Gameplay 1e - The Maiden's Kiss

Gerald quickly notices there is a squad of four soldiers guarding the main gate. One of them curtly asks the wanderers their business.

Ataan looks to the rest then speaks "We are but mortal envoys to relay a message from a greater power about the actions your benefactor should heed." Ataan states loudly and flatly.

Ataan should make a Persuasion roll at -2 to convince them you should enter.

You fail to convince the guards that you should be let inside the castle.

The guards look at each other, and one shrugs. The other says, "All right then, but oi, no weapons. You can put them in this sack and get them back when you leave. Rules."

Can I at least wear my breastplate. You know, for my own protection?

Gerald puts his Wheelock unwillingly into the sac along with his dagger.

"Yeah, your breastplate is fine, just no weapons."

I'll assume that you have a tabard or such over the breastplate, since it's identical to the ones they're wearing, which might raise some suspicions.

This seems like a mistake to leave ourselves unarmed Emma thinks to herself. She tries to hide her dagger within her clothes/armor first, then hand off her short sword, gauche, and pistol.

After Gerald enters, you see that they're not searching you, so you might be able to get away with small concealed items like a dagger.

No roll necessary.

Ataan leaves the firearm and stare at it for a bit before sighing to go instead followed by his dog.

Gerald now regrets putting his knife in the bag when he catches sight of Emma hiding hers. A little hasty he was.

At least one of us has a weapon, he thinks.

Emma is curious why the guards let her be, no doubt for some nefarious reason. She follows her companions, on her guard.

You are escorted through the courtyard to the main hall, a grand affair decorated with many old tapestries, suits of armor, and displays of swords and axes mounted on the walls. A long table fills the center of the room, and a fire crackles in a grand fireplace at the far end of the chamber. Despite the trappings of life, however, the castle feels cold and empty, like a tomb.

Once in the grand hall, the four guards turn their weapons on you, ordering you to surrender. They look deadly serious.

Yes, I should have kept my knife, Gerald thinks. At least one of us has a knife.

Emma has a sense of deja vu as they walk through the castle into the main hall. This feels similar to the previous castle they had just visited. Angered, "Are all the castle owners here alike? Will no one just serve us tea and scones, chat about the glum weather, and be done with it?"

"Don't you just work for the Mistress? You really want to throw the gauntlet in her stead? Does she and you lot not even care about the face and reputation of the Wife?" Ataan asks cocking his head also serious.

The guards, with their weapons drawn, listen to Ataan. One of them, says, "Oh good, a talker. I was hoping someone needs a demonstration."

They're going to attack, and attempt to knock Ataan about nonlethally. Do you fight back or accept being captured? If you do want to fight, I'll draw Action Cards.

Gerald has no weapons and his taunt and fighting skills are not great so he waits to see what the others decide.