Adventure Path Reign of Winter

Game Master Almonihah

"I don't disagree with you, but there's likely to be a fight beforehand...getting there without the patrols spotting us isn't likely as not all of us can move without being seen..."

Bulvi opens his mouth "That is very true. They can hold there swords straight at least and they outnumber us quite a bit. Maybe one of our finger wigglers has some cunning trick because if it comes to just stabbing them it'd take me quite a while."

"I know it won't be easy. But we have to try."

"We could try a deceptive distraction. Sakitu and I can naturally change our appearance. We can waltz into town as travelers looking for a quick bite and resupply on way up north. I'm a local so I don't even need to fake that, so even if they decide to stop us because of what is happening we should be able to avoid any significant trouble, but it'd still give you guys an opportunity to sneak by while they deal with us. Even if they do decide to question us, they'd likely take us to the tavern as well." Selena suggests, while continuing to stare up at the sky while Winter gives her a glare of what seems like complete disagreement.

the check is extremely simple, Bulvi don't got a 0 on either of the three

Dex: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (19) - 1 = 18

"I'll go first in case you have to rescue me." Bulvi stows his shield and moves forward surprisingly silently for a man so heavily armoured... and swiftly.

Those who look note him being very tense and concentrating.

Quasit falls in behind the big warrior, short sword out and ready.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (20) + 10 = 30

Fin will bring up the rear, covering his friends...

Stealth: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (18) + 11 = 29

Sakitu screws up her courage and lithely moves in line behind Quasit. For an instant she thinks of tapping Quasit on the shoulder to ask if this is really a good idea then she changes her mind. She plans her steps carefully to avoid slipping on the slushy snow and ice.

Acrobatics: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (10) + 2 = 12

assuming Selena makes it, heading to the Weasel?

Did anyone even read my post? Not even an acknowledgement that she said anything, much less that she presented a strategy and plan.

Selena rolls her eyes and shifts into her more furry form and stuffs her scarf and her hairpins into her bag and shifts her clothes a bit to look different. She hangs back from the group hoping to handle from behind anybody the others attract. However, she plans on enacting her plan if noticed. If a guard spots her, she'll just play the traveler and distract from her companions.

1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

I did Selena but not till the two before me had posted and by then I figured it was too late...

Same here. But in retrospect I could have incorporated Selena's suggestion into my action as a thought. I'll catch it next time.

Yes, heading to the White Weasel. Once we get there, if any guards are posted outside the door, Quasit will attempt to sneak up on one and shank him.

Selena, I think we were considering more elaborate plans because we assumed that Bulvi wouldn't be able to sneak into town. Once the GM enlightened us that it wouldn't be too hard, it obviated the need to get tricky and we all just rolled a check and went. I'm sure no one meant any disrespect to your plan.

Once we knew how easy the stealth would be it seemed like the way to go. I was thinking at least a DC of 12. It exposes Selena and Sakitu less.

In case we're voting, yes, the Weasel.

When they get close to the Weasel, Fin will look for a good spot, hopefully at least somewhat concealed, from which to cover Quasit's sneak attack, provided there is an outside guard...

There are a few guards outside, and as quasit goes to strike, the tavern doors open, and a loud harsh voice calls the guards inside

Sakitu crouches behind a corner as Quasit sneaks up to the guards around the White Weasel. Unconciously she is holding her breath just hoping that Quasit won't get caught. One of the guards makes a motion as if he is going to turn around and Sakitu almost calls out but she stops herself. The next instant, the guard returns to his normal stance.

A voice calls the guards inside and Sakitu breathes in relief. She turns to Selena. "What should we do now? Maybe Quasit can peak in one of the windows?"

As the voice bellows from inside the tavern, and the guards turn and go to head inside, Quasit turns back to the group, makes a 'C'mon' motion with her head and gives a cheeky smirk, then sneaks in right behind the big clanking men, using them as cover from anyone inside the place.

Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (18) + 10 = 28

Once inside the place, Quasit slides down and hides behind a table, and looks around for Nadya and whoever the leader of the soldiers might be. Her sword is still out and at the ready.

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

Bulvi shrugs at Sakitu's question once Quasit urges them forward and draws his sword. "Looks like she's doing more than that, she's definitely going starting a fight." He's much rather a straight fight against roughly equal numbers but this wretched country couldn't do anything right.

Looking at Bulvi, "Doesn't she know to do something other than fight? If we get separated, meet an hour's walk due east of town."

Selena tries to peak inside if possible, whether through a window or a crack or something.

Qusait can see 4 soldiers being ordered by their sergeant and it almost seems like he motions to quasit to come inside though Nadya isnt in site

Fin will sneak around back to check for a back way in...

Stealth: 1d19 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (8) + 9 = 17

Hoping the sergeant is just motioning to his men, Quasit remains motionless in hiding for now, albeit a little unnerved that she might have been spotted.

Are Gil and his wife also here? Any other customers/innocent bystanders in here before things get messy?

"Wha.. no. What is she doing?" Sakitu looks aghast at Selena, Findurel, and Bulvi. "She's doing to get caught." But the others seems to have the same idea as Quasit and they all move forward. Not wanting to be left behind, Sakitu also sneaks forward to the building and tries to peak in.

Stealth: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (20) - 1 = 19
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (17) + 2 = 19

Quasit you cant make out the tavern owners yet, maybe they are in the kitchen, though as for patrons it all looks like they are soldiers.

As fin goes around to the back of the tavern he notices that somehow he is back at the entrance juat on the otherside of the open door no listed backdoor for this tavern, and not going to assume they have one as not all taverns do

Everyone peering inside notices what quasit has seen

Not confident enough in his skills at discretion Bulvi doesn't peek but does take the opportunity to ready his shield for the fight that will likely come.

All of you can hear a voice that is very deep and can easily tell it is from the Sergeant

"come inside no need to hide I know you are here for the folk"

Selena steps inside casually, confidently, and as her human self, "Well, it would be rather bad form to let someone get into trouble for simply aiding a few travellers. Though, I am curious why she is in trouble anyway. My... companion, may be a bit quick to feel insulted, but we've certainly done nothing worth having soldiers hunt us down, much less start interrogations and cause disruption over us."

Quasit remains motionless and silent for now, tensed like a coiled spring.

The Sergeant looks at Selena, then speaks

"you and those who came with you, surrender your weapons to be taken to the pale tower"

He looks around and motions to the town in whole

"Or things become much much worse for the residents here."

Bulvi draws his sword and leans out around the corner. "No, you're going to have the sweeten the deal, right now stabbing you in the face seems like a very tempting counter offer but I'm willing to negotiate if the deal is reasonable... have you considered not being a 'Soulless Minion of Orthodoxy'?"

Fin will stay concealed for the moment and observe...

Selena laughs, "The pale tower is someplace I'd already planned on going. I wouldn't dream of crossing Nazhena's domain without paying her a curtesy visit. As for the locals, do what she allows. Civil unrest though, is bad for everybody. Figured I'd be doing her a favor by not causing any during my travel, but if you just cause such unrest yourself, then I certainly won't get in your way. In any event, you don't have the authority to take my weapons, but play nice and you can escort me and my companions to see Nazhena."

Sakitu realizes that the game is up. While ducked behind the wall and out of sight she quickly casts mage armor on herself. She steps out into the open and into the room. She doesn't immediately offer to surrender her shortbow and her dagger remains tucked into her belt.

Bulvi whispers to Sakitu "I'm supposed to be the obvious target to stab." He then promptly steps in front of her.

Sakitu whispers back. "Yeah, I know. I was hoping that if a couple of us acted like we were going along with what they said, they would be surprised by you and Fin."

'*Only one way this ends.*' thinks Quasit as the stand-off develops. '*Soldiers don't compromise.*'

Quasit's eyes flit about the room, taking in the terrain and the targets. Slowly, she switches her short sword to her off-hand, then reaches into her boot for a dagger...

If combat begins, and Quasit can catch a soldier within 30 feet flat-footed (either by her stealth or getting initiative), she intends to stand and throw a dagger at a soldier, preferably not the sergeant.

not for a lack of Selena trying to resolve it peaceful, but the Sergeant and his men will not settle, as weapons are drawn and at the ready

Maps updated Slide 5

~~Round 1~~
Knowledge Local to ID
Bold to act
Findurel
Black
R
O
P
Selena
Sakitu
G
Y
W
Quasit
Bulvi

Unsure if the door is completely open...

Fin will quickly open the door and fire an arrow at red...

Longbow: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (20) + 8 + 1 + 1 = 30 (vs flat-footed AC)

Confirm: 1d20 + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 8 + 1 + 1 + 1 = 18

Damage+Crit: 3d8 + 6 ⇒ (5, 3, 8) + 6 = 22 (only 7 damage if Crit not confirmed)

I think Bulvi and I should be inside. Bulvi specifically said he stepped in front of Sakitu. And Quasit definitely tried to slip inside and find a hiding spot when the guards outside entered the building. I rolled a Stealth check for her for that reason. It may have failed, but I think she should be inside nonetheless. I'm worried that Selena and Sakitu are about to get creamed, being in there alone, literally surrounded by 7 soldiers.

Fin the Doors are open, so there isn't an issue there, is everyone ok with the placement of their people before I take the others turns?

much better, thank you

Seems fine.

Fine.

Fin manages to kill red with no issue

Black moves forward and swings at Selena
Attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19
Damage: 1d8 + 2 ⇒ (6) + 2 = 8
though he seems lightly disappointed in the damage

Orange swings at the fox in front of him
Attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8
and misses, as he takes a five foot step to the left in front of the table

Pink moves forward and swings at Selena
attack: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (6) + 3 = 9
and misses as well

~~Round 1~~
Knowledge Local to ID
Bold to act
Findurel
Black
O
P
Selena
Sakitu
G
Y
W
Quasit
Bulvi

Sakitu gasps as things escalate so quickly. Before she knows it people are shooting at each other and swinging swords. She steps away from one of the guards. This can't turn out like at the lodge! She looks at the one who appears to be the captain and directs a spell at him. A brief flash of dazzling light appears before his face.

5 foot step followed by daze at the captain (black). DC 15

Will: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (1) + 2 = 3 fail