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02:23, 29th March 2024 (GMT+0)

Ravenloft - Barovia.

Posted by SkaldFor group 0
Saeko
player, 91 posts
Tue 7 Jan 2020
at 20:44
  • msg #428

Ravenloft - Barovia

Saeko feels an unnatural coldness at the creature's touch, but she's just warming up, shaking it off.  Still, she suspects Zertin would tell her not to let it scratch her again - probably good advice, wherever it comes from.

She has some scratches of her own to offer, though.
Skald
GM, 287 posts
Abandon hope
all ye who enter here
Sun 12 Jan 2020
at 14:23
  • msg #429

Ravenloft - Barovia

Though wary of the foul creature's touch, Ashlyn presses the attack against the ghast, her blade cutting deep into its corpse-like body once more though she manages to avoid its teeth and fends its talons off with her heavy shield.

At the opposite end of the cave, however, Qvar is in trouble.  Surrounded by undead, he reaches out once more, trying to touch one of them, trusting that the healing energies he has summoned would prove inimical to these creatures of darkness ... but even as their flesh is seared by the light of the holy radiance that surrounds the priest, they easily evade him.

Not so the Gravetouched Harpy, which cannot escape the volley of arcane missiles that Zertin hurls her way ... nor the flashing blades of Saeko who manages to resist the sudden stiffness in her limbs to cut the creature down, freeing Violet and Caesius as her song is stilled. 

As if in retaliation, the Ghast and Gravetouched Monk fall upon Qvar with a vengeance, biting him and rending his flesh with their claws. 

OOC: Map of the proceedings updated ...
Violet
player, 154 posts
...tired.
Just tired.
Mon 13 Jan 2020
at 01:36
  • msg #430

Ravenloft - Barovia

THe cloud lifts from her mind, the fog of the song fading, and Violet's terror erupts in her chest, breaking free from its confines.  For a long moment she stands frozen, thoughts dripping in a morass of appalled terror.  She has been ensorcelled.  Enspelled.  Were she not already in Hell...

...but she is not alone.

Indeed, she can see the golden light about Qvar flicker madly as the black silhouettes of his assailers tear at his body.  Choking on her breath, Violet takes only a single heartbeat to yank her short blade from its scabbard; then the young woman sprints forward into the teeth of her terror, desperate to pull the un-dying from their assault upon the holy man.

Or, should that fail, give them a different target for their ire.

OOC - Violet will move and attack, flanking the undead on the right of Qvar out of habit (I strong doubt there is any sneak attack damage bonus against them).

Attack - 23
Damage - 4
(Possible Sneak Attack - 5 more)

Qvar
player, 121 posts
Cleric of Pelor
Holier than thou ...
Mon 13 Jan 2020
at 13:26
  • msg #431

Ravenloft - Barovia

Qvar weathers the assault stoically, certain that Pelor's grace will sustain him.  His new-risen body apparently does not bleed!  Surely that's a good sign.  The ending of the harpie's song is another welcome relief, and then Violet appears with sword in hand and stabbing at the ghoul-monk.  He beams his gratitude and relief at her.  Truely the tables have turned!

Turning his back on the ghoul-monk he once again reaches out again towards the ghast with his golden glowing hand ...
20:59, Today: Qvar rolled 13 using 1d20+2.  touch ghast.
Ashlyn
NPC, 17 posts
Lightbringer
Paladin of Lathander
Mon 13 Jan 2020
at 13:50
  • msg #432

Ravenloft - Barovia

The Lightbringer too is thankful that dreadful song has been cut short, renewing her attack against the decaying creature that assails her if not with vigor then with a grim and implacable determination to see it ended.
Zertin
Player, 328 posts
Human wizard
Mon 13 Jan 2020
at 14:34
  • msg #433

Ravenloft - Barovia

"Rest in pieces, you foul creature," Zertin tells the harpy as Saeko's blades cut her down.

Then he turns and aims his wand again to send another string of five glowing missiles at the undead in the northwest corner battling Qvar.

"Good work, Q! Help is on the way," he encourages his brother as he takes another step toward the northern wall to clear the way for anyone else charging into the fray.
Caesius
player, 128 posts
Yes, yes! I'm a paladin.
Deal with it already.
Wed 15 Jan 2020
at 21:44
  • msg #434

Ravenloft - Barovia

Caesius shakes his head and looks at his sword, blinke confusedly.  Then he notices that Qvar appears to be in danger...

"Heironeous!  Aid me as I smite the servants of foulness!" he cries, and then he moves towards the priest of Pelor.  Sadly, the uneven floor, and his still somewhat dazed state conspire against the paladin, and he stumbles.
Saeko
player, 92 posts
Thu 16 Jan 2020
at 00:32
  • msg #435

Ravenloft - Barovia

Saeko watches just long enough to make sure the thing is truly fallen, and then turns, satisfied to see that her allies appear to have control of themselves again.  She smiles briefly at Zertin as she passes, moving across from Violet, taking up a position against the creature to Qvar's left, her leading blade slashing at it as she spins into place.
Skald
GM, 288 posts
Abandon hope
all ye who enter here
Sat 18 Jan 2020
at 05:16
  • msg #436

Ravenloft - Barovia

With the song of the gravetouched Harpy stilled, the tide of battle turns in your favour.

Violet is the first to react in the blessed quiet that follows, though from her barely choked down sob, she is propelled forward more by an effort of will to conquer her fear than by considered purpose, ducking behind the Fell Monk to stab her blade deep into its back, only to be met with an angry snarl as it turns yellowed teeth towards her ...

... only to be rocked back as Zertin launches another volley of mystical missiles that slam into it, burning flesh already blistered by Qvar's holy light.

The creature's face snaps around, it's glowing eyes burning with fierce hatred as it suddenly lunges towards the mage.

Qvar is already committed to trying his luck against the other ghast ... and though it seeks to avoid the priest, his hand just managing to brush its mottled skin.  Instantly it is engulfed by the spell that dances on his fingertips, flesh consumed utterly by the healing energies that are so inimical to its kind.

However the gravetouched monk seeks not Zertin's life, but to flee ... though both Caesius and Saeko move to stop him, the Paladin stumbling on the loose ground, his limbs still stiff, but still giving the creature pause, which the Daughter of the Wind takes full advantage of, placing herself directly in its path ... and felling it with but one vicious slash of her sword.

A grim smile comes to Ashlyn's face as she calls upon the aid of the Morninglord to guide her blade ... and so too falls the last of the creatures.

With victory yours, you are now able to take stock.

The remaining body lying on the earthen ground to the west of the coffins proves to be that of a villager, but recently deceased and now partially eaten ... probably the occupant of the desecrated grave whereby you entered this barrow.  The ring on his finger and pendant about his neck, both of gold suggest he was a man of some means, in life.

Within the coffins, you find a silver nibbed pen, two gem studded gold cufflinks ... and a slender wooden baton engraved with the words "Milosh's Wand".

Now you have made the graveyard safe, the village is secure and your task here is done ... now you can aid Ireena to bury her father, knowing his body will lie undisturbed, then you are free to go with Ashlyn to seek out the mysterious Madame Eva ... thence wherever your quest may take you as you strive to destroy the evil that infests Ravenloft !

OOC: Map of the proceedings updated ...
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:51, Sat 18 Jan 2020.
Violet
player, 156 posts
...tired.
Just tired.
Tue 21 Jan 2020
at 01:39
  • msg #437

Ravenloft - Barovia

Gasping, sickened, Violet staggers away from the newly-grounded dead to lean against the wall of the filthy, dug-out cavern.  She ignores the riches – gold would have captured her attention in life, but in Hell?  It can only weigh one down.  What worth is metal in the land of the damned?  Only silver, it seems, and that as a warding tool; a quill will be of little use to her.

Wiping bile from her mouth, she takes a heartbeat or three to survey her compatriots.  Injured, some of them, but…alive.  And they show no signs of becoming the Un-Dying themselves, one of her greatest fears.

Turning back to the wall, she stabs her short-sword into the dirt, a vicious, savage renunciation of the unclean filth upon its blade.  Sharpening will perforce be necessary, but she would have needed to do so after use in any case.  Wiping the remainder of the grime from the steel, she takes a moment to point to the twisted, desiccated corpse.  “If that happens to me,” the young woman quietly states, “I hope someone will put an end to me.  Quickly.”

As hints go, it’s extremely clear.

That done, she moves to the tunnel entrance to take up a guard position, lamp in hand.  It’s always possible the sound of struggle might draw more foulness to them.
Zertin
Player, 331 posts
Human wizard
Tue 21 Jan 2020
at 13:09
  • msg #438

Ravenloft - Barovia

"Well done everyone. That was quite a battle but thank the gods we have all survived," Zertin congratulates his companions. "Let us gather up anything that might help us and make our way out of here to somewhere a little more welcoming. I will check for any magical auras here before we go."

Zertin sets to work on those tasks immediately. He drags the harpy's body over by those that fought Qvar and asks for Ashlyn's foe to be dragged there as well. When everything is gathered together he will use another wand to Detect Magic, scanning the whole chamber as well as the line of corpses and items found in the cave. Anything with a magical aura he will study a little longer then make sure they are taken out with us for more detailed investigation later.
Caesius
player, 130 posts
Yes, yes! I'm a paladin.
Deal with it already.
Sat 25 Jan 2020
at 14:10
  • msg #439

Ravenloft - Barovia

Caesius rises to his feet, and smiles sourly at Zertin's praise, his own part in the battle had been... less than stellar.

"I can think of few places that would be less welcoming, though the residents did seem somewhat pleased to see us."

Still, when all is said and done, the group had been victorious, which matters more than personal glory.  He sheathes his sword, and finds a scrap of cloth to wipe the dirt from his mail.
Skald
GM, 291 posts
Abandon hope
all ye who enter here
Fri 21 Feb 2020
at 06:12
  • msg #440

Ravenloft - Barovia

Most of you greet your victory with weary silence, thankful that this ordeal at least is over.  While Caesius dusts himself off and Zertin gathers the corpses in one spot in preparation for his spell casting, Violet's reaction is one of relief, though it is more of a realisation that what release there is may be but transient.

Still, in this place, be it the literal Hell or but one of many such, one takes what solace one can.  This day you have ended the plague of undead which befouled this benighted town in this shadowy dimension, and for that respite you are thankful.



Some rest at the Blood of the Vine tavern, wearing the grateful thanks of the townsfolk, though their gratitude is tainted with fear ... fear of what worse will now befall them.  Others choose to spend the night in vigil with Ireena, offering what comfort you can.

The new day (or so you judge it in this place of mists and failing light) comes at last, and with it you return to the graveyard.  As some nameless townsfolk open the family tomb, you can be forgiven if hands stray to the hilts of swords, and incantations and prayers dance upon lips ... but the bodies of long dead ancestors remain uncorrupted, and with due if hasty ceremony the dead Burgomaster is laid to rest in their company.

To your surprise, Ireena reclaims her father's blade, choosing not to let it lie in state with him, her grip as she settles it in her palm once more demonstrating her familiarity with the weapon, before she returns it to it's scabbard and buckles the leather around her waist.  No fancy frocks does Ireena wear this day, but armour (if somewhat lighter than that favoured by Caesius and Ashyln).

"I am coming with you," her words are a challenge as she looks around the group daring any to deny her.

The young woman considers a moment as if coming to some decision, then sighs.

"I believe that it is me who Strahd wants.  He haunts my dreams, chasing me ... and then when he catches me he kisses me and calls me 'Tatyana'.  Dreams so real ... but when I wake to find these ..."

Ireena pulls back her cloak to expose her neck upon which two marks stand out, obviously made by bites.

"I believe the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind would protect me from him.  Perhaps the wise woman can tell me where it may be found, perhaps not, but I'd lief raise a blade to combat the darkness than remain here hiding from it !"
Zertin
Player, 332 posts
Human wizard
Fri 21 Feb 2020
at 15:14
  • msg #441

Ravenloft - Barovia

While still at the cave Zertin had examined the items found there and had calmly reported that the wand has a faint aura of evocation magic, while the arm guards worn by the gravetouched monk radiate a moderate conjuration aura.

Zertin kept them with him overnight for further study, promising to reveal all he learnt of them in the morning.


<Fast forward past his reporting about the magic items for the moment.>

The next day when Ireena declares her intention to come with them and confesses the nightmare that plagues her dreams, and shows the bite marks on her neck, Zertin nods thoughtfully and gestures for her to join them.

"Strahd would be the Lord in the castle up on the mountain above the village, I presume?" he asks her. "Or was? Or will be?"
Violet
player, 160 posts
...tired.
Just tired.
Mon 24 Feb 2020
at 00:59
  • msg #442

Ravenloft - Barovia

As always, Violet stands a few steps distant from the knot of people.  Not to exclude herself, but...well, if pressed to explain, the young woman would likely reply with a shrug.  She, herself, isn't certain why she holds back.  Perhaps it's the casual acceptance of sorcery.  Perhaps it's the boisterous feeling around some of those with whom she travels.

Perhaps it's because this is Hell, and one shouldn't get close to anyone.

But a more pedestrian reason might also be to better keep her eyes open for...issues.

At Ireena's demonstration, she crosses herself.  "Devil's work," the young woman whispers.  This talk of visiting the other woman in her dreams puts a shiver down the Gabrielense's spine, and she shuffles her feet nervously, awkward in her fear.  But she'll hardly argue with Ireena; one must choose one's own path, both in life and in Hell, it seems.

As above, so below.
Saeko
player, 96 posts
Mon 24 Feb 2020
at 22:51
  • msg #443

Ravenloft - Barovia

Saeko simply nods to Ireena, with an approving smile.  "And if you are to turn, better it be among those who can address it," she notes, calmly.
Caesius
player, 132 posts
Yes, yes! I'm a paladin.
Deal with it already.
Mon 2 Mar 2020
at 07:40
  • msg #444

Ravenloft - Barovia

"If it is a true Holy Symbol, then it certainly can't do any harm.  This wise woman... is it far to her home?  Will we need mounts, or a wagon?"

Caesius thinks for a moment, then continues, "In the Clatspurs, to the west of the Vesve Forest there is an old woman, Mother Yrsa the Perrenlanders call her.  They say she will help any who comes to her for wisdom, as long as they bring a gift for her."

"Does this wise woman of yours, does she also require a gift?  And is she particular as regards its nature?"

Ireena
Mon 2 Mar 2020
at 13:42
  • msg #445

Ravenloft - Barovia

"Aye," Ireena confirms for Zertin and Violet, "he is the master of the castle and a veritable devil in the form of a man." 

Saekos's words, however seem to confuse her and she looks at the Daughter of the Wind in some puzzlement before she catches her breath, realising at last the implications, quickly rearranging her cloak to cover the bite marks on her neck, and turning to Caesius, grateful for the Paladin's questions.

"The camp of the Vistani lies to the west of the town, on the banks of the Ivlis river, nearby the Tser pool."

"Perhaps a mile away ?  Certainly not much more."

She nods as Caesius speaks of Mother Yrsa, though she seems unsure as she responds.

"The gypsies often have such fortune tellers in their number who will read the cards for a few silvers.  But that was all just for amusement - indeed my friends and I would often deal the cards ourselves and invent all kinds of fanciful outcomes."

"But Madam Eva is supposedly blessed or cursed with the gift of true sight.  I know not whether she would expect payment for her services or be offended by such an offer.  Though the Vistani are generally duplicitous and grasping ... perhaps better to err on the side of generosity."
Zertin
Player, 334 posts
Human wizard
Sat 7 Mar 2020
at 14:11
  • msg #446

Ravenloft - Barovia

"Then we should head for the Vistani camp without further delay and speak with this Madam Eva. The sooner we can find out about this Holy Symbol of Ravenkind and where it may be found, the better. She may also have other information that will aid and guide our efforts in this Gods-forsaken place." Zertin suggested.

OOC: Zertin's investigation of the magic items found in the graveyard revealed that the wand is a Wand of Magic Missiles (caster level 5th; 45 charges remaining), while the arm guards are Bracers of Armour (+2). Are either of those of any use to anyone else in the party? i.e. does anyone else cast arcane spells or does anyone else wear no armour? If no-one else can use them Zertin will hold them (and potentially use them) until they can be sold to be shared out among the party.
Ashlyn
NPC, 18 posts
Lightbringer
Paladin of Lathander
Sun 8 Mar 2020
at 06:07
  • msg #447

Ravenloft - Barovia

The Lightbringer nods her agreement with the Wizard's words.

"Aye ... as I said before, I hope and pray that this seer can tell me where the Sunsword may be found that I might use it to combat the darkness that defiles these lands.  I fear we will need all the help we can get."  Ashlyn glances towards Ireena, unsure whether the young woman will be of assistance or prove to be a threat herself.

"Perhaps those," she suggests to Caesius, indicating the items that Zertin proffers, "or my companions' gear might be acceptable if payment is required."
Violet
player, 162 posts
...tired.
Just tired.
Mon 9 Mar 2020
at 00:52
  • msg #448

Ravenloft - Barovia

"Payment," Violet murmurs quietly.  "If coin is not enough, I have little else to offer."  She studies the slender wand the...the sorcerer Zertin grasps, and shies away, taking a few strides.  It gets her distance from the enchanted tools; tools, Violet knows, of the devil.  "Perhaps if the crone isn't satisfied, we might trade a service."

Her lips twist in a grimace; this Madame Eva and her 'Vistani' sound like the Zinner of her own lands, with their occultism and soothsaying.  Some use their tricks to scam the gullible, but Violet has met others -- hailing from the misty land of Moth to the North -- who believe, who read their cards in terse phrases, eschewing drama and accepting only a copper coin for their messages.

A git, some said.  Satan's gift, others murmured.  Whichever, it seemed cleaner and more simple than Zertin's terrifying sorcery.  But in this land, what powers might these Vistani have accepted, themselves?

Stealing her nerve, the young woman nods.  "If we're set on it, best we move; worry about the price when it's quoted to us."

OOC - Violet is, unsurprisingly, perfectly fine with Zertin keeping the enchanted objects...
Qvar
player, 123 posts
Cleric of Pelor
Holier than thou ...
Sun 15 Mar 2020
at 13:13
  • msg #449

Ravenloft - Barovia

Seeing that no one else is badly injured, Qvar casts a cure spell on himself to heal some of the scratches and bites.  On the whole, the frail-looking priest has come through mostly unscathed.  He smiles as the party mop up after the battle, and offers his thanks to Pelor for protecting them yet again.

Qvar spends the night at the house of the burgomaster.  He has no need of sleep, so offers to keep vigil beside Kolyan’s body while Ireena rests, if she so chooses.  To his great joy and relief, he feels the Sun rise with Pelor’s gifts of hope and strength to the faithful.  He uses this time to meditate, seek reassurance and ask guidance for the day entrusted to him.

In the morning, Qvar appears refreshed, fully healed and possibly even holier than the day before*.  After the burial, he is momentarily concerned at the sight of the bites on Ireena’s neck, but smiles when she declares her intention to join them.  “We are honoured.” he replies, stifling a grin at Saeko's wry acceptance and leaving unsaid his own relief that she will be under their protection.  “And we will help you find the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind.  We do seem to be collecting quests." he adds, acknowledging Ashlyn's prayer.

Qvar readily agrees with Zertin that a visit to Madam Eva could be enlightening.

On the way there he walks next to Violet for a while and asks quietly, “I am curious about the talisman you carry.”  He smiles and glances towards her satchel.  “How did it come to be yours?”

*OOC: his holy aura is strengthened, he is now continually surrounded by a Magic Circle Against Evil 10’r.
Caesius
player, 133 posts
Yes, yes! I'm a paladin.
Deal with it already.
Sun 15 Mar 2020
at 16:09
  • msg #450

Ravenloft - Barovia

Caesius walks, leading Hammer.  Sometimes it can be good to stretch your legs.  And walking doesn't necessitate ducking under quite as many low-hanging branches as riding would.

Walking, he half listens to the conversations around him, while keeping a wary eye on the terrain to each side of the path.
Violet
player, 163 posts
...tired.
Just tired.
Mon 16 Mar 2020
at 01:05
  • msg #451

Ravenloft - Barovia

Striding quietly along the path, Violet cannot help but sense the change in the priest as he moves up alongside her.  Even someone as blind to spiritual matters as herself can practically taste the difference in the air about him.  It's almost clean in her lungs, and colours seem a touch brighter under his radiance.

Surely whatever the name he gives his god, it is truly He who is Father to Abel Christ?

Her cheeks heat when he speaks; embarrassed, she grips the pouch at her side, fingers sliding along the edges of the small box it holds.  "I...I found it."  This said, haltingly, with a grimace.  "It was...after I came here.  From Chaville."  To Hell.  "But before I arrived at the inn where we met.  I just..."  Her gaze slips up to meet his.  "There was a demon.  Furred and clawed, it's head that of a monstrous wolf.  It came upon me in the night, as I lay in camp, trying to understand what had befallen me."

The memory puts bile in her mouth, sour with fear.

"I thought...perhaps the stories of Moth were true, and somehow the Hooked One had found me as I slept, and dragged me into its misty forests."  But no.  "The...the creature made to kill me, but it seemed...almost at war with itself.  It proved no easy task, but I managed to find its heart.  And as it lay upon the ground?"

She draws in a shuddering breath.  "It...changed.  Into a man.  Clothes filthy and torn, his beard weeks old.  And as I crept closer, he...he thanked me."  Shaking her head, Violet struggles to control her voice; it shakes and dances like a willow in a windstorm.  "Cursed by the devil.  He...said he had been a good man, and that I had been sent to save him from this fate.  And he gave it to me."

Finally Violet meets Qvar's gaze square on.  "Told me it might be my salvation if I found its rightful, ordained holder."
Zertin
Player, 335 posts
Human wizard
Tue 17 Mar 2020
at 12:05
  • msg #452

Ravenloft - Barovia

Zertin moved up on the other side of Qvar shortly after he joined Violet. He missed the part of the conversation about the werewolf but caught the last part of the conversation and guessed it was about the item she had offered Qvar previously.

"My dear brother has taken a vow of poverty. It makes no sense to me either but we do manage to work around it from time to time. He cannot own the holy water and powdered silver required as material components for some of his blessings, so I supply it when required. Perhaps you could employ a similar strategy when you need him to activate whatever it is that you have been given?"
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