Bastards, Devil's and Treason! - Council of Thieves PBP

Game Master CaptainCortez

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 25
Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (20) + 3 = 23

Holy crap...

Dahrehn rushes to calm the others in a hushed tone. "Easy now, keep your heads about you we'll get out of this. Janiven, get us out of here - there has to be an exit they don't know about!"

Will Save: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (13) + 3 = 16
Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (18) + 1 = 19

Araraxus fights back the fear as he draws his weapon and approaches the door.

"Is there a back door or alternate exit? If not, then we have no choice but to fight. Janiven?"

Perception DC20: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (6) + 6 = 12
Intimidation DC25: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Keil had seen enough. Backing away from the shuttered window, his pale skin seems a little paler, They're coming. They look serious.
As the glass begins to shatter and the door splinters, the Tiefling absentmindedly starts to move one of the tables up against the door. Don't let them in! Keep them out! His tentacles flatten as panic begins to set in. Gotta get out! Move!

Looking to Janiven he notices her moving the group. Retreating, Keil follows Janiven and the rest...

Well, that means everyone but Dahrehn is afraid. Araraxus - You're not yet immune to fear unfortunately. New post coming shortly!

With everything breaking around you and the light beaming in from the twilit sky outside, the front door finally gives way, but jams itself half open as the hinges are smashed out of alignment. Even with holes and splintered wood jutting out at most angles, it still holds its own, which is a good thing for you, as it's the only thing keeping the Hellknight's away from you currently.

Meanwhile, the shutters around the room aren't faring so well, with one in the kitchen area (in sight - it's where Janiven's headed) actually barely held together.

With the shadows of 13 or so Hellknight's darting around outside, swords smashing windows and hammers breaking everything in sight, it's clear the Hellknight's entrance is fast approaching. The door is broken enough so that you can see the Captain's face through the front door, as he continues to swing his mace around.

Following Janiven as tense as this situation is, gives you some hope however, as she leads you all behind the bar.

This way! she quickly whispers, as the young boy scuttles past her to help open what appears to be a hidden door in the back of a floor-level cupboard.

Trendon tried to keep his breathing even and measured although he was screaming with fear on the inside. His master had disapeared almost just like this, he didnt want to join the same fate. Not until he learned the true fate of his mother... not until he made some difference in the society that caused his family such problems... It was all he could do to not push the women and child out of the way to dive for the safety of the hidden door.

He stood guard beside it as they moved through gritting his teeth and eyes wide each passing moment felt an eternity as he waited for Liranda, Janiven and the boy to get through.

Dahrehn remains until last, doing his best to usher the others out. "Almost out, friends - move quickly and quietly, you can do this!"

Araraxus will bravely run away.

"We will live to fight another day, my friends!"

Lirandra stands shaking as the others open the hatchway. Once it is open she lets the boy descend but follows right on his heels, stopping at the bottom and heavily breathing as the others follow.

Keil follows Janiven and the rest...

Sorry, thought that covered it...

Not wanting to stick around, Keil follows Lirandra's descent out of the tavern.

Trendon still scared almost witless did have a slight moment of brevity enough to glance at the teifling hothead (araraxus) and smirk.

"Do us a favor and hold them off here eh?"

He said with a grin before following the others down.

Araraxus frantically follows Trendon. His hands shake as he pulls the trap door close behind him.

"Move you fool. If those Hell Knights catch us we're all dead!"

As you make your way towards the trap door, pieces of wood fly across the room as the boards surrounding you are constantly hacked through with swords and pelted with hammers and maces.

Looking through the secret door in the floor, you can see a ladder that leads a fairly long way down into the darkness beyond.

Ushering you to the exit, Janiven casts stealth aside as she pushes over tables, chairs and coat stands in an attempt to slow the Hellknight's advance on you all.

Morosino! You know the way! Get these people out of here!

Throwing the last remaining bookcase down, although last to do so, she then follows you through the secret passage.

Her actions take 2 rounds, so she's 1 round behind you all with regards to escaping Vizio's. In your last round you made it to the secret passage, and in this round, dependent on your movement speed, you can most likely descend the ladder and make it out of here.

Dahrehn leaps down into the sewers. "Bah, my shoes!" He looks up expectantly, ready to help the others.

Climbing down the ladder, the familiar smell of the sewers assaults Keil's nostrils. How many nights did I hide down here? How many more will I endure?
Following Lirandra as quickly as he can, the Tiefling's eyes adjust to the darkness. Ahead of the Chelaxian, he can make out the cobble stones at the bottom, Lirandra, the floor is uneven at the bottom. Be careful.
Once at the bottom, Keil scans the area before moving off to the side. He turns his attention to those coming down the ladder, looking for Janiven and watching for any of the Hell Knights.
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

What's down here? How much light is there? Will we need a light source?

He hurried down so the others could escape as well his breath coming in ragged deep gasps. He almost regreted those breaths gagging on the smell for a moment.

"Pah! Hopefully those hellknights dont want to ruin their boots."

He coughed out glancing up waiting for the others as well.

Araraxus wipes the sweat from his brow and takes a moment to catch his breath.

"Those Hellknights were tipped off. Someone told them we were meeting here."

Araraxus looks around pointedly at the group.

"I hope no here is an informant. Janiven, could they have gotten to your friend Arael? Did anyone else know we were meeting here? Needless to say, we can never return to that tavern."

Araraxus surveys the area. "So, we're in the sewers beneath the city. The sewers connect most of the city. We should be able to find an access tunnel to get back to the surface. We had better move out quickly. It probably won't take our friends in plate mail long to find the trap door. Does anyone have a light source? If not, Keil and myself and can lead with our dark vision."

Shall I retcon your actions Araraxus, or are you trapping Janiven in? Jumping down and closing it on your turn means she's still up there. ;)

Yes, retcon the action. I thought she was leading the way and I was the last one out. I don't think Araraxus is panicked enough to make that kind of mistake:)

"Their boots? Hmph..."

Dahrehn shakes his head. "No light here, but I can see in the dark just fine. May I assist you, my lady?" he offers to Lirandra.

Okay cool, and no, Morosino (the kid) is leading the way. :)

Ushering you to the exit, Janiven casts stealth aside as she pushes over tables, chairs and coat stands in an attempt to slow the Hellknight's advance on you all.

Morosino! You know the way! Get these people out of here! - Said Janiven

:p

Still watching the ladder, Keil whispers, The boy was the last to see Arael. Perhaps you should ask him.

But it matters not. We have been implicated.

Lirandra steps down gingerly into the muck of the sewer. "And to think I could have just gone to a party tonight" she mutters to herself. At Dahrehn's offer she smiles, still worried about the Hellknights above, but happy for the offer of assistance, especially from such a handsome man... Well I suppose things could be worse she thinks to herself, letting the tall man take her hand. "Why thank you, Dahrehn was it? I can't see a damned thing down here. What if the Hellknights catch us? We must get out of here! I can make a light if we need it. But won't that just make our presence obvious to our pursuers? If you lead me Dahrehn I think I can manage without a light. As long as you promise not to let go of my hand."

diplomacy: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12 - assuming Dahrehn is or could be attracted to her.... :)
- edit: it's difficult to flirt with someone you can't see :(

"Well, I for one cannot recall a more stimulating party," Dahren muses as he leads Lirandra forward. "Indeed, Dahrehn it is, miss. As for the Hellknights, well, we must hope that Miss Janiven may yet get us out of this, either by her leadership or her sacrifice above." He looks for any dry patch that he might lead Lirandra to stand on.

"She brought us here for a reason, You all may continue into the unknowns without her, but I would be loathe to be forced to do so now."
He tightened his grip on the haft of his guisarme still feeling the effects of the hellknights assault on the secret meeting.

"Walking through these foul sewers is small price to pay for our lives. Let's be on our way. Janiven, do you know your way or would you prefer me to lead?"

Had PC troubles last night, so wasn't able to post, but to save constant retconning as it's not something I agree with, I'll have you hang back for Janiven while the rest of the party march forward Araraxus, because as posted previously, Morosino is leading the way. New post after I finish work tonight (9.30 GMT).

This way! calls out Morosino as he tries to flee further into the sewers from the dangers above.

She knows the way. We'll meet back at the secret hideout!

The very thought of abandoning Janiven wounds Keil. Irked he looks at Morosino with contempt, It is best we stick together.
Sewer Survival: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (16) + 4 = 20 - What dangers await in the sewers?
The Tiefling returns his gaze to the top of the ladder, The boy may know the way, but there is safety in numbers. Come on Janiven...

Keil's reluctance comes from his experiences in the sewers (using his back story and his roll :) to back this up). He is willing to move away from the ladder, spread the group out, but not out of sight from it.
Has she started to climb down? It seems to be playing out as though Araraxus has yet to climb down as well, can Keil see him on the ladder?

In order, I believe it was Morosino, then Lirandra (following Lirandra's post), then Keil, Trendon, Dahrehn and Araraxus. I'll use initiative to determine your escape next time. Apologies as I'm still deciding what works best for cinematics and order simultaneously via PBP. :)

As you all gather below, frightened for your lives (with the exception of Dahrehn who's remaining strangely composed), you impatiently wait for the one who called for the meeting that got you into this whole mess, wondering what's keeping her for what seems like an eternity.

While doing so, a loud explosion of wood and debris catches you off guard from above. Unsure what it was exactly, as if out of nowhere a pair of legs rapidly descend from atop the ladder as Janiven makes her way down, swiftly closing the door behind her.

I thought you guys had gone already?! Morosino should have ensured a good headstart, so come on, let's get going. Vizio's only just held out, but still, it's all going to plan so far. The Tavern was never our true place of meeting. Anyway, we must dash. The Hellknight's were climbing in through three of the windows just as I made it down here! They're hot on our tail and it won't take long to find that door! Even the Tanglefoot bag I threw down won't hold them back for too long, so come on! There's no time to waste! she says as she takes lead once more, drawing out a Sunrod as she steps forwards.

Placing her hand on Araraxus' shoulder in passing, she smiles as she directs her tongue towards him, before drawing out her Longsword.

Sir, I'll show YOU the way!

The Sewers...

Individual tunnels are buttressed and rarely more than 5 feet high, forcing taller characters to stoop but not otherwise hindering most activity. Most tunnels are 10 feet wide, with a 3-foot-deep trench for sewage and water taking up half that width—even at peak flow the water level is an inch or more below the level of the walking side of the tunnel. Rainwater enters the sewers from tiny barred grates in the streets, most so small that an adult halfling couldn’t squeeze through, and travels through an angled pipe that directs the runoff to the closest tunnel’s drainage side, exiting about a foot above the peak flow-level of the sewer channel.

Looking around, you can see grim looking sewage, lighter shades and darker shades of brown mixed, sometimes glistening as the water reflects the light onto that surrounding it, but the day grows darker by the second, made apparent even more so down here, as the dark, dank and putrifying atmosphere chokes your every breath with its overpoweringly unpleasant aroma.

As your eyes wander it would seem your mind would often play tricks on you. Did you see something run past, or was it merely a shadow of something long forgotten? Dug out holes, rusty shields placed over openings and half rusted ladders leading above mostly occupy the walls and ceilings around here, with the odd patch of light shining on the master brickwork within this large, old and impressive underground sewage system.

Leading you to the left, Morosino pulls gently on Lirandra's clothes, urging her to follow, before explaining the "marks" he left around the place.

If you ever get lost, follow these! They always point in the direction of the safehouse, haha. Clever huh? he says as he points to a sword drawing marked in chalk on one of the side walls.

Meanwhile, Janiven rushes past you all to a suspicious looking rock not far from the point you entered in from.

Good! They're still here. she expressed as she reached her hand into a small hollow, revealing several bottles of glowing blue liquid.

As you all wait for Janiven's guidance, the attractive woman hurriedly passes you three potions each, totalling 15 in all.

Despite her scolding, Keil is relieved that Janiven has finally rejoined the group. He smiles warmly, taking the three potions from Janiven and carefully placing them in one of his empty pouches.

Noting the boy's markers, Keil memorizes the design, Drawn in chalk... easily erased. Leaving the ladder, Keil brings up the rear as he follows the group into the labyrinth of sewers.

Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Dahrehn leads Lirandra carefully as they fly down the sewer passage. He helps her pocket the potions, before placing his in a variety of pockets in his vest.

Knowledge(Local): 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (18) + 3 = 21

Lirandra fearfully looks around in the newly lit passageway. Grimacing at the filthy surroundings she gulps and looks down at Morosino as he tugs on her tunic. She nods gratefully before following the others, letting Dahrehn lead her by the hand through the stinking tunnel.

Araraxus looks suspiciously at the vials, "What are the potions?"

He quickly follows the others down the hall, sword in hand. Using his dark vision, he attempts to scan the area ahead of them for danger.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 6

Note to all - The three potions you each received are actually potions of cure light wounds.

They'll help speed up the recovery of any injuries you find yourselves having. she says to Araraxus.

Looking to her side and back towards the ladder you all just came from, Janiven hastily continues to move left of where you first entered with the intention of putting as much distance between her and the Hellknight's as possible.

Come on, let's get going! I don't want to be down here while the Hellknight's plan our slaughter, nor during nightfall. Things get a lot worse when the sun goes down, and time isn't on our side!

Leading you through the winding, slippery, wet, cramped and confusing labyrinth of a sewer, Janiven takes you forwards, sideways, back and every which way possible to a point where it's impossible to tell where you now are.

Lirandra, hand in hand with Dahrehn can only see what Janiven's Sunrod allows, and outside of that, everything else is pitch black. Even Trendon would feel uneasy down here, and the uncertainty of those able to see in the dark, unknowing of what could be waiting around any corner is enough to keep the whole party on their toes.

Appreciative though, of how left in the dark you all are, both figuratively and literally, the pretty woman leading your way tries to comfort you by further elaborating on the chalk marks around the sewers.

Arael and I made these marks a few months ago when we explored the sewers for the first time. We marked all the intersections so our people could find their way through the sewers to our hideout.

Now a lot further into the sewers, the noise of the Hellknight's back at Vizio’s Tavern diminishes, but Janiven assures you of their relentless pursuit.

The Hellknight's are a stubborn lot. By now they've probably thoroughly searched the tavern, but some are going to follow us down here after they find themselves a light source, and some are brave enough to ignore the chance of coming across a Shadow Beast, and more keen on risking their lives for a better paid position within their ranks. They might even try to infiltrate the sewers ahead of us if they can guess our route. We can't afford to stop until we reach our destination!

Dahrehn keeps up as best he can, supporting Lirandra on the way. "Lead on, Janiven, we'll keep up! I've no desire to be caught, either."

1d100 ⇒ 99
1d100 ⇒ 40

As you all make your way along, in the side of one wall on your left you find what appears to be a small opening, leading up three wide steps but blocked over by a heavily barred metal gate.

Janiven ignores this gate however, and presses on as the corridor winds around about 65 feet to a junction. One way continues straight on, while the other branches off to the right.

I could have sworn our mark was around here somewhere said Janiven, slightly confused by the absence of any chalk marks.

It's possible that something could have rubbed the marking off, but that doesn't help things. she said quietly to herself.

Morosino. Any ideas?

The boy just shrugs as Janiven asks for directions.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Looking around some more, it only takes a minute or so for Janiven to find the correct route once more, and like she suspected, it was partially missing and smeared across the wall.

Okay everyone, we go right. she states as she leads the way once more.

Bringing up the rear, Keil keeps to the shadows while his eyes hearken for anything living. Periodically he stops and turns around. Crouching down, the Tiefling peers into the darkness and listens intently. Satisfied nothing is there, the waxen devil-man turns to catch up with the group.
Stealth: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (10) + 10 = 20
Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Keil won't let the party get more than 30ft from his position. When he moves to catch up, it is at double time.

Araraxus follows Janiven, alert for danger, "Where is your hideout? Who exactly are your people?"

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5

"If something has rubbed the markings, we should be careful... that means that something could indeed be here, It wouldnt do to flee from on foe to run into another."

He said lowly tightening his grip on his glaive. Each time the devil blood man paused to check their backtrail he too would keep a warrier eye behing them until Keil showed back up.

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (18) + 6 = 24

Lirandra nervously looks around as Janiven tries to work out the way forward. Once their leader has determined the route, Lirandra follows.

Now is not the time or place for such discussion Araraxus, said Janiven in response to the Paladin.

Hearing Trendon's concerns, Janiven then responded but indirectly so and targeted her wording towards all present more than anything; To think we're only down here to begin with is foolish. There are likely far worse creatures around here than Hellknights.

1d100 ⇒ 25
1d100 ⇒ 62
1d100 ⇒ 96

Continuing up towards the north, you yet again find yourselves at another junction. They both lead north from what you can tell, but the tunnels split into two branches, one northeast and the other northwest. Janiven once again takes time out to search for another marking while the majority of you fearfully wait to find out your next headed direction.

He hated the darkness of the sewers, just like he hated the darkness of night, and the darkness that seemed to be growing about the city. He tried his best to keep calm, but the fear put in him from the hellknights commander above lingered. Eyes and ears alert he followed along the others atttempting to be as quiet as possible.

stealth: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (10) + 5 = 15
perception2: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (12) + 6 = 18

Perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
Seeing the party come to a halt, Keil moves up to rejoin the group. As his eyes pierce the darkness, he catches sight of something in the northeast corridor. Pausing, the Tiefling watches it in silence as it slips out of sight.

Turning to Janiven he asks, Did we loose the marker again? Keil looks at the two branches, Northeast or northwest... and tries to use some logic, What part of Westcrown is the hideout, east or west? If it is east I should warn you, we are being watched.

I'll let you know once I find....wait. Watched? Janiven's voice quietened as she reached the end of her speech.

Perception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 1 = 8

Araraxus peers into the darkness, but sees nothing. "What do you see Keil? I don't see anything. If the northeast passage is being watched, we should take the northwest passage."

In the light of the sunrod, a trail of smoke escapes the Tiefling's mouth as he elaborates, There was a shadow of someone down there. Pointing his nose towards the branch leading northeast, It disappeared shortly after; perhaps behind a metal plate. Keil glances at Araraxus curiously, He's not so keen to fight now...interesting, adding, I heard metal clanking. Perhaps it knows we outnumber it, turning to face the dark haired beauty, or perhaps it is has gone to get more of it's kin. Either way, if our path leads east, we should be careful.

Perception 1: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21
Perception(Listening):1d20 + 4 ⇒ (17) + 4 = 21

"Down there?" Lairandra says with a shudder and pauses. "ummm,.. can anyone else hear that - it sounds like moaning or,.. something. And metal,... metal clanking against something."