Open the Side Shed Before the Child Freezes
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Open HallThe Big WarmUpper Bunks
Roleplay EncounterDND5E 2024Party L1 · 4 PCs
Open the Side Shed Before the Child Freezes
Read Aloud
Rain rattles the south doors while the brass lantern throws hard white light across empty tables. Behind the north bar, Seshka counts keys with one hand and grips a wood-axe with the other. From the covered shed outside comes a child's cough, then the scrape of someone trying the locked door.
The Scene
NEUTRALNegotiation under immediate weather pressureBase DC 12Stakes A sick child may die in the rain, while a careless argument could turn every traveler in the tavern against the party.
10 to 20 minutes
NPC Goal
Protect the people inside, avoid another ambush, and keep control of the tavern until morning.
Leverage
The party can offer shelter, a watch at the south doors, proof that the family is harmless, or help repairing the shed latch.
Player Approaches
- Inspect the family through the shed slats.
- Offer a weapon or pack as a temporary bond.
- Ask the travelers in the Upper Bunks to vouch for the party.
- Use the fireplace tools to repair the frozen latch.
- Point out that refusing aid will leave witnesses outside in the storm.
NPC Gambits
- Ask short, practical questions instead of demanding the key.
- Name the child's danger before arguing about the old ambush.
- Offer Seshka a clear watch plan with assigned positions.
- Have one character speak while the others stay away from the bar.
- Promise to escort the family onward at first light.
NPC Reactions
- A calm plan earns a clipped nod and one question.
- A character who checks the family first gains advantage on the next Persuasion or Insight check.
- A threat makes Seshka move behind the bar and call for the travelers in the bunks.
- A promise backed by visible action lets the party count one automatic success.
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