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CreatedMon Jun 01 2026 18:00:00 GMT-0600 (Mountain Daylight Time)
DateMon Jun 01 2026 18:00:00 GMT-0600 (Mountain Daylight Time)
SourceTranscript
Tagsgame-log

2026.06.02

Summary

The party reported to the Proving Grounds as Cassian’s Crushing Crusaders for their first registered bout. A game maker confirmed roll call at Tent B and led them to the staging area. Odine Dunmere, nervous and unfamiliar with arena combat, pulled out her Epidion dagger; Cassian lit his rapier with a Light cantrip as a flourish. The party descended into a 15-foot pit dug straight into the earth—muddy, craggy underfoot, lined with cheap banners, active betting rings running alongside. Their opponents arrived from the opposite side: four men in piecemeal armor with mismatched gear, likely laborers or farmers seeking to earn coin, though at least two were seasoned fighters.

The party’s entrance drew a quarter of the crowd (performance check total of 67 vs. DC 45). Cassian opened by casting Phantasmal Force—a dire wolf illusion placed directly in front of the frontliner (enemy saved, but the area effect persisted). Odine Dunmere used Innate Sorcery and struck with Witch Bolt (24 to hit, 9 lightning), creating a visible lightning arc to the enemy. Azrith cast Bless on three party members, granting 1d4 on all attack rolls and saving throws for one minute. Source: Transcript.

The combat turned dramatic early. Cassian activated Heavenly Wings, sprouting golden wings and flying 30 feet up, then fired an Eldritch Blast at the crossbowman (19 to hit, 8 force + radiant damage from the once-per-long-rest feature) and Misty Stepped down behind Aldrich. The crossbowman’s return shot landed max damage (15 piercing), sending Cassian crashing 15 feet to the mud—downed, 1 death save failure. Azrith was subsequently critted for 21 slashing damage and also fell unconscious, dropping Bless concentration. With both Cassian and Azrith downed, the burden shifted to Aldrich and Odine Dunmere. Azrith had stabilized Cassian with Spare the Dying before going down himself. Source: Transcript.

Aldrich held the line: he used Evasive Footwork (spending three superiority dice) to disengage and raise his AC to 27, dodging multiple attacks. He landed a Firebolt crit (natural 20, 17 fire damage) to knock out one enemy and applied his greatsword’s Graze mastery to fell the large frontliner mid-flash-step. Odine Dunmere cast Healing Word to revive Cassian (8 HP), then discharged the lingering Witch Bolt for 8 lightning damage, electrocuting an enemy into the mud—smoking but alive. Cassian rose, used Azrith’s horn as a handhold, and cast Healing Hands on Azrith (6 HP) while getting up. After Azrith recovered, he delivered the finishing chill touch (natural 20 crit, necrotic damage leaving a scar) on the last standing fighter. The bell rang. Source: Transcript.

The crowd erupted. A third performance check succeeded (totaling above DC 38), bringing the party to Crowd Favor Level 4. Aldrich nudged the downed large fighter with his foot and remarked: “I expected more. That’s on me.” Odine Dunmere went to check on the downed opponents. Cassian scanned the noble box (22 perception) and caught the eye of Duke Tristan Blackwood, a midlord of House Blackwood—a vassal house, not one of the big three—who had walked to the table with his goblet during the fight. He gave Cassian a golf-clap nod; Cassian winked back. Source: Transcript.

Speaking to the game master after the bout, the party learned one more successful showing would bring them to Level 5 crowd favor and grant entry into the big leagues. Three options for the next contest were offered: a team bout against another group of four, skill challenges (obstacle-type), or a gauntlet (wave battle against monsters/beasts). The party opted to rest at least a day first. Cassian then checked the 5-gold wager slip—the terms required that no ally be knocked unconscious. Both Cassian and Azrith had gone down. The bet is technically lost. Cassian plans to argue to the coin master that the party “walked out on their feet.” The session ended with the party preparing for recovery, potential sponsorship from Duke Blackwood, and the next tournament decision ahead. Source: Transcript.

Open Threads

  • Compete in the King’s Tourney: First bout won. Crowd Favor Level 4. One more success reaches Level 5 → Grand Stage eligibility. Next contest options: team bout, skill challenges, or gauntlet. Party resting one day before the next match.
  • Wager: Technically lost (Cassian and Azrith both went unconscious). Cassian holding the slip and plans to contest it with the coin master.
  • Duke Tristan Blackwood: Noticed the party’s performance; will seek to approach them as a potential sponsor next session.
  • Rescue Jevon: Still unresolved; Jevon in hiding, Odine Dunmere holds communication stone.
  • Investigate the Pestilence: Grimhall Duskbelt is a future contact in the dwarven veil. Gruvelda Duskbelt will speak with Odine after the first festival week.
  • Cassian’s deal with The Masked Figure: still in effect; obstacles to be cleared, dice origin to be revealed before the final bout.

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