LegitGM's The Swiftblades Cavern (Inactive)

Game Master LegitName

Damn it Drazh is right. They could just be stalling us looking for the weapons. It is the thieves guild after all.

We should get moving. Drazh is right, lets not keep messing around. At this point those who ran have told them we mean business.

Shrugs and checks her weapon.

If they persist well it is on them now.

The question is, do we follow them or go the other way?

I'd rather go the other way.

Well we know there are thieves guild to the left. I vote right since we have no quarl other then them bein over agressive.

Starts towards the right door.

Well of course they could take us from behind so we would need to be alert.

"To the right then. An' Tengu, make a mark on the walls as we go. So we can tell if we get turned around."

Ebonfeather thinks that is good advice, and will make a trail marking low on the wall next to the door (using his talons) indicating that the party passed through this door.

Umberto holds his lantern aloft and walks with the rest of the party through the exit to the right.

On the desk: there are papers. The papers way things like "send (name) to (building)." The names are pretty generic, but the buildings are buildings around the town (mostly houses of the local nobility). At the bottom of each paper is a signature that reads Vira.

On the map: The colored circles are located at various locations around the city. There is a red one on top of the blacksmitherie. There is a green one located under a fountain that is surrounded on all sides by the keeps of the local nobles. Another green one resides beneath the barracks.

Through the door: It is a large cavern, lit by thousands of glowing crystals in the ceiling. Along the ground are rows of mats. To your left the mats contain young boys, to your right grown men. A spry young fellow approaches you and, extending his hand, says "Welcome, to The Thieve's Guild."

Well this is intresting.

Taking the map and notes for later.

I would like to take these with us. They well could be of use not only to us but to my colleagues in the militia. Unless of course someone else wants them for some better reason.

Not waiting for an answer she begins stuffing them into her pack.

Ebonfeather will step forward, with his hands raised to show they hold no (obvious) weapons.

Please stop where you are, good man.

We mean you no harm, but need to pass through your realm.

It doesn't seem like we really have anyone who is good at Diplomacy in the group...
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (1) + 0 = 1

I will keep an eye on the approaching man watching for hidden weapons.

Perception: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (15) + 9 = 24
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (1) + 3 = 4

The man looks angry when you mention that you were attacked. So now we know where they disappeared to... you see, three of our members disappeared earlier today. We have been scouring the city looking for them. Apparently you found them first. We assumed that they were just out on a rogue job, but apparently they decided to disobey direct orders from Vira. Vira, if you do not know, leads this operation. Back through that other door is her headquarters. She would like to meet with you. And I can tell that you may like to meet with her.

"Aye then. We'll talk to yon Vira. But I'll ask ye lot to keep yer hands where I can see 'em."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (8) + 7 = 15

I think that I have the best diplomacy at +7. So I could do the roll and everyone else rolls to assist. Only a DC10 to give +2. See if we can get the thieves to give us a map of known tunnels and free passage before we have to murderhobo them all

Nods in agreement to Drazh. Daphne is content to talk to Vira.

Would she already be a name that is knowen.

Go for it with the diplomacy. If it comes to intimidate Daphne can well suited.

You would not know Vira.

Ebonfeather steps out of the way and allows Drazh and the man to lead.

Sounds good to me Drazh. Feel free to roll an Assist die for me any time you engage in Diplomacy

It's a trap! thinks Umberto, but he follows the others to see Vira nonetheless. He supports Drazh with convincing winks, nods, gestures, and exclamations of agreement when the dwarf attempts diplomacy.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (18) + 0 = 18 (aid another)

Drazh strolls in, doing his best to look confident. Part of him just felt that there would be unavoidable bloodshed here. But he hoped to avoid it if at all possible; the orcs were coming and they were his priority.

The room is small. In the center is a large throne. Surrounding the thrown are piles of gold and various gems. On the throne is a young human girl who looks to be in her early 20s. As you enter, she says I was wondering when you'd come. Then she smiles.

Seeing the gold and gems, Drazh fights back a smile. This is what humans called wealth? He had once had the honor of being paid from a dwarven guild lord's hoard. The sheer size and scope of their wealth had been so breath taking that he had to (unsuccessfully) try to drink the memory away. Compared to what lay beneath the mountains, this seemed laughabale. Though, he reminded himself, it did mean that she was likely far more powerful than most humans. Leaving wealth lying around thieves meant that they were more scared of her than they were greedy. A bad sign in a den of thieves.

Ebonfeather Aids: 1d20 ⇒ 5
Daphene Aids: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Diplomacy with aid from Umberto: 1d20 + 7 + 2 ⇒ (8) + 7 + 2 = 17

Hopefully my bad dice rolls are out of my system! Still, a 17 isn't bad. Especially at Lvl 1

"Greetin's, me bonny lass! If he know that we be comin', then he also know that we be lookin' for safe passage through your territory. Be there any issue with that request?"

Daphne slids into the room again positioning herself with her back to the wall and remains ready in case thing go south.

Well now this is interesting isn't it. I wonder if those folks when we first came in were really acting on their own. Lets see what she has to say.

Umberto reflexively returns the young woman's smile. He is duly impressed by her ample assets which lie in piles about the throne. He thinks, I could build her such a palace with this wealth.

Ebonfeather fails to mask the awe with which he regards the obscene display of ill-gotten wealth.

He forces himself to clasp his hands behind his back, which causes a seam on one sleeve of his tunic to give out.

He mutters, ...and afterwards, perhaps we could discuss a business relationship?

I'm sorry that my brother attacked you. I told him to flee with the boys if you showed up, but he can sometimes be a bit... reckless. As for the other men, I assure you that they have been punished. She motions above the door that you entered through, where the heads of the two fleeing thieves rest. Next to them are two other skulls. I was hoping you would meet me, because, you see, we both have something the other needs. I have the knowledge of how to get to the vault, but not the manpower. My men slip through shadows in wide open spaces, not skinny tunnels. You have manpower to get to the Vault, but do not know directly where it is. So, I think that our efforts would be best spent if we worked together.

“Your brother?” quitter "What a family this must be."

Composing herself.

“What is in it for you for us to get to the vault?”

Careful girl, she kills those that wrong her but still come on. If you’re the leader get some control.

...and why are you trying to steal weapons needed for the town's defense?

If the town gets overrun by orcs, your business will be at an end.

I wonder if there could be something else in the vaults besides the weapons that we were sent to retrieve. He listens for answers to the others' questions.

All the great thieves in the world share one thing in common - they pull the most prodigious heists and then get caught. It is my dream to be among them. So I plan to steal a legendary artifact. Not the magic weapons, mind you, for those are just child's stories. I mean the legendary Pine Jewel. Legends say it resides deep below any human touched tunnel. Not even the keepers of the vault know the way. Legend says that one would have to go through the vault and out the back door to get to it. If you can get me to the vault, I will pay you handsomely. The jewel? Worth more than all of this. Of course, there's the minor problem of Samantha and Ahtnamas, but we can worry about them later.

As for the weapons... the town won't be run over by orcs because we stole a pile of old, rusty weapons from the basement of the blacksmith. The town guard that is currently overseas only accounts for a fraction of the soldiers in this town. Most were not able to go with them, as they had to work farms and the like. She smiles at Umberto. Or maybe the commander doesn't value their skill with the crossbow. She looks at Daphne. But those men up there should still be able to stop the orcs. Here's an idea - let's retrieve the magic weapons and send those orcs to kingdom come. Then we can look into that small matter of the Pine Jewel.

And those men that attacked you were spies sent by some far away king to make sure that you didn't get through. Some people would like to see this city fall. I let them get out. I wanted to see how you handled a real fight.

Also if you haven't yet, you are at 200xp from the two fights.

These "spies" are conveniently unable to verify these accusations.

If you are truly willing to help us get to the vault and have no designs on the magic weapons, then my vote is to join forces, although I am surprised that you want to go along yourself rather than sending a subordinate.

Wait a second, did she just say that she WANTS to get caught?!?

1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20 Does her story about the gem and the spys seem truthful?

Umberto very much wants to believe Vira, even though what she proposes sounds almost too good to be true.

"Mind your manners, Ebonfeather. I am inclined to believe the lady, and I agree that we should join forces."

Sense Motive: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (10) + 0 = 10

I need to be there to steal the jewel as I am the one that wants to go down in history. Sending a subordinate would not give me any of the glory.

The story of the jewel is a local legend that everyone in the town knows. And the story about the spies seems truthful.

She can join us, her story seems truthful enough. That said I would prefer you in-front of instead of behind me while we journo.

Pauses to look at the rest of the group.

What do the rest of you think?

I still have no objections.

I would prefer some up front investment in the enterprise. Perhaps some magical healing items or funds to better equip ourselves for the journey. Some higher quality weapons and armor, perhaps?

Umberto nods in agreement with Ebonfeather. "Yes, lady. I agree with my fine feathered friend. Better equipment would certainly ease our journey."

Drazh just stood there, his arms crossed. He didn't like this one bit. But he didn't know his companions well enough to know who they would side with, and he preferred not to have his body dumped in some cave. Better to let them negotiate their price and move on.

She smiles and motions for a guard to come over. He exits the room and returns carrying masterwork scale mail. Another guard enters with another masterwork scale mail. Yet another guard carries in masterwork studded leather. A final guard arrives with a masterwork version of whatever it is Ebonfeather is wearing.

And if this isn't enough... She produces a leather pouch and holds it out to Drazh.

Umberto takes a suit of well made scale mail with an eager grin. He appreciates expert craftsmanship. "Thank you kindly." He takes it to the least crowded corner of the room and immediately begins stripping himself of his old armor and donning the new armor.

Eyes the leather.

"Not bad girlie." Grinning at her "host". "I mean its no mithral chain shirt but I guess it will buy some trust."

Ebonfeather runs his hands along the delicate scrollwork decorating the armor he has been given.

Never in my life have I owned anything so fine.

Well, Drazh, open up the pouch and let's see what we've got there.

Almost reluctantly Drazh indeed opens the pouch and looks inside.

Inside there are several shiny, black pearls.

Drazh looks at the pearls and nods slowly. Accept the money or be killed and have his body abandoned in the dark.

"I will work with ye..." He says this slowly while closing the bag. "...for what it is worth though, I also require an oath from ye. Made before lord Kols, the God of Duty, that ye, or anyone besides us who is affiliated with ye, will nay touch the weapons we have been sent to retrieve. Make such an oath and I will nay stand in your way for when ye take yon jewel."

I, Vira, swear to not lay a finger on the weapons you guys are after. I also swear to not allow my associates to lay their fingers on the weapons either.

"Aye then, it's settled. I'll wear ye colors, so to speak, an' we'll get a move on. How do he envisioning this proceeding?" As he says this he begins to switch into the masterwork mail.

"Well good enough for me I guess."

Daphne changes into her new armor and begins restoring her possessions to their proper place.

"I am just going to leave the old stuff here I think. No need for the extra weight."

I am in full agreement

Ebonfeather looks around nervously, then asks Drazh quietly Um... How much do you figure the shinies are worth? Enough to warrant better equipping ourselves?

Quietly, Draz whispers back "Hopefully not too much. If we're being paid too well, then they'll likely stab us in the back once we've found the place and just take them back. Even with an oath, never trust thieves."

Umberto packs his old armor away for later sale. He smirks and raises an eyebrow at the dwarf's comment. He whispers, "Let's watch each other's back."

If she can overhear Umberto Daphne will whisper:

"Agreed."

Regardless she will address the group. Lets move out then.

"Umburto feel free to sell my old armor if you like. I would like to bring up the rear to protect us in case of surprise attacks."

GM - feel free to roll perception for me as needed, I will keep an eye behind as we move.

"Just leave it here," replies the farmer. "I am carrying about as much armor as I can without slowing to a crawl. " He is ready to follow the trailblazer.

Sorry for the late reply, I went camping and then I came home and slept a lot and then I got a cold and I wasn't allowed near the computer... Anyways, I'm feeling a lot better today so I am finally ready to continue.

Vira moves towards the back of the room. She removes a fancy painting from the back wall, revealing a tunnel. The tunnel is easily tall enough to stand in, and wide enough for two people to walk comfortably next to eachother. There is a steady downward angle. She turns and smiles at you guys. To the vault?