GM Rednal's Jade Regent (Inactive)

Game Master Rednal

Aleksson brought up the rear as Taka pulled the ladder forth.

A heavy, locked iron strongbox stands against the north wall of the room up the ladder. The lock looks quite well-secured (Disable Device DC 30), although if popping it open seemed too unlikely, other methods might work as well.

"I fear that will take a few moments to pick." Whether they had the time or not was an entiely different matter, but Shutai knelt by the lock anyway. Giving it a quick scan, she set to work.

Perception (Trapfinding): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (6) + 8 = 14
Disable Device Attempt 1: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (5) + 14 = 19
Disable Device Attempt 2: 1d20 + 14 ⇒ (20) + 14 = 34

"There could be evidence in here of all of this, but a lock like that will take time no matter how we get through it. I was hoping our guy was here."

How big is the box? Could it be carried out?

"So what is our next move? I think we should continue our search."

Looks like Shutai got it on the second try there.

Aleksson pointed and whispered, "She opened it: let's see what's within."

It's a fairly large box - think, like, serious storage chest.

As Shutai popped open the case, you saw a significant amount of gold bullion and coins, as well as what looked like important ledgers and paperwork well-hidden from normal eyes. They're rather more revealing than talking to the clerk, especially as you flip through them.

Among other things, you're able to confirm that the Aril’s Hammer was rented to Asvig Longthews on the night of the attack at Skalsbridge, and that he was contracted by the guild to “acquire a Tian antique” from a specific address recognizable as that of Fynn Snaevald’s house. More importantly, your check locates ledgers detailing financial transactions transferring large sums of money over the last few years (as well as the aforementioned “Tian antique”) to a location called Ravenscraeg. These “development expenses” were all personally approved by Thorborg Silverskorr — not a smoking gun in and of itself, but certainly evidence that this Ravenscraeg and its secrecy is of importance to Silverskorr. Another page reveals that the Rimerunners purchased Ravenscraeg from Snorri Stone-Eye 3 years ago.

"Ravens again," Shutai noted. "Well, at least we have a location." She eyed the gold, considering. It was likely hidden here, with these books, because it was ill-gotten. On the other hand, she had no proof of that. "Should we leave this be?" While she had no desire to steal, the gold would be useful...

But now they knew for certain that the Rimerunners were, at least, working with the enemy. It might be useful to return if they ever needed additional information. But Shutai suspected they would be leaving this place soon.

"The gold would be better purposed to our travels than in the hands of these murderous sort. Take what you can but be quick we didn't come here to rob them. If I were a betting man the "Tian Antique" is the sword we see and we now have a location to go search and take the fight to them. Let us see if we can find our guide still and get out of here."

Taka takes a few moments to help bag up the gold and ledgers.

So no other exits in this room? Where are we on the map now. No more of the rooms have been uncovered. Just trying to plan where we move to next :)

Aleksson said nothing as the others grabbed fistfuls of gold, believing the action dishonorable even if noble. "This information is worth the chests weight. Let's hope our guide can be found here."

We're ...near B3 as I understand it? Let's poke our head in there unless we hear movement within.

Perception: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (19) + 12 = 31

You're in the hidden room on the second floor. Only way out is back down the ladder.

As Taka reached out for the gold, a burst of fire came out of the bag the helmet-shaped angel was in, passing between Taka's hands and the glimmering treasure. "I supported obtaining information based on reasonable suspicion. I do not support theft." the celestial said flatly. "One set of wrong deeds does not mean another should suddenly be accepted."

...Sorry, Ashe. XD; It's a coincidence, I swear.

Shutai nodded. She'd rather expected that. "Then the gold shall remain here, and the information with us. Let's get out of here befoe we run into any more guards."

Aleksson pondered. "It is unlikely that our would-be guide is kept here now that we know of the Ravenscraeg, and we have unfortunately drawn attention. Let's retreat for now."

Taka pulls his hand away and stares a moment, knowing taking the treasure could hurt the organization while helping their own efforts.

"Very well." He looks to Aleksson and Shutai as they speak.

"Unless they are holding him in a trap waiting for us I agree. There was no guarantee he was here, just information. Lets make our retreat."

No worries Rednal. Taka is a good guy but very pragmatic and doesn't care much about laws. :)

Speaking of retreats... is there anything you'd like to do other than opening the door and running out? There's every reason to believe whoever's outside doesn't want to let you go so easily.

I suppose we're going to have to simply subdue whoever's left. Buff as much as we can and head for some non-lethal action?

We could also point out they're already failed and there employers angry, there's a ton of gold, and it would be better to start there life on the run with pockets full of loot. I doubt it'll work, but it might do something.

I assume we are going back the way we came.

Taka hops down and takes point heading back into the hall and making their escape out the back from whence they came, hopefully before they can spring their ambush or defense.

Yeah. I mean Taka's still got an invisibility spell right? If he's up for it, he could flee out a window and grab everyone's attention while we flee out the door, and then cast the spell and slip away. Otherwise I'm good for just fleeing out the door; doubt the 'convince them to take the gold and run' idea would go over well...

Is that what you want to do? o wo~

My creativity is running low. I can, however, dodge at least two normal people with a spell. If there are more than that I still might be able to sneak out, but we'll see. I'll go with whatever works for you guys right now.

Sounds good. Taka will play the decoy. Meet back at our room at the inn within 30 mins.

"I shall grab their attention. We will meet back at the inn within the hour. Be safe."

Plan misdirection a go.

*thumbs up*

With your plan set, Taka was the first to dart outside - and found more than a dozen guards with arrows nocked in their bows and pointed towards the door. "Stay where you are, thief!" one of them called.

(The good news? They were definitely focused on him...)

Shutai attempted to sneak out, prepared to spell anyone who might spot her as she went.

Sneak: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Yeah, that's not a shock somehow.

Stealth: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (16) + 8 = 24

Aleksson moved considerably quieter than Shutai did, and so kept his eye on whose attention she might be attracting.

I will have to weather the first volley and then make my escape.

"I have taken nothing but your guarded secrets."

Taka will be moving then attempting to cast invisibility. So if they redyed his move will trigger it allowing him to cast without being interrupted.

Is the above to metay? Do we as characters understand this?

Well, that depends on how confident Taka is that they're not, in fact, going to be able to loose arrows when they are very clearly prepared to do so. ...Of course, Readying only works when you're in Initiative. If that hasn't happened yet, the best you can do is trigger Initiative and try to beat their rolls. Admittedly, you have a high bonus in comparison to theirs, so it's not impossible...

Taka holds for as long as he can giving his companions the time they need to escape. His posture takes a defensive stance.

"Even for a guild of thieves you have dishonored yourselves in your dealings."

He shakes his head and waits.

Makes sense Rednal. Taka will buy time until they try something. He will be full defensive if able to be without triggering init. When/if it triggers he will go invis and make his escape. A little sad now I didn't heal up some of the damage from the elemental :)

Aleksson's eyes went wide with amazement at Taka's gutsy provocation, but his focus remained on his stealth and Shutai's positioning.

Shutai kept trying to sneak away.

(If anyone was curious, Readying only works in Initiative because it is a special ability to modify your place in Initiative.)

"I think you're confused about who the thief here is." the apparent commander of the guards said. "There's far too many of us here - you can come the easy way or the hard way." Given his boasting, though, the guards were clearly playing far more to Taka and none at all to Aleksson and Shutai, who were able to sneak away.

Shutai waited nearby, listening in case the sounds of battle broke out.

Aleksson also remained within earshot, hoping Taka put himself at no greater risk than he needed to.

"Come? And where will you take me? What are you afraid I found? Maybe if you bring a superior here and arrangement can be made."

Just making sure I buy enough time. I doubt these guys will offer up any other info. :)

"The arrangement is you're going to jail!" the guard answered, and most of the men moved forward with the clear intention of grabbing onto him.

The downside? They couldn't accurately aim with their ranged weapons as they did so... giving you the opportunity to cast and move away.

Make a DC 8 Concentration check, given the rush of guys moving towards you but not there yet, to cast successfully.

Shutai continued to wait, and hope.

Aleksson kept still and strained to listen to what was happening.

without a word Taka watches as they make their move. The words that do come from him are a divine prayer as he vanishes in front of them and begins moving away to catch up with his friends.

Condentration: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (5) + 7 = 12

"F*CKING WIZARDS!" The guards immediately began to fan out, but Taka was already gone. Behind him, he could hear shouts to secure the premises - and be ready to start searching the town for outsiders. Even so, it didn't take too long to meet up with the others - and you'd need to plan your next move.

Taka approaches his friends. He alerts them to his presence first to not startle them before speaking.

"They have seen me. It won't take them long to put together our association and where we are staying. We should not go back. I think our next move is to head to Ravenscraeg. Do you two agree?"

Shutai nodded. "Unless we have left something behind, I would think leaving would be the wisest. The Innkeep can let them into our rooms, and they can search to there heart's content." Shutai hadn't left anything special behind. She supposed a stray hair or the like could be used in Divination magic, but they wouldn't have time to clean that completely.

"I am ready. We have caused more waves in this town then I imagined we could. It would be best for all to separate from its good people and try and end the corruption here."

Aleksson paused. "No, I travelled lightly for this job and I have many things at the inn; but it will be easier if I go back alone to retrieve them. Name a landmark and I will meet you there in an hour's time," he said.

Perception (to watch for trouble): 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (13) + 12 = 25
Stealth (to blend in with the crowds): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16

There was, of course, the small matter of your caravan - as yet unaware of your current exploits, but known to be associated with you.

"This group knows of us and moved against us already. We can not leave my sister and the others unprotected. We should gather everyone and depart to Ravenscraeg. If all agree lets move. The longer we wait the more time they have to organize against us."

"The Caravan comes first," Shutai agreed.

Aleksson frowned, but agreed.

As you swiftly moved down the paths, eight men abruptly stepped out of the shadows all around you, each carrying a large - if somewhat crude - club. "Looks like someone's in a hurry... but you've made enemies in the wrong places." one of them said, chuckling slightly. "Hope you're not in too much of a hurry."

Init (Thugs): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 2 = 10
Init (Aleksson): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (3) + 5 = 8
Init (Shutai): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18
Init (Taka): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (17) + 9 = 26

Taka stance widens he stares at the one talking examining him.

"Fools. You lack honor, but you still have your lives. Stand against us and you will loose that as well."

Free: Arcane Strike
Move: Study Target
Standard: Shield of Faith

If they charge Taka will intercept the lead one(Immediate action Intercept Charge). The others will either charge him or take AoO as they charge past, though it's only one.

Status: Current AC: 25

"If you do not move, this will not take long," Shutai warned. Although the numbers game was on there side, she suspected they wouldn't be able to match them. Still, Shutai removed her mask with one hand as her jet black and silver fur grew in, her face turning long and lupine, claws lengthening on her fingers. If she had to, she would fight.

Intimidate: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Aleksson was caught off guard by the intruders, and didn't react in time.