The portcullis is oriented perpendicularly to the river, so it cuts off access to the downstream storm-tunnel. The general layout is an intersection between the 30 foot wide tunnel that you entered when you came down the stairs (and which continues on the other side of the river) and the 60 foot wide (but lower ceilinged) storm-tunnel that carries the river.
(This was all complicated as described at first because of the main tunnel turning to the left immediately before intersecting with the river.)
Anakis is desperate to get away from the guards & is in too deep now. She considers using the hook to grab the portcullis but can’t risk the guards getting her. She takes a deep breath, has a silent word in her mind the the shadow lord, Mask, & continues down the river.
(So I’ve had some terrible rolls & if I get out of this, oh man! But I’m also well aware that this could end it for Anakis. She’s scared, in a new city & doesn’t trust anyone yet, so all these choices I’m making based off that. Could be most short lived character *gulp*)
Anakis is carried by the churning water through the opening before the portcullis closes behind her. At first, the current pulls her under as the river drops to a new level and the fast moving water forms rapids inside the storm-tunnel, but she stays afloat until after riding the current for several minutes, the river's channel widens, and its rate of flow slows somewhat as it empties though a many-arched and iron barred opening. The river is also more shallow here, and although the current is still forceful, she finds she is able to stand and wade through the water. Through the iron bars, she can see the water flowing into the farmlands surrounding the city, and with some squeezing, she can push her way through the spaces between the bars to the outside.
Rowan, following the sounds of the watchmen's boots and the shouts of their leader brings you to the intersection of Juniper Way and Hart Route in Wuft Hill. A patrol of watchmen are standing near some barrels at the end of Juniper Way as their leader climbs the stairs beyond, which lead down to the city's flood control waterway. Her boots are muddy up to her knees, and she's visibly annoyed at your questioning of her police-work. "That's the business of the city watch, not the concern of a soldier," she says, taking note of your bearing and tone of authority. "Who are you and by what right do you make such request?" she asks with both caution and defiance.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Rowan adjusts her approach, noting her bearing, “I apologize, I have a strong suspicion that the young one you may have been pursuing is my niece. A little tiefling girl? She’s not from here and is still getting used to my guardianship, she’s been running off in the middle of the night.”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Anakis will wade through the water and push through the iron bars. Once through, she will make her way to the shore (closest to where she thinks the gate is), while staying close to the wall. Does she see any patrols nearby (Perception : 13)? As she gets closer to the gate, she will stay away from the light, and maintain distance from the gate (around the 120ft for her darkvision), so that she can hopefully see when the party begins to leave.
(Edit: I just realised I forgot to roll disadvantage for my Perception check - 20. Not that it matters, my rolls have been rubbish! Can I burn these dice? :P)
"I see," says the lieutenant of the watch, taking in what you have said.
"As a member of the militia," she says, noting your uniform, "I'm sure you'll agree that we can't have our laws and rules flouted by children, especially those from outside the city. It's my job to make sure the rules are followed by citizens and vagabonds alike. Refusing to answer questions from an officer of the law is a punishable offense. I'd keep a close eye on my niece if I were you. That is, if you can find her. It appears she threw herself into the storm drain, and I was unable to stop her. If she hasn't drowned herself, I'd check outside the walls, on the east side of the city. In any case, she's no longer in my jurisdiction. Now if you'll excuse me, I have my patrols to attend to." She breaks off the conversation and begins issuing orders to her men.
Anakis, the rain has finally ceased as you make your way to the right around the outside of the city wall. About 250 feet away, the gate is marked by torches, so it is easy to head in that direction while maintaining a safe distance. There are no patrols or any other creature that you can see roaming the farmlands on this dark, chilly night.
Figuring that if Anakis is ok, she likely does NOT want to be found, Rowan goes to the closest city gates, and gives the guard on duty a silver piece to pretend not to see a tiefling girl if she passes through the gate into the city. "She's my niece, and she is still getting used to our laws and rules. If she passes by, pretend to not see her. She's safer hiding inside the city gates, than trying her luck out in the wilderness. Thank you."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Corinne Hemlock: Dhampir courtesan and dusk huntress Kraig Bronzeaxe: Dwarven archaeologist and guerilla archer
(GM question - are we still pretty early in the night? Or is it getting close to daylight? And can Anakis see any stables or barns in the nearby farms?)
Now that's she's had an encounter with Ekuepool's city watch, Anakis doesn't want to re-enter the city at the moment. Still shaken, exhausted and wet, she's going to look at what is nearby to stop for a moment.
If it's still a while till dawn, and Anakis can see a barn or stable where everything is dark in the surrounding farm houses, she will make her way there. Once there she will find a hiding spot right in the back or up in the top landings to keep out of sight.
If it's getting close to dawn, then she will maintain sight of the gates while hugging the wall for some protection. As long as she's out of the water, she'll sit and wait.
Rowan, the mercenary guardsman stationed at Wuft Hill Gate looks askance at your silver piece. "Fees paid at time of entry for non-citizens," he says bluntly. "Three copper. I can't be takin' payments in advance, and certainly not, er, bribes. Gods blind me, no!" he chuckles.
"I seem to remember a girl fittin' that description came through here this afternoon, though. Paid her fee then she did, and I haven't seen her come out. Unless she has a twin, she's most likely still in the city. Is she not supposed to be here or something? Am I in trouble?" he asks, looking warily at your militia uniform.
Anakis, it's still several hours until midnight. It's very dark out in the countryside, but you manage to make your way to a darkened barn or stable where you and Custard can pass the night in safety.
Anakis will rest up & when she awakens she will leave a gold piece on the doorstep of the farmhouse, unless she encounters the farmer, in which case she will give him the gold directly (I’ll take the gold from my character sheet later today when I’m home again).
(Edit: removed 1gp from inventory to give to farmer)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"My apologies, this was not meant to be a bribe, I just want another set of eyes watching for her. I just want to find her and keep her safe. If she does come through-" Rowan takes out 3 copper pieces instead "Here is her fee to return. Thank you for your time." Rowan will look once out into the wilderness, hoping that Anakis is safe, and will return to her home and sleeping guests. Rowan will make a modest breakfast early in the morning, well before dawn, for her guests Ulben, Tarek, and Torrent. She will make her way as quickly as possible to the gates to wait for the rest of the party, straining her eyes watching out for Anakis and her rodent friend. PERCEPTION: 23
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Corinne Hemlock: Dhampir courtesan and dusk huntress Kraig Bronzeaxe: Dwarven archaeologist and guerilla archer
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
At dawn, Anakis will wake up & share the apple she pilfered with Custard. She’ll leave the gold piece for the farmer to find as a way of thanks, & then make her way towards the gates. Still at a distance, she will keep hidden as best she can from the guards but close enough that she can see when the adventuring party is leaving (Stealth : 12)
(DM question - I’m guessing it wasn’t a long enough rest to remove exhaustion if I needed down at midnight?)
Anakis cautiously makes her way over to Rowan, but keeps a weary eye on the guards at the gate. "Morning Rowan" she says with a smile as if nothing had transpired during the night.
Rowan leans in to whisper so that only Anakis can hear "The guards think you're my niece. That should give you a certain amount of flexibility when you move about the city, but might I suggest you just stay in my apartment in the future?" Rowan notes the tiefling girl's signs of exhaustion "I understand and respect your distrust, but please consider trusting me just a bit?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Corinne Hemlock: Dhampir courtesan and dusk huntress Kraig Bronzeaxe: Dwarven archaeologist and guerilla archer
Anakis giggles at the thought of being Rowan's niece.
"That's kinda silly to think that I'm your niece," she whispers to Rowan, "but if it keeps the guards of my back, then okay. I don't like guards. That's why I left your house, there were too many guards about. I thought I'd hidden myself away enough, but that stupid watchman wouldn't leave me alone." Anakis stops to think for a moment. "Why are you being so nice to me? What do you want?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Once Aluzira wakes up she will grab her backpack just before heading out into Steepgulch. Aluzira walks through the small town looking for a place that might sell potions or antidotes and possibly breakfast before heading towards the gate. "I wonder what the others are doing..." she says to herself.
The guardsman looks at the three copper pieces on the table in consternation and mutters under his breath.
The night passes quietly, becoming very chilly in the pre-dawn hours. The light of a windless February day grows slowly in the east behind a cloudy sky. Stall-keepers and merchants begin busily setting out their wares in the market circle in the dark hours of early morning, shaking the previous night's rain from their canvas palls.
Anakis, you remain exhausted from the night before. To gain the benefit of a long rest (about which I think you're asking) requires seven days of downtime spent only in sleeping and performing light activity.
Aluzira, because Steepgulch is a small community where even the most basic supplies aren't always readily available, you don't see any places that might sell such things, or much in the way of shops at all. At the center of the hamlet is a well, a local tavern at which you may have performed, a grain-mill, and a collection of workshops that serve the community with services such as a blacksmith's and a weaver's. There's also a meeting hall for the citizen's militia. Traveling merchants sometimes sell their wares in the open space that surrounds the well, and there's usually a fair number of the farming folk about seeking to barter with one another.
As of now, however, all is dark and quiet as the dim twilight of morning begins to grow in the east.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
The DM describes the environment.
The players describe what they want to do.
The DM narrates the results of their actions.
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(DM question again - & does the portcullis cut off the ability to get to the other side?)
The portcullis is oriented perpendicularly to the river, so it cuts off access to the downstream storm-tunnel. The general layout is an intersection between the 30 foot wide tunnel that you entered when you came down the stairs (and which continues on the other side of the river) and the 60 foot wide (but lower ceilinged) storm-tunnel that carries the river.
(This was all complicated as described at first because of the main tunnel turning to the left immediately before intersecting with the river.)
(Ok. I think I’ve got it.)
Anakis is desperate to get away from the guards & is in too deep now. She considers using the hook to grab the portcullis but can’t risk the guards getting her. She takes a deep breath, has a silent word in her mind the the shadow lord, Mask, & continues down the river.
(So I’ve had some terrible rolls & if I get out of this, oh man! But I’m also well aware that this could end it for Anakis. She’s scared, in a new city & doesn’t trust anyone yet, so all these choices I’m making based off that. Could be most short lived character *gulp*)
Anakis is carried by the churning water through the opening before the portcullis closes behind her. At first, the current pulls her under as the river drops to a new level and the fast moving water forms rapids inside the storm-tunnel, but she stays afloat until after riding the current for several minutes, the river's channel widens, and its rate of flow slows somewhat as it empties though a many-arched and iron barred opening. The river is also more shallow here, and although the current is still forceful, she finds she is able to stand and wade through the water. Through the iron bars, she can see the water flowing into the farmlands surrounding the city, and with some squeezing, she can push her way through the spaces between the bars to the outside.
Rowan, following the sounds of the watchmen's boots and the shouts of their leader brings you to the intersection of Juniper Way and Hart Route in Wuft Hill. A patrol of watchmen are standing near some barrels at the end of Juniper Way as their leader climbs the stairs beyond, which lead down to the city's flood control waterway. Her boots are muddy up to her knees, and she's visibly annoyed at your questioning of her police-work. "That's the business of the city watch, not the concern of a soldier," she says, taking note of your bearing and tone of authority. "Who are you and by what right do you make such request?" she asks with both caution and defiance.
Rowan adjusts her approach, noting her bearing, “I apologize, I have a strong suspicion that the young one you may have been pursuing is my niece. A little tiefling girl? She’s not from here and is still getting used to my guardianship, she’s been running off in the middle of the night.”
DECEPTION: 23
Corinne Hemlock: Dhampir courtesan and dusk huntress
Kraig Bronzeaxe: Dwarven archaeologist and guerilla archer
Anakis will wade through the water and push through the iron bars. Once through, she will make her way to the shore (closest to where she thinks the gate is), while staying close to the wall. Does she see any patrols nearby (Perception : 13)? As she gets closer to the gate, she will stay away from the light, and maintain distance from the gate (around the 120ft for her darkvision), so that she can hopefully see when the party begins to leave.
(Edit: I just realised I forgot to roll disadvantage for my Perception check - 20. Not that it matters, my rolls have been rubbish! Can I burn these dice? :P)
(Lol maybe try giving your dice a pep talk? if all else fails -hands over a match- XD)
"I see," says the lieutenant of the watch, taking in what you have said.
"As a member of the militia," she says, noting your uniform, "I'm sure you'll agree that we can't have our laws and rules flouted by children, especially those from outside the city. It's my job to make sure the rules are followed by citizens and vagabonds alike. Refusing to answer questions from an officer of the law is a punishable offense. I'd keep a close eye on my niece if I were you. That is, if you can find her. It appears she threw herself into the storm drain, and I was unable to stop her. If she hasn't drowned herself, I'd check outside the walls, on the east side of the city. In any case, she's no longer in my jurisdiction. Now if you'll excuse me, I have my patrols to attend to." She breaks off the conversation and begins issuing orders to her men.
Anakis, the rain has finally ceased as you make your way to the right around the outside of the city wall. About 250 feet away, the gate is marked by torches, so it is easy to head in that direction while maintaining a safe distance. There are no patrols or any other creature that you can see roaming the farmlands on this dark, chilly night.
Figuring that if Anakis is ok, she likely does NOT want to be found, Rowan goes to the closest city gates, and gives the guard on duty a silver piece to pretend not to see a tiefling girl if she passes through the gate into the city. "She's my niece, and she is still getting used to our laws and rules. If she passes by, pretend to not see her. She's safer hiding inside the city gates, than trying her luck out in the wilderness. Thank you."
Corinne Hemlock: Dhampir courtesan and dusk huntress
Kraig Bronzeaxe: Dwarven archaeologist and guerilla archer
(GM question - are we still pretty early in the night? Or is it getting close to daylight? And can Anakis see any stables or barns in the nearby farms?)
Now that's she's had an encounter with Ekuepool's city watch, Anakis doesn't want to re-enter the city at the moment. Still shaken, exhausted and wet, she's going to look at what is nearby to stop for a moment.
If it's still a while till dawn, and Anakis can see a barn or stable where everything is dark in the surrounding farm houses, she will make her way there. Once there she will find a hiding spot right in the back or up in the top landings to keep out of sight.
If it's getting close to dawn, then she will maintain sight of the gates while hugging the wall for some protection. As long as she's out of the water, she'll sit and wait.
Rowan, the mercenary guardsman stationed at Wuft Hill Gate looks askance at your silver piece. "Fees paid at time of entry for non-citizens," he says bluntly. "Three copper. I can't be takin' payments in advance, and certainly not, er, bribes. Gods blind me, no!" he chuckles.
"I seem to remember a girl fittin' that description came through here this afternoon, though. Paid her fee then she did, and I haven't seen her come out. Unless she has a twin, she's most likely still in the city. Is she not supposed to be here or something? Am I in trouble?" he asks, looking warily at your militia uniform.
Anakis, it's still several hours until midnight. It's very dark out in the countryside, but you manage to make your way to a darkened barn or stable where you and Custard can pass the night in safety.
Anakis will rest up & when she awakens she will leave a gold piece on the doorstep of the farmhouse, unless she encounters the farmer, in which case she will give him the gold directly (I’ll take the gold from my character sheet later today when I’m home again).
(Edit: removed 1gp from inventory to give to farmer)
"My apologies, this was not meant to be a bribe, I just want another set of eyes watching for her. I just want to find her and keep her safe. If she does come through-" Rowan takes out 3 copper pieces instead "Here is her fee to return. Thank you for your time." Rowan will look once out into the wilderness, hoping that Anakis is safe, and will return to her home and sleeping guests.
Rowan will make a modest breakfast early in the morning, well before dawn, for her guests Ulben, Tarek, and Torrent. She will make her way as quickly as possible to the gates to wait for the rest of the party, straining her eyes watching out for Anakis and her rodent friend.
PERCEPTION: 23
Corinne Hemlock: Dhampir courtesan and dusk huntress
Kraig Bronzeaxe: Dwarven archaeologist and guerilla archer
At dawn, Anakis will wake up & share the apple she pilfered with Custard. She’ll leave the gold piece for the farmer to find as a way of thanks, & then make her way towards the gates. Still at a distance, she will keep hidden as best she can from the guards but close enough that she can see when the adventuring party is leaving (Stealth : 12)
(DM question - I’m guessing it wasn’t a long enough rest to remove exhaustion if I needed down at midnight?)
Spotting Anakis (whew, beat stealth by 1 solitary point), Rowan will wave at Anakis, motioning her over "Anakis! over here. Can we talk?"
Corinne Hemlock: Dhampir courtesan and dusk huntress
Kraig Bronzeaxe: Dwarven archaeologist and guerilla archer
Anakis cautiously makes her way over to Rowan, but keeps a weary eye on the guards at the gate. "Morning Rowan" she says with a smile as if nothing had transpired during the night.
Rowan leans in to whisper so that only Anakis can hear "The guards think you're my niece. That should give you a certain amount of flexibility when you move about the city, but might I suggest you just stay in my apartment in the future?" Rowan notes the tiefling girl's signs of exhaustion "I understand and respect your distrust, but please consider trusting me just a bit?"
Corinne Hemlock: Dhampir courtesan and dusk huntress
Kraig Bronzeaxe: Dwarven archaeologist and guerilla archer
Anakis giggles at the thought of being Rowan's niece.
"That's kinda silly to think that I'm your niece," she whispers to Rowan, "but if it keeps the guards of my back, then okay. I don't like guards. That's why I left your house, there were too many guards about. I thought I'd hidden myself away enough, but that stupid watchman wouldn't leave me alone." Anakis stops to think for a moment. "Why are you being so nice to me? What do you want?"
Once Aluzira wakes up she will grab her backpack just before heading out into Steepgulch. Aluzira walks through the small town looking for a place that might sell potions or antidotes and possibly breakfast before heading towards the gate. "I wonder what the others are doing..." she says to herself.
Perception: 9
The guardsman looks at the three copper pieces on the table in consternation and mutters under his breath.
The night passes quietly, becoming very chilly in the pre-dawn hours. The light of a windless February day grows slowly in the east behind a cloudy sky. Stall-keepers and merchants begin busily setting out their wares in the market circle in the dark hours of early morning, shaking the previous night's rain from their canvas palls.
Anakis, you remain exhausted from the night before. To gain the benefit of a long rest (about which I think you're asking) requires seven days of downtime spent only in sleeping and performing light activity.
Aluzira, because Steepgulch is a small community where even the most basic supplies aren't always readily available, you don't see any places that might sell such things, or much in the way of shops at all. At the center of the hamlet is a well, a local tavern at which you may have performed, a grain-mill, and a collection of workshops that serve the community with services such as a blacksmith's and a weaver's. There's also a meeting hall for the citizen's militia. Traveling merchants sometimes sell their wares in the open space that surrounds the well, and there's usually a fair number of the farming folk about seeking to barter with one another.
As of now, however, all is dark and quiet as the dim twilight of morning begins to grow in the east.