Mummy's Mask - Shifting Sands [IC]

[Farmerbink]

Turi watches nervously as the hanging lines draw nearer. "Uh, miss?" His eyes widen, as Lehasti unintentionally steers the chariot towards a sure-fire collision with the obstacles. "Miss Lehas-" Just as she's handing the reins over anyway, Turi lunges forward to grab them. "Hit 'em with all you've got! I got this!"

He's not at all sure he's got this, but Turi quickly wraps the leather straps around his hands and pulls to the right, towards a blank spot, he's pretty sure he spotted a few moments ago.

Spoiler: OOC

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Very sorry for the delay. I made the classic error of reading the previous post without immediately responding and then got bogged down in house/family stuff.
(1d20+12)[19] perception to avoid the lines

[Gwynfrid]

Natala is the only one choosing to cling to the side of the street, where the lines don't hang so low and her sight is unhindered. This lets her cast a clever little spell conjuring the magical shape of a scimitar, which proceeds to strike the lines in front of the green and white chariot, considerably facilitating their advance. Lehasti, meanwhile, decides to emulate some of the aggressive maneuvers she saw from certain other competitors, and receives the satisfaction of pushing the green and blue rival out of the way a couple of times. The youngster clinging to his camel is now trying to pour a potion down the throat of that camel's companion, and from the looks of it, the poor beast was never trained to perform its job under such conditions.

"Mysterious fog showing up here, this will make my job as a commentator much harder, I regret to say! But here, the fun-loving inhabitants of the street will surely give an opinion on such shenanigans... And here they come! What is it this year? Tell me, my honored lady, what's the plan?" From his vantage point, Vershab sees that the barker has stopped the magical carpet in front of a window near the top of the building, and is briefly interviewing a matron, armed with a large bucket. "Vegetable peelings and, well, mostly water!" is the response. "Our competitors are so lucky! Last year's downpour was a lot more smelly as I recall..." To the laughter of the crowd, dozens of buckets are emptied through many windows, catching the drivers unaware as they try to navigate the laundry hanging in their faces. One exception, though, is the driver of the gold and red chariot: Master Manetho once more demonstrates the benefits of prior experience, when he deploys an incongruous umbrella, protecting himself and his companion from most of the abuse. Swerving sharply to avoid a particularly large dump of dubious material, Sabef gets entangled in a hanging mass of underwear, wasting significant time as a result.

Spoiler: Stage 5 : Quiet Neighborhood

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Amazingly, every single save was a success!

Blue & Green (Harwa and Djaty) Duck the low laundry lines DC17 (1d20+7)[25] including Heightened Awareness, +2 from the assist. Position change: +60, +30 since both camels are now accelerated, -3x10 from being bounced 3 times, total +60.
Reflex DC15 against the thrown garbage (fail = (1d3)[3]x10ft penalty) (1d20+3)[22]
Will DC16 against the illusory fog (fail = (1d3)[3]x10ft penalty) (1d20+5)[23]
Harwa:
#1 assists on the Perception roll (1d20+7)[22].
#2 attempts to administer a potion to the other camel, Ride DC15 (1d20+6)[26].
#3 if failed, try again Ride DC15 (1d20+6)[14].

Green & White (Lehasti and Turi) - Turi succeeds with a 19 on Perception. Natala's Spiritual Weapon pushes the laundry lines away, lowering the DC by 4. Progress +40ft.
Reflex DC15 against the thrown garbage (fail = (1d3)[2]x10ft penalty) (1d20+11)[18]
Will DC16 against the illusory fog (fail = (1d3)[2]x10ft penalty) (1d20+10)[22] (incl +4 bonus from Vershab's warning)
Lehasti's bouncing attempts are DC20 and so 2 of them will succeed, unless Djaty manages to drive out of her way.
Opposed Handle Animal (1d20+3)[7] vs Turi's (1d20+3)[23] - success
Opposed Handle Animal (1d20+3)[5] vs Turi's (1d20+3)[21] - success

Red & Yellow (Azkin and Sabef) Duck the low laundry lines DC17 (1d20+11)[12] including Azkin's successful assist. Ouch. Position change: -30.
Reflex DC15 against the thrown garbage (fail = (1d3)[1]x10ft penalty) (1d20+11)[17]
Will DC16 against the illusory fog (fail = (1d3)[1]x10ft penalty) (1d20+9)[22] (incl +4 bonus from Vershab's warning)

Gold & Red (Kapes and Manetho) - Duck the low laundry lines DC17 (1d20+7)[13]. The masters are good, but the dice are not with them today. Position change: -30.
Will DC16 against the illusory fog (fail = (1d3)[1]x10ft penalty) (1d20+6)[18].
No need for a Reflex save thanks to the umbrella deployment.

Orange & Silver (Ahmose and Ebana) Duck the low laundry lines DC17 (1d20+9)[16]. Just succeeds thanks to the assist. Nehesy's push inflicts a -10. Position change: 0.
Reflex DC15 against the thrown garbage (fail = (1d3)[3]x10ft penalty) (1d20+8)[20]
Will DC16 against the illusory fog (fail = (1d3)[3]x10ft penalty) (1d20+4)[20]
Ahmose attempts to cast 2 times, then tries to assist on the Perception
#1 Concentration DC16 (1d20+13)[18] success: cast Grease on green and yellow
#2 Concentration DC18 (1d20+13)[14] fail
#3 Perception DC10 (1d20+3)[17]
If she succeeds on her Will, she can warn Ebana to give her a +4 on the save vs the illusion: (1d20+9)[13]

Green & Yellow (Nehesy and Benerib) - Duck the low laundry lines DC17 [roll]1d20+8[/roll (rolled 18 in OOC), but the Grease spell inflicts a -20. Position change: -10.
Reflex DC15 against the thrown garbage (fail = (1d3)[3]x10ft penalty) (1d20+6)[15]
Will DC16 against the illusory fog (fail = (1d3)[1]x10ft penalty) (1d20+4)[17]
#1 Attempt to bounce green and white: Opposed Handle Animal (1d20+7)[16] vs (1d20+3)[11] and bull rush (1d20+12)[13].
#2 Attempt to bounce orange and silver: Opposed Handle Animal (1d20+7)[23] vs (1d20)[17] and bull rush (1d20+12)[24].
#3 Attempt to bounce blue and green: Opposed Handle Animal (1d20+7)[26] vs (1d20+3)[20] and bull rush (1d20+12)[25].

Black & Gold (Sigrun Firehair and Gretta Isilson) - Duck the low laundry lines DC17 (1d20+8)[24] including Inspire Competence, +2 fopr the assist. Position change: +50.
Reflex DC15 against the thrown garbage (fail = (1d3)[3]x10ft penalty) (1d20+8)[25]
Will DC16 against the illusory fog (fail = (1d3)[1]x10ft penalty) (1d20+7)[26]
Sigrun
#1 assists on the Perception roll (1d20+7)[17].
#2 inspires competence.

Blue & White (Natala and Vershab) - taking the slow route has the dual virtues of avoiding all of the abuse and allowing the necessary quiet to cast a spell unhindered. Position change: -20.

Race leaderboard after stage 5:

280: Blue & Green (Harwa and Djaty). Total damage to chariot: 14.

250: Green & White (Lehasti and Turi). Total damage to chariot: 2.

150: Red & Yellow (Azkin and Sabef)

145: Orange & Silver (Ahmose and Ebana)

120: Gold & Red (Kapes and Manetho)

120: Black & Gold (Sigrun Firehair and Gretta Isylson)

110: Green & Yellow (Nehesy and Benerib)

40: Blue & White (Natala and Vershab)

Eliminated: Blue & Purple (Raerka and Iunre)

Eliminated: Amber & Dark Red (Setut and Teos)

The chariots emerge from this area, covered in kitchen leftovers, but they don't have time to do any cleanup. The race is still on, more than ever! In front of them is the next street, a steep uphill, winding alley. In multiple places, they are going to have to climb up actual steps, so sharp is the slope here...

Spoiler: Stage 6: Steep Steps

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#1 Prod the camel gently: Handle animal DC20
#2 Don't get bounced out! Acrobatics DC20
#3 Any other ideas?

[DarkOne-Rob]

"Everyone, I'm running out of good ideas here. Anything I do to slow down the lead chariot will delay all of our teams as well. I'm going to try and scout ahead to see if there's a better place to hinder the Blue-Green and help us re-take the lead..."

From his vantage point flying over the race, Vershab looks for the indicators (flags, signs, etc...) that will direct the racers along the route towards the finish line. As he flies that way he does his best to look for a spot where he can give a strong effort to put a stop to the Blue/Green racer.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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I figure this will require some Perception checks. Here we go...(1d20+18)[29], (1d20+18)[31], (1d20+18)[24]

[Starbin]

Natala al Akmet, Warsighted Oracle

Natala sighed as she found herself firmly in last place. She wasn't sure what she could do to help herself or her companions from this position, but there was no quit in this woman. As she considered the steep hills and stairs the group was approaching, a thought occurred to her. "Vershab, have you considered casting flight upon Lehasti's camels? Or at least levitation on their chariot? Might make travel through this area much faster!"

And with that, Natala tried to see if it would help her own case. Carefully, she tried to cast her spell on the chariot to make it easier to drag by the camels ...

---

Stage 6: Gonna try to cast levitate on the chariot and see if that helps navigate these stairs ...

Con check - (1d20+5)[19], with an aid from my unseen servant hopefully!

If the spell fails, think straight Dex check Acrobatics - (1d20+4)[9] ... I think ...

Spoiler: Crunch

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AC 21 HP 57 Init +8 Move 30
F +5 R +8 W +8
Weapon: +1 longspear (+8, 1d8+4), Ancestral Weapon (+1 magic weapon of choice from pantheon)
Spells: (Unl) guidance, detect magic, create water, read magic, detect poison, stabilize, mending, ghost sound, mage hand / (6/8) cure light wounds, unseen servant, ray of sickening, divine favor, remove fear, bless, protection vs evil / (8/7) cure moderate wounds, levitate, minor image, spiritual weapon, burst of radiance, lesser restoration, spear of purity / (3/5) cure serious wounds, heroism, searing light, summon monster 3
Martial flexibility: 6/6; AW: 7/7: Spirit shield: 6/7; Blessings: 2/2
Key skills: Diplomacy +12; KS History/Religion +9; Sense Motive +8; Spellcraft +8; Heal +5; Linguistics +5; KS All others +4; Craft Weapons +6
Effect: Spirit shield (+6 AC, 65 min); heroism (Lehasti & Nat, +2 [morale] to att/dam/saves/checks; 69 min); unseen servant (7hrs); blessing (+1 Att/save vs fear; 6min); Slippers (ignore difficult terrain)

[Farmerbink]

Once more, Turi finds himself awkwardly clinging to the reins. "Keep going, Miss Lehasti!" As the cart jostles violently, he finds himself bracing awkwardly with one foot against the side of the chariot, just to try and keep his footing. With each bump, it's more and more precarious.

Spoiler: Acrobatics

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DC 20 (1d20+12)[27]

[JWallyR]

Lehasti doesn't respond directly to Turi, instead simply continuing her assault at the other chariot, doing her best to knock it off balance in the unusual terrain. In annoyance and frustration, she grabs a bit of laundry caught on her arm and hurls it toward the nearer axle of their opponent's chariot!

Spoiler: Actions

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Can we call it a Dirty Trick to try and 'entangle' one of the wheels with one of the laundry items I'm going to assume managed to get snagged on the chariot?

Otherwise combat maneuvers can be whatever. Trip attempt to try and destabilize the chariot on some stairs? Bull rush to just generally knock it about? Etc.

A few rolls:
(1d20+14)[26]
(1d20+14)[22]
(1d20+14)[25]

Azkin peels away the assault of unexpected undergarments from Sabef, chuckling ruefully. As the pair return their attention to the race, he eyes the road ahead. "Drive steady, Sabef... maybe I can still help!" he murmurs before fixing his eyes on the enemy chariot in the lead. He begins to pray, his free hand gesturing toward the sky and the natural representation of his patroness...

Spoiler: Actions

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Relying on Sabef for Acrobatics, etc.
Attempting to cast Create Water to harass the frontmost enemy chariot. Some concentration checks:
(1d20+9)[22] vs DC 15
(1d20+9)[20] vs DC 15
(1d20+9)[22] vs DC 15

[Gwynfrid]

The race goes even wilder as the chariot now awkwardly ascend the stairs as fast as they can, giving a bumpy time to the drivers. Some fall off their chariots, forcing their partner to rein in the camel to allow them to catch up. Others slow down to avoid just such a fate. A careful handling of the camels is necessary to get the right balance of speed and steadiness. Out of the corner of his eye, Azkin notices Manetho, the camel master, drinking a potion before he encourages his camels further. The animals seem to understand his commands right on cue, greatly facilitating the ascent. Others begin to drink potions as well, to what end is anybody's guess. For her part, Lady Ahmose, a mischievous smile on her lips, casts the same spell three times in quick succession. The floors of the Green and White, Blue and Green, as well as the Green and Yellow chariots are suddenly covered in a strange slippery material! The Lady Ahmose yells mockingly at Nehesy as her chariot overtakes his: "How do you like the race so far, my dear?" But the Blue and Green is the one that comes the worse off this stunt as young Djaty loses his grip, falls off the chariot and lands on the ground, hard. Blood is seen covering his elbow as he climbs back, wincing, but determined to continue. Meanwhile, Turi is also hampered by the greasy effect, but he manages to hold on. On his side, Azkin also resorts to magic, but the blue and green's camels eventually get used to being showered with water and its seems to bother them not so much anymore.

"Ah! An interesting way to reuse an obstacle!" This is the announcer again, commenting on Lehasti's creative use of fallen laundry to jam the blue and green chariot's left wheel. This forces Djaty to stop briefly to allow Harwa to take care of the problem. The pair are promptly back in action... But this is enough for Green and White to take the lead, to cheers from the fans! Other racers simply stick to earlier tactics, Sigrun bellowing encouragements to Gretta, Lord Nehesy kicking his way through the opposition. It is Natala, however, who comes up with the overall best solution to the challenge. Her chariot now floats above the ground, greatly alleviating her camels' load and making her own ride comfortably smooth as she races past the competition. "Now, that's what I call timely use of one's magic talent!" The crowd applauds and cheers along with the appreciative comment from the barker.

Vershab, on a hunch, decides to leave the main racing group and look for a good place to ambush the leaders. While everyone is more or less nimbly making their way up the steps, he rises up to get around the hill and look on the other side. This is the point when his keen eye notices something odd. There are people on the roofs, near the hill's peak where the race will soon pass through. Four of them, two on each side of the street, in identical tan robes, they carry... what? The young scholar stops in mid-air to focus better. No mistake - those are crossbows.

Spoiler: Stage 6 : Steep Steps

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Blue & Green (Harwa and Djaty) Don't get bounced out! DC20 (1d20+9)[12] including Cat's Grace, add +2 for assist, but -5 from the Grease, this is a failure by 10 or more, and Djaty falls and gets hurt. -10ft penalty from all the water, but this produces diminishing returns now. Another -20ft penalty from Lehasti's entanglement, but +10 from the accelerated camel (only one camel is fast now). Position change -55ft.
Harwa:
#1 assists on the Acrobatics roll (1d20+7)[23].
#2 untangles the wheel
#3 gets back on board.

Green & White (Lehasti and Turi) - Don't get bounced out! DC20, Turi would succeed with a 27 on Acrobatics, reduced to 22 from the Grease. Position change +15ft.

Red & Yellow (Azkin and Sabef) Don't get bounced out! DC20 (1d20+14)[20] Position change +10ft.

Gold & Red (Kapes and Manetho) - Prod the camel gently DC20 (1d20+19)[21] including +4 bonus from Speak with Animals. Position change +10ft.

Orange & Silver (Ahmose and Ebana) Don't get bounced out! DC20 (1d20+11)[19]. Position change -10ft
Ahmose attempts to cast 3 Grease times , if successful this inflicts -5 on the Acrobatics check
#1 Concentration DC16 (1d20+13)[27] casting on Blue & Green
#2 Concentration DC16 (1d20+13)[19] casting on Green and White
#3 Concentration DC16 (1d20+13)[29] casting on Green and Yellow

Green & Yellow (Nehesy and Benerib) - Don't get bounced out! DC20 (1d20+10)[22], reduced to 17 from the Grease. Position change -15ft.
#1 Attempt to bounce green and white: Opposed Handle Animal (1d20+7)[16] vs (1d20+3)[14] and bull rush DC20 (1d20+12)[18] fail.
#2 Attempt to bounce orange and silver: Opposed Handle Animal (1d20+7)[18] vs (1d20)[17] and bull rush DC20 (1d20+12)[13] fail.
#3 Attempt to bounce blue and green: Opposed Handle Animal (1d20+7)[16] vs (1d20+3)[13] and bull rush DC20 (1d20+12)[19] fail.

Black & Gold (Sigrun Firehair and Gretta Isilson) - Don't get bounced out! DC20 (1d20+6)[12] +2 for assist and +4 Inspire Competence, still fails. Position change -15ft.
Sigrun
#1 assists on the Acrobatics roll (1d20+6)[19].
#2 Concentration DC16 (1d20+11)[31] to cast Moment of Greatness
#3 inspires competence (+4 or +2 depending on the success of Moment of Greatness)

Blue & White (Natala and Vershab) - Don't get bounced out! DC20, Natala rolled a 9, but with Levitate the DC is down to 0! Plus, this greatly helps the camels on the way up, for a +60ft bonus. Position change: +90.

Race leaderboard :
Race leaderboard after stage 6:

265: Green & White (Lehasti and Turi). Total damage to chariot: 2.

225: Blue & Green (Harwa and Djaty). Total damage to chariot: 14. Djaty took 15 damage.

160: Red & Yellow (Azkin and Sabef)

135: Orange & Silver (Ahmose and Ebana)

130: Gold & Red (Kapes and Manetho)

130: Blue & White (Natala and Vershab)

105: Black & Gold (Sigrun Firehair and Gretta Isylson)

95: Green & Yellow (Nehesy and Benerib)

Eliminated: Blue & Purple (Raerka and Iunre)

Eliminated: Amber & Dark Red (Setut and Teos)

Spoiler: Stage 7 : ?

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The description of the next stage will depend on Vershab's actions now. He gets 3 rounds to act before the chariots come up the top of the hill. His distance to the 4 armed men is currently: 150/150/200/200 ft, and he's level with them.

[DarkOne-Rob]

"Crossbow-men! There are at least four on rooftops approaching the next hill! Take care to protect yourselves while I try to deal with them..."

Taking a seat on a rooftop with a good view, the invisible (to others) arcanist reviews his spellbook, recalling a powerful spell to cast. Then he finds the announcer's flying carpet and casts his message cantrip to warn the two officials there of the hostilities about to take place. "Race officials! There are at least four men armed with crossbows on the rooftops of the next leg of the race. The other charioteers must be warned! I will try to hinder them with magic spells..." Finally, he casts a spell conjuring a storm of dust and ash to hinder as many of the threatening men as possible.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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I would like Vershab to use a point from Vershab's Arcane Reservoire to use the Quick Study arcanist exploit to change prepared spells (Summon Monster III for Ash Storm). He will then cast Message and talk to the announcer and adjudicate on the flying carpet as noted above. Finally, he will cast Ash Storm, centering it so that it effects as many of the crossbow-men as possible. If Vershab cannot get at least two, please let me know so he can do something else.

[Gwynfrid]

When Vershab flies at top speed to get closer to the barker's magic carpet so he can make his announcement, the reaction he gets is a "What?" from Deaconess Sekek. She looks around, notices the men in tan robes, and their weaponry. "I see. For shame! This gambling on the races has gotten out of hand." Her voice is now calm, nearly detached. She casts a spell in turn, which Vershab suspects is the same he just employed himself. The carpet then flies ahead of the race, as she orders the announcer to take her closer to the action. At that same moment, Vershab's other spell takes effect. At street level, the area fills with an ocean of black smoke and ashes. This utterly hides the chariots from view... Unfortunately, this also means drivers and camels have to advance in complete darkness, further hampered by blocks of cinders under wheels and hoofs. The bewildered animals falter, then stop altogether.

Spoiler: Stage 7: Unexpected Ash Rain

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The Ash Storm doesn't last very long: Just 7 rounds. This means it will affect the chariots who are in the lead more than those who are behind.

For the Green and White and the Blue and Green chariots, the following apply (this includes the difficulty for obscured sight combined with difficult terrain):

#1 Force the camels forward: Handle animal DC30
#2 Step down and guide the camels by hand: Perception DC25
#3 Any other ideas?
There's a silver lining in the fact that these 2 chariots can't be targeted with spells or other hindering tricks during this stage.

For the Red and Yellow chariot, the spell ends after they've been in it for just a couple of rounds:

#1 Force the camels forward: Handle animal DC20
#2 Step down and guide the camels by hand: Perception DC15
#3 Any other ideas?

For all other chariots, the spell ends before they get there. There's no particular obstacle, it's just a straight Handle Animal DC10 check. Since it's not an eventful stage, the drivers as well as their companions can all take 3 actions.

On the rooftops, the crossbowmen react to the new situation. One of them points towards the flying carpet going straight for them, and they all scurry away, either back into the street (and into the ash cloud) or inside the buildings. Down in the streets, Vershab sees an officer ordering around a number of guards, who run in the direction of the disturbance, but he judges that they will most certainly arrive too late to arrest any offenders.

Spoiler

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Vershab can attempt to pursue one of the crossbowmen (Perception check to follow) but they have a head start on him as well as on Sekek.

[Starbin]

Natala al Akmet, Warsighted Oracle

Natala smiled triumphantly as her gambit paid off. She certainly wasn't going to challenge anyone for first place, but if she could simply avoid last place, it would sooth her ego. As the she left the narrow alleys, her eyes narrowed at the clouds of ash that enveloped the region. She saw her companions entering the hellstorm, knowing that the cloud would dissipate by the time she arrive. She 'spoke' across the messaging link, offering "Vershab, levitation may help with the terrain for our two chariots!"

Then Natala called upon the ancient gods to help her companions as she summoned forth aid in the shape of desert predators ...

---

Stage 6: Cast Summon Monster III, calling (1d3)[1] hyenas. Send them to harry the camels of the teams in front of Natala (except our teams, of course)..

Do I need a roll? Concentration - (1d20+5)[17], Concentration - (1d20+5)[17], Concentration - (1d20+5)[6] (for any failures). First successful roll is for Summon Monster III. Second successful roll is for ghost sound, to set some crazy howling in front of the camels (lots of hyenas). Finally, a roll to get the camels moving. HA is a trained skill ... what do I need? (1d20)[10]

Spoiler: Crunch

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AC 21 HP 57 Init +8 Move 30
F +5 R +8 W +8
Weapon: +1 longspear (+8, 1d8+4), Ancestral Weapon (+1 magic weapon of choice from pantheon)
Spells: (Unl) guidance, detect magic, create water, read magic, detect poison, stabilize, mending, ghost sound, mage hand / (6/8) cure light wounds, unseen servant, ray of sickening, divine favor, remove fear, bless, protection vs evil / (8/7) cure moderate wounds, levitate, minor image, spiritual weapon, burst of radiance, lesser restoration, spear of purity / (3/5) cure serious wounds, heroism, searing light, summon monster 3
Martial flexibility: 6/6; AW: 7/7: Spirit shield: 6/7; Blessings: 2/2
Key skills: Diplomacy +12; KS History/Religion +9; Sense Motive +8; Spellcraft +8; Heal +5; Linguistics +5; KS All others +4; Craft Weapons +6
Effect: Spirit shield (+6 AC, 65 min); heroism (Lehasti & Nat, +2 [morale] to att/dam/saves/checks; 69 min); unseen servant (7hrs); blessing (+1 Att/save vs fear; 6min); Slippers (ignore difficult terrain)

[Farmerbink]

Turi quickly assesses the situation and hops down. "Can't see anything in this mess to drive. Come on, Miss Lehasti!" He scampers to the front of the chariot and grabs the bridles (though he doesn't actually know what they're called, he realizes idly), and begins to gently coax them forward, his visibility a little better closer to the ground. "Come on, guys!" he pleads, failing to realize that the camels don't speak common.

Spoiler: Primary thing?

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(1d20+12)[27] perception vs DC 25.

[DarkOne-Rob]

"I apologize for the ash storm, but I think it better than actual attack by crossbow-men," Vershab says over the Message spell as he looks about the scene. Addressing Natala, he adds, "Agreed, but I do not know that spell - hindsight, and all that..."

Seeing that he cannot do anymore for the moment he pulls a scroll out of his case and flies towards the next leg of the race. Once there he looks about closely for a moment before turning back to focus on the chariots leaving the ash storm. Once the Blue/Green chariot exits he follows its likely path, planning the placement of his next spell.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Move further along the race path and try to identify ideal locations to hinder the Blue/Green chariot enough to get our team in the lead. Perception checks - (1d20+18)[24], (1d20+18)[32], (1d20+18)[32]

[JWallyR]

Lehasti glowers, though from the exterior it's impossible to tell whether from the obstructive presence of the ash storm on her forward motion or the obvious evil intent of the crossbowmen. Squinting through the flecks of dust and soot that suddenly saturate the air, she nods (probably unseen) at Turi's decisive move, and grasps the reins while clicking her tongue reassuringly at the camels.

Spoiler: Actions

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Handle Animal checks to reassure and spur the camels forward? Not sure how best to adjudicate this.
(1d20+13)[33]
(1d20+13)[17]
(1d20+13)[24]

Camels slowing as their chariot approaches the swirling ash, Azkin clambers down and circles to lead the camels as best he can. "C'mon, it can't last forever..." he grumbles to himself, squinting into the chaos.

Spoiler: Actions

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Perception: (1d20+8)[24]

[Gwynfrid]

The race takes a bit of a lull, as if Vershab's spell had placed a calming arcane effect on the competitors. The commotion is instead in the street, as armed guards rush through the crowd to surround the buildings with the suspect rooftop activity. The barker does his best to ignore them and keep the spectators' attention of the spectators on the racing, but he only meets partial success.

Still, the camels ride on, prodded by their drivers. The two noble teams seem to have developed a special rivalry, with spells exchanged for furious kicks and attempts to force the opponent off the road. Natala also tries to cast some magics, but the bumpy ride ruins her focus, and nothing comes of it. Under the guidance of their drivers on foot, searching their way blindly, the lead camels eventually make their way through the ankle-deep ashes and impenetrable darkness, and their drivers hasten to get back at the reins, whip in hand. Turi and Lehasti manage this much better than their rivals, and they emerge with a sizeable lead, while the distances narrow between their pursuers. "My dear friends, it does appear the Green and White is coasting to victory! The race for second place, however, is at its tightest right now! I wonder what the betting odds are at this point..."

Spoiler: Stage 7 : Unexpected Ash Rain

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Blue & Green (Harwa and Djaty) Step down and guide the camels DC25 (1d20+8)[14] +2 from assist. Position change -30ft
Harwa:
#1 assists on Perception (1d20+8)[21].

Green & White (Lehasti and Turi) - Step down and guide the camels DC25. Turi passes with a 27 modified to 29 as Lehasti's action will count as an assist. Position change +20ft

Red & Yellow (Azkin and Sabef) Step down and guide the camels DC15. Azkin gets a 24. Position change +30ft

Gold & Red (Kapes and Manetho) - Normal ride DC10 (1d20+19)[29] including +4 bonus from Speak with Animals. Position change +55ft

Orange & Silver (Ahmose and Ebana) - Normal ride DC10 (1d20)[12], +2 from assist, with -20ft penalty from 2 bounces and +50ft bonus from Haste. Position change +50ft
#1 Assist (1d20)[19]
#2 Concentration DC18 (1d20+13)[26] to cast Haste for a temporary +50 ft of progress.
#3 Concentration DC15 (1d20+13)[18] to cast Flare on Green and Yellow and inflict a -5ft penalty.

Green & Yellow (Nehesy and Benerib) - Normal ride DC10 (1d20+7)[11], +2 from assist, with -5ft penalty from Flare. Position change +10ft
#1 Assist (1d20+7)[14]
#2 Attempt to bounce orange and silver: Opposed Handle Animal (1d20+7)[19] vs (1d20)[1] and bull rush DC20 (1d20+12)[21].
#2 Attempt to bounce orange and silver: Opposed Handle Animal (1d20+7)[22] vs (1d20)[19] and bull rush DC20 (1d20+12)[23].

Black & Gold (Sigrun Firehair and Gretta Isilson) - Normal ride DC10 (1d20)[14], +4 from Inspire Competence. Position change +30ft
Sigrun
#1 assists on the Handle animal roll (1d20)[6].
#2 Concentration DC16 (1d20+11)[23] to cast Moment of Greatness
#3 inspires competence (+4 or +2 depending on the success of Moment of Greatness)

Blue & White (Natala and Vershab) - Normal ride DC10, Natala passes with a 10. Unfortunately, all her Concentration checks are fails (DC18 for level 3 spell). On the bright side, the Levitation spell provides a +30ft bonus (it then ends). Position change: +40ft.

Race leaderboard after stage 7:

285: Green & White (Lehasti and Turi). Total damage to chariot: 2.

195: Blue & Green (Harwa and Djaty). Total damage to chariot: 14. Djaty took 15 damage.

190: Red & Yellow (Azkin and Sabef)

185: Orange & Silver (Ahmose and Ebana)

185: Gold & Red (Kapes and Manetho)

170: Blue & White (Natala and Vershab)

135: Black & Gold (Sigrun Firehair and Gretta Isylson)

105: Green & Yellow (Nehesy and Benerib)

Eliminated: Blue & Purple (Raerka and Iunre)

Eliminated: Amber & Dark Red (Setut and Teos)

Once the intrepid racers get over the top of the hill, a different scene awaits them: For this evelated position, the great sight of Tephu's expanse is impressive, but not as much as the street in front of them. The downhill slope is even steeper than it was on the way up, and the risk of a disastrous crash at top speed is daunting.

Meanwhile, right at the bottom of the hill, Vershab takes position at the perfect spot, in a sharp curve, to ambush his team's rivals.

Spoiler: Stage 8 : Breakneck slope

Show

This round, any spellcasting requires a DC20 (instead of the normal 15) +spell level Concentration check
#1 Slow and careful: Handle animal DC25, this prudent pace takes a -20ft penalty
#2 Human brake: Strength DC14, this risky course inflicts 3d6 damage on a failure, or 6d6 on a failure by 10 or more
#3 Any other ideas?

[Gwynfrid]

Suddenly, a hungry, feral hyena appears, out of nowhere, to run after one of the red and gold chariot's camels, and bite at its leg! The camel retaliates, but the predator swiftly brings the poor beast down, before it disappears in a puff of smoke. Master Manetho jumps down from the chariot and rushes to administer a healing potion to his dying camel. Natala's chariot arrives on the scene and swerves to pass them. Kapes looks at her in rage. "I heard you casting that!", and as she's getting away, he lashes with his whip. Natala is swept clean off her feet, and lands on the dusty street floor, with a nasty fall that knocks the air clean out of her lungs! Fortunately, her camels stop immediately, and she's able to climb back and start again to try and regain the lost ground. She sees that her dirty trick cost the camel masters a great deal, but the main beneficiary is the grinning pair of Gretta and Sigrun, who pass her while bellowing a mighty song of triumph!

Spoiler

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Kapes attempts to trip Natala (EDIT: rolled a 25 in OOC). If he's successful, she falls off and takes (2d6)[7] damage, then incurs a (4d6)[6] x 5ft delay to get back on her chariot and in the race.

The potion heals Manetho's camel, but the incident cost (4d6)[21] x 5ft of progress to his team.

Spoiler: Leaderboard update

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Race leaderboard after stage 7 and the hyena incident:

285: Green & White (Lehasti and Turi). Total damage to chariot: 2.

195: Blue & Green (Harwa and Djaty). Total damage to chariot: 14. Djaty took 15 damage.

190: Red & Yellow (Azkin and Sabef)

185: Orange & Silver (Ahmose and Ebana)

135: Black & Gold (Sigrun Firehair and Gretta Isylson)

110: Blue & White (Natala and Vershab)

105: Green & Yellow (Nehesy and Benerib)

80: Gold & Red (Kapes and Manetho). Damage to one camel: 7 remaining after healing.

Eliminated: Blue & Purple (Raerka and Iunre)

Eliminated: Amber & Dark Red (Setut and Teos)

[DarkOne-Rob]

Seeing the slope and Lehasti/Turi in the lead coming out of the ash storm, Vershab smiles invisibly and projects, "Steady on the slope - that looks ugly. I'm going to make it even uglier in front of the other chariots with some grease - steer clear of them! This is also the last bit of magic I can really spare unless things get ugly. After this I will be getting back into the chariot with Natala." He then takes the scroll in his hands and begins to apply its magic to further hinder the party's opponents, especially the blue/green drivers. Finally, he flies back towards the chariot where Natala is driving to try and catch it as it gets to the bottom of the slope.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Use a scroll of Grease (minimum DC due to it being from a scroll) in front of the Blue/Green chariot. Then fly to the end of the slope and try to slip into the chariot with Natala.

[JWallyR]

Emerging from the ash and soot, Lehasti casts about for an opponent, spending several heartbeats taking stock before realizing with surprise and excitement that they have a substantial lead on the nearest rival! She lets out a sudden barking laugh, which is itself cut short by surprise at the steep slope before the chariot!

"Hold tight, Turi!" she cries out, grasping the reins in one hand and the side of the chariot in the other before extending her foot backward and down to the rough road beneath in a desperate attempt to control their hasty descent!

Spoiler: Actions

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Strength check to perform the "human brake" maneuver: (1d20+5)[8] vs DC 14.

As their chariot approaches, Azkin eyes the steep slope with dread. He looks around for some clue or hidden aid to navigate it, and the only thing he finds is the nearby opponent. His gaze suddenly fixates on the drivers, and he thrusts the reins into Sabef's hands. "Sarenrae guide you!" he intones, in a suddenly intense solemnity, before continuing in a more normal tone, "Bring us closer to them, maybe we can trip them up!"

Spoiler: Actions

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Touch of Glory to give Sabef +5 on a charisma-based skill check, anticipating a Handle Animal check. Alternatively, we could do Touch of Good if a non-charisma-based check is more appropriate for his skill set.
Sense Motive check to... anticipate the nearby rival's moves, and try and throw them off by "happening" to steer close to them? Like edge them out of their desired path without physically assaulting the chariot? (1d20+9)[10]
Maybe cast Create Water to hamper someone? Concentration check of 1d20+9 botched roll, failed in OOC

[Starbin]

Natala al Akmet, Warsighted Oracle

Natala growled as she pulled herself back to the chariot. Attacking the vehicles, even the camels, seemed well within the 'rules.' But attacking her directly, whipping her like some dog ... that certainly deserved a response. However, her attacker had lost ground, and the race was coming to a close. Perhaps the best response would be to beat the cur.

Leaning out, Natala tried to slow the carriage down, least it overrun the camels ...

---

Stage 7: I think str check ... cuz she doesn't have anything else really to help. Str Check vs 14 - (1d20+5)[9]

Spoiler: Crunch

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AC 21 HP 46/57 Init +8 Move 30
F +5 R +8 W +8
Weapon: +1 longspear (+8, 1d8+4), Ancestral Weapon (+1 magic weapon of choice from pantheon)
Spells: (Unl) guidance, detect magic, create water, read magic, detect poison, stabilize, mending, ghost sound, mage hand / (6/8) cure light wounds, unseen servant, ray of sickening, divine favor, remove fear, bless, protection vs evil / (8/7) cure moderate wounds, levitate, minor image, spiritual weapon, burst of radiance, lesser restoration, spear of purity / (3/5) cure serious wounds, heroism, searing light, summon monster 3
Martial flexibility: 6/6; AW: 7/7: Spirit shield: 6/7; Blessings: 2/2
Key skills: Diplomacy +12; KS History/Religion +9; Sense Motive +8; Spellcraft +8; Heal +5; Linguistics +5; KS All others +4; Craft Weapons +6
Effect: Spirit shield (+6 AC, 65 min); heroism (Lehasti & Nat, +2 [morale] to att/dam/saves/checks; 69 min); unseen servant (7hrs); blessing (+1 Att/save vs fear; 6min); Slippers (ignore difficult terrain)

[Farmerbink]

Turi's eyes widen in wonder as they crest the hill. Then he peers over the front edge of the chariot. Wonder blends into concern and finally worry as the chariot's speed begins to approach the camels'. In just a moment, it'll be going faster!

Scared and confused, when Lehasti jumps out of the chariot, Turi momentarily assumes that she's bailing for dear life. When she starts trying to slow their reckless descent, realization dawns. With no better idea, and more ambition than sense, Turi grips the rail and hops out the other side, to attempt the same maneuver an tandem with his companion.

Spoiler: Human brake?!

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(1d20)[14] lololol

[Gwynfrid]

"As we near the end of the race, tempers flare among our valiant competitors! Some of them might need a reminder that any illegal action, such as deliberate damaging of other people's property, will be punished, even if it doesn't disqualify them from the competition! But now... We reach one of the most exciting parts of the race, the Descent into Madness! Remember this is the perilous slope where Mistress Acrimon's hopes of victory ended in a spectacular crash three years ago! Some will take it with caution, some will risk it all on this leg of the race! Annnd... I can see the daring blue and green colors, going all-in!"

Indeed, the youngsters Harwa and Djaty, having fallen behind, now risk everything to try and catch up. They go about halfway down the slope at a sedate pace, taking comfort along the way from some sort of drink. Suddenly, they turn their chariot to face the abrupt descent straight on and launch their camels to a full run, the chariot bouncing behind them in a terrible fracas! Most competitors choose to go straight as well, but step down from the chariot and do their best to slow the perilous move as much as they can. Turi and Sabef both manage this rather well somehow, and Sigurn and her burly, rage-fueled companion do very well, but Natala bloodies her nose in a fall, and has to run after the chariot to get it steady and on course again, losing some ground in the process. Ahmose casts a spell on her companion, causing her to grow to a super-human size and greatly easing the task, but still, towards the end of the descent, Ebana slips and fall and the chariot ends up losing time.

Masters Kapes and Manetho , the most highly regarded camels drivers in the race, go for a cautious route, but they're disturbed by the dust raised by the most reckless competitors, and they end up dead last. The noblemen with the green and yellow colors, coming in late, see what Harwa and Djaty are doing, decide to copy their dangerous tactic...

Spoiler: Stage 8 : Breakneck slope

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Blue & Green (Harwa and Djaty) - Desperate plunge, (5d6)[15] damage to drivers and chariot, Refl DC15 (becomes DC17 due to Vershab's Grease) for half damage (1d20+3)[10] (double damage if failed by 10 or more). Position change +50ft... if the chariot survives.

Green & White (Lehasti and Turi) - Human brake, Turi is successful. Position change +10ft

Red & Yellow (Azkin and Sabef) - Human brake DC15 (1d20+2)[17] including Touch of Good, if failed (3d6)[12] damage to drivers and chariot. Position change +15ft

Gold & Red (Kapes and Manetho) - Slow and careful DC25 (1d20+19)[20] with -20ft penalty. Position change -40ft

Orange & Silver (Ahmose and Ebana) - Human brake DC15 (only DC10 if Enlarge is successful) (1d20+3)[9], if failed (3d6)[9] damage to drivers and chariot. Position change -10ft
Ahmose attempts to cast Enlarge on Ebana up to 3 times
#1 Concentration DC16 (1d20+13)[24]
#2 Concentration DC16 (1d20+13)[19]
#3 Concentration DC16 (1d20+13)[21]

Green & Yellow (Nehesy and Benerib) - Desperate plunge, (5d6)[22] damage to drivers and chariot, Refl DC15 for half damage (1d20+6)[14] (double damage if failed by 10 or more). Position change +50ft... if the chariot survives.

Black & Gold (Sigrun Firehair and Gretta Isilson) - Human brake DC15 (only DC10 if Enlarge is successful) (1d20+6)[25] (+2 if assist successful), if failed (3d6)[10] damage to drivers and chariot. Position change 40ft
Sigrun tries to assist DC10 (1d20+2)[22]

Blue & White (Natala and Vershab) - Human brake, Natala fails with a 9. (3d6)[10] damage. Position change: -20.

(Note the chariots have hardness 5).

Race leaderboard after stage 8:

295: Green & White (Lehasti and Turi). Total damage to chariot: 2.

245: Blue & Green (Harwa and Djaty). Total damage to chariot: 24. Djaty took 30 damage. Harwa took 15 damage.

205: Red & Yellow (Azkin and Sabef)

175: Orange & Silver (Ahmose and Ebana) Total damage to chariot: 4. Ahmose and Ebana took 9 damage each.

175: Black & Gold (Sigrun Firehair and Gretta Isylson)

155: Green & Yellow (Nehesy and Benerib) Total damage to chariot: 17. Nehesy and Benerib took 22 damage each.

90: Blue & White (Natala and Vershab). Total damage to chariot: 5. Natala took 10 damage.

40: Gold & Red (Kapes and Manetho). Damage to one camel: 7 remaining after healing.

Eliminated: Blue & Purple (Raerka and Iunre)

Eliminated: Amber & Dark Red (Setut and Teos)

Once they make it to the bottom, Lehasti casts a glance behind her, and notes with satisfaction that she's still well ahead... But then, a great cry from the applauding crowd warns her that something is amiss. The ruckus of a pair camels at full gallop comes from a side street, and suddenly, the amber and dark red chariot emerges, driven at full speed and clearly aiming for a deliberate collision!

Spoiler: Stage 9 : Skullduggery!

Show

This stage isn't going to change the chariot's positions for anyone except Green and White, unless the PCs' actions take more than 3 rounds.

Options to avoid a collision (Lehasti and Turi only; failure will cause 5d6 damage to the chariot, 2d6 to both camels, and loss of 2d6 x5ft in position):
#1 Guess the enemy move: Sense motive DC15
#2 Guide the camels to an escape route: Handle animal DC25
#3 Leave it to the camels' instinct: Camel's Refl DC15
#4 Any other ideas?

The above is for Lehasti and Turi. Others may also decide to do something to help. If they do nothing, their position in the race won't be affected.

[DarkOne-Rob]

"I am going to try to blind the renegade camels and chariot drivers - try to steer clear of the dust!" directs Vershab as he flies in close enough to spread his frequently used spell in the path of the oncoming opponents. Expecting to be suddenly visible, he also sends a message to the race officials, directing their attention to the rogue chariot. "Good officials, please direct your attention to the chariot charging our current leading chariot - their actions appear quite hostile. If it please you, I will try to disable them with a blinding spell, but would appreciate appropriate aid - or even just lenience - towards the drivers still attempting the race in good faith..."

Spoiler: Mechanics

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One action to move to a good position, a second to cast Glitterdust, DC 17 Will save or blinded, and a third to attempt a rushed Diplomacy check via the Message spell to the race officials: Diplomacy (1d20-2)[13] (penalty from my "Socially Crippled" Drawback, but no penalty yet applied for rushing the check).

[Farmerbink]

Turi hops back into the chariot with a "whoop!" and takes a moment to survey the field. Pleased with their success so far, and really excited by the exertion, he begins to breathe a little easier coming into what appears to be the last stretch. Then the crowd roars, and his attention is drawn back forward, and the dark red chariot reappears! "Hey, I thought they were done! Wait- what are they-!?" Turi crouches for a moment eying the driver suspiciously.

"Pull us left, Lehasti! And DRIVE!" At the last moment, Turi leaps over the side of the chariot, in between his own vehicle and the no-gooders. He lands in the dirt, both blades in his hand, and disappears into a small cloud of mist, directly in front of the camels. As they pass by him, on their way to impact, he lashes out with both blades!

Spoiler: Turi, Stage 9!

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Turi
Male N Human Fighter 1 / URogue 6 (Knife master), Level 7, Init +5, HP 73/73, Speed 30
AC 22, Touch 16, Flat-footed 17, CMD 21, Fort 8, Ref 11, Will 6, CMB +5, Base Attack Bonus 5
+1 Kukri x2 +12 or +10/+10 (1d4+6, 18-20, x2)
Cold iron dagger +10 (1d4, 19-20, x2)
Silver dagger +10 (1d4-1, 19-20, x2)
Trip attempt +16 (assuming +1 kukri)
Mistmail (mist form- 20% concealment), Amulet of natural armor, Ring of protection (+5 Armor, +5 Dex, +1 Nat, +1 Def)
Abilities Str 11, Dex 20, Con 15, Int 11, Wis 14, Cha 8
Condition +1 dmg when flanking
sneak stab: 3d8/3d4
+1 AC (23) vs attack with light blades
Endurance, die hard // Resiliency: 1/1
Vanish: 2/2 (CL 6)
-2 skill checks after failure
ignore first 5' of difficult terrain
poisons, potions
Escape artist R's edge

So first, if needed: (1d20+12)[19] to stick the landing.
Then, activate the mistrial, granting concealment (and obscuring the chariot now behind him?)

Finally, use a full-round action, or as much of one as I can, to trip the camels. If I have to pick one, the one on the "down wind" side of Lehasti's, hoping to drag their chariot behind ours, instead of into it.

(1d20+16)[34] trip attempt 1
(1d20+16)[33] trip attempt 2

[JWallyR]

Still reeling from the close call on the precipitous slope behind them, Lehasti hesitates at the sudden reappearance of the enemy chariot. Following Turi's instinctive and aggressive lead, she tugs at the reins, hoping to give him room to do... whatever it is that he has apparently planned.

Turning to face the rule-breaking enemy chariot, she bellows over the tumult of the chariots and crowd, "Fools! Think ye an emissary of the Dawnflower easy prey for your taking? Come, and receive what 'spoil' waits for thee!!" She levels an imperious gaze toward the oncoming foes, beckoning them mockingly toward her with her gauntleted fist!

Spoiler: Actions

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Lehasti is not trying to steer the camels toward escape, just following Turi's lead. If her Handling can be considered an "Aid Another" attempt on Turi's maneuver(s), then please consider the following Handle Animal checks directed toward that purpose:
Handle Animal: (1d20+13)[24]
Handle Animal: (1d20+13)[25]

With however many actions that Lehasti has, she will attempt to Intimidate the foes (and/or their steeds) with her imposing presence and implied threats:
Intimidate: [rol]1d20+9[/roll] 23, rolled OOC due to botched tags
Intimidate: [rol]1d20+9[/roll] 19, rolled OOC due to botched tags

Spoiler: Stats

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Lehasti Gesmeha
F LG Human Paladin, Level 7, Init 1, HP 85/85, Speed 30
AC 20, Touch 15, Flat-footed 15, CMD 27, Fort 14, Ref 9, Will 10, CMB +14, Base Attack Bonus 7
+1/Flaming/Flaming Burst, Continual Flame Flaming Puzzle Falchion +1 +14 (2d4+7, 18-20, x2)
Flail, Heavy +11 (1d10+6, 19-20, x2)
Spiked Gauntlet +11 (1d4+4, )
Breastplate +1 (+4 Armor, +1 Dex, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 20, Dex 12, Con 16, Int 10, Wis 7, Cha 16
Condition Mage Armor: +4AC, some hours remaining.
Heroism: +2 (Morale) to Saves, Attacks, skills
~70 minutes remaining?

[Starbin]

Natala al Akmet, Warsighted Oracle

Her leg hurt, Natala tried to finish out the race in relative peace, presuming there was little she could do to affect the race. However, when the rogue chariot reappeared to blindside Lehasti and Turi, the oracle immediately tries to assist her companions. She cast a spell, designed to help the knight and her squire avoid a hit.

---

Final stage?: Thinking minor illusion to show Lehasti and Turi crash in front of the disqualified group with lots of loud noise. Maybe they’ll swerve to miss!
Con check - (1d20+7)[13], con check - (1d20+7)[18] con check - (1d20+7)[17]

Spoiler: Crunch

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AC 21 HP 46/57 Init +8 Move 30
F +5 R +8 W +8
Weapon: +1 longspear (+8, 1d8+4), Ancestral Weapon (+1 magic weapon of choice from pantheon)
Spells: (Unl) guidance, detect magic, create water, read magic, detect poison, stabilize, mending, ghost sound, mage hand / (6/8) cure light wounds, unseen servant, ray of sickening, divine favor, remove fear, bless, protection vs evil / (8/7) cure moderate wounds, levitate, minor image, spiritual weapon, burst of radiance, lesser restoration, spear of purity / (3/5) cure serious wounds, heroism, searing light, summon monster 3
Martial flexibility: 6/6; AW: 7/7: Spirit shield: 6/7; Blessings: 2/2
Key skills: Diplomacy +12; KS History/Religion +9; Sense Motive +8; Spellcraft +8; Heal +5; Linguistics +5; KS All others +4; Craft Weapons +6
Effect: Spirit shield (+6 AC, 65 min); heroism (Lehasti & Nat, +2 [morale] to att/dam/saves/checks; 69 min); unseen servant (7hrs); blessing (+1 Att/save vs fear; 6min); Slippers (ignore difficult terrain)

[Gwynfrid]

"This was a splendid dare by our racers to try and catch up, although the green and white remain well in the lea...But! What's going on here!" The usually voluble barker is now at a loss for words describing the chaos that erupts at the head of the race. An illusory double of the green and white chariot appears, causing the attacking driver, a camel master woman named Stetut, to hesitate for a second. At that point, Lehasti notices that his companion has a stiletto out, poking into the small of Stetut's back. She hadn't paid much attention at the start of the race, but remembers the other passenger's name was announced as "Teos" - a man in dark desert outfit, his face now hidden with a black veil.

The servant of the Dawnflower doesn't have time to ponder on this finding, however, as a shower of sparkling motes covers the chariot, camels, and passengers. The blinded camels bleat in panic, but the poor animals aren't at the end of their trouble. Turi vaults out of his chariot to interpose himself, his form turns all misty, and with a swift strike, he deftly puts one of the camels out of balance. The beast falls down, and the speeding chariot rolls over, ejecting its passengers while its momentum carries it straight towards Turi, knocking him down. When the dust clears, the former street urchin finds himself lying on his back, the masked man standing over him, a dagger made of pitch black metal in hand. Without a word, "Teos" strikes a vicious blow, but Turi quickly rolls over, and the dagger only strikes sand.

Spoiler: round 1

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Turi gets run over by the chariot, (5d6)[14] damage, Reflex DC 20 for half, fall prone if failed (1d20+11)[12] - failed, 14 damage + prone.

We're now in combat. The situation is as follows (sorry, I don't have a map for this):
- Turi and the masked assassin are in the middle of the street, next to the overturned amber and dark red chariot. Stetut is prone on the other side of the chariot, 20 feet away.
- Lehasti is 30 feet away, in her speeding chariot. It's a standard action to get the camels to stop (Handle Animal DC not high enough that she could fail). Jumping out of the chariot is a move action, Acrobatics DC15 or fall prone.
- Vershab is flying above, now visible, 80 ft away.
- Sabef and Azkin's chariot is 90 ft away.
- Natala's chariot is 205 ft away.

The assassin attacks Turi (-4 AC if prone) (1d10+11)[13] damage (1d4+7)[11] cc(30+) (1d10+11)[12] cd (1d4+7)[9]

[Farmerbink]

Turi looks up from the dirt a little bit stunned. His instincts don't fail him, however, and he easily dodges the would-be assassin's attack. "Finish this up, Lehasti. I've got this guy." he whispers through the magical conduit, as he faces his attacker.

He smiles, a little wildly. "You sure you want to dance?" he mutters from within his little cloud. With a word and a quick gesture, he vanishes. A moment later, the sounds of Turi scrambling to his feet can be heard nearby, though it's hard to tell precisely where the youngster is.

Spoiler: Turi, Stage 9.5?

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Turi
Male N Human Fighter 1 / URogue 6 (Knife master), Level 7, Init +5, HP 59/73, Speed 30
AC 22, Touch 16, Flat-footed 17, CMD 21, Fort 8, Ref 11, Will 6, CMB +5, Base Attack Bonus 5
+1 Kukri x2 +12 or +10/+10 (1d4+6, 18-20, x2)
Cold iron dagger +10 (1d4, 19-20, x2)
Silver dagger +10 (1d4-1, 19-20, x2)
Trip attempt +16 (assuming +1 kukri)
Mistmail (mist form- 20% concealment), Amulet of natural armor, Ring of protection (+5 Armor, +5 Dex, +1 Nat, +1 Def)
Abilities Str 11, Dex 20, Con 15, Int 11, Wis 14, Cha 8
Condition +1 dmg when flanking
sneak stab: 3d8/3d4
+2 AC (24) vs attack with light blades
Endurance, die hard // Resiliency: 1/1
Vanish: 1/2 (CL 6)
-2 skill checks after failure
ignore first 5' of difficult terrain
poisons, potions
Escape artist R's edge

Not sure how all of this will play out, theatre of the mind style, but Turi's going to pull out all the stops. So the vanish SP provokes an AoO (but Turi should still have concealment from his mistmail, and an improved AC vs attacks with light blades). Then he's going to use his move action to simply move away (at half speed). Technically, the stand to prone will happen next turn, but between being invisible and within a cloud of mists, I have a hard time imagining that this guy is going to know where Turi went. I can't give a position on a map anyway, so *shrugs*

[JWallyR]

"Finish this up, Lehasti. I've got this guy."

Lehasti watches the scuffle across one shoulder with a troubled gaze. After several heartbeats of furious thought, she grits her teeth, turning her gaze to the road ahead. "Dawnflower illumine your steps, my friend," whispers the paladin fervently over the Message spell. "Azkin- see to your brother!" she calls to the young priest as her chariot continues at full speed toward the finish line.

"Yes, mistress," gulps out the younger brother. "Steer close- but not too close!" he blurts to Sabef, thrusting the reins into the disguised boy's hands. "And slow down- just a bit!" He grips the side of the chariot with both hands, waiting and watching for an opportune moment.

Spoiler: Actions

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Lehasti (grudgingly) leaves Turi to the developing fracas.

Azkin hands off the reins to Sabef, and is watching for an opportunity to join and support his brother. My hope is for Sabef to slow the chariot enough for an easy dismount, but in case a roll of some sort is required:
(1d20)[3]
Reflex save is at +5, Acrobatics is at +2.

Spoiler: Stats

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Spoiler: Azkin

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Azkin
M NG Human Cleric, Level 5, Init 2, HP 49/49, Speed 30
AC 17, Touch 12, Flat-footed 15, CMD 17, Fort 8, Ref 5, Will 9, CMB +5, Base Attack Bonus 3
Longspear 5 (1d8+3, x3)
Dagger +1 6 (1d4+3, 19-20, x2)
Scimitar 5 (1d6+2, 18-20, x2)
Chain Shirt (+4 Armor, +2 Dex, +1 Deflect)
Abilities Str 14, Dex 14, Con 14, Int 10, Wis 19, Cha 10
Condition Mage Armor: +4 AC

[DarkOne-Rob]

Spoiler: Vershab's Status, Round 1

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Vershab Fethi
Male True Neutral Human Blood Arcanist, Level 7, Init 12, HP 51/51, DR 5/- (vs. Nonlethal), Speed 30 ft.
AC 15, Touch 11, Flat-footed 14, CMD 13, Fort 3, Ref 4, Will 6, CMB +2, Base Attack Bonus 3
Mage Armor (Extended, 14 Hours), Shield (+4 Armor, +1 Dex)
Abilities Str 9, Dex 12, Con 12 (10 currently), Int 21, Wis 10, Cha 14
Condition Fly Spell (60 ft fly speed, duration 5 minutes)
4/10 Arcane Reservoir Available
0/5 Grave Touch Used
Draak 25/25 HPs

"I will be using a ray of negative energy to try and weaken the enemy. It should both injure them and make them less dangerous, Turi," projects Vershab over the message spell as he draws and activates a wand of pale white bone. A streak of black energy that seems to suck in the very light around it bursts from the wand towards Turi's attacker.

Spoiler: Mechanics

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Use wand of Enervation - Ranged Touch Attack (1d20+4)[8] to hit, (1d20+4)[15] (20/x2), applies (1d4)[2] temporary negative levels that last for 9 hours (with an additional (1d4)[4] negative levels on a critical hit). This applies a cumulative –1 penalty on all ability checks, attack rolls, combat maneuver checks, Combat Maneuver Defense, saving throws, and skill checks and reduces the enemy's current and total hit points by 5 for each negative level it possesses.

[Starbin]

Natala al Akmet, Warsighted Oracle

Natala the race was coming to an end and it seemed Lehasti and Turi would win! Until ... with a crash, another chariot appeared and threatened the heroes sure victory. Suddenly, Turi fell from the chariot and rolled to a stop, grappling with some masked figure. She was too far away to do much, but perhaps a spell might help ...

”I have limited ability to aid, but one of two spells might help ... do we want a burst of light or summon an archon?”

---

Letting my companions choose - burst of radiance (that may screw Turi) or summon an archon ...Cast 1 - (1d20+7)[13], Cast 2 - (1d20+7)[8], Cast 3 - (1d20+7)[12],

Spoiler: Crunch

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AC 21 HP 46/57 Init +8 Move 30
F +5 R +8 W +8
Weapon: +1 longspear (+8, 1d8+4), Ancestral Weapon (+1 magic weapon of choice from pantheon)
Spells: (Unl) guidance, detect magic, create water, read magic, detect poison, stabilize, mending, ghost sound, mage hand / (6/8) cure light wounds, unseen servant, ray of sickening, divine favor, remove fear, bless, protection vs evil / (8/7) cure moderate wounds, levitate, minor image, spiritual weapon, burst of radiance, lesser restoration, spear of purity / (3/5) cure serious wounds, heroism, searing light, summon monster 3
Martial flexibility: 6/6; AW: 7/7: Spirit shield: 6/7; Blessings: 2/2
Key skills: Diplomacy +12; KS History/Religion +9; Sense Motive +8; Spellcraft +8; Heal +5; Linguistics +5; KS All others +4; Craft Weapons +6
Effect: Spirit shield (+6 AC, 65 min); heroism (Lehasti & Nat, +2 [morale] to att/dam/saves/checks; 69 min); unseen servant (7hrs); blessing (+1 Att/save vs fear; 6min); Slippers (ignore difficult terrain)

[Gwynfrid]

The scene turns to utter chaos. The fallen camel and its companion grunt in terror, get back on their legs, and try to escape, incoming drivers swerve to avoid crashing into them or into the overturned chariot, the outcry triggers a brutal crowd movement among the spectators that threatens to crush those unfortunate enough to be smaller or weaker, the announcer makes indignant calls for order that no one pays attention to, a rush by several guards to come in and assert control is severely hampered by the throng of panicked people, Turi hears Natala in the distance, trying to cast spells... In the middle of the storm, an eerie quiet falls over the tiny area were a faceless assassin tries to enact revenge on the Relic Knights, and for what motive?

The road ahead of her clear of obstacles, Lehasti reluctantly prompts her camels to resume the race. Azkin jumps down the accelerating chariot, but he trips and falls on his face. Vershab approaches and attempts to cast a draining ray, but the masked man easily dodges his attack. Turi attempts to use his powers to disappear from sight... His assailant immediately takes advantage of the brief drop in his defensive posture to strike again.

Spoiler: round 2

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Azkin takes (1d6)[5] damage from the fall and is prone.

EDIT - corrections below to allow for Turi's move action to stand up.

The assassin gets an AoO on Turi for casting a SLA (-4 AC, prone) (1d20+11)[28] miss chance (1-20 misses) (1d100)[79] damage (1d4+7)[11] cc(30+) (1d20+11)[26] cd (1d4+7)[9] - hit

If hit, Turi needs to make a Concentration check DC11 + damage taken (1d20+6)[14] or lose the spell

Then, another AoO when Turi stands up, for 9 damage (rolled in OOC)

If this happens, then the assassin will attack again on his turn
#1 (1d20+11)[22] miss chance (1-20 misses) (1d100)[42] damage (1d4+7)[11] cc(30+) (1d20+11)[17] cd (1d4+7)[8] - hit missed since he's no longer prone
#2 (1d20+6)[18] miss chance (1-20 misses) (1d100)[86] damage (1d4+7)[11] cc(25+) (1d20+6)[19] cd (1d4+7)[10] - miss

Turi takes 22 20 damage and needs to roll a DC17 Fort save.