PrP: Artificer's Arena Challenge

Name: Artificer's Arena Challenge

Summary: A Gnomish artificer, Scuzzy Chinberries, decides to demonstrate the durability of his clockwork mechanations for a potential buyer against some of Alexandria's best.

Type: Standard

The call goes out through the Adventurer's Guild as well as the Armsmasters Guild. Renowned (for some reasons better than others) gnomish artificer Scuzzy Chinberries has hired adventurers to help test his new creation. So confident is he, in fact, that he decided to host his demonstration for his prospective buyers in the Arena, for all to see. Apparently, there's some extra working capital for doing it this way. Scuzzy then promptly had a nervous fit all over the floor in the common room of the Engineer's Enclave. Poor Scuzzy...

At any rate, you the adventurers find yourselves being shuffled out towards the arena grounds yet again, while the crowd furiously chants: 'Scuzzy! Scuzzy! Scuzzy!' With a voice enhanced by magitech, the announcer booms away, "Ladies, gentlemen, and species of indeterminate gender, tonight we have a special treat for you! From the devious mind of Scuzzy Chinberries, world renowned for his innovations in fortress and tower magitech defense systems, comes the next generation of devices to keep out the nosy neighbors. But first, lets meet the challengers!"

"All the way from ... they didn't fill out this part?" The announcer gives out a long and drawn out sigh, before he says in his less announcery voice, "To think I gave the theater up for this." He clears his throat, "Our challengers! Sir Eligar. Knight! Of! Peace!" The announcer gives plenty of time for applause, then continues, "Aleron Laurent. ESQUIRE!" Then concludes, "Vekson! Wizard in service of... LORD... SCRUFFY-kins?" There is a pause in the applause as people look around in confusion. Even the announcer is thrown off, "(This can't be spelled right. Oh, fine. Get on with it." AHEM "And the moment you've all been waiting for. The unveiling of the next generation defense system. Ladies! Gentlemen! Others! I give you... The Forever Guardian!"

The portculis across the way slowly rises. There is a large hiss of steam and a gout of flame that does not come from the gate. A stomp can be heard, followed by another, then another as it picks up speed. Then, it can be seen, a mechanical monstrosity that somewhat vaguely resembles a human being. It is unarmored, but there seems to be a helmet upon its head, if that is what it can be truly called. In its right hand is a halberd. It marches unflappably to the center of the the arena, to the adulation of the crowd, and begins to spin that halberd in tight figure eights around itself. It switches hands quickly and easily, ending in a pose that would give the Power Rangers a run for their money. Just barely over the crowd, the announcer can be heard to say:

"Begin!"

<OOC> Lanier says, "+inits once you're done reading. I'll be back in one moment. :)"

GAME: Vekson rolls initiative: Roll: 12 + Bonus: 3 = Total: 15

GAME: Aleron rolls initiative: Roll: 11 + Bonus: 5 = Total: 16

GAME: Eligar rolls initiative: Roll: 8 + Bonus: 1 = Total: 9

GAME: You roll initiative for Guardian: Roll: 20 + Bonus: 6 = Total: 26

<OOC> Lanier says, "Ok. Guardian is up. He will charge Aleron."

GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+20: (1)+20: 21

<OOC> Lanier says, "Alright. Aleron's AC is a 22, but I think a Nat 1 misses anyway. So there... Aleron, you're up."

<OOC> Aleron says, "Five foot to try to make it easier for a party member to flank, ready full-attack should someone step to flank."

At the sound of the buzzer, the construct's eyes light with magitech energies flowing through it. With a burst of steam from its geared legs, it carries itself forward as it spins its halberd. It closes in on Aleron, bringing the halberd down towards the head of the squire. Unfortunately, something explodes, sending a gear flying into the audience, and causing the machine to bury its halberd in the dirt of the arena grounds.

<OOC> Vekson says, "Using my riding dog to move 30' range from the machine, and casting Burning Gaze"

<OOC> Lanier says, "Sure. +cast the spell while I look it up."

GAME: Vekson casts Burning Gaze.

Aleron has been eating at a ripe green apple since stepping into the arena... and is suddenly forced to block a whirling blade, only deflecting off of his shield into the ground, forcing him to drop the apple. Seemingly too calm for his own good, he just shakes his head and takes a step to the side, seeing if perhaps another stranger with him would take the cue.

Vekson screams when the machine charges at Aleron, apparently the goblin is a little excitable. He quickly nudges the large dog he is riding to move farther away, "Move away quick Lucky!" The dog steers Vekson away, as the goblin moves, he begins to gesture, his hands tracing arcane symbols and then he reaches into a pocket and pulls out a small round object. A few arcane words are spoken and the round object vanishes into smoke that curls up and seems to go inside the goblins eyes.

<OOC> Eligar says, "Charge!"

GAME: Eligar rolls 1d20+12: (12)+12: 24

<OOC> Lanier says, "That's a hit."

<OOC> Lanier says, "Damage?"

GAME: Eligar rolls 2d8+8: (7)+8: 15

<OOC> Eligar says, "I have ride by attack btw so I ride by him and turn around."

<OOC> Lanier says, "Also, Aleron, take your full attack."

<OOC> Aleron says, "Assuming flank?"

<OOC> Lanier says, "No, I imagine Eligar is a distance off."

GAME: Aleron rolls 1d20+8: (18)+8: 26

GAME: Aleron rolls 1d20+8: (3)+8: 11

<OOC> Lanier says, "What's your weapon?"

<OOC> Aleron says, "1st is masterwork rapier. 2nd is +1 bashing light steel shield."

<OOC> Lanier says, "Ok. Possible crit. Roll to confirm it."

GAME: Aleron rolls 1d20+8: (7)+8: 15

<OOC> Lanier says, "Meh. Go ahead and roll damage. Just a hit."

GAME: Aleron rolls 1d6+2: (3)+2: 5

<OOC> Lanier says, "Round 2. Constructs are vulnerable to crits, btw. Good call, Aleron. Guardian is up. He's going to go for Aleron again."

Aleron cringes, as he sees the other two sweep by on their mounts. He takes his prepared strikes, trying to strike between the gaps of the armor, managing to slide the blade within at least, but manages to hit nothing of import. Might be time to change tactics...

GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+18: (15)+18: 33

GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+13: (5)+13: 18

<OOC> Lanier says, "1 hit."

GAME: Lanier rolls 1d10+13: (1)+13: 14

GAME: Lanier damaged Aleron for 14 points. 17 remaining.

<OOC> Lanier says, "Posing it now. Aleron, you're up again."

<OOC> Aleron says, "Reposition another 5 feet (probably able to form a straight line to Eligar with the second step), ready full attack for when flank is formed, expertise @ 4 (26 AC)."

The Forever Guardian endures a multitude of strikes from the onslaught of the adventurers, moving its actuated arms quickly to mitigate some of the effect of the attacks brought forth. It brings the halberd around once again, slicing into Aleron deftly. It pulls through its attack, bringing it up and around as specialized servomotors propel the mechanation into the air to the crowd's delight. As gravity exacts its vengeance and pulls the machine back towards the ground, it swings the halberd in a glorious overheaded smite which finds nothing but arena floor.

<OOC> Vekson says, "I stare at the guardian and try to set him on fire. First: Fort save vs 16, if that fails 1d6 damage and a reflex save vs 16 or catch on fire."

<OOC> Lanier says, "Ok. Burning Gaze ... does work on objects, so it also works on constructs. It gets no fortitude save, so roll 1d6 off the bat."

GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+6: (2)+6: 8

GAME: Vekson rolls 1d6: (5): 5

<OOC> Lanier says, "And it catches on fire, as well."

Vekson remains on his dog Lucky, and turns to look at the Guardian. Smoke seems to seep from the edge of his eyes, whisps rising in the air as his eyes turn firey red. Then, the flames erupt on the guardian. Vekson.....looks shocked, he starts shouting "Lord! Lord! It worked!! I set him on fire lord, did you see it!!" The goblin is almost about to fall off the dogs saddle he is so excited.

<OOC> Eligar says, "Charge!"

GAME: Eligar rolls 1d20+12: (9)+12: 21

<OOC> Lanier says, "That's a hit. Roll damage."

GAME: Eligar rolls 2d8+8: (9)+8: 17

<OOC> Lanier says, "Awesome. Pose it up. I assume you're ride-by attacking again?"

<OOC> Lanier says, "So as you hit, Aleron takes his attacks with a +2 for flanking."

GAME: Aleron rolls 1d20+6: (13)+6: 19

GAME: Aleron rolls 1d20+6: (16)+6: 22

<OOC> Eligar says, "Yep."

<OOC> Lanier says, "Hit with the off-hand."

Eligar turns his horse Kindroth around and charges back towards the metal monstrosity. His lance punches another hole into the construct as he rides past.

GAME: Aleron rolls 3d6+3: (16)+3: 19

<OOC> Lanier says, "Solid hit, btw."

<OOC> Lanier says, "Guardian is going to break away from Aleron and attack Eligar."

<OOC> Lanier says, "Aleron gets an AoO."

<OOC> Lanier says, "He's also on fire, so..."

GAME: Lanier rolls 1d6: (2): 2

GAME: Aleron rolls 1d20+6: (13)+6: 19

<OOC> Lanier says, "That's a miss."

GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+18: (4)+18: 22

GAME: Lanier rolls 1d10+13: (7)+13: 20

GAME: Lanier damaged Eligar for 20 points. 16 remaining.

The Forever Guardian goes up in flames at the hand of the goblin wizard. Unflappably, it continues its assault with only the most minute loss of functionality. Perhaps its movements are not so smooth. It is smooth enough to avoid an attack by the squire as it charges the knight on horseback. With a mighty swing of its halberd, it lands a telling blow upon Eligar.

The crowd is absolutely going wild. Men are screaming. Women are fainting. Somewhere, there is a gnome artificer doing the 'I'm getting rich' dance.

<OOC> Aleron says, "Charge, -4 combat expertise (24 AC), -2 to base attack, to form flank?"

<OOC> Lanier says, "Flank is a go. Roll it up."

<OOC> Aleron says, "And using shield."

GAME: Aleron rolls 1d20+10: (8)+10: 18

<OOC> Lanier says, "Hit."

GAME: Aleron rolls 3d6+3: (15)+3: 18

<OOC> Vekson says, "Well....I'm not sure, but I think I can burn him with my eyes, just, he is already on fire so that wont matter"

<OOC> Vekson says, "So I'd like to do the eye burn vs fort again"

<OOC> Lanier says, "Yeah, once he's on fire, you can't burn him again."

<OOC> Vekson says, "Ohh, hrm..."

Aleron cringes again as he's sliced at the side, right through the thin, dull-colored armor he wears beneath his cloak. He finally manages to slip his blade between the armored plates, seemingly causing a vomit of gears to spew from the gap... and again upon taking a cautious dash into it again, catching it from behind with the shield causing a plate to crash to the dirt of the arena.

<OOC> Vekson says, "Wait, can I do what aleron said?"

<OOC> Vekson says, "Kinda angle off a burning hands on the guy and not hit my team?"

<OOC> Lanier says, "Yes."

<OOC> Vekson says, "Doing that"

Editor's Note: Aleron suggests position for Vekson that allows him a Burning Hand spell without injuring teammates.

GAME: Vekson casts Burning Hands.

GAME: Vekson rolls 3d4: (7): 7

<OOC> Vekson says, "Save reflex 15 for half"

GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+6: (10)+6: 16

Vekson applauds as the other fighters seem to be doing well, then he blinks. "Yes lord? Ohh, yes, right! I should fight too!...um. Lets move up lucky!" He nudges the dog forward and off to the side, then spreads out his hands and speaks a few arcane words. Jets of fire fly from his fingertips, sending more flames across the target and coming very close to hitting his own team. "I got him!" the goblin crys out.

<OOC> Eligar says, "I'll back up five feet and try to hit with lance"

GAME: Eligar rolls 1d20+8: (18)+8: 26

<OOC> Lanier says, "That's a hit. Roll damage."

GAME: Eligar rolls 1d8+4: (7)+4: 11

<OOC> Lanier says, "Top of round 4. The thing is going to turn around and attempt to hit Aleron."

GAME: Lanier rolls 1d6: (3): 3

<OOC> Lanier says, "Takes 3 fire damage for being lit up."

Eligar gets hit as he tries to use his shield to ward of the blow from the Halberd. He turns and goes to thrust his lance at the mechanical golem. He smashes some inside gears as his horse backs away.

GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+18: (13)+18: 31

GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+13: (11)+13: 24

<OOC> Aleron says, "Both hit."

GAME: Lanier rolls 1d10+13: (4)+13: 17

GAME: Lanier damaged Aleron for 17 points. 0 remaining.

<OOC> Lanier says, "Ok. Aleron is down. Being that this is not a death consent plot, a healer from the arena immediately stabilizes him. If someone can get him some healing, he'd be back up."

The Forever Guardian is putting up one heck of a fight as it goes back and forth between the paladin and the knight. The halberd moves with whiplike accuracy, gears and cogs whirring as the polearm flows through the air with grace that really speaks to the insanity of its creator. Turning smoothly as it is struck with the lance, the construct's arms glow with magicite energy as it swings the halberd into Aleron with ferocity, a whistle of steam exploding from its arm from built up back pressure.

<OOC> Vekson says, "Another burning hands"

GAME: Vekson casts Burning Hands.

GAME: Vekson rolls 3d4: (11): 11

GAME: Lanier rolls 1d20+6: (2)+6: 8

<OOC> Lanier says, "Good hit. Doesn't save. Pose it up."

Vekson screams as Alereon goes down, "Its going to kill me lord!!!" He then starts chanting arcane words quickly, spreading his fingers out once more to send another burst of flame towards the creation. "STAY AWAY!!!!"

<OOC> Eligar says, "I'll ride by and attack."

<OOC> Lanier says, "Roll it."

<OOC> Eligar says, "Full 50 so it has to chase me."

GAME: Eligar rolls 1d20+8: (13)+8: 21

<OOC> Lanier says, "Roll damage."

GAME: Eligar rolls 1d8+4: (7)+4: 11

<OOC> Lanier says, "You need to do more than 6 points, which you did. So it has a melt down in the middle of the arena floor."

<OOC> Lanier says, "It's spare parts. Pose it up while I work on our exit pose. :)"

Eligar rides by the golem and he hits it with his lance once more. He rips out it's metal heart as he rides past it just incase it wanted to chase him. He turns around and he rides back over towards Aleron, "Healer!"

Aleron puffs as he's scraped off the floor, making gurgling sounds akin to a still gone haywire. "I'm really getting too old for this..." he cracks, shaking his head. "... but it's a break from paperwork. Endless, endless paperwork."

Vekson covers his eyes with his hands when the cavalier rides down the golem and it starts to fall apart. He peeks through some fingers, and calls out "Is it over?" The smoke is gone from his eyes now, and he peers at whats left of the machine. "Ewwwwww."

"It's over! Our adventurers have done it!"

As is custom, two groups of healers rush out on to the arena grounds to tend to the wounded. One group arrives at Aleron's location, beginning to work over him with their healing magics until he is conscious once more. The other heads towards the remains of the construct, trying to figure out what goes where and generally look as if they deserve to be paid for offering their services this fight.

"And now a word from Scuzzy Chinberries: Look at the beautiful devastation caused by this wonderfully barbaric, yet technologically advanced, machine! One adventurer down, another bleeding profusely! If one can challenge your enemies to this extent, what can you do with three?!" Ahem. Now that he's done shilling. "Your winners for this match: Sir Eligar, Knight of Peace! Aleron Laurent, Esquire! And Vekson, wizard in service of Lord -- I've had it. I quit." With that, the announcements go silent, but everyone keeps cheering anyway.