Party Confronts the Robed Cultists

Summary

In Session 3, following their imprisonment behind the Portcullis, the party reacts to being designated as sacrifices to the Sniff Lord. Vasso attempts to appear brave despite his terror, having heard frightening stories about the Sniff Lord. Sucks refuses to comply with the Robed Figure with Dog Mask's orders to proceed deeper into the caverns, citing the lack of incentive to cooperate. Katniss panics about their dwindling food supplies, now reduced to one goose and a dead fish after surrendering one goose to the cultists. Meanwhile, Safia, hidden in bat form on the ceiling, attempts to gather information about the ritual being performed around the food-laden altar but fails her roll, obtaining limited insight. The confrontation establishes the immediate danger facing the separated party members and their varying strategies for handling captivity.

Details

After being trapped behind the portcullis, the party members each respond to their predicament in characteristic ways. Vasso is visibly frightened, with tears streaming down his face, having heard scary stories about the Sniff Lord. Despite his fear, he tries to project courage by puffing out his chest in an attempt to appear brave. Sucks notices this display and encourages him, saying:

"Big chest, bud. Good. Like, that's awesome how big that is."

Katniss focuses on their deteriorating provisions, panicking about being down to one goose and a dead fish after the cultists forced them to surrender one of their geese.

The Robed Figure with Dog Mask orders the party to stop talking and proceed into the caverns, declaring they will become the Sniff Lord's meal. Sucks refuses to comply, stating:

"Yeah, you don't really give us a lot of incentives to go in. We're just gonna hang out here."

When the party continues to resist, the Robed Figure with Dog Mask walks away from the Portcullis toward the altar where other robed figures are conducting their ritual. This brings the figure dangerously close to where Safia is hiding in bat form on the ceiling.

Safia attempts to discern realities about the situation, trying to understand what the robed figures are doing with their ritual around the food-laden altar at Rex Tree. She rolls 2d6 with zero intelligence modifier for a total of 3, a 6- result that will provide limited or misleading information about the cultists' activities.

Participants

Vasso — Attempts to appear brave while terrified, having heard frightening stories about the Sniff Lord
Sucks — Refuses to comply with the cultists' orders and encourages Vasso
Katniss — Panics about the party's reduced food supplies
Safia — Observes the ritual from hiding in bat form and attempts to gather information
Robed Figure with Dog Mask — Orders the party to proceed into the caverns and threatens them with becoming the Sniff Lord's meal

Consequences

The party remains trapped behind the Portcullis, forced to choose between compliance and continued resistance
Safia's failed discern realities roll (total of 3) leaves her with incomplete or inaccurate information about the cultists' ritual
The Robed Figure with Dog Mask moves toward the altar, bringing the figure within range of Safia's hiding position
The party's food situation becomes a source of stress, with supplies reduced to one goose and a dead fish
The threat of the Sniff Lord is established as an immediate danger rather than a distant legend