MUMMY'S MASK ADVENTURE PATH - GM Spazmodeus

Game Master Spazmodeus

Bal seems appalled at Vash's comment.

"Your skill with that bow may be great, but even with seven of us we would not stand against the horde of hundreds of undead if we were to open the gates. You may buy us a minutes grace before we were overrun and then after us, the city. What you suggest is madness."

Bal seems appalled at Vash's comment.

"Your skill with that bow may be great, but even with seven of us we would not stand against the horde of hundreds of undead if we were to open the gates. You may buy us a minutes grace before we were overrun and then after us, the city. What you suggest is madness."

Vash shrugs, ”We’ll have to deal with them sooner or later. They will not tire as the living do. I hope your faith in the gate is justified.”

Vash looks at the lay of the land, especially if there are any perches on the nearby buildings he might use to get a clear line of sight over the gate at the undead.

”A gate may hold for a time, but undead find a way to keep moving, even if it is just by climbing over the bodies of each other or breaking through from the press of dozens of bodies, as they seek living flesh. I hope these guards know what they are doing.”

Nimaethep knew the Silver Chain well. Her uncle Hebeny had many dealings with them being a grave robber himself. She had picked up more than a few tricks from their members when she was still learning her uncle's profession. In fact, when Hebeny had left her with the followers of the Old Gods, they had tried recruiting her. Although she never fully joined their organization she had done a small job here or there for them in the early days when she was still not committed fully to the faith. Being in the church had given her access to some little bits of knowledge that were useful to the Silver Chain at the time. A fact that she was not proud of.

These days though she stood in opposition to those who would defile tombs. As a follower of Anubis she was devoted to preventing the kinds of wanton plundering and destruction that their organization engaged in. Perhaps as penance for all the historical damage that she had done herself in search of gold when she was younger.

That thought seemed at odds with her recent endeavors into the Necorpolis. Wasn't she just robbing tombs with the blessing of the Prince? Perhaps, but the lottery was going to happen regardless and at least by participating she was able to ensure that the tombs and their occupants were treated with the respect and reverence they deserved. She had made sure that her group did as little damage as possible and even convinced them to leave items that had little worth behind, even though they could have garnered at least a few more coins had they recovered them.

She made sure that the deceased were properly returned to their rest as necessary and that the prayers and rites were renewed over those that remained in their eternal slumber. Did any of that make up for her transgressions? Only Anubis, and ultimately Pharasma could be the judge of that in the end.

"With the Silver Chain involved, I can see why you are concerned about your companion. Though they aren't known for resorting to kidnapping, if Ptemenib was uncovered I can see why they may not be so kind to one of Pharasma's own."

As the group followed the bird, Nimaethep kept a sharp eye out for undead. Nearing the gate to the Necropolis her concern grew.

She understood Qasin's conflict, the desire to place the well being of those close to you over the greater good. She turned to Harmini "Would Alabaster be able to find you if he were to deliver the message? Qasin could continue to lead us to his master while Alabaster delivered the message and then returned to us at our destination."

Hearing Nimaethep's comment, Vash speaks over his shoulder while continuing to keep his eye on the undead. "That seems reasonable to me, Lady Harmini. What do you say?"

Speaking to the acolyte, (and assuming his Perception roll was high enough for this information), Vash comments, "Ask for an archer too, with plenty of arrows. The top of that building there will give him a line of sight to the undead without having to open the gate. Just don't kill the undead too close to the gate--they will walk upon the bodies of their fallen and you don't want to give them a ramp over the gate."

Harmini shakes her head at Nima’s suggestion and speaks sternly.

”Alabaster’s services remain with me alone. We shall not be parted. Besides, it does not speak and cannot deliver this message.”

Her tone then shifts back to a cordial inflection.

”The situation here is less dire than our own task, yes? Qasin is swift and unobtrusive. After we reach Ptemenib and secure his safety, I’m sure the nosoi will deliver your message unerringly. What supplies do you need, dear Bal?”

Bal turns back to Harmini as she address him again.

"I... Thank you." he says. "The church is stretched thin keeping things from getting to out of hand I hear, so extra guards may be hard to find. But I think with extra holy symbols and vials of holy water will bolster these men enough to keep the gate for a while long. Unfortunately, I do not know if we can wait long enough for you to complete you current mission. Perhaps someone else will come along that be of help."

Bal smiles weakly and reach out a hand in thanks. "I do thank you all for the consideration though, and I wish you the best with finding your friend."

Finally getting a grasp of the immensity of the undead horde at the gate, Vash lowers his bow and approaches the guards, trying not to let his dismay show. He pulls the iron holy symbol of Pharasma from its resting place around his neck and hands it to the guard. ”Pharasma strengthen you as you defend our city against the undead. Once you have done your duty, return my holy symbol to the Tooth and Hookah. I’m buying the ale.”

It was true that Alabaster did not seem to have any appendages and she had not heard it speak, but Nimeathep had a couple of ideas how it might still deliver a message. However Harmini's tone made clear that Alabaster was not to leave her side. "I apologize, I did not mean any offence." she said.

As she considered options, it seemed like the others were decided on leaving the gates, message undelivered.

She frowned "With all due respect to Qasin, can we in good conscience put the lives of many at risk for one man? There is a clear need for assistance here in holding back the undead and should they break through it will be more than just the guards at the gate that will suffer.

She pondered for a moment

"I will volunteer to deliver the message."

Nimaethep takes a piece of chalk from her pack "Go on to where you are needed and leave a trail for me to follow. I will meet you as quickly as I can."

Teos looked like he was going to say something when Nim volunteered to deliver the message.

"I was just about to suggest the same thing...umm, me delivering the message, not you Nim! It is not that far away and should only take a short while to get there and back. The rest of us can follow Qasin to where we need to go and if we can we will wait for Nim to return...or I can go in her place. I am maybe not as swift, but perhaps a little more sturdy?"

He says this with a smile as he looks over at the catwoman.

"Swiftness is required to deliver a message, sturdiness will be needed if the situation with the Pharasman requires immediate action. Go with the others, I will catch up."

Nimaethep turns to the young man. "your request for aid will be delivered." She pauses for a moment to see if anyone else has anything to say before turning towards the Grand Mausoleum and sprinting away.

"Pharasma speed your steps," replies Vash to Nimaethep. "If you have not returned to us in half an hour, I will send up a signal arrow," he adds, patting his quiver.

Harmini appears a bit stunned at Nimaethep’s persistence but accepts her decision.

”Very well, my dear. We will look for your swift return. Look for Vash’s signal if needed or simply follow the sound of my voice.”

She then returns her gaze to Bal and smiles.

”The city of Wati is fortunate indeed to have such brave defenders. You will get your requested supplies.”

”As if mere holy water and symbols were the answer to this problem. No. We need to find the cause of this curse and it’s undoing... and quickly.”

Finally, Harmini searches for the nosoi and points at Qasin. She gestures similarly to Nima, Teos & Vash. Her next words echo clearly to all four but only at the volume of a whisper to all else nearby.

”Let’s go.”

Cast Message on Qasin, Nima, Teos & Vash to share whispers with Harmini within 140’ for 40 minutes.

Vash nods at Lady Harmini and draws his bow once more, moving to follow.

Nimaethep takes off and the rest of the group turns to leave. Before they get more than a few feet there is a shout from behind them. They come around and see a vague form grasping one of the guards at the gate. The man falls to the ground, seeming weak and unable to stand, though still alive. The other guard steps back, unsure how to face such a creature.

The form moves completely silently, only appearing as a darker form among the shadows from the wall. But then it moves out yet remains as a dark form, an unnatural shadow without a source.

The surprise round is spent with the shadow dropping the guard (who is down but not dead). The other guard will be tending to his companion, so they are not involved in the fight, but Bal is. We will lead off with Vash.

Niamethep, your first round of actions will be returning to the scene. You will start round two in the location on the map you currently are in.

Knowing that he faces an incorporeal undead, Vash shifts slightly to the south so any arrows that fly through the creature do not hit the guard. Calling out to his companions, he says "Use magic weapons, positive energy, and force effects!" as he looses a pair of arrows at the ghostly figure.

Vash fires off some arrows, the first passes through it but the shadow reacts as if it somehow burned. The second goes wide as the undead creature moves out of the way.

As with all her family, she was an exceptional climber. Though her claws were not as strong at her cousin's, they were still more than adequate to find purchase on most surfaces. As such she eschewed the twisting lanes and alleys in favour of a more direct route.

She was just about ready to leap from rooftop to rooftop across a narrow alley having just sprinted down a short street and effortlessly scaled the building when she heard noises at the gates change. The sudden alarmed shouts caused her to pause and look back. There she could see the flitting shadow making its way through the ranks of guards.

Turning back around she hopped down from the roof back onto the packed earth and raced back towards the fight. "By the Grave Warden's vigil, do I have anything that can harm this thing?" Her thoughts raced through the items in her pack as she returned to the fray.

Seeing the shadowy undead monster drifting forward, Teos grits his teeth and moves to meet the unholy spirit.

"Here creature! I will put you back into the ground where your unclean Ka belongs!"

Attack: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (11) + 11 = 22
Damage: 1d8 + 8 ⇒ (4) + 8 = 12

Harmini moves quickly to take cover to the north of the pillar. She reaches into her handy haversack to produce an unfamiliar wand in case circumstances worsen.

"A shadow! Don't let it touch you Teos, it will seek to sap your strength!"

Move action - move 20' behind northern pillar to take cover from the shadow. Standard Action - Retrieve stored wand of Lesser Restoration.

Bal takes a pause as she calculates if she can move away from the shade to safely tend to the fallen guard.

"Keep it busy." he says. "I'll do what I can for my man."

The shadow moves silently but a slight whisper can be heard as it speaks. "The dead will bring this place to ruin, once again." It moves around Teos, bringing it closer to Vash. It reaches out to touch Teos but with its focus on Vash, Teos can easily avoid the touch.

Vash, it is your turn again.

Vash keeps up the pressure, sending another pair of arrows at the ghostly undead. He then steps away from the shadow a few paces, trying to stay out of its reach.

”Take heart,” says Vash to Bal and the guards,”Pharasma will deliver us from these undead.”

Does Teos get an attack of opportunity against the shadow as it brushes past him?

Does Teos get an attack of opportunity against the shadow as it brushes past him?

I think it was a five foot step...

She knew that she had no weapon to affect the incorporeal creature, but that did not mean there was nothing she could do. Although Nimaethep was a little too far to properly assist the fight, she could still do as she had trained.

Moving quickly up beside Teos, she readied herself to intervene should the shadow attack him.

35' move.

Teos of An wrote:

Does Teos get an attack of opportunity against the shadow as it brushes past him?

I think it was a five foot step...

It was in fact a 5 ft. step.

Vash takes aim at the undead but his first arrow misses. His second one hits though and the shadow hisses as its form fades into the light. Bal watches and swirls his hand in a quick spiral, invoking Pharasma's blessing. The he returns to tending to the fallen guard but he addresses the group while he takes care of his companion.

"Thank you." he says. "We are struggling to keep the dead we can cut down at bay, never mind those insubstantial ones. Had you not been here, we would have likely had to flee our post. Luckily though, I do not think it could have taken out the gate."

His weariness is clear but he tries to put up a good face to keep his companion calm. It is working but the guard is barely able to stand.

Vash nods at Bal as he gathers his durable arrows, saying, "It is the least we could do. We need to stop these undead at their source, may Pharasma guide us." Sparing a glance for the gate to ensure it is solidly closed, Vash keeps a sharp eye out for any other escaping undead until the others are ready to move on.

Harmini emerges from her position of cover and sighs with relief upon seeing that none of her companions were injured. She quickly diverts her attention to the injured guard and smiles.

"You will all need your strength if you are to hold this gate until supplies arrive."

She activates a charge from her readied wand. Once the spell is completed, she addresses the group.

"Come, my dears. We've lingered here too long already. I fear Ptemenib is in great danger. Qasin, lead the way."

"We shall see..."

Using 1 charge of Lesser Restoration. 3 round cast time. After that, Harmini is ready to move on.

Nimaethep sighed in relief as the shadow was banished. The presence of such a creature hardened her resolve.

"The fact that such things threaten the walls illustrates the urgency for this message to be delivered. Holy water would have been crucial for them to combat such a creature."

She turned back to the group "I will deliver the message as we discussed and then catch up to you. I will be as quick as I can."
Nimaethep took a breath and started her journey once again, this time with a greater sense of resolve.

Harmini's magic seems to help the guard, though he is still a little weak. He does stand though, and weakly thanks Harmini. Then he and the other guard resume their post at the gate, the weakened guard standing back a little more though.

Bal seems relieved as he turns back to Harmini and the group.

"Thank you again for the help." he says. "Please take this to help with your own cause. Its not much, but its healing may help you in keeping your friends safe."

Bal holds out a wand of some kind to Harmini, by his words it is some kind of healing magic.

"I understand your need to continue. We should be fine for now. Once the additional resources arrive, it will be much better. Thank you."

A quick scan with detect magic reveals it to be a wand of cure light wounds, fully charged. The group can continue on from here (see further posts below).

Nimaethep moves off again, heading back to the Grand Mausoleum to deliver the message for Bal. The trip is uneventful and she arrived there quickly. The scene outside is unchanged, the sick and injured remain and the attending acolytes and priests are doing what they can.

Within in a few moment Nimaethep spots the same acolyte from their previous meeting here, taking notes for a priest who seems to be coordinating the triage in the area. The acolyte notices Nimaethep and motions for her to come forward and speaks softly to the priest. The priest nods without looking up and the acolyte meets Nimaethep.

"Greetings miss," the acolyte says. "I am glad to see you return. I have word of your family. One of the voices found them. They are safe, holed up with a group at an inn I have been told."

The acolyte smiles but then notes Nimaethep is a little winded and she becomes concerned. "You are alone now. What happened? Are your companions well"

The journey back to the temple was exhausting, but in some ways nostalgic. It brought back memories of evading the local constabulary when she was still a tomb robber under her uncle's tutelage.

This time however, her parkour was for much nobler reasons.

As soon as she arrived at the temple she focused on looking for a priest despite the suffering around her. She was glad to find a familiar face. Before she could speak, the acolyte had delivered the news about the safety of her brothers.

"Thank you, you don't know how much that means to me" Nimaethep managed to get out between gasps of air. "Knowing they are safe is an immense weight off my mind. As for my presence here..." she took a quick moment to catch her breath before continuing "My companions are fine, they pursue a lead on one of your own that may have run afoul of unsavoury types. Ptemenib is his name. However I am here because a force at the gates to the necropolis require urgent supplies and relief. They hold back a hoard of zombies, but they are stretched thin and things worse than zombies threaten their position. They need holy water and symbols to ward against the worst of the threat. If there is anything you can do to support them it would be an immense help."

Having delivered the message, she sat for a moment to rest "I cannot stay long, I have to return to catch up to my own companions. Is there anything else you need to know? I will be returning to the gates on my way back if there is a message or small package that you would like delivered back to the defenders."

After a few minutes of following Qasin through the empty streets, Vash says to Teos, "What do you think has the undead rising from their graves and trying to invade the living city? Do you know of this 'Silver Chain' Nimaethep mentioned?"

Vash looks around, uncomfortable that Nimaethep has not yet rejoined them. "How close are we, Qasin?" he asks.

To Nimaethep first.

The acolyte nods and smiles when Nimaethep shows relief at knowing her family is safe. She remains quiet as Nimaethep reports the trouble at the gate and when Nimaethep finishes the acolyte looks grim again.

"Please, let me speak with one of the Voices."

The acolyte walks back to the temple steps and approaches a large man with a shaved head. They speak together for a minute, then the man heads back into the temple. The acolyte returns to Nimaethep.

"The captain is being told what is happening, and they are bringing down the supplies you asked for." the acolyte says to Nimaethep. "The Voices will be delayed in getting there as they need to be rounded up into a substantial force. I know it is much to ask, but if you are heading back that way and you could at least bring the supplies ahead of the Voices, I know they would be appreciative."

The acolyte looks back at the temple steps before continuing. She notes the return of the large man. He carries with him a pack now and presents it to Nimaethep when he arrives.

"We thank you and your friends for the help," the man says as he offers the pack to Nimaethep. "and may the Mistress smile on you all for it."

Assuming you take the pack, inside is five wooden holy symbols of Pharasma, a dozen vials of holy water, two vial of what appears to be antiplague, and half a dozen potion vials.

Now back to the rest of the group.

Qasin is leading the group closer to the warehouse district near the river. His pace is slower than before, almost as if he is giving Nimaethep the time she needs to return to the group.

"It is not far my friends." the small bird says. "The place seems like an old brickworks, but its in ruins. There will likely be guards watching it, as that is how Ptemenib was caught. We failed to see the guards as we approached."

The psychopomp continues to lead the group through the streets but then suddenly stops. He lowers his voice to a whisper and flies into the shadows of an alley.

"From here I suggest remaining silent and observant. The ruins are just ahead on the right, that crumbling structure just at the edge of sight. I do not see any guards currently, but perhaps if one or two of you approached quietly, you would spot them before they spot you. Or do you have another plan?

From your current position you do not see anyone guarding the place, but the distance is still pretty far. You should be able to remain unnoticed here and plan, as long as you do not try to call attention to yourself.

Of note, there is no map yet because the map is a smaller area.

Vash volunteers, ” I can scout for the guards while we wait for Nimaethep to return, if you like.”

Assuming such a plan is approved, Vash taps himself with the Wand of Falcon’s Aim and moves off to investigate.

Harmini crouches down low in the alley to avoid detection and nods her approval to Vash. Her voice carries magically to the others at the volume of a whisper.

"I trust in your abilities, Vash. However, should you find more trouble than you can handle, do not hesitate to call for aid. If you stay within range, my message spell will allow you to whisper back to me discreetly."

The range on Harmini's active message spell is currently 140'.

She then looks to Qasin and Teos. A her lips curl into a devious smile as she retrieves a small packet from her haversack.

"The rest of us should remain here until both Nimaethep and Vash have returned safely. I do not fancy the idea of venturing into a den of thieves unawares. While we wait, would you care to join me for a cup of tea?"

Harmini's gloved hands begin to glow in conjunction with Alabaster's central blue gem. Slowly, several dull stones break away from its floating assortment and take on the rough shape of tea cups while a larger stone forms a teapot. Moments later, clear liquid flows through the air from her waterskin and fills the pot. Lastly, after a minute or two the water inside hisses and comes to a boil without any flame.

With liberal applications of prestidigitation & mage hand, this is intended to prepare a packet of Seer's Tea for the purpose of a single use Augury effect. CL3 = 73% chance for a successful reading (roll is secret). Everyone else can just have a cup of tea :).

Upon completion of brewing, Harmini quaffs the tea and attempts to read the leaves remaining in the cup to answer her query.

"Thank you, these supplies will be of great help to the guards at the gates. I will let them know their relief will be delayed, but are on the way."

She took the package and stowed what supplies in her enchanted pack where their weight would not slow her down. "Thank you again for bringing me news of my brothers." she said as she turned back towards the gate. Nimaethep took a couple of measured breaths before sprinting off back to the siege.

VASH.

As Vash approachs the building that Qasin indicated he gets a sense of the area. Ahead two fire-scarred mud-brick walls and a half-dozen crumbling clay kilns are all that remains of the building that once stood in this weed-choked lot. A boarded-up, scorched door stands in the southeast corner where the walls join.

Staying within range of Harmini's magic, all seems quiet on the street. A few rats scurry across the road ahead and Vash would estimate that he is about 700 feet from the building. In order to continue, he would need to leave the range of the magic that Harmini provided.

Do you want to approach closer? If so, do not roll more checks, just let me know.

HARMINI

Harmini takes a few minutes preparing the tea and when it is ready, she drinks it. Her eye close as she finished and she remains still. She can feel Teos watching her and she holds her breath. Then she exhales a second later and opens her eyes.

Vash has now moved father down the road, farther than he should have in the quick second she had her eyes closed. Teos seems concerned as if he has been calling to her and she realizes that the seconds to her were longer to them.

In that time a voice called out to her across ages it seems. A familiar voice, but not a favored one. Is it her, the Lady of the Boneyard? Or is it her own voice calling from another time? Either way it seems to torment her with its words. "Rescuing the priest will bring weal to your cause. Perhaps the priest may rub off on you."

Weal result. I took a little liberty.

NIMA

The trip back to the wall for Nimaethep is uneventful. The streets are mostly empty but an occasional traveler can be seen. After about a quarter hour, she arrives again to find Bal and his men still holding the gate. Two other men have now joined them.

As Nimaethep approaches Bal smiles slightly and greets her.

"Thank you!" he says. "What word of reinforcements?"

Nimaethep hands over the pack and Bal hands it over to the other men. The supplies are well received and they begin passing them among each other. Bal heads over to a sack he had lying in a doorway, then he passes it to Nimaethep.

"Please take these as thanks for your help. We cannot accept the gifts but perhaps they will come in handy in your cause. Some of the people are grateful there are heroes still helping the city out."

The pack jingles as Nimaethep takes it, the weight indicating that it contains a fair amount of coins at the least. Before Niamethep can inspect it further, Qasin arrives to lead her back to her friends.

"Fair catfolk warrior," the psychopomp greets her. "are you ready to come join your friends? They were watching and scouting the hideout when I left. I hope they remain in hiding until we arrive."

VASH.

** spoiler omitted **

As Vash approachs the building that Qasin indicated he gets a sense of the area. Ahead two fire-scarred mud-brick walls and a half-dozen crumbling clay kilns are all that remains of the building that once stood in this weed-choked lot. A boarded-up, scorched door stands in the southeast corner where the walls join.

Staying within range of Harmini's magic, all seems quiet on the street. A few rats scurry across the road ahead and Vash would estimate that he is about 700 feet from the building. In order to continue, he would need to leave the range of the magic that Harmini provided.

Do you want to approach closer? If so, do not roll more checks, just let me know.

Vash whispers back to Harmini. ”I need to get a bit closer. I haven’t seen the sentries yet.”

He pauses a beat to see if there is a response. If none, he continues forward, attempting to stay hidden behind cover and in shadows, while still getting as good a vantage point as possible. He creeps forward, bow held low at the ready...

If she responds, he will take her words under advisement before taking further action.

The moment over, Vash moves ahead, thinking "Perhaps I misjudged the range of the spell."

Nimaethep and Qasin approach Teos and Harmini. Vash can be seen in the distance approaching a ruined building, the one that Qasin identified as the hideout.

"It seems your companions are making sure the way is safe before approaching in force." the psychopomp says as he and the catfolk join the rest.

Ahead, Vash gets closer to the building. He is nearly at the front entrance. He keeps his motion easy to not call attention to himself and keeps his eye open for anything out of the ordinary. Once he gets closer, it becomes clear that their are two guards in front of the place, hiding among the crumbling walls. At the same time he sees them, they also notice him.

The guards appear to have their faces hidden, with a blade of some sorts in their hands. The steps back more into the shadows but not far enough to lose sight of Vash. The further of the two calls out at the approaching warrior.

"You there!" the guard shouts. "This area is not safe for wanderers. Leave now and you will not face further dangers."

The rest of group cannot clearly hear the guards words, but can clearly hear some kind of shouting. You can still see Vash but it is unknown who is shouting to him.

Again, sorry for the delay. Its been a tough week or so. Hopefully it will now be calmer. What do people want to do?

Vash starts at the address from the guards, silently berating himself for failing to remain unseen. He reacts out of instinct, moving swiftly past the main entrance (but at an angle so as not to get closer to the door) and taking cover behind a partial wall perhaps twenty feet past the guards.

He responds, ”I am on a mission for the Church of Pharasma. Who are you that would stand in my way? If you serve the church or the city, stand aside that I may pass.”

(Idea is that if they come out to attack Vash, they will have their backs to the approaching party).

Nimaethep arrives, out of breath after running across the city and back. She crouches down beside Teos and Harmini. "What have you found?" she whispered breathlessly. Not a moment later she heard Vash somewhere up ahead challenging unseen people. Her brow furrowed as she asked quizzically "Shouldn't we all be with Vash, or are we setting an ambush?"

Feeling reinvigorated from the tea, Harmini smiles as Nimaethep returns.

"Welcome back, my dear. We were eagerly awaiting your return before proceeding. My divinations have revealed a favorable disposition toward our goal of rescuing Ptemenib from these thieves."

As she hears the shouting, Harmini looks onward.

"Vash went on to scout ahead and it seems that we no longer need to wait. The time is now. Let's go!"

Harmini, Nimaethep, Teos, and Qasin head out to catch up with Vash as he scouts ahead. They soon realize though that something is amiss. Vash shouts and appears to intend to move but the people he is talking to move quicker. They each pull out a hand cross, they move closer and fire, trying to get the advantage on him. They then drop the crossbows and prepare to engage in melee with Vash.

The first bolt drives past Vash's armor, finding a weak point. The second goes wide though, sparing him another devastating hit.

The thugs get the jump on Vash. Harmini, Nimaatehp, and Teos begin the encounter at around 240 feet back (or about 2 full rounds at a run). This is why I am skipping them in the initiative. If they wish to do something other than move, please let me know and we can adapt as needed. Otherwise I believe it is Vash's turn.

”I’ll take that as a ‘NO’,” grimaces Vash as the small bolt somehow flies past his defenses and embeds itself deep in his right thigh. Time to even the odds.

Assuming that Vash did not make it past the doorway to cover as he intended, so just firing one shot then moving to a more defensible position.

Trying to keep the thugs’ attention on him as they move out into the open, Vash looses a quick arrow at the lead thug!

He then moves back the way he came (30 foot move) to a nearby archway, behind some rough terrain or some other feature nearby to make it harder for the thugs to charge or flank him. This also puts him 30’ closer to the reinforcements, which he hopes they have not yet seen.