[PFS_Aerondor] 00-04 The Frozen Fingers of Midnight (1-5) (Inactive)

Game Master Aerondor

Exactly how are you going to try and look inside? There is a closed door with a guard in front of it and there are no visible windows.

I've put a map of the area up. Ignore the "Windows" on the map. The scenario text specifically says there are no windows.

That's a little brash, even for me. I like her style though...

Not liking the fact that Vanya might have to face a horde of ulfen alone, Gromsk keeps a sharp eye out for any trouble from the front of the tavern.

Perception: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

Druga speaks quietly to Gromsk, so only he can hear, Keep an eye on her and I will go get us some ale, so as to fit in with the crowd here.

Druga then goes over to the barman who told them a few moments ago that there was no table service.

5 pints of ale, for me and my friends.

The barman takes your coins and pours the pints.

"You just ship in?" he asks - making conversation.

That's right, friend, I am new in town, and this ale will sure take the edge off, if you know what I mean. What do I owe you?

"A copper a pint." he says, taking the cash.

"We can throw in a plate of stew for another copper each if you like."

Yes, that sounds perfect, 5 plates of stew.

Druga hands the man 2 silver, one for the food and drink and one as a way of saying thanks.

Druga is doing this to give the party a reason to be in the inn. Everyone should eat or drink as they see fit.

Vanya moves unseen around the warehouse searching for an alternative way of entrance...

Perception check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

"Many thanks holy man. Your gratitude is most appreciated." Ryll steadies her drink and fingers her food for the time being.

Well, there are big doors at the back. They only go down to the waterline, so Vanya thinks swimming in may be an option. Maybe.

Looking around she spies skylights in a couple of other warehouses, so maybe (she isn't sure) there maybe skylights in the roof of this one too. That may explain how they can see inside without windows.

Zaamir is grateful to Druga for a glass of ale, and stand there with him and a bartender to support dialogue. Careless movement of the hand, as if it and not he does, he puts on the bar a gold coin.

Dear friend! We're here on very important business! Are you familiar with the concept of family honour? We are very familiar, for example. We are looking for one guy. He has disgraced the girl, daughter of a weaver. The weaver in sorrow! He doesn't know how it is now the poor girl to marry. Plus, she was still too young... you know, terrible story. We were asked to find the guy, and give back to the family. We don't want anything bad to him. Surely he wanted to offer the girl his hand and heart, but just got lost in our city. He by the way new here. From Ulfern. Sailed recently.

Zamir remembers that Druga told that he is new in town.

Khhhm. We thought at first that this guy is the seducer, but we were mistaken. However, the story deeply touched the heart of this brave warrior and he decided to spend a little time and go with us. Ahhh.... So.

Stern gaze he looks the bartender. In his eyes read that he will stop at nothing until he regains the honour of the girl.

Help us, good man. I believe that the desired northerner arrived recently. He's probably one of those who is at the docks in front of the tavern.. Tell me everything you know about them. How often they go out. And where. In the tavern for example. When they are about to set sail. How many of them. And so on. It's all very important - we want to resolve the issue without bloodshed. And for this you need to choose the right time to talk.

Bluff: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (13) + 13 = 26
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (7) + 13 = 20
Sense Motive: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27

Zaamir stared at any reaction to the mention of warriors of Ulfren or the slightest hint of a lie in the response of the bartender.

Stonegrin was about to strike up some business conversation to promote his families exquisite ales but is stopped when Zaamir gets right to society buisness. The Dwarf realizes that changing topics wouldn't be too convenient right now and thus merely looks on grimly.

"Well, there is a longship of Ulfen warriors tied up right outside here." the barkeep says, palming the gold quickly.

"Odd lot for Ulfen, they don't come in here much. Kept on a tight rein. Still, there are a few of them around. Ulfen all look pretty much the same to me. Big men with axes. Noticed they change the guard on the warehouse every two or three hours, so guess there are probably half a dozen of them at least."

Meanwhile Vanya moves back towards the tavern. She moves near her colleagues and wishpers:"The warehouse is well guarded with no obvious entrances besides the main gate. We could try to swim inside or climb up the roof and see if there's a way to enter the building up there

"Hmmmm... I would try the roof course first. Going into the water would leave a trail of wet steps that would be hard to conceal until it dries out. "

Assuming we are out of earshot of the other tavern patrons:

Druga says quietly to Vanya and Ryll, The roof, then is it? We'll have to wait until it gets dark, so as to have any chance at all of staying undetected.

"The roof sounds like a good idea. I have a rope and grappling hook, how about the rest of you?"

Zaamir clearly getting tired of talking. He was especially upset that the benefits from the bartender was clearly smaller than the head port. Although the information that the opponents just half a dozen, of course, encourages.

I would suggest to go talk to a guy on guard, but we all know how it will end. He's gonna get us in there, continue to say nothing, and there will be a meat grinder. I'm not against the idea of a roof, without taking into account the fact that not all of us here are climbers and acrobats. The main thing is that we will do inside and does it matter how we go? We really believe that we just go in, quietly steal the lamp and quietly get out of there? Hah. I approve of the idea to wait for the night - the Goddess approves night - but I see that it is possible to go straight - in the style, as it was at the entrance to the estate. You know, you would not expect from me such an offer, but I'm full of surprises, believe me.

It is worth noting that while the path outside the estate was pretty empty, the road in front of the warehouses and docks is pretty full.

If you want to wait for night you can.

You spend the afternoon drinking and eating and getting to know each other in the tavern.

The barkeep looks slightly oddly at you, having asked about the men but not done anything about talking with them. Still, he is a barkeep and he's happy to have your custom.

You do note that the guard changes every couple of hours.

It is now dark.

So, the night has come. I offer this plan: my chatter will distract the guard while Vanya quietly sneak up and hit him in the back. Then run out the rest of our fighters and will finish it. Then pulls the body inside, and move on to collect the bloody harvest and the magic lamps.

Zaamir throws a wistful glance at the bartender.

Would be cool if he will not call the guards, by the way. To give gold or to persuade? Your suggestions?

Stealth check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (7) + 9 = 16

Vanya moves from shadow to shadow trying to get into position near a the warehouse where she can start climbing the walls without fear of discovery.

Vanya is like the night itself. The guard notices her not.

Zaamir in relaxed pace suitable to the guard.

Don't you know, do anybody sell here the old lamps? We present well-known firm, organizing auctions. Now our company is organizing an auction of ancient lamps. And we are looking to buy anything interesting collectible lamps. We heard that your leader has one. We would like to talk about it. Take me to your leader?

Bluff: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (1) + 13 = 14

SM: 1d20 ⇒ 18

"Who told you about the lamp?" asks the guard suspiciously.

Druga watches Zaamir from across the street, by the tavern, ready to come to her assistance if necessary.

Yes, that's right there in the bar one not quite sober guy - I think your fellow countryman. Ulfern, right? Great place. Cold of course, but has own style and charm. Always wanted to go there. Well, actually who doesn't love a good drink, and who can understand it like cool guys from Ulfern can? In short, you walk me to your main or not?

Bluff: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (3) + 13 = 16
Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (20) + 13 = 33

At the same time, Zaamir throws a couple of lazy views on the sides. He search for Vanya and waiting for the attack to happen. In the end, he's not going to go there alone.

Perception: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18

The man looks a little confused.

"You want to buy me a drink?" he finally asks.

"Well... at least that half orc is good with words..." thinks Vanya as she approaches the guard from behind ready to stab him in the back but yet not sure she wants to really do it "This fool is only doing his job after all...".

Ryll will stay near Zaamir as he moves to support Vanya trying to blend in with the surrounding area and look inconspicuous...

Stealth: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (7) + 4 = 11

The guard is a little distracted, talking with Zaamir.

Zaamir feels like the spirit in his head makes facepalm.

- Dear, now you can call him for a drink and seduce. You get to learn my lessons. Attaboy! But I didn't know that the guys are in your line. *chuckle*

'Hearing' these words, Zamir began to cough. He clearly was about to start to explain something, as he remembered that this voice does not hear nobody except him.

So. Drink! Ahem. Great idea! To drink I don't with anyone tonight. And don't get me wrong - in a bar in front there are a couple of great young ladies. I think they just today passed the final exams at the local Academy of Practical Alchemy, and they already had a few drinks and are very festive!

Bluff: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (2) + 13 = 15

He smiles and winks conspiratorially.

If you go, say, just half an hour, this even no one will notice. There's generally nothing happens. Bored as hell. And there is ale, wenches and fun. Why not entertain? Too much work is harmful.

Diplomacy: 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (11) + 13 = 24

Druga leans against the wall of the tavern, trying to remain inconspicuous.

"Boss don't like us leaving guard position. Keel hauled the last one. "
SM: 1d20 ⇒ 1

He then has a bright idea.

"But you bring girls and drink here. Then I still be on guard. yes?"

+15 to diplomacy DC if there is potential for punishment makes that a pretty hard ask for first level characters.

Guy, and I'm the chance you gave... would be better if you went with me. Ohh!

DM, please let's wait for the reaction of our 'stealth-team' )) I think they also heard the answer and have to react somehow... an act or omission, on their own.

"Man... I don't really want to cut this guy's throat out but unless Zaamir finds a way to remove him I fear I will be forced to do exactly that..."

Vanya can probably backstab the guard to oblivion but I don't think that would be her first choice if it could be helped. Despite all her swagger she's not a remorseless killer

Cold blooded murder is not part of the standard Society job description. But alas no one said this job was going to be easy.

You could just knock him over the head with a sap or something, if you don't want to kill him. Also, I will stabilize him with a cantrip, if that makes you feel better.

Stonegrin watches the whole ordeal from a safe distance hoping he won't have to intervene.

Very well then..

Shaking her head Vanya slips behind the guard and stabs him into the back with her kukri.

"Sorry man, nothing personal"

Attack roll: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16 -> Damage roll: 1d4 + 4 ⇒ (1) + 4 = 5 -> Sneak Attack roll: 2d6 + 1 ⇒ (5, 2) + 1 = 8

Attack against Flat Footed. If Vanya drops the guard she'll ask the others to cure him before he bleeds out, she chooses not to apply a bleeding effect to her attack

Vanya steps up behind the guard and efficiently knifes him through the back. He slumps to the ground. Druga quickly steps up and stops him bleeding out, but he won't be going anywhere for a while.

Vanya suggests dragging the body around the corner where it won't be too obvious.

A quick check of the door shows it is locked.

Druga crouches over the fallen man and says a few words. When he finishes his orison, the bleeding stops. At Vanya's suggestion, he helps drag him around the corner, out of sight.

See Vanya, that was not so bad!, Druga says cheerfully, Now, who has the door?

"Let me" says Vanya. Secretly pleased she had not killed the man she starts fiddling with the lock using her masterwork thieves tools for maximum efficency.

Disable Device check: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (17) + 11 = 28

Gromsk sighs. No reason to over complicate things. I wonder if the guard has a key...

Gromsk searches the fallen guard for a key.

<click>

This is no easy lock, but Vanya after a brief struggle manages to open it. She carefully peers inside. There are two guards. They look alert but didn't notice her crack open the door to peer within.

Perception check: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (9) + 7 = 16

Vanya carefully checks the interior of the warehouse searching for traps or any kind of strange looking contraption. Once sure it's safe to enter she whispers"Lets get going!" to the others
Vanya moves inside the warehouse waltzing between the shadows and heading directly for the nearest guard's back...

Stealth check: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

Ryll will offer her assistance to aid Vanya if the rogue comes across any traps...

Dark night. Port deserted street.
Zaamir kneels, quickly draws a strange symbol and begins humming something under his breath in an unfamiliar language. The sound of his voice now causes rejection. Something is unnatural about the way he murmurs the ritual words.
A minute later, while his comrades dragged the body and pick the lock, before Zaamir slowly materializes vaguely feminine shadow. Even from afar it is difficult not to mention the attractiveness of her body. She turns to Zaamir, and her voice flows like honey...

(summon spirit in incorporeal form)

- Well, Hello dear. To see you're still nicer than just feel. Let me walk? Or again there is something... something you can't handle yourself?

Before him stands the half-orc woman. Probably, she was very attractive, and, moreover, she knew it and knew how to use it. Now, realizing that it is only the spirit (according to the Zaamir), you may notice that she's not really standing on the ground, as if slightly floating above it. She extends a hand to the Zaamir's face, as if she wanting to stroke it gently. You notice that the tips of her fingers pass through his face. She is precisely the spirit - but you are not sure, would have you noticed this if you were not warned.

- Remember, now you're forever mine. And don't you dare disobey me.

It is seen that Zaamir feels now a very complex emotions, and he does not understand which one to follow. It seems that he feels both sweet and bitter after her last words. He glances at her, and doesn't answer. Then he changes the topic of conversation:

- Wait. We need protection. I mean, that is you need. Wait a sec still.

He makes several passes with his hands and pronounces the magic formula. A purple glow covers Kida and immediately disappears.

mage armor

- Thank you for your concern dear... and you take care of yourself.

She detains on it a look, forcing him eyes down. Then she turns to the party. At the sight of Gromsk and Druga, she takes a very seductive pose - so as to highlight all its outstanding shape. Her slightly hoarse voice sounds very sensual:

- Glad to greet you... companions.