Duel Arcana: Round 3 Match 1

[Lord Twig]

It is now day three of the Duel Arcana and only seven duelists remain. Right now we have our first duelists for the day entering the ring. TarNoch received a bye yesterday, but he is here today and ready to show that he has what it takes! Gimbal had a tough duel against Loopy yesterday, losing the duel, but he came out alive, which is an improvement over Loopy’s last competitor.

Both duelists have suffered a loss so today will be critical for them. If they wish to continue in the Duel Arcana they must win this duel.

TarNoch! Gimbal! Take your places!

Please send me a private message with your prepared spells, spells cast prior to the duel, what you will have in hand, what spell(s) you will cast on the first round, and what action you will take on the 2nd round (either prepare to counterspell or total defense).

[Flagg Thornington]

Tarnoch enters the ring and takes his spot. He waves to those who cheer him on and then awaits his opponent. Tarnoch observed Gimbal previous battles closely and casts many spells in anticipation of the upcoming dual. The old dwarf realizes that this may be his hardest battle yet. In his hand he holds a small stone.

[ooc sent action via pm]

[Chris Chandler]

"Ah, someone prepared for the contingency. My goodness! Greetings good Tarnoch, and well met. I'll enjoy this bout!"

Gimbal says all this while strolling into the arean, waving at the judges and those gathered about. He bows to the dwarf kindly.

Actions sent via PM

[Lord Twig]

TarNoch:
HP: 46
Mage Armor, rest of duel
See Invisibility, rest of duel
Contingent Energy Resistance, rest of duel
Lesser Spell Matrix, rest of duel
Nightshield, expires round 91
Stone in hand

Gimbal:
HP: 28 +15
Message (w/ Whisper), rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
False Life, rest of duel
Mirror Image (5 images), expires round 91
Deck in hand

Whisper:
HP: 14 +15
Message (w/ Whisper), rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Mirror Image (5 images), expires round 91
False Life, rest of duel

Initiative: TarNoch 10+3=13, Gimbal 16+0=16. Gimbal goes first.

Round 1:
Gimbal casts Mirror Image
TarNoch casts Nightshield
Round 2:
Gimbal readies an action to counterspell TarNoch
TarNoch readies an action to counterspell Gimbal

http://www.cyberkeep.org/maps/m9r3t1.jpg

They are off and casting. Gimbal has created a lot of images of himself.

And TarNoch has cast up his Nightshield. A couple of good defenses, but nothing too powerful.

Maybe they saved the big spells for offense!

Chris, you have 24 hours to post Gimbal’s next action.

[Chris Chandler]

Hmm - well that is certainly useful - I hope that you've some spells left!

Let's see how you like this one

((casting sent via PM))

[Lord Twig]

TarNoch attempts a Spellcraft check to identify the spell. Check automatically succeeds with a +18 vs. DC 18. TarNoch identifies the spell as Major Image.

Flagg, please specify whether TarNoch will attempt to counter it or not and if so what spell he is using.

[Flagg Thornington]

Tanoch will sling a dispel magic spell in an attempt to disrupt the major image.

[Lord Twig]

TarNoch:
HP: 46
Mage Armor, rest of duel
See Invisibility, rest of duel
Contingent Energy Resistance, rest of duel
Lesser Spell Matrix, rest of duel
Nightshield, expires round 91
Stone in hand

Gimbal:
HP: 28 +15
Message (w/ Whisper), rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
False Life, rest of duel
Mirror Image (5 images), expires round 91
Major Image, expires in concentration +3 rounds
Deck in hand

Whisper:
HP: 14 +15
Message (w/ Whisper), rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
False Life, rest of duel
Mirror Image (5 images), expires round 91

Round 3:
Gimbal casts Major Image. This triggers Tarnoch’s readied action.
TarNoch attempts to counterspell with Dispel Magic. 7+9=16 vs. DC 20, fails.

http://www.cyberkeep.org/maps/m9r3t2.jpg

Gimbal seems to fancy himself a gardener. There is a hedge out there now.

It’s an illusion of course, but a very good one. It will prevent TarNoch from spotting him for now.

Flagg, you have 24 hours to post TarNoch’s next action.

[Flagg Thornington]

Tarnoch moves to E7 and throws up a protective globe.

[minor globe of invulnerability]

[Lord Twig]

TarNoch:
HP: 46
Mage Armor, rest of duel
See Invisibility, rest of duel
Contingent Energy Resistance, rest of duel
Lesser Spell Matrix, rest of duel
Nightshield, expires round 91
Lesser Globe of Invulnerability, expires round 13
Stone in hand

Gimbal:
HP: 28 +15
Message (w/ Whisper), rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
False Life, rest of duel
Mirror Image (5 images), expires round 91
Major Image, expires in concentration +3 rounds
Deck in hand

Whisper:
HP: 14 +15
Message (w/ Whisper), rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
False Life, rest of duel
Mirror Image (5 images), expires round 91

Round 4:
TarNoch moves and casts Lesser Globe of Invulnerability.

http://www.cyberkeep.org/maps/m9r4t1.jpg

TarNoch seems unsure about that hedge, looks like he is casting defensive magic.

He certainly is. He has cast up his Lesser Globe of Invulnerability.

Chris, you have 24 hours to post Gimbal’s next action.

[Chris Chandler]

Action sent in previous PM

[Lord Twig]

Note: The True Strike is still and silent, but it is listed as an active spell as per the rules for the Duel Arcana. In character TarNoch has no idea what was cast.

TarNoch:
HP: 46
Mage Armor, rest of duel
See Invisibility, rest of duel
Contingent Energy Resistance, rest of duel
Lesser Spell Matrix, rest of duel
Nightshield, expires round 91
Lesser Globe of Invulnerability, expires round 13
Stone in hand

Gimbal:
HP: 28 +15
Message (w/ Whisper), rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
False Life, rest of duel
Mirror Image (5 images), expires round 91
Major Image, expires round 7
True Strike, expires round 5
Deck in hand

Whisper:
HP: 14 +15
Message (w/ Whisper), rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
False Life, rest of duel
Mirror Image (5 images), expires round 91

Round 4:
Gimbal casts True Strike silently and moves.
TarNoch attempts a listen to hear Gimbal moving. Gimbal’s Move Silently 3+0=3 vs. 9+0=9, success. TarNoch hear Gimbal moving to the Southeast.

Map is unchanged.

What is Gimbal doing? He doesn’t appear to be doing anything.

Oh he cast something, it was just still and silent.

Flagg, you have 24 hours to post TarNoch’s next action.

[Flagg Thornington]

Tarnoch growls and hollers, "You leave me no choice Gimbal. You should come out and duel like a dwarf." The irritated dwarf conjures a magical web that shoots from the walls of the arena to the floor. He then reaches into a small pocket in his pack and pulls forth a pearl.

[ooc Cast Web originating from southeast corner of J8, retrieve pearl of power III from haversack, still holding the stone. 5 foot step to D6]

[Lord Twig]

Note: The wall of the arena is farther than 5’ from the edge of the ring, plus the floor of the arena would not be diametrically opposed to the wall anyway, so the web will collapse in on itself. If the hedge had been real it would have supported the web (not to mention blocking line of effect), since it did not it is obvious that the hedge is an illusion and is automatically disbelieved.

TarNoch:
HP: 46
Mage Armor, rest of duel
See Invisibility, rest of duel
Contingent Energy Resistance, rest of duel
Lesser Spell Matrix, rest of duel
Nightshield, expires round 91
Lesser Globe of Invulnerability, expires round 13
Stone in hand

Gimbal:
HP: 28 +15
Message (w/ Whisper), rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
False Life, rest of duel
Mirror Image (5 images), expires round 91
Major Image, expires round 7
True Strike, expires round 5
Deck in hand

Whisper:
HP: 14 +15
Message (w/ Whisper), rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
False Life, rest of duel
Mirror Image (5 images), expires round 91

Round 5:
TarNoch casts web and steps. The web spell bursts into effect and immediately collapses in on itself since there is nothing to attach to. TarNoch automatically disbelieves the illusionary hedge.

http://www.cyberkeep.org/maps/m9r5t1.jpg

TarNoch has sent a web spell spinning at Gimbal, but with nothing to attach to it fell apart.

It seems to have convinced him that the hedge is an illusion though.

Chris, you have 24 hours to post Gimbal’s next action.

[Chris Chandler]

"Now, that was a convincing failure of effect, though I suppose you can see me now. You mean that dwarven wizards are like dwarven warriors? They just blast until one falls down?"

Gimbal smiles as he moves and casts -

"How very quaint."

[Move to F6, then cast a True Striked Enervation on Tarnoch. Talk smack as a free action.]

[Lord Twig]

TarNoch:
HP: 46
Mage Armor, rest of duel
See Invisibility, rest of duel
Contingent Energy Resistance, rest of duel
Lesser Spell Matrix, rest of duel
Nightshield, expires round 91
Lesser Globe of Invulnerability, expires round 13
Stone in hand
1 Negative Level, –1 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, ability checks, and effective level

Gimbal:
HP: 28 +15
Message (w/ Whisper), rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
False Life, rest of duel
Mirror Image (5 images), expires round 91
Major Image, expires round 7
Deck in hand

Whisper:
HP: 14 +15
Message (w/ Whisper), rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
False Life, rest of duel
Mirror Image (5 images), expires round 91

Round 5:
Gimbal moves and casts Enervation, his True Strike adding +20 to hit. 19+0+20=39 vs. touch AC 15, success. Inflicts 1 negative level. TarNoch loses his remaining 5th level spell.

http://www.cyberkeep.org/maps/m9r5t2.jpg

Gimbal has hit back by sending a bolt of black lightning at TarNoch!

An enervation, the negative energy will steal some of TarNoch’s power. If it is enough to stop the dwarf remains to be seen.

Flagg, you have 24 hours to post TarNoch’s next action.

[Flagg Thornington]

Tarnoch directs three bolts of magical force that unerringly strike Gimbal. The dwarf then draws his dagger and steps next to the illusionist and his familiar and the blast dissipates. He mutters something about being to old for this much excitement.

[cast force missiles, 5 foot step to E6, Draw weapon as move action]

[Lord Twig]

TarNoch:
HP: 46
Mage Armor, rest of duel
See Invisibility, rest of duel
Contingent Energy Resistance, rest of duel
Lesser Spell Matrix, rest of duel
Nightshield, expires round 91
Lesser Globe of Invulnerability, expires round 13
Stone and dagger in hand
1 Negative Level, –1 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, ability checks, and effective level

Gimbal:
HP: 28 +5
Message (w/ Whisper), rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
False Life, rest of duel
Mirror Image (2 images), expires round 91
Major Image, expires round 7
Deck in hand

Whisper:
HP: 14 +5
Message (w/ Whisper), rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
False Life, rest of duel
Mirror Image (5 images), expires round 91

Round 6:
TarNoch casts Force Missile. Rolls to see which Gimbal gets hit. The real Gimbal is 1, images are 2-6. Missiles hit 4, 5 and 6. Missiles deal 10, 6 and 4 damage. Three images are destroyed. The missiles explode for half damage to Gimbal and Whisper dealing 5, 3 and 2 damage.
TarNoch steps and draws his dagger

http://www.cyberkeep.org/maps/m9r6t1.jpg

Well TarNoch is not out of it yet! He sent some force missiles out to blow away some of Gimbal’s images.

And it looks like Gimbal caught some splash damage as well.

Chris, you have 24 hours to post Gimbal’s next action.

[Chris Chandler]

"Alright, then, you missed me, but didn't - nice work, Tarnoch. Well, let's try a little more of the same, shall we again?"

5 foot step to G7, then cast another enervation.

[Lord Twig]

TarNoch:
HP: 46
Mage Armor, rest of duel
See Invisibility, rest of duel
Contingent Energy Resistance, rest of duel
Lesser Spell Matrix, rest of duel
Nightshield, expires round 91
Lesser Globe of Invulnerability, expires round 13
Stone and dagger in hand
1 Negative Level, –1 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, ability checks, and effective level

Gimbal:
HP: 28 +5
Message (w/ Whisper), rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
False Life, rest of duel
Mirror Image (2 images), expires round 91
Major Image, expires round 7
Deck in hand

Whisper:
HP: 14 +5
Message (w/ Whisper), rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
False Life, rest of duel
Mirror Image (5 images), expires round 91

Round 6:
Gimbal moves and casts Enervation. 8+4=12 vs. touch AC 15, misses.

http://www.cyberkeep.org/maps/m9r6t2.jpg

Oh! Gimbal tried to weaken TarNoch some more, but he missed!

We will see if it is enough of a break for TarNoch to gain the advantage.

Flagg, you have 24 hours to post TarNoch’s next action.

[Flagg Thornington]

With a few quick gestures and a phrase concerning flame in draconic Tarnoch hands evoke a cone of flame that shoots forth charring everything in its path. He then stows the stone and steps next to Gimbal brandishing his menacing dagger.

[ooc cast burning hands. cone affecting the following squares (F7,F8,F9,G7,G8,H7) put stone in pack (Move) 5-foot step to F7]

[Lord Twig]

Note: TarNoch needs to put the stone away first so that he has a free hand to cast the spell. I have changed his actions to represent this as the order of the actions does not change anything.

TarNoch:
HP: 46
Mage Armor, rest of duel
See Invisibility, rest of duel
Contingent Energy Resistance, rest of duel
Lesser Spell Matrix, rest of duel
Nightshield, expires round 91
Lesser Globe of Invulnerability, expires round 13
Dagger in hand
1 Negative Level, –1 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, ability checks, and effective level

Gimbal:
HP: 28 +5
Message (w/ Whisper), rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
False Life, rest of duel
Mirror Image (2 images), expires round 91
Major Image, expires round 7
Deck in hand

Whisper:
HP: 14 +5
Message (w/ Whisper), rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
Protection from Energy, rest of duel
False Life, rest of duel
Mirror Image (5 images), expires round 91

Round 7:
TarNoch puts away the stone and casts Burning Hands. Spell fails as it is cast inside the Lesser Globe of Invulnerability.
TarNoch steps up.

http://www.cyberkeep.org/maps/m9r7t1.jpg

TarNoch tried to cast a Burning Hands spell at Gimbal, but it failed because of his own globe! I wonder why he bothers with the low levels spells? Where’s the big stuff?

That's a rookie mistake right there and it may end up costing him.

Chris, you have 24 hours to post Gimbal’s next action.

[Chris Chandler]

"Um, yes, Tarnoch, your palms are quite attractive, for, er, for a dwarf, but I really fail to see the relevance here. I think you're getting distracted. Here, enjoy another distraction - "

[Move around Tarnoch, provoking that deadly AoO (w/ subsequent mirror image distraction), moving F6 - D6 - C7, then casting a shadow conjuration of a Summon Monster III, summoning a Celestial Hippogriff to the SW corner of E7, to which it should immediately unload on Tarnoch]

[Lord Twig]

Note: The SW corner of E7 is not a valid spot to summon the hippogriff. I have adjusted it to SW D7.

TarNoch:
HP: 41
Mage Armor, rest of duel
See Invisibility, rest of duel
Contingent Energy Resistance, rest of duel
Lesser Spell Matrix, rest of duel
Nightshield, expires round 91
Lesser Globe of Invulnerability, expires round 13
Dagger in hand
1 Negative Level, –1 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, ability checks, and effective level

Gimbal:
HP: 25 (+5 suppressed)
Message (w/ Whisper), rest of duel (suppressed)
Protection from Energy, rest of duel (suppressed)
Protection from Energy, rest of duel (suppressed)
Protection from Energy, rest of duel (suppressed)
False Life, rest of duel (suppressed)
Mirror Image (2 images), expires round 91 (suppressed)
Deck in hand

Whisper:
HP: 14 (+5 suppressed)
Message (w/ Whisper), rest of duel (suppressed)
Protection from Energy, rest of duel (suppressed)
Protection from Energy, rest of duel (suppressed)
Protection from Energy, rest of duel (suppressed)
False Life, rest of duel (suppressed)
Mirror Image (5 images), expires round 91 (suppressed)

Shadow Celestial Hippogriff:
HP: 5
AC: 12
Acid/Cold/Electricity Resistance 5
2 claws +6 melee (1d4+4) and bite +1 melee (1d8+2)

Round 7:
Major Image expires.
Gimbal moves, provoking an AoO from TarNoch.
TarNoch attacks with his dagger. 10+5=15 vs. AC 10, hits. Deals 3 damage.
Gimbal casts Shadow Conjuration to mimic a Summon Monster III and a Shadow Celestial Hippogriff appears.
Hippogriff attacks TarNoch. Two claws and a bite 12+6=18, 18+6=24, and 12=1=13 vs. AC 20, one claw hits the rest miss. TarNoch attempts a Will save to disbelieve. 7+9=18 vs. DC 23, fails. Hippogriff deals 1+4=5 damage to TarNoch.

http://www.cyberkeep.org/maps/m9r7t2.jpg

Gimbal is moving away, but is staying inside the globe. It cost him a cut from TarNoch dagger though.

His spell has brought out a Celestial Hippogriff. It’s a shadow creature of course, but it has finally dealt some damage to TarNoch.

Flagg, you have 24 hours to post TarNoch’s next action.

[Flagg Thornington]

Tarnoch steps back and casts his last force missiles spell. He directs all three missiles at Gimbal and prays that they will be potent.

[ooc 5-foot step to G7 cast force missiles ]

[Lord Twig]

TarNoch:
HP: 41
Mage Armor, rest of duel
See Invisibility, rest of duel
Contingent Energy Resistance, rest of duel
Lesser Spell Matrix, rest of duel
Nightshield, expires round 91
Lesser Globe of Invulnerability, expires round 13
Dagger in hand
1 Negative Level, –1 penalty on attack rolls, saving throws, skill checks, ability checks, and effective level

Gimbal:
HP: -2 (+5 suppressed)
Message (w/ Whisper), rest of duel (suppressed)
Protection from Energy, rest of duel (suppressed)
Protection from Energy, rest of duel (suppressed)
Protection from Energy, rest of duel (suppressed)
False Life, rest of duel (suppressed)
Mirror Image (2 images), expires round 91 (suppressed)
Deck in hand

Whisper:
HP: 0 (+5 suppressed)
Message (w/ Whisper), rest of duel (suppressed)
Protection from Energy, rest of duel (suppressed)
Protection from Energy, rest of duel (suppressed)
Protection from Energy, rest of duel (suppressed)
False Life, rest of duel (suppressed)
Mirror Image (5 images), expires round 91 (suppressed)

Round 7:
TarNoch steps and casts Force Missile at Gimbal. Deals 10, 8 and 10 damage to Gimbal. The missiles explode for 5, 4 and 5 damage to Whisper and the hippogriff. Gimbal is unconscious, Whisper is staggered and the hippogriff is destroyed.
Sister Bessin casts Reach Cure Minor Wounds to stabilize Gimbal.

TarNoch is giving himself some room to cast, looks like it is going to be something bigger this time. Yes! Force missiles have streaked out to knock Gimbal senseless. He also managed to take out the hippogriff at the same time.

That’s it for Gimbal. This will be his second loss.

A very good showing though, maybe he will come back for a rematch in the next Duel Arcana.

TarNoch wins.

[Flagg Thornington]

Tarnoch scolds himself for wasting so much time in this duel. He vows not to make the same mistakes in the future. The dwarf greets Gimbal and the crowd on his way from the arena.