Storm over Eisendorf (the Rooks)

[Kensen]

After a long interrogation, the Resistance had extracted the information they needed from captain von Richter. He had revealed the location of a secret lab that needed to be destroyed. As soon as you were ready, you started your journey to Eisendorf. It was better to hurry so that you'd make it there before the Invictines started suspecting that the captain had been kidnapped.

After five days of riding, you arrive at the west gate of Eisendorf just before sunset. Guards clad in brigandine and steel helmets and carrying glaives seem to inspect any people going in or out only casually. A group of travelers went in just a minute ago and the guards didn't ask any questions or even stop them.

OOC:

So, are you going in together or separately? Any preparations, precautions beyond hiding your illegal equipment? Any crazy shenanigans? What are you going to do once you're inside? Basically, all you know about where Rowan might be that each time he sent reports back to the Resistance, he mentioned a place called "Paddy's".

[Laura Eternata]

You go ahead in, I tell the others. It doesn't look like there'll be a problem, but I'll hang back here just in case and lend a hand if there is.

[Yitzi]

First, let's work out our cover story, just in case. I've got a bodyguard license, so that can be my role.

[Laura Eternata]

Okay. I'll be here on leave; otherwise, they'll haul me off to the castle and make me file a report, talk to a superior, or both. It'll also explain my smaller than usual guard.

[Eldest]

I'm a traveling machinist, I have a bodyguard, and we're all traveling together because the more swords the safer. Sound good?
Would an officer taking leave with their uniform and sword be realistic? As well as the guard? Any part of this not working in your setting, Kensen?

[Yitzi]

Makes sense.

[Laura Eternata]

I actually assumed that Rickel was Seira's hired guard.

I don't think the uniform will be all that suspicious. I mean, there's the stereotype of soldiers wearing their uniforms on leave to impress people.

[Cieyrin]

Let's not tarry too long, we look suspicious talking amongst ourselves. The Captain is on leave, I'm her guard assigned to keep her safe from brigands, we met you, the mechanist and the bodyguard on the road and you asked for protection till you reached the city, where we'll "part ways". Seamus making air quotes as he maintains his pace as if unconcerned towards the city. I would suggest you, Lydia, you ask about the inns in the area and perhaps we'll get lucky and get directions to this 'Paddy,' elsewise we'll have to ask for directions in town, as I don't much care to have the good Captain here be associated with what could be a low grade inn, y'know what I mean? Now remember, in earshot of anybody while I'm in uniform, I'm Private Thomas Sampson. Let's keep our cover identities straight, yeah? Seamus makes his way towards the gate guards and attempts to look weary, not a hard prospect after the nonstop traveling here.

[Eldest]

Works for me. We should meet up again later tonight. Seamus, at least. I've a feeling the "Captain" going to meet up with civilians would be a mite bit odd. Just search the inns until you find ours. Any other last minute things?

[Kensen]

You approach the gate. The guards, one male, the other female, snap to attention as the "captain" passes by. The male guard's eyes linger on Seira and her bow for a long time, but he says nothing.

The streets are bustling with people. With the sun disappearing beyond the horizon, people are lighting lanterns. You can hear music and singing, there must be a fair in town. Up ahead, one quarter of a mile from you, you can see the castle looming above all other buildings in Eisendorf.

The officer and her guard part ways with the traveling machinist and her bodyguard.


I din't want you to get stuck here, so I moved the story onward.

An officer wearing her uniform on leave is not so uncommon. You usually get better service if people know you're an officer.

[Eldest]

Lydia stops a passerby and asks him about the inns in the town. I heard from a freind that a place called Paddy's was good and cheap in this town, although he had had more than a few drinks by that time and I wasn't sure that was exactly what he said. Is there, by chance, a Paddy's Inn or somesuch?

[Kensen]

A young man who's slightly drunk replies "Paddy's? Not sure but I wager it's somewhere near the marketplace or in the docks district. You know where they are? Head that way (pointing east) and when you're at the foot of the Castle Hill, you'll see the marketplace on your right. The docks are further down the street. But hey! I know a better place, just follow me," he says with a wink.

[Laura Eternata]

Let's leave that to Lydia and Rickel, I tell Seamus, gesturing towards the festival. We'd be better off visiting the castle and taking a look around. I can probably stay there the night as well.

Does Seira have some kind of forged ID to go with her uniform?

[Eldest]

Sure thing. Come on, Rickel. We'll see what the odd man has to offer.
Really not sure why I'm doing this, but what the heck.

[Yitzi]

Rickel scowls. "I'd advise against it, but you're the one paying me."

Guile check to figure out what exactly the young man is up to (I suspect I know, but better to check.)

[roll0]

[Cieyrin]

Yes, ma'am. Seamus salutes and falls into riding behind his 'captain'.

[Eldest]

That's right. I am paying you. So let's go see.
Guile check as well: [roll0]

[Laura Eternata]

I smile a bit at that, but otherwise fall into character as I lead Seamus toward the castle. Don't forget to call me Captain Bosch, I caution him as we grow closer. Thorinhein's not a very Invictan name. Anything in particular you want me to call you?

[Cieyrin]

Yes, Captain Bosch, ma'am. I'm Private Sampson, though Sampson is just fine. Seamus adjusts his uniform as they continue to ride, while at the same time making sure his hidden knives are accessible yet out of sight till situations determine otherwise.

[Kensen]

"Oh he's with you? Well come along, I'll show you a nice inn just around the corner."

He takes you two to a dive called "Snake Pit". It's full of people, full of music and laughter. Some people are dancing on tables. And the drinks are really cheap.

"See, it's a very nice place! Grab a pint, start drinking!

Meanwhile, Laura and Seamus ride towards the castle. The closer they get, the slower it gets to move ahead because there's more and more people gathering to celebrate near the castle and marketplace. You see many Invictine patrols keeping an eye out for any troublemakers. So far everything seems to be under control.

[Yitzi]

Rickel accepts the mug, but doesn't drink from it, instead keeping an eye out for trouble.

[Eldest]

Thanks. Lydia also takes but does not drink from a mug. In a quieter voice to Rickel, she asks "Think we should slip out of the place shortly and look around for Paddy's?

[Kensen]

You both assess (based on your earlier Guile checks) that he's not up to anything dodgy, he just needs drinking buddies. You can make Stealth checks to sneak out of the place if you don't want to explain why you're leaving in such a hurry. Of course, you can ask for directions; many of the patrons look like they might know the local pubs and inns and taverns.

[Laura Eternata]

That awkward moment when you notice Kensen posted 3 days ago...

We carry on, trying our best to avoid the crowds. I, too, keep an eye on them; I'm well aware of the Invictus's unpopularity, and my armor could make me the target of a drunken mob's rampage.

Awareness: [roll0]

[Cieyrin]

Noting both Seira's increased alertness and the increasing crowd, Seamus looks about for a passerby going in the same direction and addresses them such: Excuse me, kind sir/ma'am, (as appropriate, not literally :smalltongue:) I just arrived in town, what's the celebration about? Is it a holiday in these parts? Seamus tries to impart kindness and innocence to appear non-threatening while having a look for decorations, merrymaking or something bleaker still.

Guile: [roll0]
Awareness: [roll1]

[Kensen]

You immediately notice that the locals have a friendlier attitude towards soldiers of the Empire than in most parts of the continent. You stay alert but notice no threats. Some people are drunk, but the soldiers do not seem to interfere with the merrymaking since no-one's gotten so drunk yet as to get violent or start behaving in an overly indecent manner.

Seamus asks a passer-by about the festivities.

"The festival? Yes it's a holiday in these parts, we call it the spring festival. Lots of performances and events, and the marketplace is open all night. It's the best time to visit Eisendorf, really. Unless you're on duty, of course..."

You make it to the foot of the Castle Hill. The gate to the castle grounds is guarded by many Invictus soldiers. Unlike the guards you saw earlier, these ones seem serious about their duty. There's a small guard house near the gate and there there's a sergeant who is in charge of receiving visitors (or turning them back if they have no business whatsoever in the castle grounds).

[Laura Eternata]

Forgive my utter lack of knowledge concerning military hierarchy, but do captains outrank sergeants? I don't want to screw us over by making a dangerous assumption.

[Kensen]

Seira knows that captains outrank sergeants. General > Colonel > Major > Captain > Lieutenant > Sergeant > Corporal > rank-and-file soldiers.

[Yitzi]

Thanks. Lydia also takes but does not drink from a mug. In a quieter voice to Rickel, she asks "Think we should slip out of the place shortly and look around for Paddy's?

"Sounds fair. We wouldn't want to insult our host by leaving blatantly."

[roll0]

[Laura Eternata]

I approach the sergeant as imperiously as I can in the awkward armor and see if he tries to stop me from entering. If he doesn't, I walk right in.

[Kensen]

Rickel manages to sneak out from the tavern easily. Once Lydia is also outside, are you going to look for Paddy's where the man said it might be, or what's your plan?

The sergeant snaps into attention. His eyes follow Seira intently and he reads the name on her armor with the kind of look on his face you have when you try to remember if you've met someone before but can't remember no matter how hard you try. "Captain," he says, trying to get Seira's attention, "ma'am, are you returning with your unit or are you a visitor?"

[Yitzi]

"That man said Paddy's might be near the marketplace, and it's probably a good area to ask for directions anyway. Should we head there?"

[Eldest]

Stealth [roll0]
We should check where the man said it was first. He seemed well meaning.

[Kensen]

Lydia also sneaks out from the tavern. You remember the man mentioned the marketplace and the docks district, and you head for the marketplace first. You soon discover that the marketplace is really bustling with people. There are all kinds of street performers (juggling, fire breathing, acrobatics, comedy and drama, musical performances and so on), games such as knife throwing, and numerous market stalls. The people seem to be in good spirits.

In the market square and on your way there you spot four bigger public houses and several smaller ones, but none of them are called "Paddy's" or "Patrick's" or anything like that. However, it may be somewhere in the side alleys. Or perhaps it's in the docks district?

[Eldest]

Lydia turns to her companion and states "This isn't going to go anywhere. Let's try asking again, how about?" She then pulls aside one of the passerbys and, feeling a sense of deja-vu, asks her about the festivities. "What's going on? We're new in town, and we're just trying to find Paddie's. It's where our freind agreed to meet us."

[Kensen]

You ask a few people, they tell you about the spring festival (same info as Seamus got basically) but when you ask about Paddy's, they just shake their head and apologize for not being able to help you. You're almost ready to give up when and old man who by the looks of him is a sailor approaches you. "Ya looking for Paddy's? Paddy's tavern, aye?" He closes one eye and squints with the other. "Ya don't look like people who'd want to go there.. what are ya looking for there?"

[Eldest]

"We have a friend here, who sends us letters that always mentions Paddies. We came to visit here without realizing we didn't know where he lives, so we'retrying to track him down by that.

[Kensen]

He harumphs. "It's popular with the sailors. As ye prolly guessed I'm one too. Or used to be. But ye folks, hmm," he says and scratchs his chin. "But alright, I'll tell ye where it is. I hope ye find yer friend. See, ye gotta go to the docks district - that's where we sailors usually are. I'm here only for the festival. Saw many interesting shows and perused the wares. Played some games and won a few copper pennies too! Ah yes the tavern.. well I still don't know why ya want to go there but ya got yar reasons, aye? So the location..."

After a lot of rambling, he tells you how you can find it. You have a feeling he knows something he doesn't want to tell you.

[Yitzi]

((Let's see if we can fish for some generic information, and hopefully hit on something relevant, or at least see where his loyalties lie.))

So, how are things in Eisendorf? People seem less anxious than most of the towns I've been in. If I find myself here without work sometime later on, you think there'll be jobs for a bodyguard?

[Eldest]

"Yup, seems a lot nicer than most towns. Is that why you stopped sailing, you found someplace you liked enough to settle down?
Guile (?) check [roll0]

[Laura Eternata]

Just visiting, I say coolly. Oh, and he's with me. I tilt my head in Seamus's general direction. Is there a problem, Sergeant?

[Kensen]

The old sailor replies: "Yes, things are different here. A lot of people from the imperial army brought their families here after the war. Eisendorf prospered, as you can see, no reason for them to complain, eh? Most of these people lost nothing in the war, unlike the rest of us."

"As for me, I'm not young anymore. Hate to admit it but my sea legs got old. Now I do what I can, I own a warehouse in the docks district that I rent out."


The sergeant replies to Seira: "Ma'am, there is no problem at all. May see your orders, ma'am? Or if this is an unannounced visit, with whom do you wish to have an appointment? One of my men will escort you there, standard procedure."

(OOC: examples: the Commandant (the big boss in the castle), the Adjutant (the Commandant's right hand, takes care of most practical matters for him), Quartermaster (responsible for equipment), Drill Sergeant (trains the troops), etc. Just ask me if you need to more details about something before answering. The purpose of visit is usually also declared upon checking in, especially if you're visiting the Commandant and Adjutant who are often very busy.)

[Yitzi]

"Thanks for the explanation. So I'd probably be best trying my luck elsewhere after this job is finished, then."

Rickel turns to Lydia. "You remember those directions?". (He'll have more to say once they're alone.)

[Eldest]

Lydia smiles sadly at that. Some people are lucky that they didn't lose anything to the war. Shame we all can't be lucky. Now, to see about finding that place... After thanking the man, they leave to find Paddy's, talking on the way.

[Kensen]

Near the wharves, you find the narrow alley that the old sailor described. There's a door that looks more like the backdoor than the actual entrance, with a length of floorboard suspended above the door. In a sloppy handwriting, it reads "PADDY'S". A wrinkly, portly, moustached man is standing beside the door, smoking tobacco in a pipe.

[Laura Eternata]

Who would be in charge of the dungeon?

[Kensen]

The Dungeon Master? :smalltongue: I'm kidding. The chief officer of the dungeon (jail) is called the Warden.

[Laura Eternata]

The Dungeon Master?

I lol'd.:smallbiggrin:

Silently cursing my own stupidity for think we'd be allowed to roam the castle freely, I end up saying, Unannounced. I must speak with the warden as soon as he is available; when will that be?

[Yitzi]

On the way, after making sure that they're alone, Rickel quietly comments to Lydia, "Interesting that almost nobody knew where it was, and he was surprised. Now, it might just be obscure, but there might be more to it. He seemed sympathetic, so I don't think we'll be walking into an Invictus trap, if anything it's more likely to be people sympathetic to our cause. Still, be on your guard."

[Kensen]

"Understood, Captain. I'll send a man to check how soon the Warden will be available. You may wait in the officer's mess. Siegler, escort the captain and his guard to the officer's mess."

The soldiers take care of your horses, and you walk up the hill along a path paved with cobblestones, escorted by Siegler. You walk past many buildings and see a few patrols, five men each, along your way. You enter the castle which itself consists of many buildings: the keep, a church, warehouses, barracks, and other buildings. The officers' mess is near the entrance. You go in; in the outer hall the is a rack for weapons on the wall (it's impolite to take any weapons to the officers' mess).

"Ma'am, they'll send someone here when the Warden is ready to receive you," Siegler says.

---

Are Lydia and Rickel going in to Paddy's?

[Eldest]

Lydia waves hello to the man smoking outside and enters the place, looking around.
Sorry...

[Laura Eternata]

Leaving my bow and sword at the weapon rack (but keeping the dagger), I enter the mess hall and take a look around. (Awareness: [roll0])

Assuming there's a free table, I take a seat away from the other Invictus. I turn to Seamus and whisper, This isn't going as well as I'd hoped. Think you can get away and take a better look around while I get my tour of the dungeon?

[Kensen]

Seira and Seamus take seats at a free table, and a waitress comes around to take Seira's order. She pays no attention to Seamus; it's the officers' mess after all.

Seira notices three officers sitting at a table playing cards, but they are too preoccupied with the game to notice anything else around them.

After about 15 minutes, a soldier approaches the two of you. "Ma'am, you have an appointment with the Warden, correct? Please follow me." She escorts you to underground prison beneath the castle keep. The Warden, a gruff middle-aged captain greets you with a "What d'ya want?"

Lydia and Rickel go to Paddy's. The man standing beside the door just eyes you cautiously but says nothing. The door opens with a creak and you take stairs down and enter the pub. The air is heavy with smoke and the scent of tocabbo and alcohol, and it's full of people, mostly men but there are also a few prostitutes. There's a bar opposite to the door.


##########
##.||||||=
##=#######
#...+o++o#
#+...+..+#
#o+.+..+.#
#+.+o++o+#
#..++.+++#
#.+o++o+.#
#..+..+.+#
#-----.+o#
#=########

# wall
. floor
| stairs
o table
+ chair
- bar

[Eldest]

Lydia sits down at a corner table, gesturing Rickel to follow her, and starts to listen in on conversations around her to figure out what's the general mood of the bar, and other local gossip.

[Yitzi]

Rickel sits down next to Lydia and also listens for anything interesting.

[Kensen]

The people in the pub are generally in a good mood. You overhear conversations about getting drunk and having fun with the prostitutes, but a few people are also talking about deals and shipments. You observe the bar patrons for a while but no-one really stands out. Not that you know what Rowan might look like.

[Laura Eternata]

Are there any prisoners in the visible cells?

I'm looking for someone, I tell him. A rebel. He was most recently seen in this area and I was rather hoping you had already captured him. All we have is a name- Rowan.

[Eldest]

Well... crud. Lydia remarks quietly to Rickel. Any ideas? Other than just asking for him?

[Yitzi]

"Best idea I can think of is to strike up conversations with people until we find someone who seems unfriendly to the Invictus people, and then ask them if they know who Rowan is."

[Kensen]

Seira is in the Warden's office. Unfortunately, you cannot see any cells from there, they're deeper in the dungeon.

The warden replies: "Rowan... eh, don't tell me you're looking for who I think you're looking for. No, we don't have him here. He's the most elusive son of a bitch Eisendorf has seen. Or hasn't seen to be more precise. No-one knows what he looks like. I don't know if he even exists!"

Rickel and Lydia: Finding out who's loyal to the Invictus and who's not requires some Guile if you want to make sure people don't get suspicious. TN 10: you find out the general mood but people will realize you're up to something. TN 15: you cleverly avoid any suspicion. Less than 10: People think you're being too nosy and may get angry with you.

[Eldest]

Lydia starts walking from table to table, joining in on people's conversations and asking if they've seen somebody named "Claude", an Invictus soldier that owes her money.
Guile: [roll0]
Dontscrewupdontscrewupdontscrewup...
Edit: I screwed up...

[Kensen]

One of the bar patrons stands up, scowling menacingly. "Who are you and what are you doing here? Do you see any soldiers here? Does this look like a place for soldiers?"

A few people near you who could hear the conversation glare at you angrily, the rest of the people mind their own business.

[Eldest]

No, this doesn't look like it's soldier friendly. See any soldiers? But I was asking around at another tavern, and somebody directed me here. Probably trying to get me out of the tavern so Claude could get out.
Yitzi, help!

[Yitzi]

Rickel speaks to Lydia, loudly enough to be heard. "I told you it was bad business to lend money to soldiers. Most of 'em think that just because they've got an army behind them they can do whatever they want."

Guile check (to establish the story; his dislike of Invictus soldiers is the actual truth):

[roll0]

He then turns to the patron who spoke. "It doesn't look like a place for soldiers, true, but it wouldn't be the first time one of those soldiers showed up somewhere he wasn't welcome. Wouldn't be the first time one of 'em was undercover in such a place either. So when we were told that that cheat Claude was here, we decided we might as well ask around."

[Eldest]

Not a good idea to call him a cheat, even if this isn't the nicest place for soldiers. Lydia turns back to the man she was talking to. Anyway, sorry about all this.

[Kensen]

Another man joins the conversation: "Moneylending business, eh? I think I have friends who might be interested in meeting you. Better deals than what you can get with the Invictus. I don't care much for the Emperor or his followers."

OOC: Make an Awareness check to see if there's a change in the atmosphere and let me know if you want to hear about the better deal or if you've come up with a better strategy for locating Rowan. Or have you had enough of this place already? :smalltongue:

[Eldest]

I'd be overjoyed if they could provide security. This is not the first time I've been swindled by a soldier.
Awareness
D20: [roll0]
3D6: [roll1] TN: 12 plus any other penalties.

[Yitzi]

Awareness:[roll0]

"So who are these friends of yours?"

[Kensen]

"You'll meet them soon." The man says with a grin.

(Awareness checks: failed!) Unfortunately for Rickel and Lydia, you did not notice that nearby, amidst the bustle of the crowded pub, three men just drew their knives and stealthily moved closer to you.

"In fact, my friends would like to see you right away. Follow me. I insist. No sudden movements, these gentlemen are rather good with their knives."

You now notice the three men who've crept within striking distance, weapons ready.

"That way," the man says, pointing at the door behind the bar.

[Eldest]

How close are each of the men? Mind making a crude map?

[Kensen]

##########
##.||||||=
##=#######
#...+o++o#
#+.BLR..+#
#o+B+.M+.#
#+.+oB+o+#
#..++.+++#
#.+o++o+.#
#..+..+.+#
#-----.+o#
#=########

# wall
. floor
| stairs
o table
+ chair
- bar
B Bad Guy
M Leader of the Bad Guys

It should be noted that the pub is quite crowded, so it's not like everyone has a 5' square for themselves. I didn't mark every single person on the map either, just you two, the man who joined the conversation about moneylending and the three knife wielding men.

[Yitzi]

"Well, then let's go and meet your friends. I suspect we'll find this to all have been a misunderstanding."

[Eldest]

Ok, no need for the knives. Let's go. Lydia keeps a close watch out for when one isn't right next to her, though.

[MintyNinja]

In a corner table, sipping a mug of rum, a small gaunt man with a short beard turns his head to the new commotion. Couple of out-of-towners by the sound of 'em, he thinks to himself. He takes another sip of his drink and picks at the stale bread on his plate as he watches the show. The stairs up were right behind him so he'd get a better look at the fools faces as they'd pass, probably be one of the last people to see them alive. He suppresses a chuckle at that thought.

Hi, I'm joining this team because it seems you might lose a player. Kensen has my sheet and I choose Teal for talking and thinking. I've been told not to help you two yet, so good luck :smallsmile:

[Kensen]

You follow the man, and the three thugs follow you closely, ready to strike if you try something. The people in the pub seem to pretend they don't even notice what's going on. Perhaps in a place like this it wiser to not interfere.

Following the man, you enter a smaller room, perhaps only 20x20 feet. You see a lot of kitchenware, bottles, barrels and such, and a cook preparing food near a fireplace. Chopping chunks of meat with a meat cleaver, he pauses for a moment, looks up at you and grins. You also see two more doors.

"Wait here," the man says and walks to one of the doors, opens it, goes inside and closes the door behind him. (You can make Awareness TN 15 checks to try to hear what's going on behind the door. Open the spoiler if you succeed.)


You overhear a conversation.

"Boss, I found two fools who said they lend money to soldiers. They're not our men, dunno who they're working for. Can you imagine that, they walk into our pub and say they do business in our territory. Do you think they oughta go sleep with the fishes?"

A cold voice replies: "Not yet. Bring 'em in. Blindfolds."


The man returns. "Boss wants to see them. Hurry! Blindfolds."

OOC: The men remove any weapons you're carrying visibly. They also blindfold you. Do you let them do that or try to fight back?

[Eldest]

I think we're still using the d20, right?
[roll0]

[Kensen]

OOC: You can continue using d20 or switch to 3d6. If you do that, you have to use 3d6 until the end of the scenario, so no switching back and forth when it seems convenient. :smalltongue:

[Eldest]

Try to blindfold me and you will be in severe pain. I'll follow along, but I will see what I am dealing with.
And the first time a hidden blade is used might not be that far away...

[Kensen]

One of the men with knives says "Don't **** with us! Keep your hands where they are and keep quiet!" He presses the tip of the knife against your chin and tells one of the two other men to put the blindfold on.

[Eldest]

How close is the arm with the hidden blade to the guy holding the knife on Lydia?

[Laura Eternata]

Seira is in the Warden's office. Unfortunately, you cannot see any cells from there, they're deeper in the dungeon.

The warden replies: "Rowan... eh, don't tell me you're looking for who I think you're looking for. No, we don't have him here. He's the most elusive son of a bitch Eisendorf has seen. Or hasn't seen to be more precise. No-one knows what he looks like. I don't know if he even exists!"


I keep doing this... sorry, I missed this message in the recent revival and thought you hadn't responded to me yet. I'm not dropping out, I promise!

Dammit, I mutter just loud enough to be heard. I assure you, the bastard exists. He's apparently been leaking information for months, but just two weeks ago his messenger slipped up, allowing my unit to capture him. We learned that the resistance in in possession of some highly classified information regarding Eisendorf, information that even I didn't know before interrogated the messenger. I take a deep breath, both in character and simply to prepare myself for an incredibly risky gambit: Before we got here, however, a dozen rebels ambushed us and slaughtered most of my men. My cousin was among them. After allowing a brief pause for dramatic effect, during which I stare unblinkingly into the Warden's eyes, I finish with, I don't know if Rowan was in any way responsible, but in case he was... when we get a hold of him, I'd like an hour alone with him.


(Switching to 3d6 for the remainder of the playtest, 'cause a 1 right now would be very, very bad:)
Guile: [roll0]

[Kensen]

The Warden seems to believe you. His tense expression seems to soften a little, and he says: "Aye, I know your pain, lass. I lost a brother and many other good people in the war. I've heard that the rebels are getting more and more aggressive and I'm sorry for your loss."

After a brief silence, he says: "But I'm afraid I cannot help you with finding Rowan. They've been looking for him for two years, and never found him."

Meanwhile, Lydia tries to assess her chance of killing the man in front of her before he can react. Her arms arms are relaxed at her sides but the man does not know about the hidden blade. He on the other hand is holding the tip of his knife against your chin, which means it'd be very easy for him to make a quick stab at one of Lydia's arteries or the throat. Neither has a distinct advantage, so if you try to attack him, it'll be time to roll initiative. The cook is distracted because he's cooking something and one of the men is distracted because he's getting ready to put the blindfold on Lydia. Rickel, the underboss and the other thugs are all alert, though, so they get no penalty on initiative.

[Laura Eternata]

I understand. I however, have every intention of seeking the man out, and simply ask your permission to give me some time alone with him once I locate him before your men get to work. Tell me, what has the commandant done to hunt him thus far?

[Yitzi]

((I'll stick to d20 for the rest of this adventure.))

Awareness:[roll0]

[Yitzi]

((As for the current events)):

Rickel allows the man to put on the blindfold. "Lydia, I think we'd better listen to them. I'd guess more likely than not this boss can help us with what we really came here for, so let's not make trouble."

[Eldest]

Lydia visibly reins in her anger and fear. After a few breaths, she nods. Fine.

[Kensen]

The Warden replies: "If we catch him, I promise that to you. As far as I know, the Commandant has organized raids on places where possible rebel activity has been reported. The people we caught knew nothing. And believe me, we tried every method available to make them reveal his whereabouts."

Meanwhile, the three thugs put blindfolds on Rickel and Lydia. "Wise decision," one of them comments.

They walk you into another room. Judging by the echoes your steps make, this one is a little smaller than the kitchen. And although you cannot see much, you notice there is less light in the room, perhaps there's only a candle somewhere in front of you.

The cold, stern voice of a man tells the thugs to make you sit down. They help you sit down on squeaky wooden chairs. "Hands on the table," he says, and the thugs help you find the table in front of you. It has the same squeaky quality as the chairs do.

"Leave us," the man says, and the thugs walk back to the kitchen. You now notice that his voice comes from a direction that suggests he's standing rather than sitting at the table like you are.

"You may have heard about the Guild and you may have heard that we don't appreciate competition, especially in our territory. You may also have heard about what we do to people who defy us."

There is a brief silence. Then he continues "The reason the Guild values me so highly is that I can tell when a person is lying to me. Which is why I suggest that you tell me the reason you came here and who sent you. I am holding a loaded crossbow in my hands. Lie, and you'll soon find out how good my aim is."

[Eldest]

There is no Claude, I have not been lending money. I wanted to find out why the soldiers weren't in this tavern.

[Kensen]

"So you made up the story to find out why there are no soldiers here? What do you need that information for? Who sent you?

[Eldest]

I am part of a group that isn't the friendliest with the Invictines. One of the people I was sent to meet here, Rowan, actively dislikes them. Since the entire town seems to be at peace with the Invictines, I tried to find the least at peace location to try to find him. Happy?

[Yitzi]

Rickel switches into thieves' cant (so the below is simply the normal-language version.)

"We wanted to make sure that they weren't friendly to soldiers before starting our actual business. As for who sent us, perhaps it would help if I told you a bit about my past, so you understand why I'm doing this and why we'd never mean to encroach on Guild business...
Several years back, I was a pickpocket, working in another city. I paid my dues to the Guild there, all the usual stuff. I had a partner, named Lindy. Before the Empire came, we had a few scrapes, but nothing bad. Then the Empire came, and eventually they caught Lindy. Now, being caught is part of the risk of the job, and we accepted that, but those Empire soldiers didn't just throw her in jail or even just kill her...they tortured her and then killed her. That's when I decided I meant to help bring the Empire down. So I joined the Resistance. There was a contact we were going to try to find, and he mentioned this place, so we thought that was a good place to start the search. We didn't know the Guild was in the moneylending business in this town, otherwise we would've found a different way to figure out how they felt about soldiers here."

[Eldest]

Lydia switches to thieves can't as well. So you'd be earning a favor from a cutpurse and a roofrunner if you'd let us go and help us find our man.

[Kensen]

He listens to Rickel's story translated into thieves' cant, but stops him with a loud "ENOUGH!" just before he gets to the part where he joins the Resistance.

You can hear him taking a few steps closer to the table. He takes a seat on the opposite side of the table and whispers: "Friends of Rowan, eh? You should be more careful. Friends of Rowan have no friends here. The Guild despises his friends just as much as the Invictus does."

There is a short silence, then he continues: "But I happen to owe him a favor. And seeing that you are his friends, I think I might help you, to repay my debt. But what do friends of Rowan want from Rowan?"

[Yitzi]

"We haven't heard from him for a while, and want to find him and find out what's going on with him."

[Kensen]

"The problem is, he joined the choir invisible. He's off the mortal coil. Unless you plan on getting into trouble again, you won't be meeting him just yet."

You can hear him stand up again.

"Now is there a way I can repay my debt to late Rowan, or shall I have you thrown out of here?"

[Yitzi]

"Actually, now that you mention it, there is a way for you to repay your debt. We have word that the Empire is working on a truth drug in the castle over there. Such a drug would pose significant hazard to our operations, and I suspect to yours as well. If you can help us get into the lab to destroy it, I believe that would be a way to repay your debt."

[Kensen]

"Interesting. And you are right, such a drug would be bad, really bad for us if they can make it work. Alright. I'll help you get into the castle discreetly and I'll help you destroy the lab. But I cannot help you with locating the lab, that's something you have to do yourself."

"Barnabas!"

The underboss replies from behind the door: "Yes boss?"

"Escort these two back to the kitchen and get Derryk in here!"

Barnabas and one of the thugs walk you back to the kitchen and remove your blindfolds. A young man enters the kitchen and goes to the boss's room.

"So I guess I won't get to kill you after all," Barnabas says with a grin.

A few minutes later, Derryk comes back to the kitchen.

(OOC: MintyNinja, I'll send you a PM shortly.)

[Kensen]

"Interesting. And you are right, such a drug would be bad, really bad for us if they can make it work. Alright. I'll help you get into the castle discreetly and I'll help you destroy the lab. But I cannot help you with locating the lab, that's something you have to do yourself."

"Barnabas!"

The underboss replies from behind the door: "Yes boss?"

"Escort these two back to the kitchen and get Derryk in here!"

Barnabas and one of the thugs walk you back to the kitchen and remove your blindfolds. A young man enters the kitchen and goes to the boss's room.

"So I guess I won't get to kill you after all," Barnabas says with a grin.

A few minutes later, Derryk comes back to the kitchen.

(OOC: MintyNinja, I'll send you a PM shortly.)

[MintyNinja]

Derryk enters the kitchen after his meeting with the Boss and looks at the two Resistance members. They weren't completely incompetent and that gave him some hope. "Okay, looks like the Boss has some reason to help you out, which means I have a major reason to help you out. Two things to start with, keep your affiliation with a certain organization as hush hush as you can. Folks round here don't seem to share your griefs. Second, give me five minutes to collect my stuff and we'll regroup outside. Is there an inn or tavern you're staying at? This one may not be the best choice for you."

In four minutes Derryk is ready outside and asks, "So where too?"

[Yitzi]

"We just got in town today, not staying anywhere. Did the boss tell you how he plans to help destroy the lab once we've found it?"

[MintyNinja]

"Let's get a place away from the docks then, bit too shady if you catch my drift." Derryk begins leading them closer to the marketplace, the crowds and the festival should surely allow them to leave at all hours of the night without notice. "As for how to destroy it? I'm sure a little improvisation won't hurt, will it? I can get you in, and I can lead you out. I'll even watch your backs while we're snooping around in there. But I'm pretty sure starting a fire will destroy most anything found in there. If not, bigger fire."

Can we get a time check?

[Eldest]

They walk to a outside cafe that's really noisy and sit down. Lydia watches for people paying too much attention, though. Okay. Hello, Derryk. Who are you, and what are you good at doing? I'm Lydia, I'm kind of the team leader.

[MintyNinja]

Derryk takes a seat and sets his backpack on the ground next to his chair. He suppresses another chuckle as he's introduced to the team leader. A serving woman walks too close to their table and Derryk pauses for a second before saying, "I run with The Guild, that's who I am. I open doors and disarm traps, and I do it without being caught." He glances around for a moment before whispering, "The reason Boss sent me with you and not any of a hundred others is because your organization is the reason I'm no longer locked in a cell. Boss knows this, he knows I won't kill you when you find the lab." He leans back and resumes talking normally, "In fact, a little appreciation wouldn't go amiss."

[Eldest]

A locksmith, then? Excellent, I've been covering that slot but really I'm a roofrunner. Sorry about the doubt, then. So, you're a local man, then. Know anything about the castle?

[MintyNinja]

"I know a tunnel that happens to be connected to the castle, good enough?" Derryk says. "So what about you guys? Are there more? Or is two as good as you could come up with?"

FYI, I don't really know how much Derryk knows, Kensen hasn't gotten back to me yet.

[Eldest]

There are a few others. They're undercover. So avoid killing any Invictus. Almost always a good strategy, in my opinion. And the tunnels more than we knew before, to be honest. We meant to meet up with Rowan and find out what he knew of the area and the castle first. Why is he disliked by your boss?

[MintyNinja]

'I'm not at liberty to discuss the Boss's personal history, but there's hundreds of rumors to choose from. All you really gotta know is that despite their past, the Boss is doing you a favor in his memory.' Derryk glances around again and adds, "Killing Invictus is usually best avoided here. Usually. Do you think we're going to be meeting with your friends before we make our move?"

[Eldest]

Not sure if we're going to be meeting with them. This whole job was rather rushed, with little time to plan. Could you hit up your contacts, try to find anything else you know about the castle and what's inside?
Wow, I just realized I switched Paddy to Rowan a little while back. Sorry if that caused any confusion.

[MintyNinja]

He takes a moment to consider the request before answering. "Maybe. I'll see what I can come up with, but don't expect too much. Questions bout the castle will lead to questions about who has to go in. I could tell them that the Boss has a couple of outsiders doing a nasty bit of business in there, but I don't think anyone would buy that. I'll see what I can do." Derryk scratches at his beard and asks, "Where and when should I meet up with you?"

[Eldest]

We'll be taking a pair of rooms at an inn nearby, we'll be in the common room. Not sure which inn, you may have to look around. Any other quick questions?

[MintyNinja]

"Yeah, what's in this lab anyway? The Boss didn't mention it and you two seem hellbent on destroying it," Derryk says before picking up his backpack.


______________________

Once given a sufficient answer he says goodbye and walks through the festival, getting lost in the crowd.

[Eldest]

Something that eliminates your ability to lie. I would burn this town to the ground before I let that be developed. Too dangerous, for anybody.

[Kensen]

It's five minutes to midnight when Derryk leaves the café. People are still celebrating outside. Derryk notices something slightly unpleasant - it's started raining a little. Some people go indoors, but most stay outside, gathering where there is some shelter from the rain.

OOC for all of you:


Congratulations, you've successfully complete the side quest "Finding Old Rowan". :smallsmile: Seira and Seamus also now know the general layout of the castle grounds, which will make it easier to plan the next part of your mission. Here's a more detailed map about the Castle Hill.


https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-hAjBn_juUpg/T9WoyZ2eqhI/AAAAAAAAAHc/3Js2TGBX_wg/s834/CastleHill.jpg


Do Seira and Seamus want to ask more questions, try to find Lydia and Rickel, or do something else?

Do Lydia and Rickel want to make anything in particular while waiting for Derryk to return?

And what's Derryk going to do? (I sent you a PM)

[Eldest]

Lydia (and Rickel, if he follows) go to a nearby tavern and have a late dinner. We also reserve a pair of rooms.

[MintyNinja]

Please disregard if not DM.
[roll0]
Dice roller doesn't work in PM's :smalltongue:

[Yitzi]

Rickel follows Lydia.

[Laura Eternata]

Wait, you guys found Rowan? Oh. Well I've been wasting a lot of time. :smallsigh: Regardless, metagaming is bad, so Seira is going to stick around and question the commandant.

I nod. You have my thanks, mein freund. I will take my leave of you now; perhaps I will speak with the commandant himself.

After offering any necessary formalities, I exit the warden's office and return to the officer's mess to wait for Seamus. If he does not return within half an hour, I return to the sergeant at the gate and tell him that I would like to make an appointment with the commandant as early as is convenient.

[MintyNinja]

Found enough about Rowan to receive the same bonuses (a guide to the secret entrance).

[Kensen]

The Warden shakes his head. "You can always try, but I'm quite sure the Commandant won't be able to see you until tomorrow, it's quite late now and on a night like this... you know, with the celebration, the festival. Probably busy."

He bids you farewell, and you are escorted back to the officers' mess. (I presume Seamus is waiting there since he didn't say he was going anywhere in particular and besides, Cieyrin hasn't been posting in a while.) You return to the gate, where the guards tell you that you should come back in the morning, just as the Warden suspected. Does Seira want to do some more detective work or does she try to find Rickel and Lydia?

Meanwhile, Derryk gathers information about traps in the tunnel. He only hears rumors, but they're pretty consistent in that most of the traps are simple mechanical traps like bear traps, but there's one pretty nasty trap somewhere near the tunnel's other end.

Derryk meets Rickel and Lydia a little later who have just had a late dinner. (Roasted pork and potatoes if you really wanted to know.)

[MintyNinja]

As Derryk settles into his seat with a warm mug of stew, he said to the others, "Okay, good news first: I can get us a distraction for entering the tunnel. Tomorrow night, all of us that are going in need to be ready." He took a gulp from his fast cooling meal and checked to make sure no one else was listening. "The tunnel will lead us into the keep. I've gotten some intel on the traps inside, doesn't seem like anything I can't handle. But once we're inside, you're gonna have to find that lab. We can also take the tunnel out."

[Yitzi]

"It might be better not to take the tunnel out until we know we won't need it to escape."

[Eldest]

I think he meant we can use the tunnel to leave, after we're finished.

[MintyNinja]

Derryk stares blankly at Rickel for a moment, trying to see if the man is joking. He then pointedly says to Lydia, "I see why you're in charge."

OOC
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHH:smallbiggrin:


Sorry, Yitzi, but in my mind that was the funniest scene I've seen in these games.

[Kensen]

Oh don't mock your team mates or they'll collapse the tunnel on you. :smallbiggrin:

Anyway, there's no hurry to move the plot ahead just yet since I don't know what Seira is going to do next, but you might as well start planning your next move. So are you going to wait until tomorrow? Is there anything you want to do in the meantime?

The tunnel entrance is on the east side of the Castle Hill where the slope is steepest. (On the map you can see the contour lines.) You'll have to climb some 50 feet before you reach the entrance of the tunnel. Then you just walk up the tunnel, deftly avoid stepping into any traps and voilà! you're in the keep.

When do you want to start climbing just before sunset, just after sunset, or at midnight, for example?

[Laura Eternata]

I decide to look around town for the others, presumably with Seamus in tow. I peek into nearby inns and taverns on my way, asking patrons inside whether or not they've seen my companions.

Awareness: [roll0]

If I don't find them within a few hours, I return to the keep and seek lodging in the barracks for the night.

[Kensen]

When "the captain" asks around about her civilian friends, the people answer very politely: no, haven't seen them, there are so many people around tonight. She remembers they mentioned they were going to the Market Square to look for Paddy's, the pub, so she heads that way. She sees a cozy-looking inn and goes inside, and surprise surprise, she finds her companions sitting around a table with a young man Seira has never seen before.

[Laura Eternata]

Not knowing the other man's allegiance, I walk over the the barmaid and say, with just a hint of menace in my tone, Pardon me, ma'am. Could I trouble you to tell that woman, I point at Lydia, that Captain Bosch wishes to speak with her? I'll be waiting right here.

If necessary, Guile: [roll0]

[Eldest]

Captain! Couldn't get enough of my company? They sit down and Lydia explains softly everything they found out.

[MintyNinja]

For a wild moment Derryk feels that he was lead into a trap, and is just about to start stabbing people very much in the face when Lydia explains the situation. He let out a pent up breath and said, "Aye, 'Captain Bosch', welcome back."

[Eldest]

Told you she was undercover. Lydia smiles quickly. So anyway, what have you found out about the castle, "Captain"?

[Laura Eternata]

Hello, Derryk, I offer a quick smile as I shake his hand. Turning to Lydia, I say, Less than I'd hoped. They didn't give me free reign of the keep, despite my status. I did manage to talk to the warden; the Invictus haven't the faintest idea that Rowan's dead, so that's something to keep in mind. The commandant is still spending time and resources hunting him. Speaking of the commandant, I'm scheduled to meet with him tomorrow morning. I guess I could use that as a chance to see how well defended he is, in case we have to take him captive to question him about the lab's whereabouts.

I also tell everyone the layout of the keep's exterior, as shown on the map Kensen posted.

Afterwards, I turn back to Derryk. So, Derryk, where does this tunnel lead to? Somewhere in the dungeons? And who built it?

[MintyNinja]

"This tunnel leads to somewhere in the Keep, that's all I know about it's direction," Derryk said. "But it was built by Baron Eisen back during the founding of his castle. It was used a bit during the war, but since then only a few of us thieves know about it."

[Laura Eternata]

But none of those thieves have ever used it and told your organization its destination? In that case, there's a chance the Invictus know about it and blocked it up when they occupied this town, isn't there?

[Eldest]

So tonight we should check the tunnel while you go back to try to find out where that project is. We'll meet up tomorrow afternoon. Sound good?

[MintyNinja]

"The Guild doesn't make this knowledge available to every member. Hell, it's by luck alone that we're sharing it with you. Had the Boss not owed Rowan the favor, two of you would be fish food by now," Derryk says, slightly offended. "We can check it out if you feel the absolute need, but I think that'd put us at risk for someone discovering it because of you. We'll already be using it twice, let's not give them more of a chance to spot us."

[Eldest]

I meant for us to do it now, in the middle of a celebration so that if anybody notices us entering, they'll think we're a couple going off for funtime instead of thieves. I didn't intend that we exit the tunnel at the other end, just map out the traps in advance when we have time. We can't take the place tonight anyway, Siera needs to try to find out where the project is. Besides, I don't care if the tunnel gets discovered after we use it the last time.

[MintyNinja]

"Alright then, but only two of us. Gimme a minute to collect my backpack from my own room down the street. I have a rope, you got anything to help make the climb easier?" He goes to his own room down the street and as he's leaving with his bag he makes sure the inn keeper knows he's not checking out. Derryk leads Lydia to where he was told the tunnel would be and making sure he's not being watched, begins to climb.

Stealth [roll0]
Climb [roll1]

[Kensen]

The climb is not easy - the rocky east face of the Castle hill is steep and slick from the rain. But Derryk makes it to the tunnel entrance. It looks like a natural cave from the outside, and one so small that you have to take off your backpack and crawl inside. It's no wonder that it's remained a secret. It's very dark inside, but judging by the echoes, the tunnel is more spacious than the entrance. There's a big rock near the entrance that looks suitable for attaching a rope to it.

[Eldest]

Lydia sneaks up the cliff as well and then starts attaching Derryk's rope to the rock.
3d6 from now on, by the way.
Stealth: [roll0]
Mobility: [roll1]

[Laura Eternata]

I head back Castle Hill, alone. When the sergeant questions me, I tell him that I'd like to quarter in the barracks tonight to avoid the overwhelming noise of the celebration in town. Does he insist on having his man take me there, or does he let me find my own way?

[Kensen]

Lydia cannot find good handholds, and her grip almost slips a few times; you spend a few minutes trying to figure out how to continue climbing. A few small rocks fall, clattering down but you don't think anyone noticed. It's dark and the celebration draws attention away from you. (Attaching and lowering Derryk's rope before you climb might be a good idea. :smalltongue:)

Seira too, is less than successful: the gate has been closed for the night. A sergeant - a different sergeant this time - tells her it's too late (nearly 1 AM) for visitors to check in, and only those with orders are let in this late.

[MintyNinja]

...Really, what part of my team assumed that Derryk would climb to the top and NOT drop a rope down?

Before Lydia falls all the way to the ground below Derryk finishes tying off his rope and tosses it down. He sets his backpack against the sturdy rock and while he waits for his slower and more cumbersome partner, he equips the wrist sheaths and moves his throwing knives to them.

[Eldest]

Dude. Better mobility. I just have really bad luck pretty much with dice. Except in the one fight so far.

Lydia scrambles up the rope, then looks into the cave. She has a quick thought. Did we bring a torch or lamp?

[MintyNinja]

"Not with me," Derryk says as he finishes strapping the second throwing knife into the sheath. "I'll do a quick check to see if there's anything left by the guild. There have been instances of leaving caches for future use, don't know if it will be applied here." With that he crawls into the caves and searches for a possible tinderbox or torch or anything to help light their way.

Awareness: [roll0]

[Laura Eternata]

Lacking anything better to do, I take a walk around Castle Hill to look for Derryk and Lydia.

Awareness: [roll0]

[Kensen]

The entrance to the tunnel is really very hard to spot - especially at night - unless you know exactly where it is, so Seira has trouble locating it even though she has a general idea of where it should be. From her vantage point, Lydia does, however, notice a female captain wandering in the park at the foot of the hill while Derryk is looking for a cache. (By the way, did you leave the rope hanging?)

Derryk doesn't find a proper cache, but he does find some abandoned equipment - a half-burnt torch and a tinderbox with a piece of flint, a badly rusted firesteel and no tinder. Derryk thinks he can make a fire, it'll just take more time than usually.


It's probably my fault I didn't include torches etc. in the equipment section, but there will be some ignition & illumination equipment in the next update of the rules. Suggesting that there may be a cache was a great idea - no need to retcon anything or send you back to buy a lamp. :smallbiggrin:

[Eldest]

Derryk. We have company. Lydia says in a low voice.
Nope, I wouldn't have left the rope down.

[MintyNinja]

We'll buy a proper lamp for the next night. Right now we'll make do with what we got. And sorry "Captain" we can't tell who you are and we're paranoid enough as it is.

"If the rope's up get in out of sight. If you can block the entrance I'll get us some light." Derryk then gets to work on lighting the torch so that they can have an easier time disarming traps.

[Eldest]

Ok, let's go. Lydia moves forward and does her best to block any light showing from the torch outside, once it's lit.

[Laura Eternata]

It's cool. I'd probably do the same.

Eventually slumping my shoulders in defeat, I trudge back to the inn for the night. Do I run into anything on the way?

[MintyNinja]

Do NOT go to Paddy's! You will die horribly and painfully! Seira has never been there before, you meant the inn in the marketplace.

[Laura Eternata]

Oh, they're not the same thing? Huh. Yeah, I mean that, I'll fix it in a second. Thanks, Misty.

[Kensen]

Seira gets back to the inn where Rickel is still waiting. (And yes, going to Paddy's would have led to a quite interesting encounter... :smallwink:)

After a few minutes of trying, Derryk manages to ignite the torch and you can see the tunnel better. It slopes up at an angle of approximately 15 degrees. Its shape is irregular and the floor uneven. The tunnel is too narrow for the two of you walk abreast and there's a lot of loose rocks and debris on the floor, which might make it difficult to move very fast. (Moving at full speed will require Mobility checks)

OOC: Who goes first, who's holding the torch and how carefully are you going to advance?

[MintyNinja]

Derryk holds the torch aloft in one hand as he leads the way. It's slow going as he is keeping a thorough eye out for any traps. If they are found he takes the time to disarm them with his universal tool.

OOC:
Awareness [roll0]
Gadgetry [roll1]

And Eldest, if you could throw up an Awareness roll too in case I miss something, it'd be much appreciated.

[Eldest]

Lydia follows Derryk as he walks through the tunnel. She watches out for traps as she goes, as well. Can't hurt to be too careful.
Awareness: [roll0]

[Kensen]

After walking and searching for a while, you find some caltrops hidden amid debris and you deftly avoid them. Lydia spots a bear trap just before Derryk steps on it; Derryk skillfully disables it with the universal tool that seems to have just the right tools for every situation despite its small size. A little later, you arrive at the end of the tunnel which is blocked by a sturdy stone door. The stone door seems to pivot around a central axis rather than having hinges on one side.

[Eldest]

Lydia presses her ear up against the door and listens, to try and find out what's on the other side.
[roll0]

[MintyNinja]

Derryk also listens at the door. Maybe he could hear something indicative of it's other side.

[roll0] And Eldest, it's 3d6, roll again.

[Eldest]

I noticed, see the OOC thread.

[Kensen]

It's completely quiet in the room on the other side of the stone door. The only sounds you can hear are the distant sounds of celebration coming from the city.

[MintyNinja]

"We should head back. If we pop through tonight and are discovered, there goes our entrance. We'll come back tomorrow," Derryk says to Lydia. "We'll buy a lamp and maybe a grappling hook or something during the day and come back at night."

[Eldest]

Lydia motions her friend away from the door, in case of silent listeners. Once they were walking down the tunnel, she starts talking. I already have a hook, but not a lamp. Make sure to get a hooded one.

[MintyNinja]

"Will do," Derryk responds. As they leave the tunnel he lets Lydia go down first and then unties his rope and packs it back up. He carefully climbs down the hill and retreats to his room in the separate inn.

If I need a Climb check: [roll0]

[Kensen]

(OOC: I presume you don't want to do anything else tonight.)

You wake up in the morning. Though it's not raining, the clouds hang heavy over Eisendorf and it looks like it might start raining any moment. You peek outside and see people cleaning the mess from last night. There are still some drunken people outside, but the soldiers are urging them to go home and sleep.

You go downstairs; the breakfast is ready and the dining hall is full of delicious scents: bread, cheese, butter, marmelade, ham, eggs, tea, apple juice...

OOC: Time to eat! And more importantly, plan! Is Seira going to meet the Commandant? Besides buying a lamp, are the rest of you going to do anything particularly interesting before nightfall?

[Laura Eternata]

As we eat (before putting on my uniform), I ask Lydia, So what's the plan? Anything in particular you want me to ask the Commandant?

[MintyNinja]

Derryk will buy the hooded lamp. And try asking another person in the guild about where exactly the tunnel ends.

Guile check: [roll0]

[Eldest]

I need you to map out as much of the facility as you can. Guard placement, windows and doors, the whole shebang. Try to get into the area the project is housed in, otherwise the best I can think of is to try to find the lab and bring the whole castle down. Derryk, see if you can get your buddies in the Guild to make this a very busy day and night for the guards. See if they can force more guards to come into the city from the castle. After you talk with the Guildfolk, we'll see about having a quick lookabout the walls and whatnot.
Is any of this out of place for the setting? The last bit is just giving the areas of the castle that the two thieves can access without raising suspicious thoughts a once-over, to see if there are any interesting spots. If that means just looking at the castle through a spyglass (which, incidentally, would be nice to acquire) from the surrounding rooftops or walking around the castle walls, so be it.

[Kensen]

OOC:



I need you to map out as much of the facility as you can. Guard placement, windows and doors, the whole shebang. Try to get into the area the project is housed in, otherwise the best I can think of is to try to find the lab and bring the whole castle down. Derryk, see if you can get your buddies in the Guild to make this a very busy day and night for the guards. See if they can force more guards to come into the city from the castle. After you talk with the Guildfolk, we'll see about having a quick lookabout the walls and whatnot.

Destroying the entire castle would be quite impossible... even if gunpowder had been invented. Destroying the lab on the other hand probably only requires fire. Any kind of flammable oil might be useful.

Derryk is not quite as influential in the Guild as he'd like to be; the best his buddies are willing to arrange is a diversion. But anything more than that -- no, they simply don't have the incentive for risking their lives.

Other than that, the plan looks ok. It's possible to spy on the castle and try to figure out how many guards there are, etc. etc.

Derryk's attempt to get more information about the other end of the tunnel was unsuccessful, unfortunately; few thieves who have actually used the tunnel are alive anymore.

[Eldest]

Destroying the entire castle would be quite impossible... even if gunpowder had been invented. Destroying the lab on the other hand probably only requires fire. Any kind of flammable oil might be useful.


Destroying the entire castle would be quite impossible...

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