Storage Shed
Summary
The Storage Shed is a small outbuilding in New Smoke, constructed from metal sheets and positioned against the wall approximately 60 to 70 feet from The Foundry. This structure drew significant attention during a reconnaissance mission due to its unusual pattern of activity: multiple Guards of New Smoke were observed entering the shed, but none were seen exiting. The mystery deepened when infiltrators discovered the shed contains a staircase descending underground into lamp-lit darkness. Access to the shed is strictly forbidden by the guards, with stationed sentries physically blocking the door and refusing to explain its contents.
Description
The shed is constructed from metal sheets and stands as a simple, utilitarian structure set against the wall. Its position near the foundry places it in close proximity to one of the settlement's key industrial sites. From an elevated vantage point on the foundry's roof, the structure appears to be a simple storage building, but its modest exterior conceals an underground access point. A notable feature is the staircase descending into lamp-lit darkness, revealed when guards enter the structure. The entrance is guarded, with at least one sentry stationed to prevent unauthorized access.
History
Session 9
During reconnaissance of the foundry, Cat positioned herself on the roof to observe the facility's layout and guard movements. From this elevated position, she spotted the shed set apart from the main building. While watching, she noted that several Guards of New Smoke entered the structure, but none emerged during her observation period.
When Cat reported this finding to the party, the group immediately recognized the ominous implications. One party member remarked, "That seems ominous." The group debated possible explanations for the phenomenon, with suggestions including that the shed might function as a portal, serve as an outhouse, or operate like "a clown car" with more space inside than its exterior would suggest. The party discussed whether this mysterious structure could be incorporated into their infiltration plan.
Sucks Benedict attempted to infiltrate the shed using deception, approaching the Guard with Patchy Beard stationed at the entrance. When Sucks asked about the structure, claiming to be looking for an outhouse and pretending to have a diuretic disease, the guard refused entry with the warning: "It's off limits. Stay away." When pressed further, the guard only offered: "It's a shed, man. Just stay away."
The situation escalated when Sucks slipped in the purple goo near the shed, resulting in a branch fusing to his body in a grotesque transformation. The guard witnessed this event and immediately began banging on the door of the shed to alert those inside.
Safia and Monster seized the moment of confusion to infiltrate. Safia, in rat form riding on Monster's back, rushed toward the door as the guard threw it open and rushed inside. They "squeak in just as they're closing it," successfully entering behind the guard identified as Doug. Once inside, they observed Doug and another guard "chattering back and forth as they turn to walk down staircase that descends underground into lamp lit darkness."
Despite this successful infiltration, the actual contents and purpose of the shed remained unrevealed by the end of the session.
Notable Features
- Underground Access — Contains a staircase descending into lamp-lit underground chambers
- One-way Traffic Pattern — Multiple Guards of New Smoke observed entering but not exiting during surveillance
- Restricted Access — Explicitly marked as "off limits" by stationed guards with permanent guard post at the door
- Strategic Position — Located approximately 60-70 feet from The Foundry, set against the wall
- Metal Sheet Construction — Built from metal sheets in a utilitarian style
- Unremarkable Exterior — Appears to be a simple storage shed from outside, concealing its underground purpose