Lots of work on the artifacts game.

people/Chen-Lifen-and-Kekele.md

@@ -1,4 +1,117 @@
-# Kekele - Aaracokra Battle Master Fighter (Level 5)
+# Chen Lifen and Kekele
+
+When the PCs start researching Crow, tout Rico Sparks will
+(on his own initiative) show up and say, "I found somebody
+who fought Crow and survived."  That person is Kekele.
+
+But first, a little back-story.  About eight years ago, Crow
+acquired his fourth orb. Here's how it happened:
+
+At the time, there was a powerful Eladrin wizard named Chen
+Lifen, who specialized in movement spells. She was
+exceptional, she could cast spells like spider climb, leap,
+and the like with very little effort.  She had her race's
+natural ability to misty step, and she knew a variety of
+other teleportation spells as well.  She had a variety of
+feats that allowed her extra spell slots for these movement
+spells.  She was just an extraordinary movement mage.
+
+Crow captured Chen Lifen, extracted her life force, and
+discarded her corpse.   He then spent the next five years
+working to transmute that life force into an orb.  His new
+orb is now capable of casting a wide variety of movement
+spells.
+
+Kekele is a survivor of the battle in which Crow captured
+Chen Lifen.  Kekele hates Crow with a passion.  Chen Lifen
+was a close friend, and now she's gone.  Kekele wants
+Crow dead, and is more than happy to help anyone who plans
+to fight Crow.  However, Kekele is also terrified of Crow,
+so he'll give all the information you want, but he isn't
+going to show up at the fight.
+
+Kekele is living an a boarding house in the lower ward.
+Feel free to give him additional background if needed.
+
+Kekele starts with the following story.
+
+He explains that he, Chen Lifen, and a rogue named Amadou
+were an adventuring party. Eight years ago, they were
+between jobs.  To make some money on the side, Amadou and
+Chen Lifen were working for a circus doing a unique
+acrobatic routine that they had devised themselves.  Kekele
+watched the show.
+
+After the performance, the three of them were leaving
+together when Crow descended from the sky and landed in
+front of the three of them.
+
+Crow was wearing a black leather trench coat.  Near him were
+three twisting knots of magical energy.  They glowed
+faintly, you could see ribbons of energy spooling out of
+them and being pulled back inside.  They each hovered about
+fifteen feet away from Crow.
+
+Kekele says that Crow stiffly hobbled forward.  Crow was
+clearly having difficulty walking.  He stood in front of
+Chen Lifen, and spoke.  When he spoke, his words were
+slurred, as if he was having trouble speaking.
+
+Crow looked straight at Chen Lifen, ignoring the other two.
+He said, "I watched your performance today.  You are
+exceptional, you have the skills I need.  You will be
+coming with me."
+
+Then, a beam of magic emerged from one of the orbs, hitting
+Chen, and she was stunned.  Crow then cast a spell,
+levitating Chen, and Crow himself began rising into
+the air, taking his orbs and Chen with him.
+
+Kekele and Amadou immediately attacked. Amadou's
+attack hit and drew blood, Kekele missed.  Crow's orbs
+reacted almost immediately, firing on Kekele and Amadou.
+
+Crow said "that was unwise."  He dropped Chen, who immediate
+got to her feet.  Crow landed on the ground.  Then, one of
+the orbs cast a protection spell on Crow: a transparent
+spherical barrier.
+
+Kekele didn't know what the barrier spell was, but he
+says he did some research after the fact, and eventually
+concluded that the barrier spell was "Otiluke's Resilient
+Sphere."
+
+After that, chaos broke out.  The three orbs did battle
+against Kekele, Amadou, and Chen.  Crow stood passively
+inside the sphere, just waiting.  
+
+
+
+
+At that time, there was an adventuring party consisting
+of three members:
+
+* Kekele - Aaracokra, Battle Master Fighter.
+
+* Amadou - Air Genasi, Acrobat Circus Rogue.
+
+* Chen - Eladrin, Wizard specialized in Movement Spells.
+
+Chen was the star of the team.  She was just exceptional
+and led the team to many successes.
+
+Crow captured Chen, ripped her soul out of her body,
+and used her life energy to create a new orb.  The
+new orb is able to cast a variety of powerful movement
+spells.
+
+
+However, Chen and Amadou are gone.  The PCs will be
+having a conversation with the one remaining team member,
+Kekele.
+
+
+ Kekele - Aaracokra Battle Master Fighter (Level 5)
 
 **Race/Class:** Aaracokra Fighter (Battle Master) 5  
 **Size/Speed:** Medium | 25 ft., fly 50 ft.  

people/Motley-Menagerie.md

@@ -0,0 +1,93 @@
+# The Motley Menagerie
+
+A traveling circus that wanders the Outlands and sometimes the Outer Planes. One of the competing teams in the Game of Artifacts.
+
+## Bertha - Female Hill Giant Fighter LV6
+
+The circus mom. Significantly more intelligent and wise than your average hill giant. Warm and caring, loves everyone in the circus and takes care of them all. Also a performer. Gives dangerous hugs.
+
+> Bertha, Hill Giant, Fighter LV6.
+>
+> AC 15 (chain shirt, natural toughness). HP 85 (10d10+30). Speed 40 ft.\
+> STR 20 (+5), DEX 8 (-1), CON 16 (+3), INT 12 (+1), WIS 14 (+2), CHA 14 (+2).\
+> Saving Throws Str +8, Dex -1, Con +6, Int +1, Wis +2, Cha +2\
+> Skills: Athletics +8, Perception +5.
+>
+> Large creature.\
+> Second Wind: 1/short rest, bonus action, regain 1d10+6 HP.\
+> Action Surge: 1/short rest, one additional action.
+>
+> Multiattack: (2 melee attacks):\
+> Greatclub +8 to hit, reach 10 ft, 2d8+5 bludgeoning.\
+> Hug +8 to hit, reach 5 ft, 1d6+5 bludgeoning and target is grappled (escape DC 16).
+
+## Vinny the Spink - Oversized Ferret Creature Rogue LV5
+
+An oversized ferret-like creature of some kind. Nobody knows what a "spink" is, and Vinny's only answer is, "if you don't know what it is, I can't help you."
+
+> Vinny the Spink, Rogue LV5 (Thief).
+>
+> AC 15 (studded leather). HP 38 (5d8+10). Speed 35 ft, climb 30 ft.\
+> STR 10 (+0), DEX 18 (+4), CON 14 (+2), INT 12 (+1), WIS 10 (+0), CHA 14 (+2).\
+> Saving Throws Str +0, Dex +7, Con +2, Int +4, Wis +0, Cha +2\
+> Skills: Sleight of Hand +10, Stealth +10, Perception +3.
+>
+> Sneak Attack: +3d6 damage once per turn when has advantage or ally is adjacent.\
+> Bonus action to Dash, Disengage, Hide, or Use an Object.\
+> Uncanny Dodge: reaction to halve one attack's damage.\
+> Keen Smell: advantage on Perception checks that rely on smell.
+>
+> Bite +7 to hit, reach 5 ft, 1d6+4 piercing.\
+> Shortsword +7 to hit, reach 5 ft, 1d6+4 piercing.
+
+## Handful - Male Grung Druid LV5
+
+Clown. His whole act is that audience members who touch him start hallucinating mildly, which he finds hilarious. Speaks in the third person.
+
+> Handful, Grung, Druid LV5 (Circle of Spores).
+>
+> AC 14 (leather armor, shield). HP 38 (5d8+10). Speed 25 ft, climb 25 ft.\
+> STR 8 (-1), DEX 14 (+2), CON 14 (+2), INT 10 (+0), WIS 16 (+3), CHA 12 (+1).\
+> Saving Throws Str -1, Dex +2, Con +2, Int +3, Wis +6, Cha +1\
+> Skills: Perception +6.
+>
+> Toxic Skin (reaction): when hit by a melee attack, the attacker takes 2d6 poison damage (DC 14 Con save for half).\
+> Standing Jump 25 ft, Long Jump 25 ft (no running start needed).
+>
+> Prepared Spells (DC 14, +6 to hit):\
+> Cantrips: Poison Spray, Thorn Whip.\
+> 1st (4 slots): Entangle, Healing Word, Faerie Fire.\
+> 2nd (3 slots): Spike Growth, Hold Person.\
+> 3rd (2 slots): Stinking Cloud.
+
+## Mox - Male Kobold Cleric LV4
+
+Trapeze artist and acrobat. Absurdly fearless for his size, launches himself from terrifying heights and always sticks the landing. Worships Bertha like a mother goddess. Priest of Lliira, goddess of joy and dance — he views acrobatics as a form of dancing.
+
+> Mox, Kobold, Cleric LV4 (Trickery Domain).
+>
+> AC 15 (chain shirt, shield). HP 27 (4d8+4). Speed 30 ft.\
+> STR 6 (-2), DEX 16 (+3), CON 12 (+1), INT 10 (+0), WIS 16 (+3), CHA 10 (+0).\
+> Saving Throws Str -2, Dex +3, Con +1, Int +0, Wis +5, Cha +2\
+> Skills: Acrobatics +5, Perception +5.
+>
+> Pack Tactics: advantage on attack rolls if an ally is within 5 ft of the target.\
+> Channel Divinity (1/short rest): Invoke Duplicity — create illusory duplicate within 30 ft for 1 min, cast spells as though in its space.
+>
+> Prepared Spells (DC 13, +5 to hit):\
+> Cantrips: Sacred Flame.\
+> 1st (4 slots): Healing Word, Bless, Shield of Faith.\
+> 2nd (3 slots): Mirror Image*, Spiritual Weapon.
+>
+
+## Della Voss - Female Tiefling
+
+Fire-breather and knife-thrower. Eerily calm and precise — never flinches, never misses, never smiles during a performance. Off-stage she's a relentless gossip.
+
+## Sable - Female Tabaxi
+
+Contortionist and escape artist. Claims she can get out of anything — chains, cages, marriages, contracts, you name it. Has a gambling problem.
+
+## Whistler - Male Kenku
+
+Musician and sound-effects artist. Can reproduce any sound he's ever heard, which makes him a one-bird orchestra. Secretly the most dangerous fighter in the troupe.

people/Rigus-Anvils.md

@@ -0,0 +1,88 @@
+# The Rigus Anvils
+
+A professional arena team sponsored by a wealthy patron in Rigus. Disciplined, uniformed, and the odds-on favorite to win the Game of Artifacts.
+
+## Captain Drace - Male Hobgoblin Fighter LV6
+
+Team captain. All business.
+
+> Drace, Hobgoblin, Fighter LV6 (Battle Master).
+>
+> AC 18 (chain mail, shield). HP 58 (6d10+18). Speed 30 ft.\
+> STR 18 (+4), DEX 12 (+1), CON 16 (+3), INT 12 (+1), WIS 14 (+2), CHA 10 (+0).\
+> Saving Throws Str +7, Dex +1, Con +6, Int +1, Wis +2, Cha +0\
+> Skills: Athletics +7, Perception +5, Intimidation +3.
+>
+> Martial Advantage: once per turn, +2d6 damage if ally is within 5 ft of target.\
+> Second Wind: 1/short rest, bonus action, regain 1d10+6 HP.\
+> Action Surge: 1/short rest, one additional action.\
+> Maneuvers (4 times per day, use one of the following):\
+> Trip Attack: add d8 to damage and target must make a STR save (DC 15) or be knocked prone.\
+> Riposte (reaction): when a creature misses Drace, he attacks and adds d8 to damage.\
+> Commander's Strike: Drace forgoes one attack to let an ally use their reaction to attack, adding d8 to the ally's damage.
+>
+> Multiattack (2 melee attacks):\
+> Longsword +7 to hit, reach 5 ft, 1d8+4 slashing.\
+> Javelin +7 to hit, range 30/120, 1d6+4 piercing.
+
+## Vekk - Male Orc War Cleric LV5
+
+The healer. Hits hard for a cleric.
+
+> Vekk, Orc, Cleric LV5 (War Domain).
+>
+> AC 18 (chain mail, shield). HP 44 (5d8+15). Speed 30 ft.\
+> STR 16 (+3), DEX 10 (+0), CON 16 (+3), INT 8 (-1), WIS 16 (+3), CHA 8 (-1).\
+> Saving Throws Str +3, Dex +0, Con +3, Int -1, Wis +6, Cha +2\
+> Skills: Perception +6.
+>
+> Aggressive: bonus action to move up to speed toward a hostile creature.\
+> War Priest: 3/long rest, bonus action melee attack after Attack action.\
+> Channel Divinity (1/short rest): Guided Strike — +10 to one attack roll.
+>
+> Prepared Spells (DC 14, +6 to hit):\
+> Cantrips: Sacred Flame, Toll the Dead.\
+> 1st (4 slots): Divine Favor*, Shield of Faith*, Healing Word, Bless.\
+> 2nd (3 slots): Spiritual Weapon*, Magic Weapon*, Hold Person.\
+> 3rd (2 slots): Crusader's Mantle*, Spirit Guardians.
+>
+> Warhammer +6 to hit, reach 5 ft, 1d8+3 bludgeoning.
+
+## Stride - Female Githzerai Ranger LV5
+
+Scout and ranged specialist.
+
+> Stride, Githzerai, Ranger LV5 (Hunter).
+>
+> AC 16 (studded leather, DEX). HP 44 (5d10+10). Speed 30 ft.\
+> STR 12 (+1), DEX 18 (+4), CON 14 (+2), INT 12 (+1), WIS 14 (+2), CHA 8 (-1).\
+> Saving Throws Str +4, Dex +7, Con +2, Int +1, Wis +2, Cha -1\
+> Skills: Perception +5, Stealth +7.
+>
+> Mental Discipline: advantage on saves vs charmed and frightened.\
+> Colossus Slayer: once per turn, +1d8 damage to a creature below its HP max.\
+> Extra Attack: two attacks per Attack action.
+>
+> Longbow +7 to hit, range 150/600, 1d8+4 piercing.\
+> Shortsword +7 to hit, reach 5 ft, 1d6+4 piercing.
+
+## Null - Warforged Wizard LV5
+
+Tactical support. Speaks only when necessary.
+
+> Null, Warforged, Wizard LV5 (War Magic).
+>
+> AC 16 (natural armor + DEX). HP 32 (5d6+10). Speed 30 ft.\
+> STR 8 (-1), DEX 14 (+2), CON 14 (+2), INT 18 (+4), WIS 12 (+1), CHA 6 (-3).\
+> Saving Throws Str -1, Dex +2, Con +2, Int +7, Wis +4, Cha -3\
+> Skills: Arcana +7, Perception +4.
+>
+> Constructed Resilience: advantage on saves vs poison, resistance to poison damage, no need to eat/drink/sleep/breathe.\
+> Arcane Deflection (reaction): +2 AC or +4 to saving throw, then can only cast cantrips next turn.\
+> Tactical Wit: +4 to initiative.
+>
+> Prepared Spells (DC 15, +7 to hit):\
+> Cantrips: Fire Bolt, Ray of Frost, Minor Illusion.\
+> 1st (4 slots): Shield, Magic Missile, Grease.\
+> 2nd (3 slots): Web, Shatter, Misty Step.\
+> 3rd (2 slots): Fireball, Counterspell.