Session 15

As the party is wandering around the city, in the midst of an intersection, a person is hanging out posters advertising a special gladiator fight happening tonight 8pm at the colosseum: The Tigress vs The Raging Tide. The poster shows a Lizardfolk who looks remarkably similar to Laseen, against an elf woman. They approach the party and ask them if they enjoy fights, leading to them encouraging the party to attend the match.  

The Colosseum

The colosseum consisted of several, smaller buildings, nestled snugly into and within each other, all surrounding a massive central tower. The buildings were the intersection of technology and tradition, with traditional charms and decorative tassels hanging from prominent areas alongside magitech screens projecting advertisements. Given the current festival, combat kite ads were particularly dominating the screens. There was a gap between the central tower, illuminated with gently flashing lights, and the surroundings buildings, where small tunnels suspended in the air bridged the gap between the two. All of the actual arenas were clustered toward the center, with the lobby and waiting area being in the buildings encircling them on the outer edge. This lead to a unique experience for both the fighters and attendees: If timed just right, one may be able to see the arena fighters themselves, clad in all of their get-up, cross across their tunnels into the arena. The most devoted fans of these fighters often camped out in these tunnels, waiting to catch a glimpse of their idol: The organizers hated this, as it tended to clog up the tunnels and lead to slower traffic, but it was time-honored tradition nonetheless.   The more prestigious fights took place on the higher levels and nearest the center, which was directly under the sky. The training areas were underground at the deepest level.   There were guards stationed around every entrance to the arena, and every spectator is required to submit to bag checks and have any weapons or other potential dangerous objects be confiscated. The lines were long, but seemed to move at a consistent pace. Stationed outside the entrances were various advertisers, many of the unsavory type. While in line, a person attempts to pickpocket the party. A successful DC 15 Perception check notices this. Depending on what happens, the guards come over and yell at the pickpocketer, before mumbling about criminals loitering around the arena.   The lobby area encompassed the outermost ring of buildings. After getting through the security checkpoint, the party notices that the lines continue inside. Magitech display boards and posters are shown behind the desk workers, similar to the list of movie showings at theaters. They advertised current and upcoming matches, along with promotional material for the fighters. There were also little stalls spaced throughout the arena selling licensed merch. The party sees that Laseen's match started in half an hour.   There are four tiers of arenas: The lower tiers are for less prestigious fights, while the higher ones are for star events. Laseen's fight takes place in the 3rd tier after having been recently promoted.   Laseen's attire is tiger themed: She's covered in tiger pelts, stripe markings on her face and tail, cat ears with eyes on them, and a spear with the image of a running tiger on it.   Her opponent is themed after tsunamis, whirpools, and overall storms. They have a crown with ocean waves as spikes, blue gradient robes with tough, dark armor, and flowy streamers with bits of magical lightning sparking at the ends.  

Merch

• Inferno: A card depicting a half-orc wielding a lit torch, and their fists and head are alight with harmless magic to look like theyre on fire. Blow on it to activate. Roll a ranged attack. On a hit, you send a mini fireball to the target, dealing 2d6 fire damage.
• The Wise Strongman: A card depicting an elf in scholar's robes lifting a massive wooden post with both hands. Clasp firmly between both hands to activate. The user gains a +2 to Strength and Intelligence checks and saving throws for the next minute.
• The Operettist: A card depicting a human in ornate makeup and headgear. Press card against face to activate. The user has advantage on deception and performance checks for the next 10 minutes.
• Twin Snakes: A card depicting a Halfling with two snakes intertwined around their arms. Slide card along length of arm to activate. The target must roll a Strength save, DC 15. On a fail, they are restrained by two spectral snakes until the beginning of their next turn.
• The Murderous Musician: A card depicting a dwarf wielding a Chinese lute, along with several other instruments strapped to their back. Press card against ear to activate. The target must roll a Constitution save, DC 14. On a fail, they take 1d6 Thundre damage and are stunned until the beginning of their next turn.
• The Vengeful Vampire: A card depicting a human in tattered scholar's robes, hat, and a paper seal pasted on their forehead, with makeup to look like their flesh is rotting. Hold card against forehead to activate. The target must roll a Wisdom save, DC 15. On a fail, they take 2d4 Necrotic damage, and are frightened of the user until the beginning of their next turn.
• Kiss of Death: A card depicting a human in courtesan clothes holding a bloody dagger. Kiss the card to activate. The target must make a DC 15 Charisma saving throw. On a fail, they take 1d6 slashing damage, and are Charmed by the user until the end of the target's next turn.
• The Pernicious Poet: A card depicting a half-elf with a pen and large scroll. Trace the word "Activate" on the face of the card to activate. The target must roll a DC 15 Constitution saving throw. On a fail, any attempt by the target at speaking will come out as silence, and verbal components of spells are impossible until the end of their next turn.

 

The Fight

The fight takes place over three rounds. Laseen wins the first, her opponent wins the second, and Laseen takes a swift victory in the final round. Whilst in the crowd, theres a sizeable section that a group of Tigers of Nam members are seated at. During the fight, depending on a DC 13 perception check, the party senses them staring directly at the party.     Eventually, security comes and ushers the crowd away.   As the party funnels out into the lobby, once the area is clear, they are confronted by a ToN member. They accuse Fanna of being the one who stole a special necklace from one of the captains. The ToN member eventually shoves Fanna down, upon doing so, security gets up yells at the two to quit their fighting or take it outside.  

Fight Against the ToN

Eventually, if the party doesn't make it outside, an awkward commoner tells them that someone wants to speak to them outside and personally asked for them. When they go outside, the ToN members are waiting to ambush them. Combat initiates.   One member has a pair of brass knuckles with his pronouns on them. One, an arena fanatic, has several cards on him that he activates during his turns.   While fighting, a crowd of tourists, thinking that this is some kind of promotional event for the colosseum, starts cheering on the fight. They think the ToN members are merely people cosplaying as ToN members.   The party that Michael was talking to after the puppet show performance is also seen watching. When they try and get closer to the fight, more ToN members flood in and push them back.  

Aftermath

Nadyn catches up to the party, and decides to head back to the inn. The session ends with the party waking up to see the other party Michael was talking to waiting for them outside.  

• Water Genasi - Sorcerer: Draconic subclass, Blue (lightning) dragon
• Aarakocra- Rogue: Scout
• Dwarf - Paladin: Watchers Paladin
• Half Elf - Barbarian Ancestral Guardian