines it smiling as his champions below appear to be winning the contest.  In a series of lightning sword attacks one of Gondal’s champions is hobbled and submits.

Two of the eastern swordsman close on the remaining warrior as Kailute pulls his blade from its scabbard.

“I also have a blade.  Good enough, given the fey hands that crafted it.” The half-orc taunts.

“How dare your brutish hands pollute such an item!” The Serpent hisses.

“In combat, the same manner I won this elvish mail.”  The half-orc turns to flex and highlight the armor adjusted to fit his bulk.

“This whole situation is intolerable.  Such fine an object befouled by savage abuse.” The elven thief turns to Quilro.  “How do you keep company with such base individuals?” The Serpent says in elven.

“No interest in winning back your pride?”  Kailute pushes.

“What challenge do you offer, greenskin?”

“It appears your champions have the upper hand in the arena;  I wish the reclaim the honor of my barbarian brethren.  What say you to a friendly contest in the manner of the northlands?”
Quilro chuckles haughtily as the Serpent considers the offer.

Gondal appears crestfallen as it appears his champions will not prevail, and he is muttering under his breath about wagers placed and lost.

Turning to face the elf and half-orc, the grey haired warrior bellows “Two enter!  One half-orc leaves!  What a better way to close out the show!”

“Flat of blades, in the barbarian way!”  Kailute shouts.

“Mastery of the blade and shadows is all I have.  I shall enjoy taking those from you.”  The Serpent states, and then executes a backflip down from the VIP seating area to the floor of the arena below.

Left up on the raised seating area, Kailute is left to say “Barbarian way also means nothing but a loincloth…”  but the Serpent is already moving through a series of exercises and blade moves with his katana.

“Uh, I think you have to tell him.” Quilro chuckles as the half orc just jumps right off the ledge, grunting with the impact below.

The crowd surges with an uproar of cheering as the two combatants become the focus of the arena.

Hiding his grimace from the fall, Kailute advances toward the Serpent and puts his hand on the elf’s shoulder.

“We shall fight in the barbarian way?”

“Of course!” The serpent responds flashing a vicious smile.

Turning to the crowd, the half-orc shouts “You have seen a show from the east.  We have one final show for you!  I will fight this esteemed swordsman who brought these warriors from the east in the barbarian way with nothing but our loincloths to determine the duel!”
The Serpent laughs, and rips his blouse from his torso and slips into a series of practice maneuvers around the half-orc.

Kailute protests, but it is clear from the elf’s smile there is no more disrobing he intends to do.

“I don’t possess a loincloth;  it is not my fashion.  But I am certain sure struck blows will reduce me in time if they connect.”  The elf spits at the half-orc, knocking his blades against each other.

DonBrapp approaches Gondal and asks “How can I get down there?”  The warrior points to a trap door that leads below.

The Serpent circles the half-orc with two blades in hand;  one a bit longer than a short sword and the other slightly larger than a dagger.  Both are razor sharp and polished to a mirror sheen.

DonBrapp moves toward the trap door as Gondal’s guards square off against the two Serpent guards in the VIP box.


In a flourishing leap the Serpent attempts to strike Kailute but misses.

The two opposing guards square against each other, but Quilro releases a sleep spell that sends one to the floor snoozing.

Kailute attempts to slice the belt from the elf, but the Serpent darts out of the way.
Fyrnlocke draws his blade and stands in to assist as the situation develops in the VIP box.
DonBrapp drops to the floor and advances toward the arena ground level.

Leaping from a handspring the Serpent strikes twice toward the half-orc and misses both times.

Kailute swings specifically at the belt of the elf and misses twice.

Quilro makes a movement with his hand that drops one of Serpent’s guards asleep.  The other now takes up his sword defensively against the closing group of companions.

The serpent strikes twice, landing a sword strike with the flat of his blade against Kailute for minor damage.

Gondal is observing, looking anxiously for a weapon.

Quilro casts a spell and turns into a seagull.

“How do you attempt to fight a clean fight under so much magical protection?” Kailute taunts, and slices forward cutting the belt from the Serpent’s hip.

The elf’s eyes reveal a small look of panic as the belt is sliced from his hip, with it several pouches.

DonBrapp emerges from the portal and quaffs a potion of invisibility running on the arena floor.

The Serpent drops his smaller sword and grabs one of the pouches from his falling belt, attempting to jam it in his pocket.

In the VIP box Gondal moves toward a cabinet that is nearby.

Fyrnlocke advances with his sword drawn against one of the guards and lands two strikes.
Quilro flies toward the arena.

With a slice Kailute cuts what remains of the Serpent’s trousers from the hip.
DonBrapp continues to run straight at the Serpent and dispels magic from the pouch in the elf’s hand.

The Serpent drops the pouch and brings a sword strike down across the half-orc.

Quilro releases a spell of feeblemind that doesn’t defeat the elf.

DonBrapp invokes a spell of holding against the elven thief, and it lands.  The Serpent freezes his eyes displaying a mystified horror.

Kailute brings forth his axe slicing his head from his shoulders and the crowd erupts in chaos.

In the VIP box the companions of the Serpent are quickly subdued.

“That is what you get for not fighting the barbarian way!” Kailute shouts in victory.
DonBrapp quickly grabs the elf and his corpse and start dragging it away toward the tunnel.
Barla and Rosvetta are looking on incredulously at what they have observed.

“Toss me!” Kailute shouts at the fire giant who lumbers forward toward the companions.  The crowd noise grows to a crescendo as the fire giant launches Kailute back into the VIP box.

“We are the heroes of Hillsfar!  We will never let tyrants rule this land!  When they come to bring violence among you, we will levy our righteous hand to bring them back unto the fold!  Your safety and prosperity is guaranteed by our good will, again demonstrated by our actions here today!” Quilro shouts into the waves of crowd noise.

The remaining kara-turan swordsman pliantly back away from the heroes.  Kailute makes a handspring of victory and the crowd erupts.