Machines of War

[madtinker]

You don't see anyone you recognize from your travels.

[INWranger]

Obviously the people here distrust me. The options I see are hoping my quarry stayed around to try again, they fell back to regroup, or they withdrew entirely. I doubt they will get paid until they get the job done. Go back to the camp I found and see if anyone is there. I don't think after their recent sortie with Captain Kairn and his men that they will be sending another suicide mission because no one would go. If they are going to do a direct assault they are going to need some muscle. Check out the vantage point the mayor assigned me to take and see if anyone else has been there. From there the plan is go back to Gorts camp and see if anyone else has been there.

[madtinker]

One thing at a time. What do you do first?

[INWranger]

Check the vantage point. Ride my horse up to it. See if anybody else has been there.

[madtinker]

Make a survival check to find tracks.

DM only

Spoiler

Show

There are no tracks to find. Vicciano and his henchman went to meet Gort

[INWranger]

Survival
(1d20+5)[17]

[madtinker]

You find your own tracks from a few days before, but otherwise the area is undisturbed.

[INWranger]

Move on to gorts camp. Approach cautiously.

[madtinker]

Make hide and move silently checks.

[INWranger]

hide
(1d20+14)[33]
move silently
(1d20+9)[17]
spot
(1d20+7)[10]

[madtinker]

DM only

Spoiler

Show

they can't beat his hide check.

You are able to sneak up on the camp undetected. The short man you recognize as Vicciano is tending a campfire, and the other man who's name you don't know is sparring with a handy bush.

[INWranger]

Wait there until they start talking and then listen. Try to get an idea about their next move.
Listen
(1d20+4)[6]

[madtinker]

You can't really make out what they're saying, but it appears they are arguing.

[INWranger]

Try to sneak around the perimeter closer so I can hear them. Stay out of the light of the fire.
hide
(1d20+14)[21]
move silently
(1d20+9)[13]
listen
(1d20+4)[9]

[madtinker]

Still can't make out what they're saying. They finish their exchange and Vicciano lays down to sleep. The other keeps a watch.

[INWranger]

Jaster would have really liked for Vicciano to take watch, but you can't get everything you want when you want it. What does the camp look like? Tents, or simple bed rolls, horses somewhere nearby?

[madtinker]

There are three tents, barely large enough for one man, one of which was Gort's. They are arranged around a cook fire. You don't see horses, but you can hear them stamping around somewhere to the west.

[INWranger]

Go towards where the horses are, being careful of possible traps, and trying not to startle the horses. Once I get there, see if I can locate their tack and search it for anything that might be useful, rope, potions, poisons, etc.
hide
(1d20+14)[33]
move silently
(1d20+9)[16]
search
(1d20+3)[13]

[madtinker]

It seems that the gear has all been moved away from the horses. They are bridled and tied to trees, but their gear is nowhere nearby.

[INWranger]

Sneak back to the camp and wait until they change watches, then kill Viccianos companion in his sleep.
hide
(1d20+14)[23]
move silently
(1d20+9)[18]

[madtinker]

DM only

Spoiler

Show

spot - (1d20+9)[28]

Judging by the moon, it is about one in the morning, when the slender man looks straight at you. He twitches, ever so slightly, and his hand goes to the rapier at his side.

Also: defeating Gort earned you 1000 xp.

[INWranger]

Stay still, don't even blink if I can avoid it.
hide
(1d20+14)[34]

[madtinker]

He cautiously sidesteps towards his tent. (Vicciano is on the opposite side of the fire).

[INWranger]

Keep track of where he is. If he looks away for an instant. move away silently

Spoiler

Show

hide
(1d20+14)[23]
move silently
(1d20+9)[26]

If he doesn't look away, be ready to roll initiative and fight, or sneak attack, roll initiative and fight.

[madtinker]

With one hand, he gathers up his rucksack, and the other grabs his saddle and tack, then he moves towards the horses.

[INWranger]

Change of plans. Kill Vicciano now, then track his confederate down and question him. I can always come back for papers or whatever else he might have, and his stooge might be more inclined to talk.
Move silently
(1d20+9)[25]
damage (1d6+1)[5] + (2d6)[4]

[madtinker]

The slender man bolts for the horses when he sees you move toward Vicciano. Thanks to your acute eyes, you easily find him in his tent. (You forgot that you automatically score a crit when the defender is helpless and you take time to line up the strike) (1d6+1)[4]

DM only

Spoiler

Show

with 4th level rogue, 16 con, traits of hardy and passionate, and great fortitude, he gets a +8 fortitude save. (1d20+8)[28]

[madtinker]

Burying your sword in Vicciano's chest, you feel a his lungs sucking as he awakens, screams momentarily, and falls silent.

[INWranger]

I probably should have said "wait until the slender man is out of sight". His confederate will probably not be so talkative right now but then again he might be if the price is right, meaning I let him leave.
Hurry to get into good bow range.

[madtinker]

Good bow range of what?