suipokemon part 2

[16:02] <@SuikoGM> The festivities have been a grand success so far! Apart from the questionable fortune telling, the talent shows have been a big hit across the fair. But the day is dragging on and people are ready to watch cute pokemon.
[16:04] <@SuikoGM> The exotic pokemon races have opened! Anyone can place their bets, and those who win high enough can switch out their winnings for a prize, instead. Of course, if you have  your own -exotic- pokemon you're more than welcome to enter the races yourself. You can even bet on yourself! Though if you do enter, it seems you can't bet on other racers.
[16:05] <@SuikoGM> The track has been set up a slight ways out of town, over on the eastern side. The perilous twists and turns of the course are marked with variety, with the course itself being separated from the spectator areas by poles and rope. The entry areas are close to the start of the course area.
[16:07] <@SuikoGM> Right now, the announcer for the race (a large, hairy bear of a man in a boater) is taking any last minute applicants and bets, and things are almost ready to get underway.
06[16:08] * Somalakshmi comes up to the announcer, holding Sevai in her arms.
03[16:09] * Aori_Radidjiu is now known as KatsuoOfTsukinoshi
[16:10] <@SuikoGM> The announcer tips his hat to you. "Good day, young lady. That's an interesting pokemon you have there. Are you looking to enter the circuit? Entries and bets are closing soon!"
[16:10] <Somalakshmi> "Yes, I'd like to enter my Phanpy, Sevai. I don't think I'll need to bet anything, but it sounded like it might be fun for him."
[16:11] <@SuikoGM> The board next to him has a list of rules and prizes - oh, and it seems entrants get prizes apart from the bets, as an incentive for people to enter.
06[16:11] * Lekha stares at burblebird thoguhtfully.
01[16:11] <Lekha> "....You're exotic, right?"
[16:11] <@SuikoGM> The man inspects Sevai a moment. "Hmmm, a white phanpy... you don't even seen the grey kind much. And he looks adorable. We'd love to have you in the race."
[16:12] <@SuikoGM> Zemrude burbles fiercely. What kind of pokemon do you take him for?! He's the best, most exotic, most uniquest bird that ever burbled!
01[16:12] <Lekha> "All right! Let's win this!"
[16:12] <Somalakshmi> "Wonderful. Is there anything I need to know about the rules? Are they meant to attack each other?"
06[16:12] * Lekha strides imperiously over to the announcer.
[16:13] <@SuikoGM> "Contact isn't forbidden, but outright attacks are. We'd like to keep this clean."
[16:13] <@SuikoGM> He continues...
[16:14] <@SuikoGM> "The pokemon entered will proceed through a five stage course, each area meant to cater to pokemon of different skillsets. There will be multiple hoops posted around the course, through which your pokemon must pass in order. Each course has multiple blue, green, and red hoops. Simply pass through one of each color to continue qualifying for the finish."
01[16:15] <Lekha> "That seems kinda complicated."
[16:17] <@SuikoGM> "It's simpler than it sounds, miss. The blue hoops come up first, the green next, and then the red. There's multiples set up so that the pokemon aren't fighting for space on the track."
06[16:17] * Somalakshmi glances over her shoulder. "Oh, it's you again?"
[16:17] <@SuikoGM> "First is a plain sprint across the natural fields here at Loamvil..." he gestures out to the first section of track, indeed lacking in most features apart from twists and turns.
01[16:18] <Lekha> "Of course. Zemrude and I are going to take first this time, just you wait."
[16:19] <@SuikoGM> "Most pokemon are fine here. Next is the Crawling Canopy." he indicates a low hanging mesh thick with vines, briars and mud that looks like it wouldn't be too out of place to use in military exercises. "The pokemon must navigate this low-ceiling of jungle foliage to proceed on. They'll need excellent pathfinding skills and sight for spotting the hoops."
[16:20] <@SuikoGM> The spectator's area for this is raised, and it seems the whole thing for this is more visible from above than it would be at ground level, letting the announcer keep an eye on who's passed the hoops.
[16:21] <@SuikoGM> It opens up into another clearish field of track, only here, the hoops are raised up on poles somewhat off the ground. "The Dreamcatcher course is well suited to pokemon with acrobatic inclinations or wings. There are lower hoops for the stubbier of pokemon, but they're positioned in a way that makes it take a bit longer to get around."
[16:23] <@SuikoGM> "Past that is the Crag." A raised section of earth lies in the course beyond, about... twenty feet high in total, with multiple paths up. "Their climbing skills will be put to the test as they navigate the treacherous ridges of the Crag and its tight passages."
[16:24] <@SuikoGM> "And then finally, the Unrelenting Marsh." He indicates a stretch of shallow trenches dug into the ground which have been filled with water and marsh plants. "If a fish actually manages to get that far,t hey're home free from there. More land-oriented pokemon may find they have to power through, though that takes quite a bit of endurance."
[16:24] <@SuikoGM> "From there is the finish line."
06[16:26] * Somalakshmi pats Sevai's head. "What do you think? Does it sound like fun?"
[16:26] <@SuikoGM> The phanpy tilts his head and looks a bit uneasy at the last section, but nods his head and hrrrronks. He eyes Lekha's Zemrude and looks determined!
[16:27] <@SuikoGM> Zemrude returns the expression with a squishy squark.
[16:27] <@SuikoGM> The announcer speaks up. "Are you entering too, miss? You and your... uh, whatever that is."
01[16:27] <Lekha> "His name is Zemrude." >:T
[16:28] <@SuikoGM> "Fair enough!" he laughs. "I'm sorry. There's actually quite a few pokemon people like us haven't seen before today. That's sort of the point, in some ways."
[16:30] <@SuikoGM> "Did I cover everything well enough?"
01[16:32] <Lekha> "I guess so!"
[16:32] <@SuikoGM> Alright, so in OOC terms.
[16:33] <@SuikoGM> The way this race is going to work is that in each course, I want you two to pick a method of movement to use and a skill or capability the pokemon has that you think would get them through that particular course.
[16:34] <@SuikoGM> Like, for example, Overland 6 and Combat to bully a pokemon away from one of the course hoops (nudges, not attacking)
[16:35] <@SuikoGM> if you pick a skill, I want you to roll it
01[16:36] <Lekha> got it!
[16:36] <@SuikoGM> Okay. Everyone ready?
01[16:36] <Lekha> yep
[16:38] <Somalakshmi> ready!
[16:40] <@SuikoGM> You go to get your pokemon situated at the field course. It seems there's three other entrants here. A green-haired woman with a tiny bear with white fur, a girl in pigtails with a squishy ball of goop that has two attenae and a ridiculous smile, and a male, human-like Yono'wa with a small purple and white goat pokemon.
06[16:40] * Lekha stares at the ball of goop.
01[16:40] <Lekha> "...What is that thing?"
[16:42] <@SuikoGM> The squishy stares back. The girl beams and yells out, "It's a Goomy! I found him in a cave near home, his name is Cheddar."
[16:42] <@SuikoGM> Cheddar burbles. Zemrude burbles back.
01[16:43] <Lekha> "Hm." Lekha looks unimpressed. Who'd think a ball of slime would look cute?
01[16:45] <Lekha> "Well, good luck to you and Cheddar!"
[16:45] <@SuikoGM> "Thank you!"
[16:46] <@SuikoGM> The announcer calls over the spectators. You can spot Aston in the audience, who looks dejected. They probably didn't let him enter Gizmo.
[16:46] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru is also there, watching Soma of course.
[16:47] <@SuikoGM> The announcer grins broadly. "Welcome, ladies and gentleman to the first iteration of today's Exotic Pokemon Races! The courses have been carefully hand and rune-crafted for you today by hard-workers right here in Loamvil."
[16:49] <@SuikoGM> "Our contestants today have a wide variety of Pokemon. Up in entry 1 is Willogale with a Cubchoo - this bear is only found up in the harsh domain of Girdi and some parts of Carthas. Down here in Rivale, they need cold baths every now and then to keep cool. Luckily, our race finishes with a splash!"
[16:50] <@SuikoGM> He fumbles with the notes again. "Ah, yes, and the Cubchoo's name is Robeart."
01[16:51] <Lekha> "Ro..bear..t."
01[16:51] <Lekha> "Hahahahahahaha that's hilarious."
[16:51] <@SuikoGM> "Young miss Alouette from Nolgranda has an adorable Goomy named Cheddar. Though her homelands are riddled with dragons, Goomys are much more rare, more commonly found in rainforest climates like mid Davadezi."
[16:53] <@SuikoGM> "Third up is Soma, with a rare white Phanpy! Only in the Devil's Tongue would you find such a magnificent creature."
[16:53] <@SuikoGM> "His name is Sevai. Say hi to the crowd!"
[16:53] <@SuikoGM> Sevai hrooonks.
[16:55] <@SuikoGM> "Fourth is Lekha with a... I'm told he's a 'Glauqua', a rare amphibius pokemon from south Ravarra. Maybe some have started migrating east! Let's welcome Zemrude!"
[16:57] <@SuikoGM> "And finally, we have C'xinye of the Yono'wa, with a Psybex named R'hittan from the far north of Nolgranda. Rumor has it they can see into the hearts of men..."
[16:58] <@SuikoGM> "And with that, let the pokemon take their starting positions!"
[16:59] <@SuikoGM> Willogale, Robeart's owner, flashes a sly grin over in Lekha's direction, but then turns her head to concentrate on the race.
[17:00] <@SuikoGM> Each of the trainers lets their pokemon down into the starting pens. The goomy looks a bit puzzled. The Psybex quite tranquil, and the Cubchoo determined as fuck.
[17:00] <@SuikoGM> "On your marks, get set.... goooo!" He waves a flag, and the gates are lifted!
01[17:00] <Lekha> "Good luck!"
[17:00] <@SuikoGM> First course: Loamvil Field
[17:01] <@SuikoGM> Choose a movement type and a skill to navigate!
[17:01] <Somalakshmi> (Uh, one sec. I gotta go do something real quick)
01[17:03] <Lekha> Levitate 4, Focus 2d6 for that extra burst of speed
01[17:03] <Lekha> 2d6
[17:03] <PsychoRoll> Lekha, 2d6: 4 [2d6=1,3]
01[17:03] <Lekha> good job focusing
[17:06] <Somalakshmi> (okay back)
[17:07] <Somalakshmi> 3d6+2 Athletics and overland 5
[17:07] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, Athletics and overland 5: 14 [3d6=3,4,5]
[17:08] <@SuikoGM> 4d6 Psybex Overland 6
[17:08] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Psybex Overland 6: 17 [4d6=6,4,6,1]
[17:08] <@SuikoGM> That's FOCUS
[17:08] <@SuikoGM> 1d6 Goomy Acrobatics Overland 4
[17:08] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Goomy Acrobatics Overland 4: 3 [1d6=3]
[17:09] <@SuikoGM> 2d6 Cubchoo Athletics Overland 4
[17:09] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Cubchoo Athletics Overland 4: 9 [2d6=6,3]
[17:10] <@SuikoGM> Aaand they're off! The Psybex TEARS out of the gate, putting on an early lead with a burst of speed, easily passing through the hoops on the course. Not too far behind is Sevai, occasionally doing forward rolls for velocity.
[17:11] <@SuikoGM> Robeart and Zemrude are neck and neck for a bit, with the bear taking a slight lead as they get to the end!
[17:11] <@SuikoGM> Cheddar bounces along noisily, gurgling all the way. :D
[17:11] <@SuikoGM> The open field seems to have given the elephant and the psybex the advantage for now, but will it last?!
[17:12] <@SuikoGM> 1st - Psybex, 2nd - Sevai, 3rd - Robeart, 4th - Zemrude, 5th - Cheddar
[17:12] <@SuikoGM> And then they come to the crawling canopy!
[17:13] <@SuikoGM> The mesh forces some of the taller ones to get lower and reduces their speed a bit...
[17:13] <@SuikoGM> Second course: Crawling Canopy!
[17:13] <@SuikoGM> The announcer leads the spectators and you all over to follow.
[17:14] <@SuikoGM> The thorny vines of this simulated jungle look rough to navigate, withthick briars blocking the path and low visibility.
[17:14] <@SuikoGM> Choose your method of movement and a skill or capability!
[17:15] <Somalakshmi> 3d6+1 Focus to navigate the maze and Overland 5
[17:15] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, Focus to navigate the maze and Overland 5: 14 [3d6=4,5,4]
01[17:15] <Lekha> Overland 2, Amorphous to squeeze through obstacles
[17:16] <@SuikoGM> 3d6 Psybex Stealth and Overland 6
[17:16] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Psybex Stealth and Overland 6: 8 [3d6=4,2,2]
[17:16] <@SuikoGM> Goomy Overland 4 and also amorphous
[17:17] <@SuikoGM> 2d6 Cubchoo Perception and Overland 4
[17:17] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Cubchoo Perception and Overland 4: 4 [2d6=3,1]
[17:18] <@SuikoGM> The goat has to slow down considerably to navigate through the maze, carefully tiptoeing through bits of briar.
[17:18] <Somalakshmi> (Also Naturewalk forest?)
[17:18] <Somalakshmi> (Is that applicable?)
[17:18] <@SuikoGM> You'd have to use it instead of a skill.
[17:18] <@SuikoGM> Pick one!
[17:19] <Somalakshmi> (I guess I'll keep focus)
[17:20] <@SuikoGM> Sevai concentrates, not letting the confusion of the twisty mazes get to him. He does have to slow down a bit, though, which allows ZEMRUDE to burst through the foliage and move through the last hoop with him!
[17:21] <@SuikoGM> The cunchoo looks hopelessly lost, but allowing Cheddar to overtake him, rolling all the way.
[17:21] <@SuikoGM> Tied for 1st - Sevai and Zemrude 2nd - Psybex, 3rd Goomy - 4th Cubchoo
[17:22] <@SuikoGM> The two pokemon are neck and neck as they enter the Dreamcatcher course, with its raised hoops!
[17:22] <@SuikoGM> Third course, Dreamcatcher
01[17:23] <Lekha> 2d6 Acrobatics, Levitate 4
[17:23] <PsychoRoll> Lekha, Acrobatics, Levitate 4: 9 [2d6=4,5]
[17:23] <@SuikoGM> "Come on, Robeart! You can do this!"
[17:23] <@SuikoGM> Willogale calls at the bear, cheering him on.
[17:25] <@SuikoGM> Sevai?
[17:25] <Somalakshmi> Sevai will try to get through the lower hoops as quickly as he can
[17:25] <@SuikoGM> This is an open course with raised hoops, though lower ones do exist a good deal apart from one another than even the stubbiest pokemon can get through.
[17:25] <Somalakshmi> 3d6+2 athletics and overland 5
[17:25] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, athletics and overland 5: 9 [3d6=5,1,1]
[17:26] <@SuikoGM> Psybex Overland 6, Jump 2
[17:27] <@SuikoGM> 2d6+1 Cubchoo Acrobatics, Jump 1
[17:27] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Cubchoo Acrobatics, Jump 1: 5 [2d6=3,1]
[17:27] <@SuikoGM> 3d6+2 Goomy Stealth and 1,1Jump 0
[17:27] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Goomy Stealth and ,1Jump 0: 12 [3d6=3,2,5]
01[17:27] <Lekha> you can do it goomy
01[17:28] <Lekha> we believe in you
[17:30] <@SuikoGM> Zemrude dominates this course, sailing into the lead through the hoops and even doing a few graceful loops to show off.
[17:31] <@SuikoGM> Sevai is determined not to fall too far behind and goes for gold! The Psybex gains ground though, tying itself and Sevai for second! ...And what's that?
[17:31] <@SuikoGM> When it busted out of the brush...
[17:31] <@SuikoGM> ....huh.
[17:31] <@SuikoGM> The goomy is riding the Psybex.
[17:31] <@SuikoGM> ...contact is technically allowed, but..
[17:31] <@SuikoGM> ...
[17:32] <@SuikoGM> The announcer is checking over the rules real quick.
01[17:32] <Lekha> "Clever lil' devil, isn't he?"
[17:32] <@SuikoGM> Robeart is catching up as well! He won't let himself be disgraced!
[17:33] <@SuikoGM> 1st - Zemrude
[17:33] <@SuikoGM> 2nd - Sevai, Psybex, Cheddar
[17:33] <@SuikoGM> 3rth - Robeart
[17:33] <@SuikoGM> The pokemon are giving it their all!
[17:35] <@SuikoGM> "Aaaand it's a sneaky maneuver from Alouette's Cheddar, riding R'hittan across the Dreamcatcher course. ...I guess that's not technically against the rules. Zemrude goes from a shaky start into first place, with a close vie for second right behind... This is getting exciting, folks!"
[17:35] <@SuikoGM> Now we enter THE CRAG. This simulated mountain has many twists, turns, paths, and passages over and through its interiots.
[17:35] <@SuikoGM> As well as thin ledges and treacherous footing.
[17:36] <@SuikoGM> Fourth Course: The Crag
01[17:36] <Lekha> 2d6 athletics for HUSTLE, overland 2
[17:36] <PsychoRoll> Lekha, athletics for HUSTLE, overland 2: 9 [2d6=3,6]
[17:37] <Somalakshmi> 3d6+2 athletically running and climbing like a born natural with Naturewalk Mountain!
[17:37] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, athletically running and climbing like a born natural with Naturewalk Mountain!: 14 [3d6=2,5,5]
[17:38] <@SuikoGM> Psybex uses its Overland 6 and its own naturewalk as well!
[17:39] <@SuikoGM> 3d6 Goomy Focus, Overland 4
[17:39] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Goomy Focus, Overland 4: 12 [3d6=5,1,6]
[17:40] <@SuikoGM> 2d6+1 Cubchoo Athletics, Overland 4
[17:40] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Cubchoo Athletics, Overland 4: 9 [2d6=5,3]
[17:43] <@SuikoGM> "Aaaand it looks like Zemrude is having a more difficult time with this course, folks." The glauqua is struggling to navigate, but he is HUSTLING. Sevai very quickly moves to the lead, and the goat is catching up. "Cheddar and Robeart are now neck and neck, struggling for room within the Crag's small tunnel! Sevai hits the red hoop and he's out of there! We have Sevai in the lead, with
[17:43] <@SuikoGM> the Glauqua and Psybex vying for second place, and Cheddar and Robeart also neck and neck for fourth! It's close all ways now, folks!"
[17:43] <@SuikoGM> "And they're approaching the last leg of the journey, the UNRELENTING MARSH. Who will win our race?"
[17:43] <@SuikoGM> Final course: Unrelenting Marsh
[17:43] <@SuikoGM> These six inch deep trenches are flooded with plants and water...
01[17:44] <Lekha> 3d6 perception to navigate around the plants, swim 5
[17:44] <PsychoRoll> Lekha, perception to navigate around the plants, swim 5: 10 [3d6=5,3,2]
[17:44] <Somalakshmi> (The Crag was 20 feet high eh)
[17:45] <@SuikoGM> (Something like that, but with ways to safely get down)
[17:46] <Somalakshmi> At the top of the hill leading down to the next area, Sevai tucks his body in and turns into a little white ball, spinning and sending himself rolling down the mountainside to try to blow right through the last area!
[17:46] <Somalakshmi> Defense Curl/Rollout!
01[17:46] <Lekha> Oh hey, better idea
[17:46] <Somalakshmi> ROLLING STAAAAAART https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zrtl41oZxOA
01[17:47] <Lekha> let's use Water Sport to turn Zemrude into a JET SLUG
[17:47] <@SuikoGM> OKAY
[17:47] <@SuikoGM> and what skill, Damien?
[17:48] <@SuikoGM> 4d6 Psybex Levitate 2
[17:48] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Psybex Levitate 2: 13 [4d6=1,5,5,2]
[17:48] <Somalakshmi> 3d6+2 athletics all the waaay I think
[17:48] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, athletics all the waaay I think: 15 [3d6=6,5,2]
[17:49] <@SuikoGM> 3d6 Goomy Focus Swim 2
[17:49] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Goomy Focus Swim 2: 8 [3d6=4,1,3]
[17:49] <@SuikoGM> 2d6 Cubchoo COMBAT swim 3!
[17:49] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Cubchoo COMBAT swim 3!: 10 [2d6=6,4]
[17:50] <@SuikoGM> Sevai revs up a spinning ROLLOUT, tearing up the water as soon as he hits it! The momentum carries him across the top of the water like a high speed skipping stone!
[17:51] <@SuikoGM> Meanwhile, Zemrude, not to be outdone, dives into the water and creates a hydrophobic coating around himself that makes him suddenly JET through the plants with ease! He grew up in a marsh, this is practically home!
[17:51] <@SuikoGM> The Psybex just floats over the water... very slowly.
[17:51] <@SuikoGM> While the goomy tries his hardest to paddle through.
[17:52] <@SuikoGM> Lastly, Robeart starts tearing through the water himself, slashing through all the plants himself like a bear on a rampage!
[17:52] <@SuikoGM> Sevai is more than halfway across the course in a few moments, but Zemrude is quickly catching up!
[17:52] <@SuikoGM> As the finish line approaches, the distance between the two begins to close...
[17:52] <@SuikoGM> They're neck and neck!
[17:53] <@SuikoGM> And the announcer WAVES the flag as Zemrude just manages to pass Sevai at the end!
[17:54] <@SuikoGM> "Zemrude is our winner with a hair breadth's finish!"
[17:54] <@SuikoGM> "Second is Sevai with his amazing water-skip maneuver!"
[17:54] <@SuikoGM> "In third is Robeart with his terrifying charge!"
[17:54] <@SuikoGM> "Fourth... is Cheddar! That little Goomy has some heart."
[17:55] <@SuikoGM> "And last but not least, R'hittan the Psybex in last place. Looks like that hard start and these mental gymnastics tuckered him out."
01[17:55] <Lekha> "Woohoo!"
01[17:56] <Lekha> "We should go get something fried on a stick to celebrate. :>"
[17:56] <@SuikoGM> Alouette goes to grab Cheddar and lifts him up excitedly. :D
[17:56] <@SuikoGM> The yono'wa seems a bit displeased but just shakes his head. There will be another day.
06[17:56] * Somalakshmi claps happily as Sevai returns to her. "That was wonderful."
[17:56] <@SuikoGM> Willogale seems a bit disappointed in a third place finish, but Robeart did really well at the end.
06[17:57] * Somalakshmi gives the little phant a kiss on the cheek for a reward.
[17:57] <@SuikoGM> Sevai leaps up into your arms, showering water all over you and spewing some above your head that got stuck in his trunk. "Phrooonk!" :> Sevai happily settles into your arms.
01[17:57] <Lekha> "Wow, I'm exhausted just from watching." Zemrude gets the spot of honor curled up around Lekha's neck when he returns.
[17:58] <@SuikoGM> Zemrude also leaps at Lekha, getting marshy water all over her.
[17:58] <@SuikoGM> He snuggles up happily.
[17:58] <@SuikoGM> The announcer calls over the first three placers to receive their prizes.
[17:58] <Somalakshmi> "Eeek! Sevai, you're all wet you little cutie!"
06[17:59] * Lekha is surprisingly okay with getting marshed on.
06[17:59] * Somalakshmi doesn't mind it too much either, though she's going to have to clean off her clothes later.
[18:02] <@SuikoGM> Seems like the prizes aren't choices, this time, but ah well! To Lekha goes 1200 Potch, a First Place Ribbon, and a King's Rock!
[18:03] <@SuikoGM> To Soma, 1000 Potch, a Second Place Ribbon, and a Luck Incense!
06[18:03] * Lekha ties the first place ribbon around Zemrude's neck. :>
[18:04] <@SuikoGM> and to Willogale, 500 potch, a Third Place Ribbon and a Berry Set.
[18:06] <@SuikoGM> The First Place Ribbon is a held item for Zemrude only that grants +5 Speed and +2 to movement speeds.
01[18:08] <Lekha> :>
[18:08] <@SuikoGM> The Second Place Ribbon is a held item for Sevai only and grants +5 initiative and Naturewalk (Wetlands)
[18:10] <@SuikoGM> If you're unfamiliar with Initiative, Damien, it's added to your speed stat for the purpose of combat order
[18:10] <Somalakshmi> Ah
[18:10] <@SuikoGM> So it makes you act faster but doesn't increase evasion or the like.
06[18:11] * Somalakshmi lets Sevai hold onto the ribbon and comes up to Lehka with a friendly smile. "Congratulations, Lehka. You have a very impressive friend there."
[18:11] <@SuikoGM> The announcer grins broadly. "I hope you all had a lot of fun. Please take care, and feel free to stick around if you'd like to watch more!
[18:14] <@SuikoGM> You two can talk a little bit if you like (and maybe some of the other players were spectating) but I need to take a quick break.
[18:16] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Over in the spectator's area, a young man in a shaded seat muses to himself.  He hadn't put any money down because he hardly understood how to gauge the risks, but he had thought the bird-like pokemon was going to do well.  The slimeball getting better than last surprised him, though.
01[18:17] <Lekha> "Isn't he wonderful? He lived outside my house and kept getting in and messing up all my pots and pans, so eventually I caught him. And now we're BEST FRIENDS."
01[18:17] <Lekha> "Just like all my other best friends."
[18:17] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> And he'd have pinned the goat as being either top or runner up.
[18:18] <Somalakshmi> "That does sound like a lovely way to meet a new friend."
01[18:19] <Lekha> "What about you and your friend there?"
[18:19] <Somalakshmi> "... He was a gift."
01[18:20] <Lekha> "Oooh. That's almost as good!"
[18:20] <Somalakshmi> "We've been together since I was very young."
[18:23] <Somalakshmi> "It must be... I suppose I can't remember how long we've known each other. Years tend to pass me by without me realizing."
01[18:23] <Lekha> "Well, there's nothing wrong with that, really."
01[18:23] <Lekha> "I think it'd be sort of nice, actually."
[18:25] <Somalakshmi> "I suppose so... how long have you known Zemrude?"
01[18:25] <Lekha> "Hmm....Maybe a year and a half? I don't really keep track of things like that."
[18:27] <@SuikoGM> Zemrude burbles happily.
06[18:28] * Lekha pets. :>
[18:29] <@SuikoGM> He tries to slip onto Lekha's shoulder and nuzzles into your hand, only for him to slip a bit and flapflapflap to get back onto your shoulder, slipping back around your neck the opposite direction he was facing. :>
[18:30] <@SuikoGM> Meanwhile....
[18:30] <@SuikoGM> It seems like the archery competition is starting soon!
06[18:30] * KatsuoOfTsukinoshi slips out of the spectator's place, gotta' get to that competition.
06[18:31] * Break is already there with her companions, checking out the targeting range. "Will either of you enter?"
[18:31] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru likewise gets ready to leave. She comes over to nudge Soma. "I'm going to head over to the archery competition. I've been looking forward to a chance to show off a little."
[18:32] <@SuikoGM> Bernard: "Something like this? ...Eh, I'm no good with a bow, requires a little more... finesse than I'm used to."
[18:32] <@SuikoGM> Merydia considers. "Wouldn't do too well if I let you show me up. You bet your ass I'm in. It's on."
[18:33] <Somalakshmi> "Oh, I'll come with you then. Are you going to be stalking me there too, Lehka?"
[18:33] <Break> "Mmm. Wouldn't be too different from the norm if I did, Markaid."
03[18:33] * Break is now known as Iltani
01[18:34] <Lekha> "Hmmm. Archery sounds like fun, but on the other hand, I'd really rather get something to eat. Eat for VICTORY."
[18:35] <@SuikoGM> "You want to shittalk, Isaacs? Keep running your mouth. 500 potch says I outplace you."
06[18:35] * Iltani simply shrugs, going over the ammo count of her revolvers in silence.
[18:36] <@SuikoGM> Merydia looks a little annoyed and gets ready, herself.
[18:36] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Katsuo is already examining the given bows and arrows, testing the tenseness of the strings and whether the arrows are fletched properly.
[18:36] <Somalakshmi> "Well then I wish you the best. Take care, Lehka. I look forward to seeing if our paths cross again."
[18:37] <@SuikoGM> Zemrude wiggles his wings for VICTORY (and fried snacks)
01[18:37] <Lekha> "It'd be lucky for me if they did~"
06[18:37] * Iltani goes over the provided weaponry; it was just a matter of accounting for projectile drop and wind speed.
06[18:38] * Iltani looks down at her Pokemon. "Well, this one should be -quite- interesting."
03[18:38] * Tyler_Polentis (~James@Rizon-704AFCB3.bstnma.fios.verizon.net) has joined #SuikoPokemonIC
[18:39] <@SuikoGM> The equipment seems to be in order. There's a few different types of recurve and composite bows, and the arrows seem mostly uniform and decently fletched.
[18:40] <@SuikoGM> Levante looks a bit thoughtful, while Mistral double-double checks the equipment herself, trying to look like she knows what she's doing.
[18:40] <Iltani> "Oh, and uh....best not to talk to your opponents like I just did back there."
[18:40] <Iltani> "Call it a bad habit."
[18:40] <@SuikoGM> Levante tilts her head.
06[18:41] * Iltani opts for a recurve bow for a straighter shot.
[18:42] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru shows up, checking through the equipment herself. It seems she's not allowed to use her own bow, which upsets her a little, but she goes with one at random, drawing the string and getting a feel for it.
[18:42] <Iltani> "We'll compete cleanly....or at least, for as long as Merydia's frustrations will hold out."
[18:42] <@SuikoGM> Merydia spends even more time going over things than Iltani did.
[18:42] <Iltani> "Tension seems right for a bow of this size..."
06[18:43] * KatsuoOfTsukinoshi also opts for a Recurve, after a bit of musing.
[18:44] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "Materials are good, everything's new, not going to break on me..."
[18:44] <@SuikoGM> So, as you inquire about the rules with the official presiding over this contest...
[18:44] <@SuikoGM> This seems to be the basic deal:
[18:46] <@SuikoGM> The competition is broken down into three different segments: Skill, Struggle, and Style.
[18:47] <@SuikoGM> The Skill segment has you individually fire a limited number of arrows at three different targets at different ranges, each worth a different number of points. As you might suspect, further shots are worth more points, as are more accurate shots.
[18:49] <@SuikoGM> In the Struggle segment, you're each given a large quiver and made to compete at once as several rune-created targets floating through the air. When an arrow strikes a target, regardless of where it hits, it shatters.
[18:49] <@SuikoGM> Not only accuracy counts here, but number of targets taken down.
[18:50] <@SuikoGM> The Style segment is for fun, and lets the competitors use their own equipment to do trick maneuvers or other stylish crowdpleasers.
[18:51] <@SuikoGM> After which, the crowd decides on a point total to give each contestant, which is added to their score from the other rounds.
[18:51] <@SuikoGM> The archer with the highest score at the end wins the competition.
[18:52] <@SuikoGM> The overseer for the competition checks in with each of you. "Do you need anything clarified before we begin?"
[18:52] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru: "No, sir."
[18:52] <Iltani> "Clear," she says simply.
[18:52] <@SuikoGM> Merydia: "...I'm good."
[18:52] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "When you say we can use our own equipment for the Style segment, does that mean anything goes?"
[18:53] <@SuikoGM> "As long as you're using a ranged weapon and no harm comes to the competitors or the spectators, then go for it."
[18:54] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "...if I use a melee weapon to attack at range, is that kosher?"
[18:54] <@SuikoGM> "Like... throwing a knife?" he wonders.
[18:55] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "...not exactly, but that's a good example."
[18:55] <@SuikoGM> "Uhh, you can try it. The crowd may or may not like it."
[18:56] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "All right."
[18:56] <@SuikoGM> "Anything else?"
[18:57] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "Nope."
[18:58] <@SuikoGM> With that said, you're lead to the range to compete! The first target is fairly close to the front, hanging on a bale of hay dead center of the field.
[18:58] <@SuikoGM> The second target is a ways off to the right, mid-field.
[18:59] <@SuikoGM> The third one... is hung in the branches of a surprisingly motivated Torterra, stomping back and forth all the way in the back of the field.
[19:00] <@SuikoGM> Up first is the skill segment. You each get five shots to use.
[19:01] <@SuikoGM> You may use class features here, as a note. Roll five accuracy rolls, listing each target. Also roll Combat, Perception, or Focus once.
[19:02] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Can I sub intimidate for Combat, because I have a class feature for that?
[19:02] <@SuikoGM> Do you? Which one is that?
[19:02] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Base Apparition
[19:02] <Iltani> Will the bonuses for Aiming Down The Sights aply to each accuracy roll?
[19:03] <@SuikoGM> Sure, that's kosher, Katsuo.
[19:03] <@SuikoGM> Yes, Iltani.
[19:04] <Iltani> "....might as well show them how it's really done, little ones."
[19:05] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> ...and I'm guessing I cant' use Shadow Punch to justify auto-hits :P
[19:05] <@SuikoGM> You can guarantee you don't miss, at least, but the accuracy roll will still be needed.
[19:06] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Hmmm, all right.
[19:06] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Won't miss, but won't necessarily get a bullseye, after all
06[19:10] * Iltani steadies her aim, plotting the flight of the arrows in her mind's eye, and holds her breath....
[19:10] <Iltani> 4d6 Combat
[19:10] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, Combat: 19 [4d6=3,6,5,5]
[19:10] <Iltani> ....then lets loose.
[19:11] <Iltani> 5#1d20+2 Aiming Down the Sights - Close Aerial Ace, Medium Bullseye, Far Aerial Ace, Far Bullseye, Far Aerial Ace
[19:11] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, Aiming Down the Sights - Close Aerial Ace, Medium Bullseye, Far Aerial Ace, Far Bullseye, Far Aerial Ace: 21 [1d20=19], 17 [1d20=15], 14 [1d20=12], 17 [1d20=15], 20 [1d20=18]
06[19:11] * Iltani quickly nocks arrows after arrow, sending each projectile home.
[19:14] <@SuikoGM> Plonk, plonk, plonk, plonk, plonk. Each hit. The first striking home in the center of the close target, the second just below the bullsye on the medium target, and then in a row on the last target, despite the target moving, your shots lead into hitting the third ring, the second ring, then the bullseye, in a perfectly vertical line.
[19:15] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru gives a low whistle.
06[19:15] * Iltani exhales deeply, and refocuses herself. Not a terrible opening volley.
[19:17] <@SuikoGM> "What a start! Iltani Isaacs leads us off with an impressive score of 104!"
06[19:17] * Iltani adjusts her glasses, leveling a quick stare at Merydia.
[19:18] <@SuikoGM> Merydia calmly waits her turn, betraying no emotion beyond her intensely focused eyes.
[19:18] <@SuikoGM> ...Okay, some emotion is betrayed.
[19:18] <@SuikoGM> Smoldering annoyance.
[19:18] <@SuikoGM> Does Katsuo step up? Otherwise it's Sumeru's turn.
[19:19] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Katuso steps right on up.
[19:20] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> There's no way he's topping that, but he's at least going to give this a shot.  He can come back in a later round.
[19:21] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> He draws his bow, and takes a deep breath.  Clear your mind...
[19:21] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 4d6+2 Intimidate
[19:21] <PsychoRoll> KatsuoOfTsukinoshi, Intimidate: 10 [4d6=2,3,2,1]
[19:22] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 3#1d20 3 shots at the mid target; 2#1d20 two shots at the far.
[19:22] <PsychoRoll> KatsuoOfTsukinoshi, 3 shots at the mid target: 8 [1d20=8], 20 [1d20=20], 2 [1d20=2]; two shots at the far.: 17 [1d20=17], 17 [1d20=17]
[19:23] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> The arrow flies fast, guided by the signature spirit manipulation technique of his family, leaving shadowy traces behind the arrows.
[19:23] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> *arrows fly fast
[19:23] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> bluh
[19:24] <@SuikoGM> One of your arrows sails straight past the target, but with intense concentration, you land a fourth ring hit on the medium target, followed by a perfect bullseye.. On the far target, two of your arrows thunk onto either side of Iltani's second arrow towards it, creating a t shape.
[19:26] <@SuikoGM> "Aaaand Katsuo comes in with a score of 72! Not bad, but he'll have to make up for it later to top Iltani1"
[19:26] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> He exhales in relief.  He's not out of the running yet.
[19:27] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru's up next. Without saying anything, she nocks one arrow after another, aiming them all at the far target.
[19:27] <@SuikoGM> 4d6+2 Perception
[19:27] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Perception: 19 [4d6=5,5,4,3]
[19:27] <@SuikoGM> 5#1d20+2
[19:27] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, 5#1d20+2: 13 [1d20=11], 7 [1d20=5], 14 [1d20=12], 7 [1d20=5], 22 [1d20=20]
[19:29] <@SuikoGM> Two arrows whizz entirely past the moving target, but two hit decently, and the last is a dead center bullseye!
[19:29] <@SuikoGM> "Miss Sumeru comes in with 87 points!"
[19:29] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru casts a shameful look down and walks away from the area.
[19:30] <@SuikoGM> Merydia is the final one. She tries to calm herself, and fails, exhaling with a grunt. She nocks all five arrows at once.
[19:30] <@SuikoGM> "Hyaaaah!"
[19:30] <@SuikoGM> 4d6 Combat
[19:30] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Combat: 11 [4d6=2,6,2,1]
[19:31] <@SuikoGM> 1d20+3 Close; 1d20+3 Medium, 3#1d20+3+4 Far
[19:31] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Close: 6 [1d20=3]; Medium, 3#1d20+3+4 Far: 15 [1d20=12]
[19:31] <@SuikoGM> w-what
[19:31] <@SuikoGM> 3#1d20+3+4
[19:31] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, 3#1d20+3+4: 17 [1d20=10], 20 [1d20=13], 26 [1d20=19]
[19:32] <@SuikoGM> Spending all damn three of her Outmaneuvers, the bundle of arrows seem to split off into different directions.
[19:32] <@SuikoGM> The first misses the close target entirely.
[19:32] <@SuikoGM> The second manages to hit the second ring of the medium target.
[19:33] <@SuikoGM> The third, fourth and fifth arrow...
[19:33] <@SuikoGM> all land, thunk, thunk, thunk, perfectly splitting each of Iltani's shots on the far target.
[19:34] <@SuikoGM> Merydia doesn't seem pleased since she missed the closest damn target, but she smirks anyway with some satisfaction as those last three land.
[19:36] <@SuikoGM> "And Markaid's..... interesting approach has earned her.... 109 points. The score has been adjusted for what I can only assume were intentionally placed shots on the far target."
06[19:37] * Iltani 's expression sours slightly. If intent really factored in, she really should have gone last if the scores were biased that way.
[19:38] <Iltani> Still, she shrugs, and readies herself for the next phase of the contest.
[19:39] <@SuikoGM> "Still, a call to fair form and sportsmanship is in order." He semi-chides Merydia before the contest continues.
[19:40] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "..."  Katsuo knew he was a bit outclassed, but to be in last on the first round...urgh.
[19:40] <@SuikoGM> Next up is the Struggle segment!
[19:41] <@SuikoGM> All four of you are given quivers full of arrows. You're not allowed to touch or harm your opponents in any way, or obscure their vision in any way, but other than that, everything seems to be fair game.
[19:42] <@SuikoGM> The official raises his hand, and the symbol of his Target rune appears above head head a moment as he calls forth spectral bullseyes with magic.
[19:43] <@SuikoGM> There seem to be 10 in all. The object is to strike more targets, more accurately than your opponents.
[19:43] <@SuikoGM> Speeds!
[19:43] <Iltani> 15
[19:43] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 15+5 from Holy Rune
[19:44] <@SuikoGM> Merydia is 12, and Sumeru is 14!
[19:44] <@SuikoGM> Katsuo > Iltani > Sumeru > Merydia
[19:45] <@SuikoGM> The bullseyes themselves flitter about in set patterns near the front of the range.
[19:45] <@SuikoGM> It seems they're at slightly different ranges, some of them go behind each other at times.
[19:45] <@SuikoGM> Start!
[19:46] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Katsuo looks over all of them carefully, hoping to get two targets at once, spending the 4 ticks before Iltani goes to look fora good shot.
[19:47] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> At that point, he'll fire at either what's closest, or whatever lines up multiples
[19:47] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 1d20+1 spending AP
[19:47] <PsychoRoll> KatsuoOfTsukinoshi, spending AP: 13 [1d20=12]
[19:49] <@SuikoGM> Katsuo barely manages to clip two! He scores two hits, though his timing was slightly off, but he still manages to shatter his targets.
[19:50] <@SuikoGM> Iltani!
06[19:50] * Iltani picks her targets a little more opportunistically, studying the pattern for oncoming overlaps before nocking two arrows in quicks succession near the same point, attempting to score at each as they converge.
[19:50] <Iltani> 2#1d20+2 Aim Down Sights, Double Tap
[19:50] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, Aim Down Sights, Double Tap: 18 [1d20=16], 12 [1d20=10]
[19:52] <Iltani> "Lead, breathe, lead, breathe," she whispers to herself.
[19:52] <@SuikoGM> Psh, psh, Iltani shatters three targets! On the second arrow, she just barely manages to miss shattering target #4. The first one, however, bullseyes two!
[19:54] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru knocks one arrow and concentrates intensely, waiting for a chance.
[19:54] <@SuikoGM> A chance that Merydia takes! She tries to replicate Iltani's feat.
[19:54] <@SuikoGM> 2#1d20+2
[19:54] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, 2#1d20+2: 7 [1d20=5], 5 [1d20=3]
[19:54] <@SuikoGM> ...And misses spectacularly.
[19:54] <@SuikoGM> "Fucking dammit!"
[19:55] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru lets off her single shot now.
[19:56] <@SuikoGM> 2#1d20+3 Deadeye Shot, Clear Shot, Aiming Down the Sights
[19:56] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Deadeye Shot, Clear Shot, Aiming Down the Sights: 5 [1d20=2], 23 [1d20=20]
[19:57] <@SuikoGM> She pierces a single target dead center.
[19:57] <@SuikoGM> Back to Katsuo!
[19:58] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Let's see, 4 targets left.
[19:59] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 1d20+1 Now that he's had more time to study the patterns, he's sure he can clinch another twofer. Like before, he aims carefully with his extra time.  C'mon....!
[19:59] <PsychoRoll> KatsuoOfTsukinoshi, Now that he's had more time to study the patterns, he's sure he can clinch another twofer. Like before, he aims carefully with his extra time.  C'mon....!: 5 [1d20=4]
[19:59] <@SuikoGM> Nope, he misses by a mile.
[19:59] <@SuikoGM> Iltani!
06[20:00] * Iltani opts to clean up another converging pattern, making sure to overlap enough targets to make it mathematically impossible for the others to score again.
[20:00] <Iltani> 2#1d20+2 Double Tap, Aim Down Sights
[20:00] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, Double Tap, Aim Down Sights: 6 [1d20=4], 4 [1d20=2]
[20:00] <@SuikoGM> ...This time it's Iltani who misses.
06[20:00] * Iltani is much more off her game this time.
[20:00] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru takes this opportunity for a double tap herself, each at a single target.
[20:01] <@SuikoGM> 2#1d20+1
[20:01] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, 2#1d20+1: 16 [1d20=15], 21 [1d20=20]
[20:01] <@SuikoGM> Another clean bullseye, and a fairly close one!
[20:02] <@SuikoGM> Merydia is in a haste to make good on those last two targets, which unfortunately for her are nowhere near each other.
[20:02] <@SuikoGM> 2#1d20-2 Double Shot
[20:02] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Double Shot: 16 [1d20=18], 3 [1d20=5]
[20:02] <@SuikoGM> She manages to hit one!
[20:02] <@SuikoGM> the last target remains!
[20:02] <@SuikoGM> Katsuo!
[20:03] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> One last target, he can match Iltani and Sumeru if he hits this one
[20:03] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 1d20+1
[20:03] <PsychoRoll> KatsuoOfTsukinoshi, 1d20+1: 9 [1d20=8]
[20:03] <@SuikoGM> Psh! It JUST hits.
[20:04] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Well, at least he's probably ahead of Merydia now
02[20:05] * Lecia (Lecia@Rizon-B96CA198.hsd1.il.comcast.net) Quit (Ping timeout: 240 seconds)
01[20:06] <Lekha> go katsuo~
01[20:06] <Lekha> go Iltani~
[20:08] <@SuikoGM> "And the results are in! 71 points to Katsuo, 73 to Iltani, 74 to Sumeru, and 26 to Merydia. This puts the grand total at... Katsuo with 143, Iltani with 167, Sumeru with 161, and Merydia with 134.
[20:08] <@SuikoGM> "
03[20:08] * Lecia (Lecia@Rizon-B96CA198.hsd1.il.comcast.net) has joined #SuikoPokemonIC
[20:09] <@SuikoGM> Merydia puts her palm in her hand.
[20:09] <@SuikoGM> ...
[20:09] <@SuikoGM> head
[20:09] <@SuikoGM> forehead
[20:09] <@SuikoGM> face
[20:09] <@SuikoGM> She is doing that thing
[20:09] <@SuikoGM> with her palm on her face.
[20:09] <@SuikoGM> Sometimes known as a face aplm.
[20:09] <@SuikoGM> or palm.
[20:11] <@SuikoGM> "Alright, it's now time for the STYLE event, what you've been waiting for! With miss Isaacs in first place, hotly followed by the Ravarran beauty Sumeru, Katsuo in a hopeful-looking third after a good performance this round, and the leader of the first round now looking quite sad indeed, we're looking to see some stylish as hell maneuvers out here."
[20:11] <@SuikoGM> "So bring your A game and let's see what you've got!"
[20:11] <@SuikoGM> "Who's going first?"
[20:11] <@SuikoGM> Merydia: "I will."
[20:11] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> He raises an eyebrow.
[20:13] <@SuikoGM> Merydia goes to her back and takes out two revolvers, setting them on a table next to the range. She makes sure each is fully loaded.
[20:13] <@SuikoGM> Then she pulls out small clips of ammo, hanging them on her jacket.
[20:14] <@SuikoGM> Focusing back on the range, she picks the closest target, and shoots it with her first revolver, then tosses it up.
[20:14] <@SuikoGM> Then a shot with her second revolver, with she also tosses up.
[20:14] <@SuikoGM> 3d6+2 Acrobatics
[20:14] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, Acrobatics: 17 [3d6=5,4,6]
[20:17] <@SuikoGM> Catching each with the opposite hand, she begins juggling the two revolvers, firing them in rapid succession, before pulling a hidden third out of her jacket and adding it to the mix. She tosses two of them extra high, begins to reload the third, then tosses it behind her back and catches the first, shooting it one more time and flipping it into her holster, before doing the same with
[20:17] <@SuikoGM> the second. Her speed isn't QUITE good enough to continuously juggle-reload, so she settles for shooting the last one as she catches it from behind her back, then sticks it into her pants.
[20:17] <@SuikoGM> The crowd gives a cheer, and Merydia walks from the range. "Your move, Isaacs."
06[20:18] * Iltani raises an eyebrow. "Why waste that much ammo?"
[20:19] <@SuikoGM> She shrugs. "Seems like a worthy price to see you come out on bottom."
06[20:20] * Iltani pulls two work knives out of her pockets, sticking them blade-end in into the end of two sticks, which she stabs into the ground at two particular points between the three targets, with the one situated between the farther two targets pulled farther back.
[20:21] <Iltani> Walking back, she flicks out the cylinder of her off-hand revolver, emptying all of the rounds save one, which she places flat on a table at her starting location.
[20:21] <Iltani> She needed only one perfect shot.
[20:21] <Iltani> With a grand exhalation, she kicks the underside of the table, sending the round flying upward.
[20:23] <Iltani> As it tumbles down, Iltani chambers the aerial round, flicks the cylinder closed, pulls the hammer of her revolver back, and levels her aim at the first knife in one practiced, smooth motion.
[20:23] <Iltani> The trigger is pulled as soon as the motion stops.
[20:23] <Iltani> 4d6 Combat
[20:23] <PsychoRoll> Iltani, Combat: 14 [4d6=4,2,2,6]
[20:24] <Iltani> Two pings ring out as the bullet is split by the knives mid-flight, with one half being split yet -again-, as all three fragments thud into the targets in incredibly quick succession.
[20:25] <@SuikoGM> There's a roar from the crowd as Merydia grinds her teeth.
[20:25] <Iltani> "Simple ammo economy, Markaid."
[20:26] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru looks over Katsuo curiously. "You or I next?"
[20:26] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "You first."
[20:27] <@SuikoGM> She nods and goes to set things up. She puts the table back in place, to start with, then starts laying down several trick arrows.
[20:28] <@SuikoGM> Three of them in total, they each have small clay pots tied on the end. You hear a sloshing sound when she sets them down.
[20:28] <@SuikoGM> She draws a more normal looking arrow and... aims almost straight up, before letting it off.
[20:28] <@SuikoGM> Then she takes each of the three trick arrows, nocks them, and waits.
[20:28] <@SuikoGM> 4d6
[20:28] <PsychoRoll> SuikoGM, 4d6: 10 [4d6=5,1,1,3]
[20:30] <@SuikoGM> Pew, she shoots them as her first arrow comes back down and pierces the three pots on the trick arrows in succession. A spark as the arrowhead grazes the stone material ignites the liquid within, causing three multicolored explosions. Red, pink, and orange.
[20:30] <@SuikoGM> Soma, perception.
[20:31] <Somalakshmi> 2d6
[20:31] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, 2d6: 10 [2d6=5,5]
[20:32] <@SuikoGM> ....You think for a moment, you see the explosions spell out a very badly written word. ...Looks like it was going to spell "Sumeru" in the sarangan font, but her timing or preparation was off and it kind of fucked up. To anyone else it just looks like pretty explosions.
[20:32] <@SuikoGM> There's a polite applause. Some of them like it, some of them seem to have seen it before.
[20:32] <@SuikoGM> Sumeru seems disappointed.
[20:32] <@SuikoGM> She gives Katsuo the stage.
[20:33] <@SuikoGM> *sarangan language
[20:33] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> he drops the bow, politely
[20:33] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Then stands behind the table, positioning it in front of one of the targets.
[20:34] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> He takes in a deep breath.
[20:34] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> 4d6+2 Intimidate
[20:34] <PsychoRoll> KatsuoOfTsukinoshi, Intimidate: 16 [4d6=5,4,2,3]
[20:35] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> He opens his eyes
[20:35] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> And kicks up the table, sending it flying into the air
[20:36] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Then, in one fluid motion, he draws his sword into a slice, sending out a wave of shadowy spiritual energy crashing THROUGH the table, cutting it in half, and then hitting the target.  THEN, he Shadow Sneaks under each table half in turn, kicking them up into the air, one, two, positioning one in front of the ther, one slightly lower than the other
[20:38] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> Then he JUMPS, and punches out another wave of energy with a "TORIYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA!" sending the table halves FLYING into the target.
[20:38] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> He then lands on the ground, sheathing his blade just as the table halves rebound off the target, the blade going in all the way just as the table halves land.
[20:39] <@SuikoGM> The crowd cheers almost as loudly as they did for Iltani!
[20:39] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "I apologize for wrecking your table."
[20:39] <@SuikoGM> "Well then! I don't... think we've had a demonstration quite like that before. Archery with the very props as the arrows. ... ...shame about the table."
[20:42] <@SuikoGM> He lines you all up and uses a series of cards with numbers on them, raising them above your heads to get an idea of how many points the crowd is giving you.
[20:42] <@SuikoGM> ...judging from their cheers, Iltani gets a perfect 50! Katsuo gets 40! Merydia gets 30, and poor Sumeru gets 20.
[20:43] <@SuikoGM> "And the results are in! The final scores are..."
[20:43] <@SuikoGM> "Katsuo with 183, Iltani with 217, Sumeru with 181, and Merydia with 164! First place to Iltani! Second to Katsuo, third to Sumeru, and toooo bad, Merydia!"
06[20:43] * Iltani breathes a sigh of relief, and looks down to her two Pokemon companions with a satisfied half-smile as she picks them both up.
[20:44] <@SuikoGM> Mistral clings to you, with a curious ribbit, wondering what the end results of this will be.
[20:44] <@SuikoGM> Levante is already wanting to see the prizes, herself!
[20:45] <@SuikoGM> Merydia stomps off with a slew of profanity.
06[20:45] * Iltani gives Bernard a slightly concerned look - well, as concerned as she can usually manage - and motions over to Merydia.
[20:46] <@SuikoGM> Bernard gives a double thumbs up from where he is in the crowd, then heads after your companion.
[20:46] <@SuikoGM> The first place prize is...
[20:48] <@SuikoGM> A Sword of Thunder weapon rune, and 1200 potch!
[20:48] <@SuikoGM> The second place prize is...
[20:49] <@SuikoGM> Some fancy Fine Steel, a material for making or upgrading weaponry.
[20:49] <@SuikoGM> And 1000 potch.
[20:51] <@SuikoGM> Third prize is 500 potch and a Kingdra doll for Sumeru.
[20:51] <@SuikoGM> Now, with that said.
[20:51] <@SuikoGM> ...
[20:52] <@SuikoGM> It's almost time for the midday show at the village square.
[20:52] <@SuikoGM> All of the festivities close down briefly as some crowds make their way over to where various performers will be strutting their stuff - Soma included.
[20:53] <@SuikoGM> Zemrude... seems a little uneasy for some reason, gathered in the square with so many people. But he continues to munch on his fried snacks.
01[20:54] <Lekha> "Hmm? What's up, buddy? Stomachache?"
[20:54] <@SuikoGM> He... doesn't seem to be sure.
[20:55] <@SuikoGM> Gavin, the leader of Soma's troupe, leads everyone on stage to begin the main show.
01[20:55] <Lekha> "Well, try chewing before you swallow, next time." Lekha is helpful!
[20:56] <@SuikoGM> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hxGcd21Wtbw  The show starts up in due time, with merry singing, close, passionate dancing, and lively music.
06[20:58] * Lekha claps along~
[20:58] <@SuikoGM> At one, Unbroken Circle, a large brute of a Dorak with an impressive Fire Breathing Rune, picks Soma up completely off the ground and spews a carefully controlled plume of fire after her, making it look like she's soaring into the sky on a pillar of fire, without actually hurting her.
[20:58] <@SuikoGM> Soma, perception.
[20:58] <@SuikoGM> Oh, whoops.
[20:58] <@SuikoGM> I didn't finish typing that.
[20:59] <@SuikoGM> He picks her up and TOSSES HER INTO THE AIR
[20:59] <@SuikoGM> Then spews a plume of fire after her.
[21:00] <Somalakshmi> 2d6
[21:00] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, 2d6: 4 [2d6=2,2]
[21:02] <@SuikoGM> You're lost in the entrancing dance almost completely, living out again the seemingly endless dream you've been walking through your entire life for the past six years.
[21:02] <@SuikoGM> Focus check.
[21:02] <Somalakshmi> 3d6
[21:02] <PsychoRoll> Somalakshmi, 3d6: 10 [3d6=4,2,4]
[21:02] <@SuikoGM> ...but then you wake up.
[21:03] <@SuikoGM> Because something quite unusual draws your attention as you look to the south from your aerial advantage.
[21:03] <@SuikoGM> ....people.
[21:03] <@SuikoGM> Lots of people.
[21:03] <@SuikoGM> ...and not like the ones you're performing for down below.
[21:03] <@SuikoGM> ...Approaching from the south are the regimented columns of an army, carrying banners of war.
[21:04] <@SuikoGM> Scarcely a few minutes away.
[21:04] <@SuikoGM> And as you start descending back towards the ground, to Unbroken Circle's arms...
[21:05] <@SuikoGM> The fire below you becomes fire above you, as numerous fireballs start streaking upward from the battlemages of this army's ranks.
[21:05] <@SuikoGM> And then you land in the Dorak's arms.
06[21:07] * Somalakshmi stares up at the sky and ceases the act.
[21:07] <Somalakshmi> "Circle..."
[21:07] <@SuikoGM> Circle raises an eyebrow. "...Is something..."
[21:09] <@SuikoGM> He follows your gaze.
[21:09] <@SuikoGM> "...wrong?"
[21:09] <Somalakshmi> "I saw an army..."
[21:10] <@SuikoGM> The fireballs launched from those mages are arching now, starting to come down.
[21:10] <Somalakshmi> "Take cover!"
[21:10] <@SuikoGM> Circle notices now. "...Gods, run!"
[21:11] <@SuikoGM> The troupe is broken up rather confusedly until everyone looks where he's looking. Screams erupt from all around the lot of you as the fireballs begin to rain down and the hordes of civillians break for shelter - only to find those shelters starting to raise into an inferno.
[21:11] <@SuikoGM> In an instant, what was a happy festival... became a blazing chaos.
[21:12] <KatsuoOfTsukinoshi> "...what the hell."
06[21:13] * Lekha looks for a place to hide that isn't on fire.
[21:13] <@SuikoGM> And now the four of you, perhaps guided by fate, suddenly found yourselves in the middle of a fight for survival.
06[21:13] * Iltani looks up, disbelieving, at the rain of fire.
[21:13] <Iltani> "No....here? Again?"
06[21:13] * Somalakshmi tries to think what those banners she saw were... does she recognize them?
[21:13] <@SuikoGM> You couldn't tell from here.
[21:14] <@SuikoGM> But if you wait long enough, then surely you'll find out.
[21:14] <@SuikoGM> In the midst of this chaos... an alliance true shall be forged.
[21:15] <@SuikoGM> Starting... next week, I think.
[21:16] <@SuikoGM> Festival Prologue End