Cleaned notes. Please excuse [[]] and any typos. If you would like anything changed or removed, please LMK!

For various reasons of our own, we decide to head down to the docs. As we do, a ship starts to come across the horizon, waving a crest that we haven't seen before. The sails are black and red with dragons and swords.

A Drakonan man in white and gold robes exits the docked ship, a Katari and an oversized Simiah following close behind. The Drakona looks around at the dock, full of fishermen and tradesmen. He shouts, "Is anyone here brave enough to step into the arenas of [[Kradonia]]? If you believe you are, step forward."

[[Sole'anni]] steps out from the thoroughfare, questioning, "Excuse me, sir, what are you referring to?"

"[[Kradonia]], at this time, has a great tournament arc. We dock at various cities around the globe to recruit people to join in the pits. If you survive, there will be rewards."

[[Zarah]], having seen the large ship doc while talking with some vendors, shouts, "That sounds like a lot of fun! I'll join too."

As we all step forward, this is what we see:

- [[Sole'anni]], a light brown-skinned man with no hair and silver eyes. He wears clean, white robes, akin to an average monk. His face looks peaceful and insightful. Like he's observing the world, though it is hard to read what his emotions are.

- [[Zarah]] is a shorter, human woman. With bright purple hair, thick makeup, and a ditzy expression, she seems quite innocent. She carries no weapons, but a large briefcase.

- [[Infernnus]] looks like an average Infernis man. Slim, toned build with purple skin and slicked back black hair. His horns frame his neutral expression. His clothes look rugged with ranger-like accessories strapped around his body. He likes to observe more than speak. A certified lurker.

- [[Rondell]] is an orange-furred Katari, with a more feline-esque face. Wrapped in some basic leather armor, he travels light as a wanderer. On his wrist are bulky Hand Runes, and a big fluffy tail curls behind him!

- [[Aureate]] is a hairless Katari woman with wrinkled brown skin. Along with rich white robes, she wears lots of gold jewelry. She was just in the middle of a market scam as a fortune teller when she spotted the Drakona. She will approach the new figures eventually, carrying her sword and shield.

As we step forward. The Drakona steps aside and waves his arm, guiding us onto the ship. The large Simiah figure helps us the rest of the way with a, "Roit this way!" As we board, the wood creeks and the waves rock the boat. The Draokna, happy with his selection, mutters, "This was a good stop." They turn the sails and bring up the anchor. He turns to us, "Ever been on a ship before?"

"Yes, I joined a lovely ship wedding a few weeks ago!" chirps [[Zarah]]. "Nothing to this size." [[Sole'anni]] remarks. Drakona tells us that, 'if you get sick on the deck, you're cleaning it.' Cheekily, [[Aureate]] mutters, "No promises."

The journey will be about 7-8 hours, given that the winds are on our side.

[[Zarah]] will open up her briefcase, reaching far down into her briefcase. She haphazardly pulls things out. Her broom, a basket of leaves, and some miscellaneous potions start to roll away. [[Aureate]] and [[Sole'anni]] help her collect anything about to fall off the edge. She pulls out her Charging Quiver and gives it to [[Infernnus]]. "What do I owe you?" he questions. "Oh, nothing! I've been meaning to find someone who can use it. Yay!"

Since the ship is headed towards an arena and the crew looks equipped for combat, [[Aureate]] looks for training dummies. Below deck, she will practice her skills for the upcoming mission.

[[Rondell]] looks for some sailor recreational activities to pass the time. Some people at the stern (rear) seem to be causing quite the ruckus. A Simiah, Katari, and a Dwarf are rolling some dice, the dwarf turning a bit red at his luck. "Good sailors, mind if I join in?" "Have some dice? Never come prepared, these new people. That will be a handful of gold to join in," huffs the Dwarven man. "Alright, too easy." [[Rondell]] says with overconfidence.

The person with the highest D20

- Dwarf, 16 "Bet you can't beat that, can you?"

- Simiah, 8 "I hate this dang game!"

- Katari, 6 "I knew I shouldn't have been playing with you lot."

- [[Rondell]], 12

The dwarf jumps, the table falling, and shouts in pride, "Rahhh, give me your gold laddies!"

[[Infernnus]] looks for a place to sit, so as not be in anyone's way. He sits on the deck to enjoy the ocean's view. When, suddenly, one of the lookouts blows a horn. Pointing starboard, they shout, "Captain! Another ship!" More horns are rung in alarm. "All hands on deck! Prepare!"

[[Rondell]] yells, "Is this part of the gladiator games?" NO!

Ropes unfurl as the crew drop down on the deck, they bring out their crossbows.

[[Aureate]] rushes up from below. First of curiosity, second of necessity. She draws her sword and shield. Protecting herself or others? We'll see.

The ship starts to close in as we get ready. Simiah, Orcs, many people of all kind sappear on the other ship. As it gets closer, it turns, and they swing bridges across.

With a loud thud, two pirates and a Simian captain drop on deck. They come charging at us!

## Combat Start: Pirates!

[[Sole'anni]] aims at one of the lackies, bolt beacon to his face. He draws his hands inwards and shoots a light beam that pulses on his chest with a flash of light. The radiance stuns him, and he stumbles, shaking his head. "Is this what you were expecting?" [[Sole'anni]] gloats.

One of the pirate underlings charges at [[Sole'anni]], raising his sharpened cutlas. It swings wide, and the nibble monk ducks,

The pirate captain takes the opportunity to charge forward, taking his blade towards [[Aureate]]. Noticing her shield, she shouts, "I'm going for her!" Though he is overconfident in his strength, she raises her shield. With a TING, she blocks just in time.

[[Infernnus]], noticing the three new people on board, grabs his bow. Pulling the arrow, his balance is knocked off course due to a wave crashing into the ship at the same time. It flies over their heads and out to sea.

The pirate captain continues to strike against [[Aureate]]. He charges and attacks [[Rondell]] with a large swing of his sword, but misses. [[Rondell]] expertly backflips out of the way, "That's the last mistake you'll ever make," he says with a grimace.

One of the pirate underlings attacks [[Infernnus]] with his massive fist! [[Sole'anni]] stretches his hand and, with a burst of magical prayer light, blocks some of the impact. [[Infernnus]] uses the distraction and twists to the side just in time.

[[Rondell]] attempts to unleash chaos, using focus to split his spell at the underlings. Though with his split focus, the lightning-like fire from his hands misses its target... sheepish that his epic one-liner didn't lead to anything.

The pirate captain again targets [[Aureate]], frustrated with his lack of momentum. Again, her shield covers her from his sharp blade. "Men, no quarter!" he shouts, and all three group up and stand ready.

[[Zarah]] tosses her rune ward to [[Aureate]] for some extra protection. Focusing, she draws closer to the pirate, dragging her hands on the floor. She pulls the air, attempting to drag the shadows from them... but nothing happens... Her Shadow Bind doesn't connect.

They look at [[Infernnus]], shouting, "This is your end, you will sink to the bottom of Davey Jones ' locker today!" Through the chaos, [[Infernnus]] is left terrified. 'Are you talking to me?' he wonders, as their curses cause him to take stress.

[[Aureate]] activates her Crimson Rite to enchant her sword. She channels her vitality into the weapon. The sword starts to glow with golden red veins. Despite all the focus from the pirate captain, she draws upon all the wounds she's taken from him and gives them back to him. With their focus on [[Infernnus]], she sneaks up behind and takes a big old slice across his back. He lets out a yell in pain!

"Men, volley!" Our captain yells. The crossbows lock in, bolts come flying down, pincushioning each pirate.

[[Sole'anni]] running towards [[Infernnus]], "Shoot an arrow!" he calls out. "I'm ready!" he nods. As [[Infernnus]] fires his arrow, [[Sole'anni]] grabs it with his light whip, swinging it around to hit two of them. The whip drags the arrow through the side of one and sticks into the neck of the other, dropping him. And with that, [[Sole'anni]] lands on a platform of light hovering above [[Infernnus]]'s head. "I told you, it wouldn't be so easy for you," he quips.

The captain's face twists in rage, seeing his fallen soldier.

[[Zarah]] twists her broom, bristles forward, at the pirate captain. Each bristle erupts in sparkly green energy and snakes its way, blasting his chest. He looks severely injured, with an imprint of the sparkles on his front.

its

The captain, seeing [[Sole'anni]] take out his men but out of range, swings towards [[Infernnus]]. [[Sole'anni]] uses his light whip to wrap around his dominant hand, preventing the hit.

The other pirate charges towards [[Zarah]], his large fist trying to smash her. Two giant fists pummel her shoulder and neck as her legs wobble from the weight.

[[Rondell]], seeing he's not the target of attention, slinks behind the pirate captain. Sparking up his Hand Runes. Though the energy doesn't connect, he takes a swing. [[Rondell]] just hop-skips away.

[[Aureate]] targets the pirate captain, taking her broadsword to backstab him. She shimmies her blade between his ribs. With a loud crunch, his eyes go glassy as he turns to see her grinning face. With his last breath, he collapses to the ground. Dead.

"Canons, fire!!" Our crew targets the other ship. Taking it down, easily. The last pirate, seeing his crew get wiped out should "I yield, I do not wish to see Davey Jones ' today." He drops his weapon to the floor, hands above his head.

[[Zarah]] happily grabs some excess ribbon and ties his arms and torso to the main mast. For the next couple of hours, she uses some new makeup she's been making. He is not happy. "Don't frown, it'll smudge the makeup."

Downtime:

- [[Aureate]] will tend to her wounds and armor, giving the ruin ward back

- [[Rondell]] will blow off some steam, trying to clear some stress and prepare with [[Sole'anni]]

- [[Infernnus]] clears stress and armor

- [[Sole'anni]] prepares some hope

- [[Zarah]] will clear her hit points and helps to repair [[Infernnus]]'s armor

As our travel comes to an end, the shadow of land grows closer. A larger city whose walls are covered in statues and decorative carving, "Welcome to [[Kradonia]]."

The last pirate cries, "Let me down!" He has a full beat and extra plump lips from a new technique [[Zarah]]'s been working on. You simply take any local crab and have it pinch your desired area for a temporary enlargening effect.

The ship's anchor drops. "Come this way," he calls, as we're ushered to a large colosseum. We can hear the sounds of fighting and cheers. They grow louder as we approach. An announcer yells, signaling the end of the previous round. "We have our winners! Now, everyone, get ready for our next fight. From [[Dawngate]], five brave fighters will take on the former champions."

[[Aureate]] is mentally preparing herself, flexing her claws. "We're ready, we can do this." [[Rondell]] cheers, "We got this! Too easy."

The crowd cheers as the captain introduces us. "These are our contestants. [[Rondell]], [[Aureate]], [[Infernnus]], [[Sole'anni]], and [[Zarah]]." We all bow/curtsy to the crowd. [[Sole'anni]] giving a namaste.

[[Aureate]] grins, "This will be easy."

Across the pit, another gate opens. Walking from the shadows is a giant man and a massive bear. The gates behind us close, leaving just the seven of us staring at each other. "We have seen many battles today, but this will be the finale! Everyone, get ready." The crowd cheers, and a horn blows.

- The champion is a giant with three eyes

- The bear has sharpened claws and teeth

- Giant (16), bear (14)

- It's daytime, arena like a colosseum with dirt/sand pits

- The arena is far-ranged and is open on top

## Combat Start: The Tournament

[[Aureate]] channels her vitality into her sword; it glows once again. Overconfidently rushes forward, intent on hitting the giant with her blade. He just takes a lumbering step back, leaving her totally whiffing. "Sighhh, great."

Because of their deep bond, both the bear and the giant attack together simultaneously. The bear makes a claw attack against [[Aureate]], but she's gotten good with her shield. The force of the claw pushes her back a bit, dragged through the sand.

The giant nocks his huge longbow. Aiming at [[Infernnus]], it goes wide. Almost as if... he's supposed to be the champion, but why is his aim so off?

[[Rondell]] gets within very close range of the champions, behind [[Aureate]]. But the giant is a nimble big man, so his chaotic burst of fire misses.

The giant pulls his bow, taking a shot down at [[Rondell]]. Gracefully, and cat-like, he jumps out of the way. Thudding into the ground, [[Rondell]] just rests on the arrow.

The bear roars and claws down at [[Aureate]]. She raises her shield, but the bear's ferocity knocks her back, a pain lancing through her shoulder. It charges towards [[Sole'anni]], but he moves his nose to the side, successfully dodging.

[[Infernnus]] will hide in... the round corner of the arena. He crouches, takes aim, pulls, and prays. The giant catches the arrow out of the air and snaps it like a twig.

He reaches for an arrow of his own, aiming at [[Zarah]]. Just as the arrow seems like it will pierce her, her broom starts jerking around as if her magic is coming out on its own. With a gust of wind, she shoots straight up, just barely hanging on to her broom.

The bear charges forth at [[Rondell]]. He pulls out his whispering orb, almost praying to it, "Oh, [[Krunkel]], protect me." He raises the orb, just as the teeth of the bear sink into it! The magics within seem to push the teeth off, even just a little.

The beastmaster, seeing a dangling target, draws his bow. With a critical hit, the arrow flies towards her with insane velocity. The arrow arches through the sky, pierces her in the thigh, and pins her to the floor.

[[Sole'anni]] looks desperately at [[Zarah]], who waves his help away. So, he jumps, believing the light will guide him, and he sends out two whips of light energy. One lashes out at the bear right on the snoot, its nose bleeding. The other misses the giant.

The beastmaster, who really hates flying people, turns his focus onto [[Sole'anni]]. With another critical hit, the arrow sinks deep into his shoulder and pins him to the colosseum wall.

The bear growls at [[Rondell]] and claws at his already tattered armor. "[[Krunkel]], protect me, bro!" In a very fashion-forward look, his armor is completely shredded.

[[Aureate]] draws upon her experiences to 'avenge the fallen', literally. Yeah, two of us have definitely fallen! Aiming for the legs of the giant, she uses her broadsword with great power. Thinking it will do much damage, she turns to see what is just a scratch on such a tough opponent.

The giant retaliates with a backhand slap. Another critical hit, this time towards [[Aureate]]. She can't defend from a full-handed slap and is sent tumbling backwards, landing on her feet.

The bear charges at [[Rondell]]. After having his armor shredded by a bear, he pulls upon his primal origins to protect himself.

[[Infernnus]], the bear up in his business; he turns attention to the giant. Another arrow wizzes towards the large target, but his three eyes spot the arrow. "You think you can shoot me?" he bellows, snapping the arrow.

In response, the giant fires an arrow back at [[Infernnus]], impaling him and pinning him to the ground.

The bear charges at [[Zarah]], her wiggling to try and break free, accidentally on purpose dodges out of the way of its strike.

[[Zarah]], still pinned, channels unleash chaos. Grabbing the giant arrow, she rubs her hands together. Makeup begins to peel from her arms, and she flicks the flakes at the bear. It pelts the bear like little arrows. The arrow was pinning her, partially snapping from the release.

Another arrow launches towards [[Sole'anni]], but, in a burst of light energy, he shatters it into pieces. "You don't get to be so lucky twice." [[Sole'anni]] says coldly.

The bear reaches back for a swipe, but [[Aureate]] blocks. In frustration, it claws out again, but fails to take purchase.

The giant takes another shot at [[Sole'anni]], but whiffs. Another burst of light and a cold glare redirects the arrow. The giant, in anger, stomps the ground and drops his bow, ready to charge.

All the destroyed arrows begin to rise as [[Sole'anni]]'s light magic raises the pieces into the air. They turn back on their previous owner and rocket towards him! He mutters a quick prayer, "The light will guide me," while [[Zarah]] shouts, "I have the perfect perfume for you!! Come over here!" as a distraction. The shrapnel explodes against him, blinding him and filling him with splinters. He's clawing at his eyes, trying to get them out.

The giant whips at his face, clearing his vision, and charges at [[Sole'anni]]. Two hulking fists come flying towards him, but he smashes into the wall. It crumbles and loosens the arrow pinning him.

The bear takes a claw attack at [[Aureate]], the pain of the battle weakening her protection. She buckles from the relentless attacks and is looking super rough!

[[Aureate]] takes the gamble! Her affinity for blood and her bloodied state allow her to focus. She takes a breath and STRIKES. With no mercy and a large swing of her sword, she slices the bear. It stumbles, and she closes its eyes as it passes. "Apologies, but it's the life your master chose for you."

[[Rondell]], seeing everyone in trouble, gets up and goes personally to the giant. He extends his sharpened claws, slashing towards his achilleas heal. He bellows out in pain and backhands [[Rondell]]. NATURAL 20. He smacks the crap out of him! But cats always land on their feet, so he gracefully rolls with the punch.

He takes another punch at [[Sole'anni]], who is still pinned to the wall. With another shield for blinding light, he blocks the punch; the giant roars in pain!

[[Infernnus]], [[Sole'anni]], and [[Aureate]] TRIPLE TAG TEAM!

- [[Sole'anni]] uses light whips to pull both his hands down to his side, shouting "NOW!"

- [[Infernnus]], his aim focused, pulls his last arrow and fires. As if in slow motion, a trail of infused magic pushes the arrow right into his third eye.

- Using the other two as a distraction, [[Aureate]] jumps onto his back, slashing from behind.

The giant, in all his built-up frustration, grabs [[Aureate]], who has sunk her claws into his back. He fists her robes and slams her into [[Sole'anni]]. The forceful blow knocks [[Aureate]] unconscious!

The giant grabs [[Sole'anni]], ripping him from the pin, and tosses him at [[Rondell]]. NATURAL 20, he crashes into him with a WHAM. [[Rondell]] is down.

- "No scars, man. I'm a pretty cat."

[[Zarah]], seeing her friends in danger, pulls upon the natural environment. (CRIT) She remembers what her mother taught her: the world will provide to protect your family. She fists her hands in the sand and chucks it towards the giant. They erupt in green flames, and a faint cackle can be heard as a smiling face peers through the flames. As it reaches the giant, it explodes into multicolor fireworks. His body is left sparkling and semi-charred.

"And we have our winners!" Calls the announcer. The crowd goes wild as a team of medics rushes to heal those who have gone unconscious.

As the gate opens, the Draoknan captain swaggers out with a slow clap of appreciation. "Very good. You are now the champions of [[Kradonia]]. Next time we have a tournament, you will fight for your place."

After being successfully roused from the various states of injury, we head back to the ship.

[[Zarah]] will rush to her briefcase, grab some makeup, and frantically cover her arm.

[[Sole'anni]], turning to [[Rondell]], reaching a healing hand his way. "Don't worry. The light has touched you."

,

Rewards:

- 1 XP

- 2 handfuls of gold

- A weapon that gives everyone hope when unsheathed

- Another ship arrives at [[Dawngate]] some time after this adventure to give us our rewards

Awesome notes and thank you :)

Weapon Rewards:

Sole'anni: Kradonian Arcane Gauntlets, Stat Strength, Range Melee, Burden Two Handed, Damage, d10+3 using proficiency. Feature: Champions Aura; when unsheathed or used for the first time in combat, you and all allies within very close-range gain one hope per long rest.

Rondell: Kradonian Hand Runes, Stat Instinct, Range Very Close, Burden One handed, Damage, d10 using proficiency, Feature Champions Aura; when unsheathed or used for the first time in combat, you and all allies within very close-range gain one hope per long rest.

Aureate: Kradonian Broadsword, Stat Agility, Range Melee, Burden One handed, damage d8 using proficiency, Features: Reliable; +1 to attack rolls, Champions Aura; when unsheathed or used for the first time in combat, you and all allies within very close-range gain one hope per long rest.

Infernnus: Kradonian Short bow, Stat Agility, Range Far, Burden Two Handed, Damage d6+3 using proficiency, Features: Champions Aura; when unsheathed or used for the first time in combat, you and all allies within very close-range gain one hope per long rest.

Zarah: Kradonian Dualstaff. Stat Instinct, Range Far, Burden Two Handed, Damage d6+6 using proficiency, Features: Champions Aura: when unsheathed or used for the first time in combat, you and all allies within very close range gain one hope per long rest.