Times are dire, with the Ragesian army on the march and about to unleash the Scourge on the mages of Gate Pass, and you are starting to wonder how to even get out of town alive. Fortunately your contact with the Resistance has set up a meeting for you, a meeting that is supposed to give you a free pass while throwing a monkey wrench in the machinations of Ragesia.
You are supposed to meet your contact, Torrent, at the Poison Apple Pub a little before midnight on New Year's Eve (the festivities in town are understandably muted, anyway, so there isn't much celebration going on), and to use the alley door.
The streets are fairly deserted, so you have no trouble making your way to the pub, which is situated in a poorer district about a mile from the western city wall, filled with slushcovered cobblestone streets and dark, snow-filled alleyways. It is a dark, still night, and the multistory buildings that you pass loom over you, lights out almost everywhere.
The pub is a two-story building attached by a rooftop bridge to a neighboring house. The door and windows are boarded up, and the curtains drawn. A notice has been posted on its door:
“Trehan Finner, owner of the Poison Apple Pub, has been taken into temporary custody under the protection of the city guard, until such time that he can be questioned by representatives of the Ragesian Empire, and found innocent of hostile collusion. The Poison Apple Pub is hereby closed until further notice.”
Ellantera moves up to the alley door for the Poisoned Apple and tries to open it. She's not a skulker, so she's not even trying to be stealthy, preferring to look like she's supposed to be doing just what she's doing.
The alley door is locked.
Meanwhile a man with a hat, staff and a pack approaches the front door and reads the note. "Oh, you have to be kidding me." The man then leans against the wall and waits, hoping he isn't the only person to show up.
"Why did I have to get involved with this? Really, I only came here to see if I could learn a few tips from the local school. Of course, Ragesia decided to just wipe all the mages here off the map, and I just had to help. I wish I didn't. Hey, I probably could of reached Dassen by now if I left when I first heard about this..."
The alley door is locked.
The slender woman considers the situation for a moment, then knocks lightly on the door - loud enough for someone listening within, hopefully not loud enough for someone down the alley to pinpoint. Three deliberate raps, then steps back.
What's the lighting situation in the alley?
The slender woman considers the situation for a moment, then knocks lightly on the door - loud enough for someone listening within, hopefully not loud enough for someone down the alley to pinpoint. Three deliberate raps, then steps back.
After a few moments the door opens a crack and a tall, fair woman looks out. After making sure that the coast is clear, she opens the door and beckons you in.
"Thanks for coming," she says, gesturing casually to a table where she has set up a lamp, a map, several mugs, and asmall keg of beer. "Have a drink. Just because we’re about to go to war doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the new year."
The young woman is as tall and strong as the typical warrior, with tanned skin and short white hair. A holy symbol to Cayden Cailean is tied to her wrist with a leather cord. Her demeanor is smooth but forceful.
The darkened pub is mostly empty now, its many tables and chairs pushed to one wall and covered with sheets. A single table sits in the middle of the room, with enough chairs for all of you. A small oil lamp and a keg sit on top of it, along with several mugs. At the back corner of the common room beside the bar, a staircase leads upstairs. The windows and door facing onto the street are closed, and you know they
have been boarded up from the outside. On the wall behind the bar hangs a bronze bust of the former emperor of Ragesia, Drakus Coaltongue, a regal, aged half-orc with a scar cutting diagonally across his face. You and the woman are the only people in the room.
She sits down and invites you to help yourselves to some ale. "I'm Torrent. To whom do I have the honor to speak?"
"Thanks for coming," she says, gesturing casually to a table where she has set up a lamp, a map, several mugs, and asmall keg of beer. "Have a drink. Just because we’re about to go to war doesn’t mean we can’t celebrate the new year."
"Indeed." Grins, gesturing to the holy symbol on the other woman's wrist, "Cayden would certainly approve."
The young woman is as tall and strong as the typical warrior, with tanned skin and short white hair. A holy symbol to Cayden Cailean is tied to her wrist with a leather cord. Her demeanor is smooth but forceful.
<SNIP>
She sits down and invites you to help yourselves to some ale. "I'm Torrent. To whom do I have the honor to speak?"
Ellantera sketches a slight bow at the name and says, "I am Ellantera, and the honor is mine. I'm not terribly clear on why I'm here -- a trusted friend indicated that I should be, and so I am." Looking at the single table and many chairs, "I gather you are expecting others. I can wait. I'm good at that, and I'd hate to ask you to explain what, five times?"
Ellantera sits by the table and helps herself to a half mug of ale, sips at it experimentally, and waits for the rest of the group headed this way.
Naria goes along the street watching the man standing in front of the building she had been invited to go to.
"Dammit. Dietr is running late." Jace muttered to himself as he walked towards the inn. He noted the presence of the staff-carrying man, and the halfling woman, but didn't acknowledge them.
With a confidence he didn't feel, Jace knocked on the front door, ignoring the sign after quickly scanning over it. All of this was done as he hummed an odd little ditty.
If Jaces doesn't get an answer pretty quickly, he'll attempt to pick the lock. Roll provided.
Disable Device check - opening the lock. (1d20+7=19)
Airlon approaches without worry initially but as he catches sight of the others around the inn he instinctively readies the energies at his command. Continuing his approach he nods quietly to the others. Keeping an eye on the others, he glances sidelong at the posted note and frowns grimly at the implication.
You were all told to use the side entrance to avoid being seen. Let's see if we can get everyone onto the same page.
You were all told to use the side entrance to avoid being seen.
In that case Naria will go and knock on the side door.
You were all told to use the side entrance to avoid being seen.In that case Naria will go and knock on the side door.
Audric, now that someone else is also going to the side door, also heads down the alley.
Audric, now that someone else is also going to the side door, also heads down the alley.You were all told to use the side entrance to avoid being seen.In that case Naria will go and knock on the side door.
Naria watches the man wearily as she waits for the door to be opened.
"Sooo..." She begins "I guess you're here for the meeting as well?" As she speaks she assumes a somewhat relaxed but ready stance.
"Sooo..." She begins "I guess you're here for the meeting as well?" As she speaks she assumes a somewhat relaxed but ready stance.
"If I wasn't, I would of left after I read that note out front."
"Oh uh good point"
Inside:
Airlon follows and in a soft voice expresses his concern as well.
"Indeed. It seems that our beloved city will become a dangerous place for the likes of me.
A burly man stumbles out of a nearby alley, laughing audibly and carrying a hefty shield on his back along with a backpack brimming with gear. He rights himself as he enters the street, realizing he is now in public. He brushes himself off quickly and smoothes back non-existent hair on his clean-shaven head before looking down the street and back again. He spots Jace at the front door, and a large, handsome smile appears on his face.
"Jace, you fat old imp!" he shouts as he crosses the street to meet his friend. "Don't you remember? We go in the side door." he says in a more reserved voice, clasping Jace by the shoulder in his almost painful grip, the great smile still beaming from his face.
Perception 20:
the city chiming to celebrate the turning of the New Year.
Torrent grimaces and straightens in her chair, saying, "That’s one year gone. I guess it’s time to get down to business. “The city’s in trouble. The Ragesian army is marching on us, and will be here by tomorrow. Beforethen, we have a mission."
"I used to study at a magic academy to the south, called Lyceum. They’re good people. So when word reached them about Ragesia’s ‘Scourge,’ they sent out messages calling for anyone fleeing Ragesia to come to them. They want to stand against the Ragesians, and the resistance wants their help. We just need to get a message to them."
"Normally we would have sent something by teleporting courier, but something strange is going on with planar magic. The last courier who teleported into Gate Pass, rumor is that he showed up burnt to a crisp. Not that I have that sort of magic anyway, but if we’re going to talk to Lyceum, we’re going to have to go overland. And that’s a problem, because the city’s walls are sealed."
"Ever since their emperor died, the Ragesians have been trying to show that they’re not weak, and they’re marching an army in our direction, since the mountain pass we’re in is apparently ‘strategically valuable.’ Either way, a few idiots on the city council want to negotiate with the Ragesians, and rumor is they’re going to invite a group of inquisitors into the city to look for ‘magic-users who are hostile to the empire.’ They’ve sealed the gates of the city so no one can get out, to make sure they look like they’re cooperating, and only military personnel can get in or out."
"We’re going to have to get out of the city, and I’m open to suggestions on how. Once we’re out, I can get us safely to Lyceum, but before we get ahead of ourselves, we have a mission tonight."
"The short version is that we’ve got to meet a contact — a gnome named Rivereye Badgerface — in about an hour at a guarded depository about a half-mile from here. He’s carrying a case of vital military intelligence which he stole from the Ragesian palace, and the heads of the resistance think that it needs to reach Lyceum. We’ve got to get that case, get out of the city, and get far away from here before the idiot city council lets the Ragesian inquisitors in. Once that happens, the odds of us escaping are —" she finishes off her mug of beer in one long guzzle "— slim."
"I know I’d love to stay here and fight against the Ragesians, but I’m no soldier, and this mission might be more important. Worst case, you get away from the Ragesians and we can part ways a few days down the road. Best case, you can come with me to Lyceum, and we come back with an army of our own to drive off the Ragesians. But we’ve got to act fast either way. Are you ready for this?"
"It's always good to find another graduate of Lyceum. Of course, that means I have as much of a reason to get out of here as you do. So, anyone have any idea how to get out of here?"
After a thoughtful pause, the half-elf woman sitting at the table with the keg says, "You say the gates are closed, no one in or out. I have not been in the city for some years, but aren't there other exits, north and south? Surely someone local has found a means of traveling through those old caves to bypass the gates. I would think there's a smuggler somewhere in town that's been bringing goods down "from the farm" for years and avoiding searches at the main gates.
"Unfortunately, I don't know the first place to start to find out if such is true. Oh, sorry, my name is Ellantera, recently returned to Gate Pass from the Monastery of Two Winds."
"I have spent several years with the gnome community here in Gate Pass and am welcome in their communities. The gnomes have not shared every secret with me, but I am sure they have ways in and out of the city, or at least know of them, and I believe they would be eager to help us in this task. I am Airlon, and the blood that flows through me will not abide the presence of Inquisitors. I must leave, and this Lyceum seems the perfect place for me to go if the Winds deign to sweep me along that path."
Torrent smiles: "Well, if you know a way out of the city that does not pass through the gates, you are certainly wiser than me. The city is famous for only having two exits - unless you're an expert climber or aided by powerful magic - and those are heavily guarded. But I'm open to suggestions."
"Unfortunately, I don't know the first place to start to find out if such is true. Oh, sorry, my name is Ellantera, recently returned to Gate Pass from the Monastery of Two Winds."
Naria Looks Ellantera over. She did look vaguely familiar. "Well I guess we could try climbing the wall......"
"If my gnome friends aren't able to help us out, the only other option I can think of would involve testing the sewers for an exit. I am hoping someone has better options than that."
There are a number of outlying farms but their occupants are hostile to strangers and there is no feasible way out of the mountains without special climbing skills. Should you try to hide out there you will likely be hunted down in short order. Time is also a bit to scarce to start exploring the caves.
I expect all of you to be in the pub by now, listening to Torrent.
The gnomes do have some valuable information. In particular you do know Rivereye Badgerface, a moderately capable sorcerer, but he's not a very likeable fellow, so you're not exactly friends. On the other hand there is a councilman, Erdan Menash, that is sympathetic to heroes and adventurers and might be able to provide some help. He's not a gnome, though, but a half-elf (and a rather flamboyant one).
Dieterich sips the foamy tankard of ale he clasps in his large hands, and places it back down on the table.
"Well, I may be able to arrange a way to exit the city from one of the main gates. Bein' a guard an' such has given me some connections, an' I may be able to finagle my way into 'acquiring' some papers for the lot of us, if they're still issuin' 'em."
He downs the rest of his tankard, and sets it down with a grin.
"And if I can't get 'em via legal means, me an' Jace could probably nab 'em for us. We've got our means."
His huge smile still plastered on his face, Dieterich gives Jace a conspiratorial wink.
"Yes, but can you do that in an hour? Besides, the inquisitors are going to be showing up in a few days at the latest, we don't have time for bureaucracy."
"It would seem that we already know that we must speak to the gnome to gather our delivery. Why not start there? Do we all go together, or would that draw too much attention? We could sent a party to speak to the councilman, as well, and meet back here."
Jace grinned at his comrade, and took a swig of his own ale. "Getting out won't be easy, but I'm sure we could think of something. Maybe if we got some guard uniforms we could get out that way." Jace mused, largely talking to himself as he plotted. "Or we could create some kind of diversion nearby, and slip through whilst the guards are distracted. What do you think Dietrich?
Belatedly, Jace realised he hadn't properly introduced himself. "I'm Jace. If you don't know of me, it's probably because I haven't robbed you yet."
"Uniforms, eh?" Dieterich says with a light chuckle. "That's not a half-bad idea. Maybe we could split up. I bet Jace an' me could grab some tabards and papers right quick while the rest of you lot meet with our Gnomish contact." Dieterich begins twirling his flail in anticipation, the heavy iron ball whizzing between his fingers.
"Unless you've got any other ideas, of course," he says with a hint of sarcasm.
"Uh may be a bit of a problem with the uniforms idea" Naria pipes up whilst looking at her own tiny form.
Belatedly, Jace realised he hadn't properly introduced himself. "I'm Jace. If you don't know of me, it's probably because I haven't robbed you yet."
A common cutpurse and his friend the thug - useful for their skills, I suppose, but I hope someone is certain of their loyalties.
"A combination of ideas might work - someone creates a diversion for those that won't look right in guard's attire," smiling at Naria, "and then uses uniforms to make their escape."
"I suggest we start with the gnome - he might have some ideas since it sounds like he might have done this if he's snuck in and captured this important case."
Torrent isn't too thrilled about any plan that requires unnecessary violence, but time is scarce, so your way might work. She is a little sceptical about the sewers. Are you sure there is an exit outside the city gates?
The bells go silent for a minute.
Perception 20:
Torrent isn't too thrilled about any plan that requires unnecessary violence, but time is scarce, so your way might work. She is a little sceptical about the sewers. Are you sure there is an exit outside the city gates?
The bells go silent for a minute.
Perception 20:** spoiler omitted **
"I'm not sure of anything except that we are sitting here without enough information to proceed. What's first?"
"I'm not sure of anything except that we are sitting here without enough information to proceed. What's first?"
Naria follows behind
Stealth
Missed my perception roll.
Whispering: "I'll stay down here in case the roof isn't our only concern and cover the entrances, or our exit if we need an escape route. Can we kill the lights?"
Airlon will move to put a wall behind his back with a clear line at the entrances and windows. If possible he will quietly tilt a table over to provide partial cover, having his bow ready; his silver-blue hair rising slightly as elemental arcane energies course through him.
Seeing the others and realizing what they are thinking, Ellantera continues to talk to a potentially empty table as she slides her chair back and stands, hopefully covering some of the movements of those attempting stealth by making louder, expected noises. She will take up her quarterstaff and begin to pace in the immediate area of the table.
"OK, we've eliminated going out through the side exits because we don't have established friends to guide us there. It sounds like the sewers are no guaranteed path, either. Likely, the best route is the most obvious -- through the actual gates in broad daylight. Let's assume we agree to that, shall we?"
"Who is allowed through the gates currently? Military only? Definitely not arcanists. So how do we leave with a pair of casters through a guarded gate? Perhaps we could portray ourselves as transporting the casters to Ragesia? No, calm down -- it's a ruse to get you out of the walls. After all, they don't have to capture a mage who is already captured, right?"
And with that, she starts to tell a long and involved tale she learned in the monastery all while trying to keep an eye on her new allies and the stairway.
"Who is allowed through the gates currently? Military only? Definitely not arcanists. So how do we leave with a pair of casters through a guarded gate? Perhaps we could portray ourselves as transporting the casters to Ragesia? No, calm down -- it's a ruse to get you out of the walls. After all, they don't have to capture a mage who is already captured, right?"
"There's one problem with that plan. Namely, you can't go leave the Ragesian side and circle around to the side that doesn't want us dead. This town's not called Gate Pass because you can just walk around it, after all."
"Who is allowed through the gates currently? Military only? Definitely not arcanists. So how do we leave with a pair of casters through a guarded gate? Perhaps we could portray ourselves as transporting the casters to Ragesia? No, calm down -- it's a ruse to get you out of the walls. After all, they don't have to capture a mage who is already captured, right?""There's one problem with that plan. Namely, you can't go leave the Ragesian side and circle around to the side that doesn't want us dead. This town's not called Gate Pass because you can just walk around it, after all."
"Circle around?" She looks puzzled, "No, I was thinking to masquerade as a military squad escorting mages into Ragesia. Mostly just tossing ideas out there to see what sticks, you understand. Realistically, the best way to exit with arcanists - if we can exit at all - is to make sure no one knows they are arcanists. Look at me, it would not be a stretch for someone to think I was a mage -- especially if they don't realize my armor would make it difficult to get the gestures right."
"You know, there may be a whole other group of people we should be considering. Are merchant caravans prevented from entering and exiting? Are things so dire that they would shut down commerce? Perhaps we could hire on with a caravan. Or hide on one. No, I think we are better if we are in plain sight -- your lack of armor would not necessarily be out of the ordinary -- that's what guardsman are for, after all."
As Jace and Naria rise and start to move towards the stairs and Airlon looks for cover behind a table you hear a number of strange sounds in the distance, like ripe fruit landing on the roof of a house.
Dieterich rises from his seat as carefully as his bulky frame allows, leaving his shield on his back. Unfortunately, he ignored the mug of ale at the edge of the table as he turned around...
Jace and Naria carefully make their way up the stairs. Dieterich upsets the ale mug and follows them cursing under his breath, while Airlon takes cover behind an overturned table in a corner.
Perception 5:
Suddenly the front door shudders from being hit by something large and heavy.
Time to roll for initiatives, I think.