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  1. - Top - End - #1
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    Default [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    A dark wind howls over the lands of Barovia. A land cast into eternal twilight, where the sun never truly shines, and you feel being watched, constantly. Trees twist into almost humanoid forms, the wildlife is unpredictable and hostile, and the Barovian people are a downtrodden people, made to endure.

    Spoiler: Daishain
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    A month passed since the happenings at Death House ever since Salasar sacrificed himself against Lorgoth the Decayer. Ever since Maria, a genius wizard but still a child, vanished in the dungeons of the manor. You feel eerily reminded of your own loss. Salasar chose his fate, and bravely at that, allowing you to escape but Maria was taken.

    Your fellow adventurers decided to press on against the vile fiend Strahd, as your wife pleaded for you to stay. And so you ultimately did. Whether you pleaded with them or said farewells, it did not matter. They left and you haven't heard anything of them since. To take your mind off matters, you decided to speed up your latest project. If anything living can be enchanted by a vampire, if anything with flesh can be ripped apart by wolves, you decide to go for stone. As the ancient protectors of old, gargoyles have ever loomed above any dwelling of significance. Whether they are hostile or inviting depends on the perception of the viewer, but you are no sculptor. Gladly your old friend Donavich, the abbot of the local church of the Morninglord granted you access to one of these statues. The gargoyle was in disrepair, its wings broken off but you did what you could with the remains.

    Spoiler
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    Sadly animating it would cost you the Thunder Core placed in your cannon which made it inoperable so you had to use your old musket for defense for now. Before you're almost finished, you hear of new travellers in town. It was said one had goat legs and horns, but people feared interfering would incur the Dark Lord's wrath.


    Spoiler: Sprocketbox
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    There you were, sitting in an irradiated tavern, being served by a frog. You should be dead or at least a leper gnome by now but something suspended the flow of time in here. So actually you were not being served but merely sitting in front of the frog, eternally waiting for service, or for the timelock to go away. You saw a few people playing magically animated cards in the corner, with the orc's face being red with anger while the smug elf was about to drop another card on the table.

    That's when an eery mist filled the tavern and a hooded wanderer sat next to you. They waited for service a few precious moments before waving a hand in front of the barkeep's eyes. When they realized nothing was going to happen, the wanderer left, in a roiling cloud of smoke. Seeing as you doubted your luck, they beckoned you into the portal, as you felt being almost ripped apart by arcane and fel (?) energies.

    You awoke a few moments later on the cold ground amidst a road leading down to a particularly downtrodden looking village. You dust yourself off, your robes having seen better times, their brilliant colors dampened by the very presence of this god forsaken place. You feel immediately reminded of Duskwood and Darkshire. And if anything you would not like to meet an angry worgen after an experience like that.

    As you enter the village, you see a few people, looking just as depressed and gloomy as the town itself. You barely catch any attention but a few people look and point at you, but mostly keeping to themselves. As you look for a proper tavern, people point you towards the Blood of the Vine tavern.


    Spoiler: Orvin
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    You heard rumors of a graveyard in the woods being haunted. Wary at first, you quickly warm your heart for a young maiden whose wish was for you to accompany her to escort her to the grave of her father. You know how it feels to loose family, and even if you would have expected treachery you would have helped regardless.

    As you arrive, you see an eery thick mist enveloping the graveyard. You do not think of it as much, the woods are pretty damp. Maybe fate itself provides the proper environment for a candlelight vigil. You do not know if her father was of proper faith or not, but you trust in Kelemvor to judge his sould accordingly. As you close your eyes to display honoring the dead, a cold wind chills you to the bone. As you open them again, you are on an open plane, surrounded by mist. The graveyard is gone, and for a few moments you wonder if you are already being called by Kelemvor himself. You stumble through the thick fog in search of something, ANYTHING, as you see a raven circling above. It seems you should follow it, and you do. It leads to into the woods again. You orientate yourself and find yourself on a hill overlooking a particularly gloomy town. Not the town you left from. As you go down the road, you feel your god is even more distant than usual, his powers almost non existant. You still feel his divine spark within you but it is not as comforting if it is anything. You look for a tavern, and you find the Blood of the Vine Inn.


    Spoiler: Cayden's Company
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    A few weeks pass ever since you stopped the Cold Rider. Hab, Therin and Hatuk are busy managing the newly acquired shelter for the girls abused by Kabran, mostly protecting them from direct assaults by thugs. Nafisa has told you the girls are eager to work again, if they can choose their own clients now, and Therin and Hab proposed adding in a bar too. A name's still pending but Cayden's Cabin is a hot contender. But trouble is still brewing. A sprite encounters you one day, bringing news from Syntira. The Consortium's lackeys are starting a new logging camp directly at the heart of the Darkmoon Woods. Leaving half of your team back to protect the girls, Kouran, Clover and Drastia decide to investigate before rushing to stop the operation. After all, logging in the woods is technically legal. As you approach the camp, you feel an eery chill going down your spines as you hear howling. You decide that a pack of wolves is no match for you but Drastia adds in that a pack of wolves would not attack humans this easily. But then a humanoid shape jumps from shadow to shadow, a thick mist encroaching you. You are surrounded, one furry humanoid circling you, no, seven. But you are seasoned warriors, with magical items aplenty. You form a defensive circle, with Drastia invoking the powers of nature. But it seems the fog is draining its magic away. Clover shoots an arrow and hits, but the arrow merely deflects from the wolf's thick fur. As Kouran tries to pierce the closest one's fur, you see that you are outmatched. You see a small cabin crudely made out of wood a few paces away. You take a sprint. Gladly at least Drastia's spell takes effect, even if a bit late. Vines entangle two of the predators which another three are stopped but rip the plants apart. You reach the cabin and lock its door. Drastia touches the door and let's it meld with the rest of the house, leaving no opening for the beasts to enter. You hear snarling outside, scratching and even the blunt thumping on every crevice. The sounds dampen out, as the evening goes on, and eventually you feel confident enough to open the door, again with a bit of magic. As you exit, you find yourself amidst woods. Different woods as Drastia informs you. Filled with eery energies. As you descend the hill you now stand upon, you see a small dreary town, but it is not Falcon's Hollow. In fact, you don't seem to be in the Darkmoon Vale at all anymore.

    Of course your instinct is to go to a tavern, and the only one in town, the Blood of the Vine, invite you inside.



    All:
    As you enter the tavern, the barkeep invites you to sit down. There is not much space so you have to share your table with a few foreigners. [you all sit together, I assume Kyran as the local is just arriving. Describe yourselves.]

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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    Kyran gulps down some water left for him by his wife as he puts his tools up. Every stranger to this place was an opportunity, perhaps this time would differ from the last. Donning his overcoat, he steps out of his workshop and makes his way to the tavern.

    Slipping through the door, Kyran settles himself into a corner, preferring to observe the newcomers rather than engaging directly. Those who look in his direction see a dark haired man, approaching middle age. He wears a long leather overcoat and a wide brimmed hat, well suited to warding off the mists native to these lands. Pockets festoon the garments underneath, and the faint clinking of tools can sometimes be heard when he moves.

    Spoiler: Image
    Show
    "No man is an island, entire of itself, every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main... Any man's death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee." -John Donne-
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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    "Rather gloomy town, this." Clover notes to his companions. He is tall and swarthy, taller than most, mainly on account of his legs. For, you see, instead of two fleshy ape legs, from beneath his torso extend two black goat legs, not dissimilar the unkempt mane above his head. Of course, seated, these are not so easy to notice. What is quite obvious in their stead, however, are the two matching ram horns that sprout out from his forehead, bedecked in a number of trinkets that clink slightly as he moves. He continues, "Even this tavern is melancholy. Looks like we could use a visit from the Reveler, aye?"

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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    "That we could," said one of Clover's companions guardedly. Kouran Veraxian was a tall young man whose hawk-like aspect, lent him by blended elvish features, was marred by obvious worry. His once perfectly-coiffed brown hair was as rumpled as his navy-blue doublet and trousers. His boots were streaked with the remnants of mud he'd tried to remove before entering the inn. Nevertheless his whipcord build, and the way he wore his buckler and rapier—ready to hand even as he sat on the bench—suggested sterner stuff beneath the disheveled finery and shaken visage. "I'll need a good hard dose of the old sacrament, for damned sure."

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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    The door to the tavern swung open once more and in stepped a rather confused looking man wiping a pale, pudgy hand across his brow. His outfit marked him as a simple priest, though the hem was smudged with dirt and grass as if he'd been working in the field. As he moved into the building and let the door close behind him, a faint smell of burnt incense wafted around the bar. It hadn't been easy finding this place, but it seemed Orvin's strange evening was starting to look up. After all, where there was a tavern, there was bound to be at least a few mugs of ale. Before he could place an order, the barkeep ushered him to a table that had a few guests seated at it already. Orvin nodded to them politely before he sat down, the wooden bench greeting him with a heavy creak. He shifted around a bit as he adjusted his weight, and the muffled sound of a bell chime could be heard emanating from his belt pouch.

    "I hope I'm not interrupting your evening." Orvin smiled, his accent seemingly out of place from the brief encounters he'd had with the locals in the tavern.

    "Well, I think it's evening. Morning? It took me a while to find this village, and it hasn't gotten any darker than when I set out. Or brighter."

    That much was a puzzle, as he'd been settling in for an evening at a graveyard just an hour or so earlier. Whatever had happened, it was something far beyond Orvin's capabilities to understand at the moment. He really just needed a good drink and some time to think. Hopefully his money would be good here, or it was going to be a much less interesting evening.

    Orvin gave a start as he finally noticed what was odd about the two he'd been seated next to. One of them had horns, very much like a Tiefling, but...everything else was different. The skin color and eyes weren't quite what he'd seen before.

    "I...uh...I'm Orvin." He offered after an awkward moment.
    Last edited by Kirjath; 2019-08-09 at 02:38 PM.

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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    Kouran looked back at Orvin after a delay, as though lost in thought. "Hm? Oh. Ah, where are my manners? I'm Kouran, and this is Clover, and Drastia. Have a drink with us, stranger. Are you from around here?"

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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    "Well, that's new..."

    The voice was right behind Orvin, but when he turned around to see who it was, he didn't see anybody at first.

    "Oh, pardon me... down here. I'll be up in just a moment."

    The gnome seemed to be inspecting a small crate in front of him as if it'd appeared out of thin air. In fact, he gave it an experimental prod with his staff before deciding it was safe to use. A moment later he had scrambled up onto one of the chairs and stood, only now finding himself at about eye level with the others at the table.

    This gnome seemed to be a more acaricature of a gnome than anything. His features were that of a gnome for sure, but exaggerated veyond the norm. While partially bald, his hair was pink in color and seemed to grow wildly out from the sides of his head form sideburns only to meet again in a bushy mustache. His clothing seemed to have been rather outlandish and vibrant of color originally. But most of the color has since faded into more somber tones. With a sudden smile and a twinkle in his green eyes, he bows and introduces himself.

    "Hi! My name's Sprocketbox!"

    Then he glances back at his chair, snaps his fingers and sits down on a rather plump cushion that seems to have appeared out of nowhere.

    Spoiler
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    OOC:For the observant, the crate dissapears at the same moment the cushion appears. Sprocketbox himself doesn't seem to notice it.

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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    As the hour is apparently still young, most guests are not inebriated enough to feel jolly. Most people here are dressed in some form of dark grey or black, with the barkeep, his maids and a small group of more colorful visitors with instruments.

    Spoiler: Kyran
    Show
    His is the Vistani band Oleg employs on the evenings.


    As his girls are pretty much occupied serving all the other tables, a portly man dressed in smudged apron approaches your table with a cheesy smile. Welcome, wanderers, to my tavern. He sits down a pitcher of wine and six mugs. This one's on the house. Come Kyran, come over and introduce these fine people to our lands! What do you want to drink else? Are you hungry? We have a hearty stew on the oven. Now come Kyran, don't be shy. Drown your fears and problems tonight.

    Eager to take your orders, he beckons Kyran to sit at the table. Anyone not willing to drink is not singled out, the inn serves grapejuice, root beer and several teas as well. if you want to go for harder stuff, the local Tsuika is a plum brandy.

    Oleg offers a few simple linen pillows to Sprocketbox. As he scans the guests, he freezes when seeing Clover and Drastia, his jolly voice going cold. What made you leave your enclave with your pet, elf?

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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    "Oh, thanks, but I've got one already."

    Sprocketbox pats his cushion for emphasis. It seems to glow slightly illuminating the area around it faintly.

    Then at the comment about elves, the gnome starts and looks at drastia in confusion for a moment. Then he frowns. "You're an elf? But your ears are so small!"

    He shrugs and then looks at her again.

    "Wait, are you a blood elf?"

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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    Clover looks about, mildly confused, before locking eyes on Sprocketbox, and noting back to the bartender, "Oh, no! He's not with us!"

    He turns to the gnome and puts out a hand, "Hello love! Never heard of a blood elf but you have the look of a fellow First Worlder, aye? Never thought I'd meet a fellow in a place like this!"
    Last edited by Chromascope3D; 2019-08-10 at 11:45 AM.

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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    "What's a first worlder? WHOA! Satyr? Wait, no you have hands...

    Ssprocket box reaches out to shake hands with Clover, assuming that the hand is still offered.

    "Sorry, I'm a 'little' out of my world here. Oh! That was a bad one."

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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    Kyran sighs at Oleg's insistance, he wasn't yet sure he wanted to be acquainted with this bunch. They looked more promising than many of the lost souls that the mists spat out, but that didn't mean much. It was easier to leave people to their fate if you never speak with them...

    Too late for that though, so he moves up and has a seat, a little bit of stone dust puffing off of his clothing as he does so. "My name is Kyran Petrescu, I'm the local smith. Let me guess, you're not sure where you are. Perhaps mists claimed you, perhaps you simply fell asleep in a different place, or you became lost in a strange wood. One way or another you're not where you expected to be. I am afraid that I have bad news for you, followed by worse news. Welcome to Barovia, land of mists, monsters, and misery."

    "The bad news is that you are stuck here, along with everyone else. Barovia is cut off from other lands. Only the Vistani freely travel between here and the world outside, and they are unable or unwilling to take others with them. I cannot say for certain that no one else has ever managed to escape, but I've never met any newcomers who heard about this place from tales told by an escapee, so I suspect not. Even the gods are quiet in this place, their influence thin and inconstant."

    "The worse news is that Barovia is ruled by the vampire lord Strahd, has been for so long that no one among the living remembers how that came to be. The mists and beasts of Barovia respond to his will, and the sun never truly shines here. Some people claim that Barovia is cut off from the world by Strahd's will as well, others that it is a part of a curse upon Strahd himself, and the rest of us are just caught up in it. Again, no one is truly certain."


    Kyran sets his hat down. The man's face looks... tired, worn with worry and regret. He holds up three fingers and says, "As I see it, you have three choices. One, you could accept the poor luck of the situation, try to settle down somewhere, and hope your luck doesn't get any worse. Most Barovians have had the fight stripped of them a long time ago and they just want to live their lives as best they can, so that is what they do. Two, you could try to escape. Most people who do so end up dead if they don't give up in short order, and as already hinted at, there's no indication that those who just disappear made it out. Three, you could try to do something about this mess. Again, the odds there look bleak. You're far from the first people to have tried, and to my knowledge they have all ended up dead or worse."
    Last edited by Daishain; 2019-08-10 at 02:29 PM.
    "No man is an island, entire of itself, every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main... Any man's death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee." -John Donne-
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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    Orvin was about to answer Clover when the small gnome piped up behind him. He quickly scooted over to make room for the diminutive addition to the table, but things were definitely beginning to get a little crowded. And from there, the conversation only got more confusing. Talk of First Worlders, Blood Elves, and strangely named individuals quickly flew right over Orvin's head. Rather than try to jump into the conversation, Orvin was relieved when the barkeep stepped up to serve them some wine; alcohol always did wonderful things for the nerves.

    "I'd have one mug of ale, a bit of roasted meat, and a side of salt, if you'd please."
    He answered as the barkeep asked for orders. At this rate, it was going to be a long evening; one that was best served on a less empty stomach. Orvin listened quietly as the back and forth between the gnome and the horned guest continued, taking the opportunity to pour out some wine into a small beaker he produced from his belt pouch. When that was full, he poured himself a glass of wine before putting the pitcher back and affixing a stopper into the top of the beaker.

    At the barkeep's beckoning, a new guest walked over to join their table. The grim-looking man in a long coat affixed them with the same wary gaze that Orvin had seen from a few other villagers before he'd gotten to the inn. However, unlike the rest of the randomly gathered travelers at the table, this Kyran seemed to know a great deal about their current situation. No wonder Kelemvor had felt...distance in the last few hours since he'd entered this place.

    "If that is true," Orvin began, taking a sip of his wine and shrugging, "How could I not lend a hand? I am a priest of Kelemvor, maybe I could be of some small service to you. And if I die..."

    He glanced down at the glass in front of him, taking another drink before continuing.

    "Well, I had a good drink and some...interesting company first. What would you have me do, smith?"

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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    "Strahd is at the heart of this. Whether or not dealing with him ends the curse on these lands, it would be a great act of justice, and end the main source of misery plaguing us. But by the Morninglord's mercy, don't think to just stroll up to his gates and try to knock them down. Most would be heroes who come here try going straight for him, and those attempts have always failed as soon as they began. Several of the people who do that have been seen again, brought back as lesser vampires or zombies, feeding on those they died trying to protect. We don't need more dead heroes."

    "To succeed, you'll need weapons and tools suited to fighting this foe, and more than anything else, information. I can help with some of that, I've been looking for an opportunity to act for a long time. But there is only so much I could gather working alone from this tiny village, especially since my neighbors have been... less than cooperative."
    Kyran shrugs, "I can't blame them on that point, inviting Strahd's attention never turns out well."

    "You could start with the Vistani, they seem to know considerably more about the nature of things here than most. They're travelers and traders, they wander about in caravans from place to place. I was never able to get them to talk much, but I'm not the most persuasive of men. you might be able to do better than I."


    Spoiler: OOC
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    DM, if you want me to be your mouth and point the party in a particular direction, just let me know where I should be pointing.
    Last edited by Daishain; 2019-08-10 at 10:05 PM.
    "No man is an island, entire of itself, every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main... Any man's death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee." -John Donne-
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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    Clover stares blankly at the ongoing conversation, either having had too much to drink or, more likely, not enough. He holds up his hands and exclaims, "Oi oi oi oi! Let's back up just a second here!"

    He places his hands down again, "So, Misters Orvin, Sprocket...box...? And Petrescu. Hullo! For clarity and posterity, the name's Clover! These are my compatriots and friends. Yes! I am a satyr, you are correct. Apologies for the assumption, you have a, uh, unique look about you, Mr. Sprocketbox, I had assumed you were a gnome from the First World but I suppose you could be a gnome from this one as well or even a halfling!"

    The faun smiles, and begins counting on his fingers, and continues, "So, Mister Petrescu, since you seem to be a local, I should ask you. You said we are in Ba...rovia? Am I correct? This doesn't look like the Vale, but are we still in Andoran?"

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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    Kouran remained grim, but seemed to compose himself a little better as he was filled in on the details. "What a strange turn of events. I had feared for the safety of the town we just left, considering the circumstances, but it seems we're stuck here for the foreseeable future and there is nothing we can do for Falcon's Hollow now." Kouran continued in a lower voice. "Removing a tyrant is a worthy enough goal in itself, and if we can lift a curse and find a way out into the bargain, so much the better." He straightened up again and downed his drink before continuing. "Are we here as penance for our sins, or as a test of faith, or were we merely caught by accident in another wretch's curse? Perhaps wisdom on this matter may be found in, as it were, an altered state of consciousness." With that, he signaled for another drink.

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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    Sprocketbox found himself in a bit of a stupor as the conversation, or perhaps group monologue, washed over him. He seemed only somewhat confused at the description of entrance into the land of Barovia, but was definitely confounded at the word 'vampire'. Then Clover actually admitted to being a satyr and suddenly the gnome was on his feet, staff in hand and seemed ready for a fight.

    "So you ARE a satyr? What is the Burning Legion doing here? Working with these 'Vampires'? I won't stand by while demons corrupt another world!"

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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    You seem to cause quite a ruckus and have much of the attention of the tavern placed at your table for now. All the mention of rising up against Strahd and demons and dusk elves scares the people, with the exception of the colorful band preparing a song.

    If you don't retreat to your Falcon's Hollow, then you have to abide by my rules, elf. Oleg adds nonchalantly. That includes muzzling that pink haired forest troll from starting a fight. If you want your face kicked in by a goat, kiddo, do it outside. Oleg leans down to Sprocketbox. So, five bowls of stew, an ale and a roast. Coming up. Oleg vanishes, seemingly too tired to tussle.

    A few rugged men grumble and then finally the biggest one decides to approach you. He is rather imposing a presence. He has various small scars on his fingers and is of a muscular stature with a husky physique.You are not welcome here, lambs. Our Lord will butcher you like all the rest that try to. He'll bleed you dry, tossing your bodies to be disposed by rats. Don't try anything, and if you ruin my night here...

    Ahem! A man with two swords strapped to his side stands up. He carries himself with the experience of a veteran warrior, his steps deliberate, his attention focussed on the trouble maker.
    Spoiler
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    Nikolaj, leave it. That sort of butch behaviour only befits you in your slaughterhouse. The man approaches the table as well. I am Ismark the Lesser, son of the burgomaster. He pauses as if to try and keep composure. Welcome to Barovia. It seems you are determined enough to try and fight the odds. If you had asked me a week ago, I would have congratulated you on your bravery. But now that my dear father is dead, I am not so sure anymore.

    Spoiler: Kyran
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    You know that two weeks ago, beasts assaulted the village. A pack of wolves, a conspiracy of ravens barged in from both sides of the main street towards the burgomaster's mansion. They were seemingly uninterested in harming anything else, they even avoided harming any wildstock.


    Spoiler: Wisdom (Insight) DC 10
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    Ismark is trying to hold it together though not about to cry, he sounds like he is loosing hope quickly.


    Spoiler: Intelligence (Arcana) DC 15
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    You appear not to be on your plane of existence anymore. What or how you moved here is unclear, and usually gods and divine powers react normally on other planes.


    Spoiler: Intelligence (Religion) DC 10
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    As your connection to your god weakens, you feel another presence, that of two deities whose power you can grasp. One feels like a subdued warming light. The other feels like festering darkness that tries to grasp you, a power that you have to purposely ignore in order for it not to consume you. But you know it looms in your head, in the corner of your metaphorical eye.
    Last edited by Spore; 2019-08-11 at 03:54 AM.

  19. - Top - End - #19
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    GnomeWizardGuy

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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    Spoiler
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    Insight: (1d20+4)[21]
    Arcana: (1d20+5)[11]
    Religion: (1d20+3)[19]
    Last edited by gargoyleking; 2019-08-11 at 10:28 AM. Reason: Wrong format

  20. - Top - End - #20
    Ettin in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    Kyran rolls his eyes as Nikolaj starts spouting rubbish, then looks to the Burgomeister's son as he approaches, "Thank you for that sir."

    Looking to Clover and Sprocketbox, he states, "No, you're not in Andoran anymore, I've never even heard of the place. Master gnome, you're not wherever you're from either, and you yourself didn't recognize him, so it follows that what he calls a satyr and the satyrs of your world are not the same. Appearances are deceiving, but this feyling doesn't look or act demonic to my eyes."
    "No man is an island, entire of itself, every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main... Any man's death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee." -John Donne-
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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    "Oi oi oi! Hold up now!" Clover shouts, exasperated, throwing his hands out between him and the enraged gnome, "Now, I'm not sure what a burning lesion is, you might need an apothecary for that, but I know that despite the horns and hooves I'm certainly not a demon!"

    He places his hands back down on the table, before launching into his next inquiry, blatantly ignoring the townsfolk, "So, we're not in Andoran. Fair enough. I didn't see any fairy rings but, judging by the scenery, I suppose we could have been whisked away to Ustalav or even Nidal."

    He shudders, but recomposes himself. Clearing off a space on the table, he unrolls a map of the Inner Sea and points to a coastal region, continuing, "This is Andoran, where we were. Lovely place, prides themselves on their democratic institutions which I think work most of the time. This here's Cheliax, and Taldor. Does any of this look familar?"

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  22. - Top - End - #22
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    GnomeWizardGuy

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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    Sprocketbox ignores the barkeep and the disgruntled man, his eyes locked hard upon Clover. He wasn't exactly looking for a fight, but fought against the Burning Legoin for years and was wary of their subtle manipulations as well as their blantant corruption. Eventually, Kyran spoke and soothed his fears sonewhat, and then Clover's own reaction convinced him. Settling down, he finally set his staff on the table, out of his own easy reach and sat back down onto his cushion.

    "I appologize. Satyr where I'm from are elves who have submitted to the Burning Legion, or been corrupted by them and turned into monsters. I'll keep this in mind from now on."

    After a moment, he looked up to Ismark, and waves him to find a seat at the table. "Sorry, I'm a bit jumpy, two unexpected interdimensional jumps in as many hours and er... this creepy feeling at the back of my head. It's almost as bad as Northrend. But hey, we beat the Lich King in the end. I'll help with this too. Can't build an interdimensional portal with all this gloom and doom rattling around in my head anyways.
    Last edited by gargoyleking; 2019-08-11 at 05:00 PM.

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    Ettin in the Playground
     
    RedWizardGuy

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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    Kyran says, "It is understandable sir. This is hardly the most comfortable situation."

    "Clover, I am afraid that you have been transported further than you think. Barovia is not on this map, nor on any map you are remotely likely to have."
    Last edited by Daishain; 2019-08-11 at 06:40 PM.
    "No man is an island, entire of itself, every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main... Any man's death diminishes me because I am involved in mankind, and therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for thee." -John Donne-
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  24. - Top - End - #24
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    Chimera

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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    Drastia finds herself disoriented, the entire experience has left her woozy and uncomfortable to say the least.

    "I wish I had the confidence to say 'this isn't even the weirdest place I've been too, but that would be a complete untruth." Drastia ignores Sprocket's agitation, it has been a day and paranoia is a common symptom of being in a scary place. She herself knows the anxiety from leaving her own home willingly.

    Quote Originally Posted by Daishain View Post
    Kyran says, "It is understandable sir. This is hardly the most comfortable situation."

    "Clover, I am afraid that you have been transported further than you think. Barovia is not on this map, nor on any map you are remotely likely to have."
    "I don't suppose you have a map to show where Barovia is in this world?"
    Last edited by Wind-Up Citrus; 2019-08-12 at 01:41 AM.

  25. - Top - End - #25
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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    I guess it's time for a history lesson, my friends. Ismark throws in before any other ruckus or tumults happen. You see the master of this land, our land, is an ancient evil known as Count Strahd von Zarovich. You were brought here by him, or at least the powers he commands. Not because of some holy mission but just because he deemed you are interesting enough to entertain him in a futile attempt at destroying him. He does that every so often, we have lost count of how many proclaimed heroes Strahd in fact killed. Their souls are said to never be able to leave Barovia and roam these lands forever.

    Antagonizing Strahd is a dangerous thing to do, because the Fiend strikes where you don't want him to. Family, friends, he wallows in our despair. So that is why people have difficulty working with wanderers, and why the mere thought of opposing Strahd is so hated.


    Ismark smirks. You have some fight left in you. Might I propose you a deal? You help by guarding my father's funeral from any unwanted attendees and I will not only show you the map I have and point you in the right direction. My sister deserves closure and my old man deserves a proper burial.

    Spoiler: OOC
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    As a point of reference you are in E15, E 13 is the town square, surprisingly devoid of life or anything resembling a marketplace.
    Last edited by Spore; 2019-08-12 at 02:28 AM.

  26. - Top - End - #26
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    GnomeWizardGuy

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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    "I've been inside of a giant ship of crystal and metal full of blue skinned people with hooved feet and tentacles growing out of their chins. Nice people actually, they joined the Alliance a while back."

    Sprocketbox gives Drastia an encouraging smile and then listens to Ismark speak. Then he grins.

    "Oh, he's picked up the wrong gnome this time. I may not have my full power right now, it seems magic doesn't work the same way here as it does back in Azeroth, but I've faced worse odds than this. Now, where do I go to attune my hearthstone?"

    The gnome pulls a small brown stone from his pocket with a sigil carved into it. He frowns at it for a moment and then stuffs it back into his pack.

    "Eh, guess it's a bit short on power too."
    Last edited by gargoyleking; 2019-08-12 at 11:47 AM.

  27. - Top - End - #27
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    Zombie

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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    "Summoned by a vampire, for amusement." Orvin mused. "That's definitely a new one."

    He couldn't help but be a bit lost as the map of Barovia was pulled out and looked over. He didn't know where or what Andoran was, and this place certainly didn't look like it was anywhere near the Bloodstone Pass. All of this was a bit sudden, but the glass of wine was definitely helping. If what Kyran had said was true, and Orvin had seen no reason to distrust the man, then they were someplace very different; probably through arcane or occult means. The Kelemvorite wasn't skilled in that sort of magic, so there wasn't a lot he could do about their current situation.

    Watching over a funeral, however, was something he knew well. Orvin turned to smile at the new guest standing before their table as he spoke again.

    "Well, my friend Ismark, I don't intend to give Strahd this satisfaction. If we must lie low, recharge our uh...magics," here he gestures towards the gnome fiddling with a rock. "Then that is fine. I will offer my services again, if you would like me to say a few prayers at your father's funeral. I would gladly accompany you for this vigil."

  28. - Top - End - #28
    Ettin in the Playground
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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    "I would as well. In fact, if we lie low for a while, I daresay your dread lord may grow bored and forget about us."

  29. - Top - End - #29
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    Chromascope3D's Avatar

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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    "Oh yeah, then when he's least expecting it, sock him in the fangs."

    Clover chuckles, raises his mug, and asserts, "Blessings of Cayden!" before downing the pint in one go. Slamming the keg back upon the table, he concurs, "Aye, I love a good funeral! Let's do it! Blessings of Cayden on all!"

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  30. - Top - End - #30
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    Default Re: [IC] Curse of Strahd Chapter 1: The Dark Lord Strahd

    Thank you. Ismark bows elegantly. I don't force you all to come but we kind of need two, better three coffin-bearers. My sister can help but she is in shambles.

    I will prepare the casket and hope to meet you all in an hour at the burgomaster's house. It is just south of here, down the street. And please, do not agitate Oleg. He is a nice man but the stress took a toll on us all.


    With that, he nods at your table and is off. Whatever things you wanted to eat and drink arrive shortly, giving you ample time to discuss the matter.

    Spoiler: OOC
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    You can treat this as a short rest. I would like for you to have your spells chosen now and your short rest features properly accounted for and chosen.

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