Fantastic news! Since I will be unavailable, I've asked Chris to assume the Game Master's mantle for the upcoming, regularly-scheduled session Saturday, Sept. 6 at 3 p.m. CDT. He's created an awesome scenario that should prove to be the next-step up in difficulty. It's entirely his creation, but we went over all the details together with a fine-tooth comb. He's made me fully aware of all aspects, and I okay'ed 100% of them. This should be a real challenge. Remember, you'll still be down one PC even if everyone shows up to the table. If you have more than one character, play your primary. Do not play more than one character. If the Cleric doesn't show, undead may be a problem. If the Scout doesn't show, ranged combat (e.g., fliers/archers) may be a problem. If the Barbarian doesn't show, melee could be a problem. If the Wizard doesn't show, the whole thing might be a problem. In my absence, Chris has full and complete GM authority. I ask that you treat him with the same respect and consideration that you've all been so good as to show me. If he makes a rules decision, it's final. His word is law. I'll let him give the details, but the scenario is arena-based. Death is a real possibility, but the PC's can escape by simply dropping his weapon, "taking a knee" and surrendering. There can be no "taking back" this surrender. Once you're out, you're out. Unconsciousness counts as a surrender—the monsters won't go in for a coup de grace. The award will be the standard short-session 3 character points and $3,000 cash reward, just for participating. In other words, you don't have to "win" to get either, but the reward comes after the scenario is complete. To win, you must kill or force the surrender of all monsters. To lose, the opposite. As you can see, there will be no ties. ;-) As for why you're in the arena, this is Dungeon Fantasy and billed right up front as a dungeon crawl. So, there need be no justification. Perhaps your characters, who are all pretty trumped-up, no doubt, are confident of a win. You're also no doubt gaining recognition, so an agent of the arena probably approached your party and requested you. Like I say, you can individually "escape" by simply surrendering. However, fail a death check and you'll not have that choice, at that point. So, be careful. This is dangerous and lethal. Let's all hope Rothuk can manage to surrender if need be. I'm looking forward to reading about the outcome. Should be exciting and challenging session, probably the most so far by a long shot.
