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<blockquote data-quote="Galfridus" data-source="post: 1144" data-attributes="member: 119"><p><strong>A Tourney!</strong></p><p></p><p><strong>Magehaven, November 1, LE 653</strong></p><p></p><p>Several days of study and preparation pass. Leilen continues research into the nature of the prophecies. Although the wizards of Magehaven decline his offers to assist with the rest of the text that he helped return, he nevertheless makes some headway with the Prophecy of Midnight. Mystarion continues his scribing, copying spell after spell into his book. Ravenfield spends most of his time in the armory, creating a glaive for use in the tournament. Magnimiliar spends most of his time with Maia; while romance is not exactly in the air, something akin to friendship does seem to be blooming. The others enjoy the quiet and peace, while preparing for the tournament in a few days time. </p><p></p><p>The tourney is to take place within the Enchanter's Quarter. A spell unique to the village, <a href="http://66.34.55.203/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=003327&p=" target="_blank">Aura of Harmlessness</a>, is used to protect the participants and the village itself. The villagers are the defending team: they have a shield which must remain on the tournament field for the duration for them to win. The party is attacking: they must enter the quarter and retrieve the shield. The tournament rules are as follows:</p><p></p><p><strong>Magehaven tournament rules</strong></p><p></p><ol> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Obey the judges and master judges at all times.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">All persons and creatures must retain the <em>Aura of Harmlessness</em> at all times. If the aura drops, that person must exit immediately.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Cancelling the aura on another person is grounds for disqualification.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Intentionally bypassing the protection of the aura (including causing the destruction of equipment) is grounds for disqualification.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Leaving the tournament area is not allowed, save for ethereal, shadow, or astral journeys not more than three seconds in individual duration. (This permits the <em>Blink</em> and <em>Dimension Door</em> spells, but not <em>Ethereal Jaunt</em>.) Forcing another person to leave the tournament area is not allowed. Unless otherwise specified, the interior of buildings, towers, etc. within the tournament area are not considered part of the tournament area.<br /> a. "Closed" extra-dimensional regions (such as <em>Bags of Holding</em>, <em>Magnificent Mansions</em>, etc.) may be created and/or entered.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Familiars, companions, and other allies are permitted so long as they are brought to service via a long-term spell. (<em>Charm</em>, <em>Dominate</em>, etc., do not apply.)<br /> a. Restrictions on the number of recipients may constrain the number of permitted non-familiar allies per team. The master judges will rule on any such arrangements prior to the tournament.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Equipment from defeated and/or unconscious opponents may not be taken or used.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Spells of less than 25 hours duration may not be in effect prior to the start of the tournament.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Potions, wands, scrolls, alchemists' fire, and other non-reusable items may not be used. Spells with expensive material components are allowed at the discretion of the master judges.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Impersonating a judge or master judge, falsifying decrees or statements so as to make them seem official where they are not (for example, a <em>Ventriloquism</em> of a master judge declaring the tournament ended), or unofficial where they are official, are grounds for disqualification.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Spells, effects, or stratagems which promote an extended stalemate may be altered, dispelled, or cancelled at the discretion of the master judges.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ol">Prohibited spells/effects:</li> </ol> <ul> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Spells which violate any of the rules of the tournament or decrees of the judges or master judges.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Spells which cause extended continuing damage: <em>Evard's Black Tentacles</em>, etc. (Short-term damage spells such as <em>Melf's Acid Arrow</em> are allowed.)</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Spells which cause Constitution damage: <em>Poison</em>, etc.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Spells which cause immunity to damage dealt under the <em>Aura of Harmlessness</em>, or which summon creatures immune to such damage.</li> <li data-xf-list-type="ul">Spells which cause significant damage that is not protected by the Aura: <em>Levitating</em> an unwilling recipient high in the air and then canceling the spell, etc. (Persons who <em>Levitate</em> themselves are presumed to accept the risks involved.) This includes damage to equipment and the tournament field.</li> </ul><p></p><p>The party has ample time to speak to Thorald about the village team (as best he can remember them; it's been several years since he was here). They are:</p><p></p><p><strong>Sara Greenbriar.</strong> A outgoing young human who is second in command of the village's Hunters (non-spellcasters who protect the village). A ranger, Sara fights with two short swords, and is reputed to be an accomplished tactician and leader.</p><p></p><p><strong>Maximilian D'Aury.</strong> An outcast of Rellenor, Maximilian is notorious for his skill with the longbow, and at firing from concealed positions. He is in his mid thirties and tends to spend his time with other Hunters.</p><p></p><p><strong>Algar Link.</strong> A young human, boisterous and friendly. Thorald doesn't recall much about him, but had heard that he uses a spiked chain when fighting.</p><p></p><p><strong>Pearl.</strong> A short, plain woman in her mid forties, Pearl is an accomplished illusionist. She is very quiet except when someone gets her talking about illusions; then, she is hard to shut up. She is known for a near-obsessive dedication to creating illusions that cannot be pierced, and tends to become upset when fooled by illusions cast by others. </p><p></p><p><strong>Barantikelldessen.</strong> A strange creature of unknown origin, Baran is half-human and half-ram; similar to a centaur in appearance, but much smaller. Baran is a generalist wizard. He rarely, if ever, speaks of his family or past, but is happy to discuss matters of the village with others.</p><p></p><p><strong>Marie Mistletoe.</strong> The village's only druid, Marie is a human from Kinfeld who spends most of her time in the nearby fields and valleys. Marie is a skilled herbalist and brewer of potions, and is held in high esteem by the villagers. Her age is not known for certain, but she looks to be in her fifties.</p><p></p><p><strong>Frederick Ulfen.</strong> Another young human about whom Thorald knows little. Frederick wears heavy armor (a rarity in Magehaven) and has apparently learned the craft of soldiery quickly.</p><p></p><p><strong>Selphyra Caldyrin.</strong> A half-elf sorcerer of the Abjuration school, Selphyra is Thorald's closest friend in the village. She is bubbly and friendly, but probably not the best tactician in the world.</p><p></p><p>The head of the Hunters, Alden Massen, and the acting head of the Evoker school, Loren Fireshower, will serve as master judges. </p><p></p><p><strong>Magehaven, November 7, LE 653</strong></p><p></p><p>By the day of the tournament, all of the items that were being crafted for the party are ready. Magnimiliar receives a pair of <em>Boots of Active Silence</em>, which make the wearer harder to hear by creating "negating sounds" which counter the sounds made while moving. Leilen gets <em>Leather Armor of Holes</em>: the armor appears soft, with many folds and creases, and no more protective than unenhanced leather. However, weapon blows have a way of "disappearing" into the creases, protecting the user somewhat from their damage. In addition, the wearer can place a single small item into the armor with a command word ("Leomund"); saying the command word again will cause the item to pop out. Elbryn gets two potions of <em>Rabbit Strength</em>, with no further explanation. Jonetello receives his <em>Ring of Sustenance</em>. Quewellen explains that this ring uses mental as well as physical means to prevent the user from craving food or drink, but claims that no side effects have been discovered, as yet. Jonetello's <em>Ring of Sweet Protection</em> is returned unchanged; Quewellen explains he has not had time to give it a proper examination. He did, however, have a chance to <em>Analyze</em> the box they had taken from the mimic's lair. The box, when commanded, grows into a small wooden cottage similar to <em>Leomund's Secure Shelter</em>, with slight changes (doors and windows not <em>Arcane Locked</em>, for example). The cottage lasts 12 hours and is usable once per day.</p><p></p><p>The tournament begins with the party outside the tournament field, and the defenders inside, gathered near the shield that they must defend. The battlefield is mostly open, but at the far end the Hall of Enchantment blocks of most of its width, leaving only two narrow entrances to the yard where the shield is placed. The defenders are not allowed to move the shield at any point, so the party knows that is where they must head. They divide into three strike teams: Alpha, composed of Elbryn, Thorald, and Kanavin; Beta, with Jonetello, Mystarion, and Ravenfield; and Zeta, with Magnimiliar and Leilen as reserve. The master judges verify that everyone is familiar with the rules, and demonstrate the three horn blasts everyone should be listening for: victory for attackers, victory for defenders, and "all halt", sounded only in case of emergency or a serious rules violation. Azimuth raises an illusionary wall across the entrance to the Enchanter's Quarter: when the horn sounds, the attackers have only seconds to cross it and enter the tournament. Most of Magehaven watches from atop the village walls, outside the quarter, and (for a brave few) from within houses in the quarter itself. Maia waves to Magnimiliar from the wall, wishing him luck. And then, with a high, clear note, the contest begins.</p><p></p><p>The attackers move quickly. Alpha group moves left, taking cover behind a cottage. Beta group moves right, likewise taking cover. Zeta group moves forward to a series of pillars, casting defensive spells as they advance. </p><p></p><p>The defenders are soon spotted. From the right, Baran gallops forward, moving fast even for a four-hoofed creature. He scans the field, and smiles as an arrow from Elbryn glances off his magical protections. From the left, Marie advances, a large brown bear at her side. She waits as Beta group advances, obviously looking for the right time to cast a certain spell. Unfortunately for her, Thorald beats her to the punch, emerging from behind the cottage to manifest <em>Control Body</em>. The crowd <em>oohs</em> as mystic lines of force attach themselves to Marie's limbs, impelling her to run toward Thorald and his two backup fighters. The bear follows, remaining close at Marie's side. </p><p></p><p>Seeing this, Baran runs across the field, heading toward Marie's position. Mystarion has been busy casting, and finally <em>Summons</em> a celestial hawk which he sends after Baran. It, too, has trouble with Baran's defenses, and fails to score a hit. As he advances, Elbryn and Kanavin take swings at Marie. Jonetello crosses the field to take shots as well. However, it is Baran who finally takes care of the situation: with a shouted apology to Marie, he drops a <em>Fireball</em> in the midst of the crowd. Marie falls, but several of the attackers are damaged as well. The bear hesitates a moment, but the command to protect his mistress remains, even after she has fallen. With a snarl, the bear mauls Elbryn with both claws and a bite, dealing wounds that, but for the protective spell, would have taken large chunks out of Elbyrn. Acting together, the attackers manage to drop the bear before it can do any more damage.</p><p></p><p>Leilen has been completing Zeta group's preparations: a pair of <em>Invisibility</em> spells. The two split up, Magnimiliar advancing up the road on the right, Leilen using his new <em>Slippers of Spider Climb</em> to run along the wall on the left. Magnimiliar moves swiftly to the corner of the large hall, but Sara Greenbriar is nearby, and hears his footfalls. "Invisible target, front corner!" she calls. Magnimiliar moves away quickly, fearful of an area spell. He remains safe, for the moment, as Sara decides to retreat around the corner into the back yard.</p><p></p><p>Mystarion spots this retreat, and spots a second figure, heavily armored, at that same corner. He shoots a <em>Fireball</em> the length of the field; its impact catches Sara and the other person, and maybe some more around the corner. He steps out from behind the corner to advance, and is nearly pegged by a shot from Maximilian, who becomes visible behind the cottage up the road. Mystarion heads for cover, after tossing a <em>Lightning Bolt</em> across the field into Baran. Maximilian falls back as well, retreating to the back yard a few moments behind Sara.</p><p></p><p>Suddenly, the battle takes a serious turn. Pearl appears unexpectedly in the middle of the battlefield, and begins casting a lengthy spell. In short order, she is charged by Jonetello, Ravenfield, Jonetello, and Kanavin, who all begin hacking away at the diminutive spellcaster. She winces several times, but manages to cast her spell, summoning a celestial ape. "Attack the elf," she commands in Celestial; unfortunately, Mystarion is hidden from the beast's sight. It stands still, scanning the battlefield. Pearl begins casting again, but this time the assault from Jonetello, Ravenfield, and Kanavin is too much, and she loses the spell. The attackers are starting to get concerned, however - they have done over 50 points of damage and she is still standing! Next round, she casts defensively, then turns <em>Invisible</em>. The attackers strike at her, but only Kanavin manages to land a blow. Still, she remains standing.</p><p></p><p>Magnimiliar is close by Pearl, but decides to focus forward rather than back. He uses his <em>Crossbow of Ventriloquism</em> to send a muffled "Oof!" sound into a corner across the road. Sure enough, he soon hears Sara: "Attacker, south yard!" and a large wolf bounds across the road, sniffing and searching the area. </p><p></p><p>On the left side, Thorald, Elbryn and his wolf are advancing. Thorald moves slowly, waiting for Pearl to cast a spell he can attempt to <em>Negate</em>. After missing her Summon spell, he advances up the center, running Up the Wall and onto the roof of the main hall. Baran decides now is as good a time as any to fall back. He disappears around the corner, the hawk close on his heels (hooves, that is). A loud squawk and a few loose feathers drift back from the yard, and the hawk is no more. After a few moments, Baran rounds the corner again, only to cast <em>Obscuring Mist</em>. Elbryn and Leilen (still moving along the wall) slow, but continue their advance.</p><p></p><p>Suddenly, the invisible Pearl grows silent. A visible, <em>Flying Pearl</em> appears above the main hall, casting a spell. Jonetello sees Count Blaumere, the nobleman who caused the execution of his lord, charge from around the corner. As Jonetello gapes in (not quite enough) disbelief, the Count runs Jonetello through with a jagged greatsword. Jonetello falls to the ground, unconscious. The others see nothing but Jonetello's collapse. Ravenfield screams as Pearl casts again; and Kanavin collapses in similar manner. Pearl then flies behind the great hall, leaving a stunned and decimated attacking team. </p><p></p><p>But the battle is not yet over. After sending another distracting arrow, Magnimilar makes his away around the corner and toward the back yard where their target is waiting. Sara, Frederick, Algar, and Selphyra are all waiting in the yard - but no one appears to see him. Pearl is drifting overhead, but seems not to notice him either. He dashes forward to the shield, and startles as he hears a pair of invisible footsteps approaching from the other side: Leilen, advancing in tandem. Leilen slowly lifts the shield up: and the defending team takes their cue.</p><p></p><p>Pearl begins, targeting the shield as the center of a <em>Glitterdust</em>. Both scouts are made visible, and Leilen is blinded as well. Pearl continues with a volley of four <em>Magic Missiles</em>, but these dissipate against Magnimiliar's Shield. Algar, Frederick and Sara charge back and deal telling blows against the pair. Selphyra sends two of her own Magic Missiles into Magnimiliar, from behind. Both are still standing; but then from above, an arrow appears out of nowhere and strikes Leilen in the neck, knocking him out. He falls to the ground, dropping the shield. Magnimiliar swiftly gathers the shield into his <em>Bag of Holding</em>, as Elbryn rounds the corner. From the rooftop above, Thorald pummels the melee with a <em>Mind Blast</em>, catching several attackers as well as defenders, but his mind and spirit are not one, and the blast affects no one. Mystarion moves forward quickly, hearing the cacophony and sensing the battle is at its peak. </p><p></p><p>A second series of attacks from the defenders, including another invisible arrow from above, manage to take care of Magnimiliar and Elbryn. Baran appears, and shoots a crossbow bolt at Mystarion, but misses. Only Ravenfield (still advancing), Thorald, and Mystarion still stand for the defenders. Mystarion reaches the edge of the yard, and sends a <em>Fireball</em> into the melee, hoping to take care of Baran at least, but no one falls. Thorald, however, is more successful with a second <em>Mind Blast</em>: Sara, Frederick, and Maximilian are all stunned into inaction. Pearl is not affected, and responds with a <em>Choke</em> for Thorald. Thorald shudders as invisible, spectral hands begin to choke the life out of him: too vividly he recalls the last, fatal, time he was the target of this spell. Selphyra apologizes sincerely as she <em>Magic Missiles</em> Thorald. Baran, also low on spells, tries to <em>Daze</em> Mystarion, to no avail. </p><p></p><p>The defenders are distracted. Thorald sees his chance. He dashes down the wall and picks up the <em>Bag of Holding</em>, shield still inside. He takes a shot from the invisible archer, but is still standing - barely. He runs back up the wall, victory literally in his grasp. Before anyone can follow, Mystarion uses his last big spell: <em>Web</em>. Soon, Pearl and Selphyra are helpless. The invisible archer drops the rope out of his <em>Rope Trick</em> hiding place, but cannot step out without becoming entangled. By the time he can light a torch and clear the webbing away, Thorald has crossed the line. The horn sounds victory for the attackers; and Thorald collapses, the <em>Choke</em> spell succeeding moments too late. The party has won.</p><p></p><p>[ December 09, 2001: Message edited by: Galfridus ]</p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="Galfridus, post: 1144, member: 119"] [b]A Tourney![/b] [b]Magehaven, November 1, LE 653[/b] Several days of study and preparation pass. Leilen continues research into the nature of the prophecies. Although the wizards of Magehaven decline his offers to assist with the rest of the text that he helped return, he nevertheless makes some headway with the Prophecy of Midnight. Mystarion continues his scribing, copying spell after spell into his book. Ravenfield spends most of his time in the armory, creating a glaive for use in the tournament. Magnimiliar spends most of his time with Maia; while romance is not exactly in the air, something akin to friendship does seem to be blooming. The others enjoy the quiet and peace, while preparing for the tournament in a few days time. The tourney is to take place within the Enchanter's Quarter. A spell unique to the village, [URL=http://66.34.55.203/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic&f=2&t=003327&p=]Aura of Harmlessness[/URL], is used to protect the participants and the village itself. The villagers are the defending team: they have a shield which must remain on the tournament field for the duration for them to win. The party is attacking: they must enter the quarter and retrieve the shield. The tournament rules are as follows: [b]Magehaven tournament rules[/b] [list=1][*]Obey the judges and master judges at all times.[*]All persons and creatures must retain the [i]Aura of Harmlessness[/i] at all times. If the aura drops, that person must exit immediately.[*]Cancelling the aura on another person is grounds for disqualification.[*]Intentionally bypassing the protection of the aura (including causing the destruction of equipment) is grounds for disqualification.[*]Leaving the tournament area is not allowed, save for ethereal, shadow, or astral journeys not more than three seconds in individual duration. (This permits the [i]Blink[/i] and [i]Dimension Door[/i] spells, but not [i]Ethereal Jaunt[/i].) Forcing another person to leave the tournament area is not allowed. Unless otherwise specified, the interior of buildings, towers, etc. within the tournament area are not considered part of the tournament area. a. "Closed" extra-dimensional regions (such as [i]Bags of Holding[/i], [i]Magnificent Mansions[/i], etc.) may be created and/or entered.[*]Familiars, companions, and other allies are permitted so long as they are brought to service via a long-term spell. ([i]Charm[/i], [i]Dominate[/i], etc., do not apply.) a. Restrictions on the number of recipients may constrain the number of permitted non-familiar allies per team. The master judges will rule on any such arrangements prior to the tournament.[*]Equipment from defeated and/or unconscious opponents may not be taken or used. [*]Spells of less than 25 hours duration may not be in effect prior to the start of the tournament.[*]Potions, wands, scrolls, alchemists' fire, and other non-reusable items may not be used. Spells with expensive material components are allowed at the discretion of the master judges.[*]Impersonating a judge or master judge, falsifying decrees or statements so as to make them seem official where they are not (for example, a [i]Ventriloquism[/i] of a master judge declaring the tournament ended), or unofficial where they are official, are grounds for disqualification.[*]Spells, effects, or stratagems which promote an extended stalemate may be altered, dispelled, or cancelled at the discretion of the master judges.[*]Prohibited spells/effects:[/list][list][*]Spells which violate any of the rules of the tournament or decrees of the judges or master judges.[*]Spells which cause extended continuing damage: [i]Evard's Black Tentacles[/i], etc. (Short-term damage spells such as [i]Melf's Acid Arrow[/i] are allowed.)[*]Spells which cause Constitution damage: [i]Poison[/i], etc.[*]Spells which cause immunity to damage dealt under the [i]Aura of Harmlessness[/i], or which summon creatures immune to such damage.[*]Spells which cause significant damage that is not protected by the Aura: [i]Levitating[/i] an unwilling recipient high in the air and then canceling the spell, etc. (Persons who [i]Levitate[/i] themselves are presumed to accept the risks involved.) This includes damage to equipment and the tournament field.[/list] The party has ample time to speak to Thorald about the village team (as best he can remember them; it's been several years since he was here). They are: [b]Sara Greenbriar.[/b] A outgoing young human who is second in command of the village's Hunters (non-spellcasters who protect the village). A ranger, Sara fights with two short swords, and is reputed to be an accomplished tactician and leader. [b]Maximilian D'Aury.[/b] An outcast of Rellenor, Maximilian is notorious for his skill with the longbow, and at firing from concealed positions. He is in his mid thirties and tends to spend his time with other Hunters. [b]Algar Link.[/b] A young human, boisterous and friendly. Thorald doesn't recall much about him, but had heard that he uses a spiked chain when fighting. [b]Pearl.[/b] A short, plain woman in her mid forties, Pearl is an accomplished illusionist. She is very quiet except when someone gets her talking about illusions; then, she is hard to shut up. She is known for a near-obsessive dedication to creating illusions that cannot be pierced, and tends to become upset when fooled by illusions cast by others. [b]Barantikelldessen.[/b] A strange creature of unknown origin, Baran is half-human and half-ram; similar to a centaur in appearance, but much smaller. Baran is a generalist wizard. He rarely, if ever, speaks of his family or past, but is happy to discuss matters of the village with others. [b]Marie Mistletoe.[/b] The village's only druid, Marie is a human from Kinfeld who spends most of her time in the nearby fields and valleys. Marie is a skilled herbalist and brewer of potions, and is held in high esteem by the villagers. Her age is not known for certain, but she looks to be in her fifties. [b]Frederick Ulfen.[/b] Another young human about whom Thorald knows little. Frederick wears heavy armor (a rarity in Magehaven) and has apparently learned the craft of soldiery quickly. [b]Selphyra Caldyrin.[/b] A half-elf sorcerer of the Abjuration school, Selphyra is Thorald's closest friend in the village. She is bubbly and friendly, but probably not the best tactician in the world. The head of the Hunters, Alden Massen, and the acting head of the Evoker school, Loren Fireshower, will serve as master judges. [b]Magehaven, November 7, LE 653[/b] By the day of the tournament, all of the items that were being crafted for the party are ready. Magnimiliar receives a pair of [i]Boots of Active Silence[/i], which make the wearer harder to hear by creating "negating sounds" which counter the sounds made while moving. Leilen gets [i]Leather Armor of Holes[/i]: the armor appears soft, with many folds and creases, and no more protective than unenhanced leather. However, weapon blows have a way of "disappearing" into the creases, protecting the user somewhat from their damage. In addition, the wearer can place a single small item into the armor with a command word ("Leomund"); saying the command word again will cause the item to pop out. Elbryn gets two potions of [i]Rabbit Strength[/i], with no further explanation. Jonetello receives his [i]Ring of Sustenance[/i]. Quewellen explains that this ring uses mental as well as physical means to prevent the user from craving food or drink, but claims that no side effects have been discovered, as yet. Jonetello's [i]Ring of Sweet Protection[/i] is returned unchanged; Quewellen explains he has not had time to give it a proper examination. He did, however, have a chance to [i]Analyze[/i] the box they had taken from the mimic's lair. The box, when commanded, grows into a small wooden cottage similar to [i]Leomund's Secure Shelter[/i], with slight changes (doors and windows not [i]Arcane Locked[/i], for example). The cottage lasts 12 hours and is usable once per day. The tournament begins with the party outside the tournament field, and the defenders inside, gathered near the shield that they must defend. The battlefield is mostly open, but at the far end the Hall of Enchantment blocks of most of its width, leaving only two narrow entrances to the yard where the shield is placed. The defenders are not allowed to move the shield at any point, so the party knows that is where they must head. They divide into three strike teams: Alpha, composed of Elbryn, Thorald, and Kanavin; Beta, with Jonetello, Mystarion, and Ravenfield; and Zeta, with Magnimiliar and Leilen as reserve. The master judges verify that everyone is familiar with the rules, and demonstrate the three horn blasts everyone should be listening for: victory for attackers, victory for defenders, and "all halt", sounded only in case of emergency or a serious rules violation. Azimuth raises an illusionary wall across the entrance to the Enchanter's Quarter: when the horn sounds, the attackers have only seconds to cross it and enter the tournament. Most of Magehaven watches from atop the village walls, outside the quarter, and (for a brave few) from within houses in the quarter itself. Maia waves to Magnimiliar from the wall, wishing him luck. And then, with a high, clear note, the contest begins. The attackers move quickly. Alpha group moves left, taking cover behind a cottage. Beta group moves right, likewise taking cover. Zeta group moves forward to a series of pillars, casting defensive spells as they advance. The defenders are soon spotted. From the right, Baran gallops forward, moving fast even for a four-hoofed creature. He scans the field, and smiles as an arrow from Elbryn glances off his magical protections. From the left, Marie advances, a large brown bear at her side. She waits as Beta group advances, obviously looking for the right time to cast a certain spell. Unfortunately for her, Thorald beats her to the punch, emerging from behind the cottage to manifest [i]Control Body[/i]. The crowd [i]oohs[/i] as mystic lines of force attach themselves to Marie's limbs, impelling her to run toward Thorald and his two backup fighters. The bear follows, remaining close at Marie's side. Seeing this, Baran runs across the field, heading toward Marie's position. Mystarion has been busy casting, and finally [i]Summons[/i] a celestial hawk which he sends after Baran. It, too, has trouble with Baran's defenses, and fails to score a hit. As he advances, Elbryn and Kanavin take swings at Marie. Jonetello crosses the field to take shots as well. However, it is Baran who finally takes care of the situation: with a shouted apology to Marie, he drops a [i]Fireball[/i] in the midst of the crowd. Marie falls, but several of the attackers are damaged as well. The bear hesitates a moment, but the command to protect his mistress remains, even after she has fallen. With a snarl, the bear mauls Elbryn with both claws and a bite, dealing wounds that, but for the protective spell, would have taken large chunks out of Elbyrn. Acting together, the attackers manage to drop the bear before it can do any more damage. Leilen has been completing Zeta group's preparations: a pair of [i]Invisibility[/i] spells. The two split up, Magnimiliar advancing up the road on the right, Leilen using his new [i]Slippers of Spider Climb[/i] to run along the wall on the left. Magnimiliar moves swiftly to the corner of the large hall, but Sara Greenbriar is nearby, and hears his footfalls. "Invisible target, front corner!" she calls. Magnimiliar moves away quickly, fearful of an area spell. He remains safe, for the moment, as Sara decides to retreat around the corner into the back yard. Mystarion spots this retreat, and spots a second figure, heavily armored, at that same corner. He shoots a [i]Fireball[/i] the length of the field; its impact catches Sara and the other person, and maybe some more around the corner. He steps out from behind the corner to advance, and is nearly pegged by a shot from Maximilian, who becomes visible behind the cottage up the road. Mystarion heads for cover, after tossing a [i]Lightning Bolt[/i] across the field into Baran. Maximilian falls back as well, retreating to the back yard a few moments behind Sara. Suddenly, the battle takes a serious turn. Pearl appears unexpectedly in the middle of the battlefield, and begins casting a lengthy spell. In short order, she is charged by Jonetello, Ravenfield, Jonetello, and Kanavin, who all begin hacking away at the diminutive spellcaster. She winces several times, but manages to cast her spell, summoning a celestial ape. "Attack the elf," she commands in Celestial; unfortunately, Mystarion is hidden from the beast's sight. It stands still, scanning the battlefield. Pearl begins casting again, but this time the assault from Jonetello, Ravenfield, and Kanavin is too much, and she loses the spell. The attackers are starting to get concerned, however - they have done over 50 points of damage and she is still standing! Next round, she casts defensively, then turns [i]Invisible[/i]. The attackers strike at her, but only Kanavin manages to land a blow. Still, she remains standing. Magnimiliar is close by Pearl, but decides to focus forward rather than back. He uses his [i]Crossbow of Ventriloquism[/i] to send a muffled "Oof!" sound into a corner across the road. Sure enough, he soon hears Sara: "Attacker, south yard!" and a large wolf bounds across the road, sniffing and searching the area. On the left side, Thorald, Elbryn and his wolf are advancing. Thorald moves slowly, waiting for Pearl to cast a spell he can attempt to [i]Negate[/i]. After missing her Summon spell, he advances up the center, running Up the Wall and onto the roof of the main hall. Baran decides now is as good a time as any to fall back. He disappears around the corner, the hawk close on his heels (hooves, that is). A loud squawk and a few loose feathers drift back from the yard, and the hawk is no more. After a few moments, Baran rounds the corner again, only to cast [i]Obscuring Mist[/i]. Elbryn and Leilen (still moving along the wall) slow, but continue their advance. Suddenly, the invisible Pearl grows silent. A visible, [i]Flying Pearl[/i] appears above the main hall, casting a spell. Jonetello sees Count Blaumere, the nobleman who caused the execution of his lord, charge from around the corner. As Jonetello gapes in (not quite enough) disbelief, the Count runs Jonetello through with a jagged greatsword. Jonetello falls to the ground, unconscious. The others see nothing but Jonetello's collapse. Ravenfield screams as Pearl casts again; and Kanavin collapses in similar manner. Pearl then flies behind the great hall, leaving a stunned and decimated attacking team. But the battle is not yet over. After sending another distracting arrow, Magnimilar makes his away around the corner and toward the back yard where their target is waiting. Sara, Frederick, Algar, and Selphyra are all waiting in the yard - but no one appears to see him. Pearl is drifting overhead, but seems not to notice him either. He dashes forward to the shield, and startles as he hears a pair of invisible footsteps approaching from the other side: Leilen, advancing in tandem. Leilen slowly lifts the shield up: and the defending team takes their cue. Pearl begins, targeting the shield as the center of a [i]Glitterdust[/i]. Both scouts are made visible, and Leilen is blinded as well. Pearl continues with a volley of four [i]Magic Missiles[/i], but these dissipate against Magnimiliar's Shield. Algar, Frederick and Sara charge back and deal telling blows against the pair. Selphyra sends two of her own Magic Missiles into Magnimiliar, from behind. Both are still standing; but then from above, an arrow appears out of nowhere and strikes Leilen in the neck, knocking him out. He falls to the ground, dropping the shield. Magnimiliar swiftly gathers the shield into his [i]Bag of Holding[/i], as Elbryn rounds the corner. From the rooftop above, Thorald pummels the melee with a [i]Mind Blast[/i], catching several attackers as well as defenders, but his mind and spirit are not one, and the blast affects no one. Mystarion moves forward quickly, hearing the cacophony and sensing the battle is at its peak. A second series of attacks from the defenders, including another invisible arrow from above, manage to take care of Magnimiliar and Elbryn. Baran appears, and shoots a crossbow bolt at Mystarion, but misses. Only Ravenfield (still advancing), Thorald, and Mystarion still stand for the defenders. Mystarion reaches the edge of the yard, and sends a [i]Fireball[/i] into the melee, hoping to take care of Baran at least, but no one falls. Thorald, however, is more successful with a second [i]Mind Blast[/i]: Sara, Frederick, and Maximilian are all stunned into inaction. Pearl is not affected, and responds with a [i]Choke[/i] for Thorald. Thorald shudders as invisible, spectral hands begin to choke the life out of him: too vividly he recalls the last, fatal, time he was the target of this spell. Selphyra apologizes sincerely as she [i]Magic Missiles[/i] Thorald. Baran, also low on spells, tries to [i]Daze[/i] Mystarion, to no avail. The defenders are distracted. Thorald sees his chance. He dashes down the wall and picks up the [i]Bag of Holding[/i], shield still inside. He takes a shot from the invisible archer, but is still standing - barely. He runs back up the wall, victory literally in his grasp. Before anyone can follow, Mystarion uses his last big spell: [i]Web[/i]. Soon, Pearl and Selphyra are helpless. The invisible archer drops the rope out of his [i]Rope Trick[/i] hiding place, but cannot step out without becoming entangled. By the time he can light a torch and clear the webbing away, Thorald has crossed the line. The horn sounds victory for the attackers; and Thorald collapses, the [i]Choke[/i] spell succeeding moments too late. The party has won. [ December 09, 2001: Message edited by: Galfridus ] [/QUOTE]
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