Neuwold Urban Campaign

Game Master Rostam

The four of you have been together for two years now, learning to work with each other, living with each other, and working out your differences. Your training cell started out as a group of eight, but the other four have been weeded out, killed, imprisoned or ‘restructured’ by the guild. You have yet to go on an actual outing, but that is about to change. You will be given an assignment tonight as the graduation test to becoming a full member of your guild, The Enlisted.

Currently, you are standing by the side of one of the major through fares of the city, at the intersection of the Wall Market, the Industrial Quarter, and the Aristocratic Quarter. Hours ago, the cities Heralds had come forth from the Imperial District, shouting out their news, “Come all who are able to the major routes through the city by the hour of noon on this day, the first day of spring. Your attendance in required to witness the birth of a new era as our forces march forth form our city to calm the troubled corners of the empire!” . Curious, your mentor Don Castone had sent you out to witness the march of the forces, as an announcement such as this has not been heard in decades since the founding of The Iron Principality.

So, here you sit on the rooftops overlooking the road, many others milling about the street, a semi-festive mood in the air. An hour after noon you can hear the ominous sound of concerted marching, and about fifteen minutes after that a mass of people clad in black and red appear marching down the road. Their armor is all matte black, highlighted in red in places. On closer inspection some of the armor much of the armor is dyed leather, while some is metal. The companies of men marching by fly banners with images of devils subjugated to the will of men upon them.

As the company approaches, you hear a crier shouting “Make way for the new legions of the Hellknights of the Empire”, and you notice that any who are in their way are summarily pushed aside, no thought given to their safety or well being. After about an hour, the procession is done, ending with a large number of cavalry following the infantry. Bored, you have counted the rough number of people in the unit, and have come up with an astounding 8500 infantry and 1500 cavalry.

Hurrying back to Castone with this information, you notice that some of these hell knights have taken up positions around the city, apparently not all of them were leaving.
Arrive back at your safe house, you approach Castone. Looking up he asks of you, ”What have you learned of these people who march from our city?”

"There's a f+*@ ton of them and some of them are sticking around" Vreni says bluntly

"We counted roughly 8500 infantry and 1500 cavalry. Oh and the are complete a!# h!*+s. It looks like the only calming they will be doing is by putting those who oppose them to their final rest."

"They called themselves the Hellknights" Vreni says as she is leaning against the wall with her arms crossed

"Devil banner thugs that have much too much money to be spending on very dull looking armor and weapons, oh, and they seem to be supplementing the guard with them" Sterling sneers and crosses his arms, having hopped up onto the furniture to make up for his smaller stature, smoothing out his clothes, which are aggravatingly less than as impressive as he would like. "For a large force they must have stores of supplies and a large supply line set up, probably vulnerable somewhere along the way, being new and all"

".....Their Armour... wasn't all metal some was dyed leather....."
What creature was used for that dye...
Knowledge Nature to determine what creature is used to make the dye: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
"....What would you have us do boss...."Mahkah asked in a monotone

@Mahkah - The leather seems to be made of cow, deer, or other large herbivore hides. The color of black from the dye does not look like it could be made using animal or plant ingredients.

If anyone wants to know more I'd need a craft(leather) check or a profession(tanner) check

Eyes narrowing a bit, Castone stands and looks you all over. Turning to Vreni,

"Ahh, Vreni, you need to be more precise than 'a f#&& ton'. Mistakes like that can get people killed."

Addressing you all now, "Thank you for the information. This is bigger than anticipated, but I think we shall continue tonight's graduation as planned."

Castone then walks over to a table, and gestures for you to gather around. On the table is a map of the city. Castone continues, ”Your job is to leave here at sunset, travel to the eastern gate in the Jade market, hand off this letter, and then return by sunrise” As he says this he places a scroll case on the table.

”The scroll case is to arrive unopened at its destination, no matter what. If others see you they will no doubt want to investigate. Any opening of the scroll case by anyone means you fail and suffer the repercussions”

Stepping back from the table, "Do any of you have any questions?"

Right now its about 4 pm, with sunset happening at around 7 pm. Your safe house is located at the corner of the territory held by the Enlisted, the Darkside Smugglers, and the Iron Watchers. I updated the criminal organization map on the wiki with a little square for reference. I also added a scale in the top left for distance.

Vreni takes the scroll and hides it on her person. "So through the Slums and South Commons? Should we expect trouble at the bridge to the Slums?

Whoops, I just realized some of the descriptions for the city are incorrect. Thanks Vreni. The relevant bit of text you'll be wanting is about the Noble's District:

"The nobles district is surrounded by a wall no one not of the upper or imperial classes may pass through, excepting merchants with the proper permits. The lower classes of people needing to take barges and ferries to cross the river."

Will fix the wiki right now

"No more than usual Vreni. I don't think the path by the riverside has been blocked off, but you never know." Castone says with a shrug.

"As this is a test, we should not be giving any more information about our route to anyone besides the few of us, not even our boss, if I suspect correctly... not that I'm distrustful, but this isn't meant to be easy" Sterling gives a curious look between Castone and then slides his hands to his pockets as he hops down from the furniture and nods toward the door, hoping to convene in a side room or outside to plan further routes. Upon hoped privacy, or in the same room if the others decline to move or he is stopped he will continue with "a common fishing boat or barge might be a better transport across water, less conspicuous, and faked permits are less than ideal. I believe we should leave the city by boat when we get to the river, travel outside the wall once we've crossed the water and meet the hand off from the outside of the eastern Jade entrance." He says, though does not sound closed to other ideas.

Before leaving Castone's presence, Eva asks "What identifier do we have for the person we are handing the letter off to and are there any measures set in place to confirm his identity?" After receiving an answer Eva follows Sterling to plan in privacy.

Something is odd why so simple a mission given too four people surely one person would be enough Mahkah thought to himself before looking at the scroll case for any details or marking that may indicate importance

sense motive to see if the boss has hidden something important: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (19) + 8 = 27

Mahkah decides to only move once the boss is finished and has given the go ahead to leave

Mahkah - Its fairly obvious to you he is hiding something important

"Eva, they will have a green patch on their right shoulder." Castone answers.

"Now off with you, go plan on your own." Castone walks away as he says it

"I'm pretty sure that it's not just town guard that we have to watch out for, there's probably an open bounty on the scroll, probably even from other Enlisted." Sterling adds before waiting to hear the others ideas for plans.

Looking over her shoulder to make sure the coast is clear and joins the others.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Knowledge Local roll to see if Vreni know's where to aquire a boat or dingy: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (11) + 4 = 15

Vreni - You can steal one from the dockside in the wharf sector, or hangout in the wharf sector to try and attract some one willing to ferry you across. You could also buy one but after night fall that might be difficult

Since Sterling requested a side room, you are in the kitchen of the safe house. No one that you are aware of is around, and it seems safe to scheme here. You are also aware of the fact that it is unlikely that Castone needs to listen in on you to know what your plans are, he has trained you for years now and has been doing this work a lot longer.

I'll give you guys at least a day irl to plan, so don't feel rushed. I said I would post around 5 tomorrow but I might not if you guys are planning still

"I agree with Verni's proposed rout as long as we go through the middle of the south commons, don't want to risk having an encounter with the Elvish Shogunate." As Eva said this she also glances around and listens for eavesdroppers.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (8) + 3 = 11

Vreni turns to Eva "It's Vreni, Eva. I know you've got an accent but it's been two years. Come on" turning her attention to the rest of the party "If were gonna need a boat we need to decide whether we're buying or borrowing" Vreni says borrowing with air quotes "If we decide to buy it were going to have to prep a bit."

Sterling thinks about buying a boat, and shakes his head at that thought. "Buying would be less problematic, but we only need the boat for a short time. We ditch it when we hit our destination, no trace." He looks around for items in the kitchen. "In the mean time, someone help me make three identical wrapped opaque containers, we each carry one, they all look and weigh the same, but one has the package in it."

perception to find supplies: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12

Its your kitchen, you find some cloth and string easily, as well odds and ends to stuff the fake packages with to give them weight.

Mahkah nods and starts making a fake
don't know what skill to use for this but assuming a craft since linguistics doesn't make sense
craft? for forgery?: 1d20 ⇒ 5
"...will we need any of my Spirits..."Mahkah asks not looking away from creating a fake
"...what powers should I ask for the spirits for.... or should I choose...
Spirits are what the Enca druids worship and get their powers from so in this case it means elemental Eidolon and magic respectively basically the first question was should I summon an Eidolon and the second question was what spells would you like me to pick/prepare or do you all not care

Vreni places the scroll case beside the fakes. "I know nothing of your magic. Do what you want. I would suggest that I keep the real one since I'm the sneakiest but I'm sure Castone knows I'd want the real one. I hate this reverse psychology bull s&~+."

No need to roll for making the packages. Basically what I am assuming is there are 4 packages that all look identical, but only one has the real scroll in it

Making the packages takes about a half hour to make them something you are happy with. That along with making/eating supper takes you to 6 pm, so there's about an hour until sunset now.

Outside one of the kitchen windows you see Castone talking to four others for a brief moment. They are all about 40 feet from the safe house. As you watch the four others all leave in different directions.

I'll leave you guys alone to keep plotting, but I'd suggest coming up with a step by step plan soon. Also, Mahkah, you would've prepared your spells in the morning (unless you want to do it at night, and trust me you don't) so they would be whatever you'd normally pick for the day.

Perception for the four individuals with Castone: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16

Vreni - you notice they are individuals of the Enlisted, but are unsure as to who they are.

"Does anyone know where we can get a boat?, easiest place to find one that isn't watched or guarded?" Looks at the Rogue, wanting to hear her knowledge of the local area. "I think we should either take the road as fast as we can west to the city gate and leave to the river and pass completely outside the city, or go south using as unusual a route through side roads as we can until we get to the river in dark side smuggler's turf, they might even have a boat we can use, if they aren't set up to steal the package as well. From there, leave the city and walk outside the walls and through the gate to the drop off point, is my plan, let's hear yours." He says to the rest of them. - Sterling SilverTongue

Vreni looks down thinking deeply as deeply as she can for 9 Int remembering her first memories of the Slums. realizing that she has been lost in thought for a while she shakes herself out of her stupor and replies to Sterling "we can steal a boat or possibly purchase our way across the river from the docks in the wharf sector. I don't want to leave the city. There is much better cover in the South Commons than there is outside the city gate. It'd be easier to move unseen and should take less time too." Vreni says tracing her finger along her preferred route on the map.

Knowledge Local- Back routes through the wharf sector and the South commons: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (19) + 4 = 23

"I prefer traveling through the city. Otherwise, I worry about getting searched coming back through the east gate to drop off the package. We also risk being searched if we purchase our way across the river. Vreni, do you know where we could steal a boat from?"

Vreni - your knowledge of abnormal routes through the wharf sector gives lets you know of a few good ones. You also know of the route Castone was talking about that sneaks around the edge of the wall between the wharf sector and the nobles district and then goes along the underside of the bridge across the river (it involves a fair bit of climbing). As for routes through the south commons, you don't know the area as well and can only guess

To all those talking about theft of boats, just be careful. Others thieves don't take kindly to their stuff being stolen, and lots of people are paying other guilds through protection rackets. This would be common knowledge to you all

"We could steal one from the Wharf docks but It might actually be better to climb along the underside of the bridge across the river. we could pick up some potions of climbing before we need to set off or maybe some rope that we could use to tie us all together so if one of us is s!&# at climbing they wont fall into that nasty ass water. Also this is the route Castone was referring to between the noble and wharf district." once again dragging her finger along the map "If we steal a boat we might be making more enemies we need to worry about.We should prepare for the climb across incase you can't convince someone to give us a ride Sterling."

Sterling shrugs. "Well I am better at lying than I am at negotiating, so we will have to see where that gets us. I am not too keen on climbing, it favors you all with your long arms and stretched out statures."

"... I don't understand why do we need to be secretive...is there a curfew...will we be searched changing sectors...I know very little of this city..." Mahkah asks in a monotone

I actually don't know anything since i didn't think my character would

Mahkah - Assume you know whats on the wiki, as you've been here at least a few years, and have been working with the these three people for two. If you wish to have learned nothing in the time feel free to go with that

For the upcoming questions:

Everyone would know that there's no curfew and you are only searched when passing through gates and that's largely just to confirm that you permits are legit and your aren't smuggling

"I think we should go for the path under the bridge with the rope tie-off that Vreni was talking about. Our formation on this path will also be important . I suggest, from front to back, Vreni, Mahkah, Sterling, and myself. People wont expect the one with the real package to be in in front, and Vreni can handle herself."

Vreni to Mahkah "the less people that see us the less people that will want to inspect our belongings." Turning to Eva "I already have a 50 foot rope so we wont need to grab one before we go.

"Remember, we aren't trusting anyone, not allies, not friends, just us. I'm pretty sure it's going to be the whole gang trying to get the package from us, or at least some of our own." Sterling says before turning to Mahkah "It's been years man, where is your passion? I will get some passion out of you yet." Sterling states, with a vigorous tone and standing in a pretty valorous stance. Looking quite impressive, as many, if not all would obviously agree.

"... I think no formation is best.... since we would stick out....best place to hide a tree is in a forest...if there are lots of people moving we could hide with them.... I think bold is best"Mahkah says again in a monotone
passion for this place that stole me from my home neverMahkah thinks with rage burning in his heart

30 minutes until dusk

You hear foot steps outside the kitchen, and you quit your deliberations. The door opens to reveal Castone, looking and nonchalant as ever.

"It is near the start of your test, I hope you are ready. Given some of the things I have heard today about these Hell Knights, I believe the test to be a bit harder than expected." Rummaging in his coat, he produces two wands.

"Here are two wands to help mitigate this. One is a wand of cure light wounds, and has 10 charges on it." He mentions, placing an oaken wand on the table.

"The other is a wand of magic weapon with five charges." Castone continues placing an ash wand on the table as well. "You four are our only graduating team this year. The other two potential teams were deemed not worthy, and of the thirty that started with you, only your three teams remain. The other eighteen recruits are all dead due to the years of training." sighing Castone turns to leave.

"Your singularity will make your job even more difficult. Every guild in the city knows its graduation night." Castone leaves the kitchen shutting the door behind him, answering no questions and replying to no comments directed at him

Vreni waits a minute after Castor leaves the room. "it will be late Mahkah. Not a dense forest to blend into."

"OK, time is running short and I believe we should put our options to a vote. There is the matter of crossing the river and traveling to the eastern gate. For crossing the river the options are 1A: Pay passage, 1B: Take the path under the Noble's bridge,and 1C: Steal a boat. For traveling to the east gate there is 2A: Go around the outer city wall and re-enter through the east gate, and 2B: Go through the south commons. I vote 1B and 2B."

"I believe that travelling outside the city gives us much room to avoid any threats, but re-entry into the city through the gate will result in a search, which unless we lie about being couriers then it will be risky." Sterling sighs for a moment and thinks. "Since it is known that it is graduation night, I doubt we can purchase passage from any gang affiliate of any kind, we would need to wake a fisherman, or other such. I would vote for passing under the noble bridge, from there commons, we can deal with whatever it throws at us. This way has the least amount of searches, and curious parties."

"I agree with both of you. 1B and 2B. So that's that. We should meet back here when we're all ready" Vreni turns away from the table grabbing the real scroll package on her way to her room in the hide out. Vreni hides the package under a false bottom in her backpack which she covers with her cloak she then collects 20 gold and 50 silver from one of her many hiding spots. Vreni returns to where her and the others made their plans and starts polishing her kukri until it's time to go.

if we need healing we will likely be fighting...better summon
Mahkah sits down in meditation and summons the spirits of water into a physical form
I summoned my water elemental eidolon it takes one minute to summon but a standard action to dismiss it has the form serpent

As the sun touches the horizon, dusk begins. Your quartet heads out the building headed for the path around the wall between the Wharf Sector and the Noble District.

As you travel, you see the average night life within the city. A few taverns remain open with people drinking inside, the watch is seen occasionally, and you catch glimpses of others who are obviously thieves headed about their business.

The only thing that stands out to you about your journey is that there are posts of Hell Knights at major intersections number between 8 and 20 persons, with barricades erected around themselves. There are also Hell Knight patrols of 4-6 persons and smaller posts of 2-3 people at many minor intersections.

When you make it to the Wharf Sector, you notice that there are two Hell Knights in dyed leather armor standing watch at the end of the wall where you would try to sneak around. Also, there are a few patrolling the dock side along with the regular city guards patrols, but they are few and far between.

Currently its about a half hour after dusk, around 7:30 pm. Its pretty dark and all the Hell Knight patrols and posts are using torches for illumination. Full dark is in about another half hour.

"I somewhat doubt that I could put those big lugs to sleep, I could try, but this goes south if it doesn't work." Sterling whispers to the others as he sees the knights. "Any other plans, or do we try to lure them away for a while? Would they believe a lie about needing their attention somewhere nearby?"

Vreni whispers to the others "perhaps we should get someone to start some trouble at that tavern." As she flashes a gold piece

"....I could have the water spirits attack... and run...."mahkah says staring at the guards"we must act quick....or else we become suspicious...."

"I agree with Mahkah. That seems like the least risk rout." Eva says as she moves into a the best position to sneak across the road when the time comes.

"Mahkah, start up with your spirits, then if we have any hang ups to the plan I will magic our way out of it if possible" Sterling motions toward the spirits and to Mahkah. "Since we should act quickly, the staring weirdo, plus the fact that he has spirits with him is already very suspicious. Even if he is cute."

go serpent attack the two guards and flee if you are in grave danger let me know and I will return you if I can
I have a mental link with the eidolon and can command it telepathically it can also communicate back