IC: Curse of Strahd, Chapter 2: The Road to Vallaki [Archive]

The Commander

2018-01-24, 04:51 PM

OOC Link:
OOC Link (http://www.giantitp.com/forums/showthread.php?549132-OOC-Curse-of-Strahd-Chapter-2-The-Road-to-Vallaki&p=22780121#post22780121)

Flavour:

The streets of Barovia

https://i.imgur.com/W98AzmU.jpg

Atmospheric Music (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1xbvqsnOD-k)

Layout of the Village of Barovia:
https://i.imgur.com/q5buibv.png

Map Key:
E1: Bildrath's Mercantile
E2: Blood of the Vine Tavern (this is where you have been staying)
E3: Mad Mary's Townhouse
E4: Burgomaster's Mansion
E5: Church
E6: Cemetery
E7: What was once the Death House, now cleansed

Erevan and Ciardha:
You've lost track of how long you've been tracking the mysterious creature known to you as Strahd von Zarovich. Has it been days? Weeks? Months? You barely remember the old, pious priest in the Temple of Tyr who tasked you with hunting down and slaying this abomination of evil.

Back then there were six of you. All capable, zealous fighters, investigators and scholars. Your journey set out with the best of intentions and with hope. As you began to near the borders of Barovia a lingering feeling of unease settled over you. You pressed on regardless, eager to deliver justice and destroy evil.

The first was killed by wolves. They fought bravely, but alas, they perished. You buried them. Mourned them. Resolved yourself to see the mission through in their memory.

The second was killed by zombies. You were sure they were just corpses. They were sure they were just corpses. In the end they were all corpses. You burned them all.

The third you found hanging from a tree. They could not bear to live without their friends. You found their note. Perhaps you wept. Perhaps you considered turning back. Too late. Too far. We must press on.

The fourth you never saw again. You were sleeping. It was their watch. You awoke to find them and their belongings missing. No sign of a struggle. No note. Nothing.

You began to wonder, on the edge of desperation, if Strahd was the one hunting you and not the other way around.

Before madness and the cold of night could claim you, you spotted the Village of Barovia in the distance and made haste towards it. Tired and hungry you found your way to the Blood on the Vine Tavern. Andrej took pity on you and allowed you an evening meal and a bed to rest in, with the promise of breakfast in the morning too.

Once you were able to catch your breath you took stock of what supplies you had left. All that was remaining of the supplies the Temple bequeathed to you were two Potions of Cure Light Wounds, two Flasks of Holy Water and four wooden stakes. Everything else had either been used, destroyed or simply lost to Barovia.

(Erevan and Ciardha, you may split these items as you wish between yourselves)

As soon as you settled into the wooden cot in the guestrooms of the Tavern sleep took hold. You dreamed of your companions lost, of darkness and despair, but in the night there was a light; a beacon of hope. You are at the doorstep to a great evil. What does the dawn bring?

Nestor, Lucian, Kyril, Kyran:
Perhaps you drank yourself into a stupor the night before - through mourning or by simple self-destructive choice. Perhaps you limited yourself to a toast to your fallen and missing friends and called it a night. Whatever the case may be, you eventually found your way to your room and promptly fell asleep; dreaming of vengeance, justice, or simply escape.

The hazy light of dawn spears through the dirty grey windows of the guestrooms of the Blood on the Vine Tavern. Although muted by the dark clouds that seem to cling to this land, the rising sun is a welcome sight and a reminder that you have survived another day. With no clear goal ahead of you perhaps you take your time getting out of bed.

Eventually you make your way onto the main Tavern floor, the stairs creaking ominously as you tread down them. You can smell the enticing fragrances of breakfast cooking.

Behind the bar you spy Andrej busying himself making sure all is in order for the morning. Besides yourselves you can also see three young women dressed in garbs of green, purple and blue, decorative jewellery adorning their arms, ears and neck, with exotically styled hair, sitting around a table to themselves. There is also a young Barovian man who sits by himself at a corner table, nursing a glass of wine. You can see he has a grizzled look about him and coupled with the splint mail armour he wears, the longsword and shortsword sheathed at his belt and the heavy crossbow slung across his back, he strikes you as a warrior - certainly a difference from what you have seen of Barovians so far.

Now a question strikes you: What do you do now?

Irish Musician

2018-01-24, 05:12 PM

http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii505/_thrashmetaldan/Character%20Profile%20Pics/pic1677411-342x458.jpg
Ciardha Kane, Aasimar Warlock (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1446048)
Level 3 Hexblade Warlock | AC:18 | HP: 25/25 | Slots: 2/2

Ciardha rose with the dawn, and went through his normal morning routine. He had been on this quest laid out to him and this paladin for....who knows how long now. He didn't do it for the good of humanity, or for the gods.... those damned gods.....he did it knowing that he got to kill monsters. His motivations were fairly simple....rid the world of as many of these abominations as possible. He donned his armor, sharpened his Longsword, and with a wave of his hands it was sent into its extradimensional resting place. He sling his shield on his back and went downstairs.

As soon as he saw the lavishly dressed , what he assumed was Barovians, he was on the defensive. In this world, you never know where dangers comes from. Ciardha got an ale and some breakfast from Andrej, nodding his thanks, and went to sit at a table that was far away from the Barovians, and where he could put his back to the wall. He ate his breakfast and waited for Erevan to come down, all the while keeping one eye on the visitors. As a precaution, he waved his hand over his food...making it look like he was praying over it. What he was really doing was tapping into his ability to see the arcane and, using that, looked over the visitors for any magical surprises they might have.

Cast Detect Magic, casually look at the Barovians to see if they have anything magical on them.

The Commander

2018-01-24, 05:36 PM

Ciardha:
You sense nothing magical from either the three women or the man in the corner

The Commander

2018-01-24, 06:18 PM

Askan:
Your hunt has led you this far. To the dark forests and haunted towers of Barovia. You have it on good authority that the legendary vampire hunter, Rudolph van Richten, is here and is undertaking some great work. Seeking passage to Barovia was not easy - many had never heard of the place or had immediately shied away from you when questioned about it, a strange look of discomfort on their face.

Eventually you found a cheerful and boisterous trader by the name of Oleg Krystsky. Over an ale at a tavern he proclaimed to be a Vistana resident of Barovia and was headed back there in the morning. Eager for the company Oleg agreed to let you join him on his journey back.

During your travels with Oleg to Barovia he tells you the following things:

-Barovians are simple, frightened people. Many have no charm, hope, or spark, and they don't cry.
-The Old Svalich Road passes through Barovia. Three settlements lie on the road like beads on a string: Krezk to the west, Vallaki in the heart of the valley, and Barovia to the east.
-It is wise to stick to the road. Wild druids, wayward ghosts, and packs of wolves and werewolves haunt the Svalich Woods.
-Some Vistani women are blessed with prescience. Of all the great Vistani fortune-tellers, none compares to Madam Eva. If knowledge of the future is what you seek, Madam Eva will tell you your fate. Perhaps she can help you find the person you are looking for? (Oleg confesses that he doesn't know Madam Eva's whereabouts at the present time, as Vistani are wanderers by nature)

You have just arrived at the village of Barovia and Oleg proclaims he needs a drink. Besides, he says, what better place to find information than a tavern. The village itself is eerie and seems devoid any real life. Pools of blackness fill the windows of many houses. Shops are nailed shut or gutted out, devoid of wares. You hear a low sobbing echoing through the nearly empty streets. None of this seems to faze Oleg.

Quickly he brings you to a large building in the centre of the village. The sign above the door outside reads: Blood on the Vine tavern.

The door to the tavern swings open and in strides two human men. The first is an absolute bear of a man, thick dark hair covering his face and arms, clothed in a heavy garb of beige. He proceeds to practically drag the second man towards the bar and sits him in a stool.

"Andrej! You beautiful Barovian man! Me and my companion are thirsty! A pitcher of wine and two glasses to go with it!"

He reaches into a pouch and pulls out a silver coin, placing it on the bar in front of him.

"Oleg! It's been a while! How were your travels? And greetings to your companion too. What brings you to Barovia?"

Andrej takes the coin, retrieves a pitcher of wine, and sets out two glasses in front of Askan and Oleg. He fills the glasses. Oleg immediately begins to down his drink.

The three women at the table appear to sigh and shake their heads, but continue to keep to themselves otherwise.

The Barovian man in the corner watches the exchange with interest, but otherwise remains seated.

(Feel free to use the description of the other guests from my previous post)

Minescratcher

2018-01-24, 06:33 PM

Erevan woke only a few minutes after his fellow traveler, but remained in bed for a while. He stared at the ceiling of the inn room and wished to forget everything that had happened: all the times he'd failed his friends and allies, all the people dead because of those failures.... When the wish didn't come true, he sighed and set about his standard supplies check.

Rations... same as before. Clothing, check. Cooking gear, check. Potions, holy water, those useless stakes... check. Weapons... if Ciardha took his weapons, they're all accounted for....

He cleaned up as much as he could and dressed, before donning his chainmail and placing the necklace of the Royal Guard around his neck. He had done so each morning for years, following the same old ceremony each time. Erevan placed his pike and longsword in their respective positions on his back and walked downstairs, taking each step slowly and deliberately.

"Morning, Andrej. Got some breakfast?"

Erevan took his food and sat down with Ciardha, seemingly completely at ease. He stretched his arms up and over his head, then around to each side, scanning the room as he did so. Better to be safe than sorry, especially here. With a nod and a quiet "Morning" to Ciardha, he dug in to his breakfast.

Spore

2018-01-24, 06:34 PM

Askan smells the wine and checks it. The travel was rather long and the wine was something Barovia was famous for. Not really a wine connoisseur himself he still feels Oleg didn't enjoy the wine enough. Putting down the half-empty glass of wine the adventurer proclaims: I am looking for a renown scholar to educate myself about all kinds of teachings. I hope that I may become one of his apprentices. And I would want to talk to Madame Eva as well. she sounds like an incredibly 'experience' for the lack of a better word. Sadly Oleg here says he does not know where she resides as she too is caravan folk.

https://i.imgur.com/vSUwZAg.jpg

The Commander

2018-01-24, 06:57 PM

Andrej nods to Erevan.

"For you, my friend? Of course, coming right up. I hope you slept well."

Ashkan:
The wine is a deep purple colour and smells slightly of grape. Sipping it is pleasant enough - not too rich, not too light, again a hint of grape. On it's own it doesn't appear to be much of a specialty but compared to the darkness and depression of the landscape and it's people it certainly makes for a pleasing distraction.

"Hmm... not sure about scholars in these lands. Most folk tend to keep to themselves. Knowledge can be a dangerous thing you know. Do you perhaps know the name of this scholar? Or what they are an expert in? As for Madam Eva, I do not keep track of the movements of the Vistani; although perhaps the three ladies sat over there can help?" Andrej indicates the three women sat around a table.

Spore

2018-01-24, 07:51 PM

Knowledge is dangerous indeed. That is why I elect not to pull you deeper into my affairs. My selected mentor enjoys solitude so I will grant him just that. Askan empties his glass with fervor then proceeds towards the ladies. Is this seat taken? Do you mind if I ask you a few questions about the lands, possibly over a beverage or two?

Askan then proceeds to ask the gypsies about the lands and the current state of affairs in Barovia. As soon as he feels they are comfortable enough with his presence he asks them about Madame Eva. If the women pester him about his ultimate goal, Askan will cave after a bit and tell them he is looking for Rudolf Van Richten to learn more about the arcane and occult.

Daishain

2018-01-24, 07:57 PM

Kyran's wife Lucea finds him absent from their bed that morning. Instead he is down in his workshop, obsessively cleaning out the barrel of his cannon. The weapon had proven even more effective against creatures of the night than he had anticipated. The losses incurred last night notwithstanding, he now knew for sure that he could fight back, he could avenge his son. If an abomination wearing his son's face walked the mists, he could only pray he had the strength to end his suffering.

"You're leaving again aren't you?" Kyran stiffens at the question before answering. "Iubirea mea, I am sorry, but yes, I am. I do not know if I will leave today, but this land has claimed enough from our family. I will not sit around mending pots while the world decays around us, eating away at everything. Seth is old and skilled enough now to take over the shop while I am gone."

Snapping the last components of his cannon into place, the tinker stands and slings it over his back before turning to kiss his wife. "You WILL see me again Lucea, and as nothing other than myself, if I have to claw my way out of hell itself, I will return, I swear it."

Before she can say much more, he strides out the door, heading back to the tavern where he had left the brave adventurers who he felt could make a difference.

Iubirea mea: Romanian for "my love"

The Commander

2018-01-24, 09:07 PM

The Vistani look up at Askan, ponder between themselves for a moment before nodding and offering you a seat.

"Your offer is appreciated, thank you, stranger."

(A glass of wine costs 1cp, they only ask for one each, costing you 3cp if you wish buy them each a drink)

Once they have their drinks they lean forward and converse with Askan quietly.

(DC 20 Perception Check to listen in on the conversation, unless you have the Observant feat which lets you read lips and is an automatic success)

Askan:

The women introduce themselves as Alenka, Mirabel, and Sorvia. They tell you between them some of what Oleg had already mentioned and the additional:

-Strahd von Zarovich is the lord of Barovia. He conquered this land centuries ago and named it after his father, King Barov. He rules these lands from his castle, Ravenloft. The castle can be clearly seen atop the cliffs to the north-west of the village (and indeed it was impossible to miss on the journey here).
-Strangers aren't welcome at the castle without an invitation.
-Each of the three Barovian settlements is locally governed by a Burgomaster. The man sitting in the corner of the tavern (the women indicate the Barovian warrior in the corner) is the son of this village's Burgomaster. His name is Ismark Kolyanovich and his father is Kolyan lndirovich. The other Burgomasters are Baron Vargas Vallakovich, of Vallaki, and Dmitri Krezkov of Krezk.
-The Vistani are travellers and tend to travel together in family or clan groups. Strahd has allowed them to travel all of Barovia freely.

On the subject of Madam Eva:

"Ah yes, Madam Eva passed through here only a few days ago. A Vistana woman of incredible talent! We know she was following the road west out of the village and then heading north towards the Tser Pool with her clan. If you follow the river westwards you'll happen across it after a day's travel. If you reach the Tser Waterfall, either by road or by following the river, you have gone too far. If you can convince that oaf of a man Oleg to go with you he should be able to show you where it is."

The women are curious indeed, and as you cave and mention Richten the women look at each other and shrug:

"That is not a name we are familiar with, I'm afraid. And there is little we can offer insight on in terms of the arcane or occult. Barovia is a land steeped in the supernatural, but we do not claim to have any mastery over these things."

Ismark's Perception: -roll fumble-

Kyran:
As you wander through the streets of the village you hear the familiar sound of sobbing from Mad Mary's Townhouse. You're not sure if the sobbing is worse or the fact that one day such a common occurrence will be gone and the streets will be silent again; until another tragedy befalls the people of Barovia. You very quickly make your way over to the Blood of the Vine Tavern. Outside you can see a Vistani horse and cart tied up to a post. You head on inside.

Kyran enters the tavern (the scene is similar to how I've already described it). He doesn't see any of his companions in the common area at the moment.

Daishain

2018-01-24, 09:37 PM

Kyran walks in, and up to the bar. He asks for some wine, and gives Andrej a questioning look. "Who's this one talking with the Vistani?"

Perception [roll0]

puzzler7

2018-01-25, 12:26 AM

Kyril stumbles downstairs blearily, pulling up a chair at an empty table.

Has Fate left me to watch them die
As Strahd glares from his tower high?
Would that I stabbed him in the eye!
Yet I remain a passer-by.

Struggling to keep his eyes open, he summons the bartender.

"Barkeep!
I need a drink that will erase
Memories of this curs`ed place
Then afterwards, another fill
To kill the chill that lies here still."

After paying for his wine, Kyril absent-mindedly watches the Vistani chat, picking up on the conversation without realizing. Once he notices the subject matter, he brightens immediately.

Perhaps Fate planned this after all
And Strahd might yet take his long fall.

He fidgets with his drink, unsure of whether to interrupt, or to keep eavesdropping. Ultimately, he decides to wait.

I'd have gone over to interrupt, but I'm not sure what to say and I need to actually do my homework instead of writing more terrible poetry.

A note on notation: the "`" in "curs`ed" denotes that the word is pronounced in two syllables to preserve the meter, like saying "Curse Ed". To denote one syllable, I'd do "curs'd" or "curst".

WMO?

2018-01-25, 02:47 AM

Nestor wakes from a disturbed sleep, but despite his unease can not remember his dreams. Slightly hungover, he pulls together his clothing and slouches down the stairs to the tavern below, hankering for breakfast.

Spotting a couple of his companions from the dark night before, he heads over. "Ah, Kyran, Kyril, I'm glad you're here. Andrej, can a fellow get an egg and a small glass of wine?" Nestor turns to his companions with a serious look. "We need to talk. After I eat something."

Squadfather42

2018-01-25, 06:17 AM

Lucian wakes up in his room and spends the first few moments of his day staring at the ceiling.

After a few moments he gets up, dresses, and heads downstairs to the main room of the inn.

As he walks onto the main floor, Lucian sees his friends, and with a smile he walks over.

"Good morning my friends. What does the day have in store for us?"

Spore

2018-01-25, 07:34 AM

A busy tavern is usually a place where voices mix but rhyming with precision creates some sort of attention.

Just as the hunter Askan finishes his conversation with the Vistani and thanks them profusely, Kyril enters the scene mumbling about. Bards, songs and poetry are not foreign to him but a bard rhyming without audience is an odd scene to behold. As he mutters on his companions seem to treat it like it is an everyday occurence which bewilders them even more. This man has seen too much. Maybe he stared into the Abyss. Maybe loss maddened him. He clearly needs help.

But Askan would not be as old as he was if he threw himself into a situation without precaution. So he asks the barkeep about the bard and his group: Hey Andrej? Do you know something about that bunch of people over there? he points vaguely into the direction without bringing attention to himself. The slim one seems a bit mad. Not completely gone yet but well on the way. And I might seeing things but those ears. Is he a half-breed?

Irish Musician

2018-01-25, 10:20 AM

The Commander

2018-01-25, 06:20 PM

(A glass of Wine is 1cp, a pitcher, which would serve about 12 glasses, is 1sp, you can mark off what you've bought. Breakfast has already been paid for, for those that have been staying at the Tavern)

Kyril:
(You can read Askan's spoiler from my previous post. Askan already knew this, but the Vistani also tell him during their conversation:

-Barovians are simple, frightened people. Many have no charm, hope, or spark, and they don't cry.
-The Old Svalich Road passes through Barovia. Three settlements lie on the road like beads on a string: Krezk to the west, Vallaki in the heart of the valley, and Barovia to the east.
-It is wise to stick to the road. Wild druids, wayward ghosts, and packs of wolves and werewolves haunt the Svalich Woods.
-Some Vistani women are blessed with prescience. Of all the great Vistani fortune-tellers, none compares to Madam Eva. If knowledge of the future is what you seek, Madam Eva will tell you your fate.)

Andrej responds first to Kyran whilst fetching some wine:

"Not sure, he arrived a short while ago with Oleg here...." Andrej indicates the large Vistana man currently gulping down glass after glass of wine on a stool at the bar. The Vistana man raises his glass and nods to you, then continues to drink. "Claimed to be searching for someone; a scholar. And for a Vistana woman named Madam Eva; the fortune teller. Don't know much more than that."

Andrej happily keeps the wine flowing for Kyril for as long as he keeps paying. He gives an understanding nod each time he passes you a glass, as if this isn't the first time he's served someone who drinks away their problems.

In response to Nestor:

"Don't have any eggs I'm afraid.... Chickens tend to get eaten by the wolves around here.... But I can get you some hot porridge and a hearty loaf of bread! May not be much, but it fills you up!"

It doesn't take long before you have your food and drink in your hands.

In response to Askan:

"The group with the midget? Yes, they arrived the other day, along with a child and some kind of monstrous creature. The creature is gone now, apparently. As is the child. I think they were on their way to see the Burgomaster? Ah, well, madness is a subjective thing here in Barovia. Perhaps he is the luckiest of us all for his 'gifts'. Indeed I believe you are right; they make quite the ragtag bunch don't they? Perhaps they hail from a travelling circus? I do not know."

As Andrej speaks with Askan you all notice the Barovian man in the corner stand and head over to the bar. He makes a point of standing at arms length from Askan and places his own empty wine glass on the bar. A show of respect? Caution? You're not sure, but the man speaks to Askan:

"Pardon me for bothering you sir, but I couldn't help but overhear that you may be heading north-west soon. As the Vistani have said, my name is Ismark Kolyanovich, I am the Burgomaster's son. I have a favour to ask of you, if you would be willing to hear it? I have an adopted sister, Ireena Kolyana. For some reason the devil Strahd, who the Vistani neglected to mention is a vampire, has taken an interest in her; more than any other woman in Barovia. Although Strahd cannot enter a home without an invitation I fear it is only a matter of time before his servants come for her by force, or she is caught outside our home. The village and our home are not a fortress. I have heard tales that the settlement of Vallaki is well defended. I believe she will be safer there. It is about five days travel from here, on the Old Svalich Road. I beg you, please help my adopted sister."

Ismark's Appearance:
https://i.imgur.com/aGm5cnZ.png

Minescratcher

2018-01-25, 07:15 PM

"Pardon me for bothering you sir, but I couldn't help but overhear that you may be heading north-west soon. As the Vistani have said, my name is Ismark Kolyanovich, I am the Burgomaster's son. I have a favour to ask of you, if you would be willing to hear it? I have an adopted sister, Ireena Kolyana. For some reason the devil Strahd, who the Vistani neglected to mention is a vampire, has taken an interest in her; more than any other woman in Barovia. Although Strahd cannot enter a home without an invitation I fear it is only a matter of time before his servants come for her by force, or she is caught outside our home. The village and our home are not a fortress. I have heard tales that the settlement of Vallaki is well defended. I believe she will be safer there. It is about five days travel from here, on the Old Svalich Road. I beg you, please help my adopted sister."

Ismark's Appearance:
https://i.imgur.com/aGm5cnZ.png

Erevan had had his eyes lifted from his meal for a while. There seemed to be a fair bit of commotion this morning; honestly, more than he was expecting. He listened carefully, picking out the gist of conversations, but the Barovian man attracted his full attention. He focused his ears on Ismark, then, when he had finished talking, Erevan spoke quietly to Ciardha.

"Hear that? That sounds like a lead to me. And he wouldn't be asking them if he didn't think they were strong in their own right - we might have found ourselves some new companions."

Daishain

2018-01-25, 07:17 PM

Kyran turns to the exchange, "That is a dangerous proposition Ismark, and not just for the usual reasons. Strahd sees much, and could come for her on the road. What's more, if you do manage to slip her out from under his watch, might he not take his revenge upon you and yours?"

The Commander

2018-01-25, 07:37 PM

Ismark turns to address Kyran:

"You are correct, of course, sir. I will not lie to you - moving her to Vallaki is a risk; but so is staying here. Vallaki is far from Ravenloft. Perhaps far enough for her to be safe. Strahd's minions have already assailed our home several times in the past few weeks and although I am a capable enough fighter I am just one man against many. Strahd might come for me, yes, but all that matters is the safety of my adopted sister."

WMO?

2018-01-25, 07:51 PM

That cursed devil!

"Are you sure the Vistani will protect her?"

The Commander

2018-01-25, 08:07 PM

Ismark regards the Dwarf for a long moment, sizing him up and down.

"The Vistani? The Vallakians are Barovians by birth, not Vistani." He hesitates for a moment. "Perhaps your heart is bigger than your stature, would you accept this plea and safeguard a woman's life?"

Irish Musician

2018-01-25, 10:07 PM

puzzler7

2018-01-26, 01:53 AM

Kyril watches carefully, finishing his 5th glass of the wine before speaking up.

"I shall, of course, offer my help
To protect her from this land.
I wish we had bodies to tomb
Not merely grains of sand.
Friends blow away so easily
We must now take a stand."

After mournfully finishing his verse, Kyril makes no attempt to move or get up, simply pouring himself another glass of wine.

Squadfather42

2018-01-26, 05:34 AM

Lucian moves to stand by Kyril as he offers his support as well. "You my sword as well. What can you tell us about the route we will be taking?"

Daishain

2018-01-26, 05:40 PM

Kyran looks around him and sighs, "It seems my new companions are on board with this notion. Very well, I shall lend my skills as well. Ismark, come with us. I understand if you have to return here, but you should see your sister safe. I have only met her once or twice, and I know these others are strangers to her."

Spore

2018-01-26, 05:49 PM

Slow down, my good people. We have a group of people eager to run into their doom unprepared. I agree that battling a vampire is unwise. Relocating is only a temporary solution though. What interest does Strahd have in her exact person? He can have undead minions by the tenfold if he wishes so.

Askan pauses for a moment, making eye contact with everyone at the bar and close to.

Such a mission requires preparation and an unwavering heart. Are you really willing to look death in the face for a foreigner? Hah, you are a noble bunch. After Ismark is finished with informing us I want the bard and the lord he nods at Ciardha to tell me who they have lost. I might just know the person that can help us but I am afraid he is quite the recluse.

The Commander

2018-01-26, 07:41 PM

Ismark does little to hide his relief and joy.

"Thank you, one and all. I will accept any help I can get. All I want is for Ireena to be safe. If you mean to take on Strahd himself I would advise caution - he is powerful indeed by himself and even more so within his castle, surrounded by his servants and spies. I would be happy to accompany you so long as getting Ireena to a place of safety is made a priority. I shall take you to meet her, at our mansion to the south of the village. I can show you the route and we can discuss our next move from there. I'm afraid I do not know why Strahd has taken such a particular interest in her; but whatever the reason it cannot be good. Here, let me pay for what you have drunk this morning as a small token of my thanks."

Ismark reaches into a pouch and takes out several silver coins which he places on the bar. Andrej takes them, but doesn't say anything. He appears uncomfortable with your discussions and moves away to the other side of the bar. (If you had anything outstanding to pay for drinks then this is now covered by Ismark)

(I assume everyone is following Ismark, if not he takes those who are willing to the Burgomaster's Mansion and leaves the rest at the Tavern)

Ismark escorts you out of the Tavern and down the street. As you head south you pass by what seems like the only open shop in the village. Heavy curtains drape the windows and a sign over the door, creaking on
its hinges, reads: Bildrath's Mercantile. You are also aware of a low sobbing coming from a building a few doors down from this shop (characters that are local recognise the sobbing to be coming from Mad Mary's Townhouse). The few Barovians that you pass bow slightly to Ismark but otherwise give most of you strange looks and mutter to themselves as you pass.

Within moments you arrive at the mansion. The mansion is weary-looking and squats behind a rusting iron fence. The iron gates are twisted and torn. The right gate lies cast aside, while the left swings lazily in the wind. The stuttering squeal and clang of the gate repeats with mindless precision. Weeds choke the grounds and press with menace upon the house itself. Yet, against the walls, the growth has been tramped down to create a path all about the domain. Heavy claw markings have stripped the once-beautiful finish of the walls. Great black marks tell of the fires that have assailed the mansion. Not a pane nor a shard of glass stands in any window. All the windows are barred with planks, each one marked with stains of evil omen. There are trampled weeds and scores of wolf paw prints and humanoid footprints all over the grounds. Ismark strides up to the imposing front door of the mansion, which seems to have been scratched and beaten upon furiously. You marvel at it's endurance given the condition of the rest of the mansion. He knocks heavily three times upon the door.

"Ireena, it is Ismark. I have returned and brought with me several brave and noble souls who will help us get you somewhere safe. I would like you to meet them."

There is a short pause before you hear the sound of a heavy bar being removed and the click of a lock. The large wooden door swings open with a loud and threatening creak.

Behind the door is a Barovian woman of extraordinary beauty. She has long, flowing auburn hair that frames her chiselled, rosy coloured face. Her eyes are a piercing green. The ornate silver armour she wears is festooned with red sashes and scarfs and she has an incredibly stylised longsword sheathed across her back. Whereas Ismark's appearance screams of a fighter, Ireena's appearance marks her out as nobility.

Ireena's Appearance:
https://i.imgur.com/rW1Fc8H.png

She beckons you in quickly and Ismark ushers you inside. She takes a quick glance outside the mansion before closing the heavy door, relocking it with a key and placing a large reinforced wooden bar across the door. The interior of the mansion is well furnished, yet the fixtures show signs of great wear. Noticeable oddities are the boarded-up windows and the presence of holy symbols in every room. Ireena regards each of you for a long moment before speaking.

"My name is Ireena Kolyana, if Ismark has not already told you. I am the adopted daughter of the late Burgomaster Kolyan Indirovich." You see a sadness in her eyes as she mentions the Burgomaster and Ismark bows his head solemnly. "I assume Ismark has told you of his plans to move me to Vallaki? That plan is all well and good, however I will not leave this village or this mansion until my adopted father is given a proper burial." Ismark moves to protest, but Ireena cuts him off. "I will not have our father's corpse left to rot inside this decaying mansion. Or worse, for his vessel to be used by... him...." She visibly shivers. "No. He should be taken to the cemetery and buried with Donavich's blessing. Only then will I leave." She moves into a side drawing room and Ismark follows her.

(If you follow them) You find the Burgomaster here, lying in a simple wooden coffin surrounded by wilting flowers and a faint odour of decay. Ireena goes to her adopted father's side and looks down upon him. Ismark joins her beside the coffin. "Wolves and other terrible creatures attacked the mansion, night after night, for weeks. We fought them off each time, but three days ago our father's heart could not take the constant assaults and he passed from this world." She wipes away a tear from her cheek. "Strangely the attacks have stopped since then. We have been unmolested since. The villagers are afraid of me.... They will not help us or help bury our father. She turns to face you. "Please, if you came to help me out of the goodness of your heart, please find it in your heart to grant a kind and wonderful father a proper burial. I will gladly go with you after it is done."

WMO?

2018-01-27, 03:36 AM

"Of course we can do this favor for you," Nestor says. He appears stricken by the lady's appearance. Catching looks from others not so eager to commit to helping, he says defensively, "It is a holy task."

Squadfather42

2018-01-27, 08:31 AM

Lucian walks up and stands beside Nestor. "Indeed it is my friend...ineed it is."

Stunned by Ireena's beauty, it is a moment before Lucian can find his voice and speak. "Is there any particular funeral rites or procedures we should be aware of?"

The Commander

2018-01-27, 04:28 PM

Ireena smiles through her sadness.

"You are noble souls indeed to help a stranger with such a delicate request. Thank you. Donavich is the local priest. He will perform the necessary rites to ensure our father is laid to rest. Morninglord knows he's had to bury many a Barovian." Her smile fades to sadness again and she goes quiet.

Ismark speaks quietly to fill the void:

"If you will carry our father I will escort you to the cemetery and observe the burial. I would also advise purchasing any supplies you made need before we return here - the villagers may not want to deal with you in Ireena's presence." Ismark looks disdainful of his last statement.

Ireena speaks again after a moment: "I will remain here and pack our things for the journey ahead. When you return we can plan our route to Vallaki."

(Who, if anyone, is carrying the coffin?)

puzzler7

2018-01-28, 01:10 AM

Kyril tilts his head in acknowledgement, bowing slightly.

"Of course we shall put your father to rest.
He should stay lying in his wooden chest;
The dead should not once again walk the earth
Death is painful, but that fate is far worse.
None shall wear your father like a dread mask
Your father's burial is our next task."

Stepping forward to bear the coffin, Kyril struggles to lift it even an inch off of the ground. Releasing his grip, he turns to the party.

"Would one of you friends aid me here?
I've not the strength myself, I fear."

Spore

2018-01-28, 06:54 AM

Bearing a coffin is a task of teamwork and dignity, not one of strength my friend. Askan checks Kyril's physique up close. But maybe it is best you aid us with playing a funeral march. I trust you know one or two?

This is not the time for eager planning but I hope you would have time to plan your road towards Vallaki before actually leaving? I know many stories about this realm and if only half of them are true, Strahd is but a fraction of the dangers on the road.

The Commander

2018-01-28, 05:13 PM

Minescratcher

2018-01-28, 06:54 PM

Squadfather42

2018-01-28, 08:00 PM

"I'll gladly help my friend."

Lucian moves up and stands by the coffin.

Daishain

2018-01-28, 08:33 PM

Kyran steps up as well, he doesn't say anything, just helping shoulder the burden.

Spore

2018-01-28, 11:52 PM

Ismark responds to Askan:

"We have a proposed route, but I know you seek Madam Eva at the Tser Pool. If she is indeed camped there with her clan it would make an ideal place to rest for the first night of the journey, as it is not too far off our proposed route. Otherwise we would follow the Old Svalich Road all the way from the village to Vallaki. It would take roughly five days to reach Vallaki; assuming there are no... complications.... The roads are safer than the woods, but still contain dangers. We would also be passing beneath Ravenloft for most of the journey. There is no way to avoid that, unfortunately."

Askan nods in response. Well, I just hope the rest of you folks haven't done anything to upset our Lord Strahd. Because having his undivided attention could surely spell our doom. Alas, 2...1...heave! He lifts the casket along with the other men with some trouble but he manages.

puzzler7

2018-01-29, 01:10 AM

Kyril follows behind the group, pulling out his viol and playing a funeral dirge as they walk.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4CK2hx377iU

WMO?

2018-01-29, 02:59 AM

Nestor provides himself as the fourth bearer

The Commander

2018-01-29, 06:42 PM

(Nestor finds it hard to lend his support carrying the coffin due to his size, but helps as best he can. Between four of you this is an easy task, the Burgomaster is not heavy and the coffin is simple wood)

The lid to the coffin is placed on top and sealed.

Ismark and Ireena walk you to the door. Before you leave Ireena places a hand softly against the wooden coffin and whispers through streaming tears:

"Goodbye father. Thank you for everything. I love you."

Ismark unbars the door and unlocks it with his own key before heaving the heavy door open. You did not notice whilst inside the mansion but it has now started raining and lightning cracks in the distance, briefing illuminating the oppressively grey sky. Ismark leads you from the mansion and Ireena closes, locks and bars the door behind you.

As you begin your funeral march through the streets of the village the sound of Kyril's viol brings the villagers from their homes. In their dozens they line the streets. As the procession passes the men remove their hats and bow their heads and the women cry softly and reach out from afar towards their Burgomaster; sad to see what once must have been a great man passing. Ismark struggles to keep his composure at the head of the procession and the crowds part before him like a great sea. Even the sobbing you heard from the townhouse earlier stops as you pass.

After a short march you approach the church. Atop a slight rise, against the roots of the black rock cliff that supports Castle Ravenloft far above, stands a grey, sagging edifice of stone and wood. This church has obviously weathered the assaults of evil for centuries on end and is worn and weary. A bell tower rises toward the back. The rafters strain feebly against their load and there are several holes in the shingled roof. The heavy wooden doors of the church are covered with claw marks and scarred by fire. Ismark approaches the doors and pushes them open.

The doors open to reveal a ten-foot-wide, twenty-foot long hall leading to a brightly lit chapel. The hall is unlit and reeks of mildew. Four doors, two on each side of the hall, lead to adjacent chambers. You can see that the chapel is strewn with debris, and you hear a soft voice from within reciting a prayer. Suddenly, the prayer is blotted out by an inhuman scream that rises up from beneath the wooden floor. Ismark appears perturbed and looks at you unsure, but resolves to see his current task done before worrying about anything else and brings you inside before closing the church doors. He then brings you into the church proper.

The church is a shambles, with overturned and broken pews littering the dusty floor. Dozens of candles mounted in candlesticks and candelabras light every dusty corner in a fervent attempt to rid the chapel of shadows. At the far end of the church sits a claw-scarred altar, behind which kneels a priest in soiled vestments. Next to him hangs a long, thick rope that stretches up into the bell tower. From beneath the church floor, you hear a young man's voice cry out:

"Father! Im starving!

The priest doesn't seem to react to this voice, but does hear your approach and turns quickly and fearfully towards your group, brandishing a holy symbol of the Morninglord. Immediately upon seeing Ismark, the coffin and your group he calms down. His voice is hoarse and strained, but he manages:

"Ismark? Is that you? And who have you brought with you?"

You get the feeling the priest is referring more to the occupant of the coffin rather than yourselves with that question.

Donavich's Appearance:
https://i.imgur.com/zWhzbgW.png

"Greetings, Donavich. These are brave and noble adventurers who have taken it upon themselves to keep Ireena safe. For now, we have come to bury my father. We have come to bury Kolyan Indirovich."

The priest visibly saddens and steps towards Ismark. He reaches out and places a hand on Ismark's shoulder.

"Your father was a good man. Perhaps the best of us here in Barovia. I will make sure the Morninglord knows that in my prayers to him."

He turns to the rest of you.

"Come, it will be midday soon, when the sun is highest in our dark sky. We have much work to do and little time to do it. Give me one moment...."

Donavich rushes off back to the hallway and you hear another plea from beneath the floor. The priest enters the first door on your left, inside the hallway you just came from, and returns a moment later with a book, an ink quill and some ink. He places the items on a stand and flicks through the book quickly before settling on a page and writing some things down. He then closes the book.

"Ismark, there is a box full of shovels by the door. Grab as many as you can and follow me out to the cemetery. We will need every hand to help dig a grave for our Burgomaster."

Donavich leads you out of a back door to the main church, whilst Ismark collects the shovels. You enter into the cemetery.

A fence of wrought iron encloses a rectangular plot of land behind the dilapidated church. Tightly packed gravestones shrouded by fog bear the names of souls long passed. All seems quiet aside from the rain and distant crack of thunder. Donavich walks through the cemetery on a winding dirt path, counting to himself until he reaches a bare plot of earth and nods to himself.

"Set the Burgomaster down and dig here. I will begin performing the necessary rites and preparations."

(Is anyone wanting to do anything else before digging? If you are helping to dig please make me an Athletics Skill Check)

EDIT: Added the effects of Kyril's performance to the description of the funeral march

Minescratcher

2018-01-29, 07:01 PM

Erevan quietly looked around the old church, taking in the ramshackle interior. He started at the sudden screech, nearly dropping his corner of the coffin.

"What in the world was that?"

Out in the cemetery, Erevan gently lowered the coffin to the ground, drew his cloak closer against the rain, and began to dig.

Athletics: [roll0]

The Commander

2018-01-29, 07:16 PM

Donavich responds to Erevan after being startled and speaking to Ismark, a look of shame and distress on his face:

"Those pleas that you hear are from my son. I will be happy to explain his condition to you once we have laid the Burgomaster to rest."

Squadfather42

2018-01-29, 08:44 PM

Lucian reverently carries the coffin as the group heads to the chapel. Upon their arrival, Lucian follows the directions given to the group.

Taking a shovel from Ismark, Lucian sets about helping to dig the burgomiester's grave.

[roll0]

Spore

2018-01-29, 11:31 PM

Your ... son? Askan's face is one of disbelief. If there is not a very convincing reason that Kolyan's funeral has to proceed as soon as possible I would like an explanation, if a short one.

The hunter has heard of spirits that were never properly buried and that haunt the place of their demise. He has even fought and destryoed a few corpses that an alchemist has experimented on. But a holy man unable to consecrate his son's remains is ... entirely new.

Daishain

2018-01-29, 11:37 PM

Kyran shakes his head at Askan, saying, "This land is cursed, we are cursed. The one thing we have is our kin, and even that can be a source of unbearable pain. His story is not one to be rushed. Give him time."

Kyran takes up a shovel with the others, though his slight frame is not built for such work.

[roll0]

puzzler7

2018-01-30, 02:56 AM

[roll0]

Kyril continues playing his somber march as his companions dig, singing eloquently as he does so.

"Here does lie Sir Burgomeister, Kolyan Indirovich, the master of men.
Here does lie the man of all men, whose life has come to end."

Sorry for short posts, schoolwork has been a pain recently. Should lighten up after the month ends.

Song is roughly to the tune of "Do you know the muffin man", but slower. (Which doesn't fit the song I posted earlier, but that sounds better.)

Irish Musician

2018-01-30, 03:54 PM

Spore

2018-01-31, 10:14 AM

Askan tries to adhere to the general etiquette during a funeral and tries to remember the parts and especially the length of the prayers. Meanwhile he also tries to check the area for monster tracks or oddly loose dirt in case of zombies. When this place is cursed it may be possible that the area has living dead.

The hunter prays to the Nightmother to not disturb this man's funeral with a monster attack.

Survival (or Perception) to subtly check for tracks and dirt [roll0]
Religion to know what to do when during a funeral [roll1]
Religion to know about zombies [roll2]
Charisma check to behave "funerally"[roll3]

The Commander

2018-01-31, 06:47 PM

(Added the villager's response to the funeral march in my previous post)

Donavich looks flustered as Askan presses him for more information.

"We have already missed the dawn, but the midday sun, when it is highest in the sky, is the next best time to ask the Morninglord to deliver our Burgomaster from these cursed lands. If you must know though...." Donavich takes a deep breath. "A little over a year ago a wizard in black robes came to our village. He was from a far-off land, although I do not claim to know where exactly. He stirred up feelings of revolt in some of the villagers against Strahd..." As he says that name he makes a holy sign across his chest and quickly mutters: "A curse upon him." He then continues: "And despite my best efforts to persuade him otherwise, my son joined with these villagers and stormed the Castle. Such foolishness cost them all dearly. By all accounts the wizard and the villagers were slain... or worse...." He trembles. "I awoke one night to hear banging on the door. I assumed the worst and prepared to defend myself until I heard my son's voice through the door. I was overcome with relief to think my son may have survived his foolish endeavour and opened the doors for him. My son had returned. But not as he had left. Strahd, a curse upon him, had turned my boy into a creature of the night. Into a vampire! He attacked me and we struggled. Eventually I was able to wrestle him into the church undercroft and lock him down there. He has been crying out to be fed ever since, but has never tasted blood after being locked down there. I pray constantly that the Morninglord will reveal to me a way of saving my son. To bring back the beautiful Barovian boy I once had. He is no harm to anyone locked in the undercroft."

Almost as a reply you hear, pleading from beneath your feet:

"Please... I am starving! Feed me father! Feed me!"

(Feel free to question more, but I will deal with the funeral aspect now)

Those of you that do help dig begin in earnest. The rain patters hard against you, but you push on through to get the job done. Lucian begins to get tired quickly, but with the combined efforts of the rest of the party you dig a respectfully well dug grave just before the sun reaches it's zenith in the sky.

Donavich looks pleased with your work and returns with some rope a moment later to help lower the Burgomaster into the grave. Between you all you have no trouble lowering the coffin into the grave.

Ciardha:
You detect no magic within the cemetery

Askan:

You check for tracks in the dirt, but find none except your own and those of your companions that you expect to find.

Although you may be a man who appreciates religion you have no idea how to perform a funeral and what prayers are appropriate at which point and how to prepare a body, etc, etc. Luckily for you, Donavich seems confident in what he is doing.

What you do know, however, is how to fight zombies. You've trained for this, studied the necessary texts and heard plenty of advice on your travels. (You know anything/everything from the standard Zombie monster template, do you want to know anything specific? Otherwise you are free to look at this (https://roll20.net/compendium/dnd5e/Zombie#content).) You've heard from a reliable source that Strahd utilizes a special kind of zombie, resurrected from the once living guards of Castle Ravenloft. These zombies are suffused with terrible necromantic energies that allow severed body parts to continue functioning even after they have been removed from the zombie's main body. You've heard accounts of limbs and heads being easily taken off during a fight, only for those body parts to continue trying to fight the attacker. Otherwise they behave and attack as any other zombie would, except that once the zombie has taken enough damage it stays dead, unlike regular zombies that you know sometimes manage to survive long after their reanimated corpses should of died from wounds (mechanically, Strahd Zombies do not have the Undead Fortitude Trait).

Despite your earlier apprehensions about Donavich, the party, and this place, you respectfully allow proceedings to continue uninterrupted and carry yourself with dignity throughout.

The funeral does not take too long. Donavich cries out to the Morninglord to deliver the Burgomaster's soul from Barovia so that it may know peace and that his body may rest eternally. He gestures and pontificates grandly over the coffin. Despite the rain and the small company it is genuinely a touching ceremony. As Donavich finishes the rain begins to abate and he bids you to fill in the grave.

(No Athletics check required for filling the grave back in, but I would like everyone to make me a Perception Check please)

Spore

2018-02-01, 12:13 AM

To an experienced onlooker Askan seems to be caught in thought during the ceremony. So his son is lost. Now how do I convince Donavich that his son can gain salvation only through death? It is irresponsible to house a vampire amidst a town of these hapless creatures.

After finishing up the ceremony Askan shakes his waxed coat to remove a bit of rainwater from it.

Perception[roll0]

Squadfather42

2018-02-01, 03:59 AM

Lucian stands there as the ceremony concludes. Once it is complete, he helps to fill in the grave with his comrades.

[roll0]

WMO?

2018-02-01, 05:40 AM

Nestor mutters what he thinks is the right prayer for a funeral, missing the presence of the gods he knows. He thinks he can add some legitimacy to the service, as he's somewhat suspicious and curious about the novel "Morninglord". He asks Donavich, "I'm sorry, but I am not from your land and do not know your worship. Who is the Morninglord? What is his domain?"

Perception: [roll0]
Religion: [roll1]

The Commander

2018-02-01, 02:23 PM

Nestor makes a half decent attempt at adding his own words to the funeral. They're nice enough and wish peace upon the Burgomaster's soul, but are too generalised to apply to any particular Gods for kindness or protection.

Donavich explains:

"There are two divine forces that watch over all Barovians: The Morninglord, and Mother Night. Before the curse of Strahd, a curse upon him, befell the land, the Morninglord watched over us from sunrise until sundown. Now, the sun has not shone unobscured for centuries, and the Morninglord rarely answers our prayers and pleas for deliverance. I still have faith though...." Donavich nods to himself. Is he trying to convince you or himself of that statement? "The Morninglord will find a way to save us. He will find a way to save my boy. As for his domain it is Light and Life, for this is what the dawn brings these lands."

Daishain

2018-02-01, 02:35 PM

Kyran nods at Donavich's words, pulling an amulet with the symbol of the rising sun upon it out of a fold in his tunic to show the others. "Yes, the curse upon these lands has kept us from his light for far too long. Some still keep the faith, we will see light and life visit these lands once more. But waiting becomes harder every year."

Spore

2018-02-01, 04:05 PM

Reverend. You still wait for the Morninglord and your unwavering faith is admirable. Even though the sun does not shine brightly or protect from vampires, it does however keep them at bay. I think they only hunt at night, in the time of the dreaded Nightmother. Now your son's efforts and the efforts of the late Burgomaster Indirovich will be futile if this peaceful town is attacked by a vampire from within. Askan pulls a wooden stake from his bandolier under his rain coat and holds it in his right hand. Not as a threat but merely like a craftsman would hold a tool. Donavich. Deep down you KNOW your son is long gone. Deep down you know the creature you hold down there is a monster he never would have wanted to become. Yet, to keep your faith, to have a reason to wake up every day, you have shackled this beast under the floor boards. Because you fear that all hope is lost once it dies. But hope is not lost. Not until Strahd has snuffed out the breath of life in each and everyone of us. And we will persevere. Against all odds, against Strahd and against all dark powers in Barovia.

Another charisma check [roll0] e: So I really hope you take my written inspirational speech instead of that pitiful roll :P
Insight to gauge Donavich's reaction, to see if Ireena or Ismark would ally themselves with my idea [roll1]

The Commander

2018-02-01, 07:54 PM

Askan:
(Your speech was wonderful, but ultimately the end result would of been the same, so don't beat yourself up too much for the roll)

From your Insight roll, Ireena isn't here so you can't judge her reaction. Donavich's reaction is incredibly obvious - it's distress and panic. He doesn't want to lose his son, despite the fact he's a vampire. There is a wild look in his eyes that suggests he isn't completely mentally stable either. Ismark's reaction is one of caution - like you he doesn't appear fond of the idea of having a vampire in town, but seems to have other priorities at the moment; you see him occasionally looking back towards the village and his home. You think he would join your side if the issue was forced though.

The priest immediately becomes distressed at Askan's words. He scrambles up to the monster hunter and pleads desperately:

"Oh no, no no! Doru isn't a threat to anyone! He is locked beneath the church and has been for a year! He has harmed no-one since then! I know the Morninglord can show me the way to change him back. The Morninglord works in mysterious ways! This is just a test for me. A test for all of us! If I keep praying and being a good servant to him, the Morninglord will show me the way! Perhaps once Strahd, a curse upon him, is defeated my boy will return to what he once was! Why waste time with such an inconvenience? Don't you have more important things that need to be doing? Like keeping your sister safe, Ismark?"

Donavich looks pleadingly to Ismark. Ismark simply stands beside his father's grave, his jaw clenching and unclenching, returning Donavich's stare without a word.

Donavich turns to each of you, trying to find a supporter amongst you.

"Please, some of you must have family, right? Friends? If they were sick you'd try to help them right? Because deep down you're a good person and you have faith that they will get better! My boy will get better. Whether there is a cure, or through faith, or starvation of blood, or the death of that devil Strahd!" This time Donavich points an accusing finger towards the Castle far above and begins shouting. "YOU DID THIS TO ME! YOU DID THIS TO MY BOY! I SWEAR I WILL RESTORE MY SON AND YOU WILL ONE DAY BE DESTROYED! THE MORNINGLORD BE MY WITNESS!" Donavich then falls to the ground, coughing and hacking, clearly not being used to raising his voice like this in a long time. He crawls to Askan's feet and begins sobbing. "Please.... please.... have mercy.... have mercy...."

Spore

2018-02-02, 01:31 AM

Askan pauses to think a bit, then turns to his new companions. What are your thoughts on the matter?

puzzler7

2018-02-02, 02:14 AM

Kyril fiddles uncomfortably with his fiddle. "I ..." He begins haltingly, before considering his words carefully.

"I am no stranger to evil
And yet I must dissent.
The dead should stay dead when they're dead;
On that, you are correct.

But evils trapped in a body
Are not there for their gain.
To slay a person kills the man
The evils still remain."

He takes a quick swig of wine, visibly nervous.

OOC, I'm all for killing the vampire. However, Kyril is familiar with carrying an evil burden, and would like to believe there's still some hope for him.

WMO?

2018-02-02, 03:24 AM

"Um, ah, faith and justice are tricky things. It is difficult even for godly creatures to know what is right to believe and to do..." Nestor's hesitant pronouncement peters out. He casts about for words.

"I think your trust in your son's redemption is a beautiful thing, Donavich. I think your love is beautiful. But this fellow –" Nestor's brow quirks as he scrambles mentally for the new name, "– Askan is right that you endanger precious lives. Is there anyone who can help you, to ensure that this twisted version of your son is kept away from others and safe until your hope is fulfilled? Any small lapse of yours in securing him could ensure the necessity of his destruction."

[roll0]

The Commander

2018-02-02, 07:57 AM

Donavich turns his head to Nestor, still crawling around the ground.

"He IS kept away from others. I have sealed the entrance to the undercroft so that none may enter and he may not leave. I have weathered the assaults of Strahd's, a curse upon him, minions and still kept my son secure. I can handle myself and I swear to you, the Morninglord be my witness, that he is secure in the undercroft. I have done this for over a year. Is that not proof enough of my capabilities?"

Daishain

2018-02-02, 08:03 AM

Kyran slowly states, "Donavich, you know my own son was taken not long ago. I fear that he might return as yours has. I fear that I might not have the strength of will to stop him before he takes others of my family."

"What you must realize is that your son is dead, and the creature below is merely a perverted reflection of what he once was. The morninglord is able to restore his life of course, but doing so will require the destruction of that which calls for you regardless. What's more, nothing can last forever, eventually, someone will make a mistake."

Spore

2018-02-02, 11:01 AM

And - if I understand my fellow adventurers here correctly, they have a bone to pick with whichever power lead them into this world. If it is Strahd, I fear he will use his ace and free your son, using him as a pawn to be stopped when we should deal with more pressing affairs. Hell, he might even act out his revenge on you when he learns that we help Ireena leaving town and he learns that you helped in getting her on the way.

Askan's face is that of grim determination. The only thing worse than this dilemma would be that you loose your faith and your hope. This town needs a capable spiritual leader. If you break down upon the merciful end of your son, I feel the town is better off with a living vampire spawn and their priest. The hunter helps Donavich up and hands him the wooden stake. With his left hand on the shoulder of the preacher, Askan says: Swear to me, on your son's honor, on your honor and your god, that you promise to destroy him if he gets loose.

Askan is not established in the town in the slightest. So I cannot go around stabbing people's sons first thing coming into their lives. If I were a bit longer in the town - like Kyran - I could justify a deed that drastic. But for now I trust his judgment enough to delay that problem until we can get there.

If the priest had agreed and only were too weak to do the deed himself, this would be a different story.

Irish Musician

2018-02-02, 01:22 PM

The Commander

2018-02-02, 02:18 PM

(Since no-one else seems to be rolling Perception....)

Askan:
During your argument with Donavich your eyes flick across the landscape - keeping aware of your surroundings at all times is key to survival for a monster hunter. Suddenly your eyes fix on an impossibly dark figure watching you from between the iron bars of the cemetery fence. It is as if a living shadow has manifested just beyond the perimeter of the fence. Your heart skips a beat and you feel an instinctual fear, a fear that is so basic and animalistic, that it has burdened all sentient life since creation. It is the fear of staring directly at a predator. And it staring back at you. You blink once and it is gone. Did you see a smile?

Donavich first responds to Kyran:

"You may have lost faith in saving your son, but I have not lost mine! The Morninglord will show me the way. He will show me how to save him."

Donavich tries to protest and counter-argue against Askan's offer, blustering half words, half pleas, half curses, but in the end he hangs his head and nods.

[roll0]

Donavich seems defeated by Askan's offer.

Regardless of this agreement though, as soon as Ciardha speaks and moves towards the church Donavich crys out and tries to tackle Ciardha before he can reach the church.

Donavich attempts to Grapple Ciardha = [roll1]

It is a clumsy attempt, made out of desperation, and the dirt path has turned to a slushy mud in the rain from earlier. He slips and rolls spectacularly, covering himself in mud. He splutters and tries to rise quickly but falls back in the mud.

"NO! YOU MONSTER! HE IS JUST A BOY! AN INNOCENT BOY WHO HAS DONE NOTHING WRONG! DON'T YOU LAY A FINGER ON HIM! SOMEBODY STOP HIM!

Another round of hacking and coughing filters up from Donavich's lungs.

Back inside the church Ciardha hears through the floorboards:

"Yes, yes! Feed me kind stranger! Feed me, please! Kind stranger is merciful! In the store room, first door on the right as you enter the church. A trap door! It leads down here! I cannot lift it - it is heavy or locked from above. I will tap on it for you, kind stranger!"

You hear the excited scampering of bare feet on stone floor and barely contained giggles of glee.

Irish Musician

2018-02-02, 02:55 PM

http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii505/_thrashmetaldan/Character%20Profile%20Pics/pic1677411-342x458.jpg
Ciardha Kane, Aasimar Warlock (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1446048)
Level 3 Hexblade Warlock | AC:18 | HP: 25/25 | Slots: 2/2

Ciardha's eyes flare as he is called a monster, and his voice booms towards the priest, "I am not the one keeping that creature in the basement to get out and kill for the pleasure of it! You religious types think your gods will save you and cleanse you. They do not care. You are forsaken. I have watched too many friend being taken, or turned, by these true monsters. You call me a monster, but I am the only one here trying to give mercy to your son's soul. For his body is already dead, with his soul trapped inside. Believe what you want, delusional priest, but your son is already dead and gone. You have let a demon use him as a puppet since it came back to you." Ciardha holds up his sword to the priest, it still glowing with flames, "Do not cross me again."

He turns to the others, "Who will destroy the spawn with me? It will do naught but spread its curse of death to others, when it gets out." Ciardha leaves no room for argument on the fact that the vampire will get out eventually. He does not, however, wait for an answer, and turns and starts back towards the church to find this trap door.

Daishain

2018-02-02, 03:24 PM

Kyran steps up to stop him, "Kane, hold a moment, I am with you, but this will require all of us, and we will need a moment to prepare. Doru is likely the least form of vampire, but will still be formidable. He will drain vitality from anyone he manages to grab onto, and his wounds will close unless they are exposed to holy magics, sunlight, or running water. Radiant light would work if people can call upon such, and Donavich should have blessed water here somewhere we can make use of."

"It will also be difficult to harm him in the first place without weapons that are magically enhanced in some way. If people have the means to temporarily enchant each other's blades, this would be a good time to bring it up."

"Donavich, you have a choice, you can help us bring mercy to your son, or you can remain here and fail both him and your duties to the Morninglord."

Persuade [roll0]

The Commander

2018-02-02, 03:28 PM

Donavich pays no heed to the threat and continues to struggle in the mud after Ciardha.

Following the directions of Doru you enter the first door on the right as if you had just entered the church. The room beyond smells of damp and mildew. The roof is partially collapsed here - leaving wet puddles all about the floor. There are some simple boxes and barrels here.

Sure enough you hear a rhythmic tapping coming from underneath a stack of boxes and see the edge of a trap door. The tapping reminds of you something. You realise with a start that the tapping is in sync with your heartbeat. The tapping grows louder as you draw near. Thunderous booms of tapping and the beat of your heart. It gets faster and faster. Almost a continuous flurry as your heart threatens to leap out of your throat. You reach the boxes and the tapping reaches a crescendo.

(You can remove the boxes easily enough)

Beneath the boxes you can clearly see the heavy wooden trap door that bars Doru from his freedom. There is a lock on the trap door that prevents it from opening.

The Commander

2018-02-02, 03:31 PM

Donavich completely ignores Kyran - focused solely on stopping Ciardha.

(Anyone who wishes may make an Insight check on Donavich)

Squadfather42

2018-02-02, 04:22 PM

Lucian follows his comrades as they seek out the vampire. Keeping his eyes on the priest, Lucian tightens his grip on his sword as he awaits the upcoming battle.

[roll0]

Spore

2018-02-02, 04:24 PM

Kyran is right. Preparation is key! Askan rushes towards Ciardha but he will not stop an armed man with a burning blade. He stands next to the aggravated Aasimar and holds his hand before the warlock's chest. Stop at once. Even between the ten of us, a vampire spawn is a foe that could easily kill one of us. Priest, how did you manage to wrestle a monster that strong down there, alone?

Insight[roll0]

The Commander

2018-02-02, 04:57 PM

Askan and Lucian:
(You get a bonus to this because of your previous Insight roll Askan)
Donavich is a man teetering on the brink of insanity and despair and the only thing that appears to be keeping him in check is his son. You firmly believe that nothing could persuade this pitiable man to abandon his son in any shape or form and feel confident that, if pressed, he would turn to violence. Given that his son is in imminent danger you feel that questions and threats are useless.

Donavich ignores Askan's question and scrambles up the dirt path towards the church (he is an old man, certainly not in shape, you can easily reach the church before him if you wish).

Ismark abandons his shovel and follows the rest of the party towards the church, a grim determined look on his face. He says nothing.

Daishain

2018-02-02, 05:29 PM

Kyran looks at the lock, and then at the warlock. "You can spend time hacking that open, or you can hold off a little bit, let us be ready for the threat within, and then I will pick it for you. I admire your zeal, but in these lands, if it is not tempered by prudence, you will end up dead, or worse, like Doru."

puzzler7

2018-02-03, 01:53 AM

[roll0]

Kyril dashes up behind the warlock, waving his viol in one hand, and a bottle of drink in the other. Terrified by the knowledge Kyran seems to possess, he shouts after the Ciardha, hoping to avoid yet another party member being slain in front of his eyes.

"Ciardha!

You are a fool beyond my comphrehension
Who seeks out to free this foul beast.
Your intentions are sound and correct, I presume
But still, you've no thoughts, at least!

Hack open the lock and bring out our doom;
I've nothing else planned for today.
Even if this man could not have been saved
All of us he might still slay.

You weaken the bonds still holding the spawn
Of the frightful vampire Strahd
For what's hidden down there you are not prepared;
Hack away, and we meet our gods."

Persuasion, I guess? Not sure if a roll is necessary. Or useful. [roll1]

Spore

2018-02-03, 05:36 AM

Waiting for Ciardha to respond, Askan looks for a pool for holy water nearby.

The Commander

2018-02-03, 07:42 AM

Kyril:
Donavich is a man teetering on the brink of insanity and despair and the only thing that appears to be keeping him in check is his son. You firmly believe that nothing could persuade this pitiable man to abandon his son in any shape or form and feel confident that, if pressed, he would turn to violence. Given that his son is in imminent danger you feel that questions and threats are useless.

Kyril makes a compelling argument against opening the trap door. (Since it's not a magical compulsion you are still free to do as you wish, however Ciardha you feel that you should at least consider the Bard's words. Besides, it seems like your companions wish to slay this vampire too, they just need time to prepare)

(Askan make me an Investigation Roll, unless you are doing anything specific)

Squadfather42

2018-02-03, 09:29 AM

"Kyran is right. I'm all for fighting what's down there, but we need to prepare. We go down there without a plan, and half of us will not come back up."

Lucian says as he adds his opinion to the mix.

Spore

2018-02-03, 10:16 AM

Askan looks around in confusion.

[Inv]: [roll0]

The Commander

2018-02-03, 11:20 AM

Map of the Church:
https://i.imgur.com/nQimIt0.png

One of the first things you check, Askan, is the barrels in this storeroom. A couple have been left open below the collapsed roof, allowing water to be collected. You do find single barrel in a corner marked 'Blessed Water'. Cracking it open you find it almost empty, but there is water enough to fill several pitchers at the bottom of the barrel. There is no tap on this barrel. The water looks normal.

Spore

2018-02-04, 06:37 AM

Over here is a barrel with holy water. Well, half a barrel.

WMO?

2018-02-04, 06:59 AM

"I have many spells that will harm the creature, including a cantrip that I can cast as many times a day as I may please. The rest of my magic is limited by my connection to my goddess, which is clouded in this land. It is a serious threat, so I might cast powerfully in our first strike!"

Daishain

2018-02-04, 07:06 AM

Kyran nods, "Very well then, let us take it up and... He kept it in an ordinary barrel? Are we sure that water is blessed? Can anyone tell?"

The Commander

2018-02-04, 07:25 AM

At this point Ismark joins your group within the church and draws his longsword and shortsword in preparation. Both weapons have seen better days - there are nicks and scratches all over each blade. They still appear in relatively good condition though; it is clear that Ismark takes care of his weapons to the best of his ability. His weapons are simple and functional, compared to Ireena's stylish longsword that you saw back at the mansion.

With all of you plus the boxes and barrels it is very cramped in the storeroom. The tapping continues incessantly.

(To speed things along a little bit, I'd argue Holy Water would have residual magical power within it, which would be picked up by a Detect Magic spell. Since Ciardha can cast that At Will without expending a slot we can say you very easily pick up the fact that the water does indeed have residual magical power within it. Although that doesn't confirm by itself that this is Holy Water, you can make an educated guess that it probably is.)

Daishain

2018-02-04, 08:06 AM

Kyran, relieved to find out the holy water does seem to be the real thing, looks for any manner of containers that could be used to throw the liquid, and helps distribute the barrel's contents into them. "If you do not have a reliable means of causing damage with magic or a magic weapon, consider throwing these instead."

If Donavich is still attempting to interfere, he'll suggest restraining the man until this is over.

When that task is done, and the others indicate their readiness, he'll pull out his tools and start fiddling with the lock, saying for Doru's sake, "You can stop tapping now, we found it, this is almost over."

Dex(thief's tools) [roll0]
I have to say, I'm wishing this incarnation of the artificer was just a little bit more like the 3.5e verson. That one could've spent a few minutes placing a temporary Undead Bane enchantment on various weapons before we went in, bypassing the nonmagical weapon problem.

Squadfather42

2018-02-04, 08:40 AM

Lucian takes one of the pitchers full of holy water and stands by.

Some god somewhere is laughing.

The Commander

2018-02-04, 09:32 AM

You do not see any containers that would be appropriate to 'throw' the Holy Water with. Remember you would be looking for a container that would smash upon impact - simply throwing a jug of Holy Water, unless some of the water spilled out during the throw, would be very ineffective assuming the container smashed at all. There are no pitchers, jugs or other flasks here. The water in the barrel is enough to fill several pitchers, but you would still need to find such a container.

As you are picking the lock you do indeed hear the clamour of Donavich bursting into the church.

"YOU LEAVE MY SON ALONE! HE HAS DONE NOTHING! DORU! HIDE YOURSELF! THESE PEOPLE HAVE COME TO HURT YOU!"

Ismark sighs and sheathes his swords. He heads back into the main part of the church and over to Donavich.

"I am truly sorry, old friend. But my companions are right. This must be done. Your son will know peace; take some comfort in that."

Ismark attempts to Grapple, two attacks, so two attempts:

[roll0] vs [roll1] - The first attempt succeeds
[roll2] vs [roll3]

Ismark is a fighter. Donavich is not. Ismark is relatively young. Donavich is not. Ismark easily restrains Donavich, despite the priest's efforts to escape, and keeps him from interfering further.

(I've noted that you're only picking the lock once everyone is ready, and that's fine, we can wait for other people to prepare before this happens, once everyone is ready:)

The tapping continues until you hear the *click* of the lock releasing. Then the tapping stops. All goes quiet. The lock pulls away from the trap door without issue and all that remains is to open it.

Minescratcher

2018-02-04, 10:29 AM

Erevan had spent the last few minutes considering what he had heard. The priest's son was a... vampire, of some sort, he supposed. He felt a kinship with this man: to have lost the ones he loved, to do anything in his power to get them back.... But the direct solution was simple. Kill the vampire, drive a stake through its heart, and either resurrect Doru or come to terms with his death. The only thing he feared was that Donavich might never recover.

"My companion and I carry holy water already, and I have a number of stakes. And I have some slight magical aid that I can lend as well - I can bless some of us with greater luck in the coming fight, empower my weapon with divine radiance, or protect one of us from the vampire's attacks and charms. I do not know very much about vampires - do any of you know which would be the most useful?"

Spore

2018-02-04, 03:54 PM

I have never fought a vampire but I can make some educated guesses. Keeping away from its fangs is vitally important. We should maybe douse it in the holy water instead of throwing vials of it towards the creature. Askan nods as Nestor talks about his magical abilities. You are a priest as well? Couldn't you have told us sooner? In any case, it is key to protect you and your magic is vital for us to succeed. Got any prayers for us?

Religion [roll0]

The Commander

2018-02-04, 04:09 PM

(What are you rolling to check?)

Spore

2018-02-04, 05:36 PM

(More specifics on vampires. I am a monster hunter, not a vampire hunter in particular)

The Commander

2018-02-04, 06:27 PM

Askan:
You know more about zombies than vampires, but you know a little bit.

You know that sunlight burns them, although the sun in these lands doesn't seem to shine as brightly as other places. They are Undead, so things like Holy Water and Radiant Damage tend to affect them more. You know that vampires tend to heal wounds at an astonishing rate and cannot cross running water. If you manage to catch one asleep in it's resting place and drive a wooden piercing object through it's heart (like a stake) the vampire will be utterly destroyed. Otherwise when a vampire is about to die it turns into dust and tries to return to it's resting place to regenerate. Vampires can also turn into bats.

You have also heard that there are 'lesser' vampires that are not as powerful as 'true' vampires. Once slain, these 'lesser' vampires remain dead.

That's about the extent of the knowledge you know.

Irish Musician

2018-02-05, 09:36 AM

http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii505/_thrashmetaldan/Character%20Profile%20Pics/pic1677411-342x458.jpg
Ciardha Kane, Aasimar Warlock (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1446048)
Level 3 Hexblade Warlock | AC:18 | HP: 25/25 | Slots: 2/2

Ciardha doesn't stop when told to stop by Askan, takes a side-step, and keeps walking past him. He has no times for fools who seek to stop him. He finally makes it to the secret door, moves the boxes, and sees that it is locked. He starts to go to break the lock but, oddly enough, the bard is the one to speak some sense into him....even with his ridiculous rhyming. His brow furrows and his eyes still breathe fire, Cowards, he thinks to himself. But he stays his blade for the moment and lets the others sit idly by and talk while he waits to slay the monster.

At the talk of what's in the barrel, he waves a hand and says some words, his eyes seeing all that is magical, and the water glows with a blue-ish hue. The tell tale signs of magic. "Save your vial, Erevan. I believe this is Holy Water. We could use it on the monster."

Ciardha hears the click of the lock, and readies his sword, seeing the lock removed. He calls upon his magical powers and gets them ready to attack the monster that lies below the church. "Prepare yourselves now, it is time."

I went head and did the Detect Magic thing, Commander, just so it was officially said in the IC.

Also, if I can, I am going to ready my Hex spell, and the moment I see the vamp, I will hex him.

Minescratcher

2018-02-05, 10:03 AM

"Good!" Erevan responded to Ciardha. "Seems like a divine weapon would be most useful."

Erevan removed his pike from its position on his back, closed his eyes, and began to chant. The weapon vibrated in his hands for a moment, then began to glow with divine power.

Before the trapdoor was opened, Erevan turned to Donavich, simply saying, "I'm sorry."

Using one 1st-level spell slot to cast divine favor on the round before the door is opened, then using Channel Divinity: Sacred Weapon on the pike on the round that the trapdoor is opened.

divine favor (9 rounds left): +1d4 radiant damage

Channel Divinity: (10 rounds left): +Cha (+3) to attack rolls with pike
Pike is considered magical
Pike radiates bright light in a 20-ft radius and dim light for a further 20 ft

Daishain

2018-02-05, 10:37 AM

Kyran opens a latch on the side of the odd device the newcomers have seen him carry around, and insert a tiny tin cube of some kind before snapping it shut and bringing it to bear like a crossbow.

"Doru will be fast and strong, do not let him drag someone off, and do not let him past us."

Kyran will prepare to fire as soon as he sees the vampire spawn, hoping to end this swiftly.

Readied action to attack. first damage roll is Piercing, second is Thunder. The weapon is described as magical, but I suspect its DM's call if it bypasses Doru's DR.
Perception [roll0]
Attack [roll1]
Damage [roll2] [roll3]
Yeouch, even if it hits, that's an unimpressive strike...

The Commander

2018-02-05, 11:43 AM

(All noted)

Who is the brave soul opening the trap door?

The tapping has stopped so you aren't sure if Doru is still right behind the trap door. It's only big enough to fit one person at a time, but you can certainly crowd around the entrance to get off your attacks and spells assuming Doru is still there.

puzzler7

2018-02-06, 12:30 AM

Kyril stows his viol and his drink, walking quietly up behind Erevan. He makes sure his own flask of Holy Water is readily available, then arms himself with his rapier and a makeshift Holy Water. Taking an exaggerated fencing stance, he states his assent to the party.

"Ciardha,
I am ready when you are too.
Unleash this evil so we may leash it."

As the trapdoor is swung open, Kyril glances into the black pit, barely seeing the figure move before hissing at it. Even though his viol is safe on his back, every word Kyril utters seems to draw the bow sharply across the violin strings, creating a harsh and grating dissonance.

"Your mask will do you little good here.
Fly, you fool, demon of Doru's face!"

Ready action to cast Dissonant Whispers as soon as it sticks its head out of that pit. DC 13 Will save or take [roll0] psychic damage, and must spend its reaction moving its speed away from me, which should be down into the pit (up would be moving closer to me). Also, everybody wielding a melee weapon gets AoOs. On save, take half damage and don't flee.

My AoO (if successful): Rapier Attack: [roll1] Damage: [roll2]

EDIT: Rapier is nonmagical.

I've got 4 of these ready, hopefully we can finish this thing before it passes a will save, and just not take damage.

Spore

2018-02-06, 05:54 AM

Stop being so dramatic and just open the damn thing. This barrel becomes heavier by the second.

WMO?

2018-02-06, 06:49 AM

Nestor huddles around the entrance to the trapdoor as Kyran picks the lock and the group prepares to throw open the door. Feeling anxious, he intones, "May Sune protect us," blessing himself, Kyran, and Erevan. He hefts his emblazoned shield and prepares to unleash his most powerful spell of holy light.

Bless d4 roll for Kyran's readied shot:

I ready to cast a 2nd level Guiding Bolt when I see the enemy.
Attack Roll: [roll]1d20+1d4+4 = 10
Damage Roll: [roll1]

The Commander

2018-02-06, 08:48 AM

(In an effort to move things along and the fact that Lucian hasn't done much else to prepare, I don't think it's too unreasonable to have him open the trap door)

Those of you that rely on a deity to provide you with magic feel disconnected with them. Your prayers are answered, but it feels muted and dispassionate in comparison to the warmth you feel when your God shares a small portion of their might with you.

Lucian stands over the trap door and with a mouthed '3, 2, 1' heaves it open to reveal....

Nothing.

Erevan's shining pike illuminates the stone staircase with a wall running across it's right side, heading to an open level floor about 20 feet down from where you are standing. Assuming this is the Undercroft, you can see that at the bottom of the stairs the wall opens up the right, but cannot see much further unless you have darkvision. Those that do have darkvision see the same, except you can make out wooden support pillars evenly spaced every 10ft or so that stretch to what would be the main floor of the church.

You don't have a physical description of Doru, but he is certainly nowhere to be seen from the top of the stairs.

[roll0]
[roll1]

(Anyone with a passive perception of 11 can hear this, otherwise you can roll Perception. Not much of a secret so I won't spoiler it)

From within the Undercroft you hear the sounds of laboured breathing and the licking and smacking of lips. It sounds like it is coming from forward and to the left of the bottom of the stairs, further into the Undercroft.

(No map until you enter the Undercroft proper)

Spore

2018-02-06, 11:04 AM

He tries to lure us in. The darkness is his world, we are foreigners there. Askan takes out a torch and lights it. We have to stay together.

Irish Musician

2018-02-06, 01:22 PM

Daishain

2018-02-06, 01:48 PM

Kyran taps his goggles, "These let me see in the dark, which should help, but I can't see him yet. I can however hear something in that direction." He gestures towards the breathing sounds.

Kyran will encourage the others to slowly move as a group down the stairs.

Irish Musician

2018-02-06, 02:16 PM

Squadfather42

2018-02-06, 02:51 PM

Lucian heaves the trapdoor open and steps aside so his comrades can step down into the darkness.

Knowing his sword will pretty much useless in the upcoming fight, Lucian is the last one to move down. Keeping a lookout both in the darkness and above into the church, Lucian will prepare for an attack in either direction.

Spore

2018-02-06, 03:46 PM

With the torch in his right and a short sword in his left, Askan goes first. If he doesn't get immediately attacked, he goes first trying to gauge the vampire's size and speed from its footsteps in the dust or dirt.

Survival to get a bit of info: [roll0]

The Commander

2018-02-06, 06:40 PM

Askan:
You attempt to gauge the vampire's size and speed, but unfortunately the dust around the area has been too greatly disturbed to make out anything accurate. It seems that Doru moves around a lot down here.

Most of the party stick together and move slowly and carefully into the Undercroft. Ciardha seems to abandon any sense of 'safety in numbers' and marches towards the North-West corner of the Undercroft as directed.

Tactical Map:
https://i.imgur.com/vPkQuvd.jpg
The only difference between this map and 'reality' is that the stairs continue another 5ft to be in line with the right hand wall. The 'dots' are wooden support pillars.

The pillars provide half-cover (+2 AC and +2 Dex saves when being attacked from a diagonal)

You can all hear it clearly now: the heavy breathing, the licking of lips. A predator is down here. You are flies who have walked onto the spider's web, seeking to slay it before it devours you. Above you, you can still hear Donavich struggling against Ismark's firm grip and his occasional protest echo down through the floorboards.

And then you see it. Hiding behind the furthest North-Western pillar (although the pillar itself is too small to properly conceal it, but it is using the pillar for cover) is what you assume to be Doru.

Doru's Appearance:
https://i.imgur.com/E3sDBsG.png

Although some of you may have heard tales of frightening creatures, who inspire dread and awe in equal measure, the being that cowers in the corner is a pathetic specimen. It appears barely older than a teenager, incredibly dishevelled, wearing what once may have been clothes but are now rags, and is horribly emaciated.

As you begin to approach it shields it's eyes against the light with a gasp.

"I can smell your blood! It smells so sweet! So... delicious!" It stresses the last word and visibly drools; tiny drops of saliva falling from it's fangs. "Have you brought me something to eat?" It asks pleadingly.

It makes no attempt to move towards any of you, but watches you carefully. If you approach to within 15ft of it, it tries to move away/around you. If/when you do this you notice that it moves much slower than you do and you could easily catch up to it if you wanted to.

(If you wish to attack I'll need a new set of rolls. Combat hasn't started so you're free to get off a round of whatever you'd like. Since we are using an initiative block, we will roll initiative to see if Doru gets a chance to respond before it's the entirety of your guy's turns before it rolls back to Doru - only once Combat begins of course)

Minescratcher

2018-02-06, 08:46 PM

"Shall we?" Erevan asked his companions. He moved slowly to the left of the stairs, keeping his pike at the ready, until he finally took up a position behind a pillar a good distance away from Doru. The light cast from his pike illuminated almost the whole of the undercroft. As Ciardha taunted the creature, Erevan struck out with his pike, feeling the weapon sink into the pitiful creature.

Moving to put a pillar between Erevan and Doru, while remaining within 10ft of him.

Attack: Nat 20 (28)
Damage: 13 magical piercing + 3 radiant

Irish Musician

2018-02-06, 09:10 PM

Daishain

2018-02-06, 09:49 PM

Kyran is quite irritated at Ciardha's rash behavior, the man managed to waste almost every single drop of the holy water they had, and then risked both his own life and the ability of the group in general to function by rushing in. They lost a very significant advantage the moment anyone left the vicinity of the stairs. Now others will have to leave it as well to support the warlock.

Nevertheless, there is a job to be done, and so he raises his Cannon and fires, a thunderous noise echoing through the basement.

Kyran's staying near the stairs and lobbing fire from there.
Initiative [roll0]
Attack [roll1]
Damage [roll2] [roll3]

Spore

2018-02-06, 11:29 PM

Askan delays to watch what the mad warlock is doing. When he realizes he is going to lock the vampire in melee combat, he rushes to aid him.

Initiative: [roll0]
Moving along with Ciardha, delaying initiative if I am vastly quicker.
Attack: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2] Sneak Attack: [roll3]

puzzler7

2018-02-07, 02:06 AM

"Undead spawn, you cannot stand.
Starved down here, a pitiful sight.
Look at you! What monster
Feeds through his harsh begging?"

Kyril verbally assaults the vampire spawn as he waits near the stairs, presumably the contingency plan for if the vampire escapes.

What foolishness has led to this
Where I am the last man to fight?
The others have power that I must miss
Who brought this plan to light?

Staying near the stairs. Action to Viciously Mock the vampire. DC 13 Will save or take [roll0] damage and have disadvantage on his next attack.

Also, setting the condition for the Dissonant Whisper to be when the vamp tries to make an attack. New damage roll: [roll1]

The Commander

2018-02-07, 08:24 AM

(Still waiting on Nestor and Lucian to say what they wish to do, and naturally it could be very important)

Will Save for Doru:
[roll0] - A shame this is being done with Disadvantage (you'll learn why in a minute, if you survive)
[roll1] - Failure, Doru has been Viciously Mocked!

Squadfather42

2018-02-07, 09:04 AM

Lucian follows the group the stairs and holds a guard position on the stairs. Being without any magical means to harm the vampire, Lucuan stays out of the way of thise that can harm the creature.

WMO?

2018-02-07, 10:03 AM

It takes Nestor's last nerve to not immediately release his held spell when the door is flung open, but he waits until his dwarven eyes meet the monster's through the gloom. Poor boy. Poor creature.

To Hit: [roll0]+[roll1]
Damage: [roll2] radiant damage

The Commander

2018-02-07, 11:24 AM

Doru Initiative:
[roll0]
[roll1]

Dissonant Whisper Will Save:
[roll2]
[roll3] - Failure

Ciardha approaches Doru with his neck exposed, offering the vampire it's first meal in over a year. Despite the fact that Ciardha is carrying an imposing weapon, Doru is clearly hungry and goes for the offering. He darts out from behind the pillar and quickly approaches Ciardha.

At the last second Ciardha turns his head and spits the Holy Water into the face of Doru.

There is an inhuman scream and the flesh upon Doru's face begins to melt. The vampire reels back a moment, clutching at it's face.

As it is distracted, Erevan sees an opening and thrusts his pike forward. It perfectly skewers Doru through the chest and the vampire drops his hands to the glowing weapon, but immediately retracts them from the divine pike. For a moment you see Doru's ruined face: muscle and sinew exposed and cast into weird shadow from the light of the pike impaling him from below. Erevan pulls the pike free.

You all jump a little bit as Kyran's strange... weapon? Goes off next; echoing loudly. The shot is well placed and takes Doru solidly in the shoulder, blowing out a chunk of flesh and bone with explosive force. (Kyran, although the Thunder Damage is fine, I'd argue that although your weapon is magical in design, the damage of the bullets does clearly state Piercing and they don't seem to be anything special other than bullets, so they would only be normal Piercing Damage)

Askan moves in to attack the battered vampire, but his strike misses its mark and the vampire is left unhurt by the Monster-Hunter.

Kyril's words seem to impact heavily upon Doru, who now clutches his head and screams inhumanly again.

Nestor's nerves get the better of him and he sends his Guiding Bolt wide, the spell crashing harmlessly off the far stone wall.

Lucian guards the bottom of the stairs.

From above you can hear the struggle between Donavich and Ismark intensify as Doru screams out.

(Even though I'm waiting for 3 more initiative rolls, if we are running an initiative block then you guys would certainly go first and even if that wasn't the case, everyone has already rolled higher than Doru, so you may go ahead and take your second action for Combat.)

Irish Musician

2018-02-07, 11:58 AM

The Commander

2018-02-07, 12:12 PM

"PLEASE! MERCY!" Cries the ruined Doru.

Ciardha has none for the vampire and drives his sword into it's chest.

This time the vampire doesn't scream. Without a word it's body begins to disintegrate and turn to ash (those of you that know about vampires know that vampire spawn don't have the same shape-changing abilities as normal vampires and that when they are killed they are killed). After a moment all that is left of Doru is a pile of rags and ash.

The basement falls silent except for your breaths. Upstairs you continue to hear a struggle.

(The reason it was making all those rolls with Disadvantage and it's already dead is because it hadn't eaten in a year - it was on Exhaustion Level 4. Nearly all of you that hit also hit very hard, which massively helps)

Irish Musician

2018-02-07, 12:24 PM

The Commander

2018-02-07, 12:35 PM

As you return from the basement and Donavich makes eye contact he stops struggling and begins weeping and sobbing. Ismark slowly releases the old priest and Donavich falls to his knees, his head in his hands, tears streaming down his face.

Ismark looks up to you and nods with respect. "If I had any doubts about your abilities they are dispelled now. Come, we should return to the mansion and Ireena quickly - we have been here long enough. If you need supplies I would suggest you procure them now."

(Please let me know if there is anything you wish to do in town before you return to the mansion)

Daishain

2018-02-07, 12:42 PM

Kyran looks around for a leather sack or some other container suitable for containing ashes, and begins gathering Doru's remains with respect.

Upstairs, he will place them somewhere appropriate, stating, "Your son is gone Donavich, but he did not die today. Respect his memory, not the creature he became."

To the others, he'll say, "Lets get out of here, we have a trip to prepare for. Kane, you have much to answer for, you endangered all of us with that stunt. We're lucky Doru was extremely weak."

(Kyran, although the Thunder Damage is fine, I'd argue that although your weapon is magical in design, the damage of the bullets does clearly state Piercing and they don't seem to be anything special other than bullets, so they would only be normal Piercing Damage)
Certainly understandable, though if that will be the case, I ask that, at about the time others are able to obtain magical weapons, you consider giving me a chance to enchant mine in some fashion reasonable to the campaign.

Irish Musician

2018-02-07, 12:56 PM

Daishain

2018-02-07, 01:23 PM

Kyran does not back down, "Fine, since you seem to want to do this now." Kyran starts ticking off on his fingers, "You wasted large quantities of holy water by pouring it on yourself, you engaged the foe away from its only escape route when you did not have to, you even tried to fight Doru alone in response to people asking for a moment to prepare. All of these things greatly and pointlessly increased the risk of failure."

"And now you threaten one of the only allies you will ever find in this land with violence, for no reason other than him questioning your decisions."

"I am not questioning your abilities or your courage, but I am questioning your judgement. This pride of yours serves Strahd's interests alone. Not yours, not those around you, and certainly not whichever higher power you claim to follow. The cursed one wants heroes just like you tooling around just like you are now, its a sources of endless amusement for him, and they never last long enough to do any real harm at all. Keep following this path, and it will get you pointlessly killed. The only question is whether or not those around you let you do the same to them. I for one will not."

The Commander

2018-02-07, 01:29 PM

You easily find a small empty box for the ashes and gather them inside.

Leaving the ashes in front of the altar makes the most sense and Donavich crawls over to the box, holding it close to his chest, rocking to himself on the ground and crying. He does not respond to your words otherwise.

(Don't worry, there will be opportunities for gear advancement Kyran)

Irish Musician

2018-02-07, 01:31 PM

Daishain

2018-02-07, 01:44 PM

Kyran raises an eyebrow, "You don't need my permission for that. That's our purpose in large part. Nor am I asking for obedience, I certainly don't want the job of leading this band. What I am asking for is prudence and patience. If we have a few moments to think and prepare, use them. If we have a plan, don't abandon it for no reason."

Spore

2018-02-07, 02:07 PM

ENOUGH! Askan shouts. You both will not insult the memory of both the Burgomaster and Doru by shouting in a holy place like this. Kane was courageous enough to spearhead our assault which might have cost him dearly. But even if you consider the gods dead or harmful. There are others that do not. Respect their opinions.

The monster hunter sheats his blade and picks his torch up. Halfway at turns around, weirdly calm again. So are you guys coming or what? We made a deal with Ireena.

Irish Musician

2018-02-07, 02:38 PM

Squadfather42

2018-02-07, 05:44 PM

Lucian stands off to the side and watches the argument. Staying neutral until the group moves out, Lucian moves to stand by Kyran.

"Hopefully the lesson will be learned, before it costs us."

Daishain

2018-02-07, 09:42 PM

Kyran looks to Lucian, "Unfortunately, given his response, I expect such a consequence to be the only thing that will teach the lesson. Be careful around him."

Kyran will head out to prepare for the journey with Ireena. He is mostly set for his personal effects, but he briefly returns home to explain things to his wife and grab a number of tools and parts.

puzzler7

2018-02-08, 02:43 AM

Kyril strides up behind the warlock, and claps him on the back in celebration.

"Of course! It takes true courage and blind faith
To willingly cast aside one's own life.
You are not a hero if you try to be safe!
Much better with death, pain, and strife.

Is your higher power the one of masks?
It seems a dead mask they endorse.
You have done good work, completed your tasks -
Don't let the living sway your course."

He smiles warmly at Ciardha, staring for just a bit too long before heading towards the door.

If the 900 gp jewelry is community property, I'd like to upgrade my armor from leather to studded leather, should cost 40 gp.

Spore

2018-02-08, 02:48 AM

Askan goes back to the inn and asks Oleg to join him to more easily find the Vistani camp. If he refuses, I ask him for a rudimentary map with which to find it myself.

From ingame logic, I'd say the money is split between Lucian, Kyran, Nestor and Kyril.

WMO?

2018-02-08, 04:23 AM

Watching the others work seemingly effortlessly to take down the starved creature, while his own shot goes wild, Nestor flinches internally. This is why you don't go adventuring! You should have found yourself a bonny lass and a quiet hearth and a nice shop to ply your calligraphy of Sune to superstitious humans. What are you even doing here?

He is quiet as he follows the others, lost in his own doubts...

Minescratcher

2018-02-08, 04:37 PM

Erevan stayed silent during the debate. He'd learned Ciardha well enough to know that was the only safe thing to do.

He offered some words of comfort to Donavich, placing his hand on the old man's back until he settled a little. Once Erevan felt the priest was calmer, he followed Ismark back to the mansion.

The Commander

2018-02-08, 05:50 PM

Erevan tries to comfort the distraught priest, but nothing seems to soothe the old man's pain. Eventually you run out of things to say and leave him to his anguish.

Kyran, you head home without incident and rejoin the party back at the Burgomaster's Mansion.

(You can roleplay whatever encounter you would like with your wife if you'd like otherwise we'll move on)

Kyril:
You head to the only merchant still open in the village: Bildrath's Mercantile. Upon heading inside your heart immediately sinks - there are no weapons or armour for sale, only common adventuring gear items. They are also ten times as expensive as what you normally would expect (e.g. Rations are priced at 5gp, rather than 5sp, etc.).

The owner introduces himself as Bildrath Cantemir. If you ask him about the expensive prices he'll merely state:

"If you need something badly enough, you'll pay for it. I don't see anyone else offering this kind of merchandise."

If you ask him about weapons or armour he responds:

"Haven't had weapons or armour since I can remember - there was once a village blacksmith here; but he was killed many, many years ago. The odd pieces I do... acquire... I either keep for myself and my nephew or sell to the villagers or passing Vistani."

(Bildrath only has stock that is normally priced under 25gp on the Adventuring Gear table, and everything is x10 more expensive)

Askan:
You return to the Tavern and head inside.

The three Vistani women are gone, but the Tavern is a little more full of Barovians drinking wine, talking amongst themselves. Very easily you pick up that the topic of conversation is the Burgomaster's funeral march through the village. The atmosphere is one of loss and sadness. You get the impression most Barovians are here to drown their sorrows.

Sure enough, Oleg is still at the bar; increasing his collection of empty wine bottles.

You ask him to join you on your journey and he leaps up.

"Ah the chance to travel with my friend and see others of my kin? Of course I will accept! Andrej, a few bottles for the road!"

Oleg pays for several bottles of wine that Andrej brings out in a crate. Oleg then carries these out to his cart. Despite the fact he has had several bottles of wine already he appears pretty sturdy and coherent.

"Let us gather your friends and be on our way. If we are lucky we will reach the Tser Pool before it has been dark too long!"

You head with Oleg to the Mansion.

You all regroup at the late Burgomaster's Mansion. You notice that Askan brings the large Vistana man you saw from the Tavern with him. The large man has a horse and cart. He greets the partly warmly, introduces himself as Oleg Krystsky and remains by the gates to the Mansion.

You head up to the door and Ismark knocks.

"Ireena, it is done. Our father has been laid to rest and we are ready to begin our journey."

There is no response. Ismark shifts uncomfortably. How long has it really been since you were at the church? How long has Ireena been left alone?

"Ireena? It is Ismark. Please open the door."

Still nothing.

Ismark draws his swords and looks ready to smash through a boarded up window. Just as he begins a run-up to one, you hear the unbarring of the front door, its unlocking and eventual opening. Beyond the door you see Ireena; just as you left her a few hours before.

"Trust you to return to me when I am using the privy, Ismark."

Ismark sheathes his swords and hugs Ireena tightly. It is a beautiful moment in a land otherwise filled with misery and despair.

"I have packed our things, Ismark. Just as we planned."

She passes Ismark a backpack laden with supplies before donning one of her own. She passes the threshold of the door and stops. She turns back to look at the interior of the Mansion.

"I am going to miss this place. I have so many happy memories here."

Tears threaten to well up in Ireena's eyes, but Ismark puts an arm around his sister and pulls her into another hug.

"Those memories will never fade. They will be a point of light in your life whenever you are sad. I can't promise you a mansion where we are going...." Ireena chuckles at this. "But I can promise a whole new set of happy memories in the meantime. And who knows? Maybe I can finally find you a suitor in Vallaki!" Ireena pulls back from the embrace, a sarcastic smirk across her face, and playfully shoves her brother. Ismark simply laughs. Another beautiful moment.

Ireena turns and shuts the door. Locking it with her key. Together the party crosses the grounds to the gate where Oleg is waiting. During the short walk across the grounds you notice that Ireena can't help but look towards Castle Ravenloft. A shiver runs down your spine. You are committed now. The object of Strahd's attention, Ireena, is out in the open. How long can you keep her safe? How long can you keep safe?

As you approach Oleg he visibly gasps.

"Ah, Askan, you did not tell me that we would be travelling with such a beautiful woman! My dear, my name is Oleg Krystsky. It is a pleasure to journey with you. Please, I insist you ride on me... I mean my cart! My cart!"

This is the first time you think you've seen Oleg flustered, Askan. Ismark is torn between disgust and outright laughter, but elects to cover his mouth all the same.

"A thousand pardons! It is not often I meet a Barovian woman of such beauty... I.... Please, hop on... the cart that is!"

"Thank you, Oleg. That is most kind. You may call me Ireena Kolyana." Ireena replies hesitantly; climbing onto the cart.

With nothing more to be said, Oleg climbs up beside Ireena at the front of the cart, nervously sitting next to her. It is quite the sight to see such a slight, noble looking woman in armour next to the big, burly, hairy man. Oleg drives the horse forwards and you all begin your journey from the village.

(To give you some idea of the party right now: There are all of the player characters, plus Ismark, who walks as close to Ireena as possible and Ireena who sits next to Oleg in the 'drivers' seat of the cart. The cart is a simple, yet sturdy, four-wheeled cart that is pulled by a paint horse named Mishka. The back of the cart is mostly full of trade goods and supplies, so there isn't really space to rest there.)

During your journey Oleg regales you with tales of his travels and he seems to loosen up a little bit and relax whilst talking. He listens with genuine interest if you recount your own tales. Ireena is also happy to listen, but has little to add to the conversation and you begin to wonder how often she's had chance to leave her home. She seems to be enjoying the outdoors so far though.

After about an hour or so travelling on the road you come across a river. This river flows as clear as a blue winter sky through the valley in which the village is situated in. Oleg explains this is the Ivlis River. A stone bridge allows passage over the river.

As soon as you cross the river, the road becomes flanked by woodland and the atmosphere suddenly changes. The tree trunks are unnaturally close to one another, and the woods have the silence of a forgotten grave, yet exude the feeling of an unvoiced scream. It is incredibly dark within the forest and the trees stretch high into the grey air. A mild claustrophobia begins to set in. Oleg reiterates, serious for a change, the importance of sticking to the roads as much as possible and Ismark agrees. You forge ahead.

(Rolling....)

The Commander

2018-02-08, 06:13 PM

After about an hour and half after passing the river, you hear a howl from the woods to your left. Turning you see a snarling wolf the size of a grizzly bear break the treeline. It gives another howl and Mishka startles and shys. From behind the first wolf you can make out the shadows and hungry eyes of seven more wolves.

Oleg cries out: "Dire wolves!"

You are about 15ft away from the treeline and the wolves. Incidentally you are also 15ft from the treeline on the other side of the road.

Roll Initiative

Ismark Initiative: [roll0]
Ireena Initiative: [roll1]
Oleg Initiative: [roll2]

Dire Wolves Initiative: [roll3]

Minescratcher

2018-02-08, 06:23 PM

Erevan spun to face the source of the sound, sliding his pike off of his back in one fluid motion. He took up a defensive stance, facing the approaching wolves and angling his weapon to receive the closest one.

"And I'll put two silver to a bit they're Strahd's minions. I count seven - no, eight - " Erevan broke off for a moment as he scanned the woods for further foes - "Aye, eight of them."

[roll0] - looking for any other enemies nearby.

The Commander

2018-02-08, 06:28 PM

[roll0]

Erevan
You don't see any other threats beyond the eight Dire Wolves.

Squadfather42

2018-02-08, 08:35 PM

"Well, atleast we didn't get dressed up for nothing."

Lucian says as he draws his sword and prepares for the wolves attack.

[roll0]

Daishain

2018-02-08, 08:50 PM

Kyran studies the pack for a moment, trying to size them up to see which is the Alpha of the pack. If he can discern which they look up to, he'll focus on bringing it down first.

Insight [roll0]
Attack [roll1]
Damage [roll2] [roll3]

Irish Musician

2018-02-09, 11:33 AM

http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii505/_thrashmetaldan/Character%20Profile%20Pics/pic1677411-342x458.jpg
Ciardha Kane, Aasimar Warlock (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1446048)
Level 3 Hexblade Warlock | AC:18 | HP: 25/25 | Slots: 2/2

Ciardha walks by the cart with the others, quiet and not really moving or saying much unless directly asked something. He listens to tales and keeps his eyes on the wilderness beyond them. When they cross the river, he gets the tale tell hairs on the back of his neck standing up. He doesn't like it. Everything is too close and they are too exposed. Ciardha takes his shield off his back and secures it to his arm. He then extends his hand down a bit and opens his palm, as if he is about to catch something low. When he does, his sword materializes out of nowhere, seeming to be an extension of his own arm when it finally appears whole. He clutches its hilt and keeps it close.

As soon as the howl rings out and he sees the large wolf, he knows this night is not going to be an easy one. He narrows his eyes and locks his gaze with the large Alpha of the pack. He points his sword at it, and the sword lights aflame in a green fire. The others will keep fighting until they have the girl, but they will lose their zeal if their leader is cut down before them.

Ireena is the priority right now. "Keep ranks around Ireena, do not let the wolves distract us from an attack that might come form elsewhere. Kill the Alpha, his death means a blow to their ferocity."

Spore

2018-02-09, 01:16 PM

Askan enjoys the ride and teases Oleg a fair bit - not about his infatuation but his choice of words. You know how to court a lady, eh Oleg? Next time you might invite yourself into her room directly. I am sure she won't mind.

The monster hunter enjoys the stories of the others and particularly wants to know more about the incidents in Death House.

I'll just decide now that Askan asked what happened in there. If you want to omit anything tell me in a Spoiler. This way the at least Askan is up to speed.

He then tells the others that he is from another realm called Borca. Its regent Lady Ivana Boritsi keeps her power with backstabbing and poisoning of her enemies. Politics is the usual way of life for a citizen of Borca but Askan always wanted to explore, to learn more about the occult and arcane. What he discovered frightened him enough to make him into a monster hunter, now seeking the master hunter Rudolf van Richten to show him more about the occult.

Still unsure, but I might pick Magic Initiate: Wizard for a Familiar, Light and Ghoul Touch. It is a bit shakey still. Maybe Druid is a better pick due to my stats. Then I'd go for Control Flame, Guidance and maybe Longstrider. It depends. I am telling you this because I might want a bit of ingame reason to do so.

As the wolves approach, Askan starts to correct Erevan. Not everything's a minion of...forget it. Any clever ideas? How fast can Mishka go? the hunter says as he pulls out his crossbow and loads a normal bolt.

Init: [roll0]
Shooting a wolf if it approaches. If no one approaches and one of our melees engages, shooting with Sneak Attack instead: [roll1]
Damage: [roll2]Sneak if applicable [roll3]

The Commander

2018-02-09, 04:29 PM

(At this point, even if Nestor and Kyril both rolled natural 1s for their initiative the Wolves would still go after you guys in the initiative block, so we will take your turns first)

Kyran:
You have no idea which one of these Wolves is the alpha; if there is even an alpha here

Ireena draws her Longsword and stands from her seat. She enters into a parrying stance, but otherwise remains on the cart - she knows she is too valuable to risk getting into close combat.

Oleg reaches behind him underneath a cloth and pulls out a Heavy Crossbow. He loads a bolt, aims and fires at the lead wolf.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] Piercing

The bolt thuds into the ground in front of the wolf, harmlessly.

"Miskha may be tough, but she cannot outrun Dire Wolves with a cart laden with goods. Besides, we must stick together; the Wolves will pick off stragglers."

Ismark also draws his Heavy Crossbow and loads a bolt. Staying close to Ireena he uses the cart as a brace for his weapon and fires at the lead wolf.

Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Ismark's bolt catches the lead wolf in the side and it snarls angrily at him.

Kyran fires at lead wolf as well, lacking a better target. The shot lands solidly and the wolf yelps in pain.

Askan fires his crossbow, but the bolt sails past the giant wolf and impacts a tree behind it. (In either case that's a solid miss)

Minescratcher

2018-02-09, 04:50 PM

"We'll just have to stand our ground, then, aye? Can't let a few overgrown dogs end our story here."

Erevan stepped forward and thrust his pike at the lead wolf, staying a fair distance away.

Moving to 10ft away from the lead wolf.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] piercing

The Commander

2018-02-09, 04:53 PM

Erevan's pike catches the wolf in the jaw. He retracts the pike just as the wolf goes to bite at it.

puzzler7

2018-02-10, 01:05 AM

Kyril pokes around a bit, looking through the goods. After a while, he speaks up.

"I have no need of this gear here
My own is far superior.
But that I am willing to sell
Some wares for you to show and tell.
This large crossbow, and thirty bolts
I'll give you for three hundred gold.
Why the high price? Well, do you think
It's worth more than a few ounces of ink?
This crossbow here could save your life
While the ink just lets you write a will for your wife."

As the wolves surround the caravan, Kyril pulls out his own light crossbow, looking to back up Kyran.

"I have faith in your skill, townsman.
Aim well, and we shall thus survive."

Attack: [roll0] Damage: [roll1]

Bonus Action to inspire Kyran, he can add 1d6 to a d20 he rolls in the next 10 minutes.

Persuasion for shopping: [roll2]

A heavy crossbow and 20 bolts is worth 51 gp. 10 times the cost is 510 gp, and selling for half is 255 gp. An ounce of ink is worth 10 gp, and according to your earlier note, he's selling at 100 gp an ounce. I'm expecting him to haggle me down, but I thought I'd give you a reasoning for my price.

Also, 'three hundred' fits meter well.

EDIT: Apparently shopkeepers don't like rhymes.

The Commander

2018-02-10, 05:54 PM

Kyril Shopping:
Bildrath does not seem phased by your excellent rhymes.

"I'll buy the lot for 20 gold. Already have all the weapons and armour I need for myself and mine. Won't be easy for me to sell this on, so consider 20 gold a generous offer to take them off your hands."

(You don't need me to tell you this is a terrible offer, but this is no mistake. You can probably come to your own conclusions about this guy, but you're welcome to roll Insight if you want me spell it out for you)

Kyran feels inspired by Kyril's words (Kyran gains 1d6 Bardic Inspiration, if you hadn't already seen)

Kyril's bolt strikes the lead wolf; leaving another bolt impaled in it's furry hide. It looks wounded, but still a threat.

The Commander

2018-02-11, 06:15 PM

(NPCing Lucian and Nestor to keep things moving)

Lucian charges the lead wolf with his sword and shield drawn.

Attack Roll: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

The wolf hops back at the last second and Lucian only manages to take off a few hairs.

Nestor considers using a spell, but opts for his trusty warhammer. He draws it back as he charges and brings it down hard.

Attack Roll: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3] - I will just double the damage to save having to roll again

As the wolf is distracted by Lucian, Nestor bounds up and brings the warhammer crashing down on the wolf's head. There is a sickening crunching sound and blood pours from the wolf's ears and eyes. It pants in clear pain.

It looks horribly wounded but still a threat.

The Commander

2018-02-11, 06:25 PM

(Forgot to add Ciardha's actions)

Ciardha joins with Nestor and Lucian and drives his sword forward into the lead wolf.

Attack Roll: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Despite the vicious blow from Nestor, the wolf continues to be evasive and dodges Ciardha's blade.

The Commander

2018-02-11, 06:34 PM

The Dire Wolves leap out of the darkness of the woodland surrounding you and encircle you.

Each Wolf attacks a single party member, with the lead wolf and another attacking Nestor (if you have any reactions that occur when attacked or reach etc. please let me know and I can edit accordingly). The Wolves try to use their size and weight to knock you down so they can more easily savage you.

Nestor:
Two Dire Wolves on Nestor.

First Wolf Attack with Advantage:
[roll0]
[roll1]

Damage: [roll2]

Second Wolf Attack with Advantage:
[roll3]
[roll4]

Damage: [roll5]

If the attacks hit, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone

Askan:

Wolf Attack: [roll6]

Damage: [roll7]

If the attack hits, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone

Ciardha:

Wolf Attack: [roll8]

Damage: [roll9]

If the attack hits, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone

Erevan:

Wolf Attack: [roll10]

Damage: [roll11]

If the attack hits, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone

Lucian:

Wolf Attack: [roll12]

Damage: [roll13]

If the attack hits, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone

Kyran:

Wolf Attack: [roll14]

Damage: [roll15]

If the attack hits, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone

Kyril:

Wolf Attack: [roll16]

Damage: [roll17]

If the attack hits, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone

(The turn now becomes yours, and the three NPCs. I'll post the NPC actions another time and give you guys a chance to respond)

Spore

2018-02-11, 06:56 PM

The dire wolf charges Askan, ramming him into the wagon behind him. The hunter can shield his throat in the last second but a few smaller crates come crashing down on both, forcing the wolf to loosen its grip. Askan rolls over and stands back up, drawing his sword. If possible Askan maneuvers to allow for 'flanking' the dire beast.

Standing up from prone, melee attacking.
Attack[roll0]
Damage [roll1] plus eventual flanking damage [roll2]

WMO?

2018-02-12, 12:20 AM

"Watch your rears!" cries Nestor plaintively as one of the two wolves on him ducks his shield.

"These beasts are cunning and fast! But we answer them...Let Sune's light guide your blows!" he said, casting faerie fire on as many wolves as possible.

20ft cube, all hit take a DC 12 Dexterity saving throw, otherwise highlighted in violet, advantage to hit

puzzler7

2018-02-12, 04:14 PM

Kyril snorts.

"That's absurd! Are you off of your rocker?
Twenty gold couldn't buy a jot of this lot!"

He turns and leaves hurriedly, anxious to catch up with the party.

Kyril screams as the wolf bites into his arm, dragging him down and knocking the crossbow out of his hand. He tumbles down, head over heels, but quickly jumps to his feet, reaching for his rapier and quickly retaliating.

DC 13 Str save: [roll0]

Rolling attack and damage in the OOC.

If only I could have bought armor - could have dodged that. Darn.

Standing from prone doesn't provoke an AoO in 5e, does it?

Minescratcher

2018-02-12, 05:02 PM

Erevan grunted as the wolf pulled him down, but he quickly thrust the haft of his pike upwards, blocking the wolf's jaw as it snapped at his head. He swung himself up on the side of the cart and counterattacked the wolf that had just brought him down.

15ft of movement to stand up.
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] piercing

Irish Musician

2018-02-12, 05:10 PM

Daishain

2018-02-12, 06:12 PM

Ducking under the snapping jaws of the wolf before him, Kyran does his best to ignore it and fires at the already wounded one menacing Nestor.

Rolling with disadvantage thanks to being in melee range, if the lead wolf succumbs to Faerie Fire, or something else negates the disadvantage, ignore the second result.
[roll0] [roll1]
[roll2] [roll3]

The Commander

2018-02-12, 06:50 PM

(Lead Wolf and wolf attacking Lucian are under the effects of Faerie Fire and provide Advantage on attacks against them, assuming Nestor maintains Concentration)

(I must point out, making a Melee Attack from Prone causes the Attack to be made at Disadvantage. Standing/Attacking from Prone does not cause an AOO. It takes half your movement to stand. If you did not move on your turn I will give you the benefit of the doubt and allow you to be standing if you wish)

(Wow guys, the dice roller is not with you today)

Askan expertly shives the wolf in the stomach as it goes to bite him again, causing a yelp of pain from the huge beast.

Nestor calls out for divine aid, but it seems the power of Sune does not reach it's full glorious potential and only the lead wolf and another are lit up by the spell. Whereas Sune's light usually illuminates a target brightly, the light that marks these wolves is a baleful green; still bright, but malevolent.

Kyril, Erevan and Ciardha swing, stab and slash at the enemy, but nothing connects.

Kyran, trying to dodge his own wolf, lets off a hasty shot towards the lead wolf, but gets lucky and clips the wolf in the skull, blowing off half of it's head from the thunderous impact. It slumps to the ground dead.

Oleg hastily reloads his Heavy Crossbow and fires at the Wolf attacking Askan.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] Piercing

The bolt slams home into the wolf's hide and it lets out a snarl towards the Vistana man.

Ismark drops his own Heavy Crossbow and draws his Longsword. He rushes to attack the Wolf outlined in green by the cart.

First Attack with Advantage: [roll2] or [roll3] (should of been +5, but still lower)
Damage, two-handed: [roll4] Slashing

Second Attack with Advantage: [roll5] or [roll6] (should of been a +5, but still lower)
Damage, two-handed: [roll7] Slashing

The wolf deftly dodges Ismark's first swing; but Ismark clearly knows how to fight and almost expects the wolf to behave in such a way - he uses the momentum from his first swing to bring his blade back around himself and slices off a great chunk of flesh and fur on his second swing. The wolf seems startled and already very injured from this assault.

Ireena continues to maintain a parrying posture on top of the cart; remaining out of harm's way.

(Lead wolf is dead, one wolf on each of you)

The Commander

2018-02-14, 03:29 PM

Lucian presses his advantage against his glowing foe and swings with his sword.

Attack Roll with Advantage for Faerie Fire: [roll0] or [roll1] - Critical Hit, due to Improved Critical
Damage: [roll2] - Doubling Damage

Lucian uses his advantage well. As the wolf is reeling from Ismark's longsword, Lucian adds his own blade and drives it deep within the wolf's furry flesh. It lets out a bloody yelp and whimpers, but continues to live; for the time being.

The wolves leap forth again with teeth and claws and sheer size.

Nestor:

Wolf Attack: [roll3]

Damage: [roll4]

If the attack hits, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone.

You'll also need to make a Concentration Check to keep Faerie Fire up and running, but it may be a moot point if the other wolf dies

Askan:

Wolf Attack: [roll5]

Damage: [roll6]

If the attack hits, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone

Ciardha:

Wolf Attack: [roll7]

Damage: [roll8]

If the attack hits, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone

Erevan:

Wolf Attack: [roll9]

Damage: [roll10]

If the attack hits, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone

Lucian:

Wolf Attack: [roll11]

Damage: [roll12]

If the attack hits, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone

Kyran:

Wolf Attack: [roll13]

Damage: [roll14]

If the attack hits, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone

Kyril:

Wolf Attack: [roll15]

Damage: [roll16]

If the attack hits, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone

(The turn now becomes yours, and the three NPCs. The NPCs will respond later to break up my posts)

Irish Musician

2018-02-14, 03:53 PM

http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii505/_thrashmetaldan/Character%20Profile%20Pics/pic1677411-342x458.jpg
Ciardha Kane, Aasimar Warlock (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1446048)
Level 3 Hexblade Warlock | AC:18 | HP: 5/25 | Slots: 2/2

Ciardha slashes at the wolf, but over extends himself and the wolf takes full advantage of it. It tears into his shoulder, teeth crunching down into bones and sinew, and the wolf lifts Ciardha off the ground and slams him back down onto it. His teeth gnash together and he does end up letting out a small shout as he is slammed into the ground. Luckily, the wolf lets go as Ciardha hits the ground. Ciardha uses the moment to get back up and slash at the wolf again. He then vanishes from in front of the wolf and appears right behind Erevan. "Erevan, the wolf has taken two good chunks out of me." When Erevan looks at him, he sees blood pouring out of the Aasimar's shoulder and out of his sleeve all over his sword, and his calf bloodied up. "Please, lend me some of your powers of healing to seal these wounds, so that I may end this wolf." One eye is closed in a half grimace, as his face is contorted in pain.

Move - Get up! (half movement)
Attack - [roll0] (crit on a 19 or 20), Damage - [roll1] magical
Bonus - Misty Step, out of harms way and next to Erevan so hopefully he can hit me with some Lay on Hands!

Spore

2018-02-14, 04:19 PM

Back on his feet and aware of all attackers, Askan calms down and provokes the simple beast into an attack that can be simply sidestepped. The hunter decides to press his advantage. to help someone else.

Disengage action to reach Kyril's wolf, Second Wind and then attack of the wolf.
Second Wind [roll0]
Attack [roll1]
Damage [roll2]

The Commander

2018-02-15, 10:48 AM

(Awaiting Sneak Attack Damage from Askan, but otherwise I can move onto the NPCs) - EDIT: Kyril is down so no Sneak Attack

Ciardha's injuries prevent him from landing a solid blow and the wolf snaps at his escaping misty form.

Askan carefully manoeuvres over to Kyril's wolf and stabs it in the spine as it is distracted. The wolf howls and you pull your sword free before the wolf spins to face you. It appears sluggish and wounded, but still hungry for your flesh.

Lucian attempts another attack on his own wolf.

Attack: [roll0] or if Nestor passes Concentration Advantage Attack: [roll1] - Nevermind
Damage: [roll2]

Despite being severely injured, Lucian's wolf still manages to dodge Lucian's longsword.

Daishain

2018-02-15, 10:54 AM

Kyran yells as he goes down, hurriedly reloading his cannon and then firing it point blank at the animal that has his leg.

Disadvantage roll
[roll0] [roll1]
[roll2] [roll3]
nice

The Commander

2018-02-15, 11:08 AM

It's hard for Kyran to miss at point blank range and indeed he discharges his weapon straight into the wolf's face. It lets go of Kyran with a whimper, bleeding, and missing a large portion it's nose. (Despite the Disadvantage you're really keeping this fight going strong!)

Ireena grows tired of waiting to be attacked and climbs off the cart, sheathing her ornate Longsword as she does. She bends down to pick up Ismark's discarded Heavy Crossbow and climbs back onto the cart. She begins to reach around where Oleg is pulling his bolts from. (Not enough Actions to take a shot this turn though)

Seeing what she is trying to do, Oleg passes her a bolt and takes one for himself and loads his own weapon. He sees Kyran on the ground struggling and fires his bolt at the wolf towering above him.

Attack: -fumble-
Damage: -fumble-

(Rolled properly OOC)

Unfortunately Oleg's bolt skips across the ground harmlessly.

Ismark draws his shortsword as well and lashes out with a flurry of sword thrusts and cuts towards the wolf in front of him and Lucian.

First Longsword Attack: [roll0], if Nestor maintains Concentration Advantage Attack: [roll1] - Who needs
Damage: [roll2]

Second Longsword Attack: [roll3], if Nestor maintains Concentration Advantage Attack: [roll4] - advantage
Damage: [roll5]

Shortsword Attack: [roll6], if Nestor maintains Concentration Advantage Attack: [roll7] - anyways?
Damage: [roll8]

(If this wolf ends up dieing I'll move him to another wolf and use the rolls)

Ismark becomes a whirlwind of blades. His first swing decapitates the wolf in front of him and Lucian. Seeing Kyran on the ground he rushes over to help and stabs at the wolf assailing Kyran with both blades. They sink deep into the wolf. It looks horribly injured, but still active.

(Wolf on Lucian is down; no need to maintain Concentration on Faerie Fire Nestor, all the targets are dead)

(3 Wolves uninjured, 3 Wolves very injured - injured Wolves include the one on Kyran, the one Askan has backed away from and the one on Kyril that Askan has just attacked. Uninjured Wolves include the one on Nestor, the one that Ciardha backed away from and the one on Erevan)

Minescratcher

2018-02-15, 04:36 PM

"Gladly," Erevan responded. As Ciardha appeared next to him, he placed one hand on the Aasimar's shoulder and the other on his calf, letting the healing energy flow through him. When he withdrew, his companion's wounds were sealed. He channeled the excess energy into his pike, which began to glow faintly, then turned to face his wolf once again.

Lay on Hands to restore 10hp to Ciradha
Divine weapon on the pike (bonus action)

Spore

2018-02-15, 11:46 PM

Realizing an opening, Askan stabs another time.

Backstab time! [roll0]

WMO?

2018-02-16, 01:07 AM

Nestor maintains his concentration even as he is savaged and thrown to the ground. He grits his teeth against the pain, and this becomes a clenched grin of satisfaction as he sees the two wolves he set aglow slain. Shoving his attacker off of himself with his shield, he stands and stumbles back toward the greater protection of the cart.

Half movement to get up from prone, Disengage action, rest of movement to get behind the cart

puzzler7

2018-02-16, 03:04 AM

"Ha!" Kyril exclaims as he lunges forward with his rapier and narrowly dodges the wolf's attack. The wolf's second bite, though, caught his arm solidly, dropping Kyril like a rock.

The Commander

2018-02-16, 03:31 PM

(Since Kyril went down, no Sneak Attack damage unfortunately)

Kyril goes down, bleeding heavily. He still breathes, but you see each breath becoming shallower and shallower.

The wolf that was attacking Nestor turns to Lucian and pounces at him.

The wolf that was attacking Askan lunges at Ismark. The wolf that was attacking Ciardha also attacks Ismark. It seems the wolves begin to sense the threat that the fighter poses to themselves. You notice that when they attack together they seem a lot more effective.

With Kyril down, the wolf that was in front of him turns it's teeth on Askan.

Askan:

Wolf Attack: [roll0]

Damage: [roll1]

If the attack hits, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone

Erevan:

Wolf Attack: [roll2]

Damage: [roll3]

If the attack hits, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone

Lucian:

Wolf Attack: [roll4]

Damage: [roll5]

If the attack hits, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone

Kyran:

Since you're prone this attack is with Advantage Wolf Attack: [roll6] or [roll7]

Damage: [roll8]

You're already prone, so no need to make another save

Ismark:

First Wolf Attack with Advantage: [roll9] or [roll10]

Damage: [roll11]

Second Wolf Attack with Advantage: [roll12] or [roll13]

Damage: [roll14]

If the attack hits, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone

Ismark Save, if needed: [roll15]
Ismark Save, if needed: [roll16]

The first wolf catches Ismark by surprise and he is knocked to the ground. He expertly shields himself against the jaws of the second wolf. He grimaces against the pain of the first hit, but he looks as tough as ever - another sign he has weathered knocks greater than this in his time.

(Turn rolls around to you guys and the NPCs)

The Commander

2018-02-16, 03:55 PM

Kyril continues to bleed, but is still breathing.

Lucian gets knocked to the ground by the giant wolf. He shoves against the jaws of the wolf with his shield, standing up in the process, and swings at the snarling beast.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1]

Lucian's sword swings true and cuts the wolf deep.

Oleg turns his attention back to the wolf that took down Kyril and fires.

Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

The bolt flies past the wolf plunges into the dark woodland behind.

Ireena loads Ismark's Heavy Crossbow and takes aim. She seems unsure of the weapon - as if it's not something she usually uses; but desperate times call for desperate measures right? Despite seeing her brother on the ground, she also realises that helping the party member who has fallen is a priority and also fires at the wolf that took down Kyril.

Attack: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

Ireena slowly exhales and pulls the firing mechanism. Although she may have seemed unsure of the weapon, her natural aim is incredible and the bolt catches the wolf right between the eyes. It manages a look of pure confusion before it topples over dead. With a cool and calm demeanour that is both terrifying and beautiful she begins reaching for another bolt.

As he sees this Oleg exclaims, jaw hanging open: "Blyat...."

Ismark rolls to his feet and tries to finish off the wolf savaging Kyran, realising his companion favoured a strange ranged weapon instead of a blade or blunt weapon.

First Longsword Attack: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

Second Longsword Attack: [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]

Shortsword Attack: [roll10]
Damage: [roll11]

(If this wolf ends up dieing I'll move him to another wolf and use the rolls)

Ismark impales the wolf atop Kyran with his longsword and it dies on his blade; but he seems to have trouble retracting the blade and doesn't manage to get a good swing on his follow up attacks on his own two wolves.

"You're clear, now strike down these beasts!" Ismark calls to you Kyran.

(Kyran, you are now out of melee)

(Injured wolves on Lucian and Ismark, uninjured wolves on Ismark and Erevan)

Daishain

2018-02-16, 04:35 PM

"My thanks!"

Yanking his legs out from under the deceased wolf, Kyran struggles to his feet, a little weakly. Taking stock, he aims at the wolf in front of Lucian and tries to take it down.

Down to just 2 hp, but still going for the moment!
[roll0]
[roll1] [roll2]
Well, it hit, but damage potential is a little under the weather. Ooh, I forgot to add dex. +4 to that

The Commander

2018-02-16, 04:40 PM

Kyran's bullet catches the wolf in the hind quarters. Although the hit is solid it doesn't appear to have hit anything vital and the wolf merely growls through the pain.

Minescratcher

2018-02-16, 04:54 PM

Erevan sidestepped the wolf as it lunged at him, retaliating with a thrust of his pike.

Attack: [roll0] nat 1
Damage: [roll1] piercing + [roll2] radiant =

The Commander

2018-02-16, 05:05 PM

Erevan thrusts his pike towards the Wolf but this time it manages to dodge and bite the weapon, pulling on it like a dog would a chew toy, and causes Erevan to lose his grip on it.

It clatters to the ground.

(Since you haven't moved you could still pick it back up with a free action, didn't want to be too harsh with the fumble just yet :smallwink: )

WMO?

2018-02-17, 01:36 AM

Nestor's got his breath and his range now, and he strikes out at the yet untouched wolf attacking Ismark. "Support incoming!" he cried, casting guiding bolt.

Attack Roll: [roll0]
Damage Roll: [roll1]

The Commander

2018-02-17, 05:44 AM

The bolt slams into the uninjured wolf, cooking it's flesh and burning a great portion of it's fur off. It glows faintly for a moment and seems easier to hit.

Spore

2018-02-17, 10:25 AM

Damn. Askan mutters as the bard goes down and the wolf notices his second slash, avoiding anything more than a close shave. The beast bites the hunter's shin again but this time he had enough time to adapt his stance to avoid being pulled down.

With a nimble maneuver Askan moves to Kyril and picks him up. Realizing the man is heavier than he looks, Askan stays his ground until he sees an option to disengage, keeping him from harm currently.

Moving around the wolf to shoulder Kyril. I cannot take the disengage action and I cannot flee far enough for this to actually matter so I stay put.
If I can, I would like to redirect any attacks aimed at Kyril towards me, including any wolves trying to drag Kyril away. Preemptive Acrobatics roll, possibly with Disadvantage, so twice. [roll0][roll1]

Irish Musician

2018-02-17, 03:15 PM

The Commander

2018-02-17, 04:48 PM

Askan shoulders Kyril and is able to retreat towards the cart (if that's where you want to go).

Ciardha swings, but the wolf easily leaps out of the way of the magical blade.

Despite half their number dead and a few of them injured, the Dire Wolves do not seem deterred from continuing their assault. There is a ferociousness and dedication to this task that is questionable - wouldn't they run if they were wild?

Erevan:

Wolf Attack: [roll0]

Damage: [roll1]

If the attack hits, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone

Lucian:

Wolf Attack: [roll2]

Damage: [roll3]

If the attack hits, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone

Lucian deflects the wolf's teeth and claws off of his shield.

Ismark:

First Wolf Attack with Advantage: [roll4] or [roll5]

Damage: [roll6]

Second Wolf Attack with Advantage: [roll7] or [roll8]

Damage: [roll9]

If the attack hits, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone

Ismark Save, if needed: [roll10]
Ismark Save, if needed: [roll11]

With two wolves on Ismark you really begin to see the effectiveness of the wolves when fighting together. Despite Ismark's best attempts to parry and dodge them they bite and claw him savagely. The first tries to bring him down but incredibly he shoves the beast aside. The second, however, manages to catch him off balance and bring him down. Ismark looks injured, but still in this fight.

(Turn rolls around to you guys)

The Commander

2018-02-17, 05:10 PM

Kyril's wounds become aggravated by being carried by Askan and he bleeds a little more over the monster-hunter's coat. He still lives, but just barely.

Lucian brings his sword around in a flourish and tries to hit the wolf in front of him.

Attack: [roll0] - Crit
Damage: [roll1] - Doubling

Lucian's expert swordsmanship shines through and he slices through some of the wolf's paws as it goes to swipe at him. It whimpers and growls at the fighter.

Ismark picks himself up off the ground quickly - being on the ground is a dangerous place to be.

Seeing one of the wolves on him lit up by Nestor's spell he swings and stabs towards that one.

First Longsword Attack with Advantage due to Guiding Bolt: [roll2] or [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]

Second Longsword Attack: [roll5]
Damage: [roll6]

Shortsword Attack: [roll7]
Damage: [roll8]

(If this wolf ends up dying I'll move him to another wolf and use the rolls)

Ismark lands several defining hits on the glowing wolf, cutting, gutting and stabbing at it. By the time he is finished the wolf is barely standing. It hacks up blood, but continues to snap and swipe at the Barovian.

"Hang in there, Ismark! These beasts are almost destroyed!"

Ireena calls out to her brother. She takes aim at the other wolf on Ismark and fires.

Attack: [roll9]
Damage: [roll10]

Again, Ireena's natural instincts prove to be an asset to the party and her bolt hits the uninjured wolf. The bolt does not seem to sink very deeply into the wolf's flesh though and it largely ignores the hit.

Oleg loads and fires his own bolt at Ireena's target.

Attack: [roll11]
Damage: [roll12]

By comparison Oleg's firing is wild, despite the fact he seems to understand how his weapon works, and his bolt sticks into the road. He lets out a curse under his breath and begins to reload.

Irish Musician

2018-02-17, 05:18 PM

The Commander

2018-02-17, 05:27 PM

Ciardha's anger begins to pay off and his blade finally smashes into the uninjured wolf in front of him. The blade crackles off the wolf's hide and it growls at the warlock.

(All wolves are now injured, with all of them except the one on Erevan/Ciardha very badly injured from what you can see)

Minescratcher

2018-02-17, 05:51 PM

Erevan noticed the light beginning to shine from Ciardha's hand.

"Best get this over with quickly..." he muttered under his breath.

Working from long experience, he swept his pike from the ground and followed up his companion's swing with a thrust from the weapon.

Picking up the dropped weapon as part of last turn and stabbing the wolf in front of him.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] + [roll2]

The Commander

2018-02-17, 06:05 PM

(Ouch, big damage, but still not connecting)

Erevan tries again to spear the wolf, but it leaps out of the way once more.

Daishain

2018-02-18, 10:03 PM

Determined to end this, Kyran reloads and fires again, targeting the beast in front of Lucian. He's starting to feel like crafting this weapon was the best decision of his life.

Almost there...
[roll0]
[roll1] [roll2]

The Commander

2018-02-19, 05:48 AM

Another bullet lodges itself within the body of the dire wolf attacking Lucian. The wolf stumbles, whimpering, but just barely stands back up. It looks to be on it's last legs.

Spore

2018-02-20, 05:26 AM

The mad one's nearly dead. We need healing! Askan shouts.

puzzler7

2018-02-20, 02:37 PM

As if to complement the fighter's words, Kyril mumbles a few syllables, head lolling back and forth.

"...the wolves' red head has led us dead..."

I'd do a long dramatic edgy dreamscape RP like I did last time I died, but I don't have that much time.

The Commander

2018-02-20, 03:35 PM

(NPCing Nestor to keep things moving, I suspect Askan will want his actions once Nestor's is resolved)

Nestor ushers Kyril to the ground and beseeches Sune to close the Bard's wounds and restore him to life. His Holy Symbol glows bright for a moment.

Kyril:
Cure Wounds: [roll0] - Regain this many HP and become conscious. Your action has already been used for a Death Save, but your next turn should roll around pretty quickly. Currently you are prone.

Kyril, your eyes flicker open and the nightmare of combat, blood and desperation greets you once more.

Kyril stops bleeding and becomes responsive again.

Spore

2018-02-20, 09:10 PM

Stay behind me. How I see it, we are cleaning up now. the hunter says in an almost cocky tone, while using a highly aggressive stance to drive the beast back.

God am I happy when I get my 3rd level on Fighter for a bit of variety in combat. Attacking, again.
Attack [roll0]
Damage [roll1] (since I think Nestor stands behind me to cast a spell I don't think I have sneak at the moment.

The Commander

2018-02-21, 06:07 PM

The wolves continue their bloody assault, undeterred.

Seeing Erevan as nothing more than a nuisance, the Dire Wolf that was snapping at the Paladin turns it's attention back to the Warlock who stabbed at it.

Ciardha:

Wolf Attack: [roll0]

Damage: [roll1]

If the attack hits, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone

Lucian:

Wolf Attack: [roll2]

Damage: [roll3]

If the attack hits, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone

Ismark:

First Wolf Attack with Advantage: [roll4] or [roll5]

Damage: [roll6]

Second Wolf Attack with Advantage: [roll7] or [roll8]

Damage: [roll9]

If the attack hits, make a DC 13 Strength Save or be knocked Prone

Ismark Save, if needed: [roll10]
Ismark Save, if needed: [roll11]

Ismark manages to fend off the first wolf on him and tries to block the second, but the wolf's teeth sink deep into his arm. It tries to drag him down, but Ismark manages to painfully stay on his feet. You've witnessed him weather several powerful attacks and remain combat effective and you marvel at his endurance and tenacity.

(Turn becomes yours)

The Commander

2018-02-21, 06:21 PM

(Kyril is conscious, but prone. His rapier is where he dropped it when he went unconscious, but otherwise he still has everything with him - he could stand and retrieve his rapier if he wished to and still attack the wolf on Ciardha/Erevan)

Lucian gets pulled to the ground by the weight of the wolf and it takes a chunk of flesh from his body. The Fighter takes a deep breath, grits his teeth, and with all his might shoves the wolf off of him; standing up in the process.

Move Action to Stand, Bonus Action to Second Wind for 7 (rolled OOC), Action to Attack.
Longsword Attack: [roll0] - Another CRIT from Improved Critical
Damage: [roll1] - Doubling

With a level of focus that transcends his injuries, Lucian pulls back and waits for the wolf to bite again. This time, as the wolf's jaws are about to close again, the Fighter pushes his Longsword deep into the gullet of the beast and drives it forward all the way up to the hilt. The wolf gargles around the sword and flails for a moment before convulsing and dying on the blade. Lucian retracts the blade and the wolf falls limp to the ground.

Ismark grunts in pain and tries desperately to dispatch the wounded wolves in front of him.

First Longsword Attack: [roll2]
Damage: [roll3]

Second Longsword Attack: [roll4]
Damage: [roll5]

Shortsword Attack: [roll6]
Damage: [roll7]

Unlike Lucian, Ismark appears to be getting tired and losing focus as his swings go wide or are dodged by the wolves.

Ireena grimaces as she sees her brother take another hit and fires another bolt at the wolf attacking her brother.

Attack: [roll8]
Damage: [roll9]

Unfortunately for Ireena her bolt goes wide.

Oleg loads his Heavy Crossbow and turns his attention to the relatively healthy wolf on Ciardha/Erevan.

Attack: [roll10]
Damage: [roll11]

Oleg's bolt also misses spectacularly.

(Wow... all the NPCs missed everything. 3 Dire Wolves remain. 2 Wolves on Ismark are extremely wounded and the one on Ciardha/Erevan is mostly healthy)

Daishain

2018-02-21, 06:29 PM

Seeing that Ismark is in trouble, tough as he may be, Kyran shifts aim to take first at the wolves by the man. He'll aim for whichever seems to be more wounded.

[roll0] [roll1] [roll2]

The Commander

2018-02-21, 06:38 PM

Another shot, another bulls-eye, another dead wolf.

Kyran's shot impacts the back of one of the wolves attacking Ismark and you blow a huge chunk of flesh off it's back. You spot ruptured organs and shredded bones inside the wound and the wolf keels forward dead.

(2 Wolves to go, wounded one on Ismark and healthy one on Ciardha/Erevan. WOW Kyran, talk about consistency! Ciardha, the wolf you cursed is now dead)

Spore

2018-02-21, 07:29 PM

You're fine? Fine. Askan nods at Kyril, sprinting into action. No man can have that much stamina, he has to help Ismark. Despite, the sorcerer and his knightly companion should be able to deal with one wolf. He lunges forward and stabs into Ismark's melee.

[roll0]
[roll1]

Easier done than said. the fencer follows up.

Minescratcher

2018-02-21, 07:58 PM

"Our allies are recovered, I see," Erevan muttered as he lunged at the wolf once again. This thing had greater agility than any wolf he had ever seen before... not too surprising, really.

Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] + [roll2]

The Commander

2018-02-21, 08:30 PM

(Since you have plenty of room to manoeuvre you would very easily be able to get flanking with Ismark, I'm assuming you're also including Sneak Attack Damage, which you would get regardless of flanking; ultimately it doesn't matter as you've killed it)

Askan runs and takes a leaping strike at the dire wolf attacking Ismark. His blade buries itself deep in the wolf's skull and the wolf dies instantly; falling free of the blade as it crumples.

Ismark is bloody and breathing heavily, but doesn't look in danger of keeling over any second. "My thanks, Askan. And to you, Kyran! Your aim strikes true!" He calls out to the Artificer.

Erevan finally manages to gauge the wolf's movements and stabs his pike forwards. It hits the wolf in the chest and it retreats off the long weapon before it can do too much damage.

(One wolf left, a little bloody, but otherwise good)

The Commander

2018-02-22, 06:06 PM

(NPCing Nestor and Ciardha to bring this fight to a close)

Nestor peaks around the cart and mutters a quick prayer to Sune. A Guiding Bolt forms in his hand and he launches it at the remaining wolf.

Guiding Bolt Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] - This pretty much kills the thing, I mean wow, but I'll keep it alive for Ciardha's attack for dramatic purposes
If it hits it gives the next attack advantage

The Bolt of radiant energy slams into the beast, burning off hair and cooking flesh. The wolf is lit not only by a baleful green light but by it's fur catching alright. It yelps and whimpers and thrashes violently.

Ciardha brings his sword down in a finishing stroke....

Longsword Attack: [roll2] or with advantage: [roll3]
Damage: [roll4]

....and ends the wolf's existence.

(Another post to follow....)

The Commander

2018-02-22, 07:22 PM

(Slightly railroad-y, but want to move the story forward and not break the drama of the story for this segment, so you won't get a chance to react now, only afterwards - I know many of you will want to rush into combat the moment this happens, but you'll get your chance soon enough)

The snarling and growls of the wolves stop and all becomes quiet save for the ragged breaths and small groans from the injured around you.

And many of you are injured.

Ireena puts Ismark's Heavy Crossbow down and climbs off the cart. She immediately heads towards her brother.

Ismark's armour is scratched and dented and you can see several large bite marks across his body, as well as gashes and tears.

Kyril, despite being conscious again, looks as pale as a ghost.

All is quiet for perhaps a few heartbeats before you all hear a very slow, deliberate clapping coming from the road behind you.

Each of you turns and in the middle of the road before you, continuing to slowly clap, is an extremely pale human man with dark, long hair and even darker eyes. His face is almost statuesque in it's beauty. He wears a beautiful flowing blue cloak, a tunic of red buttoned with clasps of gold and ruby, golden chains connect two silver shoulder plates and he carries an ancient looking longsword in a hilt at his side.

Image:
https://i.imgur.com/G4urR8n.jpg

You have no idea how he got there. One moment the road was empty. Now a being stands there. Clapping.

It stops clapping and regards you all.

"Most entertaining. And enlightening." The words flow like silk from the being's mouth; both somehow authoritative and soothing at the same time.

Oleg puts his weapon down and bows his head; not seeming to want to make eye contact with this being. Ireena gasps. Ismark spits a gobbet of blood on the road. "Strahd...." He breathes with barely contained hatred.

"Enjoying a wander through my domain, Ismark? Didn't your father ever tell you it's dangerous to travel my roads?" Strahd delivers the barbed insult with great poise and Ismark takes the bait. The fighter charges towards the vampire lord.

"AHH! YOU'LL PAY FOR THAT INSULT, DEVIL!"

Strahd doesn't make any effort to avoid the blades and allows them to slice straight through him. Ismark's anger quickly turns to worry at this apparently lack of self-preservation on Strahd's part.

With an almost preternatural speed, Strahd draws his hand back and backhands Ismark hard across the face. The fighter goes sailing through the air and lands heavily at Ireena's feet. He then proceeds to pull both the blades out of his body and throw them to the ground in front of Ismark. The wounds made by the weapons close up almost instantly.

Strahd's eyes meet Ireena's. "My dear, you continue to look as beautiful as when I first laid eyes upon you. Every meeting is a pleasure." He smiles wickedly, exposing fangs between rows of perfect teeth.

He then turns to the party. "Ah, but where are my manners? I am Count Strahd von Zarovich, I am the ruler of Barovia, and I welcome you to my lands. It is always nice to see... new blood... come my way." The threat is barely contained beyond a veil of charm.

He turns to Kyran and you feel eyes as black as coal bore into yours. "Your son misses you terribly. Perhaps I could be persuaded to reunite the pair of you.... After all, what is a boy without his father?" The statement hits many of you on a personal level; whether it be from a personal loss, the loss that Ismark felt for his father, or even the loss that Donavich felt for Doru.

Before you can respond Strahd moves on. He looks at the cart, upon which sits the eyes downturned Oleg.

Seemingly serious for a change, Strahd simply says: "You tread a dangerous path, Vistana, for you and your people." Oleg doesn't say anything and keeps his eyes thoroughly downturned.

Strahd returns his attention to the rest of you. "Congratulations on besting my hounds. I was hoping you'd survive the encounter - you are so entertaining to watch. Make no mistake, I shall be continuing to watch you. Continue to... entertain me... and perhaps you will be rewarded." His words drip with false promises and alluring innuendos. "Until next we meet again...." You then watch as Strahd's form disintegrates into a fine mist which darts into the darkness of the nearby woodland and out of sight.

You let out a breath you didn't realise you were holding. You have seen the face of your enemy. You have heard it speak. Now you know your enemy.

(You can now have control of your character's back - heal up, repair, discuss, do what you need to do and then let me know when you'd like to continue)

Daishain

2018-02-22, 10:10 PM

Kyran's grip on his rifle tightens as Strahd appears, and his face sets into a rictus of agony and rage as the vampire lord taunts him with his lost child. But his wounds cannot be ignored, and Ismark's failure to cause any harm to the devil is fresh. The man stands there, frozen, until Strahd is gone.

The man drops his weapon, then to his knees, trembling, fingers tearing into the earth. Trying to avoid screaming his anguish and fury out for the world to hear.

Irish Musician

2018-02-23, 01:16 PM

http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii505/_thrashmetaldan/Character%20Profile%20Pics/pic1677411-342x458.jpg
Ciardha Kane, Aasimar Warlock (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1446048)
Level 3 Hexblade Warlock | AC:18 | HP: 25/25 | Slots: 2/2

Ciardha, after having been healed up by Erevan and his own spells, watches Strahd's display of power. His hands and clenched and they start to glow with a golden energy. His jaw is tight and his eyes burn with fire. Thought he does not move to attack, esp after Ismark's weapons do nothing to the Vampire.

They would need to become much stronger if they were to kill this evil.

Ciardha then walks over to Kyran. He grabs the man's shoulders and gets him back up to a standing position. Ciardha look him straight in the eyes. "We need to focus and get her to safety. But do not forget this. Do not lose that anger and that hate of him. Use it. Use it to fuel your revenge and to help bring the justice that monster so richly deserves. For your son....for everyone we've lost. Put those feelings into a box, and let them out when the time is right. Every minion we face, every monster we kill, is one step closer to the father of them all." Ciardha's hands are still glowing slightly with that golden color, and his eyes seem to have fires burning in them. He pauses and keeps Kyran's gaze. He picks up the man's weapon, and places it back in his hands, never breaking eye contact. "We will get it done...or die trying." Whatever energy that has crept up is now going back from where it came.

"It seems these wolves were Strahd's minions....." Oleg and his downturn eyes do not escape the notice of most everyone. Ciardha narrows his eyes at the man and watches him for a long moment. He says nothing, but keep his thoughts to himself.

Minescratcher

2018-02-23, 04:45 PM

Erevan stood for a long time, staring into the woods behind where Strahd had disappeared. Finally, he muttered something (probably a curse) under his breath and turned to the group.

"Clever little.... He knows us too well."

The half-elf walked over to Ismark, and helped him stand, then stabbed his pike into the ground, leaning on the upturned haft.

"We should get moving. No telling what sort of Aressan monsters he'll throw at us next. Is anyone badly wounded?"

Ciardha would recognize "Aressan" as an adjective Erevan has used before, usually to (angrily) describe unnatural or extremely violent monsters.

Spore

2018-02-23, 04:58 PM

Askan was abruptly reminded that he hunted smaller "game" up until now. An zombie infested graveyard perhaps, or a small haunted cottage, or at the height of his career until now, the last remain witch of a coven. But Strahd was an entirely new league. The gravitas this man possessed, the ease the vampire displayed by both appearing without trace, taunting them and then disappearing was unreal. After the shock ended, Askan was reminded that he had suffered a few nasty bites himself. Though the second thing he was concerned with was Kyril's status. The poor half-breed nearly died, and was just resurrected to watch the horrors in his head take form before him.

Askan snaps with his fingers a few times before Kyril's face as if to wake him. Then he guides him carefully towards the healers. Stop your self-righteous blabbering for a few minutes and help me bandage up the worst injuries. he says to Ciardha, not in an angry but concerned tone. I do not like that he found us this easily. We have to continue our journey. Please say, the Vistani can help us, Ireena. Even if not, maybe they know where my master is. He knows what to do.

I hope it was okay to start RP with Kyril and power emote a few things for him. Irish I love your character and how incredibly edgy he is. So do not take any ingame criticism to heart. I feel our characters will never truly become friends.

Daishain

2018-02-23, 05:18 PM

Kyran eventually, slowly, nods at Ciardha's words, Limping back over to the wagon, he leans against it as he examines the wound in his leg. Its not spurting at least, but the seeping blood is not slow.

Removing an odd and intricate metal device from his pack, The tinker holds it above the wound and starts focusing. For those with the eyes to see, raw energy from the weave is gathered through Kyran and forced into a particular pattern by the device. Soon the wound is closing up. Not all the way, but the bleeding has stopped at least.

Holding it up, he asks in a rather tired tone of voice, "Who else needs healing? I can only manage that once more, then will be spent for the day as far as such tricks go."

[roll0]
I generally don't like taking healing first, but I think I was the worst injured among those not already healed. I took some fluff liberties with Kyran's method of spellcasting, to make it more of a weird gadget thing than "normal magic", the article didn't separate it at all from the spellcasting everyone else does, which I find disappointingly boring.

The Commander

2018-02-23, 05:55 PM

Oleg doesn't respond. He puts his Heavy Crossbow back on the cart and checks on Mishka (the horse).

Between Erevan and his sister, Ismark stands. He groans and shakes his head groggily. He stoops to pick up his swords and as his hands close around his swords he looks over to Oleg.

"He says nothing because his people are in league with Strahd. They work for him and he allows them to wander these lands free of concern."

Oleg looks sullen and turns to address the fighter. "Not all of us serve Strahd. It is true he allows us to come and go as we please from these lands, and we are unmolested by his minions for the most part, and for that I am grateful. I have known many good people die by his hand or the hand of his servants. I do not wish to fight Strahd, as he gives my people many liberties - but I will not help him either. Such an opinion does not sit so well with many of my people and they choose to distance themselves from me. It is why I travel alone or with foreigners. I will take you to the Tser Pool; but I cannot go with you further. I am sorry."

Ireena interjects before Ismark can respond. "Oleg fought by our side against these wolves and Strahd could easily have killed us all here, now, if he wished; of that I have no doubt." She shivers. "No... clearly he wants to keep us alive for a little while longer. We should continue with our current plan; but first we should take a moment to catch our breath and bandage our wounds."

Ismark grumbles something and groans again, sheathing his swords.

Ireena responds to Askan:

"I know you sought out Madam Eva, and I have heard rumours she is a powerful seer; but I do not often deal with the Vistani people. I... rarely got to leave my home... let alone my village...."

(Ismark looks incredibly wounded. He's not on death's door, but he is definitely seriously injured. Lucian also looks very beat up. They both could do with some healing; although if you're taking a Short Rest it may be worth spending some Hit Dice - I'm sure Kyril will provide a Song of Rest (extra d6 HP on a Short Rest?))

puzzler7

2018-02-24, 01:38 AM

Kyril grits his teeth and sits up, spitting violent, vicious, rhyming curses at the retreating mist. After a moment, he coughs, out of breath, and lies back down. As he catches his breath, he briefly considers the folly in his actions, but disregards it immediately.

"I'll live, although perhaps we should rest here.
I know that there are still wolves to be feared.
But we cannot travel further right now
Lest we be slain by those dark ones that prowl."

As he chants, the blood on his arm seems to stop flowing. He stretches it, wincing slightly before pulling out his viol and playing a frenzied, furious tune.

Kyril was not pleased with how events had transpired.

Healing Word: [roll0]

I will Song of Rest - everyone who spends HD heals an extra 1d6. I will also spend a HD. I'm regretting that Con 10 now...

HD: [roll1]
Song of Rest: [roll2]

Spore

2018-02-24, 08:22 AM

If anything's injured it is my pride rather than my body. I think a little break, food and bandages are enough for me to continue. You should see after Ismark and Kyril. We should get a little distance to this place before we take a break though. I am not sure but where are predators, there are scavenging beasts. And I have had enough territorial beasts for now. Askan goes back to the caravan and sees that Ismark rests his body for a bit. Askan himself has a slight limp now but he powers through. He tries to guide them to a more defensible spot to take a short rest.

I'd say travel for another 15-30 minutes to look for a suitable place to take a break. Then short rest plus song of rest. Do you allow out of combat use of second wind?

Survival for the resting place: [roll0] (seems Askan is more shaken up than he thought :smallamused: )
Short Rest (Spending the rogue HD plus song):[roll1]+[roll2] (See, all I needed was a break)

Daishain

2018-02-24, 10:25 AM

Kyran moves over to Ismark, still hurting, though it is much improved. He channels through the device once more, trying to ease some of the warrior's wounds.

"And that is it, that is all I can offer for today I am afraid. I suggest that we find good shelter to rest before too long."

Cure Wounds on Ismark
[roll0]

The Commander

2018-02-24, 07:19 PM

Ismark looks at some of the more serious bite wounds closing up in awe. "Thank you, Kyran. A marksman, a healer... do your talents ever cease?!"

(Ismark, Ireena and Oleg don't disagree with the idea of moving a little further away from the battle before resting, so unless anyone has any objections we will say that happens. Yes, I'll allow you to use Second Wind out of combat)

You travel another half hour down the road; but it looks much the same as half an hour ago - a muddy roadway flanked by dark and menacing trees on both sides. Oleg doesn't say anything during the short trip. Ireena offers Ismark her seat upon the cart, but he declines and chooses to walk the whole way. Ireena decides to keep him company and walks with him.

You decide here is as good a place as any. You take a moment to eat and rest for a moment.

Oleg takes some feed out of the cart for Mishka and begins feeding her.

Ireena helps to clean up Ismark with some water and cloth and tries to begin stitching back up some of the gaps in his clothing.

The rest is made a little more comforting by the bardic music from Kyril and you are allowed a brief distraction from the darkness surrounding you.

Lucian and Ismark have rolled Hit Dice OOC

After resting and eating both Lucian and Ismark look almost as good as new, despite some of the tears in their clothing and armour. (I'll leave you to describe how beat up each of you still looks after resting)

Oleg finally speaks again after being quiet: "We should press on before it gets too dark. The roads are even more dangerous at night."

Even Ismark can't argue with that statement and you pack up your things and prepare to move on.

(Anyone who hasn't already or wants to spend more HD may still do so, just moving the story forward)

You travel for another couple of hours along the road and eventually the woodland thins out to your right and you catch sight of the river again. Oleg stops the cart for a brief moment to allow Mishka to drink and collect some water himself. Ireena and Ismark also take the opportunity to replenish water. (You can also do the same, if you do the water is cool and refreshing). Within a few minutes you are moving again. The woodland quickly reappears again on your right and you lose sight of the river.

Another couple of hours pass without any incident, until you arrive at a crossroads. The sun is beginning to set now and it bathes the landscape in an eyrie red that throws long shadows across the road.

The well-worn road splits here, and a signpost points off in three directions: BAROVIA VILLAGE to the east, TSER POOL to the northwest, and RAVENLOFT/VALLAKI to the southwest. The northwest fork slants down and disappears into the trees, while the southwest fork clings to an upward slope.

By the side of the crossroads is an old wooden gallows, creaking in a chill wind that blows down from the high ground to the west. A frayed length of rope dances from its beam. The gallows stand atop a rotting platform 5 feet high, with wooden stairs leading up to it.

Across from the gallows, a low wall, crumbling in places, partially encloses a small plot of graves shrouded in fog. Eleven graves are here with blank gravestones.

Ireena stares at the gallows and Ismark puts his arm around her and ushers her onwards gently.

Oleg turns the cart towards the northwest fork. "Not far now."

As you travel past the gallows you hear a creaking noise behind you. Where there was nothing before now hangs a lifeless, grey body. The breeze turns the hanged figure slowly, so that it can fix its dead eyes upon you. You don't recognise the figure; although it appears Barovian at a glance.

Erevan:
You, however, don't see a Barovian. You see the body of the friend and comrade who came with you on your mission; who hanged themselves because they could not bear to go on. The corpse fixes it's dead eyes on you and you hear a whisper on the wind: "Why didn't you save me? Why didn't you save us all? I am dead because of you."

Oleg, Ireena and Ismark don't seem to react at all and continue heading towards the Tser Pool fork in the crossroads.

(Let me know if you wish to do anything here, otherwise I'll move the party along)

Spore

2018-02-24, 08:21 PM

Askan grimly nods at the sight of the gallow and the latest victim. A threat to anyone daring to oppose our fine lord Strahd no doubt. the hunter quietly thinks by himself. Not that the rulers of his realm were any less violent. They were just - more subtle. Askan is still not used to the savage nature of Barovia.

I would like to quietly look for tracks in the area. As a player I do not want to ruin Erevan's moment of horror but as a character I do not want to run into an angry mob supporting or revolting against Strahd.

Survival: [roll0]

Daishain

2018-02-25, 12:52 AM

Ismark looks at some of the more serious bite wounds closing up in awe. "Thank you, Kyran. A marksman, a healer... do your talents ever cease?!"

"Yes, and not far beyond what you mention." Kyran says simply as he stows the now slightly smoking device, "I'm a tinker, and an inventor. I've made some interesting things in my life, this healing schema and my firearm chief amongst them. But it was luck that left me alive towards the end of that conflict, luck and your help. Also, when it comes to things like these, the best I can claim is dabbling where others with true talents with magic easily surpass me."

When the group gets to the gallows, Kyran simply sets his shoulders and moves on.

Rolling Hit Dice, until sufficient is obtained
[roll0] [roll1] [roll2]
song of rest [roll3]
Guess I'll take them all

The Commander

2018-02-25, 07:38 AM

Ismark responds to Kyran:

"Ah, you are too modest, my friend. The Morninglord watches over you, I am sure of it. With any luck perhaps you could invent a way to defeat Strahd!" Ismark chuckles and winces, still in pain (this exchange was before you rested, so he's still very injured).

Askan:
The road in this area has been well travelled and there are many humanoid looking footprints, hoof prints, tracks from wheels and some beast prints as well.

Looking more closely for recent markings you make out that around 8 horses, pulling 4 wheeled carts or wagons, along with an escort (you count about a dozen escorts), passed through here less than a few days ago.

Even more recently, however, you see 3 sets of strange markings that seem to come from the southwest fork, rush to the gallows, patrol around the gallows for a short time, and then head off towards the northwest fork. The prints don't look like they were made by a beast or a humanoid and they appear to have a lurching quality to their walk. The only thing you do discover as a clue to what these things might have been is a few loose pieces of straw here and there.

Spore

2018-02-25, 08:36 AM

A stake to the heart usually does the trick. Askan interjects dryly. Though I agree that inventiveness certainly helps more than brute force in that regard. Without regard for emotions the dark blonde man adds: Though to get an idea how to - deal with Strahd we must know more. The vampire mentioned your father, and that remark angried you. What of it?

Daishain

2018-02-25, 09:18 AM

Kyran stiffens before answering, "Not my father, my son. My eldest boy, Jacob, who I had just started teaching my trade."

"He was lost to Strahd's mists about a year ago. Around here, when that happens, parents fervently pray that their children are dead, and will never be seen again. Because the alternative... well, you saw Doru, and that was one of the happier endings such tales have."

He looks down at his weapon, "When was making this, I often wondered if I would someday find myself using it on the creature bearing Jacob's face. I almost destroyed it several times."

The Commander

2018-02-25, 09:30 AM

(Wasn't sure if Askan was asking Ismark that question, so I've spoiled the response if it wasn't)

Ismark gives you a look of incredulity. "We just buried my father.... He died as a result of the constant assaults of Strahd's minions - he was old and the vigilance and stress of combat took its toll on him. Strahd is the reason my father died. Not only that, but my mother was killed by Strahd's minions whilst we were travelling one day. My father was able to fight them off, but not before it was too late. From that day forward our father forbid us from travelling beyond the village and I took up the sword; learning everything I could about defending myself and others so that I could better protect my family and perhaps one day slay the devil." His anger is replaced by sadness for a moment. "And yet when the chance came he... it... didn't even seem phased by my efforts and made a mockery of me." Ismark goes quiet.

Spore

2018-02-25, 09:37 AM

(Actually I aimed for Ismark. But I like Kyran's story too, so Askan will not interject.)

The monster hunter nods grimly as if to agreeing that Strahd is a fiend. As if that wasn't readily apparent.This makes my goal to better these realms almost childish and naive. Askan replies with a half-grin. Do you know where you last saw your son, Kyran? And my condolences, Ismark. I feel many people have lost their loved ones to the - circumstances this land is in.

Askan glances over to Erevan. The knight must've seen something. Everything alright, my friend?

The Commander

2018-02-25, 10:14 AM

"The only true way to better these lands is to kill Strahd or banish him somehow. No-one has succeeded in this task, although many have tried.... At midnight the souls of all those lost to Strahd seem to rise from the cemetery back in the village and march themselves up to Ravenloft. Every year the procession seemed to grow larger; until I could no longer bring myself to watch. The souls seem to be stuck in an endless loop - forever doomed to be a part of this land. The march has existed for as long as anyone can remember and nothing seems to halt their actions. I pray that they will be released from this task once Strahd is dead or gone and that they will finally know peace."

Ireena looks confused at the mention of Doru. "What happened to Doru? He used to visit the mansion from time to time with Donavich. But I haven't seen him in over a year. I know there was some commotion in town one day and that he may have joined up with some of the other townsfolk to try and march on Ravenloft.... I thought he was dead. What happened to him?" She rounds on Ismark, angry.

Ismark sighs deeply. "I'm sorry Ireena. He had been turned by Strahd. He was no longer Doru; just another monster. I had no idea until we arrived at the church. We were left with no choice - he was a danger to the village...." Ismark doesn't need to finish his train of words for Ireena to know where he is going with them. Tears begin to well up in her eyes.

"Doru was one of the few friends I had in the village. He did not fear me as the other villagers did. He was my friend... and Strahd took him from me! I can't even begin to imagine how Donavich must of felt.... He suffered a fate worse than death - to be used as a pawn. Perhaps... perhaps Strahd intended to use him to get to me?"

A look of realisation crosses Ismark's face which is quickly replaced with anger. Ireena's sadness is also quickly replaced by anger.

"He will pay...." Ireena whispers.

Daishain

2018-02-25, 10:47 AM

Kyran nods in agreement with Ireena, "Unfortunately, if righteous anger were enough to do the job, it would have been done before any of us were born. Let us focus on the task at hand. After that, we will see if the knowledge and tools to succeed where others failed can be found."

"What about you Ireena? Do you have any ideas on why he would seek you out? Or for that matter why he did not just take you on the road just now? I doubt we would have slowed him much if he head decided to."

Sorry for the mixup, though it seems to have worked out. I'll edit my post to have it make a bit more sense if others like.

The Commander

2018-02-25, 06:07 PM

"I do not know why he has targeted me so. I... have had the misfortune of coming that close to him twice before...." She shifts uncomfortably and loosens a scarf around her neck. As she pulls it away you see two sets of puncture marks on her neck. "I do not remember much of what happened - it all seemed like a blur. I cannot forget the burning hunger in those dark and soulless eyes though. That will haunt me to the day I die...."

Although he doesn't interrupt, you see Ismark clench his fists.

"In any case I remember that somehow he had me in his grasp. There was pain and then a numbness, followed by unconsciousness. I would then awake to find my father and brother tending to me. You're right, he could easily have taken me just now if he wished. He must have some other motive or just wished to torment us for the time being. Strahd is a cruel being - you know this - and I won't claim to understand the method to his cruelty."

Ireena then replaces her scarf.

Spore

2018-02-26, 12:20 AM

I will not accuse you of anything. But how do you know you have not been turned yet? Although Askan feels like he knows enough about vampires and their spawn, the act of turning them is still shrouded in mystery to him. You seem vibrant enough to not be undead though. he adds and blushes. Sadly this is the best compliment he could think of right now.

(I still asked Kyran about when he has seen his son. Alas maybe you are polite enough to finish the topic of Ismark first.)

The Commander

2018-02-26, 07:41 AM

"Sounds like an accusation to me. But a fair one." There is no hint of annoyance or insult in her words and she chuckles at your attempt at a compliment. "If I had been turned why would Strahd still be coming after me? Surely I would be under his control and he could simply command me to either leave or attack those close to me. I do not know much about vampires, but I'm sure there is a way I could prove I'm not one of them - is there something that hurts the creatures that would not affect a normal person?"

Spore

2018-02-26, 09:21 AM

Askan hands her a simple vial with a clear liquid inside. This was blessed by an Anchorite of the Church of Ezra. You might not know them and it is not important. But its pure essence - that of holiness, of life - would burn a vampire.

Irish Musician

2018-02-26, 09:49 AM

http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii505/_thrashmetaldan/Character%20Profile%20Pics/pic1677411-342x458.jpg
Ciardha Kane, Aasimar Warlock (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1446048)
Level 3 Hexblade Warlock | AC:18 | HP: 25/25 | Slots: 2/2

Ciardha was glad he was able to help Kyran pull out of his despair, if only for a moment. Ciardha knew of that deep, dark well that one can get lost in if they allow themselves to ponder too much about what has been lost. If they were to kill Strahd, they needed to hold onto that passion....not live in the past where they could not change anything.

Ciardha is mostly quiet during the talking, as per usual. He was one who didn't tend to open up too much to people. Even Erevan had to wait for a long time to learn anything of the man. And even then it wasn't much. Look ahead, not behind. Ciardha appreciated all the new information of Strahd, however, as it helped him get closer to how the Count thought. Figure out what move he might make next. He almost completely ignored the hanging body as they drove by....not the first one he'd seen and certainly wouldn't be the last.

The trip was made very interesting when Ireena exposes the bite marks on her neck. Ciardha's hand immediately tightens around his sword handle, which he never sent away to its home, and his eyes start to glow a little bit with that fire. Another vampire.....that we've been HELPING?! What in the nine hells is wrong with these people? Keeping their dead kin alive..... But before Ciardha can do anything, Askan brings out some Holy Water for Ireena to touch. Ciardha waits....and hopes that he doesn't have to kill yet another person who he is trying to help.

HD roll, why not. [roll0] + [roll1] for the song

The Commander

2018-02-26, 12:01 PM

Ireena takes the vial and unstoppers it. She then proceeds to pour the water over one of her hands (she isn't gloved). The water just runs off of her hand harmlessly.

She offers her hand for inspection (she allows you to touch her hand if you wish).

She then hands the empty vial back to Askan.

"Satisfied? Perhaps I could eat a clove of garlic or you could drop a purse of coins on the floor and see if I have to count them? She says in a sarcastic but light-hearted way.

Spore

2018-02-26, 02:37 PM

I wonder why Strahd did not poison your body with his curse, why he kept you alive. Maybe he wants you to follow him out of free will? Because that is pretty much what little freedom remains in this cursed place. Upstanding people with conviction to fight for themselves. If he breaks those who oppose him, he has truly won. Askan stays silent for a while. Maybe someting arcane. he murmurms while you can see his eyes dart from left to right as if reading an imaginary book.

Daishain

2018-02-26, 03:06 PM

Kyran shakes his head, "The curse is not passed on through the bite alone, unlike with werewolves. In order to turn her, Strahd would have to drain her past the point of death, and then have her buried."

"My limited understanding of this suggests that this breaks the will of the victim however. Perhaps he wants her as she is for some reason."

"All of that aside however, I don't think we will stumble on the answer just guessing about it. Let us press on, it would be good to make some more distance before night comes. I do not wish to spend too many days on the road."

Irish Musician

2018-02-26, 03:23 PM

http://i1257.photobucket.com/albums/ii505/_thrashmetaldan/Character%20Profile%20Pics/pic1677411-342x458.jpg
Ciardha Kane, Aasimar Warlock (https://www.myth-weavers.com/sheet.html#id=1446048)
Level 3 Hexblade Warlock | AC:18 | HP: 25/25 | Slots: 2/2

Ciardha's hand and body relax as the water does nothing to her hand. Clearly she's not cursed. Or at least she isn't turned yet. Will need to keep an eye on her, he thinks. "We don't know his curse isn't within her. Just that he decided not to turn her into one of his undead minions. His curse could lay dormant inside her until he is ready for it to take hold. Holy water won't hurt those that are still alive.....he would know that. He isn't like a normal vampire, he's.....different." Ciardha looks to Ireena. "I am sorry, but his tie to you seems quite deep. His obsession grows steadily, I'm sure, every day. If he could someone curse you while keeping you still alive, he would be able to find you no matter where you were. And also have a trump card for those who love you. Were he to somehow activate it, you may become a danger to those around you.....even killing them." His head droops a bit as he looks to the ground, "I say this from experience. I've seen it when people should have been fine...or dead....and then come and kill another of our group. I don't want to worry you, or make this harder on you than it already is, but you should know the possibilities so you may better prepare for every possible outcome. It may not even be true, but....."

Minescratcher

2018-02-26, 04:45 PM

Erevan stopped dead in his tracks as the body swung on the gallows. A shudder of horror ran through his body at the whisper on the wind, the condemnation of everything he had fought for. He looked to Ciardha, but his old companion did not seem to have noticed. At Askan's question, he quickly turned, blinking several times.

"...Do you not see him? ...This is another of Strahd's tricks, isn't it?"

The half-elf was unsettled and unusually silent for the rest of the day's journey.

Spending 1 HD: [roll]1d10+2[roll]

The Commander

2018-02-27, 05:47 AM

Ireena and Ismark listen to the exchange between Askan, Kyran and Ciardha with what appears to be genuine interest. You guess that they don't know too much about how vampires actually work.

"I appreciate your curiosity in my condition and situation, but can we please change the subject? All this talk of what Strahd wants with me makes my skin crawl!"

Ireena turns to Ciardha, a mixture of concern and sadness on her face.

"I don't know how to prove to you that I am not under Strahd's command. I wish I could explain why he has such a keen interest in me, but I cannot. Believe me, many people share your concerns. It is why I am shunned by the villagers.... I am so sorry about the friend that you lost. Truly, I am. This land has taken something from all of us it seems. It is all the more reason Strahd must be defeated. But Kyran is right - we need to arm ourselves with information first before we do anything. Is there anything I can do to put your mind at ease?"

Ismark turns as Erevan speaks out. His eyes scan the area and he places his hands on the hilts of his swords in readiness.

"Where, friend? What did you see?"

(Don't forget you're also getting an extra 1d6 rest die from Song of Rest, you also fudged the roll - reroll it in your response or OOC)

Spore

2018-02-27, 12:04 PM

You cannot do anything just yet to fully convince us. But that is true in reverse too. You have to trust in us to not simply bring you into Strahd's trap. Maybe he spared us because we are his minions and lead you right into his trap? Askan smiles impishly. Ireena, I trust you as much as I can trust someone I know for the better half of a day. You are not undead or another conceivable monster and that means you are good in my books. I hunt monsters because I believe they should not roam this world. The quarrel humans have with each other do not interest me nearly as much. My home is a mess of political intrigues and backstabbing. And I tire easily of such volatile conditions. At least with a zombie you can rest assured it wants to eat you and not much else.

Irish Musician

2018-02-27, 03:59 PM

Minescratcher

2018-02-27, 04:40 PM

Erevan took a moment to respond, struggling still to process what he saw.

"...The body of... an old companion. Who met his end in much the same way. But nowhere near here... Right, Ciradha? It wasn't near here...."

Daishain

2018-02-27, 04:57 PM

Kyran glances at Erevan, "The mists can do funny things to one's senses, even when Strahd does not have a personal interest in sowing despair in your heart. It would be best to put it out of your mind. We have a purpose, don't let him distract us from it."

Irish Musician

2018-02-27, 05:06 PM

The Commander

2018-02-27, 08:11 PM

To Askan: "True; both Ismark and I are placing a lot of faith in you all. But I believe it is not misplaced. The quarrels and political intrigue of your lands certainly sounds... tiresome... although I would prefer to live under quarrelling nobles than a lord who tortures his subjects and imprisons them in his lands. But alas, now is not the time for whimsy."

To Ciardha: "The sooner the better!"

Ismark responds to Erevan: "I don't see anything.... Just an old hangman's noose; left to fray."

The cart trundles it's way forward and towards the Northwest fork in the crossroads. The road narrows here and the trees close in. What little light remains from the sun disappears beyond the canopy of the trees and you are plunged into a near-darkness. If you thought the roads were claustrophobic this is something worse entirely.

There is almost a malevolence that seems to bleed off the trees; threatening to snatch you away and drag you into their depths. Their branches are twisted and deformed, and you have to blink away half-glimpsed images of sneering faces on the bark of each tree. Besides the noise of the cart and your party it is deathly quiet; as if all other noise had been swallowed by the hungry earth.

Oleg stops the cart for a moment and produces two lanterns. One is a bulls-eye lantern and one is a hooded lantern. He light them both and places them on two hooks on the front of the cart; allowing light to shine upon the path ahead and giving light to the immediate surroundings. Even with the light, the tightly packed trees do not give you much visibility past the treeline and you are left to ponder what horrors lie just beyond sight. You press on regardless.

After only a few minutes the road gradually disappears and is replaced by a twisted, muddy path through the trees. Deep ruts in the earth are evidence of the comings and goings of wagons.

A few moments later the sun finally sets and a hazy twilight falls.

You travel this path for about an hour before Oleg calls a halt. He stands up and holds the bulls-eye lantern higher.

Out of the darkness and into the light of the lantern a scarecrow lurches into view. Its sackcloth eyes and sewn grin are ripe with malevolence, and its gut is stuffed with dead ravens. It has long, rusted knives for claws. From behind the first, two more lurch into view. Despite the fact that you've seen two vampires up close, fought wolves the size of bears, and (some of you) have come across ghosts and other strange creatures, the abominations that lurch towards you are truly terrifying to behold.

Image:
https://i.imgur.com/DAhUWpy.jpg

(Roll Initiative)

Nestor Initiative: [roll0]
Lucian Initiative: [roll1]
Ismark Initiative: [roll2]
Ireena Initiative: [roll3]
Oleg Initiative: [roll4]

Scarecrow Initiative: [roll5]

(Even if everyone else rolled a 1, you'd still be going first with these NPC rolls)

(The party wins initiative and may go first. The scarecrows are about 110 feet away and are being illuminated by Oleg's bulls-eye lantern. There are three of them that you can see)

Spore

2018-02-28, 08:54 AM

Another lovely tourist attraction courtesy of Barovia. Askan remarks sarcastically. I do not feel this is all of the commitee. The hunter pulls his short sword and makes a slow turn around to scan the area of additional threats, and then warns his allies of other assailants.

Move into the fray with a maximum of two scarecrows after looking around as a standard action to find any other constructs. Also Intelligence check if I think some weapons to be a poor choice for the enemy ahead.

Perception: [roll0]
Intelligence: [roll1] (if excellent maybe a bit more information about animated scarecrows)

The Commander

2018-02-28, 11:23 AM

Askan:
You don't see or hear any other Scarecrows around you, although you can't see beyond the light the lanterns provide. All you see is the three ahead of you. They are 110 feet away from you, so too far to get into melee range this turn. Unless you wanted to close the gap?

It would be a Knowledge Arcana check, but you rolled amazingly regardless.

You know everything you wish to know about Scarecrows. You also know they're not just native to Barovia - that evil mages often animate Scarecrows as basic guardians, as they are inexpensive and blend in to farmland surroundings (naturally). Specifically you know that they don't feel pain, so non-magical bludgeoning, slashing and piercing attacks don't have much effect on them and they are immune to poison on account they have no blood. They are, because of their composition, vulnerable to fire.

You may read this (http://chisaipete.github.io/bestiary/creatures/scarecrow) for more information.

Spore

2018-02-28, 11:37 AM

(In that case, screw my prior commands.)

Askan stays on the caravan and pulls out a torch rather than his sword. We need fire. Loads of it. You got a bottle of lamp oil?

Daishain

2018-02-28, 11:42 AM

"Scarecrows. A sick joke on someones part."

Kyran, perhaps a little predictably, starts firing at the most likely target in sight.

Initiative [roll0]
Arcana check to identify more [roll1]
Perc check to spot any more [roll2]
attack [roll3] [roll4] [roll5]

The Commander

2018-02-28, 06:00 PM

(If nothing else you guys are knowledgeable!)

"Ireena, hold this, I will look for the oil." Oleg passes the lantern to Ireena to hold whilst he rummages through the cart's belongings. "Ahh... it's in here somewhere... blyat...."

(He spends his actions searching the cart for oil)

Ireena makes sure to keep the three Scarecrows illuminated from her vantage point atop the cart.

Ismark draws both of his swords, positions himself slightly ahead of the cart, and waits for the Scarecrows to close.

Kyran:
(Basically a copy of what I sent to Askan)

You don't see or hear any other Scarecrows around you, although you can't see beyond the light the lanterns provide. All you see is the three ahead of you. They are 110 feet away from you.

You know everything you wish to know about Scarecrows. Askan's call for fire is a good one, as you know Scarecrows are vulnerable to fire (they're made of sack and straw essentially).

You may read this (http://chisaipete.github.io/bestiary/creatures/scarecrow) for more information.

The discharge from Kyran's weapon adds to the illumination in the area for a second and the bullet sails into the first Scarecrow. The bullet itself passes straight through the creature's cloth and straw body without any resistance - there is no satisfying impact, nor are chunks of the foe blown away. At this distance it doesn't appear to have had much effect at all on the creature and it doesn't react at all to the attack.

puzzler7

2018-03-01, 03:48 AM

Kyril continues playing as the group travels on. When Askan asks for fire, Kyril obliges, his music becoming frenzied and impassioned.

"You seek fire? The sacred kind to burn all through?
Or will simple, ordinary plain fire do?"

For a brief second, he stops his music, and points the bow of his viol towards the scarecrows. Sparks erupt from the tip, alighting on the ground.

Prestidigitation to light a fire as a defensive barrier. DM's call on how much, if any, of the ground burns.

EDIT: Also, sorry for not posting. Internship, and roommate troubles. Posting may be slow, but I'm not dropping out if I can help it.

The Commander

2018-03-01, 05:14 AM

(The road has become a muddy dirt path and Prestidigitation only creates harmless sensory effects, not actual sparks. E.G. you can make something sparkly or create a shower of sparks, but the sparks aren't harmful - they're basically an illusion. Even if they were actual sparks there's nothing to light on the road at the moment)

Irish Musician

2018-03-01, 09:35 AM

Daishain

2018-03-01, 10:02 AM

Kyran answers Kyril's singsong query as he reloads, "It is indeed ordinary fire we need. We face straw and cloth animated by magic now, not undead flesh."

The Commander

2018-03-01, 05:34 PM

Ciardha's blast slams into the first Scarecrow. This time the attack does produce a visible impact and cloth and straw are torn away from the creature by the force of the spell. It doesn't say anything or look in pain; but it looks damaged.

Lucian, taking inspiration from Askan and Kyran, draws his shield and also produces a torch. He heads over to the other lantern on the cart. (Not enough actions to light the torch now)

Nestor moves to stand with the group forming at the front of the cart. "If it is fire you seek, allow me to demonstrate the fiery wrath of Sune!" The Dwarf claps his hands together and fires out three rays of intense heat from his palms towards each of the Scarecrows.

Nestor casts Scorching Ray, 3 rays, one on each Scarecrow.
First Ray: [roll0], Damage: [roll1] Fire Damage
Second Ray: [roll2] - Crit, Damage: [roll3] Fire Damage - Doubling
Third Ray: [roll4], Damage: [roll5] Fire Damage

The ray aimed at the first Scarecrow misses; the cleric's attention divided between too many targets. The other two rays smash into the other Scarecrows and they begin to burn. The second Scarecrow seems even more affected by the fire and most of its torso and limbs begin to burn away. None of them scream or flail. Despite the fire they still barely maintain their forms; although they look a lot less sturdy then when they walked into the light.

OOC Fire Rules:

(Since I know it may come up later I've taken the liberty of looking into what damage hitting something with a lit torch might produce. PHB page 153 states that hitting something with a lit torch deals 1 fire damage. I'm not really a fan of just a measly 1 damage. I'd argue that the torch itself is counted as an Improvised Melee weapon and so would do 1d4 bludgeoning. In this case it would be 1d4 bludgeoning + 1 fire damage. Obviously if you were to coat the Scarecrows in oil, burning oil deals 5 fire damage a round for 1 minute or until extinguished in some other manner)

(Just waiting on Erevan's turn; all three still active although pretty messed up)

Minescratcher

2018-03-01, 09:29 PM

"Wonderful," Erevan muttered. He swung a javelin off of his shoulder and leveled it at the scarecrows, ready to hurl it at any that came close enough.

Readying an action to throw a javelin at the first scarecrow who comes within 30 ft (if they do this round).
Attack: [roll0]
Damage: [roll1] piercing

The Commander

2018-03-02, 07:02 AM

The Scarecrows charge forward as far as they can. The lack of any speech from the creatures and the fact that they seem to have no regard for pain or safety only adds to their terrifying presence.

(Move and Dash 60ft towards you. They are about 50ft away from you all)

(Turn becomes yours)

Irish Musician

2018-03-02, 09:45 AM

Daishain

2018-03-02, 10:32 AM

Grimacing at the lack of impact, Kyran fires again, "Well Ismark, you wanted to know where my talents ended, this is it. I've got nothing really effective for these things. How's that oil coming?"

[roll0] [roll1] [roll2]

The Commander

2018-03-02, 04:13 PM

Ciardha's second blast smashes into the first Scarecrow again, scouring away more cloth and straw.

Kyran fires again. This time he scores a headshot and the bullet seems to catch on the sack comprising the Scarecrow's head. With no spine or tendons to keep it in place the bullet simply takes the sackcloth head off entirely. The body continues running forward a few feet and you worry it's still 'alive', before it trips over and falls into a heap. It's hard to tell whether it's actually dead; but it's certainly not moving anymore.

"You were saying?" Jokes Ismark.

He brandishes his swords and awaits a charge from the Scarecrows. (Reading to attack if the Scarecrows get in range)

Lucian lights his torch using the lantern's already burning oil and moves to stand by Ismark.

Ireena continues to direct the bull's-eye lantern.

Oleg continues to rummage through his cart desperately. "I'm looking, I'm looking!"

Nestor raises his palms and recites a prayer for another Scorching Ray.

Nestor casts Scorching Ray, 3 rays, two on the second Scarecrow, one on the third.
First Ray: [roll0], Damage: [roll1] Fire Damage
Second Ray: [roll2], Damage: [roll3] Fire Damage
Third Ray: [roll4], Damage: [roll5] Fire Damage

All hit, all dead

The three rays spear out into the two remaining Scarecrows and they burst into flame. Like the first they continue running towards you, but very quickly they collapse and begin to shrivel and disintegrate as the flames consume them. In just a few moments there is nothing left of these two Scarecrows.

Lucian approaches the remaining Scarecrow 'corpse' cautiously. It doesn't react as he approaches and he puts it to the torch, ensuring both the body and then the head are burnt to nothingness before he sticks his burning torch in the mud to douse it.

You then hear Oleg proclaim, triumphantly: "Ah ha! Here it is! I have found the oil! Oh...." As he takes in the former battlefield his triumph turns to embarrassment and he places the oil back underneath the cover of his cart, sheepishly.

(Will move you on story-wise in a new post)

Daishain

2018-03-02, 06:24 PM

Kyran scratches his head, "Huh, I wouldn't have expected that to cause much more impact than the first shot, it certainly isn't carrying any brain matter up there. Need to work on that uncertainty."

"We sure that's all of them?"

The Commander

2018-03-02, 07:23 PM

You look around and wait to see if there are any others. But nothing comes.

You sheath your weapons and get ready to continue.

"Did you see? Those creatures were hunting ravens. In Barovia, ravens are seen as a good-omen; and to kill one is to bring ill-fortune upon oneself. These must certainly be some of Strahd's minions. He attacks even our beliefs! At least those three will trouble the birds no longer."

Oleg adds to this point as well: "My people believe that ravens carry the souls of those lost to Strahd and these lands. We too believe it is bad luck to kill one."

"You see? Strahd attacks even your beliefs!"

"Regardless of our beliefs, Strahd is the lord of these lands and if he wishes to hunt the ravens it is no concern of ours."

Ismark scoffs, but doesn't continue the discussion.

You travel for about another hour before you reach your destination.

You reach a clearing, next to a river that widens to form a small lake several hundred feet across. Five colourful round tents, each about ten feet in diameter, are pitched outside a ring of four barrel-topped wagons. A much larger tent stands near the shore of the lake, its sagging form lit from within. Near this tent, eight unbridled horses drink from the river. The mournful strains of an accordion clash with the singing of several brightly clad figures around bonfire. A footpath continues beyond this encampment, meandering north between the river and the forest's edge.

Images:
https://i.imgur.com/F0GHyaZ.jpg

https://i.imgur.com/GHzQiR0.jpg

Song on the Accordion:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TxhbBJNRi0o

"We have arrived. This is the Tser Pool." Oleg proclaims.

He parks the cart by the wagons and climbs out of the driver's seat.

The Vistani around the campfire see Oleg's cart pull up and one of them stands and approaches you and Oleg. The rest continue their reverie and you can see that many of them are drinking. One of them is playing an accordion and the others sing an unfamiliar, but jaunty song along with it.

"Oleg Krystsky, you are not welcome at our campfire. We are not so cruel as to make you wander the roads at night though. You may camp here at the river tonight and your horse may drink; but then you must leave."

"It's good to see you too, Dmitri." Oleg responds, dispassionately. "I will not disturb your camp, but my friends here seek Madam Eva."

Dmitri looks over each of you. "It was fated that you would visit our humble camp. Madam Eva foretold your coming. She awaits you." He points to the large tent by the shore of the lake. "Not you two though." He indicates Ismark and Ireena. "You are welcome at our campfire, but not at an audience with Madam Eva." He turns back to the rest of you. "You are also welcome at our campfire; but we will tolerate no trouble or insult. Otherwise join us for a drink and a song; you look at though you have travelled far."

Dmitri then turns and heads back to the bonfire and the other Vistani.

"I will pitch my tent over here. You do not have to camp with me if you do not wish to." Oleg indicates a clear patch of land. He then unhitches the cart and leads Mishka over to the lake to drink.

"I guess Ireena and I will pitch our own tent and then wait for your return from Madam Eva."

Ismark pulls out some supplies from his pack and between him and Ireena they begin to set up their tent.

(For the sake of keeping the story moving I will assume you do indeed head to Madam Eva's tent)

You make your way past the bonfire and towards the large tent. You enter.

Magic flames cast a reddish glow over the interior of this tent, revealing a low table covered in a black velvet cloth. Glints of light seem to flash from a crystal ball on the table as a hunched figure peers into its depths. As the crone speaks, her voice crackles like dry weeds. "At last you have arrived!" Cackling laughter bursts like mad lightning from her withered lips. "It has taken you all long enough!"

Image:
https://i.imgur.com/s12sR4O.png

Around the table are seven chairs, all evenly spaced between each other and the woman; as if she was expecting seven guests.

"I am Madam Eva. Please, sit!" She barks the 'sit' part rather unnecessarily loudly. Before you can respond or even sit she speaks again: "I made sure to make this chair a little higher for you, Nestor. I know the Barovians have not been so kind in their perception of you." She points to a chair beside her which is indeed higher than the rest. Nestor opens his mouth to speak. "Yes, yes, by Sune! How did you know! Sit and all will be revealed." Nestor closes his mouth and sits. "And you can stop giving me those evil eyes Ciardha - I am not some monster that needs vanquishing. Although I'm sure you'll want to record what I have to say in that journal of yours." She smiles and shows off her stained yellow teeth.

She then turns to each of you, one by one. None of you have met this woman before.

"Nestor, you discovered your faith purely by chance. And chance again has brought you here. What other chances will present themselves to you in the coming days and will you choose to take them?"

"Ciardha, the blood of the divine flows through your veins; yet you do not feel it's warmth as others do. You bear your lineage almost as a curse and subject yourself to a tireless crusade of vengeance. What might you miss if you are blinded by your hatred?"

"Lucian, so noble and just. The death of Salasar and the disappearance of Maria have weighed heavily on you since your foray into that cursed house in the village. Do not burden yourself with them, for who can change the past?"

"Erevan, you have seen many of the charges under your care perish before you even set foot in these lands, but you have not forgotten the mission you were given by Tyr. You must be prepared to lose more of your companions before your mission is complete. What are you willing to sacrifice to achieve your goals?"

"Kyril, you have a stain upon your soul that you cannot shake. It torments you and you drink to drown out it's affects. You make others happy with your music, but what truly makes you happy anymore? Find the secret to this and the stain shall be lifted."

"Askan, you seek a powerful ally in the days ahead. This ally has hidden himself from all in Barovia; including even my sight. Strahd knows you seek this ally. Who can you trust to help you search for him?"

"Kyran, you carry with you an item handed down by past generations. An ancient ancestor has left you two gifts in their resting place within the graveyard of the Abbey of Saint Markovia in Krezk. One can be used to end Jacob's suffering and the other can be used to save him. The second gift is precious, however. Can you afford not to use it at an earlier time?"

She delivers her words without emotion, as if she is reciting from a book.

"Fate has brought you together. Here. Now. And it is through Fate that I shall reveal to you what you seek. I will reveal to you three treasures you will need on your quest, an ally who will prove most useful to you, and the location you will be able to find your enemy." Madam Eva stands and retrieves a small, highly decorated wooden box and opens it. Inside, wrapped in silk, are stylised cards. She unwraps them and takes them out.

"These are Tarokka cards, and their images and placement upon the table reveal to me the secrets of destiny. I will impart my wisdom to you now."

She doesn't wait to see if you agree or not and begins to shuffle the cards.

She then draws five cards, placing three across the table, with another card above them and the final card below them. She looks at the cards and closes her eyes; waving her hands over the cards. Her face creases and her hand starts to shake.

Without opening her eyes she points to the card of the left.

Image:
https://i.imgur.com/BC4WEq4.jpg

"The triumph of nature over civilization; natural disasters and bountiful harvests. This card tells of history. Knowledge of the ancient will help you better understand your enemy. The treasure is hidden in a small castle beneath a mountain, guarded by amber giants."

She points to the card above.

Image:
https://i.imgur.com/7WeSRVo.png

"Those who spread wisdom and faith to others; warnings of the spread of fear and ignorance. This card tells of a powerful force for good and protection, a holy symbol of great hope. I see a garden dusted with snow, watched over by a scarecrow with a sackcloth grin. Look not to the garden but to the guardian."

She points to the card on the right.

Image:
https://i.imgur.com/zZuiIhL.png

"Strict adherence to a code or a belief; those who plot, plan, and scheme. This is a card of power and strength. It tells of a weapon of vengeance: a sword of sunlight. What you seek lies in a pile of treasure, beyond a set of amber doors."

She points to the card below.

Image:
https://i.imgur.com/79Rnt7E.png

"The looming past; the return of an old enemy or the discovery of a secret buried long ago. This card sheds light on one who will help you greatly in the battle against darkness. Stir the spirit of the clumsy knight whose crypt lies deep within the castle."

Finally she points to the middle card.

Image:
https://i.imgur.com/mFqDIxQ.png

"Isolation and imprisonment; being so conservative in thinking as to be a prisoner of one's own beliefs. Your enemy is a creature of darkness, whose powers are beyond mortality. This card will lead you to him! He lurks in a hall of bones, in the dark pits of his castle."

She opens her eyes finally and blinks; as if waking from a trance.

"I have viewed the skein of destiny and revealed what I can to you." She croaks, her voice suddenly hoarse. "Now I must rest; and so should you - for your journey is only just beginning."

Madam Eva then begins to gather up the cards again and rewraps them in silk. She places the cards back in the wooden box and replaces it where it once sat before.

"Go on, get out!" She snaps at you and tries to shoo you away.

(She refuses to answer anymore questions, if you ask them, or elaborate further on what she has said. She appears to be an old lady, so if you are so inclined you could demand answers or resist her attempts to shoo you out if you wanted)

Outside of Madam Eva's tent you can see that Oleg has pitched up his own colourful tent, pointedly away from the rest of the Vistani. His tent has seen better days and there are some stitched patches were repair work has been attempted here and there. Overall it is still colourful and functional. You see Oleg going through some of the things on his cart.

Ireena and Ismark's tent, on the other hand, although functional, is drab and dreary by comparison. Ismark is busy unpacking some of the supplies into and around the tent.

You spy Ireena sitting by the lake and the horses, looking up into the night sky.

The rest of the Vistani are still around the campfire, enjoying their evening with song and drink and laughter - a vast divide between them and the Barovians you have seen back in the village. There are about 15 Vistani altogether; including Dmitri who you met earlier.

(What would you guys like to do?)