3.3 The Underbarrel Farm

The Frostyear Guardians, Book I:

The Heroes of Adrest

9 Ches, 1491

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continued from 3.2 Chasing Kelsey

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3.3 The Underbarrel Farm
SALEEK: Saleek circles the area, attempting to catch a glimpse of any humanoids nearby.
Given the dim light, and you're flying give me perception with disadvantage.
Is the rest of the party heading in the same direction then? I'll need a survival check to track/find the area since Saleek is the only one who had been this way before.
Saleek rolls [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]] = 6+4=10
There is no one moving around the tree. You assume the nearby farms have people on them.
SALEEK: Saleek touches down, and looks around the area, waiting for his teammates to catch up.
Randal rolls [[1d20+1]] =11+1=12 for survival
RINI: Rini follows along in foot with his familiar flying with Saleek.
Between the familar and Randal's attempts to follow the trail you do manage to make your way to where Saleek is waiting. The sun has fully set by this point however. You estimate that the Underbarrel farm is perhaps 200 yards ahead.
Rini rolls [[1d20+Investigation (Int)]] = 5+6 = 11
With your familiarity both investigation and nature you get the feeling that there was some sort of scuffle here. But you cannot really say how many were involved or how long ago it was.
RINI: There seems to have been a conflict of sorts. I understand it's late, but perhaps we should talk to the residents of that farm? Maybe they heard or saw something? Unless Saleek, you can see something I do not.
Saleek you can tell there were 4 humanoids probably 2 females and 2 males. The struggle happened approximately 2 days ago.
SALEEK: Saleek relays this Information to the team.
(worried) "Anyone have any suggestions..."
RINI: "Two days ago... okay, let's gather the facts…
We have a missing Halfling child, a guard named Goodson went missing last night, has been see with Letitia, we found a letter to Letitia to meet here, however there was a struggle 2 days ago... have I missed anything?
RANDAL: (puzzled) “Th’ missin child appears t’ be th’ disparate piece ‘ere. We don’t appear t’ be getting any closer t’ the youngling, who we was sent out t’ look fer in th’ first place”
LUFRAMAS: "Maybe we should bring our findings to the sherif Ansil he might have more clues for us"
RANDAL: (pensive) “Tis a plan, but best we find what we can ‘ere fore we move on” *Randal lights a candle and, shielding it with one hand, begins wheedling around the base of the tree for physical remnants of the struggle*
SALEEK: (pensive) "Perhaps we give the farm a once over?"
SEARCHING THE AREA: Randal rolls investigation: [[1d20+Investigation (Int)]] = 1+1 = 2
Randal your search does not turn up any new useful information. Saleek you do recall from your last visit to the Underbarrel farm that it is one of the locations the Blasksashes tend to congregate. And sure enough tou can see men with lanterns patrolling below.
KENRIS: (annoyed) "i was expecting a struggle or in the least someone to whalop. perhaps we can give this of to Ansil and see if his investigation fairs any better."
SALEEK: (serious) "Those who can, stick to the shadows. We don't want to start a fight if we don't have to..."
With that, saleek turns and makes his way to the farm as silently as possible.
STEALTH:
Saleek rolls [[1d20+Stealth (Dex)]] = 4+6 = 10
LuFramas rolls [[2d20kl1-1]] = 15,9-1 = 8
Ranal rolls for stealth [[1d20+4]]=14+4=18
Rini rolls for stealth [[1d20+Stealth (Dex)]]=10+1=11
DM rolls [[1d20]] = 17
Despite the group's best efforts to be stealthy, as you all begin to move you watch on of the lanterns at the base of the hill swing towards the tree and pause for several moments. It is still over 100 yards off in the darkness.
SALEEK: Upon seeing the lantern stop moving, saleek draws an arrow and notches his bow…
RANDAL: (alarmed) "“Tis a little drastic, don’t ye think!?”"
Randal that's my fault of description. From the tree you are at you can tell someone is patrolling the edge of the farm with a lantern. In fact, looking in the distance you can see that several people are on patrol. You haven't been able to make out details of them.
And in trying to get moving, you've caused at least one lantern to swing in your general direction. You haven't seen/heard an alarm raised or anything.
SALEEK: (confident) "not at all, i was here a couple days ago, we should all be on alert.
RANDAL: (baffled) “What, any man here who holds a lantern is t’ be shot on sight?”
SALEEK: (confident) "no my friend, i am just readying myself, should any man try and stop us from our mission, we are here to observe, are we not. i do not seek violence, i seek to bring a small child home. and if a man holding a lantern means to stop me, i mean to shoot him."
RANDAL: (worried) “He’ll have greater reason t’ stop ye with an arrow t’ his face. Should we halt, rather than draw our weapons, me thinks conflict may be evaded.”
DM rolls [[1d20]] = 1
SALEEK: "...I think we may both have a point..."
"If we can capture one, I can assume his form...although for a short time. I can investigate the grounds with little to no harassment from the other guards..."
Saleek takes out a couple of darts.
"We can distract him with some sounds, and sequester him."
The lantern pauses, scanning light over the hill when suddenly a rabbit bursts out if the brush and heads off away from the hill. The guard slowly swings his lantern back and resumes his patrol.
RINI: "That was close..."
SALEEK: "Yes, yes it was.."
RINI: "If we could only get closer I could use Aspen to scout ahead...but we would have to be within 100 feet..."
"Is there anything else you can tell us about these people Saleek?"
SALEEK:
"They're thugs, been terrorizing the town for some time now..."
"Maybe we should try and move a little closer.."
RANDAL: (relived) “Thugs? Why didn’t ye say so? Ye worried me good there that ye’d turned cold-hearted on us.”
RINI: So you've seen them before Saleek... And I'm guessing the sight of an Aarakocra is a rare one in these parts. Perhaps it's best the disguise yourself before we get closer?
SALEEK: "Agreed..."
RINI: "You take the lead Saleek. We can try to draw one out and take his identity, appear like someone part of their crew, or we can go charging in... either way I think I will prepare myself..."
Rini casts mage armor on himself increasing his AC to 14
Saleek rolls [[1d20+Stealth (Dex)]] = 16+6 = 22
The guard has no clue of your approach. He a human male, he has the look of a local but you don't particularly recognize him. He is wearing normal peasant clothes, has a sash tied around his waist, and is carrying a lantern and a club.
SALEEK: Saleek trails behind him ***very slowly*** about 5 feet away, he takes out a dart and throws it far away, aiming for the trunk of a tree about 20 feet north, and 10 ft off the ground, in an attempt to distract the guard.
Sure, there is a large tree that is trivial to hit. The guard responds to the noise if the weapon hitting the trunk of the tree by facing that direction and holding up the lantern.
SALEEK: Saleek takes the opportunity to **grapple** the guard from behind, taking care to place pressure on the guards windpipe and cupping a hand around his mouth.
Saleek rolls [[1d20+Athletics (Str)]] = 4+1 = 5
Blacksash rolls [[1d20+2]] = 9+2 = 11
The man struggles against you, you grip not quite enough to cut of his air supply. However your feathered arm does manage to muffle the noise.
I'll give you a free attack round if you go into combat, with the guard starting restrained.
SALEEK: Would I be able to try and grapple him again? Trying to put him in a sleeper hold.
You have a free round, so an athletics roll to choke him since he's already restrained by you.
Saleek attempts to put him to sleep [[1d20+ Athletics (Str)]]=18+1=19
Blacksash rolls [[1d20+2]] = 7+2 = 9
The guard struggles in your grip but eventually goes limp in your feathery grip.
SALEEK: Saleek drags the guard back the group, taking care, to bring the lantern with him. Saleek looks up at Randal.
(panting) "Shall we?",
DM rolls [[1d20]]=19
The lantern rolls and bounces on the ground before winking out. When you get him back to the group you can see by Randal's light that he is wearing a black sash around his waist.
KENRIS: (impressed) "i may not be the stealiest but that was nicely done Saleek."
RANDAL: (admiring) "Twas indeed. I'll retrieve his lantern. If they all carry one, we'd best do th' same" *Randal walks to where the lantern fell and picks it up, brushing off the dirt from the floor.
KENRIS: "Are we doing this quietly or ? i can create some light if needed."
"Stealth isnt my forte as to say. Smashing some heads in is.. Let me know what you expect of me"
RINI: "First we should tie this man up in case he wakes. Then, perhaps, Saleek and Randal can take the lead and let us know if it's clear?"
SALEEK: "Yes, I propose at least one of us disguises ourselves as this guy...well scope the place out and try to do this quietly..."
RINI: "I will have Aspen fly overhead and keep an eye out. Signal to her when you're ready for us to advance."
Rini pops his owl familiar out onto his gloved hand. She takes off into the dark sky, as Rini's eyes turn completely white as he watches from his owl's perspective.
SALEEK: saleek nods and places a hand over his face, another over his midsection. he whispers an incantation, and brings his hands closer together. as he does, his form ripples and shifts, like a disturbed pond. by the time his hands meet at the center of his chest, the illusion takes hold, and he is saleek no longer.
he looks over at randal.
"as long as we attempt to stay out of view, it shouldn't matter that we look the same..."
Effectively disguised as one of the guards you are able to approach closer to the farm though the others may still raise suspicion. What are you all doing?
RANDAL: *Randal hands Saleek the lantern* “Should I mask me appearance in a similar fashion?”
RINI: "Kenris, tap me on the shoulder if anything should come our way."
RANDAL: Randal uses *disguise self* to don the attire of the unconscious thug, making alterations to his face to appear like the guard was, but also dirtying it a little so that he and Saleek are not instantly recognisable as the same person.
SALEEK: Saleek nods and heads I to the farm.
Saleek you recall from your earlier visit the farm consists of 3 buildings: a farmhouse, barn and brewery building. There are also fields as well. Where are you headed?
KENRIS: "Rini I have your back no worries just relay anything you see."
You can see three more lanterns making patrols, presumably belonging to guards. There are also lights coming from the farm house and brewery building. The barn is dark.
Saleek rolls [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]] = 7+4 = 11
The barn is dark and silent. There do not appear to be any animals. There are collections of boxes, probably trade goods piled up, but none seem to have seen any use lately.
SALEEK: Saleek steps into the barn, and does a quick search.
SEARCH THE BARN: Saleek rolls investigation: [[1d20+Investigation (Int)]] = 17+3 = 20
DM rolls [[1d6]] = 6
Most of the crates are filled with straw or farming tools. You find a small box containing 2 red potions you recognize as healing potions and 2 potions that appear to be full of a boiling blue liquid.
I belive Randal is with you. And the rest are by the tree still. What is everyone doing?
LUFRAMAS: im waiting by the tree with everyone else
SALEEK: Saleek grabs one of each potion, and hands the other two to Randal.
Saleek then backs up and makes his way to the brewery.
RINI: Rini is describing to the group by the tree what's happening from his perspective.
LUFRAMAS: Luframas is concerned for his safety in this group of crazy people
RANDAL: Randal takes the two potions and follows Saleek back.
“Does th’ barn belong t’ th’ people or th’ thugs?”
SALEEK: "I guess we'll find out..."
RANDAL: *Randal nods solemnly* “What exactly d’ we seek here? And where should we seek it next?*
SALEEK: (suspicious) "looking for any clues, that might lead us to the kid. something in my gut tells me these thugs have *something* to do with it, lets check the brewery...."
You can tell that there is at least someone still in the brewery building and lanterns light the area. The farmhouse on the other hand you can see the light of the hearth dimly through the windows.
SALEEK: (suspicious) "Hmm... Looks like one last stop...."
"Yes, I wanted to search the building."
[[LuFramas left the game]]
As LuFramas didn't really do much and dropped suddenly, I'm willing to hand wave it that you were with the party and he wasn't. Or you can make your way over whichever you prefer.
Rini rolls Perception check for owl [[2d20k1+3]] = 5,7+3 = 10
Rini from above you are able to see Saleek and Randal exit the barn and make thier way to the brewery building. You can see from above that this particular building has two guards of it's own patrolling the perimeter.
Saleek and Randal how are you planning to search the occupied building? With stealth? Using your disguises?
Peaking your head in: the brewery is a large building, perhaps 30 feet by 100 feet, and filled with various barrels and brewing equipment. You can spot at least 3 Blacksashes just inside the entrance doors. Two are talking and one appears to be trying to fix some sort of tool.
RINI: "Kenris. They are heading to the brewery. There are two guards. Should we get closer in case they need help?"
SALEEK: Saleek, gets in as close as he can to the two talking, without giving himself away. He nods at Randal, and then nods at the black sashes fixing something, as if to say "keep a lookout"
VARIAN: A quiet rustle in the nearby bushes alerts Randal... A hand slowly sticks out of it, and transforms into a thumbs up. In another quick moment, he sees Varian's hooded figure swiftly crawl out from the bushes, towards him.
"*Varian says to Randal quietly* Hello again, friend. I'm sorry I was gone, I had to take care of personal business. *Varian glances at the two guards* I see we have a situation, here..."
"I'll ask for details, later. *Varian smirks*",
RANDAL: (friendly) "*In a similar whisper* “We’ve missed ye likewise, but yer business is yer own. I shan’t ask lest ye see fit.”"
SALEEK: (cheerful) "am i glad to see you old friend..."
Randal rolls stealth [[1d20+Stealth (Dex)]] = 6+4 = 10
Randal rolls perception [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]] = 2+1 = 3
KENRIS: "Rini, i think the sneaking is best left to those not wearing half a mountain of metal. if and when we hear trouble we can rush in and help. if needed i can do a light spell so we can all see were we are going. this gives our position away though."
Saleek rolls stealth [[1d20+Stealth (Dex)]] = 3+6 = 9
Saleek rolls perception [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]] = 20+4 =24
Varian rolls stealth [[1d20+Stealth (Dex)]] = 12+5 = 17
Varian rolls perception [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]] = 18+5 = 23
Saleek and Varian overhear a bit of conversation:
"...for their own good? Boss don't care none as long as they're off the streets by the festival."
"Ya keep yer hands where dey belong Terni. Ya know what 'e can do with dem knives..."
DM rolls [[1d20]] = 18
A third voice, larger and grittier than the rest calls out.
"Shut it, idiots. I thought I heard something."
DM WHISPER TO RINI: Throughtl your owl, you can see that the group is along the long side of the rectangular building and the patrolling guards are making thier way around the shorter sides as the moment.
RINI WHISPER TO DM: Heading towards each other?
DM WHISPER TO RINI: They will converge on Saleek, Randal, and Varian at some point, yes. Maybe 10 minutes from now.
RINI WHISPER TO DM: Rini will send Aspen down and land on a tree in the opposite direction of Saleek and co. and start hooting in an attempt to distract the guards.
DM WHISPER TO RINI: Rini give me a performance check for Aspen with advantage
SALEEK: Saleek nods at Varian, as if to tell him "watch from a distance"
Rini rolls performance for Aspen [[2d20k1-2]] = 18,15 -2 = 16
VARIAN: Varian nods in acknowledgement at Saleek.
SALEEK: Saleek blows out the fire in the lantern.
DM WHISPER TO RINI: You can see through your familiar's sight that both the patrolling guards at least for the moment turn toward the loudly hooting owl."
The two men from inside the brewery building begrudgingly stand and move towards the door. They will be pretty much on top of you if they step out.
RINI: (alarmed) "Kenris, our friends might run into trouble soon. Be ready."
KENRIS: (haughty) "Have no fear nothing we cannot handle."
The brewery is a large single story building. The sort that might have once housed a good number of animals in pens, but the pens have been removed to make mostly open working floor.
SALEEK: Saleek quickly looks at Randall. "You're up, see if you can get info from them." Saleek flexes his invisible wings, and flies straight up and over the building.
The first of the two men steps out of the entrance to the building. He is a large man who looks as if his nose had been broken multiple times and never healed right. He stops regarding Randal with a confused look. Behind him is a taller, lankier man with a scruffy black beard.
BLACKSASH THUG: (suspicious) "Oye, *he says regarding the disguised Randal,* who are you?"
RANDAL: (confident) *Randal stares for a fraction of a second, internalising the snippet of the speech pattern he heard from the thug, and preparing to take it on himself. Simultaneously attempting to conceal his own unusual way of talking, he speaks* “Could ask you the same. What’s a guy gotta prove these days t’ walk into a bar and buy ‘imself a drink?” "confident"
(confident) “Actually, can’t blame ya for not havin seen me before. Just got back from Daggerford, you see. Was visiting family there; ye know how it is. Any news from around?”
Randal rolls [[1d20+Deception (Cha)]]=2+5=7 for deceiving the thugs
Randal rolls [[1d20+Deception (Cha)]]=11+5=16 for inspiration die
BLACKSASH A: (friendly) "*The first Blacksash speaks up.* Yea... Boss did say we was gettin' more help before the festival... We gots lots of ale in the back if you want..."
BLACKSASH B: (disappointed) "*The tall man with the beard continues to eye Randal.* 'E also says to be extra careful 'round outsiders. Already says dey been pokin' them noses where dey ain't belong. An' I ain't got to put de hurtin' on no one lately noway.
RANDAL: (confident) "*Given a larger sample to work with, Randal subtly adjusts his pattern of speech a little further to match theirs* “Dey’ll come around. Dey’ll always be coming down to cause trouble where dere’s trouble t’ be caused. We’ll sure give them a beating when de fightin’ starts, eh?”"
BLACKSASH B: (excited) "Aye, yea! Always good ta find someone who likes scrappin'! What's yer name anyway, newbie?"
DM WHISPER TO RINI: Around this time the two patrolling guards seem to have convinced themselves that your loudly hooting owl is in fact a loudly hooting owl and turn back to thier patrolling. DM WHISPER TO KENRIS: As you are waiting by the tree, you notice a foul odor that seems to have risen around the area. It smells of something half rotting eggs and half rotting meat.
RANDAL: "Dey call me Bramdil, but Bram'll do fine anyday." *Randal looks around at the dark around him, and mocks a shiver* "D' night's cold. I'll go inside now for de comfort of a warm hearth and cheap drinks."
DM rolls [[1d20+1]] = 6+1 = 7
You step into the brewery, a half-orc man looks up from sharpening a long bladed knife. He eyes Randal for a moment but makes no other move.

You can see to the right side of the entrance is a larger work floor with boiling vats, boxes of grain, and other brewing supplies. To the left barrels are stacked upon each other, smaller ones clearly meant for delivery and much larger one made to store the still brewing ale.
KENRIS WHISPER TO DM: This odor is it something I recognize ? Does my divine sense give of any warning? DM WHISPER TO KENRIS: You would likely recognize it as something evil being nearby. You could actively use your divine sense if you like.
RANDAL: (curious) *Randal looks to the first blacksash* “You said de ale was in de back? Mind showing me where?”
The half orc rolls his eyes but says nothing. The shorter Blacksash from out front chimes in:
BLACKSASH A: (friendly) "Oh, sure! We got a barrel in the back... you know... fell off the cart can't sell it none all dented, right? *He would gesture to the left where the stacked ale barrels form something of a natural maze*"
RANDAL: Randal heads around the back, continuing until he’s certain he won’t be seen. Then, he grabs a mug, filling it with ale - then he kneels down to the floor and opens his water skin, letting its contents silently out onto the floor.
Randal now has a mug of ale and a empty waterskin.
RANDAL: Still obscured by the barrels, Randal places his water skin beneath one of the smaller barrels, which is supposedly meant for delivery. He lets the barrel’s contents pour into the water skin before returning it to its place. Then, standing again, he pours a little of the contents of his mug onto himself - as a clear indicator to others that one has been thoroughly enjoying their beverage, and exits the maze of barrels, ale in hand once more.
(relieved) "Dat does d trick, don’t it?"
BLACKSASH A: (friendly) "Oye, ya! Best ale you'll find in town! And the Boss don't mind a few barrels going missing for the crew here and there. It's a right good job it is. When there's not much trouble at least..."
Randal rolls rolls [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]]=5+1=6 for perception
As you pour your water out onto the wooden floor, you notice it running away from you and towards the barrels in the back of the building; the floor must be settling on this side of the structure.
RINI: "Kenris, I hate to potentially give away our position, but they're too far for me to sense through Aspen. I suggest we move within 100 ft of the brewery so that we can see what is happening."
At the moment, your path from the tree to the brewery would appear clear thanks to the gap left by the one patrolling guard who was knocked out.
RANDAL: Randal notes the water flow, but continues his casual conversation with the guards - both to make his inevitable exit less suspicious, and to give others time to prepare something, should they wish to. Meanwhile, he keeps on alert, preparing to draw if they attack.
SALEEK: Saleek flies to the other end of the brewery, attempting to get Randal back in his sights.
There is a roof on the building do you are unable to see Randal from sbove. There are openings at the top you could crawl through but you'd need a stealth check and a acrobatics check to hold onto the wall.
Saleek Lands on the top of the structure [[1d20+Stealth (Dex)]]=10+6=16
Saleek rolls [[1d20+Acrobatics (Dex)]]=11+4=15
You manage to land and slide in through an opening and then keep your grip on the wall. It does not appear any of the Blacksashes below noticed you. 
You're able to do this just in time to see Randal pouring out his water and walking away.
SALEEK: saleek continues observing.
Saleek rolls [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]]=8+4=12
Looking from above Saleek can see that the larger storage and fermentation barrels are stacked in such a way to make 5 long corridors on the side of the building. Each corridor is about 30 feet long, except the forth one from him which ends about 10 feet before the rest in a solid "wall" made of barrels.
From your vantage point, the barrels are stacked about 15 feet high. Wooden planks have been placed over the barrels at the end of this particular corridor, making a floor, or cieling.
SALEEK: Saleek makes his way over, as carefully as he can.
Saleek crawls a little closer, moving ghand over hand o the wall. Tou guess the area I'm question is about a 10 foot by 10 foot square, with barrels for walls and a wooden floor/ceiling.
(If you want to reroll the perception or investigation, you'll need to get closer and potentially reroll stealth and acrobatics depending on what you're doing)
DM rolls [[2d20kl1]] = 9,1 = 1 Kenris rolls [[2d20kl1 + Stealth (Dex)]]=8,7+0=7
SALEEK: Moves in as close as he can to the wall, and looks around [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]]=9+4=13 Saleek roll for stealth: [[1d20+Stealth (Dex)]]=5+1=6 DM rolls [[1d20]]=10
VARIAN: Varian, frustrated with the door being too obvious an entry point, circles around to a window to see what's going on inside, trying to find a stealthy way in through one.
Varian rolls [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]]=13+5=18 to find a good entry point and [[1d20+Stealth (Dex)]]=19+5=24 to sneak in through a window if possible
Kenris and Rini though you end up losing your footing in the dark and partially sliding down the hill, by the time yo get within 100 feet of the brewery there is no obvious reaction from the patrolling guards.
Varian you are easily able to slip in a small side window. You end up in the farthest west corridor formed by the barrels. Saleek is making his way to the eastern corridors.
VARIAN: Varian will attempt to do a round around the perimeter inside the building, searching for anything possibly hidden in the walls, under the barrels, or on top of the barrels. Varian rolls [[1d20+Investigation (Int)]]=14+6=20 and [[1d20+Stealth (Dex)]]=13+5=18
RINI: "Well... that was clumsy of us."
Rini attempts to wipe away some of the dirt gathered on the back of his robes from the slide down. Then he telepathically tells Aspen to make a pass around them to see if anyone noticed them.
Rini rolls perception for Aspen [[2d20k1+3]]=10,8+3=13
Varian blends expertly into the evening shadows, and circles the parameter of the building. In some places he has to climb up and over barrels.
He manages to find a dozen loose gold coins. The barrels closer to the workshop floor are mostly empty while those on the opposite side of the building are full of liquid, most likely ale.
Varian does notice the same section of the 4th corridor as Saleek, that has been covered over with boards. The boards have been nailed down tightly to the barrels below them. It seems as if there is a hollow space under the boards.
Aspen does notice the same two guards patrolling outside the building they are making their way to the entrance in front of you at a measured pace. Aspen can spot the 3 men by the entrance of the building.
VARIAN: Varian tries to find a way to gain access into the hollow space under the 4th corridor. (Assuming I understood the layout correctly)
Varian rolls [[1d20+Investigation (Int)]]=1+6=7 to find a way to access the hollow area.
Varian you're pretty sure with some time you could pry the flooring up.
KENRIS: (relieved) "Well Rini that could have gone worse.. Can you see anything ?"
SALEEK: Saleek makes his way to the strange wall, from the ceiling.
Rini and Kenris, you are both still outside and 100 feet from the main entrance to the brewery building. The patrolling guards do not seem to be reacting to you, but you will have to cross thier path if you wish to get any closer.
Saleek rolls [[1d20+Stealth (Dex)]]=8+6=14
Saleek rolls [[1d20+Investigation (Int)]]=12+3=15
VARIAN: Varian whispers to Saleek "Good to have you here. We could pry these boards open, but it's going to make a racket I reckon... Any ideas?"
SALEEK: "***in whispered tones***

If we could get Randall's attention, we could have him cause a distraction. If not, I'll cause a distraction, you get it open."
RINI: "Kenris. There are 5 guards. Three at the entrance, two patrolling. I don't see the others, they must be inside."
Saleek makes his way to Varian with no apparent response by the guards. Investigating he finds that one of the barrels making up the wall has a small set of hinges set into its front can be opened like a door.
SALEEK: Saleek looks around, looking for Randal.
VARIAN: (embarrassed) "*to Saleek* I did not see that..."
"Thank goodness we don't need a distraction after all, I've found those rarely go well"
"Let's see what's inside, shall we?"
KENRIS: "5 guards are a bit much dont you think Rini? i can possible charm one but that is about it. How about you?"
Varian and Saleek, the hinges squeak softly as you pull forward, revealing that this barrel is not a barrel at all but a disguised door to a small, unlit room. With your dark vision you can both make out a wooden chair in the center of the room and a set of stone stairs against the back wall.
There is a soft echo of something metal falling to a hard floor from somewhere ahead and down those stairs.
DM rolls [[1d20+1]]=6+1=7
RINI: "I do not disagree. I couple potentially put a couple of them to sleep, but they will wake soon. I haven't seen the rest in a while. I'll send my owl to look in through the top of the building to make sure they're okay."
And with that, Aspen flies towards the opening in the roof and peers through to look for his fellow party members.
Aspen with his dark vision can make out Saleek and Varian entering the covered area. Randal is being social with 3 blacksash guards. He doesn't spot any other movement.
KENRIS: (nervous) "id rather stay here and wen help is needed rush to their aid."
(anxious) "i have something prepared for that *He says smiling*"
SALEEK: Saleek makes his way forward, as quietly as he can.
Using your darkvison you can tell the room is a single 10x10 square, with walls of dark wood. You don't notice anything other than the chair and the staircase.
SALEEK: Saleek makes his way towards the stairs, taking care to listen for anything down there. Can I hear anything down the stairs? [[1d20+Perception (Wis)]]=18+4=22
You hear nothing; it is suspiciously quiet down below.
SALEEK: saleek pushes forward, albeit rather slowly.
The stairs open up into a spiral, leading down with an open drop at its center. Their end is beyond even your dark vision; you can see no lights at all from below.
The stairs are wide enough that they are not dangerous to climb down in the dark. But you will need to go slow and carefully without light.
SALEEK: Saleek continues at a slow pace.
A dart, firmly held in one hand.
VARIAN: Varian follows closely behind Saleek

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Here the party splits into 3 groups:
Saleek and Varian are covered in 3.3.A Down the Stairs 
Rini and Kenris are covered in 3.3.B Those Outside 
Randal is covered in 3.3.C Randal and the Blacksashes 
A new player joins in 3.3.D A new friend? 

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