[IC] Expedition to Castle Ravenloft

[Dr.Samurai]

Asha Astral Elf Armorer Artificer 10 AC: 23 | HP: 103/103 | THP: 0/10 | Initiative: +2 Str: +1 | Dex: +2 | Con: +7 | Int: +9 | Wis: +2 | Cha: -1 PPer: 16 | PInv: 19 | PIns: 12 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/4 | 2nd: 0/3 | 3rd: 0/2 Flash of Genius: 3/5 Active Effects: Breathe any Environ, Adv vs Harmful Gases/Vapors Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Starlight Step: 2/4 Repulsion Shield: 4/4 Spell-Refueling Ring: 0/1 Defensive Field: 0/4

Asha makes his way around Rue and posts himself at the door to block her from following. He engages with the spawn behind Herbert.

Spoiler: Turn 2

Show

Move - Move to doorway without provoking from Rue.
Action - Attack Frodo
Attack - (1d20+11)[26]
Damage - Thunder - (1d8+7)[10]
Attack - (1d20+11)[29]
Damage - Thunder - (1d8+7)[8]
Hit Effect - Frodo has Disadvantage to hit anyone other than Asha

[dangelo]

[SHUFFLE]

"Why, this wasn't quite the end of the tale." Madam Eva tried to remember. She was old as she was wise, and her mind sometimes played tricks on her. "The battle wasn't over just yet, no it wasn't. There was something else."

A circle had gathered around to hear the story: Five individuals dragged from their homelands and trapped in Barovia, and their only lead on how to escape was this old storyteller. The rogue raised his voice, impatient: "This woman has turned crone. Leave her be. Let us follow this..." He squinted to read a sign by the trees. "Svalich Road. There ought to be a village nearby."

The other adventurers paid him no mind. "What happened next, Madam Eva?" They asked. "Any information on the master of this Domain of Dread will be useful to us."

"Lord Strahd had had enough of these heroes." She resumed. "The Paladin had retrieved his brother's sword, a weapon he'd had destroyed by the most powerful magicians in his court. The Cleric had the Icon of Ravenloft, and they carried the Ruby of Ravenkind, a treasure that preceds even Strahd in these cursed lands. Four hundred years ago, the ravens rules the valley. The Vistani were here to see, believe my words."

"Please, Madam, proceed with the story." The knight in shiny armor insisted. But when Madam Eva looked at him, she was stricken with visions of his dark future.

"You! You were there! Sir Theodore is your name, is it not?"

The knight nodded. "How could I be in the story, my lady? I never even set foot in these lands."

Madam Eva shook her head. "Time flows strangely in Barovia. It is possible to hear stories about the future. Oh, poor knight, I pity you. March on, for the fate of your crusade has been written in stone."

"I don't believe your words." Sir Theodore gave her a smile, one that shone like the sun in the dark valley of Barovia. "There are others who wait for me, who need me, there on the other side of these Mists. I will return to them no matter what, and if slaying this vampire lord is the only way, so be it."

His courage rubbed off on his companions, but Madam Eva gave only a sad look. She reached for her tarokka deck, for her memory failed her on what happened next. "Where did they go afterwards?" She shuffled, shuffled, shuffled, and drew a card. "Ah. I remember now. See, the Rogue was a trickster of sorts, and carried with her special elemental stones. Her summoned minions had served as spies, and told her the exact location of Lord Strahd's coffin. A vampire's coffin is a place of power, see, and it must be located in the same ground that vampire once lived. If a vampire lord must travel, they must take some of the soil with them, and keep their coffin surrounded by it."

Sir Theodore and his party drank the words, assimilating any piece of information that might help them defeat Strahd. If Madam Eva was correct and they hadn't been the first batch of adventurers to assault Castle Ravenloft and die by the hands of the Devil, their expedition would be no easy task.

"What of the others? The Red Bride, the Dhampir?" Asked one of the adventurers. He had a quiver full of arrows slung across his shoulder.

Madam Eva squeezed the details out of her mind. "This was Lord Strahd's final movement. There was no time to protect his retainers." She explained. "See, the Mists are older than your gods, as old as the world itself. Their powers mean nothing here. But that night, somehow, the golden rays of Pelor sipped through the clouds and a beam of sunlight shone on Castle Ravenloft. Lord Strahd had retreated to his coffin, but his fate had been sealed by chains of pure light. Sun would shine through the Mists, and life would return to this Domain of Dread."

A smirk touched her face. "But then again, how would you be standing here if they had succeeded?"

* * *

This time it wasn't Strahd's laughter that died away, but a cry of pain. The Shadow Demon was destroyed by Asha, and the Red Bride turned to dust by Bori's sword. The Ranger, a long way from them, took a bolt from Yikkol's crossbow right between the eyes, and finally the last of Sir Theo's party was ashed.

The Hall of Bones fell silent. The entire castle fell silent. Immediately they resumed their march to the catacombs below.

[J-H]

Herbert

Herbert and Asha look at each other, then bend to grab the portcullis, lifting it upwards with a grunt on Herbert's part.

[TaiLiu]

As soon as the portcullis is lifted, Yikkol will scan the area for any traps or hidden dangers.

[The Commander]

Lord Zinro Varanash

Zinro was tired. This was the most energy he had expended on a task for decades, perhaps even in forever. His mood was sour and his outlook dark, but he wasn't about to just give up. As the others moved to raise the portcullis, Zinro readied a bolt of fire, as usual, to hurl at whatever dark forces assailed them.

[dangelo]

Pieces of the slate floor shattered as hands and arms and heads burst through, climbing their way out of the ground. A total of fifteen malformed zombies attacked, eyes gouged out, jaws missing, pieces of rotten flesh clinging to the bones

Herbert
Initiative: (1d20)[7]
Perception: (1d20+8)[20]

Yikkol
Initiative: (1d20+4)[22]
Perception: (1d20+10)[30]

Zinro
Initiative: (1d20+2)[4]
Perception: (1d20+5)[14]

Bori
Initiative: (1d20+5)[16] or (1d20+5)[15]
Perception: (1d20+5)[20] or (1d20+5)[25] (Sentinel Shield)

Asha
Initiative: (1d20+2)[9] or (1d20+2)[21]
Perception (1d20+6)[13]

[dangelo]

Strahd's laughter echoes from the other side of the porticullis. The fellowship is light on their feet, though, and manages to go first.

You won initative, but Herbert, Zinro and Asha are surprised and can't do anything. Yikkol and Bori go next.

The porticullis is still closed.

Spoiler: map

Show

[TaiLiu]

Yikkol throws her crossbow back over her back and scrambles up one of the columns. With her free hand, she pulls out her blowgun and fires a dart at the ghoul adjacent to Herbert.

• Disengage up onto the column, away from a ghoul’s possible opportunity attack.
• Attack: (1d20+9)[16].
• Damage: (5d6+1)[22] magical piercing.

“He’s trying to slow us down! We’ve got to smash his coffin before he overwhelms us.”

[Dr.Samurai]

Asha Astral Elf Armorer Artificer 10 AC: 23 | HP: 103/103 | THP: 0/10 | Initiative: +2 Str: +1 | Dex: +2 | Con: +7 | Int: +9 | Wis: +2 | Cha: -1 PPer: 16 | PInv: 19 | PIns: 12 Spell Slots: 1st: 2/4 | 2nd: 0/3 | 3rd: 0/2 Flash of Genius: 3/5 Active Effects: Breathe any Environ, Adv vs Harmful Gases/Vapors Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Starlight Step: 2/4 Repulsion Shield: 4/4 Spell-Refueling Ring: 0/1 Defensive Field: 0/4

Asha reacts immediately as the undead burst through the floor to surround them. His hands come up, palms out, and a pulse of sonic energy blasts over the creatures, pushing them back. He then retreats back a step to protect Zinro from attack on his left flank.

Spoiler: Turn 1

Show

Action - Thunderwave vs 4 Wights in front of Asha
Con Save DC 17 or take Thunder - (2d8)[13] damage and be pushed back 10ft. Take half damage and no push on successful save.
Lower Right Wight - (1d20)[9] + con
Lower Left Wight - (1d20)[19] + con
Upper Left Wight - (1d20)[8] + con
Upper Right Wight - (1d20)[20] + con
Move - Move adjacent to Zinro

[Waistcoatwill]

Bori

More mabar spawn, by Dol Arrah I'll burn you all from this place!

Bori grabs a Ruby from his helm and the fury of the Sovereign of Sun and Sacrifice leaps up to burn the wights.

A 60ft long line of fire facing outwards leaps up around the group. Bori steps up to try and hem in thr larger group to the north from piling through the wall.

Spoiler: Rolls

Show

DC 17 for (5d8)[30] fire damage, half on a success.

4 in the middle of the northern group, clockwise from top left
(1d20)[1]
(1d20)[8]
(1d20)[16]
(1d20)[1]

3 from the group Asha scattered, going left to right
(1d20)[18]
(1d20)[17]
(1d20)[17]

Group mext to Herbert, going clockwisefrom top left
(1d20)[4]
(1d20)[4]
(1d20)[17]
(1d20)[8].

[dangelo]

The zombies hiss and snarl as the wall of flames lick their rotten flesh, and the smell of burning meat fills the room. It produces a thick smoke of pure evil. Strahd's voice echoes again, commanding his remaining servants: "Destroy the Priest! He bears the Bright Light!"

All wights on each side retreat from the wall of fire and draw their longbows. They have disadvantage due to the Icon of Ravenloft.

[Right group]

2 arrows on Herbert
(1d20+4)[7] or (1d20+4)[17] for (1d8+2)[4]
(1d20+4)[20] or (1d20+4)[7] for (1d8+2)[5]

2 arrows on Herbert
(1d20+4)[17] or (1d20+4)[13] for (1d8+2)[6]
(1d20+4)[13] or (1d20+4)[9] for (1d8+2)[7]

2 arrows on Herbert
(1d20+4)[13] or (1d20+4)[6] for (1d8+2)[5]
(1d20+4)[5] or (1d20+4)[21] for (1d8+2)[5]

2 arrows on Herbert
(1d20+4)[21] or (1d20+4)[14] for (1d8+2)[9]
(1d20+4)[18] or (1d20+4)[6] for (1d8+2)[4]

2 arrows on Herbert
(1d20+4)[17] or (1d20+4)[16] for (1d8+2)[9]
(1d20+4)[24] or (1d20+4)[14] for (1d8+2)[5]

[Left group]

2 arrows on Herbert
(1d20+4)[6] or (1d20+4)[16] for (1d8+2)[10]
(1d20+4)[9] or (1d20+4)[12] for (1d8+2)[3]

2 arrows on Herbert
(1d20+4)[15] or (1d20+4)[24] for (1d8+2)[6]
(1d20+4)[5] or (1d20+4)[13] for (1d8+2)[8]

2 arrows on Herbert
(1d20+4)[16] or (1d20+4)[21] for (1d8+2)[9]
(1d20+4)[21] or (1d20+4)[21] for (1d8+2)[7]

2 arrows on Herbert
(1d20+4)[7] or (1d20+4)[17] for (1d8+2)[3]
(1d20+4)[23] or (1d20+4)[11] for (1d8+2)[3]

2 arrows on Herbert
(1d20+4)[7] or (1d20+4)[24] for (1d8+2)[8]
(1d20+4)[23] or (1d20+4)[23] for (1d8+2)[4]

Two particularly brave wights leap through the wall of fire (they had already taken the damage so they don't take it again) and attack Zinro. They have disadvantage due to the Icon of Ravenloft -and- Sunlight Sensibility

Life Drain on Bori
(1d20+4)[8] or (1d20+4)[5] for (1d6+2)[7] (necrotic) (Con save DC 13 if it hits (1d20)[2])
Longsword on Zinro
(1d20+4)[10] or (1d20+4)[8] for (1d10+2)[4]

Life Drain on Zinro
(1d20+4)[21] or (1d20+4)[8] for (1d6+2)[6] (necrotic) (Con save DC 13 if it hits (1d20)[17])
Longsword on Zinro
(1d20+4)[16] or (1d20+4)[10] for (1d10+2)[6]

Two wights retreat from the wall of fire and Ready their actions.

-

At the same time, Strahd himself phases through the porticullis and rakes at Herbert with claws and teeth. He knew better than to show himself to the priest, as he had almost been trapped by his magic several times at this point, but the vampire lord trusted the surprise effect. At least for now.

He has advantage due to surprise attack, but disadvantage due to the Icon of Ravenloft

(1d20+9)[17] for (1d8+4)[5] slashing plus (4d6)[11] necrotic damage
(1d20+9)[27] for (1d8+4)[10] slashing plus (4d6)[12] necrotic damage
(1d20+9)[13] for (1d8+4)[8] slashing plus (4d6)[12] necrotic damage

After attacking, he phases into one of the crypts.

[J-H]

Herbert Raycraft Human Life Cleric AC: 20 HP: 49/73 PPer: 18 PInv: 10 PIst: 18 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Aura: 30' Prot from Evil (Fiends/undead): Such creatures have disadvantage on attack rolls against us, and we are immune to charm, fear, possession by them

Herbert takes minor wounds from two arrows, and a much harder blow from Strahd's claws that tears his flesh open...but he endures. As Strahd moves away, Herbert strikes with his mace, then follows the Count around the flames, preparing to brandish the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind.

Spoiler

Show

OA
Mace +1 (1d20+8)[16] for (1d6+4)[10] magic bludgeoning plus (1d8)[1] radiant from Blessed Strikes.

Moved 15' .

Readied action to use Hold Vampires.

[Dr.Samurai]

Asha Astral Elf Armorer Artificer 10 AC: 23 | HP: 103/103 | THP: 0/10 | Initiative: +2 Str: +1 | Dex: +2 | Con: +7 | Int: +9 | Wis: +2 | Cha: -1 PPer: 16 | PInv: 19 | PIns: 12 Spell Slots: 1st: 2/4 | 2nd: 0/3 | 3rd: 0/2 Flash of Genius: 3/5 Active Effects: Breathe any Environ, Adv vs Harmful Gases/Vapors Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Starlight Step: 2/4 Repulsion Shield: 4/4 Spell-Refueling Ring: 0/1 Defensive Field: 0/4

Strahd is beside them in an instant to attack Herbert and retreat, but Asha is able to strike back.

Spoiler: Turn 1 Opportunity Attack

Show

Reaction - Opportunity Attack vs Strahd
Attack - (1d20+11)[23]
Thunder - (1d8+7)[14]

[The Commander]

Lord Zinro Varanash

Zinro was having a hard time being able to see, due to the Sunlight spilling forth from his allies, but that same Sunlight was helping to keep the Wights at bay. Rather than attempting a futile attack at the nearest Wights, Zinro instead carefully Disengaged himself from the melee and moved to be beside Herbert, whilst also keeping access to the portcullis open.

Spoiler

Show

Main Action Disengage
Move to be beside Herbert

[TaiLiu]

Yikkol watches in horror as Strahd focuses all his effort on Herbert. She couldn't let a holy man die on her watch. Yikkol drops her blowgun back into her sleeve, leaps down from the column, and sets herself next to his holiness. She gulps a potion down and then pulls out her crossbow.

If Strahd wanted to attack Herbert, he would have to go through her.

• Move up to 30 feet next to Herbert.
• Item interaction and Action to draw and drink Potion of Healing. She recovers (2d4+2)[7] hit points.
• Cunning Action to draw her crossbow.

[Waistcoatwill]

Bori

The halfling lashes out at the two Wights that braved the fire, the light from his blade eclipsing the glow from the inferno they had passed through.

If the top foe dies the halfing rolls through the legs of his remaining foe to get between it and his allies.

Spoiler: Actions

Show

Initially attacking the one to the North nect to Bori, switching to the other one if it goes down.

Attack 1 (1d20+11)[12] (28 on re-roll from halfling luck) for (2d8+7)[14] radiant plus (1d6)[3] fire.

Attack 2 (1d20+11)[24] for (2d8+7)[12] radiant plus (1d6)[4] fire.

[Dr.Samurai]

Asha Astral Elf Armorer Artificer 10 AC: 23 | HP: 103/103 | THP: 0/10 | Initiative: +2 Str: +1 | Dex: +2 | Con: +7 | Int: +9 | Wis: +2 | Cha: -1 PPer: 16 | PInv: 19 | PIns: 12 Spell Slots: 1st: 2/4 | 2nd: 0/3 | 3rd: 0/2 Flash of Genius: 3/5 Active Effects: Breathe any Environ, Adv vs Harmful Gases/Vapors Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Starlight Step: 2/4 Repulsion Shield: 4/4 Spell-Refueling Ring: 0/1 Defensive Field: 0/4

Asha fights alongside Bori to finish off the wights within the wall of fire. He then moves toward Zinro to protect him from arrow attacks.

Spoiler: Turn 2

Show

Movement - If Wight 30 is alive, move up 1 square to attack Wight 30. If Wight 30 is dead, stay in place.
Action - Attack Wight 30 (or Wight 15 if 30 is dead)
[roll=Attack 1]1d20+11[roll] 21 rolled in OOC
Thunder - (1d8+7)[13]
[roll=Extra Attack]1d20+11[roll] 22 rolled in OOC
Thunder - (1d8+7)[13]
Movement - Move to same row as Zinro to provide cover to Zinro from Wight arrow attacks.

[dangelo]

Will save against Hold Vampires (1d20+7)[13]

[dangelo]

Bori and Ziro manage to kill two Wights.

Ranged Weapon Attack: +4 to hit, range 150/600 ft., one target. Hit: 6 (1d8 + 2) piercing damage.

[West group]
2 Longbow attacks on Herbert with disadvantage (Icon of Ravenloft)
1.
(1d20+4)[10] or (1d20+4)[15] for (1d8+2)[7]
(1d20+4)[21] or (1d20+4)[20] for (1d8+2)[9]
2.
(1d20+4)[16] or (1d20+4)[5] for (1d8+2)[6]
(1d20+4)[5] or (1d20+4)[5] for (1d8+2)[6]
3.
(1d20+4)[10] or (1d20+4)[6] for (1d8+2)[9]
(1d20+4)[13] or (1d20+4)[8] for (1d8+2)[10]
4.
(1d20+4)[20] or (1d20+4)[12] for (1d8+2)[10]
(1d20+4)[13] or (1d20+4)[10] for (1d8+2)[3]
5.
(1d20+4)[23] or (1d20+4)[14] for (1d8+2)[7]
(1d20+4)[19] or (1d20+4)[24] for (1d8+2)[6]

[East group]
2 Longbow attacks on Herbert with disadvantage (Icon of Ravenloft)
1.
(1d20+4)[24] or (1d20+4)[10] for (1d8+2)[10]
(1d20+4)[16] or (1d20+4)[6] for (1d8+2)[8]
2.
(1d20+4)[11] or (1d20+4)[18] for (1d8+2)[8]
(1d20+4)[19] or (1d20+4)[18] for (1d8+2)[9]
3.
(1d20+4)[9] or (1d20+4)[24] for (1d8+2)[9]
(1d20+4)[6] or (1d20+4)[12] for (1d8+2)[3]
4.
(1d20+4)[24] or (1d20+4)[7] for (1d8+2)[6]
(1d20+4)[21] or (1d20+4)[16] for (1d8+2)[8]
5.
(1d20+4)[23] or (1d20+4)[14] for (1d8+2)[4]
(1d20+4)[14] or (1d20+4)[9] for (1d8+2)[4]
6.
(1d20+4)[23] or (1d20+4)[8] for (1d8+2)[6]
(1d20+4)[22] or (1d20+4)[20] for (1d8+2)[7]
7.
(1d20+4)[17] or (1d20+4)[7] for (1d8+2)[4]
(1d20+4)[11] or (1d20+4)[22] for (1d8+2)[9]


[North group]
2 Longbow attacks on Herbert with disadvantage (Icon of Ravenloft)
1.
(1d20+4)[6] or (1d20+4)[6] for (1d8+2)[9]
(1d20+4)[23] or (1d20+4)[8] for (1d8+2)[4]

Strahd phases back to the fight, casting his claws at Herbert. The Amulet of Ravenkind gleams with sunlight, but once again the Mists get in Herbert's way and his spell fails to work properly. Strahd was already laughing again, and raking the priest of Pelor with savage hatred in his eyes...

3 Claw attacks on Herbert with disadvantage (Icon of Ravenloft)
(1d20+9)[29] or (1d20+9)[12] for (1d8+4)[7] slashing plus (4d6)[16] necrotic damage
(1d20+9)[27] or (1d20+9)[17] for (1d8+4)[6] slashing plus (4d6)[11] necrotic damage
(1d20+9)[26] or (1d20+9)[24] for (1d8+4)[6] slashing plus (4d6)[16] necrotic damage

...when high in the sky the clouds parted to let a beam of sunlight through. The light of Pelor shone bright in Barovia, illuminating Castle Ranveloft and the valley below for the first time in over three hundred years. Peasants rushed out of their houses, creatures of the night ran away in fear.

The sunlight burst through the mountainside and into the catacombs - Anyone could have thought it was another of Strahd's fireballs. It shone bright on the vampire lord, and every soul in Barovia heard the voice of Pelor when he said "This is where it ends, fiend."

Strahd can't leave his square (Divine Intervention)

[J-H]

Herbert Raycraft Human Life Cleric AC: 20 HP: 20/73 PPer: 18 PInv: 10 PIst: 18 Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Aura: 30' Prot from Evil (Fiends/undead): Such creatures have disadvantage on attack rolls against us, and we are immune to charm, fear, possession by them

Shot, clawed, and leaking no doubt delicious blood, Herbert brandishes the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind once more. "By the power of Pelor, RECEIVE YOUR PAST - DUE JUDGEMENT!"

Spoiler

Show

Expending 3 charges (2 now remain) and my last Channel Divinity. Strahd must make a DC 15 Wisdom save at disadvantage, or be paralyzed for 1 minute.
(1d20)[15]
(1d20)[2]

[J-H]

Herbert summons a glowing mace of Pelor behind Strahd to bash him.

Spoiler

Show

Spiritual weapon, with advantage
(1d20+8)[24] or (1d20+8)[16]
Damage (1d8+4)[5] force damage
Crit bonus (1d8)[7]+4? Don't remember how we're handling crits.
If it's max + roll then 12+11=23

[TaiLiu]

It was time. The Fates, in a booming and oddly masculine voice, had decreed it. Death to Strahd at last!

Yikkol draws her sword and thrusts it into Strahd's dead flesh with great pleasure. She follows her attack by smashing a bottle of extra-powerful holy water at the vampire's feet.

• Attack with Advantage: (1d20+9)[10] or (1d20+9)[28].
• Damage: (1d8+5)[11] plus 8 magical piercing. Along with (5d6)[19] plus 30 sneak attack damage.
• Cunning Action (Attack): (1d20+4)[16].
• Damage: Unknown, since the damage of this holy water has never been discussed.

EDIT: 68 magical piercing damage. Plus whatever damage the +magical holy water does. 😈

[The Commander]

Lord Zinro Varanash

The intense sunlight was pain, but it was pain that let Zinro know he was still alive. In the dazzling light, Zinro squinted to mark out his foe - the Lord of this castle. He spoke the arcane words to throw another Bolt of Fire at it.

Spoiler

Show

Main Action to cast Fire Bolt Cantrip at Strahd, disadvantage due to direct sunlight: (1d20+8)[19] or (1d20+8)[21] for (2d10+4)[18] Fire Damage.

[Waistcoatwill]

Bori

Give in, Devil, let yourself burn! The spirits of this land deserve peace at long last.

Light streams from the blade of his brother as it surges towards Strahd. Bori feels a strong will lend its strength to his as Sergei's righteous anger fills him, finally able to struke at his brother.

Spoiler: Attacks

Show

Using a level 3 skot for a smite on the first hit then a level 1 on the second, leaving him with one level 2 slot left.

Level 3 Smite (5d8)[19] radiant plus 40 (59 total). Level 1 smite (3d8)[15] plus 24 (39 total).

Attack 1 (1d20+11)[14] (22 on advantage roll) for (2d8+7)[16] radiant plus (1d6)[2] fire. Plus 16 radiant and 6 fire for a total of 40 damage.

Attack 2 (1d20+11)[28] for (2d8+7)[15] radiant plus (1d6)[1] fire plus 16 radiant and 6 fire for a total of 38 damage.

[Dr.Samurai]

Asha Astral Elf Armorer Artificer 10 AC: 23 | HP: 103/103 | THP: 0/10 | Initiative: +2 Str: +1 | Dex: +2 | Con: +7 | Int: +9 | Wis: +2 | Cha: -1 PPer: 16 | PInv: 19 | PIns: 12 Spell Slots: 1st: 2/4 | 2nd: 0/3 | 3rd: 0/2 Flash of Genius: 3/5 Active Effects: Breathe any Environ, Adv vs Harmful Gases/Vapors Conditions: -- Concentrating: -- Starlight Step: 1/4 Repulsion Shield: 4/4 Spell-Refueling Ring: 0/1 Defensive Field: 0/4

Herbert calls upon his god of light and Strahd is paralyzed in place. The moment is now! The group falls upon the vampire to finish him off, Bori smiting the villain with the Lightbringer that would have killed any other foe. Asha blinks out of existence and reappears to flank Strahd, Your reign of terror is over Strahd!

Spoiler: Turn 3

Show

Bonus Action - Starlight Step to flank Strahd.
Action - Attack Strahd w/Advantage (Strahd is paralyzed)
Attack - (1d20+11)[12], Advantage - (1d20+11)[26]
Thunder - (1d8+15)[16] (crit damage included)
Extra Attack - (1d20+11)[28], Advantage - (1d20+11)[20]
Thunder - (1d8+15)[20] (crit damage included)

[dangelo]

For once the devil Strahd didn't laugh. His fate had been sealed when Pelor intervened, and from then on it would be just a matter of time until the fellowship hacked him to pieces. Between bolts and cuts and punches and magic spells, the vampire lord could do nothing to escape.

"YOU MAY KILL ME, THAT YOU MAY," He cried, and the entire castle cried with him. Even as his body was destroyed, the grey stones of Castle Ravenloft carried his curses. "TURN ME TO ASH. MAKE A TROPHY OUT OF ME."

Yikkol landed a shot on his leg, and the devil went to one knee. "TAKE AWAY MY KINGDOM, MY TREASURE, MY CASTLE, MY CROWN," Asha hit him in the face, his fist flying like a hammer in an uppercut that threw Strahd off his feet."TAKE EVERYTHING, AND CALL YOURSELVES HEROES. CHAMPIONS. HAVE SONGS AND LEGENDS TOLD ABOUT YOUR DEEDS." Before Strahd could hit the ground, Bori's sunsword shone bright and cut him in half. His body collapsed into ashes. But still the castle bellowed. "BUT ALAS, I AM NOT THE EVIL YOU SEEK TO DESTROY. I AM MERELY A BAD OMEN."

The catacombs rumbled. The ground shook underfoot, the ceiling overhead. Both mountain and castle faced a huge earthquake. "FINISH YOUR MISSION, THEN. CONCLUDE YOUR CRUSADE, AND GO TELL YOUR LOVED ONES I WAS DEFEATED. YOU HAVE SURVIVED ME. BUT EVIL LIVES ON. EVIL THRIVES." All around them, swarms of bats flew desperately through the hole made by Pelor, choosing to face sunlight rather than the collapsing castle. "YOU MAY NEVER TRULY WIN, HEROES. FOR BAROVIA WAS NEVER THE HOUSE OF EVIL."

The fellowship rushed through the porticullis, the Tome of Strahd ready to be burned on the vampire lord's coffin.

"DARKNESS LIVES IN THE HEARTS OF MEN. EVERY FATHER, MOTHER AND CHILD. EVERY ELF, DWARF AND ORC. EVERY PEASANT, EVERY PRIEST, EVERY KNIGHT, EVERY KING AND EVERY BEGGAR. THERE WILL COME A DAY WHERE YOU WILL FEEL IT IN YOUR HEARTS. STIRRING. BUBBLING. INCONTROLLABLE RAGE, ENVY, GREED, LUST, AND YOU SHALL CHOOSE TO BE STRONG, EMBRACE IT, TRANSCEND YOUR EXISTENCE AS I HAVE DONE... OR GIVE UP AND DIE LIKE THE SCUM YOU ARE. YOU MAY KILL ME, BUT EVIL LIVES ON IN YOUR HEARTS, AND WITH THEM THE DARK POWERS THAT RULE THE WORLD."

When the book was set ablaze and placed on top of the coffin, Strahd's voice shifted into a gutural roar, speaking in ancient languages long forgotten by the people of this world. The sun shone bright, so bright it was hard to see. Huge chunks of bedrock collapsed from the ceiling.

And then, nothing.


[SHUFFLE]


"Thank you, children." A tear ran down her old cheek. Instead of her mad cackling, Madam Eva now spoke in a soothing, sweet voice. "I have lived long enough to see empires rise and fall, yet I never thought I would see the Valley of Barovia free from this monster."

"I am Madam Eva, but I was born Katarina of the Zarovan tribe. In one of the many wars waged by the great King Barov, my mother warmed his bed throughout his campaign, and by the time he rode off with his knights, she was had a child growing in her belly. Who would have thought that his son was to cause so much destruction? That only blood of his blood would be able to break the curse? Sergei was supposed to be the hero, but Strahd murdered him when he gave himself to the Dark Powers. How could I accomplish at what he failed? Me, a simple fortuneteller, the bastard of a king and a whore?" She offered a gentle smile. "I don't care about your motivations - nothing can be worse than Strahd von Zarovich. I thank you, my champions, for relieving me of this duty after three hundred years of struggle."


[SHUFFLE]


Only the foundations of Castle Ravenloft survived the earthquake, leaving the main floor exposed under the blue sky. The great hall that once lead to the chapel was now bathed in sunlight. A single summer flower dared to blossom through the cracked tiled floor.

The fellowship climbed out of the debris, including Pidlwick. Staggering to their feet, they managed to walk up to the edge of the cliff and glimpse the valley under a whole new light: The field were dry and dead, but would thrive once again under the sun. The Svalich Woods was painted green, the Ivlis slithered about the land like a silvery ribbon. Hundreds of feet below, the smallfolk cheered in the streets of the Village of Barovia. Their chanting could almost be heard all the way from the castle.

And the Mists had been lifted. Beyond the woods and mountains and hills, other provinces and kingdoms could be seen, stretching into horizon and disappearing in the distance. Roads, cities, inns, castles, bridges. People. Barovia had been returned to the world and its natural order.

The portable tower in Strahd's treasury survived the destruction, even after collapsing from the third floor. Pidlwick was poking at it when four magic portals appeared right in the center of what once had been the Morninglord Chapel. Through one of them it was possible to see the interior of an alien ship that Asha would recognize as his own. Through another, the infinite Talenta plains, where mounted halflings crossed the land in the distance. The third showed the Great Cathedral of Pelor, and fourth, the interior of Yikkol's bedroom. There wasn't a portal for Zinro.

Pidlwick was the one to break the silence, tugging at Yikkol's bloodstained trousers and asking in his weird mechanical child voice. "What do we do now?"