OOC: Thanks Albedo, without further ado here's Halford's entry...
“My esteemed colleagues perhaps you would permit me to take the stage next? I am Halford a humble musician who happens to have picked up a few insignificant tricks over the years.” The voice is silken, deep, melodious, and comes from an extremely handsome clean shaven man whose manner of dress is more in keeping with a noble than a mage. The observant would also note that he wore a chainshirt beneath his finery and that a shield was strapped across his back.
[Sblock=OOC] Diplomacy check 66 (33 skill mod., + 12 Improvisation (caster level was 24), + 15 Divine Insight). Bluff check, on a few insignificant tricks, 69 (25 skill mod., 12 Improvisation, 30 Glibness).[/Sblock]
So saying Halford strides confidently from the ranks of his fellows, intoning a spell as he does so, flashing a dazzling white toothed smile to his assembled peers. With that he bows doffing his wide brimmed blue hat, complete with peacock feather set at a suitably rakish angle, using the movement to pull free a finely crafted lute from his back and revealing a mane of luxurious black hair shot through with the faintest shimmers of silver.
[Sblock=OOC] DC 16 Spellcraft reveals this to be the Divine Spell Divine Insight, which gives an insight bonus on the next skill use.[/Sblock]
“I call this piece clash of the Titans.” The musician says with a smile as his fingers begin to caress the lute strings. An irresistible toe tapping melody flows forth lifting the spirits of all who hear it evoking pleasant memories past and poignant, bringing forth joy, loneliness, and a rapturous love of life.
[Sblock=OOC] Perform String Instruments 69 (29 skill mod., 12 Improvisation, 15 Divine Insight).[/Sblock]
Halford plays for a minute before stopping for a split second, allowing the notes to linger heavily in the air as he does so and chants a spell.
[Sblock=OOC] DC 19 Spellcraft reveals this to be the Arcane spell Mirage Arcana.[/Sblock]
Suddenly the venue changes to a vast amphitheater composed exclusively of soaring impossible arches of the finest white marble, and at the very center of this awe inspiring edifice sits a golden stage emitting a warm glow which illuminates the musician in its midst. Again he plays the music now evoking majesty and power and after another minute he again intones a spell. A Firestorm engulfs the entirety of the arena, save for those areas which contain spectators and all feel the roiling heat.
[Sblock=OOC] DC 23 Spellcraft reveals this to be the Divine Spell Firestorm.[/Sblock]
As the flames dissipate the musician is revealed unharmed again chanting, and suddenly he is in a different position without visibly moving mounted atop a Colossal Scorpion easily 80ft. Long and flanked by a vast Gargantuan elemental composed entirely of flame.
[Sblock=OOC] DC 24 Spellcraft reveals this to be the Arcane Spell Timestop. He has Energy Immunity Fire precast. In the minimum time available Halford casts a quickened Sonorous Hum then Summon Elemental Monolith followed by Giant Vermin commanding the Colossal Scorpion to stop and then using his preexisting Overland Flight to fly onto the creatures back. In the likely event that he has any rounds remaining he recasts Divine Insight and then Improvisation.[/Sblock]
Again the musician begins to play now evoking danger and excitement with every strum of the lute. Slowly he rises from the Scorpions back until he is suspended 100ft. in the air. “Attack!” he cries gesturing towards the Elemental Monolith and as one the two great creatures surge forward into combat with one another the great crash of their impact reverberating throughout the illusionary amphitheater.
[Sblock=OOC]
Perform String Instruments 62 again – see above. Halford is maintaining concentration upon the Elemental Monolith through Sonorous Hum and so is free to continue playing.[/Sblock]
The two titanic opponents clash, the music seeming to follow every thrust and complement the sounds of battle. The combat continues for around a minute with the Scorpion despite its larger size receiving the worst of things the scent of its smouldering meat spreading across the arena. Then the music reaches a crescendo and suddenly the elemental is gone and the musician sinks down towards the Scorpion calling “Stop” as he does so. Again mounted upon the creatures back Halford bring the song to a close chants a spell and touches the great beast its wounds closing in an instant.
[Sblock=OOC]
DC 21 Spellcraft reveals this to be the Divine Spell Heal. Halford simply stopped concentrating through Sonorous Hum upon the Elemental Monolith.[/Sblock]
With that the musician took a bow, again doffing his hat, dismissed the spell upon the Scorpion, moving down to place the now inch long thing into a specially prepared belt pouch. He then cast a spell and disappeared with a flourish reappearing amidst his fellows wearing a rakish smile as he awaited further demonstrations of worth.
[Sblock=OOC] DC 22 Spellcraft reveals this to be the Arcane Spell Greater Teleport, he has Dimension Door, but is trying to show off.[/Sblock]
