RolePlay onLine RPoL Logo

, welcome to Expedition to Castle Ravenloft (DnD v3.5)

09:01, 21st May 2024 (GMT+0)

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1.

Posted by SkaldFor group 0
Caesius
player, 279 posts
Yes, yes! I'm a paladin.
Deal with it already.
Sun 31 Mar 2024
at 11:31
  • msg #286

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

Having finished his food, Caesius moves to an area of open space, where he starts exercising.  First with Razor, then with Nail.  After a quarter hour with each he stops and examines both weapons for nicks and blemishes, then sets about cleaning them to a bright finish, such that the steel blades shine like mirrors.

As he cleans, he murmurs excerpts from The Book of the Code under his breath...

"The Paladin must be true, always, to his Code.  Strong must he be, and Just.  Always must he uphold his duty to the People.  Always must he uphold his duty to Heironeous, and to His church.  Always must he uphold his duty to a Lady."
Zertin
Player, 506 posts
Human wizard
Sun 31 Mar 2024
at 12:22
  • msg #287

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

"Caesius, while we rest, we need you to complete the vigil to attune yourself to the Sunstone," Zertin reminds the paladin. "As I understand it, Qvar has completed the vigil but his oath prohibits him from using the Sunstone's powers, Irena is not able to use it and Ashlyn's training was more focussed on combat and did not encompass the depth of religious knowledge required."

After studying the ancient book they found, Zertin is ready to explain its contents.

"It appears to be Strahd's life story, penned by his own hand. It is so old and so faded and fragile that there are only two pages that are legible, but even on those the penmanship is so poor as to be difficult to read, even for someone as familiar as I am with the scribings of students of the arcane. Here, let me read it for you," he  offered.

"I am the Ancient. I am the Land. My beginnings are lost in the darkness of the past. I was the warrior, I was good and just. I thundered across the land like the wrath of a just god, but the war years and the killing years wore down my soul as the wind wears stone into sand.

"All goodness slipped from my life. I found my youth and strength gone, and all I had left was death. My army settled in the valley of Barovia and took power over the people in the name of a just god, but with none of a god’s grace or justice.

"I called for my family, long unseated from their ancient thrones, and brought them here to settle in the castle Ravenloft. They came with a younger brother of mine, Sergei. He was handsome and youthful. I hated him for both.

"From the families of the valley, one spirit shone above all others. A rare beauty, who was called "perfection", "joy", and "treasure". Her name was Tatyana, and I longed for her to be mine.

"I loved her with all my heart. I loved her for her youth. I loved her for her joy. But she spurned me! "Old One" was my name to her—"elder" and "brother" also. Her heart went to Sergei. They were betrothed. The date was set.

"With words she called me "brother," but when I looked into her eyes they reflected another name: "death." It was the death of the aged that she saw in me. She loved her youth and enjoyed it. But I had squandered mine.

"The death she saw in me turned her from me. And so I came to hate death—my death. My hate is very strong. I would not be called "death" so soon. I made a pact with death, a pact of blood. On the day of the wedding, I killed Sergei, my brother. My pact was sealed with his blood.

"I found Tatyana weeping in the garden east of the chapel. She fled from me. She would not let me explain, and a great anger swelled within me. She had to understand the pact I made for her. I pursued her. Finally, in despair, she flung herself from the walls of Ravenloft, and I watched everything I ever wanted fall from my grasp forever.

"It was a thousand feet through the mists. No trace of her was ever found. Not even I know her final fate.

"Arrows from the castle guards pierced me to my soul, but I did not die. Nor did I live. I became undead, forever.

"I have studied much since then. "Vampyr" is my new name. I still lust for life and youth, and I curse the living that took them from me. Even the sun is against me. It is the sun and its light I fear the most, but little else can harm me now. Even a stake through my heart does not kill me, though it holds me from movement. But the sword, that cursed sword that Sergei brought! I must dispose of that awful tool! I fear and hate it as much as the sun.

"I have often hunted for Tatyana. I have even felt her within my grasp, but she escapes. She taunts me! She taunts me! What will it take to bend her love to me?

"I now reside far below Ravenloft. I live among the dead and sleep beneath the very stones of this hollow castle of despair. I shall seal shut the walls of the stairs that none may disturb me."


OOC: The two legible pages of the Tome of Strahd can be viewed at the Game Map for Group 1.
Caesius
player, 280 posts
Yes, yes! I'm a paladin.
Deal with it already.
Sun 31 Mar 2024
at 13:30
  • msg #288

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

Caesius doesn't stop his scrutiny and cleaning of his weapons, but he does pause his recitations long enough to respond, "Aye, Zertin, I had not forgotten.  But in order to ensure success in the vigil, I must first purify both myself and my weapons.  It will not take much longer."
Violet
player, 309 posts
...tired.
Just tired.
Mon 1 Apr 2024
at 00:25
  • msg #289

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

Violet shakes her head at Qvar's offer of exploration, and brushes away Ashlyn's hand.  "Duty," she whispers, the word foul in her mouth.  Casting her hood over her head, she moves to a corner and seats herself.  The others have their own work they do, their chosen tasks; Violet stares through them from the shadows of her cloak.  She pays half an ear to Zertin's story, the words meaningless to her.  Vampyr?  She knows not this name.  It's pointless, in any case.

The only escape from hell, it seems, is death; and what worse trials await them following that passage?

It seems that Caesius will become their greatest protector in this; a tiny part of Violet is pleased she offered him the relic.  Perhaps if they find this sword he will become mightier still.  But it doesn't get them out of hell, and it doesn't bring back Saeko.

When the story is finished, she spits once to the side, her feelings evident.

Rousing herself, the young woman moves to one of the exits.  "I'll keep watch," she mutters, barely audible.  "If we need to stay here longer for Caesius."
Zertin
Player, 507 posts
Human wizard
Mon 1 Apr 2024
at 13:26
  • msg #290

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

After today's reading from the Book of Strahd, Zertin points to Saeko's corpse.

"I suggest one of you check Saeko's possessions to see if there is anything particularly useful that we might borrow whilst we endeavour to avenge her death," he suggests. "I have no doubt she would want us to do so."
Ashlyn
NPC, 71 posts
Lightbringer
Paladin of Lathander
Fri 5 Apr 2024
at 05:21
  • msg #291

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

Ashlyn nods, willing (if not happy) to undertake that task.  "I do not think any of us could wield those blades of hers," she suggests, voice raised in question, as she kneels beside her comrade's corpse.

"I shall stand vigil at the side of Caesius," the armoured woman avows.  "Perhaps I may yet gain the insights I need to use this holy device.  If naught else, Saeko's death has reminded me that any of us might fall in this struggle, so we must be ready to step up to take the place of those who have gone before us, as the need arises."
Caesius
player, 281 posts
Yes, yes! I'm a paladin.
Deal with it already.
Sun 7 Apr 2024
at 08:06
  • msg #292

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

Caesius stands and sheaths his sword.  "It is time." he declares, and moves towards the altar.

He bows his head to the Sunstone, then kneels, taking the silver lightning bolt and fist emblem of Heironeous in his right hand.

"Father Heironeous, hear the prayer of Your true warrior.  Watch over me while I engage in my vigil, and grant me, in Your infinite wisdom, that my faith will be strong enough to complete the task You have set before me.  All hail Heironeous!"

And a smile touches the paladin's lips as he finishes his prayer...
Violet
player, 312 posts
...tired.
Just tired.
Sun 7 Apr 2024
at 14:22
  • msg #293

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

Violet's eyes widen at Zertin's words, and when Ashlyn moves Saeko, she hurriedly follows.  Crouching beside the young woman, she lowers her voice to a whisper.
Ashlyn
NPC, 72 posts
Lightbringer
Paladin of Lathander
Wed 10 Apr 2024
at 07:10
  • msg #294

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

Ashlyn seems surprised at Violet's words and her eyes widen as she stops her search of the Saeko's corpse, resting back on her haunches as she converses with the young woman in a low, but conciliatory tone.
Violet
player, 319 posts
...tired.
Just tired.
Thu 11 Apr 2024
at 18:26
  • msg #295

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

Violet's stony features break into a grin; it's not at all reassuring, but at the same time the tension in the young woman's body slowly begins to lower.


Her piece said, Violet rises and backs away a few steps before turning and moving back to the exit.  There, she drops into a crouch, keeping her eyes peering out into the unknown, on the watch for threats.
Caesius
player, 283 posts
Yes, yes! I'm a paladin.
Deal with it already.
Sun 14 Apr 2024
at 15:30
  • msg #296

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

Seemingly oblivious to all else in the chamber, Caesius stays, kneeling, before the altar.  He gazes at the holy symbol in his hand, and his lips move constantly.  Those who are nearby can hear a faint whispering, though the actual words are indistinct.  Save the word "Heironeous", which is repeated oft, and always a little louder than the rest.
Ashlyn
NPC, 73 posts
Lightbringer
Paladin of Lathander
Sun 21 Apr 2024
at 07:24
  • msg #297

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

The armoured woman smiles in return, acknowledging Violet's response.  Standing, she turns her attention to Zertin and Qvar.

"We're leaving Saeko's possessions alone," she informs the brothers.  "I'm informed that her beliefs would regard their removal as grave-robbing ... though in truth, despite her title I think she sought a simple existence, not unlike our Priest of Pelor, and those blades of hers were the only thing of any value that she owned."

"And now," she smiles, addressing the room at large, "I will join my fellow knight in Vigil.  Disturb us only if you must."

So saying, and with another smile for Violet, Ashlyn returns to the altar, placing her pack to one side and laying her blade on the altar before kneeling alongside Caesius, bowing her head in silent prayer.
Zertin
Player, 509 posts
Human wizard
Sun 21 Apr 2024
at 13:45
  • msg #298

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

Zertin shrugs at Ashlyn's announcement.

"So be it, then. I hope she will be allowed to rest in peace with her swords always at her sides. For future reference, my own wishes would be entirely different. If I fall, know that I would wish you to use any of my possessions that would aid you, particularly if it would be to avenge my death. If you had the opportunity to have me brought back to life, you have my permission to sell any of my possessions to pay for it, for I know it would be particularly expensive. Give me back my life, my freedom and my spellbook, and you would have my gratitude," he replies.
Qvar
player, 323 posts
Cleric of Pelor
Holier than thou ...
Mon 29 Apr 2024
at 11:22
  • msg #299

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

Qvar listens with rapt attention to Strahd's story.  When Zertin is finished he exclaims "By his own hand!"  His gaze drifts to a distant unseen Sunset as he breathes "Praise Pelor."

He nods his blessing when Saeko is left to rest in peace but rolls his eyes with a grin when his brother starts making plans for his afterlife again, once a sore point between them but not since his own death.  "I'll put in a good word for you, Zed.  But I'm not sure that dark eyed lady you favour will let you go."

He bustles about, as quietly and unobtrusively as possible, when Caesius and then Ashlyn settle into their vigil: packing any leftover food, tracing a warded circle in silver about centre of the chapel and altar, fading down the light when all have settled for the night.  He sits on a pew in silent meditation as the hours pass.  He prays for strength - Caesius and Ashlyn in their vigil before the altar, Violet in hers of grief - and sleep for Zertin and Ireena to restore their strength.  He gives thanks for providence, that their path should be so guided by those of this land, Madame Eva's foretelling confirmed by Strahd himself.  Wisdom and certainty, but gained at such cost.  He prays for his companions: take heart, we are on the right path, we are where we need to be, Pelor sees us.
This message was last edited by the player at 11:25, Mon 29 Apr.
Violet
player, 321 posts
...tired.
Just tired.
Thu 2 May 2024
at 13:08
  • msg #300

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

Violet maintains her vigil in silence, patiently keeping her eye on the various ways into the room.  To all appearance, she is a quiet, motionless statue.  Inside, her guts coil and twist, and her despair grows.

There seems no escape from hell, nor should there be.
Skald
GM, 461 posts
Abandon hope
all ye who enter here
Mon 6 May 2024
at 06:52
  • msg #301

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

Qvar's concecration of the altar serves to bolster the sense that the Chapel is a sanctuary in this land of mists and shadow and that its wards might protect you from the darkness without.

Indeed, your time here passes without interruption - the bat-creature that intruded on the last occasion either can not or does not put in an appearance, and so Caesius and Ashlyn are able to complete the Vigil, binding themselves to the Holy Symbol of Ravenloft, the Sunstone.

Qvar has no need of sleep, but meditiates, ready to put Pelor's gifts to use should they be needed, while his brother studies for a while and then turns in.  Ireena joins Violet in the place where she has taken up station, the better to watch the doorways, both consumed with their own terrors and neither really managing more than a few snatched moments of oblivion before jerking awake.

And then it is done, as, in silent consent the vigil is finished, spells are memorised or beseeched, fasts are broken and packs are readied ...
Caesius
player, 285 posts
Yes, yes! I'm a paladin.
Deal with it already.
Mon 6 May 2024
at 17:25
  • msg #302

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

Caesius bows his head, almost looking as if he has fallen asleep.  Except that his eyes are open, and he is smiling.

Then he stands, stifly, and finding some room, he starts to perform a some simple exercises to loosen up.  The vigil is over.

And, insofar as he can tell, it was successful.

He draws Razor and lifts it high in tribute to Heironeous.

And the blade flares with a brilliant blue-white effulgence. 

The paladin falls to his knees again, his eyes locked on the blade.  While the glow has faded from the steel, the weapon seems even more brightly polished than usual...
Zertin
Player, 510 posts
Human wizard
Tue 7 May 2024
at 12:53
  • msg #303

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

Zertin spent a while studying his spellbook after he woke and finally closes it as the vigil ends for Caesius and Ashlyn.

He smiles indulgently as he sees Caesius fiddling with his sword but his eyes widen slightly and he nods with genuine approval as the blade flares so brightly.

He looks around to check that everyone else is ready as he packs his spellbook away in his haversack and makes ready for whatever challenges await them today in this accursed castle.
Qvar
player, 325 posts
Cleric of Pelor
Holier than thou ...
Sat 11 May 2024
at 03:01
  • msg #304

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

Qvar rises when others start moving about, facing the broken stained glass windows and basking for a moment in the imagined glorious sunrise beyond.  Promises will be kept.  He watches Caesius and Ashlyn for a while, pleased at the success of their vigils.  He's glad too that Ireena and Violet shared found some comfort in shared grief.  And he's glad that Zertin got some sleep; though that should never be in doubt - his brother can sleep through anything.  Memories bring another smile.

He crouches for a moment beside Saeko's body, murmering a quiet prayer.  "Pelor, remember this warrior, Saeko, who fought and died that the Sun would win against this mist.  Remember her as her companions do."  He places a copper penny on each of her closed eyes.

He has no new breakfast of sunshine flakes to offer this morning, instead unpacking the plentiful remnants of yesterday's meal and speaking a prayer over them so that they well remain fresh today.  "Sunfather, purify this food to sustain those who would bring your warmth to this land."

"Breakfast anyone?" he invites, smiling.  When any or all have gathered he sits beside his brother while they eat, and again stores the dwindling supply when they're done.  "What direction shall we take today?" he asks of them all.  "We know the Sunsword is two levels above, and we cleared a path to the first level.  Should we continue that way?"
Ashlyn
NPC, 74 posts
Lightbringer
Paladin of Lathander
Sun 12 May 2024
at 06:25
  • msg #305

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

At the conclusion of the Vigil, Ashlyn too smiles, equally for Caesius's affirmation of his faith as for what benefits she herself has gleaned.

Taking up the Holy Symbol from the altar, the armoured woman returns it to the Paladin, but her nod of thanks takes in Ireena too.

And she welcomes the meal that Qvar presents to them.

"The stairs to the north of the hall where we fought that tentacled horror led only downwards," she recalls as she replies to the priest.  "But there was another door there which we did not investigate.  As good a place as any to start."
Zertin
Player, 511 posts
Human wizard
Sun 12 May 2024
at 14:12
  • msg #306

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

Zertin joined them for breakfast and made no complaint about the lack of variety on offer.

He nodded agreement to Ashlyn's suggestion, echoing her final words, "As good a place as any."
Skald
GM, 462 posts
Abandon hope
all ye who enter here
Sun 19 May 2024
at 07:03
  • msg #307

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

Once everyone is ready, you leave Saeko's body in the chapel where you hope it will be safe from harm, retracing your steps up the stairway to the north that leads you to the balcony above and down the wide hallway to the audience chamber where the remains of the shapeless spawn lie sprawled on the steps before the throne.

The creature was unpleasant enough before, but though its ululating wail is now silenced forever, a foul odour now rises from its corpse that lies uncomfortably close and you try not to breathe too deeply as you turn your attention to the door at the southern end of the East wall.

Now, without the terrible noise that the creature made, nor the mad ranting of the Gibbering Mouthers that served it, much less the howls of the madman whom you suspect to be the Master of this grim edifice, as you stand before the door you hear a dry scratching beyond ...

OOC: Map of the proceedings updated ...
Zertin
Player, 512 posts
Human wizard
Sun 19 May 2024
at 11:51
  • msg #308

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

Zertin covers his nose with the edge of his cloak in a vain attempt to block the awful stench of the shapeless spawn as he listens to the scratching beyond the door.

"Anyone care to speculate on what awaits us?" he asks. "Undead or vermin, perhaps? Probably not undead, I suppose. I find they tend to be more patient or more cunning than to give away their presence so easily. So, probably vermin?"
Caesius
player, 286 posts
Yes, yes! I'm a paladin.
Deal with it already.
Sun 19 May 2024
at 15:24
  • msg #309

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

"In this place I doubt we'll find natural vermin." the paladin says, with a wry smile, "So something else, I'd hazard.  Something vile summoned by the fiend that rules here most likely"

A thought seems to strike him then, and he removes Violet's gift from around his neck and binds it instead around his upper left arm, above the top edge of his shield.

"Whatever it may be, forewarned is forearmed, as they say."
Qvar
player, 326 posts
Cleric of Pelor
Holier than thou ...
Mon 20 May 2024
at 02:19
  • msg #310

Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft #1

"Or upper-armed." Qvar chuckles, approving of the paladin's instinct.  He is unaffected by the smell and his mood is bright as they resume the search.  He has no idea what's behind the door, so positions himself so that the protection Pelor grants will benefit them all.  Let the bravest lead the way.

Protection from Evil 10'r
Sign In