TRS13 - Battle Royale

Battle Royale is the thirteenth session in the campaign The Red Star. In it, the party proves their worth to the man in the mask by battling other groups of adventurers.

Summary
The party awakens, and looks into the sky to see the bright light of the Red Star. They see that they have little time left, and head to the tower. They find a large metal fence, with an open gate allowing them to pass through. Before they can, however, a half-orc approaches them from behind. In muddled common, he introduces himself as Dovos, and says he's looking for someone named Dantos. Recognising Dovos as a strong fighter, they let him join the party. They enter the gate, to see various other groups of adventurers. Instantly Iago recognises Merrius the bard. The two adventurers from the night before, Tersian Stornight and Furge Saymurr are also among the crowd. The masked man appears before them, saying that one party is destined for greatness, but only one would be able to pass to the tower. He tells the adventurers to battle each other to prove their worth, and disappears into a pile of sand. Though Flynn tries to convince the other adventurers to work together, many of them refuse, wanting the glory of becoming Star-Cleavers.

A bloody battle begins, and Iago immediately heads for Merrius' party, while the rest of the party deals with various other groups. Iago jumps up onto a fallen pillar, and, staring down at Merrius, challenges him to a Bard Off. Iago begins by playing a battle-hungry tune, evoking power and courage and hardships, setting the mood for the desparate conflict. Meanwhile, in the battle, Resmi summons a giant celestial spider who aids the party in the fight. Malachi throws a bomb at Tersian, killing him. Upon the death of his comrade, Furge surrenders and leaves the way he came. Merrius then declares that the Bard Off shall be best of three.

Trivia

 * Introductions: This session introduced the characters Dovos Rockthorpe, and numerous other adventurers.
 * Deaths: In this session, Tersian Stornight and numerous other adventurers died.
 * Notable Events: This session sees Dovos join the party, the masked man's battle royale begin, and the start of Iago and Merrius' third Bard Off.

Quotes
''"Look, everyone, I know this is a very important time for all of us, and that we have to stay focused. But I HAVE TO BEAT MERRIUS." ''- Iago

''"Our arch nemesis. Some say he is more dangerous than Yir himself." ''- Eptol, on Merrius

''"DANTOS USED TO GET ME TO FIGHT ON THE BOAT, I LIKED THE BOAT until i set it it on fire." ''- Dovos

''"Impressive, but not MERRIUS IMPRESSIVE." ''- Merrius

''"Merrius! Bard of bards, supreme one! I CHALLENGE YOU. TO. A. BARD. OFF." ''- Iago