The Crucible of Freya (Inactive)

Game Master Grimmy

Meanwhile, out on the town...

Samduc and Lannet end up at the other watering hole in town, a dilapidated and run down tavern called the Blessed Net. Carvings of fresh water bass adorn the walls. Lannet tells Sam that the place has no rooms for rent but it serves the better ale. The patrons are either dressed like fishermen, or in the flamboyant finery of the merchant elite, but worn out and of an outdated style.

Damien hardly seems happy about it but he nods to Vhillish to make the exchange all the same, "Morning it is then."

Janna seemed to be caught in between two situations, one she had no jurisdiction with, the other, well would most likely involve her eventually.

Janna hurriedly heads after the Halfling's not really interfering, unless the situation would warrant, but to keep an eye on the two.

25 gold reasons to secure the Captain's compliance!

Vhillish nods, his moustache twitching as he transfers coin into a pouch to the tune of 25 gold sails.

The Serjeant-Depute grips the pouch and extends a hand to seal the bargain;

"Pleasure sah. Done deal, but be sure the deep gnome is placed in our priest's custody as arranged."

The diminutive veteran holds the Captain's grip for slightly longer than necessary - meeting his eyes with a steely gaze.

The captain tugs the coin purse from Vhillish's hand.

"Those trollops across the street are nosey.." he mutters by way of explanation. But Vhillish sees in his eyes that he is a little intimidated by the deputies forceful stare.

The captain leaves and soon the party is reunited at the Wagon's Wheel..

Lannet chatters with Janna as they walk back from the Blessed Net.

"You should have seen Samduc! He has a tongue of silver, he had everyone at the bar spilling all their deepest secrets! We should stay here and forget that old keep. We could uncover the corruption in this town and put both taverns out of business selling fresh catch! I've spied on Glarian in the kitchen at the Cockatrice back in Fairhill, I think I know a winner of a recipe!"

Together now at the inn the party looks forward to bedding down for their first night spent in-doors in four days.

Vhillish, the captain actually said for Leoven to go to the front door of the Guardhouse, and for you to come around the back at the same time and meet him there to receive Jerrid.

If there isn't anything else you want to do tonight everyone can rest.

Maybe you want to RP your tavern talk.

After that.. When dawn comes what do you do?

Not so fast :P

Now back at the tavern, Damien orders an ale but the drink remains untouched in front of him. Once everyone has gathered he looks around the table, "Right, looks at though Lannet was correct on the caliber of the locals. I wouldn't trust their "captain" as far as I can throw the prick. No prisoner transfer requires this much secrecy. Just you and Leo in the morning Deputy? Tell me that doesn't stink a mile off?"

He looks at Sam and Lannet, "You two, pick up any useful rumors? If not, I want you both back out there. We need information on the captain and whoever he reports to in this shithole."

He locks Sam's gaze with his own, "You up for a challenge, son? I want you to check out the guard house tonight. Just scouting but we need to know if Jerrid really is there or not? If so, maybe even get a few words about his situation out of him? I'm not sending anyone over there on faith."

Sam laughs. "Tell me what your great military brains found out."

When he hears he adds:"We have Intel to gather that encompasses more than how much big your guard buddies are skimming. And pay the bribe and be done with it and stop telling me how to do things you don't have a clue about. We will follow the money after the payoff! Don't screw up the payoff you agreed to!!"

Sam, just a quick note, they did already pay the bribe.

I know they did. But Damien's instructions are make less sense if the bribe was already paid to Sam. I am assuming in the quick recap he wasn't told about the payoff in detil.

I know they did. But Damien's instructions are make less sense if the bribe was already paid to Sam. I am assuming in the quick recap he wasn't told about the payoff in detil. I mean every part of the instructions called for discretion.

Damien glares at Sam, "I don't give two shits about the money. I could care less about some shady guard shaking me down for a handful of gold, cost of operating in a place like this. I care about making sure the Deputy and Leo don't get disappeared come the morning. Even in a place like this, no guard captain treats a simple prisoner release with the same precautions some shady street gang would."

He looks around at the others gathered, "I'll be the first one to say this might turn out to be nothing...but I'm damn sure not prepared to chance it. I've already lived longer than I have a right to by trusting my gut and I'm not about to stop now."

His eyes move back to Sam, "If you're not about to lift a finger to ensure things go as planned that's your call but I'm going to make certain we all leave here tomorrow."

"It does seem suspicious. I'll see what I can find out."

Lannet heads out to snoop on the Guardtower.

Stealth (no cloak): 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (5) + 10 = 15

Meanwhile at the guardhouse...

Captain Corius Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (14) + 2 = 16

Sam laughs:
"So if you haven't figured out, I have had some experience with those of a criminal nature. I am TRYING to make sure we all get out of here. When you order stupid things without taking input, you risk everyone's lives. So do what I tell you, and see if the exchange works, don't put the guards on edge by spying on them till we have Jerrid, and everything will go fine."

Sam goes out to gather information indirectly on the guards and how the operate from others. He heads to his new favorite inn with about five gold from the party fund to spread around.

Sam finds that things are quieting down at the Blessed Net as the hour draws late. All he hears about the guards from the few people left out on the town is that they are somewhat corrupt and prone to accept bribes.

Lannet sees Captain Corius heading over to the guardhouse, stopping just outside to uncork a liquor flask and give it a sniff. The captain notices him however and gives him a glare, so Lannet returns to report to Damien without snooping around any further.

Good thing Lannet was off with Sam when the party met Captain Corius, or he would have been recognized just now.

Damien shakes his head as Lannet reports back with little to show for his efforts, "Well at least you can say you made the effort."

Looking at his leg, a disgusted look passes across the half-elf's face, "I'm certainly in no condition to go. Hel's teats! We'll just have to roll with it I suppose. Everyone get some sleep. We'll meet a little before dawn and prep. I'm damn sure not sending the two of you in there without backup close by."

DMG, can Lannet give me some basic info about the guard house? How large is the building? Multiple floors? How far away are the nearest buildings to it?

It's just past the docks, so it's got the docks on the right side of it, and a warehouse on the left side after a short alley.

The guardhouse is a squat single story building with a flat roof, and the warehouse next to it is much taller.

Across the street is two-story residences with peaked roofs, very poor conditions, and a building with some sort of steeple with chipped white paint. Something "official looking" as Lannet recalls. But apparently not in frequent use.

It has been a very long time since Janna enjoyed a tavern night. brings back old memories.

As the others did their thing Janna enjoyed a relaxing evening in Wagon's Wheel Tavern, it was some time to unwind after dealing with her two military minded companions.

despite having outgrown much of the interests as a youth there are times when janna cannot help herself, at least to see if she still has the touch like she did as a kid.

snag a purse: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17

Janna mingles a bit learning a bit of the local clientele and looking to gain some coin in the process.

yes Janna was a street urchin in the past.

With Sam away gathering information, Damien turns to the Deputy after Lannet gives what info he has, "Well, chances are the warehouse isn't going to be seeing a lot of use these days...ah it's not worth the risk. What about the back side? Nothing Lannet...about time you cut back on the pints. Well Deputy, you've still two working legs under you, up for a little recon?"

As Kevezyat walked with the others towards Crimmor, she was quiet, her mind occupied with the mystery of the second wizard.

Approaching the village, hearing Lannet's belated description of the character of the inhabitants, Kevezyat gives the halfling a sidelong look, but takes a deep breath, resolving to refrain from burning the village to ashes until a full accounting is gained.

Entering the village, she sees that rather than a den of ill-repute , it is a town oppressed. Cowed and timorous villagers avert their gaze from the puffed-up guardsmen, obvious thugs and criminals walk openly.

She regards the prostitutes on the corner with compassion, they recoiling both from her race as much as the goodwill in her eyes, so used are they to being used and downtrodden.

With a sigh, Kevezyat remembers a lesson early in her tutelage in the rights and responsibilities of becoming one of Freya's Chosen: One cannot eradicate all evil one sees, often a greater evil may need to be allowed to persist, in order to do a small amount of good. The greater evil will, as it often does, consume itself or remain to be expunge at a more felicitous occasion.

The powers oppressing this town would have to wait, Jerrid's freedom was first priority, then her vow to Janna.

At the tavern, Kevezyat says to the others "I am ill equipped for all of this skullduggery, being of training and inclination one of action. However, I do have some abilities that may be of use: summoning darkness being one of them. "

She turns to Damien, "Forgive me, Damien, for not offering earlier. Freya grants me some limited power to heal, if you wish...."

Use Kevezyat as you will in the effort to get Jerrid out, such as SLA darkness, Lay on Hands etc...
Welcome back, Jerrid!!
As I said earlier, posting will be sporadic for another week..."

Vhillish nods;

"Am indeed sah. Spot of reconnoitring would just be the ticket..."

The gnome gears up ready to properly check the area where the hand-over is to take place. He adds two flasks of Alchemists Fire to his gear as he checks the workings of his arbalest.

"Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. Lesson for you all whot!"

Damien nods to the Deputy as he prepares to set out, "Just keep your head low. Just need to get an eyeball on the nearby cover. Somewhere we can hole up without attracting notice while you and Leo pick up our little runt."

Nice to see you checking in Kev!

With Vhillish on the way out, he nods appreciatively to the Paladin, "The itching is starting to get to me..."

With you being so spotty I imagine it's easier if I make a couple rolls on your behalf :)

Lay on Hands: 3d6 ⇒ (3, 2, 5) = 10

Damien lets out a small sigh as Kevezyat tends to him. Blinking, he unwinds the bandages on his leg, running a hand over the newly knitted flesh, muttering to himself, "Swear it itches worse now..."

"Right you are sah!"

Vhillish salutes and double-times it out to complete the recon. Once close to the location he unshoulders his arbalest and moves far more carefully taking in the area's qualities and pitfalls in equal measure.

How you want Vhillish to do this DMG - Stealth and Perception checks? Profession (Soldier) to assess tactical elements etc?

How you want Vhillish to do this DMG - Stealth and Perception checks? Profession (Soldier) to assess tactical elements etc?

Precisely, Deputy ;) I'll roll those for you and resolve them myself while I'm here.

Vhillish:
Stealth: 1d20 + 12 ⇒ (14) + 12 = 26
Perception: 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (15) + 8 = 23
Profession: Soldier: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (2) + 7 = 9

Guardhouse:
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (5) + 2 = 7
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Perception: 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (16) + 2 = 18
Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (11) + 7 = 18

There's a small lot in the back (where Vhillish is to meet captain Corius) and at the back of the lot is the lake shore, which has a swampy bank of tall reeds.

The room which must contain the cells is in the back (windowless), and the other rooms are a reception area in the front (where the captain has instructed Leoven to go), an office in the back adjoining the room with the cells, an armory, and a break room.

The captain does not seem to be at the guardhouse when Vhillish is there, and the candle is snuffed in the office. The three young guards are taking turns, one watching the prisoner, the other two lying down in the break room complaining of a belly-ache. "Did that drink the Captain gave us taste funny to you? Wish we could just go home sick like Wistus did. Did you hear him puking in the office after the captain poured him a night-cap from his flask?"

Vhillish arrives back at the Wagon's Wheel with a more clear picture in mind of the site where the prisoner exchange will occur in the morning at dawn.

Vhillish reports his scematical findings and his other thoughts;

... and in addition it seems the 'good' Captain has slipped his men a Mickey Finn whot? Likely will just set their guts a-churning... but means they'll be out of the loop when we make the exchange. Points to the Captain being on the level..."

Damien shakes his head at the Deputy's news, "Poisoned his damn men? Certainly inspires confidence...Those reeds down by the shore sound like our best bet. I should be able to make them seem thick enough to hide even the Lady Faen. We'll slip into position just ahead of the dawn."

He looks at both Vhillish and Leovan with a somber expression, "You'll have the backup if you need it, my word on it."

"Now lets, get to our rooms. Lot to do in the morning."

Halfway up the stairs he stops and sighs, "Damn my sense of propriety...we should rotate someone to keep an eye on the guards. It's a little early to be incapacitating them for the morning. We'll just keep an eye on the front, make sure it stays quiet like."

"As it's my brilliant plan, I imagine I'll take the first shift...", with another sigh, Damien heads to the door and slips out into the night. Taking up position a ways back from the guard building but with a clear line of sight to the front entrance, Damien settles in for a chilly couple hours.

When Damien gets past the docks, he sees the steepled building with the white chipped paint across the street from the guardhouse as Lannet described. It looks like a town meetinghouse that hasn't been used in some time.

The street is quiet and empty. There is an alley beside the meetinghouse which provides Damien with a good view.

No one comes or goes from the guardhouse as Damien watches.

Back at the Wagon's Wheel...

The hours pass peacefully without incident. The rooms are surprisingly comfortable.

After a couple bells, Damien rouses himself from the Alley and makes his way back to the Wagon Wheel. Quietly waking Kevezyat to take over his shift. Describing the alley he used, Damien waves the drow a tired farewell, "Grab the Deputy in a couple hours..."

He then finds his own bed and drops hard onto it, immediately out for the remainder of the night.

Kevezyat nods resolutely, patting the shoulder of her companion.

"I shall wake the Deputy when it is time for us all to rise. Freya's Grace will allow me to shake off any fatigue I may suffer from the loss of sleep. See you just before dawn, my friend."

Four hours later, Kevezyat has returned and is rousing the rest of the companions, even as Janna's rooster figurine begins to crow.

Haven't seen a post from Leoven in gameplay since Tues, he may be still traveling. He mentioned in discussion he would prep 2x lesser restoration for Damien, so we can presume he prepped those yesterday at noon. I will roll them for him if he doesn't turn up soon.

Scrubbing his eyes, Damien nods appreciatively to the Paladin as she returns, "All quiet then? Good."

"Right you lot, grab your gear, we're out the door in five. Still dark out there Kev? Might be the ideal time to use your darkness to help us slip into the reeds without notice. Not that I expect many people out and about just yet."

He looks to Leo and Vhillish, "Right, should be shortly, give us twenty min the head over. Here..."

Touching the pair of them on the arm, Damien makes short bird call, turning away, he whispers under his breath, his words arriving clear in both their ears as though he was only an inch away, "This should keep us in contact, just let us know if things take a turn. Don't dawdle though, it won't last forever."

Nodding to the others, he heads out into the pre-dawn haze. Taking a circuitous route, he leads the party out to the edge of Crimmor and then along the shore to the reeds Vhillish scouted in order to limit their chance of being noticed by anyone.

Provided they make it without complications, Damien waits until everyone has found a solid hiding spot before settling himself and weaving a simple incantation, adds several rows of additional reeds in front of them as well as making those already there seem thicker, obscuring the party further. Brushing away a midge, Damien waits as the sun begins to breach the sky and waits for Vhillish to arrive at the lot.

Sorry for pushing things along so fast, just want to get us rolling again as I've been the one holding us up for the most part.

Works for me, now we're back on track.

I never saw it as a hold up btw, felt like good gaming from my side of the screen ;)

Hope you all are having fun too.

No need to be concerned about me, not going anywhere soon.

Ok so dawn is here. Leoven has been instructed to arrive at the front of the guardhouse, and Vhillish has been instructed to go around the back.

Leoven and Vhillish can communicate with Damien via message.

Is everyone on board with the plan?

Who is going with Damien to watch the prisoner exchange from the tall reeds?

Time to get Jerrid back from the criminals of Crimmor!

based on what I read so far, everyone is in the reeds except those involved in the exchange

That's most likely but if anyone wanted to opt out now would be the time. I moved us forward but there's no reason you couldn't post refusing to go with Damien if you were so inclined.

no its fine, now that i see what i missed, besides someone needs to bail you out of trouble...

Sam waits in the hide with his small light crossbow.

I had thought to upgrade equipment, but that can wait.

Cool, I'll wait here for a roll call so we know everyone's caught up on all the posting. I can vouch for Kevezyat and Lannet though, they are in the reeds with Damien ready for trouble.

Vhillish dutifully double times it to the guardhouse, to allow both Damien's magicks to remain in effect and not to allow the longshanks to get too far ahead of him.

At the appointed time, at the appointed place the veteran waits, arbalest shouldered, by hand idly leaning on the pommel of his rapier lest the deal do sour.

The veteran looks at the young priest and nods, satisfied of his mettle and fortitude before whispering:

"Let's go collect ourselves a deep gnome then whot?"

Ready for the exchange :)

Hang in there!