☠ Season of Ghosts w/ DM rainzax ☠

Game Master rainzax

Complex Rescue Mission at the Lumber Camp (Parts B and C)

Map Updated!

The camp is pretty well patrolled - with the primary activities in roughly three different areas: the Guard Tower (and surrounding buildings), both Entrances, and the Warehouse (both entrances as well). (Each Red "Noperra-Bo" Token represents about 2-5 mixed Captains [3], Lieutenants [1], and Grunts [0] at any given time)

Concentrated in the Warehouse, and corralled into the center of it and bound together with a net rope, are the prisoners - less than a dozen in total - with each of the eastern and western entrances guarded by moving patrols. (Prisoners in Light Blue - including Midori) They look only slightly underfed, or perhaps the stress of kidnapping has taken it's toll. In any case, they are quiet, do not plea, and generally look terrified but resigned. There is no evidence of premature murder that is out in the open. Presumably, they are to be kept "healthy" for the ritual...

Strangely enough, the wood stake piles outside are the least guarded areas of the entire compound, with perhaps "half" or less as much attention payed to them, despite their relative importance in the upcoming ceremony!

If the Party would like to shift their strategy to just eliminating the wood stake piles, GM will gladly drop the DCs of the entire Skill Challenge, but this would mean abandoning the prisoners at this time... something I am positive nobody will sign off on. Still, the option remains on the table until the dice drop.

After a brief discussion, the party decides if they will go ahead with their plan - and of course they will! - and so, they split into two groups: Encloaked Lan and his "fresh prisoners" in the front way, and Kazuki and others going up and over the back way!

Skill Challenge Link (Parts B and C)

To Do:
1) Place your Token.
2) Roll your First Check!
3) Hold Off on rolling second and third checks until everyone has gone.
4) We will repeat steps 1-3 for second checks; and finally for third checks.
5) If you are going to use a Hero Point, you must decide before rolling subsequent checks!

Reminder: As you will have to choose from among the Objectives which take precedence over the others, it might help to begin discussing them once again!

Noppera-Bo Lore: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (16) + 5 = 21

After studying the Noppera-Bo, Lan understands a little more about their ritual, but it appears to be what others have already gathered.

Perhaps Lan should have realized this a long time ago, but his stomach churns as he realizes these sick, twisted rituals bear striking resemblence to the totally innocent rituals that he performs at his secret altar to Fumeiyoshi. Perhaps secretly worshipping an evil god is not so great of an idea?

Lan debates whether he should melt down his cold iron idol and maybe do something useful with the material, when he get the chance.

---

Regarding eliminating the wood piles, it probably wouldn't take long to set them on fire and run off, but it would put everyone on high alert, which is probably the opposite of what we want to be doing at this point. If we do secure the prisoners, or if we need a distraction, it's worth considering as a backup plan.

---

Who is pretending to be Lan's prisoner? Lan will tie the prisoners' hands loosely, making sure they can release themselves, and approaches the eastern gate. He boldly requests to be allowed in.

Rolling first and roleplaying the result. Will Hero Point a Failure or worse, so, nat 6 or lower.
Deception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (15) + 11 = 26

"I have a few more to replace the ones you so carelessly lost," Lan sneers. "You owe me, expect me to ask for something big in return for saving your lives."

The guards look upon the strange faceless one, and speak "You must be a Rover, then. Although we do not need additional bodies, we will take them"

They begin to scrutinize the "prisoners"...

To Lan's "prisoners": What are you wearing? Where are your weapons? Armor?... this will affect the DC of Lan's Lie!

Earlier, Auntie Wu had switched her layers around so her leather armor would be hidden underneath her tunic, which she had scuffed and dragged along the ground and spat reddish flayleaf juice onto to look like she'd been beaten and dragged. Similar dirt streaks adorn her skin, and it wasn't hard to summon tears to run tracks through the dirt on her face. The armor chafes and feels sweatier than ever without a layer of cloth between it and her skin. She'd also given her pack to one of the guys (Sigurd?) and instructed Mogu to hitch a ride on one of them, since no captor would've let her keep either of them with her. Besides the clothes on her back and the rope on her arms, the only thing she carries is a short, blunt section of a thin-ish mossy stick stuck in her disheveled hair.

As soon as Lan begins leading her toward the entrance, Auntie Wu, wrists bound in a complicated-looking but easily-undone slip knot, does her best to look empty with despair, as though she has no fight left in her.

Deception, Base DC 18: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Vekka decides to be Lan's last fake prisoner. He gets to work hiding his weapon and making his armor non-obvious, receding into his mass of feathers somehow.

Stealth: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (16) + 7 = 23

After he silently nods to Lan to lead them to the front gate. Vekka looks down for the most part as he is walked along. He keeps his wide hat pulled relatively low.

Sigurd sheathes his weapons and begins to climb up the walls towards the warehouse.

Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Careful. Careful. Did someone cover the wood with oil? It's so difficult to find a grip.

There is a distant sound - a clang of metal against wood - the Noppera-Bo guards nearly look - but the dissheveled looking Auntie Wu and Vekka distracts him.

"Grab that one's backpack, and take both their armor" he point to the latter "Throw it in the pile"

One of the grunts cuts Vekka's backpack at the straps, then strips the tengu and halfling of their armor, and missing the katana altogether somehow (!), carries everything else over to the Treasury, and quickly returns.

Vekka and Auntie Wu - please adjust your AC for the time being!

Sigurd (or Kazuki?) has Auntie Wu's backpack (and stuff)

Sigurd scrapes against the wall - a patrol passes by after this first attempt, nearly spotting him, if it weren't for the commotion at the front gate...

...Kazuki, meanwhile...

With Mogu perched with a solid grip on his shoulder, Kazuki gives a nod to Sigurd and Mogu, signaling that he's ready.
"Don't make a peep, Mogu. We need to be quiet."
Determined, he begins scaling the wall of wooden posts...
Athletics (T) to climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

Hero point!
Athletics (T) to climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (9) + 6 = 15

Wait. Can I retract that hero point? I just discovered a failure at climbing just means no progress, not a fall.

Sigurd and Kazuki take their time coming over the wall... seems the distractions at the front gate attracts curious onlookers... fortunately, their timing is lucky, and their friends are con artists...

Current Party Progress (Round One): ⭐⭐⭐⭐

...They continue their approach inside the camp!

To Do:
1) Place your Token.
2) Roll your Second Check!
3) Hold Off on rolling the third check until everyone has gone.
4) We will repeat steps 1-3 for third checks.
5) If you are going to use a Hero Point, you must decide before rolling subsequent checks!

"Why did you not remove their armor?" the suspicious Noperra-Bo grunt asks Lan "Perhaps it was too difficult to watch two at one time. Are you alone? Where are the rest of the Rovers?"

Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19

Finally, Sigurd makes some progress up the wall. He holds onto Auntie Wu's backpack - she will need it.

"There's just no good hand holds on this section." he whispers in frustration to Sigurd.
Making no progress up the wall along with Sigurd, Kazuki continues his attempt...
Athletics (T) to climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23

As her armor is stripped, leaving her just in her skivvies, Auntie Wu begins trembling and weeping. It isn't hard to summon the reaction; she truly feels more vulnerable and frightened now than she had moments ago. She hopes that, at the very least, the sound of her cries will distract the guards from noticing Kazuki and Sigurd climbing their wall.

Deception, base DC 18: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
Hero Point, Deception, base DC 18: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16
Shucks.

Vekka and Auntie Wu - please adjust your AC for the time being!

Done. Do they confiscate his circle of spell drums as well?

Vekka is caught off guard when his back is cut at the straps. His anxiety heightens greatly when they start to undo his armor.

They have to see the sword, going this deep?

He might look a little shell-shocked that by the time they are done. He stares straight ahead wondering if they noticed the blade. He exhales softly when one of them walks away with his pack, armor and presumably his spell drum.

All he can do is attempt to support Aunti-Wu's ruse. He makes as if to comfort her.

DC18 Deception: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (10) + 1 = 11

If a hero point is thrown Vekka's way, I'll put out another roll.

Kazuki and Sigurd get up and over the Wall, seizing the opportune moment of distraction, while...

You two go ahead and place your Tokens in the place you would like to end the Skill Challenge (awaiting the consequences of it's ultimate success / failure and Objectives chosen)!

...the guards eyeball Auntie Wu and Vekka suspiciously... then turn their attention to a (disguised) Lan...

Current Party Progress (Round Two, pending Lan): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, ⭐

"I don't like the looks of that one" one guard says, looking at Vekka.

"Why is this one crying?" another says, looking at Auntie Wu.

"Maybe we should sacrifice them first" a third adds helpfully.

It seems, at least for time being, they tentatively accept the situation for what it appears to be...

Once Lan has gone, go ahead Everyone and proceed to Third and Final checks!

Deception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (19) + 11 = 30
Will reroll a Failure or Crit Failure.

"Where are the rest of the Rovers?"

"This one," he points at Auntie Wu. "This one killed them. She has arcane powers, so don't touch her wrist bonds. Fortunately, some of us are stronger than others."

Lan isn't tall by any standard, but he tries to project the confidence of someone much taller.

"Why is this one crying?" another says, looking at Auntie Wu.

"They are weak," Lan says, choking back a lump in his own throat. "They make wailing sounds when they are powerless. It is a symphony of agony, and a wonderful chorus of lamentation. Is there another who cries in the same manner, perhaps a small child? I will put them together so they can bawl in concert."

"Maybe we should sacrifice them first" a third adds helpfully.

"And end the music? They will cry even harder when they watch the others die."

Athletics: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (14) + 7 = 21
Will Reroll on a crit failure.

Sigurd finds more hand holds in the wooden wall. Perhaps someone is guiding his hand. He recalls stories of Lillends, hiding in plain sight, finding indirect ways to advise and communicate with would-be heroes.

Hearing Lan, one grunt suddenly brooks wide space around Auntie Wu, and another who had been about to inspect her bonds suddenly stands down too.

"She is a witch?" the helpful third inquires. The second nods in the affirmative. Hearing the commotion from afar, an Arcane or Occult?: 1d6 ⇒ 6 Occult Noppera-Bo Captain comes over, studies Auntie Wu for a moment, then takes her face, his own blank features now an immaculate copy of the druid's, down to her scraggly and tangled hair.

"Now I have her Power" he brags "We will channel this Witch for the Ritual - this should please Zoudou"

The others seem to agree.

The grunt says to Lan "Okay, you may place them with the others. But then: Be gone, Rover! Your ways only lead to nothing. You will never know the Paradise that lies Beyond if you don't Pray!"

Meanwhile, across camp, Sigurd lands and helps Kazuki scale down the last ten feet, carefully avoiding the spikes. Mogu pops out of his (borrowed) backpack to look around, then pops back in.

The party is IN!

Current Party Progress (Round Three, pending everyone but Sigurd): ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐, ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Go ahead and make Final Rolls and Final Map Token Placements!

Skill Challenge Link

Kazuki's plan was to get on the roof of the warehouse.

At the top of the wall of posts, Kazuki reaches across the small gap to the corner of the building's roof and pulls himself onto the roof.
Athletics (T) to climb: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

At the sight of the Noperra-Bo Captain taking her face, Auntie Wu's wails cut short for a brief moment. Icy chills run through her veins. What if Kazuki and Sigurd think it's her? Or what if that captain taunts Midori with her face? Terror lends volume to her voice as she begins shrieking: "He took my face! He took my face! He took my face!" She repeats those words as if she's stuck in a panic loop for about half a minute before she begins winding back down into indistinct weeping.

I don't know if this would count as Deception or Diplomacy. She's definitely sincere in her reaction, so Diplomacy could work. The only deceptive thing about this is that she's trying to inform the others of this new development without making it obvious. Her bonus is the same either way, but the DC might be different. GM rules on which skill applies:

Deception or Diplomacy, Base DC 18: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Kazuki gets into position - all the climbing is beginning to tire him - he tweaks his ankle on his way up the Warehouse. (Miss by 1)

Auntie Wu shrieks out - all the Noppera-Bo look at her again, once again suspicious! (Miss by 1)

Lan and Vekka left - and Kazuki's Special Hero Point!

Deception: 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (12) + 11 = 23
Will reroll a Failure or Crit Failure.

The grunt says to Lan "Okay, you may place them with the others. But then: Be gone, Rover! Your ways only lead to nothing. You will never know the Paradise that lies Beyond if you don't Pray!"

"Not all of us Rovers scoff at the Paradise. But we will do our duty and wait for Zoudou's instructions."

Added Lan's +1s but it did not shift any success tiers

"Ah!" the Occultist Noperra-Bo Captain butts into the conversation - Lan is creepily presented with the face of Auntie Wu, who says to him "So, you've decided that you'd like to become a Prayer then? Won't your betrayal draw the ire of Mugirou? Shall we see what Mugirou thinks about your new allegiance with Zoudou?"

He begins walking towards the Warehouse excitedly, and looking back "Well, are you coming? Quickly now, bring the sacrifices!"

The warehouse-like building stands taller than the fences of the camp. Within, a makeshift wooden cage, apparently crafted from parts scavenged from large saws and nets and other lumber work tools, sits before a haphazard throne made from a large root burl that’s nearly five feet tall. Inside the cage, Midori and less than half-a-dozen other recognizable Willowshore citizens are trapped, slightly malnourished and dirty, as if fed half-rations for a day or two. Midori, upon seeing "Auntie Wu" come inside, immediately runs for the cage bars and calls out her grandmother's name!

Map Updated - check out Slides #1 to #3!

Ahead, upon the throne, Mugirou, the leader of the Rovers, slouches on his wooden throne brooding, while a few Noppera-Bo grunts pester and mock prisoners held inside the cage. He looks up and says "The ones we have are too young. Will not suffice. We need..."

...Awaiting Vekka's final roll, Kazuki's final Special Hero Point, and Real Auntie Wu and Vekka's final Token Placements!

Re: token placements, I presume we're more or less to follow Lan's lead, correct? Are our movements not being tightly controlled as "prisoners"? Anyway, placed!

As far as Vekka can tell, things are not going well and he sense they continue to be suspicious of him. He attempts to shift his feathers just so that he looks more disheveled and even less likely to fight back.

Crafting: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (6) + 7 = 13

Please dice...

The disguise Vekka had made earlier starts to slip as he sweats - he nearly exposes his katana!

Awaiting Kazuki's Final Hero Point for Lan, Auntie Wu, or Vekka! How did your earlier Scout Mission prepare the group for this moment!?

While we wait...

Auntie Wu - having your Face Stolen has some potentially devastating rider effects.

Please roll a DC 18 Fortitude save with the Curse, Incapacitation and Polymorph traits!

Fortitude, DC 18: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (18) + 9 = 27

I'm waiting to roleplay her entrance/seeing Midori until we get going again.

Battling Mugirou to Free Midori!

Mugirou (Red) to Initiative (Perception): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14
Noppera-Bo Occultist (Pink) w/ Auntie Wu Face to Initiative (Perception): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (8) + 8 = 16
Noperra-Bo Trickster (Green) to Initiative (Perception): 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 23
Noppera-Bo Grunt (Orange) to Initiative (Perception): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (15) + 4 = 19
Noppera-Bo Grunt (Yellow) to Initiative (Perception): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (2) + 4 = 6
Noppera-Bo Grunt (Blue) to Initiative (Perception): 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (12) + 4 = 16

Players - please roll your choice between flat Deception, Perception, or Stealth for Initiative!

...Lan is able to make an excuse to stop by the Treasury (perhaps to "deposit any additional items"...) while Auntie Wu and Vekka recover their confiscated goods and don their armor before quickly coming back outside to enter the Warehouse. Kazuki climbs to the building across the way giving him a clear shot at everything inside while Sigurd waits patiently behind the back door listening...

Ahead, upon the throne, Mugirou, the leader of the Rovers, slouches on his wooden throne brooding, while a few Noppera-Bo grunts pester and mock prisoners held inside the cage. He looks up and says "The ones we have are too young. Will not suffice. We need..."

He looks ahead to register the new prisoners: YOU!

"...Old Faces!" Mugirou finishes, excitedly "Place them in the Cage!"

At the very same moment, Midori beckons for the Noppera-Bo Occultist (with Auntie Wu's face!) to rescue her "Please! Please granny!! Please take me home!!!" which causes the perverted creature to smile cunningly - it responds "Don't worry dear. Granny will take care of you!"

Auntie Wu, for anticipating this earlier, I will grant you a +1 circumstance bonus to "Lie" to Midori (using Deception or Diplomacy, your choice) - you and the Occultist are in a "mini-battle" to convince Midori who the "real" Auntie Wu is! - this will cost you both an action (◆) for each attempt - the highest most recent check gains her allegiance (until it is subsequently beaten, etc)!

But the party makes their move, gaining the advantage of surprise!

For succeeding at the Skill Challenge, as part of rolling initiative, you may each make a single (◆) non-attack non-skill action (such as drawing a weapon, choosing a hunted prey, opening a door, striding once, etc), acting before the initiative order!

➤➤➤➤➤

BATTLING MUGIROU TO FREE MIDORI

Midori's current allegiance: neither
Special Placements: Sigurd is at door @ Interact (◆, w/ free hand) to open, Kazuki is on the roof (+15ft up) of adjacent building
Wooden Cage: Break (◆◆) w/ Athletics (DC ??), Disable (◆◆) w/ Thievery (DC ??), or, Attack (◆) vs AC ?? w/ Hardness ?? and Break Threshold ??
Emergency Exit: Interact (◆) w/ free hand to open one, or two-free hands to open two (must be adjacent to door or doors)
Picking up Midori (after Cage is compromised): Interact (◆) to lift (need free hand), and she is 2 Bulk (if willing) or 4 Bulk (if unwilling)

Reminder: This encounter ends when Midori is off the Map!

Green Trickster (AC 16) @ 23
Orange Grunt (AC 15) @ 19
Blue Grunt (AC 15) @ 16
Pink Occultist (AC 17) @ 16
Red "Mugirou" (AC 20) @ 14
Yellow Grunt (AC 15) @ 6
Lair @ 0

Auntie Wu @ ??
Kazuki @ ??
Lan @ ??
Sigurd @ ??
Vekka @ ??

➤➤➤➤➤

The Party (w/ pre-Initiative ◆) is Up!

Perception: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (1) + 7 = 8

Sigurd continues to watch the warehouse before he looks up and signals to Kazuki. It's now or never.

...and yet he hesitates!

Ugly Cute to Initiative (Athletics): 1d20 + 13 ⇒ (10) + 13 = 23

...off in the distance - perhaps a few buildings over - the party hears a loud CRASH of stone splintering wood...

Kazuki turns toward the startling crashing sound of stone splintering wood...
Perception, Incred. Init., Season Boon: 1d20 + 9 + 2 + 1 ⇒ (7) + 9 + 2 + 1 = 19

If he can see a creature making the crashing sound, he quickly marks it as his prey!

Sigurd quickly opens the door, but the sound of splintered wood ruins his initiative.

You momentarily (for 1 round, which has elapsed) lose your entire face, unable to see, smell, hear, talk, or even breathe!

But something inside of you wells up, and after a moment of panic, you regain your face...

Minor retcon: Auntie Wu's screaming about her face being stolen occurs as soon as her face returns.

At the very same moment, Midori beckons for the Noppera-Bo Occultist (with Auntie Wu's face!) to rescue her "Please! Please granny!! Please take me home!!!" which causes the perverted creature to smile cunningly - it responds "Don't worry dear. Granny will take care of you!"

Auntie Wu, for anticipating this earlier, I will grant you a +1 circumstance bonus to "Lie" to Midori (using Deception or Diplomacy, your choice) - you and the Occultist are in a "mini-battle" to convince Midori who the "real" Auntie Wu is! - this will cost you both an action (◆) for each attempt - the highest most recent check gains her allegiance (until it is subsequently beaten, etc)!

OH NO YOU DON'T! There is no way on the gods' green earth that Auntie Wu is going to let that uncanny captain manipulate her granddaughter that way. "Midori! These creatures are face-stealers! I am your grandma. Remember the last time I visited your house, before the festival? Your Daddy Lao made soup dumplings, and yours squirted in my eye. Remember?"

◆ Diplomacy, +1 circumstance bonus: 1d20 + 6 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 6 + 1 = 26

The nearby crash barely registers; her entire being is focused on rescuing her granddaughter.

Arcana: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9

Lan throws the sky blue potion in his backpack and doeesn't have time to identify it.

---

Initiative (Deception): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (13) + 11 = 24

"Yes! Throw these two acceptable sacrifices into the cage!" Lan shouts to the grunts around the cage. "Open it up and let the child out!"

Lan's action will be to Stride towards the cage.

In the treasury...

Vekka quickly inspects the blue liquid before Lan stows it away.

DC19 Arcana: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (2) + 9 = 11

Yes, we will figure it out later he mutter before heading out.

--------------------
As Auntie Wu shouts her plea at Midori, Vekka figures

I think the "jig" is about up. This tea is about to boil over.

He instinctively reaches into the depths of his feathers where his katana is concealed and draws it in a flash. He suspects this may catch some of the nearby face-stealers off-guard.

Pre-init ◆ Interact: draw katana (one-handed grip)

Midori, she speaks true! Don't be fooled by that face-stealer! This is your grandma.

Vekka's talon points towards the Real Auntie Wu as he says this.

Initiative (Stealth): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (19) + 7 = 26

Then the nearby crash rings out...

Uh oh.

The tengu's eyes dart back and forth to spot the source.

Midori does an upset and confused double take "Gran---" then screams as a scary Noperra-Bo strides towards her cage - she falls to the floor and crumples herself into a little ball, hands covering her ears, hoping the entire EVERYTHING would just go away!

Kazuki Sato marks the Stone Spider Statue as his prey - then recognizes it for what it is! The "larger, heavier, many-legged creature" dubbed "Ugly Cute" by the townsfolk that Old Matsuki wants the party to track down!

Sigurd opens the door, Vekka draws his hidden katana, and Auntie Wu...

➤➤➤➤➤

BATTLING MUGIROU TO FREE MIDORI

Midori's current allegiance: neither
Terrain: Wooden Cage is an Obstacle, Mugirou’s Throne is Difficult Terrain
Special Placements: Sigurd is at door @ Interact (◆, w/ free hand) to open, Kazuki is on the roof (+15ft up) of adjacent building
Wooden Cage: Break (◆◆) w/ Athletics (DC ??), Disable (◆◆) w/ Thievery (DC ??), or, Attack (◆) vs AC ?? w/ Hardness ?? and Break Threshold ??
Emergency Exit: Interact (◆) w/ free hand to open one, or two-free hands to open two (must be adjacent to door or doors)
Picking up Midori (after Cage is compromised): Interact (◆) to lift (need free hand), and she is 2 Bulk (if willing) or 4 Bulk (if unwilling)

Reminder: This encounter ends when Midori is off the Map!

Vekka @ 26
Lan @ 24
Green Trickster (AC 16) @ 23
Ugly Cute @ 23
Orange Grunt (AC 15) @ 19
Kazuki @ 19
Auntie Wu @ 17
Blue Grunt (AC 15) @ 16
Pink Occultist (AC 17) @ 16
Red "Mugirou" (AC 20) @ 14
Sigurd @ 8
Yellow Grunt (AC 15) @ 6
Lair @ 0

➤➤➤➤➤

Aunte Wu (with ◆, see Discussion), and Vekka and Lan (w/ ◆◆◆ each) are Up!

The Yellow grunt regards Lan "Yes, sir" he dutifully responds, preparing to obey both his master and his higher rank superior - he begins fumbling for the keys on a key ring that has 2d6 ⇒ (4, 2) = 6 keys in total...

You may attempt to Steal his 6-key keyring if you are adjacent (DC = Reflex DC, but w/ -5 penalty if currently worn) or, if he perceives you as an ally Command he give them to you (but using Deception or Intimidation vs DC = Will DC)!

"You," Lan says, pointing at Yellow. "Give me the keys. I am the keymaster. Do you think you are the gatekeeper?"

◆ Deception (Command): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (16) + 11 = 27
I'm going to assume that Succeeds as post as if it did.

Lan ◆ Strides up to him and grabs the keyring out of his hand (◆ Interact).

Critical Success vs Will DC 14

"I do not, sir"

↺) Hands Lan the key ring

"Here you go, sir"

Lan, you now still have ◆ remaining!

With simple, even expedited obedience, the grunt hands Lan his Noppera-Bo Trickster Superior the key ring.

Lan looks down at the ring, and it dawns on him: Which of the six keys is it!?

Lan, you may Interact (◆) to try a key, but roll a 1d6. If you get a "1", you luckily select the right key. Else, you may keep trying again (◆ to Interact each time), but rolling 1d5, then 1d4, then 1d3... until you have either rolled a "1" or try five of the six keys... if you Interact and select the right key, you have opened the Wooden Cage!

"Don't just stand there!" barks Lan to Orange, on the far side of the cage, "Come over here and show me which key it is!"

Deception (Command): 1d20 + 11 ⇒ (9) + 11 = 20

Noting how quickly things are coming to a head, Auntie Wu grabs her shield.

Retcon: Pre-initiative action: ◆ Interact (draw shield)

Success vs Will DC 14

"Uh..." the Noppera-Bo bumbles "Let me show you, sir" he begins walking over...

...Auntie Wu slips her shield out...

Vekka!

Looking around to assess the current mix of friend and foe, Vekka beats one of his spell drums and it causes his katana to glow softly. After he lunges at the face-stealer in front of him and Auntie Wu.

◆◆ Cast a spell: Runic Weapon on katana
◆ Strike PINK: +1 katana attack, S damage, deadly damage IFF crit: 1d20 + 10 ⇒ (14) + 10 = 242d6 + 4 ⇒ (2, 5) + 4 = 112d8 ⇒ (4, 7) = 11

Vekka strikes first! (11 damage) His glowing katana gashing the Imposter Auntie Wu across "her" left eye!

"Kill that prisoner!" Mugirou yells from across the way.

Green Trickster obeys, moving behind the magic drum-beating tengu, and backstabbing him brutally!

Green Trickster
◆) Stride
◆◆) Strike x2 w/ Sneak Attack!

Shortsword (P; agile) w/ Sneak Attack (1d4) vs Vekka (AC 17 / flanked): 1d20 + 8 ⇒ (18) + 8 = 261d6 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 51d4 ⇒ 1
Shortsword (P; agile) w/ Sneak Attack (1d4) w/ MAP (-4) vs Vekka (AC 17 / flanked): 1d20 + 8 - 4 ⇒ (5) + 8 - 4 = 91d6 + 1 ⇒ (5) + 1 = 61d4 ⇒ 2
5 damage

Orange Grunt obeys Lan, and coming over, says "Try this one... nope not that one sir... maybe this one?... no sorry sir, that one is not the key... maybe try this one, sir..." he squirms before Lan as if expecting corporeal punishment...

Orange Grunt
◆) Stride
◆) Interact 1d6 ⇒ 3
◆) Interact 1d5 ⇒ 2

Lan, ruling out 2 keys, you can now start with 1d4 trying to roll a "1" until you find the right key (marked "1d4" in combat tracker)!

➤➤➤➤➤

BATTLING MUGIROU TO FREE MIDORI

Midori's current allegiance: Auntie Wu
Terrain: Wooden Cage is an Obstacle, Mugirou’s Throne is Difficult Terrain
Special Placements: Sigurd is at door (currently open), Kazuki is on the roof (+15ft up) of adjacent building
Wooden Cage: Break (◆◆) w/ Athletics (DC ??), Disable (◆◆) w/ Thievery (DC ??), or, Attack (◆) vs AC ?? w/ Hardness ?? and Break Threshold ??
Key ring (Yellow Grunt): may Steal keys if adjacent (vs Reflex DC, but w/ -5 penalty if worn) or, if perceived as ally, Command he give them (Deception or Intimidation vs Will DC)!
Emergency Exit: Interact (◆) w/ free hand to open one, or two-free hands to open two (must be adjacent to door or doors)
Picking up Midori (after Cage is compromised): Interact (◆) to lift (need free hand), and she is 2 Bulk (if willing) or 4 Bulk (if unwilling)

Reminder: This encounter ends when Midori is off the Map!

Vekka @ -5 backstab
Lan w/ key ring (1d4)
Green Trickster (AC 16)
Ugly Cute
Orange Grunt (AC 15)
Kazuki
Auntie Wu
Blue Grunt (AC 15)
Pink Occultist (AC 17) @ -11 katana
Red "Mugirou" (AC 20)
Sigurd
Yellow Grunt (AC 15)
Lair @ 0

➤➤➤➤➤

Kazuki and Auntie Wu are Up!

A loud thumping comes closer and closer...

...the heavy THUD of many rapidly moving large stone slabs shaking the earth just outside the Warehouse...