Session 52: Battle Royal

General Summary

The game begins with everyone returning from their time away from home (sorting out quick questions, gold assignment and expenses) as they set themselves up. A second set of information then arrives as the group is gathered in the market to discuss and catch up, informing them of the details of the battle of style coming up. They will set in 2 teams of 3 and fight against each other, but gaining points from style. The winner is not the last man standing, but the team with the most points. Combos, style, multi-rounds setup and such are great ways to gain points, outside of points assigned for defeating an opponent fully. Each person is safeguarded with a death ward charm to ensure no real death occurs. This will aid in ensuring that Fairhaven's primary group of adventurers keep a positive reputation in the public eye, and therefore promotes Aundair in a good light.   An issue arises as Merta has not returned from her time away, walking back to Fairhaven to avoid the train. So they need a 6th person. Trajan and Eavaan leave for the docks to find the rough and tumble, only to run into an arriving Jinuar, coming into a face to face with Trajan, where they hug and sass and cry together for finding each other again. However Jin cannot form the last members of the crew and shares that she spotted the Wayfinder dwarves, which Trajan takes her up on. She then goes to secure a room (recommended by Trajan) and gathers her entourage at the Faerxan galleon (after having lamented the lost of their 4th mansion back home, reduced to only 3). To gain the family's reputation back, Trajan is on the right course: to build repute and contribute to the cosmic history and standing of the world as a whole.   Finding the dwarves, there is a short contest of arm wrestling, when the Cleric defeats Trajan as though it is not a challenge, and Trajan pays this forward to the paladin. Therefore, Korbir the Cleric of Nature & War joins the group, with Trajan and Eavaan. Astara, Nina and Senra go off on their own to strategize pre-battle, then everyone checks out the renovated Trajandome, now mostly functional.   GAME BREAK   The return starts with the introductions, Ulendil, chosen by Astara, giving a full intro show to Azata (their chosen group name) and earning them a grand applause. Sadly the band Eavaan chose to give a grand musical intro doesn't pan as well, but the group coming out manage enough of a musical entry to make up for the poor bard's performance.   In place, everyone gets a chance to buff and fan out. Initiative is set and the strategy is mirrored: Take out the main caster. Sadly, hypnotic pattern land and Senra, being disabled, is taken in a single turn, with Trajan taking advantage of the easy shot, earning them a large lead in the start. The back and forth is easy going at the moment, with bits of damage here and there, but eventually the focus on Eavaan wears and the bard is taken to near no health left. To make their own grand exit, they catapult themselves to unconsciousness (literally, with a catapult in the arena). They are back up but not long enough for much and are the next one down.   During all this, quicks, back and forth, acrobatics, flips and solo combos earn both sides points for style. The whole things however, seem to be getting to poor Nina as she is behind cover, using most of her bonus actions to drink herself numb (concerned medics have been spotted in the stands above).   The outcome of the battle will be settled, in the next session....