The Summit Road Campaign Thread

Ryder stares at you for a moment. "Travel back?"

“Back to Adar. Back to our home where we came from.” Vishal says like it’s obvious 

Taran leads the way in the attempt to swipe some uniforms, catching sight of Shiazala's grass braid on his wrist, he has flash of inspiration. If he made it seem like the theft was done by a gang of kids, the people who noticed would be less likely to raise an alarm. He sets a knocked over stool nearby the line, as though it was used by someone too short to reach the clips, and breaks a bit of his chalk to leave nearby. Then, he grabs some frayed threads of rope and grass, and braids a quick sloppy bracelet, dropping it nearby to add to the idea.

The children should be alright, it isn't like they actually did anything wrong and Sim and him had pulled quite a few pranks like this when they were young. Hopefully it ends up being nothing more than increased lessons and a stricter eye on the children, but it was better than risking their cover being blown by the simple arithmetic of strange guards a day after stolen uniforms the day after an attack by il-atlas.

Stealth: 25

The Cave:

Ryder keeps staring at Vishal. "Why would I want to go to Adar?" He sounds genuinely confused.

Uniform Robberies

You're both able to snag the uniforms without being spotted. Taran lays his misdirection, and you now have seven uniforms.

OOC: Please tell me what kind of uniforms you got-fire soldier, water soldier, air soldier or stone soldier. If you got a mix, give me the numbers of each.

OOC: The official uniform breakdown as approved by the group

2 Stone Soldier uniforms to be worn by River and Tiem (so they can wear their heavy armor)
1 Air Soldier Uniform for Taran (Since I have a crossbow)
2 Fire Soldier Uniforms for Vishal and Druhdaar (As they are our hit and run people, and will look he part)
2 Water Soldier Uniforms for Caelius and Liira (Special operations and skills seem their jam, and Liira will pull it off better than Taran.)

Vishal shrugs and says, “You really can’t go back can you?” 

Ryder stares at the floor of the cave. "I...don't know."

Taran and the others leave town. Taran hangs back a bit during the journey back to the cave, keeping an eye out for anyone following them through the wilderness and trying to disguise their trail.

OOC: Just in case the passives won't do it

The next day, the group gets in their disguises, getting ready for their infiltration of the Kintam. Liira hands out a few things to cover up the things that might make your subterfuge more obvious. Vishal gets contacts to conceal his kalashtar eyes in case he gets excited and they glow, both Tiem and River get strategically placed hats, scarves, and cloaks to conceal the feathers and antennae, and Liira even bullies Druhdaar into taking a bath. As you all get ready to leave, both Liira and Tiem look downright happy, clearly relieved to finally be able to do something to help their friends and fellow guides. Ryder, adjusting his own fire soldier uniform and longsword, is silent, not looking at anyone. However, he does tell people "If we're challenged, let me do the talking first. Since I know the protocols and everything."

The eight of you move closer to the Kintam, managing to make it to the kitchen entrance without attracting undue attention. Hama is waiting at the door, nervously shucking peas. When you arrive, she starts, eyes wide. She and Ryder both look at each other for a moment before Hama slowly rises. "There are so many of you..." she whispers for a moment before taking a deep breath. "Is...is it time?"

Mechanic: Here's how this is going to work. Everyone is going to give me 3 Charisma based Stealth checks. Yes, Expertise still applies to a skill check based off a different ability than usual. If you would like to add some flavor as to how you're staying quiet, maybe I'll give you advantage on one of your checks. The three checks are representative of the three areas of the Kintam you need to pass through-the servants area, the main hallways, and the dungeons themselves. Depending on how the checks go, one or more areas might end up being focused on a little more. As usual, I don't intend to kill you for bad dice rolls here, but I can't control the dice. But hopefully it will help people relax a bit more to know that failing these Stealth checks won't end the campaign.

As Vishal goes through the three areas he begins to think about this as a dance. The strangest dance he's done but still one where you're marching and moving to a rhythm. A performance where he's not the main star, but one of the side pieces that helps the piece come together. And most importantly, a piece that doesn't open up his big mouth since it seems to be failing him lately. And....if he thinks about that perhaps he'll have the steel to not save everyone person he finds.

Stealth Charisma: 22

Stealth Charisma: 18

Stealth Charisma: 16

Caelius walks beside Liira, keep the ranks in formation. While his gate is normal and his face is placid calm, he radiates unease.

Stealth (Charisma): 9 

Stealth (Charisma): 14 

Stealth (Charisma): 17 

River stands tall, only slightly trembling beneath her gear as she moves with the group. Her beak and feathers are tucked away, and she marches with practised precision, eyes darting around to make a note of any possible exits or threats. When she feels nervous, she closes her eyes and mumbles encouraging words once spoken by her mother, guiding her along.

Stealth Rolls;

9, 16, 19

Druhdaar knows his bulk is bound to draw the attention of some of the Kintam's occupants on him, so he decides to own it: squaring his shoulders and staring firmly ahead, he figures he's every bit the fire soldier he's supposed to be. Calm. Disciplined. Focused on his duty.

As they pass through the different sections of the fortress, the big man does his best to convey the impression he owns the space around him, walking as purposefully as he's able to.

Stealth Charisma: 4

Stealth Charisma: 10

Stealth Charisma: 1

"Y-Yes M-Miss H-Hama, th-thank y-y-you a-again f-for the h-herbs yes-yesterday they w-w-were a big help." Taran responds, giving her the sign he promised yesterday.

As they move through the Servant's Corridors and the Main Hallways he tries to focus on flowing into this new type of hiding. He's a soldier, on a mission to retrieve someone from the dungeons. Uncomfortable is fine, the dungeons make most of them uncomfortable, but not anxious, not twitching and flinching, everything is fine, he is a loyal soldier under orders, as long as he doesn't anger the Lord he will be fine. Keep a sharp gaze, Air soldiers are marksmen first, keen eyes to see the demons coming in the night, relaxed, but not sloppy, watching out of habit not fear.

A million more details and focused ideas flow through him as he keeps pace with the group, staying towards the center mass.

Stealth 1: 17

Stealth 2: 10

Stealth 3: 25

You all manage to make it through the areas without trouble (rolled NPCs in my secret channel on Discord b/c that's a lot of rolls to keep track of), and get through the dungeons to the entrance to the special prisons wing, Hama departing before you turn the corner. A pair of guards stand outside, both tense. "Hey! There's nobody scheduled to come in right now, what are you doing here?"

Ryder steps forward. "Emergency prisoner check on the orders of Lord Sulatesh."

Mechanic: Everyone now gets one action (technically a full turn-action, BA, and move) to alter the outcome. You can either grant advantage to someone else or make a Deception check of your own. All Deception checks will be added up. If you get a total of 70 or higher, you get through. I will add NPCs results to this check, so with the eight of you, you just have to get 7 average checks. I would suggest discussing in Discord before making final decisions, but everyone needs to post here.

Liira will make a Deception check of her own (holding roll until I see if anyone is granting her advantage). "The Lord said it was important, in case any prisoners managed to secret away weapons after their last questioning."

Tiem will grant Ryder assistance on his check. The dromite plays the role of a stone soldier to perfection, standing strong at the back, but gives a fleeting glance behind you in the general direction of the administrative offices at the mention of Lord Sulatesh.

Ryder Deception: 9

Druhdaar merely stands by Liira's side, glowering at the guards with an icy stare.

** Giving Liira Advantage with her roll **

Taran feels the urge to fiddle with his crossbow, but instead he mentally steps back, flowing into the role as best he can. Taran slowly nods in Vishal's direction, speaking slowly and carefully "Ask him, what schedules allow people like that to do," His voice is flat, nearly dead, "We have experience with their ways, this is our duty."

OOC: Advantage Vishal

“If there’s a schedule then they know when to put their guards up and hide stuff. Same if it’s the same guards coming to do the inspection every time. They can learn where someone’s blind spot is. It’s best to keep it random like right now. Or you can question our Lord’s decisions like you’re doing right now.” Vishal says as he gives River a look that fills her up with confidence. 

Deception: 13

River's relatively smaller frame steps forward, becoming the main centre of attention. From under the bundle of scarfs and capes comes a gruff voice, like that of a trained soldier.

"Those rats' friends were just snooping around and could've gotten a weapon in, or worse! Now, are you going to let me in to check on them, or are you going to stand there with your willie in your hand and end up like Jim? You do remember what happened to ol' Jim, don't ya, boy?"

Beneath her disguise, River is trembling and her eyes are darting back and forth for an exit.

Meta: 1d20+1d6(Bardic Inspiration)+1d4(Guidance)+4 = 14+6+4+4 = 28

Liira Deception: 24

Addition!

13+11+28+22=74-PASS

The guards glance at each other and nod, stepping out of your way.

OOC: Okay, gimme marching order as you into the dungeons! Ryder is in front since he's acting as leader/spokesperson of the group, lmk in the Discord the rest!