Castlevania II: Dracula's Curse (IC)

[J-H]

One of the other guards, a woman, answers. "Wolves in the shape of men, or men in the shape of wolves. Or both. We drove them off, but it was a close thing. We've seen them at a distance all day long... they'll be back tonight." She turns.
"Father."

Another face peers over the edge, this one a round face with a beard and salt-and-pepper hair, and a symbol of Lathander at his neck. "They say you're from the Order?"
(and to those on the wall) "And none of them reacted to the coin?"
His eyes glow slightly for a moment as he uses some sort of magic to assess you.
"Welcome, welcome! Get the ladder please."

After a minute or two, a wooden ladder is levered over the wall until it touches the ground on your side. You can go up it... but it looks like it might not handle more than one at a time.

You climb up, and the man greets you, although the guards are all paying attention to the conversation as well. "Welcome! I am Father Anatolie, the priest of Lathander in this village. Things went mad about two nights ago. We've been attacked by were-wolves, and even by the undead, skeletons and zombies. It's like the bad days from over a hundred years ago are back! Not that I was here then." Anatolie looks like he'd normally be a jolly person, but his eyes are tight and there are dark circles underneath. He's tired.

He leads you farther into the fortified area. "You can come to the temple if you'd like, but that's where we have the worst-injured and elderly and children. It's more of a place of healing and safety now, rather than of worship or prayer. The undead at least don't seem to want to come too near it, which is why the inner part of the village is walled off." He speaks more quietly as you move away from others. "I know you all seem a bit young, but I'm sure you are experts at such things. Are you scouting ahead as part of a relief force coming to save us? We'll need to get Emanuel if you are going to coordinate an evacuation."

[Dr.Samurai]

Sabian Skellegue Half-Orc Barbarian AC: 21 HP: 38/41 HD: 3/4 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 Raging: -- Reckless: -- Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold Conditions: -- Rages: 2/3 Sabian waits for the others to climb up before giving the surrounding area one final look and ascending the ladder himself. Father Anatolie asks if Sabian and the others are a scouting vanguard for relief troops. The half-orc frowns and looks at the others, unsure what to say.

[Infernally Clay]

Cassandra Hartdegen High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 AC: 15 | HP: 31/31 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/3 | 2nd: 1/3 Spells Prepared: 1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease 2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web Bladesongs: 1/2 Arcane Recovery (2): 1/1 Active Effects: None Concentrating: None Conditions: None

Cassandra speaks in an equally hushed tone so only Anatolie can hear her. “You are the first living people we’ve seen in days,” she says, “We’ve been on our own since the attack on the Order two days ago and we haven’t seen any other survivors of it. I fear we may be all that’s left of the Order…” she trails off.

Understanding that this is not what Father Anatolie wanted to hear, she stops for a moment, gathers her composure and continues, “I’m sorry we aren’t what you were hoping for. It can’t have been easy, surviving this long against such reckless hate, but we must persevere not just for our own sakes but for those that look to us for strength. If you’re expecting another attack tonight, we will fulfil our duty as members of the Order. How well does this Emanuel know the region? Does he know where you might evacuate to or where the monsters are coming from?”

[dangelo]

[QUOTE=dangelo;25983727]

Mustafa the Vampiralgietch Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) AC: 17 HP: 31/31 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 Conditions: Exhausted 1 Concentrating: -- Channel Divinity: 1/1 Warding Flare: 3/3

Mustafa held his tongue and gave his comrades a confident look. "The details of our travels are grim. We will tell you everything, but I don't wish to bring these people any more dark words." He indicated the guards that surrounded them. Maybe it wouldn't be the best idea to spread fear and despair by revealing that no one was coming to save them. "Perhaps we should head to the church and talk there? I am a servant of Allah and all the gods of light, and studied under a physician back in my homeland. I'm sure there must be something I can do to help. Do you have Whisperleaf and honey? Maybe some Dreamroot?"*

Spoiler

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I'm making up these names on the fly. Meant to be generic healing herbs that one might carry in their Healer's Kit, instead of asking "Hey NPC, do you have Healer's Kits?"

[Amnestic]

Chloé Clement High Elf Alchemist Artificer AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: Concentrating: Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3 "We...probably can't stay, but we could help out, just for a bit." Chloé offers, finally speaking up properly. "I'm sure your sick and wounded could do with another pair of hands or two." It might not be the best way they could spend their time. As bearers of the relics, they had a job to do, like it or not, but she struggled to look away at a town barely hanging on to life.

Spoiler: Servant Statblock

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PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 9 (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
4 (-3) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 + 2 (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.

[J-H]

Anatolie frowns at your news, his face dropping. You get the feeling he sort of expected it, though. "Emanuel's the mayor. He's handling most of the organization, while I try to help keep everyone's spirits up, heal, encourage, and of course stand guard at night, when it's worse. We've discussed evacuating, but we'd have to do it on foot. We have a few wagons used for ore, but the stables were on the outskirts of town, so we don't have any horses or oxen left to pull them. Some may have run off, but catching them now, with wolves hunting, isn't something Emanuel thinks is worth pursuing.

Unless a barge comes down the river, it'd have to be overland to Jova and then south, or east through Alba. With close to a hundred people, it'd be very difficult. A few of our people were napping outside the area of the temple a couple of nights ago. All of them told me the same dream. The Lord of Shadows, on his throne, claiming the region. This is widespread, isn't it?"

"If you wish to come to the temple and help, absolutely do so. You are also welcome to stay the night here and help once you've rested a while. Travinka's working on some better weapons to help keep enemies farther away, if any of you know much about building."

We have food and arrows for a couple of weeks, but that's all. Are you... working on a longer term solution? Or going to bring back help?"
You get the idea he hasn't had anyone to discuss these worries with except perhaps the mayor.

[Bobthewizard]

Vidrik Oakheart Wood Elf Ranger 4 AC: 16 HP: 36/36 PPer: 16 PInv: 11 PIns: 14 Spell Slots, 1st: 2/3 Hit Dice: 3/4 Goodberries: 3 Speak with Animals: 1/1 Conditions: none

Vidrik discusses options with the group. Part of him wants to stay and help these people but he knows it would be futile.

"We should not stay here long. Whatever preparations you make will be destroyed eventually unless we can somehow defeat Dracula. We must take the fight to him. But for a day, we will help you as best we can."

Once the others make their way to the temple, Vidrik will join them and feed most of his available Goodberries to the injured.

Spoiler: OOC

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[Infernally Clay]

Cassandra Hartdegen High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 AC: 15 | HP: 31/31 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/3 | 2nd: 1/3 Spells Prepared: 1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease 2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web Bladesongs: 1/2 Arcane Recovery (2): 1/1 Active Effects: None Concentrating: None Conditions: None

"We don't truly yet know how far this has spread," Cassandra explains, "But we intend to find out and we will put a stop to it."

When Antenolie asks about bringing back help, she assures him that "When we find more survivors, and we must believe others have survived as we have, we will do what we can to send help or try to move everyone somewhere safer. While we're here, though, please do tell us what you feel are the most urgent matters to attend to. What you're doing is vitally important and I feel you would find it easier to keep everyone's spirits up if your own were raised."

Once the group arrives at the temple, Cassandra will search for a teleportation circle and if she finds one she'll write the sigils down for later. She doesn't want to get anyone's hopes up by explaining what she's doing, though, because she can't yet use these circles herself.

[Amnestic]

Chloé Clement High Elf Alchemist Artificer AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: Concentrating: Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3 Chloé knows the importance of their mission in her bones, but she'll do what she can, while she can. "I can't help make new weapons but I can do patch jobs on any ones you already have. In the meantime, I'll be in the temple tending to the sick and wounded." She nods to the others. "Fetch me when it's time to leave." She wastes no more time, leaving it up to the others to determine when they go, and gets to work brewing up relief tinctures, painkillers, and feverbreakers. They were the patchwork solution that she'd offered to do to their weapons as well: a temporary fix, rather than a root solution. That was Dracula, and he was a rather larger problem to tackle.

Spoiler: Servant Statblock

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PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 9 (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
4 (-3) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 + 2 (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.

[Dr.Samurai]

Sabian Skellegue Half-Orc Barbarian AC: 21 HP: 38/41 HD: 3/4 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 Raging: -- Reckless: -- Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold Conditions: -- Rages: 2/3 Sabian's frown deepens. He understands where Vidrik is coming from, and the elf is probably right. But the Skellegue's are shield bearers, and it is his instinct to protect others. Either way, the group doesn't have to make a choice right this moment. Sabian sighs, I'm no good at healing, or building really, but I know weapons. I'll see if I can lend Travinka a hand. Father Anatolie, we should speak with you and Mayor Emanuel as soon as possible. He waves to the others and heads in the way the Father points him.

[J-H]

Most of you make your way to the temple. It's a bit crowded, and you can tell that a lot of people seem to have unexpectedly spent the night here. They do seem to have plenty of blankets, and the temple itself has a holy feel about it that's quite a relief after the time you've spent moving through the trackless woods full of hostile creatures.

Cassandra does not locate a Teleportation Circle. Unfortunately, that magic is beyond almost all of the spellcasters in this region.

Sabian, meanwhile, seeks out Travinka Vadimovna. She turns out to be a sturdy dwarven woman with short-cropped grey hair and pale skin, marking her as both old (and thus respectable) and probably still a miner (given the lack of sun-tan). Although she has a spear, shield, and hauberk nearby, she's spending most of her time using lumber and spare parts building some Scorpions (bow-like weapons mounted on tripods). "Yes, young man? If you want to help, you can move these timbers around, then hold this while I tighten the mounting..."
Sabian helps move a few heavy things around, but in order to really help her move faster, he'd need to know something about siege weapons, woodworking, working with rope, or other relevant topics.

After the rest of you have been at the temple for an hour or so, you see a a man in his early 30s enter. Several people immediately come over, and the temple is small enough that you can hear him greeted as Mayor Emanuel.He has blonde hair, with a slightly receding hairline and a well-groomed beard. A blonde girl, maybe 13, is following him around with a stack of slates and some chalk, and seems to be taking notes. At one point, she leaves, and comes back two minutes later with an answer to some question. There's enough of a resemblance that you're pretty sure she's his daughter.

You move over and introduce yourselves to him. (recapping some discussion from Discord) You ask about evacuating, and determine that there are two overland routes, both of which will require multiple days on foot to reach - a difficult task. If they had some oxen or horses, they could go somewhat faster with wagons, but they don't. Ore barges coming from upstream might be an option, but they have to be towed upstream by mules, and you'd be tied up escorting the mules for several days - assuming that the curse and monsters are confined only to this immediate area. It would definitely be a major delay in achieving your particular goals with Dracula.

If you want to talk to the mayor and ask more questions, now's your chance.

Also: Figure out if you are handling overnight in shifts, watches, or all at once with potentially very interrupted sleep.

[Dr.Samurai]

Sabian Skellegue Half-Orc Barbarian AC: 21 HP: 38/41 HD: 3/4 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 Raging: -- Reckless: -- Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold Conditions: -- Rages: 2/3 Sabian helps Travinka as he can, I wish I could do more but I'm not so familiar with this part of war, he says sheepishly while hoisting a log in place. He looks around from the vantage point, How many attacks have you held off so far, and what sort of defenders do you have? He squints, Can you feed yourselves from within the walls, or are the fields all out there?

[Amnestic]

Chloé Clement High Elf Alchemist Artificer AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: Concentrating: Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3 One thing becomes clear to Chloé as she works among those huddling in the town: They can't save them. Not by staying, at least. The darkness was vast, its evils thick, and they couldn't stay in one town hoping to forge it as a beacon when others would be in similar situations. She can't bring herself to tell the others to move on though. Her heart is no harder or softer than theirs. Leaving these people means that some of them, maybe all of them, will die, but not leaving them will means far more will lose their lives. She just hopes that they come to the same conclusion she does.

Spoiler: Servant Statblock

Show

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 9 (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
4 (-3) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 + 2 (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.

[J-H]

Travinka's voice is harsh and precise. "Just us... miners, farmers, and workers. We have muscle and know how to swing tools, but some of the wolf-creatures don't seem to feel the bite of a pick or an axe as much as they should. We have some bows, but they only shoot so far. Some of the skeletons stay farther away and shoot arrows, or even magic at us. These should let us shoot back at them more effectively... or at least kill more of them if they start making coordinated attacks."

If the party questions the Mayor about food, he'll quietly tell them that they have about two weeks worth of food.

Is the party going to ask for any supplies?

[Pyrophilios]

Titus Malvallée Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 Healing Light: 5/5 Resistances: Conditions: -- Spell slots: 2/2

It was at this moment, that a young half-elf stepped forward from among the huddled temple dwellers. His blond hair disheveled and his blue eyes half hidden behind spectacles. Unremarkable travelling clothes adorned him - with one exception: We wore a remarkable belt with a large belt buckle, showing of a paladin stabbing down on a serpent.

"Excuse me? Are you... are you from the order? Finally. I knew that not everyone could be lost.
I'm Titus. Titus Malvallée, at your service, proud carrier of the Bellmonté Order Belt."

[Dr.Samurai]

Sabian Skellegue Half-Orc Barbarian AC: 21 HP: 38/41 HD: 3/4 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 Raging: -- Reckless: -- Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold Conditions: -- Rages: 2/3 Sabian grimaces as he listens to Travinka; the people of Veros were not ready to stand against Dracula's forces for long. He continues lashing two logs together, The walls will work well enough to repel most attackers. It's a good setup. The risk is in the village getting surrounded; you won't be able to man all the wall at the same time. We'll help take watch tonight, but me and the others have to speak with the Mayor about the coming days. After assisting Travinka as best he can, Sabian gets up and goes to find the others and the mayor, I'll be back.

[Infernally Clay]

Cassandra Hartdegen High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 AC: 15 | HP: 31/31 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/3 | 2nd: 1/3 Spells Prepared: 1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease 2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web Bladesongs: 1/2 Arcane Recovery (2): 1/1 Active Effects: None Concentrating: None Conditions: None

Cass is busy teaching basic maneuvers to the best able to fight, drawing on her experiences in recent days and the strategies of old that were employed in the battle against Dracula before that might help them better survive the monster attacks they can expect in the days ahead.

Spoiler

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History check: (1d20+5)[21]

When she hears a familiar voice she tells everyone to take a break.

"Titus!" Cass yells with excitement and relief as she runs over and gives him an immense hug, "I thought we were the only ones left, that everyone else... How did you manage to survive this long on your own? Did you ask the monsters nicely to let you past?" she laughs as she gently pokes fun at him.

Seeing Titus alive and well rekindles Cassandra's hope her brother is out there, somewhere. She knows she must prioritise the duty in front of her but she would only be lying to herself if she didn't admit she wanted to scour every inch of the land until she found him. He would do no less for her in turn. Maybe he is doing that even now. One day they'll meet again, Cassandra was sure of it.

[Pyrophilios]

Titus Malvallée Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 Healing Light: 5/5 Resistances: Conditions: -- Spell slots: 2/2

"CASSANDRA!"
Titus returned the hug with great enthusiasm.
"Thank Lathander and his angels, I never thought I'd see you again. I barely survived as it was - fell from a balcony. Next thing I remember, I was in the woods. I'd have died for sure if not for the grace my divine sponsor bestowed on me. I had to take a lot of risks and rests and moved cross country until I finally arrived here - malnourished and feverish. These good folks here took care of me and restored my health. I've been helping out around here ever since.

Where are you headed to next? We need to end this curse, before the rations are gone and people start to starve."

[Dr.Samurai]

Sabian Skellegue Half-Orc Barbarian AC: 21 HP: 38/41 HD: 3/4 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 Raging: -- Reckless: -- Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold Conditions: -- Rages: 2/3 Sabian arrives at the temple and catches the end of the Mayor's explanation before Cass recognizes Titus. Sabian can't believe it. He walks over and embraces Titus and Cassandra, How? I can't believe it! He listens as Titus explains how he survived and made it this far. You've had better luck than us, we were nearly killed several times on the way here, but I can't believe we're all together now. Titus asks, Where are you headed to next? We need to end this curse, before the rations are gone and people start to starve. Sabian nods, We have a plan for that, but for Veros, he addresses the Mayor, if it hasn't been done already, you should organize everyone into several groups. Those most familiar with the woodlands should be sent out to get food for the village, whether hunting, foraging, or fishing. It will be risky, but you have no other choice, and it needs to be done soon before these creatures kill or chase off everything out there. The defenses are good, and will be better once the scorpions are built. A group should go and collect the barges, bring them back here and cover them near the docks. That way if you have to evacuate, you can. Forget the mules though, they will be killed and you will want to leave the shoreline anyway. Oars should be crafted so that those on board can move the barges themselves. You'll want to be away from the arrows as much as you can. What is the condition of the mines? I am wondering if a rotating team can tunnel a way to the river. If the village is surrounded and under siege, you can escape through the tunnel to the water and leave by way of the barges. You should stay here, with the hallowed grounds nearby, as long as you can, but if it comes to it, that could be your way out. It's a lot of work but... I don't know what else can be done.

[Amnestic]

Chloé Clement High Elf Alchemist Artificer AC: 17 HP: 31/31 (3/4 HD) PP: 13 PIv: 15 PIs: 11 Conditions: Concentrating: Experimental Elixir: Healing (Av.) Decanter: 3/3 Chloé had been listening quietly, monitoring the discussion without active participation, right up until the suggestion of digging comes up. "Digging by pickaxe gains you roughly one to two feet of distance forward every 8 to 12 hour shift," she notes, rattling off the numbers that have for some reason stuck in her head. The library truly did have everything, it was just a matter of how much she retained. "Assuming a rotating shift you'd be looking at an average of 4 to 5 feet of progression per full day, assuming people rotated, and that would be fast. It would take roughly 3 years to dig a mile long tunnel." She only realised how put-down it must sound after she finished speaking. A pink tint entered her cheeks, and a hurried apology as she turned away followed.

Spoiler: Servant Statblock

Show

PB=2

Tiny construct
Armor Class: 13 (natural armor)
Hit Points: 9 (1 + your Intelligence modifier + your artificer level (the homunculus has a number of Hit Dice [d4s] equal to your artificer level))
Speed: 20 ft., fly 30 ft.
STR DEX CON INT WIS CHA
4 (-3) 15 (+2) 12 (+1) 10 (+0) 10 (+0) 7 (−2)
Saving Throws: Dex +2 plus PB
Skills: Perception +0 plus PB x 2, Stealth +2 plus PB
Damage Immunities: poison
Condition Immunities: exhaustion, poisoned
Senses: darkvision 60 ft., passive Perception 10 + (PB x 2)
Languages: understands the languages you speak
Challenge: —
Proficiency Bonus (PB): equals your bonus
Evasion. If the homunculus is subjected to an effect that allows it to make a Dexterity saving throw to take only half damage, it instead takes no damage if it succeeds on the saving throw, and only half damage if it fails. It can't use this trait if it's incapacitated.
Actions
Force Strike. Ranged Weapon Attack: (+6) your spell attack modifier to hit, range 30 ft., one target you can see. Hit: 1d4 + 2 (PB) force damage.
Reactions
Channel Magic. The homunculus delivers a spell you cast that has a range of touch. The homunculus must be within 120 feet of you.

[Pyrophilios]

Titus Malvallée Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 Healing Light: 5/5 Resistances: Conditions: -- Spell slots: 2/2

Titus shook his head:
"Evakuation won't do much good - where is a safe place to run too?
Investing in the stronghold is a much better idea - digging a vault to keep the vulnerable people safe and storing food. As long as the monsters don't bring siege weapons, this should work out well. If you have some rangers food supply should also be secure.

I'm sorry - this won't get better until Dracula is once more banished from this plane."

[Dr.Samurai]

Sabian Skellegue Half-Orc Barbarian AC: 21 HP: 38/41 HD: 3/4 PPer: 13 PInv: 10 PIst: 11 Raging: -- Reckless: -- Resistances: Necrotic, Fire, Cold Conditions: -- Rages: 2/3 Easy to say now, when the walls aren't being overrun, Sabian says to Titus, We don't know what it looks like anywhere else. But if this village is under siege, they will need a way out. It doesn't matter how long it takes. So long as they have capable people, they have to prepare. That means getting food, shoring up defenses, getting the barges and, he turns to Chloe, figuring out a plan B. I don't know anything about mining or digging or tunnels. Maybe that's not the right way to do it. But Veros needs a plan if the walls don't hold.

[Pyrophilios]

Titus Malvallée Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 Healing Light: 5/5 Resistances: Conditions: -- Spell slots: 2/2

Titus shrugged:
"I'm not saying that a siege won't be a problem - I'm saying leaving a fortified position in favor of going on the run while you are facing creatures capable of flying, running tirelessly and seeing in the dark might not be the best option.

But that decision lies ultimately with the mayor - I think we agree that gathering whatever supplies can be found is a good idea, as well as setting up heavy weaponry on the walls. Fortifying the temple and fire proofing it might also be a good idea."

[Infernally Clay]

Cassandra Hartdegen High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 AC: 15 | HP: 31/31 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/3 | 2nd: 1/3 Spells Prepared: 1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease 2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web Bladesongs: 1/2 Arcane Recovery (2): 1/1 Active Effects: None Concentrating: None Conditions: None

"We can worry about helping these people gather food tomorrow," Cassandra muses, "The guards are worried of another attack tonight and we should prepare for that first."

Looking at the gathered group, she says "It isn't just about whether we can evacuate these people somewhere safer right now. We should consider the viability of this town as somewhere we can work from. We've been on the run for days and having somewhere safe to return to is vitally important. These people have survived two days, which means this is a defensible position, even if only temporarily. We can travel to Laruba Monastery to seek other survivors and return here within a day or two, or we can travel to Jova but that's further away and will take longer to return from. Whichever way we go, we should make an effort to return here as quickly as we can. These people will feel safer knowing we are never too far away and it'll benefit us to have somewhere safe to return to."

[Pyrophilios]

Titus Malvallée Half-Elf Celestial Warlock 4 AC: 17 HP: 31/31 HD: 4/4 PPer: 13 PInv: 12 PIst: 11 Healing Light: 5/5 Resistances: Conditions: -- Spell slots: 2/2

Titus nodded:
"Agreed. Take your rest while you can. My cot is back there. Let me know if you need any help - especially when you need someone standing watch with you."

[dangelo]

Mustafa the Vampiralgietch Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) AC: 17 HP: 31/31 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 Conditions: Exhausted 1 Concentrating: -- Channel Divinity: 1/1 Warding Flare: 3/3

"Excuse me? Are you... are you from the order? Finally. I knew that not everyone could be lost.
I'm Titus. Titus Malvallée, at your service, proud carrier of the Bellmonté Order Belt."

Mustafa, who had taken some time to kneel and pray in the chapel, finally regrouped with the rest of the party. The sight of Titus lifted his spirit even further. "Today is a good day, Titus Malvallée. We had little hope of finding other survivors, let alone fellow members of the Order. I have no option but to believe the gods of light have taken pity on us, and sent you our way " He shook his hand and patted his shoulder, a new breath of courage filling his lungs.

In a lower voice, away from the eyes and ears of the locals, he asked Titus: "This mayor - Can we trust him? You've been here longer than we have, so you might know better. Is he loved by his people? Is he a despot? If the worst happens and the town is overran, will he be out here fighting, or will he hide in his manor? Is he noble by birth, or was he chosen among the locals to rule?"

To the mayor himself, Mustafa only showed gratitude and an eagerness to help. "Brother Emanuel, we thank you for your hospitality and your trust. I must ask - do you have a master-at-arms or captain of the guard to lead your men? Or do you do it yourself? We have gathered some knowledge on the creatures sent by the Enemy, and it is vital that your soldiers learn and apply that knowledge. For example, if we can craft slings, they should work best against skeletons than bows and arrows, for the projectiles often fly through their bony structures, while stones will shatter them more easily. And the same applies for other weapons, spears and swords are less effectively than maces and hammers."

"The wolf creatures you mentioned may look like werewolves, but they're only cursed wolves. Fire should scare them, hopefully. What else has been attacking your village?"

Spoiler

Show

(1d20+3)[11] Insight on Emanuel. Mustafa fears he might be willing to let his men die in his place while he cowers in the chapel or another fortified place like a manor or tower.

[J-H]

Titus was here for the initial attack. The Mayor and Father Anatolie worked tirelessly through the night rallying people to fight. Once the undead showed themselves unwilling to approach the temple, it was 'all hands on deck' with everyone helping build up the defensive wall. Both seem tired but honest. The mayor has taken a few turns on the wall, but is not a gifted warrior. He has managed an above-average hit rate with flasks of holy water, though. Veros has plenty of iron, so there are enough weapons (improvised or not), and as long as there's a priest, they have access to holy water as well.

Goodberries and healing spells are cast, greatly lessening the number of badly injured at the temple. Most don't leave, though... it's the safe place to spend the night.

Emanuel frowns at Sabian's suggestion of digging a tunnel, then nods when Chloe points out the practical difficulties. "I'm not a miner myself, but I think Travinka already had someone suggest that to her. Thank you for helping with the healing. Father Anatolie is already running himself ragged, and I expect we'll have yet more injured tonight. Perhaps your turn on the walls will let him take a break and get some rest, or at least get caught up on healing."


"It's been mostly skeletons, zombies, and these were-wolves, some of which seem more intelligent than others. I don't know what you've faced, but the skeletons do have some magic-users among them and they see quite well in the dark. They know enough to wait until it's night to attack when we can't see them clearly. I will pass along the tip about slings, although most of us haven't used one since we were children."
"--except me!" pipes in his 13 year old daughter who's been following him around.
"Daria, then... you can use it if they break through. You are not going on the walls as a guard. Who would keep track of things here in town for me?"
He sighs. A couple of you are reminded of conversations with your parents... none of you have children, not yet.

Spoiler: night schedule

Show

Sabian: awake 7pm to midnight, sleep until about 8am
Cassandra: All night, trance from about 5am to 9am
Chloe: Trance 7pm to 11pm, awake after this
Titus: Sleep about 4pm midnight, awake after this
Mustafa: Didn't specify, I'll say same shift as Sabian.
That puts three on the walls or available at all times.

Vidrik: Manning the defenses somewhere off-screen.

[J-H]

You prepare for the night, helping reinforce the walls further. You occasionally hear barks and howls, and a few random arrows fly out of the woods, shot from long range - but nothing that's easy to chase down.

At this point, you are protected by a 8-10' high wall with a narrow ledge to stand on behind it, which leaves everyone covered up to about armpit height (3/4ths cover). Where there's a building, it blocks the continuity of the wall, and just acts as a blank spot unless it has a window. However, the buildings are made of stone, so they are pretty sturdy, and harder to climb than the hodgepodge wooden wall.
There are also buildings outside the walls, so the enemy has plenty of cover to approach from, being exposed only in the roads and alleys.

The sun sets, and almost immediately a set of howls go up from around the village in every direction, echoing and yowling and making the hairs on the back of your neck stand on end. There could be as few as twelve wolves, or two hundred.

The howling goes on for some time.
Clouds obscure the moon. It's hard to see things outside of darkvision range.


Currently awake:
Sabian, Cassandra, Mustafa
60' DV on Sabian & Cassandra
Assume you are together on one section of walls, allowing guards to move to another area or rest.
=> Any preparations you are making, Light/Dancing Lights, etc.?

[Infernally Clay]

Cassandra Hartdegen High Elf Wizard Bladesinger 4 AC: 15 | HP: 31/31 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/3 | 2nd: 2/3 Spells Prepared: 1st - Shield, Absorb Elements, Grease 2nd - Misty Step, Invisibility, Flaming Sphere, Web Bladesongs: 1/2 Arcane Recovery (2): 0/1 Active Effects: None Concentrating: None Conditions: None

Cassandra will use the time to rest a little (one hour short rest) and recover some of her arcane energies and then copy Magic Missile to her spellbook (two hours). She will spend the remaining hour keeping a keen eye and ear out for movement and trying to do what she can to rally the people she will be fighting alongside.

Spoiler

Show

Arcane Recovery to regain a second level spell slot.
Copy Magic Missile into spellbook (225gp of ink remaining).

[dangelo]

Mustafa the Vampiralgietch Human Cleric 4 (Light Domain) AC: 17 HP: 31/31 PP: 13 PIv: 10 PIs: 13 Conditions: Exhausted 1 Concentrating: -- Channel Divinity: 1/1 Warding Flare: 3/3

Mustafa stood at his post on the wall, the night breeze greeting his face. Seeing the fields around Veros and the woods beyond, he felt even sadder for those people, forced to abandon their farms, their homes outside the walls, their normal lives.

"In a way, they are suffering more than us." Mustafa offered the thought to his peers. "They might still have their loved ones, their homes, their land... But they're helpless. They're hostages of chaos."

He gripped his magic shield and his mithral holy symbol, a beautiful scepter decorated with the moon-and-star of Allah. In a attempt to shake off the grief, he climbed on the battlements and turned to the soldiers: "Warriors of Veros! Hear my voice! The night is dark and full of terrors. Beyond these walls lie fields abandoned, homes left empty, and a land cursed by the Enemy.

But in our hearts burns a fire of determination, a fire that will not be extinguished by fear or uncertainty. For every hardship our people endure, let us be their beacon of hope, their shield against the darkness. Let us march forward with courage in our hearts and steel in our hands, knowing that we fight not just for ourselves, but for all who call Veros home."

Mustafa says the name of everyone who has died over the last few nights.

"Let us say their names! Loud and clear! And when those monsters reach our walls, we'll say it again! Hear me when I say that destroying the Enemy is the ultimate goal... living through it is just a luxury! We shall fight tonight, and if we die, so be it! The gods of light will welcome us in Olympus, where we will find eternal life. Fear not! Show me the glimmer in your blades and the fire in your hearts, for IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO FIGHT! TOGETHER WE SHALL PREVAIL!"