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  1. - Top - End - #601
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
    BlueKnightGuy

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    Apr 2013

    Default Re: Curse of Strahd Solo Run (IC)

    With a thunderous boom, the zombie is blasted to pieces, the bone and flesh and metal shrapnel carrying on and splattering the great wolf with many small wounds that trickle blood down its side. Yet the beast regards Kellon with unfeeling eyes and a vision that he senses is not its own.

    As if in response, more of the pack circles around from the sides of the house to advance on those coming to the Kolyanas' aid. But the strong entrance has rallied the Barovians to action, and they move in on the zombie that Spider has partially pacified. They move to either side of it and spear it with their forks, trying to hold it at bay with their torches. Sokol rushes over to help them. The noble finally seems to get his nerve and moves in with them, his dog bounding in at his side as they rally to strike at the vulnerable zombie. The animal takes hold of the undead's heels and yanks them out from under it, sending it slamming down into the ground wrapped in webbing.

    The undead continue to shamble menacingly forwards, closing in from either side. Ismark pivots to face the malevolent wolf, and shouts to Kellon in a voice that says his ears are probably still ringing, "You've fantastic timing, outsiders!" The aid seems to inspire renewed vigor, with which he delivers a pair of cuts to the beast.

    Spider comes up next to him and jabs its fangs at the wolf, but it jerks out of the way and snaps back, biting into one of Spider's fanged limbs and drawing blood, in spite of Ismark's attempts to run interference with his shield. A few bolts slash past, cutting grazing wounds into the wolf's flesh from the sidelines.

    Spoiler: Combat Logs
    Show
    Kellon casts Thunderwave, blasting the Armed Zombie and Dire Wolf. Both pass their saves, but still take 8 damage, and the zombie is destroyed.

    Barovian attacks Armed Zombie with a torch and pitchfork, hitting for 4 damage with the fork.
    Barovian flanks and attacks Armed Zombie with a torch and pitchfork, hitting for 6 damage with the fork.
    Sokol Dashes.

    Barovian Noble attacks Armed Zombie with his shortsword, dealing 3 damage.
    Tsymbaly bites Armed Zombie for 6 damage and knocks it Prone in the webs.
    Ismark slashes Dire Wolf twice for 8 and 5 damage, then heals for 14 with his Second Wind, enough to restore him to full.
    Edit: The hunters shoot a volley of arrows, hitting the Dire Wolf twice for 3 damage total.

    Armed Zombie gets up and tries to get out of the webbing, but fails to break free.

    Spider attacks Dire Wolf, but misses.

    Dire Wolf bites Spider. Ismark uses his reaction to impose Disadvantage, but it hits regardless for 7 damage.

    It is Kellon's turn!


    Spoiler: Initiative
    Show
    Barovian Noble and Dog - n20
    Hunters - 19
    Ismark Kolyanovich - 19
    Ireena Kolyana - 18
    Armed Zombies - 17
    Spider - 14
    Dire Wolves - 13
    Kellon - 12
    Gweyir - 10 (Arrives on Round 2)
    Wolves - 8
    Barovians - 4
    Sokol - 3
    Zombies - 1
    ??? - 0
    Last edited by RandomWombat; 2020-11-14 at 12:40 AM.

  2. - Top - End - #602
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
    Prehysterical's Avatar

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    Lawton, OK
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    Default Re: Curse of Strahd Solo Run (IC)

    Enemies swarm from every side, but the dire wolf presents a significant problem. Kellon's thunder doesn't do nearly as much as he would have liked, even if it obliterated the zombie. Worst of all is the obvious sorcery at work, the animal merely a puppet for some evil... like Strahd.

    Seeing Spider getting mangled by the wolf inspires righteous anger into the tortle. Kellon moves to flank the best and aims for its side with his spear.
    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Attack: (1d20+6)[20]
    Advantage: (1d20+6)[21]
    Damage: (1d6+4)[10] Magic Piercing

  3. - Top - End - #603
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
    BlueKnightGuy

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    Apr 2013

    Default Re: Curse of Strahd Solo Run (IC)

    The spear sinks into flesh, and the wolf's body falters for a moment even as the possessing force wrestles to force its dying body to fight on. A bolt flies past the beast's head as Gweyir arrives on the scene, crossbow on hand. Alas, to no avail.

    A trio of wolves come up behind Spider and Ismark, harrying at them with their teeth, but finding no purchase. A fourth comes running around the tree, approaching the heat of the battle. The Barovian villages deliver mob justice to the armored zombie, still held up in webs. With their pitchforks holding it fast, one shoves his torch down its throat until it stops moving.

    Sokol hops over the body as they pull their pitchforks free and delivers two blows to the other zombie approaching their mob, first sinking his silver blade into it and then decking it in the face. "Allow me to take the front!" He announces as the zombie turns its attention to him. It winds up and swings an arm back at him with wild force, but he deflects it with his own free arm.

    Two more zombies shamble in behind the wolves. One of them kicks at Spider, and it's hard to tell whether on purpose or by accident while tripping over the arachnid's abdomen. The other moves in a loping sprint towards the hunters and Gweyir, outside the gates. Another armored zombie is close on their heels.

    The nobleman steps in and delivers a final stab to the struggling dire wolf, which finally slumps to the ground. Tsymbaly, the dog, yanks another of the undead down to the ground at Sokol's feet. Outside the gate, two of the hunters unload bolts into the unfeeling corpse as the third draws a dagger to try and fend it off.

    Ismark is a whirlwind of activity as he slices apart one wolf, severing both of its front legs, then cleaves his blade through into the side of the next. Spider bites into another and it sinks to the ground, peacefully.

    At that very moment there is a scraping of furniture being moved, and the doors of the mansion are thrown open from inside. A torch and candle lit great hall is filled with an army of darkness crawling down the stairs towards a woman with hair the color of autumn, clad in a breastplate and with an arming sword of her own in her hands. "Ismark, they're everywhere! The barricades could not hold!"

    Far in the back, there is the sound of the wooden wall cracking at the top of the stairs. A massive hand of stitched together flesh reaches in and spreads the opening wider, a head too small for the misshapen body of bone, flesh and sinew it is attached to peering through. Blazing amber eyes lock onto Ireena and a bellow rips out of its mouth, flecking putrid spittle out over the room.

    Spoiler: Combat Logs
    Show
    Kellon stabs the Dire Wolf for 10 damage.
    Gweyir shoots at Dire Wolf, but misses.

    Wolves attack Ismark and Spider, but all miss.

    Barovians attack Armed Zombie for 4, 4, and then 2 damage, finally killing it.
    Sokol stabs Zombie for 6 damage, and punches it for 3.

    Zombie swings at Sokol, but misses.
    Zombie slams Spider for 2 damage.

    Barovian Noble attacks Dire Wolf for 3 damage, KO'ing it.
    Tsymbaly bites Zombie for 5 damage and yanks it Prone.
    Two Hunters fire at the Zombie that ran out to them, dealing 9 damage.
    The third Hunter draws a hunting knife and slashes at the Zombie, but misses.
    Ismark slashes Wolf three times using his Action Surge, hitting twice for 13 damage and a KO. He has one attack leftover, which he makes at another Wolf for 7 damage.

    Ireena opens up the barricaded doors from the inside.

    Spider bites Wolf for a Sneak Attack, dealing 8 damage and 10 poison damage, paralyzing it in KO.

    It is Kellon's turn!


    Spoiler: Initiative
    Show
    Barovian Noble and Dog - n20
    Hunters - 19
    Ismark Kolyanovich - 19
    Ireena Kolyana - 18
    Armed Zombies - 17
    Spider - 14
    Dire Wolves - 13
    Kellon - 12
    Gweyir - 10
    Wolves - 8
    Barovians - 4
    Sokol - 3
    Zombies - 1
    Zombie Hulk - 0

  4. - Top - End - #604
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
    Prehysterical's Avatar

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    Lawton, OK
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    Default Re: Curse of Strahd Solo Run (IC)

    In the vast melee, Kellon cannot keep track of anything save the immediate ring of death around him. The dire wolf finally goes down, but the arrival of a woman who can only be Ismarck's sister show that a vast tide is building behind her. The giant undead in particular is a troubling sight, but things have to be taken one spear thrust at a time.

    Seeing Spider in trouble with the zombie, Kellon falls back behind the zombie and aims for its back.
    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Attack: (1d20+6)[19]
    Advantage: (1d20+6)[7]
    Damage: (1d6+4)[7] Magic Piercing

  5. - Top - End - #605
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
    BlueKnightGuy

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    Apr 2013

    Default Re: Curse of Strahd Solo Run (IC)

    The gleaming spear jabs up through the base of the zombie's head, but is stopped short by the jawbone before it can pierce and destroy the brain - if that old ghost fable even truly kills them guaranteed. Gweyir moves up, dropping her crossbow in favor of her longsword and cleaving through the zombie at the gates as she draws. "How did the undead get this close without any warning?!"

    "We were the warning! But they were right on our asses," one of the hunters calls back. "Wolves already got a couple of us outside of the village."

    As if on cue, one of the wolves snaps at Spider with its jaws, but Ismark's shield intervenes this time. He jabs the edge of it into the wolf's mouth, shoving it back. Another wolf on the opposite side bites at Sokol, but he kicks it in the head to keep it away.

    From inside the building, two wolves chase after Ireena at lightning speed, grabbing at her legs with their jaws - but they are not biting to kill. She shakes them off as they attempt to drag her back inside and away from the fighters outside.

    One of the Barovian men jabs his pitchfork into the fallen zombie to pin it to the ground and then jams his torch into its mouth, as the other had done to the previous undead. The smell of burning brains does nothing for the appetite, but does plenty to end the monster. His cohort moves around to flank the wolf and delivers a pair of solid strikes, capitalized by Sokol kicking the wolf's head into the ground. The zombified warrior marches towards the door to confront the growing horde inside. "We need to get one of these doors closed again, make it a choke point!" he yells to Ireena, who nods.

    "On it!" she pulls one of the doors back shut and takes a quick swipe at one of the wolves to try and fend it off, before falling back beside her brother at the other door. The two wolves try to grab at her ankles again, but she is too swift. "One by one, we will fell them all! Hold the line!"

    The zombie impaled on the end of Kellon's spear reaches out, wrapping its fetid hands around his throat and beginning to squeeze as its pierced throat rattles and moans. A crackling storm builds up in his shell and blasts through the zombie's arms, electrocuting it. It falls to its knees, smoking, and the Barovian noble stabs it through the head to finish it off. Another armed zombie comes up from their flank and clobbers the nobleman, sending him to the grass with it. Tsymbaly barks and snarls at the zombie, taking a bite out of its ankle and yanking it down.

    Spider crawls onto the downed zombie, biting and tearing into it.

    Many of the undead and wolves inside seem to have suffered some damage already. Nails, sharpened shafts of wood, and bits of glass poke out of their flesh as they advance in a fearsome wall. Two of them stumble and fall over the bannister, landing in a heap and pulling themselves back upright.

    The massive zombie leaps over their heads, landing in the middle of the floor with a loud thud. As it lumbers towards the doors, a dire wolf leaps in and bites at Ismark, who fends its massive jaws off with his shield.

    At the gates, the hunter grabs onto the zombie and drives his knife in through its temple. The dead man falls limply back to the ground, the hunter letting his knife fall with its corpse as he grabs another bolt to reload his crossbow. The other two shoot and drop the wolf in front of Ismark.

    Spoiler: Combat Log
    Show
    Kellon stabs Zombie for 7 damage. (OOC: Do note that flanking requires to be on opposite sides, not that Advantage was much help in this roll)
    Gweyir slashes Zombie for 10 damage.

    Wolf flanks and bites at Sokol, but misses.
    Wolf bites at Spider, but misses due to Ismark's interference.
    Wolves attempt to Grapple Ireena, but fail.

    Barovian stabs Zombie for 4, and then critically hits with his torch for 4, bypassing the Zombie's death resistance.
    Barovian flanks Wolf, stabbing it for a 6 damage critical and then torching it for 2 damage.
    Sokol kicks Wolf for 3 damage, KO'ing it.

    Zombie hits Kellon for 7 damage.
    Edit: Kellon's Wrath of the Storm blasts the Zombie for 14 damage.
    Zombie jumps off a ledge, taking 1 damage. Another jumps off for 2 damage.
    Zombie swings at Hunter, but misses.
    The Zombie Hulk approaches.

    Barovian Noble stabs Zombie for 6 damage, destroying it.
    Tsymbaly readies an action to attack.
    Hunter knifes Zombie for 4 damage, finishing it off.
    Hunters shoot Wolf for 8 damage and a miss, KO'ing it.
    Ismark moves up and readies an attack action.
    Ireena closes one of the two entrance doors, and slashes at a Wolf, but misses.
    Ireena grants a Combat Inspiration die (Bardic Inspiration which can also be used to boost damage, or increase AC as a reaction) to Ismark.

    Armed Zombie approaches, provoking an attack from Tsymbaly, which hits for 3 damage and knocks it prone.
    Armed Zombie strikes Barovian Noble even with Disadvantage for 5 damage, KO'ing him.

    Spider's bites Armed Zombie for a 12 damage Sneak Attack.

    Dire Wolf bites at Ismark, but misses.

    Kellon's turn; in case the reaction causes a kill, it may need some contingent actions.

    And this will be my last post for tonight. Sleep well!


    Spoiler: Initiative
    Show
    Barovian Noble and Dog - n20
    Hunters - 19
    Ismark Kolyanovich - 19
    Ireena Kolyana - 18
    Armed Zombies - 17
    Spider - 14
    Dire Wolves - 13
    Kellon - 12
    Gweyir - 10
    Wolves - 8
    Barovians - 4
    Sokol - 3
    Zombies - 1
    Zombie Hulk - 0
    Last edited by RandomWombat; 2020-11-14 at 11:21 AM.

  6. - Top - End - #606
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
    Prehysterical's Avatar

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    Lawton, OK
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    Default Re: Curse of Strahd Solo Run (IC)

    The back lines are starting to consolidate, but the worst is yet to come. Kellon desperately wants to help the stricken noble, but the zombie hulk approaching is too great a threat to delay.

    Looking back to Gweyir, Kellon orders, "Help him!" He points to the downed man before moving up beside Sokol. Kellon puts his shield and shoulder into closing the door and sends a holy bolt searing toward the hulk. "Heartseeker!"
    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Kellon Uses an Object to shut the door and casts Guiding Bolt at the hulk.
    Spell Attack: (1d20+5)[21]
    Damage: (4d6)[13] Radiant damage

  7. - Top - End - #607
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
    BlueKnightGuy

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    Apr 2013

    Default Re: Curse of Strahd Solo Run (IC)

    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Ireena did close that side of the door, so I'll treat that as Kellon being able to resist it being opened from the other side.


    The streak of divine light sails through the horde advancing across the entrance hall, and impacts the giant undead right in its chest. Crackling energy sizzles across its surface and lingers in a halo of light , stitches popping and fleshy detritus falling away. But its march is not slowed.

    Gweyir rushes over and raises her sword up, driving it down through the fallen undead's skull. With a glance, sparkling energy surrounds the noble and he groans, starting to blink awake. "You've done enough. Cull the wolves, watch our backs, grab a bow if you have one!" she calls out, before starting to move towards the doors as well.

    At her direction, the Barovian villagers begin to execute the bleeding wolves in case any of them manage to get back up.

    One of the smaller wolves slides in beside the larger one and bites onto Ismark's leg, but is unable to topple him as he stands firm. As Kellon holds onto the door handle, he can feel something attempt to grab onto it and drag it back open, but he keeps it steady. Sokol moves in beside him and stabs the attacking wolf, but misses with his boot as he attempts to kick it down. Drawing back his blade as if to wind up again, he suddenly delivers a second point blank stab to the shoulder, and it drops.

    Assembled into a firing line, the hunters line up their shots together and unleash a trio of bolts between Ireena and Ismark, each thudding into the dire wolf's chest and neck. It staggers back reflexively, but the force driving it neither flinches nor allows it to retreat. Ismark tries to finish it off, but it ducks aside his swings each time. While her brother has it busy, Ireena takes her sword in both hands and it fills with a white glow. With ease she drives it through the wolf, bringing it to the ground.

    On the other side of the door, the undead begin to pile up behind the wolves. The stomping footsteps of the hulk gets closer, and it growls in irritation at the pile-up blocking it from its quarry. A second body begins pressing against the door from the other side, then backs up and rams it. Kellon loses his grip and the door swings open, letting loose the floodgates. As it shambles forwards, Spider appears out of nowhere and lunges, ripping open the zombie's armor with its fangs.

    Before Sokol and Kellon can get the door shut again, a dire wolf slips in and takes Sokol by the ankle, dragging the clumsy zombie to the ground.

    Spoiler: Mechanics
    Show
    Kellon casts Guiding Bolt and deals 13 radiant damage to the Zombie Hulk, marking it. He holds the door shut from the outside.
    Gweyir stabs the Armed Zombie, dealing 7 damage and finishing it off. She uses Balm of the Summer Court to rouse the noble with 3 hit points.

    Wolf bites Ismark for 8 damage, but he saves vs Prone.
    Wolf attempts to open the door, but fails opposed Athletics with Kellon due to Disadvantage from being a wolf.

    Barovian strikes Wolf twice, finishing it off.
    Barovian strikes Dire Wolf twice, finishing it off.
    Sokol stabs Wolf for 4 damage, but misses with an unarmed strike. He uses Action Surge to stab the wolf again, dealing 6 damage and taking it down.

    Barovian Noble stabs and kicks Wolf, finishing it off.
    Tsymbaly bites Wolf, inflicting two failed death saves.
    Hunters shoot at Dire Wolf, inflicting two hits and a critical hit for 24 damage total.
    Ismark misses Dire Wolf twice.
    Ireena uses True Strike and slashes Dire Wolf for 11 damage, KO'ing it.

    Armed Zombie forces open the door, beating Kellon in Athletics.

    Spider bites Armed Zombie for a 16 damage Sneak Attack.

    Dire Wolf bites Sokol for 13 damage and knocks him Prone.

    It is Kellon's turn!


    Spoiler: Iniatiative
    Show
    Barovian Noble and Dog - n20
    Hunters - 19
    Ismark Kolyanovich - 19
    Ireena Kolyana - 18
    Armed Zombies - 17
    Spider - 14
    Dire Wolves - 13
    Kellon - 12
    Gweyir - 10
    Wolves - 8
    Barovians - 4
    Sokol - 3
    Zombies - 1
    Zombie Hulk - 0

  8. - Top - End - #608
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
    Prehysterical's Avatar

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    Lawton, OK
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    Default Re: Curse of Strahd Solo Run (IC)

    The enemy presses on them. Kellon is torn between helping Sokol and focusing on the hulk, so he reaches for a new blessing to split the difference. His spear points forward in an almost accusatory fashion toward the zombies. "Stoneshatter!"
    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Kellon casts Shatter centered on the point behind and between the two regular zombies. It should catch both zombies, the zombie to the right, the hulk, the dire wolf, and the wolf alongside it within the blast radius of 10 feet.
    Damage: (3d8)[12] Thunder

  9. - Top - End - #609
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
    BlueKnightGuy

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    Default Re: Curse of Strahd Solo Run (IC)

    A resounding boom fills the room and blasts out through the doors, sending everyone's clothes and hair flapping. One of the wolves is lifted up into the air by the blast and slams into the side of the larger, before flopping into the ground and going still. The zombies bend away from the blast, their flesh tearing and limbs popping out of their sockets, hanging by strands of sinew. The hulking monster takes the brunt of the shockwave across its wide chest, cracking the natural bone plating over its softer bits.

    As the ringing in his ears fades, Kellon hears a chant behind him. Seven small thorns plucked from the needle blights float into the air above her outstretched hand in a green glow, and her hair and cloak flutter as if lifted by an updraft from below. "Iwi o ka Honua, Iwi o ka Honua, Iwi o ka Honua!" she chants repeatedly. The thorns sail through the air and jab into the marble floor of the mansion. Wooden growth spreads out over the floor, and spines of wood and stone tear up through the carpet like the fangs of a great beast that has awoken from the building itself.

    Strands of green magic reach out from the spell and weave into Sokol, mending the bite marks in his leg, as the effects around Gweyir die down to a dimmer hue and she continues to chant under her breath to maintain the spell.

    The collection of monsters within begin to move, tearing themselves and shredding their limbs upon the thorny fangs growing from the floor. One wolf attempts to leap over them, but impales itself instead, hanging helplessly with ruthless eyes staring down the party until they go dim. Sokol gets up from his back and takes a few swings at the big wolf, but he can't connect as he gets his balance.

    Two zombies shamble through the disaster zone to grab at Ismark with their claws. One of them rakes down his arm, even as he fights them off and their organs spill out, bodies slowly losing shape and structure. Several more are falling apart as they blindly advance, and one of them goes limp, seemingly just giving up after getting stuck to some spikes. The hulk marches through without a problem, picking up the fallen zombie and hurling it over Kellon's head, where it thuds to the ground.

    Outside, the Barovian villagers continue the grim work of putting down the fallen wolves. As things start to get intense again, the nobleman leads his faithful hound off to the side, holding some of his remaining wounds. The hunters start to circle around to get better shots past the mass of bodies, and one shot makes it through to put down another zombie. Another falls to Ismark's sword, and Ireena places a hand on his shoulder. "Victory comes! The horde is breaking!"

    Two of the zombies in arms and armor advance. One drags itself through the thorns and takes a swing at Ireena, which she parries deftly. The other 's bludgeon bounces off of Kellon's shell. The last dire wolf attempts to bite at him, but Spider crawls up and sinks its fangs into the beast's face, causing one of its eyes to swell shut and threaten to burst.

    Shambling down the stairs, the final wave of undead approaches.

    Spoiler: Combat Log
    Show
    Kellon casts Shatter, dealing 12 Thunder damage in an area. The Hulk, the middle zombie, and both Wolves fail their saves. One Wolf goes down, and a downed Dire Wolf takes a failed Death Save.
    Gweyir casts Spike Growth on the ground inside. She spends two Balm die to heal Sokol for 5.

    Wolf begins to move around the spikes.
    Wolf attempts to move through the growth, but takes 7 damage and is KO'd.

    Barovians stab and burn the fallen Wolves outside, finishing them off.

    Sokol attacks Dire Wolf with his short sword and a punch, but misses both.

    Two Zombies move in to attack Ismark, one takes 8 damage and the other 7 damage, but both survive. They swing at him, and one scores a slam for 4 damage.
    Two more Zombies move closer, taking 2 and 16 damage respectively.
    Two more Zombies move closer, taking 19 and 20 damage, and one of them dies.
    Zombie Hulk takes 9 damage from moving, and throws a zombie corpse at Kellon, missing.

    The Hunters fire, and one of them hits a Zombie for 7 damage, killing it.
    Ismark strikes a Zombie twice for 11 and then 9 damage, killing it on the second swing.
    Ireena casts Heroism on Ismark, giving him immunity to fear, and 3 temporary hit points at the that refresh at the start of his turns.

    Armed Zombie takes 5 damage from moving and misses Ireena.
    Armed Zombie misses Kellon.

    Spider bites Dire Wolf for a 11 damage Sneak Attack and 4 poison damage.

    Dire Wolf bites at Kellon, but misses.

    It is Kellon's turn!


    Spoiler: Initiative
    Show
    Barovian Noble and Dog - n20
    Hunters - 19
    Ismark Kolyanovich - 19
    Ireena Kolyana - 18
    Armed Zombies - 17
    Spider - 14
    Dire Wolves - 13
    Kellon - 12
    Gweyir - 10
    Wolves - 8
    Barovians - 4
    Sokol - 3
    Zombies - 1
    Zombie Hulk - 0

  10. - Top - End - #610
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
    Prehysterical's Avatar

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    Default Re: Curse of Strahd Solo Run (IC)

    Even on the frontline, Kellon can see the damage done by Gweyir's magic. He gives an exultant cheer as the undead and wolves find themselves briared. "Ha ha, good on you, lass!" To the unthinking undead and their true master, Kellon shouts, "Out! Out of this house! Stoneshatter!"
    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Kellon uses his last 2nd level spell slot to cast Shatter. The focal point is behind and between the two zombies in front of the hulk.
    Damage: (3d8)[16] Thunder

  11. - Top - End - #611
    Firbolg in the Playground
     
    BlueKnightGuy

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    Default Re: Curse of Strahd Solo Run (IC)

    Another thunderous boom rips through the crowd, and the final dire wolf collapses in front of Kellon. The zombies are staggered, but not destroyed by the blast, and slowly pull themselves back up to continue their march.

    Moving up beside Spider, Gweyir slashes at the zombie in the doorway, but her blade clangs off of its armor.

    A wolf leaps over the heads of the fallen, treading upon the body of the fallen dire wolf to snap its teeth at Ismark. But he holds his shield up and keeps it at bay long enough for Sokol to spear it through with his sword and toss it down onto the pile. The mass of bodies in front of the right hand side of the door is becoming so large it acts as its own makeshift barricade. One of the zombies barely scrapes through and delivers a powerful punch that hits Sokol straight in the chest. Another is able to reach Kellon, but its hands find no purchase on its shell as it grasps from the briar patch. A third is not so lucky, and collapses.

    The hulk is again blocked by a tide of bodies and roars in defiance, picking up another corpse to use as a weapon. It hurls it over the crowd and it splays out, slamming into Sokol and nearly toppling him off of his feet. He shoves the body aside and regains his footing.

    The Barovians begin to fall back, leaving the intense melee to the able fighters. Two of the hunters announce almost simultaneously, "I'm all out!" The third, however, draws one final bolt and loads it into his crossbow. "One left. I'll try to make it count!" Taking aim he fires, and his bolt thuds into the zombie hulk's flesh - though it's hard to tell to what effect. He lowers his empty weapon and backs off with the rest.

    Emboldened, Ismark climbs atop the pile of bodies, sword in hand. With a yell of triumph he decapitates one of the zombies, then a second. Ireena sets her sword back in its sheath and takes out her bow, aiming over the corpse barrier to shoot another arrow into the hulk. It's starting to struggle to move, between all of the spikes, bolts, arrows, and shards of broken bone sticking through it.

    The zombie in front of spider swings its bludgeon, but its weapon is caught by Spider's fangs as their attacks collide and push off of one another.

    Spoiler: Combat Logs
    Show
    Kellon casts Shatter, dealing 16 Thunder damage. Zombie Hulk, one Zombie, the Armed Zombie, and the Dire Wolf fail their saves. The failing Zombie passes its DC 21 Con save to stay up, and the Dire Wolf goes down.
    Gweyir slashes at Armed Zombie, but misses.

    Wolf jumps over a bit of the spikes and bites at Ismark, but misses.

    Barovians back away and take the Dodge action.
    Sokol stabs Wolf for 7 damage and a KO, and kicks it for 2 failed Death Saves.

    Zombie passes an undead fortitude save against moving damage, and hits Sokol for 7 damage.
    Zombie dies moving through the spiks.
    Zombie passes an undead fortitude save against moving damage, but misses Kellon.
    Zombie Hulk tosses a zombie corpse at Sokol, hitting for 7 damage.

    The last Hunter with ammo hits the Zombie Hulk for 4 damage.
    Ismark slashes twice for 5 to kill Zombie, then uses Combat Inspiration for 7 damage to kill the Armed Zombie on the other side.
    Ireena draws her shortbow and shoots Zombie Hulk for 5 damage.

    Armed Zombie misses Spider.
    Armed Zombie takes 12 moving damage.
    Armed Zombie takes 7 moving damage.

    Spider bites at Armed Zombie, but misses.

    It is Kellon's turn!


    Spoiler: Initiative
    Show
    Barovian Noble and Dog - n20
    Hunters - 19
    Ismark Kolyanovich - 19
    Ireena Kolyana - 18
    Armed Zombies - 17
    Spider - 14
    Dire Wolves - 13
    Kellon - 12
    Gweyir - 10
    Wolves - 8
    Barovians - 4
    Sokol - 3
    Zombies - 1
    Zombie Hulk - 0

  12. - Top - End - #612
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    Damned undead, completely uncaring of the deafening crash of thunder! Still, Kellon is happy to stand as a shieldwall against the incoming monsters. With a mental prayer to Poseidon, Kellon crashes his spear against his shield. "THUNDERSTRUCK!"
    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Kellon casts Thunderwave. The armored zombie is in the bottom left corner and the hulk is in the top right.
    Damage: (2d8)[4] Thunder
    Should have prayed a little harder...
    Last edited by Prehysterical; 2020-11-14 at 11:47 PM.

  13. - Top - End - #613
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    Another crash, and the crowd in front of Kellon is flung backwards, either shattered by the storm or dashed by it upon the stones below. Only the hulk withstands the blast largely unscathed.

    Gweyir stands ready next to the doorway, to strike anything that makes it through her briar patch. Sokol stands on Kellon's other side, his blade at the ready. The hulk finally approaches, with the way clear. But by the time it reaches Kellon, looming in front of him, its feet are dragging, its once-great body broken, like a ship that has barely survived a scrape with the shoals. Sokol's blade sinks into it, but it still stands, raising its arms. Both arms slam down into Kellon, and a bolt of electricity rips through it in that very same moment.

    The hulk stands, a gaping hole through its chest and heart, smoking and stinking of burnt meat. Then the malevolent amber light of its eyes fade, and it falls backwards onto the bed of nails below.

    Even as the Barovians behind cheer and whoop in victory, Ismark stands upon his podium of corpses and readies his blade for the last incoming undead. Ireena steps to the side and fires an arrow that sinks into one of them. It dares to step forward through the briars - Ismark smashes its helmet off of its head with the pommel of his blade, then drives it through the monster's skull. It topples with the rest.

    Another crawls through the deadly cutting floor only to be executed by Gweyir on the other side. The final zombie climbs atop its freshly fallen comrade and clobbers Spider across the back with its club, only for Spider to tear its head off and cast it into the pile.

    One last dying groan, then silence, save for the cheers of the townsfolk. Others are emerging from their houses to witness the scene from up the main road, the rescued children among them.

    With a satisfied sigh, Ismark sets about executing the last of the wolves, once Gweyir dismisses the spike growth. "It is done!"

    Spoiler: Combat Logs
    Show
    Kellon casts Thunderwave, dealing 4 damage. Hulk and a Zombie pass their saves for half damage, but the Zombie is cherry tapped by the half damage anyways. Armed Zombie is thrown back and takes more damage from the terrain, which kills it. The two unconscious wolves are blown back and are also shredded.
    Gweyir readies an action to attack anything that gets close.
    Sokol uses his Second Wind to heal for 7, and readies his action to attack as well.

    Zombie Hulk takes 12 damage from moving, and 6 from Sokol's readied attack.
    Zombie Hulk smacks Kellon for 7 damage.

    Ismark readies an attack.
    Ireena shoots Armed Zombie for 6 damage.

    Armed Zombie takes 7 moving damage, and is chopped for 9 and then 4 damage by Ismark, dying.
    Armed Zombie survives 9 moving damage, then is executed by Gweyir with 7 damage.
    Armed Zombie takes 8 moving damage, then hits Spider for 7 damage.

    Spider bites back for a 12 damage Sneak Attack, killing the last Armed Zombie.

    Combat has ended.


    Spoiler: Initiative
    Show
    Barovian Noble and Dog - n20
    Hunters - 19
    Ismark Kolyanovich - 19
    Ireena Kolyana - 18
    Armed Zombies - 17
    Spider - 14
    Dire Wolves - 13
    Kellon - 12
    Gweyir - 10
    Wolves - 8
    Barovians - 4
    Sokol - 3
    Zombies - 1
    Zombie Hulk - 0
    Last edited by RandomWombat; 2020-11-15 at 12:10 AM.

  14. - Top - End - #614
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    Kellon raises his shield as the hulk slams down on him, sparing himself a little of the otherwise rocking pain that shakes his legs. The storm responds in kind to the hulk and Kellon is vindicated by seeing the awful beast brought low.

    Thankfully, the others have the zombies taken care of. As the dust settles and the din of battle fades, Kellon leans wearily against the door. "Phew... Another storm survived." Looking around, Kellon shouts, "All right, who's hurt? I have just enough power left to tend a wound or two."
    Last edited by Prehysterical; 2020-11-15 at 12:19 AM.

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    "Let us move away from this stinking mess and assess our wounds," Ismark rationalizes, stepping back over the corpse wall and away towards the iron fence.

    The group gathers in a circle. The hunters and villagers are miraculously unscathed, save for a few scratches left on the nobleman. Sokol has taken hits as well - but only Gweyir's magic can help with that. Apart from him; Kellon, Spider, and Ismark are notably wounded.

    Gweyir begins by using the last of her magic to mend Sokols' injuries as best she can. He rolls his stiff shoulders and laughs. "Much appreciated, little lady! "

    Spoiler: Mechanics
    Show
    Gweyir heals Sokol for 2.


    "Little yourself, I'm taller than you are," she counters good-naturedly.
    Last edited by RandomWombat; 2020-11-15 at 12:27 AM.

  16. - Top - End - #616
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    Once again, brave little Spider has stood like a true soldier in the line of duty. Kellon puts away his shield and lays a gentle hand upon Spider's exoskeleton.
    Spoiler: OOC
    Show
    Kellon uses his last spell slot to cast Cure Wounds on Spider.
    (1d8+3)[6]


    Looking over at Ismarck, Kellon remarks, "I suppose the road sounds pretty good right about now... Much as I agree, our troubles, sadly, do not end here."

  17. - Top - End - #617
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    Spider relaxes as the worst of its injuries fade. "Thanks you!" it cheers. The Barovians seem offput by the creature - and even more by it speaking. But the aid in their time of crisis seems to be enough to earn respect and toleration, if not affection.

    "Let's mend some more," Gweyir speaks, magic woven in her words mending wounds. "Better?"

    Spoiler: Mechanics
    Show
    Gweyir casts Healing Word a few times. Kellon heals 7, Ismark 6, and Spider 4.


    "Much, thank you," Ismark nods, taking a few steps closer into the middle of the rough circle. "This is my sister Ireena, who I told you of."

    Brushing hair out of her face, Ireena stands up straighter, having been catching her breath after the fight. "Good to meet you, outsiders. You're right, the road calls now more than ever... but there is more left to do before then."

    "You are leaving us?" the nobleman asks, sounding distraught. Ismark walks to the man and places a hand on his shoulder.

    "I must, for my sister's safety. You acquitted yourself as noble as your title today. I would like to entrust you with the role of burgomaster in regency until my return. May I?"

    "... Yes. I will, Baron."

    "I know that my sister wishes to see our father buried in the church graveyard before we set out," Ismark says, turning to face Kellon again. "What other business do you have in town? - I have not forgotten our deal. I do have some information I've gathered, once we have a private moment."

  18. - Top - End - #618
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    Kellon walks over and gives the noble a punch in the shoulder in camaraderie. "Ha ha, stuck by us like a true captain! I'd say you've earned it. And a fine dog you have there," he praises as he looks down at Tsymbaly. "What's your name, shipmate?"

    To Ismarck, Kellon answers, "We have business at the church as well, so that works out, but we also have some information that you will want to know before leaving." Turning, he calls out, "C'mere, little ones! Freek! Myrtle! Lucian!"

  19. - Top - End - #619
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    Letting out a small, nervous laugh, the nobleman pats Tsymbaly on the head. "I'm really, I wasn't sure I had it in me. But I guess I did." He carefully extends his other hand to shake with Kellon. "Sevastian."

    When the children are called, they start running over. As soon as they see Ireena they make a beeline for her, and she goes to meet them at the gate. Freek runs right up to her, holding Myrtle by the hand and dragging her along. Lucian is a little behind them, covering his mouth from the stink of the zombies. "Children! Thank goodness you're alright!"

    "So you found some of the missing folk?" Sevastian asks, looking over them with surprise etched into his face. "Those two been missing for over a week, we thought them dead. And the other boy just went missing the other day. Did you find the Gertruda girl as well?"

    "Unfortunately not," Gweyir answers. "We can't take these children home either... their parents gave them away to hags." Sevastian and several of the other Barovians' faces curl in disgust.

    As everyone discusses, Ismark begins directing the hunters and villagers nearby, "First thing's first. We should drag away these bodies and burn them, before they rot further and bring sickness. Someone give me a hand," as he and his helpers take hold of a few and starts dragging them out through the gates, Ireena guides the children away from the sight. Sokol grabs one and helps drag it away as well.

    "If you want, I can accompany you to the church," Ireena offers, looking over at Kellon. "I think I know of a safe place to take the children, as well."

  20. - Top - End - #620
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    Kellon accepts Sevastian's handshake in kind. The children immediately recognize Ireena, which is a good sign. His first instinct is to help Ismarck in clearing the bodies, but Ireena's offer reminds Kellon of matters that require urgent attention.

    "Aye, let's get them safe. I also have business for the priest. We do have some remains with us. Do you think he'd let us bury them?"

  21. - Top - End - #621
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    "Father Donavich has been in... a bad way," Ireena admits, sadly. "He has refused any visitors for a week now, and is coming to terms with the loss of his own son." She puts her shortbow away.

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    Kellon approaches her and tells her in a low voice, "I have to speak with him. This is a matter that cannot wait until the morrow, or even tonight!

    How did his son die?"

  23. - Top - End - #623
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    Ireena looks around at the Barovians still working to move the bodies and motions for Kellon to follow her. "I will explain once we get some privacy. Let us go to the church for now."

    Gweyir and Spider join them, while Sokol helps Ismark with the bodies of the fallen undead.

  24. - Top - End - #624
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    As they walk, Kellon asks, "Why does this Strahd fellow want you so badly? No offense meant to your ladyship, but it sounds like the blackguard has his pick when it comes to this land."

  25. - Top - End - #625
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    At the mention of the vampire, Ireena reaches up and rubs at her neck, wincing. Kellon notices two pairs of old scabbed over bite marks on her neck. "I do not know. Strahd has found me twice now and bitten me, but let me go rather than drain and turn me. I started staying inside where he cannot enter without permission." Lowering her hand, she walks a little faster, casting nervous glances up towards the cliffs and the castle beyond. "He acts as if we should know each other. He kept calling me Tatyana."

    Kellon's group, and the children, are led up to the old church.

  26. - Top - End - #626
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    Strahd continues to be a puzzle. Why not turn her, if that was his ultimate desire? Why leave her any choice? There is clearly something else at work here, but Ireena herself seems perplexed...

    Kellon makes his way up to the doors of the sad, decrepit church.

  27. - Top - End - #627
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    The strong wooden doors are scarred by old wounds of fire and claws, much like the doors of the Kolyana mansion before it was stormed by undead. They are unlocked, and Kellon pulls them open.

    The doors open to reveal a ten-foot-wide, twenty-footlong 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. He can see that the chapel is strewn with debris, and he hears 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.

    The chapel 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, beside which kneels a priest in dirt and grass soiled vestments, stained from years of kneeling and digging graves. Next to him hangs a long, thick rope that stretches up into the steeple, used to toll the bell.

    Getting closer, the screaming from below becomes easier to hear. It is words. From beneath the chapel floor, Kellon hears a young man's voice cry out, "Father! I'm starving!"

    The priest presses his head against the alter as if to shut out the voice, continuing his prayer, the words downed out by the screams below.
    Last edited by RandomWombat; 2020-11-15 at 03:05 PM.

  28. - Top - End - #628
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    Nothing could have prepared Kellon for the utter ruination within the church. At the sound of the unearthly scream, Kellon turns slowly and gives Gweyir a wide-eyed look. "Keep them outside," he orders. His grip tightens on the spear as he enters.

    Kellon advances toward the man, asking in a clear voice, "How can you expect your god to hear you when you turn a deaf ear to your own son?"

  29. - Top - End - #629
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    Gweyir nods and holds an arm out for the children to keep back, as Ireena and Spider follow Kellon inside. The man kneeling before the altar goes quiet and uses a hand upon the altar to steady himself as he stands up. "I'm sorry to disturb you, Father. Some outsiders have offered to escort me to Vallaki, but I cannot leave until my father has his last rites," Ireena explains, coming up behind Kellon's shoulder.

    Father Donavich turns to face them. He is a broad man - not fat, exactly, but of a very wide build. His jaw is wide, his nose is large, and his eyes are red and irritated from persistent tears that wet his face even now. His head is shaved smoothly, and he wears padded robes with iconography of the Morninglord upon them. A silver holy symbol hangs around his neck, and laid behind him on the altar is a simple wooden scepter. "I am sorry for the noise," he says, almost too quietly to hear, his voice hoarse and sore as he walks slowly over to them across the chapel.

    "Who's there? Help me! Help me, he's trapped me down here!" the voice shouts from below, howling in what sounds like complete agony.

    "What is below...." the man speaks weakly, "It wears my son's face. But it is no longer his heart..." His hands ball up into fists and he squeezes his eyes shut, his face downcast. "I have prayed, and prayed. For some sign, some guidance to a cure, some way to save his soul. But I... I have heard only silence."

    Ireena places a hand on Kellon's shoulder and whispers, "His son Doru joined an army to assault Strahd's castle. When he returned, he was... a vampire."

  30. - Top - End - #630
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    "A thrall," Kellon muses in response. He steps forward and lays a hand on the priest's shoulder. "I'm not the Morninglord, Father, but I do know one way that can help. Be warned, you are not going to like it..."

    Kellon steers them to a side of the room, away from Doru's easy hearing. "Most of what I know comes from old stories, but they have not steered me wrong so far. As he is, there is no hope for your son. While he is undead, there is no cure. But, if he is slain and his body preserved, you might pray to your god for him to be resurrected. I'm not hopeful of his chances, but that is your only option."

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