Failed Weather Mods and a First Look at the Midnight Fights Scenario

Last time I was considering adding bonuses or penalties to stat checks according to the severity of weather. The idea was to try out stat check mods on the party's barbarian. He had decided to climb the leg of a giant monster and attack it from underneath. Unfortunately, the encounter came to completion before the weather tables produced the freak storm I was counting on.

I did get some time to ruminate on using the mods. At a later date, I'll incorporate them and post the results.

Here's an update from tonight's PBEM session:

The sky clears and the moon illuminates the plains. The party; including Elvin, Jericho, and the Monk; decides to travel around the northern end of the fest grounds. Soon, they hear the voices of others traveling on the trail to the old barrows. With Kromang in the lead, the party folds into the long line of revelers heading for the subterranean arena. 

Along with the rest of the crowd, the PCs are drawn through a pair of expertly-crafted, faux tomb doors and down a wide set of stone, torch-lit stairs. The crowd passes through a four-way intersection before finally setting foot in the arena. 

From this perspective, looking down past the wooden stands and onto the oval-shaped arena floor, the party can make out some interesting items.

1. A bloody fight is already underway. A lightening quick rapier-wielder is carving unwanted tattoos on a shirtless gladiator. Blood flows freely down the gladiator's sinewy chest.  

2. A woman garbed in all white is seated high in the risers to the South (to the right of the PCs). Oscar, Elvin, and  Jericho recognize her as Laddal. She's seated with a half-dozen guards. Occasionally, runners make their way up the stands to trade small items with her. She's not aware of the party.

3. Down on the arena floor, just outside the dirt area where the gladiators engage, fight managers preen over their prize fighters. You notice two managers screaming at the current fight. The first, a tall half-elf, seems out of place in his exquisite finery. The second, an aging dwarf, regularly slams his peg-leg on the decking for great effect. 

4. The entire area is riddled with entrances/exits. Hallways at various depths circle outside the main arena room and spill out onto the risers. 

5. Tooth, seated on the north side of the stands, gives Kromang a huge wave and a warm smile.  

C. Aaron Aldridge 2013