[Active Thread] The Hall of Harsh Reflections

[patransom]

Tex looks at Tarquin and says bluntly, “What about attempted murder? You would have bled out.”

Tarquin asks the guards, “Yes, what about attempted murder?”

The squad leader answers, “Attempted murder isn't officially a crime. You'd have to ask a barrister, but I think the theory is that failure is its own punishment. Think of the embarrassment. You'd be the laughing stock of all the other assassins. We can hold him for a while on Disruption of Commerce and Incitement of a Riot, though. And the fines are quite steep.”

So, with Tarquin's agreement, the guards take Elaxan away.

...Tex will also see if Tarquin wants to join them when he has time.

Tarquin points the party to a private dining room on the main floor so they can discuss next steps in private. Tex does an excellent job of filling everyone in and Prost shares what he knows about the key he found. A plan is made to investigate the old Sodden and Co. warehouse in the morning.

Tarquin joins the group after closing the beer hall and adds his perspective, “Thank you for handling that with a minimum of damage to my inn. I really do not believe it was Lola who stabbed me. She has no blood on her hands. And why would one of you stab me, then the other save me?”

He continues, “I do not think I was really the target. I can't think of anyone who would want me dead. Even if I had some enemy, why such an elaborate plan? Why not just hire a member of the Assassins Guild to take me out in private while I sleep or something? My curiosity is peaked, though. If you will investigate this incident and tell me what you find out, you can stay here at the Crooked House for free from now on!”

OUT OF CHARACTER

I don't have access to my main computer right now, so it will be next week before I can start you out on the warehouse investigation. But go ahead and ask any additional questions you have of Tarquin. Also let me know of any changes to prepared spells or anything else you want to do before heading to the docks in the morning.

 

[Jinxs-3d]

Ardrea's prepared spells will be as follows:
1st:
Charm Person, Ear-piercing scream, Enlarge Person, Ray of Enfeeblement

2nd:
Blindness/Deafness, Vomit Swarm, Web, Burning Gaze

3rd:
Summon Monster III, Stinking Cloud, Lighting Bolt

Cantrips:
Detect Magic, Spark, Stabilize, Read Magic

Ring of Spell Storing:
Obscuring Mist, and Cure Light Wounds x2

[kabkal]

Lola's spells have not changed, here is a list:
Level 0: Create Water, Light, Purify Food and Drink, Stabilize

Level 1: Bless, Bless, Remove Fear, Summon Monster I

Level 2: Bull's Strength, Restoration (Lesser), Restoration (Lesser), Spiritual Weapon

Level 3: Prayer, Summon Monster III, Archon's Aura

Healing Spells: Cure Light Wounds, Cure Moderate Wounds, Cure Serious Wounds

Domain Spells: Endure Elements, Fog Cloud, Call Lightning

[smeltdm]

Prost sneak

[CGM3]

Cyrius will ask Tarquin if he knows anything about the supposedly defunct Sodden & Co. merchant organization.

OUT OF CHARACTER

Darn fumble fingers.

 

[ElectroZman]

OUT OF CHARACTER

Do we have the items we ordered? I looked back and saw you asked us to add it to our sheets, but I don't know if enough time has passed yet. If Tex has the quiver, then he'll also have 60 arrows loaded into it's main compartment along with another 60 stowed. He'll memorize Gravity Bow and Entangle. If not, he'll only have a quiver of 20, with 60 arrows stowed and will memorize Abundant Ammunition instead of Entangle.

 

[patransom]

Do we have the items we ordered? I looked back and saw you asked us to add it to our sheets, but I don't know if enough time has passed yet.

OUT OF CHARACTER

Yep. I had to go back and look myself, but I found it. All orders have been received.

 

Cyrius will ask Tarquin if he knows anything about the supposedly defunct Sodden & Co. merchant organization.

“Never heard of them,” replies Tarquin, “But these merchant companies come and go. And I don't much keep track of goings on outside the Muddle. If they operated mostly in the docks district, I wouldn't expect to have heard of them.”

OUT OF CHARACTER

Working on getting the next thing set up. Coming soon...

 

[patransom]

Before the party retires for the evening, I'm assuming Lola uses her remaining spells for today to make sure Prost and Tex (who took a little damage in the fight with Elaxan) are fully healed.

The next morning, the party sets out to find any remaining evidence of the Sodden and Company merchant organization. Their search takes them rather quickly to the Docks District (Area I on the updated city map found here). Once there, a bit of time spent asking around leads them to a particular warehouse in a run-down neighborhood at the edge of the harbor (#22 on the same city map).

Lurking at the water’s edge like a rotten log washed ashore, the warehouse is built mostly of stone with a wood shingle roof thick with long, ropy moss. The entire building has a green hue, owing to the large patches of moss and mold that grow on its walls. A tall set of iron double doors (at 0522 and 0523) appears to present the only entrance to the warehouse, as there are no windows. A partially broken sign hangs over these doors. It has the curious octopus motif on it and is clearly marked "Sodden Hold" in both Ghinoran and Tlalic.

[JPetherick]

“I can apply some protective magics,” says Worrel.

“Should we expect more rogues?”

[ElectroZman]

“Rogues, or assassins,” says Tex.

[smeltdm]

Prost suggests those with high perceptions examine the perimeter of the structure for evidence of (tracks) indicating entry thru secret entrances. “We should walk the permitter, looking any hidden entry points and meet back here ” Prost suggests party breaks in half. “If we find nothing, then it is through the front door we go...”

[ElectroZman]

Tex agrees with Prost, “But, I'd hate to split up. It shouldn't take too long even if we stick together. Why don't you start on this side here, and I'll back you up like we've done before. The others who might not be so stealthy can stay back a little behind me and be in range if we find trouble. Then we can check out the other side.”

He points to the corner by the front door as a start (0124) and will stay back at least 20 feet as Prost moves covering him with his bow.

[smeltdm]

Prost nods in agreement with Tex's plan and will start searching with fluffy's aid (scent)...starting at 0124 Prost will search to the water's edge to the north and work back south, then east, and north again to the north. Prost will spend some time at water's edge looking for entries points there also.

OUT OF CHARACTER

DM not sure how many rolls you looking for. I'm assuming it is broad daylight, so sneaking may not be an option. Prost's approach would be he is taking his dog for a walk...first rolls search, looking for secret doors, and or evidence of entry

 

[CGM3]

OUT OF CHARACTER

I believe the Stealth is to avoid alerting anyone inside to the party's presence.

 

Cyrius will examine the ground for tracks and other signs of recent activity.





(It's like he's not even there!)

[ElectroZman]

Tex backs him up:
Perception


Stealth if needed

[Jinxs-3d]

Ardrea having little abilities with direct stealth will hang back as suggested. She will keep her eyes open and remain alert.

Perception: 1d20+9

[kabkal]

Lola hangs back but looks around, not just at the building.


kabkal: D20 + 10 → 23(13 + 10)

[patransom]

Cyrius and Tex both notice some faint footprints near the main doors (0522, 0523), along with scuff marks in the dirt right where the doors would swing open. These signs suggest the doors have been used frequently and recently despite the warehouse’s abandoned appearance.

No one finds anything else of interest anywhere around the outside of the warehouse: no sign of secret entrances or anyone watching the party. The neighborhood seems mostly vacant, even though it's the middle of the day.

OUT OF CHARACTER

I didn't bother moving you around on the map. Assume you each regrouped back at the start to report your findings.

 

[JPetherick]

“"Well, there seems to be nothing for it but to go in the front door,"” says Worrel to his companions.

“"Perhaps I should go in front in case there are guards, or similar, inside."”

[ElectroZman]

“Right behind ya,” says Tex.

[CGM3]

Cyrius manifests his mind blade as a longsword and prepares to follow Worrel.

[smeltdm]

Prost chimes in, “Lets check the door first, then you all can go rushing in...”


Prost steps back after doing his thing “Ok have at it then” Prost and Fluffy will follow closely behind the first ones in.

[patransom]

Prost chimes in, “Lets check the door first, then you all can go rushing in...”


Prost steps back after doing his thing “Ok have at it then” Prost and Fluffy will follow closely behind the first ones in.

Prost does not find any traps, but determines that door is locked. In spite of the building's rundown appearance, the lock is of good quality. Good enough quality, in fact, that Prost is unable to pick the lock on his first attempt...

[kabkal]

Lola loads her crossbow and is ready to fall in line.

[smeltdm]

Prost scratches his head in puzzlement that such an old warehouse would have such a difficult lock. He examines the lock more closely to see if it matches the key taken from Elaxan... If it fits, he will use it. Otherwise, Prost will attempt to unlock the door again using his burglar's bracers.
(Once a day take +10 on disable device roll for 33)

[patransom]

Prost finds that the key fits, so he unlocks the door then backs up, allowing Worrel to take the lead.

The doors open into a large space dominated by dozens of crates and barrels of various sizes. Lit by a number of faintly flickering torches above, a thick layer of dust covers much of the cargo stored here. There is a catwalk on the east side of the room, 15 feet above the floor, with no obvious way up to reach it. There is a single door on the north wall, two on the south wall at floor level, and one more up at the south end of the catwalk.

OUT OF CHARACTER

Stuff might happen soon, so let me know what you have readied if I haven't already got it below.

 

ACTIVE EFFECTS

Ardrea - staff readied Cyrius - mind blade longsword readied Lola - loaded crossbow readied, 73 bolts left Prost - loaded slingstaff readied, 46 bullets left Fluffy Tex - longbow readied, 120 arrows left Worrel - sword and shield readied

[ElectroZman]

Tex has his longbow readied.

[Jinxs-3d]

Ardrea will follow behind the heavy hitters. She'll have her staff out, just in case.

[JPetherick]

Worrel draws his sword and settles his shield upon his arm. He glances back at his companions, checking to determine if they are ready to advance.

“"There are two doors to the south and one to the north. The southern rooms should be smaller."”

[ElectroZman]

Tex nods to Worrel.