The Black Shingle Fiasco

[JNAProductions]

Yes, let's be off, Silvet says.

[YossarianLives]

Knowledge (The Planes): [roll0]

Spoiler

Show

I'm assuming you're trying to find something about demons? Andras remembers that the demonic forces likely consist primarily of simple foot-soldiers - likely corrupted humanoids - backed up by lesser demons such as the dretch.

After collecting your possessions, you follow Olidar down to the stables. The inn is filled to the brim with soldiers, many of which look to be adventurers like yourself. The stables, such as they are, are abandoned save for a single, underfed mare, and the young gnome. He perks up at the sight of you. "I'm afraid we can't spare any mounts for you. Senra never had much of a cavalry, but there's no point delaying any further." Gesturing for you to follow. Olidar leads you toward the imposing stone wall and wooden gate that lead to Black Shingle. The gates slide open as you approach, and you can't help but notice the burns, and rents that look like they were left by claws, marking the gate.

Inside, Black Shingle is a mess. The high street leading straight ahead is choked with rubble, broken wagons, and the occasional corpse. Few buildings remain standing, and those that do are burnt-out shells. Smoke blots the sky, and it is silent, save for the sound of your shoes on the cobblestones and the dying fire inside the ruins of a nearby house. Olidar, his hand resting on his sword hilt, leads you down the high street for about 10 minutes, until you come to a roadblock: the remains of a stone apartment block, now a great pile of rocks, timbers, and ash, blocking the street. Olidar frowns and shakes his head, turning to face you. "I'd heard about this, from the scouts, but I didn't realize how bad it was. It seems you have a choice." Pointing to a narrow alley between two mostly-intact shops, Olidar continues, "The outpost isn't far from here, but I'm not sure we can get across this pile of rubble. We should be able to traverse the sewers, there's an entrance to the storm drains just down that alley. Otherwise, we could loop around through the side streets, or try to climb the rubble. Unless one of you has another plan?"

[JNAProductions]

Hrm... Silvet lets out. I could try burning the timber away-maybe that'd clear us a path?

Spoiler: OOC

Show

How much of what's blocking our path is flammable?

[Kushina43]

"Seems like a good deal o' stone there too, an' plenty of ash already. Think it'd be easier if we just went 'round or by sewer."

[JNAProductions]

"Seems like a good deal o' stone there too, an' plenty of ash already. Think it'd be easier if we just went 'round or by sewer."

I'm just worried if those will be our only escape options. While I'd much rather stand and fight, I'd even more rather not die.

[YossarianLives]

Hrm... Silvet lets out. I could try burning the timber away-maybe that'd clear us a path?

Spoiler: OOC

Show

How much of what's blocking our path is flammable?

Olidar nods, clearly intrigued. "That could work. It would certainly make getting across easier."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Probably about 1/3 of the rubble is wood. It'd make it easier to climb over, but not completely remove the difficulty.

[JNAProductions]

Silvet nods, and starts breathing out fire, careful to make sure it's focused inwards relative to the road so the flames don't burn out of control.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Once the timber is burned, what sort of check are we looking at to get over it? Or will it just be difficult terrain?

[Kushina43]

Sarim watches the flames burn away the tinder. "Guess a little climbin' didn't hurt nobody, eh?" He looks toward the rest of the group. "You all c'n get over this, right? Am I gonna hafta carry somebody?"

[wkwkwkwk1]

"If we can't climb this, then we can always go around. But no sewers, please. Blame my heavenly nose, but I just can't stand the smell."

"From what the clerics told me when I was young," she says, watching the blazing fire with intent, "the abyssal forces should be mostly foot soldiers. Poor souls, corrupted by the demonic blight. Some lesser demons as well. Dretches, if I recall correctly. Stupid, coward creatures, but demons nonetheless."

[YossarianLives]

"If we can't climb this, then we can always go around. But no sewers, please. Blame my heavenly nose, but I just can't stand the smell."

Olidar nods gravely. "I wouldn't mind avoiding the sewers, either. But it may be safer than wandering the streets."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Even with Silvet's fire, you'd all be looking at a DC 10 climb check to get over.

[Kushina43]

Spoiler

Show

Climb check: (1d20+5)[18]

Sarim starts climbing the rubble, urging everyone to follow. "Come on, fellas, let's get a move on then."

[JNAProductions]

Sarim watches the flames burn away the tinder. "Guess a little climbin' didn't hurt nobody, eh?" He looks toward the rest of the group. "You all c'n get over this, right? Am I gonna hafta carry somebody?"

I wouldn't mind a hand over. I might be tougher than a bear, but I'm not actually the strongest.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

(1d20-1)[12] Climb check. If I get Aid Another, add +2.

[Bartmanhomer]

Eric climbs.

(1d20)[16]

[Kushina43]

I wouldn't mind a hand over. I might be tougher than a bear, but I'm not actually the strongest.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

[roll0] Climb check. If I get Aid Another, add +2.

Sarim chuckles a bit. "Weak you may be, compared t' me, but you look like you c'n manage this time. I'll help when ya really need."

[JNAProductions]

Sarim chuckles a bit. "Weak you may be, compared t' me, but you look like you c'n manage this time. I'll help when ya really need."

Silvet grins back at Sarim, settling down on the other side.

[Bartmanhomer]

Eric was wondering and ask the party. Eric: "So what kind of demon are we going to kill anyway?"

[Kushina43]

Eric was wondering and ask the party. Eric: "So what kind of demon are we going to kill anyway?"

"Cannon fodder, if the spooky human girl's right. Nothin' a tough bunch like us can't handle with ease."

[Marlowe]

"Just a thought" says Avita tonelessly as she grimly sets herself to climbing the barricade.

Climb (1d20+1)[5]

"We are NOT going to be able to use this route to get back. We'll be cumbered with a group of civis and very likely under attack and stuff. So we'd best keep very careful track on the layout of the side-streets so we can get back another way".

She scowls as a chunk of rubble shifts under her grip. "And who's this "spooky girl?""

The rubble goes into a slide, dumping her back where she started. "Right, let's try that again without the talking".

Taking ten: Climb 11.

[Kushina43]

"And who's this "spooky girl?""

Sarim steps down on the opposite side of the rubble. "Referrin' t' you, missy. Don't mean t' come off as rude, but I tend to speak my mind 'fore I think and yer name musta slipped it. My blood is in strength 'n' stone, after all, not th' head."

[Marlowe]

Avita grins "Oh, I had a pretty fair idea. Just wanted to see if you'd cop to it. So--" she says as she gingerly sets down on the far side. "-I have a few combat spells, but they mostly weaken things and chase them off rather than kill, and they're kinda chancy at the moment. I can hurt things in combat, but I'm frelled if I take a heavy hit, so I'll probably be standing back and plinking unless an emergency pops up" she taps her bow again.

She looks at Silvet, then at Sarim. "So I'm guessing you two stout--solid punters take the lead while Blue Ey-while Andras and my own pretty little self back you up? The Drow--" she looks briefly doubtful. "--can use his own initiative, and we'd best get moving quick because the getting back is going to the hard bit. Sound fetching?"

[Kushina43]

"Aye. Th' rest can speak for themselves, but I sure can agree t' that. My axe'll be clearin' the way for us all."

[Marlowe]

Avita unslings her bow and notches and arrow. "Then lead on, oh great and choppy one", she says, in tones of immense solemnity.

Spot; (1d20-1)[18]
Listen: [roll]120-1[/roll]

[Marlowe]

[ Listen (1d20-1)[3]
Because even if you're pants at keeping an eye and an ear out, you better TRY]

[JNAProductions]

Spoiler: OOC

Show

(1d20)[1] Spot
(1d20)[9] Listen

Silvet keeps an eye and ear out for any potential threats, taking point with her shield at the ready.

[Kushina43]

Sarim notes the other's awareness and watches the surroundings as well

Spoiler

Show

Spot: (1d20+0) [17]
Listen: (1d20+0) [3]

Spoiler

Show

Rolling via app due to being stuck on mobile, cleared by DM last I was told. Will use forum roller when possible

[YossarianLives]

Advancing down the high street for a few more minutes leads your party to a large square, with a squat stone watchtower in the centre. It's heavy wooden door is patched in some places, and barred with many locks. A figure, peering over the ramparts, disappears as soon as your party comes into view.

Olidar turns to you, grimacing. "Just a warning: the civilians may be less than eager to leave. They just don't seem to grasp that the whole fiasco won't be over by Midsummer. There's no reasoning with some people. I'll try to persuade them myself, but some help would be appreciated." He pauses, looking a little embarrassed. "And you folk look more... Persuasive, than I do."

Spoiler: OOC

Show

You three beat me to it! Those who haven't already, make a listen/spot check.

Spoiler: Avita and Sarim

Show

As you examine the square, you're rather alarmed to see four or five tall humanoids lurking in a nearby alley. They don't appear to be armed.

[Bartmanhomer]

Eric listen and look.

Listen: (1d20+7)[14]
Spot: (1d20+7)[22]

[Kushina43]

Sarim motions a bit toward the tall humanoids, whispering to whoever's close enough to hear. "Oi, coupla tall folk in th' alley there. Ain't armed but I don't like the look o' them."

Spoiler

Show

Roll?

[JNAProductions]

Silvet takes a deep breath, preparing to hose them with entangling fire if they try getting too close too fast.

Spoiler: OOC

Show

Readying an action to breath an Entangling Exhalation Fire Breath on them if they take overly offensive action.

[Bartmanhomer]

Eric spoke to Sarim. Eric: "I say all of us should act normal."