IC 1 - Wretched Hive of Scum and Villainy

[shaidar]

Sirius

"Who our employer might or might not be is irrelevant. Please step aside."

[sulldawga]

The smile fades from Aurora's face.

Careful, child. Don't let prudence be outweighed by arrogance. Now, since we're apparently going straight to business, tell me what you plan to do with the book.

: 2d6 6 That is a poor reaction to Sirius' command/request.

In the interests of sharing metadata that your PCs would know, you are all aware that this is an experienced magic user. Sirius especially would note the hat, amulet, and sword as indicators of a very high skill level.

[shaidar]

Sirius

"Taking it somewhere where it cannot be used to do harm."

[sulldawga]

Aurora

I know you're giving it to Tairisa. What does she plan to do with it?

[ybn1197]

Aurora

I know you're giving it to Tairisa. What does she plan to do with it?

Baldwin
"I'm no magic user, so you certainly can't expect us to know what someone else would plan to do with it."

[sulldawga]

It's fine if you're lying to Aurora but, don't forget, you actually do know what she's going to do with it.

[sulldawga]

Baldwin
"I'm no magic user, so you certainly can't expect us to know what someone else would plan to do with it."

Really? Aurora replies. She gave you no info at all? And you were fine with retrieving a book that summons demons and handing it over, no questions asked? I regret to inform you that I find that unacceptable. I'm afraid I'll need you to turn the book over to me. It's too dangerous to end up with the wrong people.

[shaidar]

Sirius

"On that we agree. But how do we know you are the right people?"

[sulldawga]

Aurora smiles again. You mean besides the fact that I sent that demon back to the depths of Hell?

He turns his body toward you and points to the tattoo on his shoulder. It's a giant owl holding a set of scales in its claws. You know this as a symbol of the god Wodon.

[shaidar]

Sirius

Seeing the tattoo, Sirius visibly relaxes. "Our understanding was that Tairisa was going to sell it to the Great Judge."

[sulldawga]

Aurora chuckles. Oh is she? Well, far be it from me to interfere with the fair flow of commerce.

Still, there is a bit of risk involved in letting you leave with the book, not that I don't trust you to give it to her. How about you promise to do me a favor once you have arrived back in Port Brax? Like Tairisa, I often have use for adventurers like yourself.

In return, I will escort you back to the city. You seem a bit... fatigued and I'd hate for you to run into any difficulty on your way home.

I rolled another Reaction roll, which was Neutral.
: 2d6 7

[Rex]

Shysie

"As long as you don't mind us keeping an eye on you and we choose the route."

[sulldawga]

The most direct route home would seem logical but I suspect whatever you have in mind will be suitable. As for keeping an eye on me, by all means please do. It's a dangerous world out there, we need to stick together.

[Rex]

Shysie

"Then let us return."

[ybn1197]

It's fine if you're lying to Aurora but, don't forget, you actually do know what she's going to do with it.

Damn, it sucks getting old. First thing to go is the memory. I forgot what the second thing was.

[sulldawga]

Low Plains | 2 days travel northwest of Port Brax | Ruined village
04 May 904
Midday

The party retraces their steps and emerges into the daylight, everyone shading their eyes for a few moments to adjust to the brightness. The weather is tolerable enough though definitely windier than the previous day. You all note the sun is high in the sky. Perhaps half the day has been spent spelunking in the depths of the manor house.

No time to waste, says Aurora, the Forester's Road awaits! And with that, you begin your trek back home.

The sun beats down on the old, abandoned road, warming the dust and sending it swirling into the air. The wind whips through the tall grasses that lined the path, creating a soft, rustling symphony. The scent of wildflowers and dried grass fills the air, a sweet, earthy aroma that was both comforting and nostalgic. As the PCs walk, the crunch of gravel beneath your feet accompanies the distant sound of a bird's song echoed through the quiet landscape. The whole scene feels almost serene.

Then you hear the wolves again.

First just the one howl. And then a response. Then several responses.

Sirius comes hustling up the road toward the rest of you, caring not a whit about keeping quiet or unseen. He informs you that there are many, many wolves ahead, perhaps 20 or 25. You will have to find another way.

20 Exploration turns, at ~15 mins per turn, means you've spent 5 hours in the dungeon. This means you've got fewer than 2 Watches left on the day shift.

Previously, the Travel Roles were decided as follows:

• Baldwin - Quartermaster (CHA 10, Leadership gives +1 to Make Camp rolls)
• Shysie - Guide (INT 18, +3 to Guide checks)
• Sirius - Scout
• Drasig - Look Out (PERC 9)

I am keeping things the same as before. Feel free to make any edits and I will retcon them as needed.

We Consult the Bones to see if a Travel Event occurs today. I got two Yes results on the Twins of Fate, which outweighs the No on the Hammer of Judgement. The Fortune die gave a Fortune result (additional benefit or advantage to the PCs). So yes, there is an Event but perhaps not a bad one.
Travel Event: 1d20 6 That result is "Overwhelming Numbers of enemies or rivals block the party's present course". The rules demand a Montage to slip by unnoticed. It should be Hard (2 Failed rolls means a Failed Montage) but we'll say the Fortune die means the challenge level is lowered to Moderate (3 Failed rolls).

Montage rules

• A Montage is a way to resolve a time consuming challenge.
• The party must accumulate six successes before it rolls three failures.
• Players suggest courses of action working toward their goal. I will decide if your action requires attribute checks.

[sulldawga]

A reminder that action is required of the players.

[shaidar]

Sirius

"I can only suggest we double back a ways, and then take a more direct route home across country to void the wolves."

[Rex]

Shysie

"That sounds like a reasonable plan Sirius."

[sulldawga]

Sirius guides the party away from the looming wolves directly in front of them, and attempts to divine a safe path around them.

Sirius check vs Perception Montage check vs Perception: 1d20 2 Great success!
2/6 Successes
0/3 Failures