Breaking your fast, you take your leave of Barovia once more, taking the road to the west of the village that runs south-west, straight as the path of an arrow to the  bridge of ancient stone that crosses the turgid Ivlis River, then following its twists and turns to the south making your way back to the crossroads.

The old wooden gallows creaks as you again read the signpost opposite, this time electing to follow the road to the west that purports to be "Castle Ravenloft".

The path does not look well-travelled and is in poor repair, but as it turns north once more the forest parts around a large hill, a spur of bare rock jutting up from the earth.

Near the hill's highest point, you can see a blackened tower of crumbling stone, the ruins of some ancient site.

Storm clouds churn in the sky overhead ...

The young woman shudders as she raises her eyes to the peak high above.

"This is it ... this is Lysaga Hill, home to witches."

"It is said that this was once a holy place, sanctified by Saint Ecaterina who built her monastery here.  Even after she died and the tower was destroyed it was revered ... but its reputation darkened as more and more villagers met grisly ends upon this hill.

Zertin gazes up at the blackened ruin at the top of the hill and scowls.

"We shall certainly get our quota of exercise today, climbing that hill! Quite a defensible spot, wouldn't you agree?" he comments, directing that last question to the various sword-wielders in the party.

He takes a moment to cast a spell upon himself before they set off up the hill.

OOC: He cast Mage Armor on himself. If anyone else is unarmored he will offer them the Bracers of Armor he is carrying.

Ashlyn grudgingly allows it is as Zertin surmises, though ...

"I'd be happier agreeing with you if I was the one charged to hold that tower, rather than beseige it," she notes grimly.

"Perhaps the passing of the ages and the elements did what no army could not," the paladin adds, noting the sad condition the building is now in.

"We should save our breath for the climb ... and keep an eye out for any witches who might still defend this hill which bears their name !"

"While evil is as evil does, witches are more your province than mine, Zed," Qvar notes. "I'll follow your lead if we run into any."

The priest eyes the climb with typical serenity, keen to see this place that 'once was holy'.

Caesius studies the decrepit tower for a few moments, before observing, "If what we need is up there, then climb we must.  I see nothing moving."

Witches.

Violet's heart chills at the thought.  Devil-ridden sorcerers, freely giving their spirits to their lord for power; that is, at least, her knowledge of such things.  Granted, she muses, perhaps things are different in different places; perhaps it is as Qvar says, and she should leave that in the hands of Zertin and his own knowledge of satanic practices.

Not an entirely comforting thought, but at least she holds some trust for the sorcerer in their midst; enough, at least, to admit that even if his power arises from the devil, he seems to at least attempt to use it for their support.

She could take the rear...but while that position requires some ears and eyes, anything coming from behind must perforce <I>catch up.</i.>  Something in the front need only wait, hidden, for them to march into a killing ground.  It's with fatalistic acceptance that Violet concludes her own place to be in the front of this line  of people.  "First," she quietly states, readying her bow, arrow on the string but not drawn.  Then the young woman carefully paces forward to take the lead, keen eyes and ears struggling to pierce the everpresent murk.

"Exercise, Zed?" Qvar grins at his brother.  "I hope we're not In danger of working up a sweat!"  He gazes appraisingly up at the top of the hill and finds himself agreeing with himself that Zertin is likely to be of more use than himself.  He stays close to Zertin to keep him safe and mop his brow.

When Violet steps past to take the lead, Qvar touches her arm as passes and speaks a brief prayer  "Let Pelor guard your climb."  He smiles reassuringly.

Leaving Randal behind with Hammer, you set off.  The climb up the hill proves not so arduous as Zertin and Ashlyn fear ... indeed, Violet, warded by Pelor's light, at the fore has little trouble, even with her bow at the ready in her hands, her feet finding suitable purchase on the sleep but not-unforgiving slope.

The burned out tower is a husk of a building, with only the west and east portions of its twenty feet tall outer wall still standing.  Your approach is from the east, the nearest point to the road, though as she draws closer, Violet angles to the south, leading your around the crumbling but still substantially intact wall that blocks your way to a place where it has collapsed entirely.

Within the bounds of the outer wall, shorter stone walls, but ten feet in height, delineate the chambers of the ancient site, while piles of rubble choke much of the open space.

Violet carefully picks her way forward, Ashlyn to her left, Caesius to her right, while behind the three Seiko wards Ireena and Qvar likewise watches over Zertin. 

As you regard the ruined tower, a hideous mass of glowing spirits, like a roiling cloud of pale mist bearing dozens of silently screaming faces, rises up from the ground.  The tortured expressions of the faces in the mist speak of undying torment and mind-numbing terror. 

OOC: Map of the proceedings updated ...
This message was last edited by the GM at 02:47, Sun 11 Apr 2021.

Qvar watches the cloud of faces evolve, fascinated more than horrified.  "I have no idea what that is."  Puzzled, he walks forward 10' to stand in front of Caesius, where he can still protect his friends but see the cloud more clearly.  There he raises his worn wooden Sun symbol but speaks a simple prayer to Pelor, "Sunfather, reveal where darkness lurks." before attempting to turn the evolving cloud.

OOC: ...just adding a little character flavour from last night's rest at the burgomaster's mansion (in this case burnt offering flavour).

Qvar does not need to sleep and was happy to keep watch while others rested, even dimming his glow to night-light level.  During the evening he borrowed a sewing kit from Ireena and repaired his homespun robe of the damage done by the nymph's fireball, cutting away the singed wool and darning it back together.  His own burns were also minor and fully healed by morning.

As the party woke he greeted each one with a nice cup of tea and a sunny smile.

"I believe I do." Caesius growls, "And if I'm right, then our weapons are of no avail."

He seizes the symbol of Heironeous which hangs around his neck, and calls out "In the name of Heironeous, the invincible Valorous Knight, I command you begone!"

Zertin stands at the back of the group, scratching his chin.

"Hmm, fascinating. Undead, clearly, but I don't recognise it either, Q. But you do, C? Weapons will not harm it, you say? You hope to turn it and drive it away instead, which means it would likely return later to threaten us again. So, should I do what I can to weaken it now while I have the chance? Yes, I think I should."

Decision made, Zertin plucks a tiny ball of bat guano and sulfur from a pouch on his belt, recites an incantation and flicks the tiny ball at the misty nightmare in front of them. The tiny ball bursts into flame and streaks toward the undead then explodes out from the centre of the misty undead into a fireball 40 feet wide.

OOC: Zertin rolled 22 using 7d6.  Fireball damage. (Reflex save DC19 for half damage.)

Somewhat more confident with Qvar's prayer in her ears - heathen or not, the priest clearly carries no evil and whatever spirits to which he prays are no-doubt those of light - Violet lets out a slow, silent sigh of breath, and continues with a touch more positivity.  That lasts just as long as it takes them to arrive at the tower.  There, she once again grows cautious, spotting first the curious, circular pattern on her left...before making the rather easy catch of the satanic manifestation boiling from the ground before them.

Sickened at the sight of the bilious cloud, she swallows heavily to keep the bile from her mouth.  The words of her companions fall upon her ears - consideration and a prayer from Qvar, half-prayer and half-command from Caesius (and oh, how she wishes the damned souls will listen to his words!), and curious stream of consciousness from Zertin.  Un-dying?  If the sorcerer is correct...and why would he not be, these are clearly un-housed souls of the damned...perhaps the group should seek some kind of sanctuary.

"There's a circle in the ground," she begins quietly, pointing.  "Over there -"

A streak of light and fire from the sorcerer's fingers blossoms into a hellish inferno the likes of which Violet has never seen, never thought to see.  For an instant, she stands transfixed as the roaring flames fill her vision; then the young woman silently dives behind the closest wall, her scream locked away in her throat by a tightly clenched jaw.  What choked sounds escape from between her teeth are no-doubt lost in the volcanic howl of Zertin's sorcery.

OOC - Soooo...I guess that's a 5' step to the wall next to her.

Qvar had been unsure whether the cloud was some figment or indeed undead, but his companions' actions confirm his suspicion.  Once again taking his lead from Caesius, he raises his wooden Sun symbol and calls Pelor's power, "Light of the Sun, banish this darkness!"  Sunlight flares momentary in the wake of Zertin's fiery blast, adding light to heat. 

Qvar peers at the cloud and around the ruins to see if more undead approach.  He spots Violet where she wisely takes cover and smiles reassuringly.  "Yes, it's a sacred circle.  We should test that later, it may yet hold some power over the darkness."

Saeko frowns, staying between Ireena and the cloud.  "Weapons are all I have," she states, drawing them despite their purported ineffectiveness.  She tilts her head a little as Zertin's fireball explodes, but it snaps over the moment Violet dives away, watching her with concern, but only for the moment.  She turns away, and away from the horrific cloud, instead casting her eyes about to make sure it is alone.

If something apparently composed of dozens of entities can ever be alone.

"Let's hope that between us, Caesius and I have turned it, even if only long enough for us to search this ruin."  He smiles brightly at Zertin.  "If not then you've made a nice start on the alternative!"

Having spent more time in these lands than all but Ireena, Ashlyn cannot believe that such a horror as you now face will be so easily banished.  Stepping forward to stand besides Qvar, she plucks a ceramic flask from the pouch at her hip, and hurls it towards the roiling mist.

The young woman stifles a scream as she stares in horror at the anguished faces in the mist, managing but a step back as Saeko moves to ward her, her feet transfixed in terror at this manifestation of evil.

Qvar is not daunted by the horror before him, stepping forwards in fascination, mouthing an orison as he seeks to understand what he sees ...

... but Caesius fears that he already knows.  Boldly presenting the symbol of his god he demands that the the cloud leave this place.  Taking his cue from the Paladin, Zertin attempts to flay it with fire to hasten it on its way, summoning a ball of furious flames that engulfs the cloud in a fiery conflagration and hastens the collapse of the crumbling walls within the tower, adding more dust and debris to the destruction.

Warned that weapons are of little use here, Violet looks towards some markings she has spotted, inscribed on the rubble-strewn stone flags to the south west quadrant of the tower that appears to be the remains of a sacred circle ... but follows her instincts and takes shelter behind the ruined remains of a wall as Zertin's spell erupts.

Like his brother, Qvar follow's Caesius's lead, adding the strength of his faith to that of the Paladin in an attempt to banish the cloud, as Saeko thrusts Ireena behind her to ward her from the evil, casting her gaze around in case there is aught else that would dispute your presence here. 

But as the flames die away, the ghostly cloud remains, unmoved by prayer and barely touched by fire, and starts to move towards you, hungrily ...

With a practicality born of harsh experience, Ashlyn hurls a small flask towards the creature.  The bottle breaks as it strikes the stones before the cloud and flares with a flash of brilliance akin to pure daylight that drives it back, for the moment.

OOC: Map of the proceedings updated ...
This message was last edited by the GM at 22:57, Mon 12 Apr 2021.

Explosions of sorcery.  Flares of brilliance.  A cloud of malicious spirits, no doubt intent upon assuaging their hunger.  Terrified, Violet risks a single glance and, with weary horror, confirms her ugly prediction: the gyre of spirits advances upon them, undaunted by fire and light.

Running seems the best option to her shocked mind.

But run to where?  The sacred circle, verified by Qvar, seems to be a likely place; Violet has witnessed the efficacity of heretical beliefs in this hell, and part of her yearns to seek shelter.  Another part of her resists; the circle resides in a corner, and should it prove no barrier against the unholy vision before them, she will have nowhere to retreat.

Prudence takes precedence over optimism, and the young burglar bolts from her corner, slipping past the group to grip Ireena by the arm.  She gives the woman a shake - not unkindly - and places herself between their charge and the horror.  "Look at me!" Violet cries over the chanting, the shouts, and the crackle of flame.  "Get your head about you!"

Her friends seem well and able to retreat if need be, but this untrained villager is frozen in fear.

Zertin scowls in frustration that his glorious fireball had such little effect on the ghostly cloud.

He points his favourite wand at it and speaks the command word to hurl a string of five magic missiles to rip into its insubstantial form.

Zertin will move back with the rest of the party if they start to retreat.

OOC: How fast was it moving toward us before Ashlyn's flask drove it back?

Zertin rolled 20 using 5d4+5.  Magic Missile damage on undead cloud.

Qvar also feels frustrated that turning had no effect.  "And that really was the very best that Pelor could do through me..." he mutters to Caesius and Ashlyn.  He frowns in a moment of regret as he glances back to where Ireena stands and carries Violet's great gift, then smiles and waves when she catches his eye - he's glad that she's safe, and Saeko and Violet are there to protect her.

Increasing his soft glow to a fierce eye-catching glare he turns back to the cloud, takes another step forward, and raises his hand. "A little ray of Sunshine has come into the world."  A ray of sunlight blasts from his open palm towards the cloud.

12:16, Today: Qvar rolled 18 using 1d20+5.  ranged touch with scorching ray.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:58, Sun 18 Apr 2021.

Violet's intervention rouses the young woman.

"I can hear them," she tells Violet, turning her gaze towards the rogue, her eyes now focused, though horror still etches her features.

"Your ward!" Violet's presence before her and the examples of Caesius and Qvar stir her to reach into her pockets to pull forth the phylactery.  Holding it up by the leather cords in a shaking hand she commands the cloud, "Begone !  In Lathander's name, begone !"

Hearing Ireena's words, and sensing the power of the phylactery being called upon, Qvar's hopes of turning the grotesque cloud rekindle.  He adds his own voice and Pelor's light to aid her effort.  "Pelor's light be with you, Ireena!"
OOC: aid another, turn undead as a swift action.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:50, Mon 26 Apr 2021.

Caesius backs towards Ireena and Violet, the symbol of Heironeous still held before him.

It might not have driven off the undead abomination but it could, backed by the God's will, still cause the thing to hesitate if it tries to reach the two women.

The silver lightning bolt blazes as the symbol reflects Qvar's brilliant light.

Saeko flashes a sudden quick smile towards Violet, there and gone almost too fast to see.  She makes one of her dance-like, half turning steps out of Ireena's way, first facing her, nodding in encouragement, and then shifting to stand at her side, facing the creature before them.

Though she glances towards the circle thinking it might offer sanctuary, Violet cannot stand by while Ireena is in need.  Abandoning what cover the ruined wall provides she moves swiftly through the rubble, attempting to rally the young woman, even as she wards her.

While his ball of flame may have had no effect, Zertin does not despair - indeed the volley of mystical globes of energy that he summons through his wand fly through the air to strike the creature true, adding a fresh note of pain to the already torment-etched faces that churn within the cloud.

Seeing the creature was stopped in its tracks by the light from Ashlyn's flask, Qvar summons Pelor's divine might to send a ray of searing light into the roiling mass, the light that surrounds the Priest glowing even brighter, the mist now seeming torn and ragged as if it were made of but common cloth that might be spotted and burned.

Roused by Violet's words and actions, Ireena attempts to copy Qvar and Caesius, holding forth the phylactery that the young woman bestowed upon her.  Though it is obvious that she has no inkling of its correct use, she is sincere, her confidence bolstered by the Priest's words ... though the cloud pays no more heed to her imprecations than those of the others. 

Caesius steps closer to the two woman, the symbol of Heironeous glowing certain that faith and the power of his God will protect them ... while Saeko prefers to rely on her blades, moving lithely to take up position at Ireena's side, both ready to face what may come.

Ashlyn turns back, nodding as she sees the young woman warded, then steps forwards to Qvar's side, ready herself to raise her sword in defence of the Priest.

The glow seems to give the cloud pause and it advances slowly at first, pushing tentatively at the edge of the radiance ...

A surge of energy seems to explode from the cloud with concussive force, battering Ashlyn and Qvar, the rubble lying around them being blown back, though the weakened stone crumbles, and the dust that whips at those behind the pair stings but does no harm.

OOC: Map of the proceedings updated ...

Zertin frowned at the concussive blast from the cloud of tormented spirits. He pointed his wand at it once again and repeated the command word to launch another volley of magic missiles to blast the incorporeal undead.

"Pull back everyone. We don't need to be close to fight it. We need only a brisk walking pace to outrun it, as long as we don't let it knock us down with those blasts. Keep yourselves safely out of its reach and I will whittle it away soon enough!"

Zertin does not hesitate to follow his own advice as well, retreating 30 feet back down the hill away from the undead.

OOC: Zertin rolled 19 using 5d4+5.  Magic Missile damage on undead cloud.
This message was last edited by the player at 14:49, Mon 03 May 2021.

It's too much - the sorcery, the satanic apparition before them replete with the tortured faces of the damned, the explosions and chaos.  Gripping Ireena by the arm, Violet attempts to draw the other woman down the hill, away from the manifestation of evil.  Clearly her bow and arrows are of no use here; better she find a way to bring the other woman out of danger, if possible.

Part of her hopes that Zertin is correct, and the malevolent cloud is as slow as it first appears.

Part of her fears its sluggishness is merely a ruse.

"Oh, good try Ireena.  I felt that!" Qvar beams encouragement at the young woman, appreciative that she should try to stand up to the horror before them.

He nods his understanding and agreement towards Zertin.  He has prepared poorly for this eventuality, but time enough later for a shame-faced apology.  Right now the best he can do is stand between the cloud and those he cares for.  "Don't worry about me Zed, I'm made of sterner stuff than I look.  Pull back, all of you, follow Zertin."

For himself, Qvar pulls back only 5', just enough to stay out of reach without giving in to it... he hopes.  From there he calls out a prayer and a challenge, letting the wooden Sun symbol swing from the frayed rope at his waist and instead beckoning with his bare hand.  "Come closer you miserable souls!  Let the heat of the Sun warm you!"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:58, Sat 08 May 2021.

Ashlyn staggers as the blast hits her, but manages to retain her footing.  Zertin's words causes her to glance at Qvar, but as the priest determines to hold his ground, so does she.

Swinging her sword, the Lightbringer summons all her resolve, putting all her bodily might and the strength of her faith into the blow.

With no magic at his disposal, at least none that seems likely to harm the thing, Caesius follows the retreating party members.

If he can't do anything to injure their foe, he can at least try to bolster the spirits  of those who might be fearing for their lives, and their souls.  "Hold steady!  Faith and strength will prevail here!  Mark how Qvar's light burns the thing!"

Zertin launches another barrage of glowing orbs at the roiling mists, then leads the retreat down the hill, away from the horror, Violet dragging Ireena after him to safety while Caesius covers them, guarding the rear even as he tries to prevent fear from causing a headlong route.

Saeko holds her ground, not entering the fray, but poised to ward Ashlyn and Qvar should they choose to fleee, or be forced to.

The priest steps back a pace to steady himself, the armoured woman at his side as he challenges the cloud of tortured souls to set themselves against the power of Light.

The ghostly cloud rushes forwards, mouths of the trapped souls therein open wide in a silent scream, attempting to consume the pair, to incorporate them into its own insubstantial form ...

... but just as it falls upon them, Qvar raises his hand, as if to push it back, summoning the power of Pelor in a surge of radiance that envelops the cloud, rending the darkness and destroying it utterly, the screams of the dead now made real as finally they are freed, Ashlyn's blade passing through naught but empty air.

Silence falls on the hilltop as the winds whipped up by the creature's passing die down and the dust settles.

"Woo!"  Qvar hugs Ashlyn then steps back and grins at Saeko.  He pats down his ectoplasmically spiked hair, laughing, then calls to his friends gathered safely down the hill.  "We did it!  You did it, Zed!  They're gone, and us not with them, may they now rest in peace.  And Pelor assures me there are no others like them in the ruin.  Let us search!"
This message was last edited by the player at 10:11, Mon 17 May 2021.

Zertin breathes a sigh of relief when Ashlyn and Qvar's heroics don't prove suicidal after all. He grins back at Qvar as he climbs back up the hill to the ruins once more.

On the way he seeks out Violet to ask her a delicate question or two.

"V, do you have any skill with the use of magical devices, by any chance? We found a wand of magic missiles earlier and discovered the command word but as I can only use one at a time it is not being used at all yet. It is not quite as potent as my wand but it would be a good weapon to have available in situations like this, if you are able to use it at all."

Caesius's stirring words touch Violet, but the rushing advance of the cloud almost breaks her; her stomach clenches, her knees melt to water, and it's possible that it takes both the knight's support and the paralysis of fear to keep her in place long enough to witness its ultimate fate: dispersed by the brilliant display of Qvar's holy might.

And it's over.

The weakness, however, is not; Violet sags in place, knees clicking together to hold her on her feet.  For an instant her eyes close - but only an instant, and they snap open again, darting left and right, on the hunt for further preternatural threats.  Qvar's assurances fall upon deaf ears; her spine and gut have learned there is no safety in this grey-gloomy land of fog.

But she does hear his request, and with a weary sigh, pulls herself upright.  "Stay strong," Violet whispers to Ireena (and in part, one might expect, to herself).  "And stay close to one of us."  A grimace twists her lips for an instant.  "Qvar would be your best choice."  Wincing in anticipation of further horrors, she slowly pads forward to take the van of the group, eyes flicking over the ruin before them.  "I...I shall search; if others do, be wary of surprises others may have left."

Then Zertin moves to inquire.

For an instant, Violet almost takes offence.  Her?  Have familiarity with the use of the devil's trappings?  But the question is an honest one, from as honest a sorcerer as Violet has ever thought to encounter.  So she only eyes the thin stick with trepidation, then shakes her head.  "I beg pardon, but no.  I have...no such skill."  Her smile is a more of a twitched grimace, but she makes the attempt for politeness's sake.  "But thank you."

"...oh, and Praise Pelor!  You helped too."  Qvar adds hastily with a sheepish glance skyward.  He musses Zertin's hair when he reaches the ruin.

Violet's advice seems good, though Caesius doubts that the woman is thinking of precisely the same sorts of surprises as he is.

There is no rest yet.  Not while they are in this accursed Barovia, where every moment shows them new horrors.

Qvar assures them that there are no further undead in the area, at least.  The paladin walks forward into the ruin, scowling.  "The place reeks of blasphemy." he growls.

It isn't immediately clear if he speaks of Barovia, in general, or this specific portion of the land.

He starts to search, turning towards the right, where the remains of the structure seem to hold promise.

The young woman cradles the Phylactery in her hands, managing a small smile as Violet offers words of comfort.

"Thank you," Ireena tells Violet, quietly, "you saved me."

She looks down at the holy object she holds. "I think your gift helped too.  More than my blade might have.  It seems there is a yawning chasm between knowing how to use a sword and being able to when fear takes full hold."

"I shall do better next time," she resolves, following after Violet, if with more determination than confidence.

"May I return the favour ?" Ashlyn smiles at Qvar, moving more freely now after that gods-touched hug.

"Aye," the armoured woman voices her agreement with the assessment of Caesius.  "If such a horror as that can abide here then whatever powers of good once warded this place must linger no more.  Yet perhaps this day we took a step towards reclaiming it for the Light."

"Perhaps that thing consumed the witches that this hill is named for ?" she suggests, optimistically, even as she joins the search of the ruins, electing to examine the circle that Violet pointed out.

Rain begins to fall as the storm-front reaches Lysaga Hill, though with the foe vanquished it now seems more cleansing than threatening as you comb through the ruins.

Zertin and Qvar keep watch while Ashlyn inspects the stone circle, the armoured woman confirming that it seems to be a sacred circle, though of questionable efficacy as the engravings that mark it are weathered and damaged.

Caesius searches inside the remains of the building to the east, by luck his choice protecting him somewhat from the chill wind that accompanies the rain, and luck again when he finds a glass lens, miraculously intact, a metal rim about the glass covered with symbols that he recognises as holy.

Violet, with Ireena at her heels and Saeko watching over them both, works her way around the perimeter of the tower, her keen eyes finally alighting upon a wooden trapdoor, mostly buried beneath the rubble, but swiftly cleared ... a more mundane discovery than the others, but perhaps the most important.

Surprisingly the trapdoor opens easily to reveal a ladder stretching down into darkness through a narrow shaft in the rock.

OOC: Map of the proceedings updated ...

Violet can't exactly disagree with Caesius, regarding the blasphemy; he may be a heathen, but clearly the warrior knows his light from dark.  With a swift, silent nod of agreement, she moves into the ruins, slowly searching hidden objects and dangers.  "I merely dragged you a touch further out of danger," she murmurs in reply to Ireena.  "T'was Qvar and the others who...ended the devil's spawn."  A pause, and she looks back to face the other woman.  "Training is good, but we all get what we train for," Violet slowly begins.  "And the best training for fighting is to fight."  Now her lips shift to a thoughtful moue.  "Sadly, that often leaves one unable to fight again, and un-dead specters are poor partners for any beginner.  No shame; they're beyond me, as well."

A sigh follows.  "I'm glad that the gift was helpful.  I wish it weren't needed, but...please don't be quick to try to 'do better'.  'Better' is 'alive', and I'd say you did well enough at that."

And then, the young woman discovers the trap door.

With a faint sigh, she squats at its rim, looking down.  "Well," Violet finally whispers, "I think we may have found our next challenge."  It should sound wry, but the effect is spoiled somewhat by the quaver in her voice.  Casting about, the young woman catches up a chunk of old wood; after a few moments of search, she removes a small, steel flask of lamp-oil from her pack.  A few sprinkles of the oil goes on the wood, which she then lights.  A grimace twists her sharp features for a moment, then the quiet woman tosses the burning wood down the shaft, leaning over to mark its passage.

And eventual terminus.

Zertin had a look over the sacred circle and the lens that Caesius found.

He offered to detect magic on the lens and if Caesius wants to take him up on that offer he will use his wand to cast Detect Magic.

Eventually he joins Violet and friends at the trapdoor.

"Thank you."  He beams at Ashlyn when she offers to heal him in return.

Qvar too peers down the trapdoor.  "Oooo!  Missed him by this much."  He grins at Violet, holding hands apart to show about one foot.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:59, Fri 28 May 2021.

Caesius studies the lens, turning it to examine the symbols around the metal rim.  Something about them seems almost to spark some recognition, and he wracks his memory for something, anything, that might cause that sense of familiarity. 

Finaly he holds the object out for Zertin to examine, but still his mind searches for the meaning of the symbols, and of the item itself.

Zertin examines the symbols around the rim of the lens to see whether he can decipher their meaning or recognise them at all from his various previous studies. Then he casts detect magic from his wand to determine whether the lens is actually enchanted or not.

Using this peaceful interlude, Qvar casts Bless on his companions, just quietly "By the Light."  Not much light here on this gloomy hilltop, but enough.  The Sun is always there, just above the clouds.

Calling on Lythander, Ashlyn touches her hand to Qvar's shoulder, infusing the Cleric with the healing grace of their god (though both know him by different names), while he in turn calls upon Pelor's blessing upon all of you. 

Meantime Zertin and Caesius examine the lens that the paladin has found. The wizard's spell confirms that the item contains a faint trace of magic from the Divination school, and Caesius recognises the symbols engraved upon it as the same as those he has seen inscribed upon priestly scrolls upon which are writ spells of undead detection.

Violet offers Ireena words of advice and comfort as she considers what lies beneath the opening she has uncovered, throwing down a lit brand to discover that there is solid ground about fifty feet below ... and that the ladder is anchored to the wall and seems reasonably intact.

The makeshift torch burns away undisturbed, revealing no sign of any creature within range of the light it provides.

Pursing her lips, Violet considers options.  They are few.  Finally she shrugs, glancing around to ensure others are decently prepared.  They aren't, not just yet, so she waits.  "Will need to go down," the young woman murmurs.  "Slowly - can't go down without light."  It's a ladder; ten feet would be manageable, but fifty will require both her hands, which means a lamp attached to her backpack.

Which leaves the potential for sloshing oil from the lamp; not palatable.

Thus, a slow descent.

With a small shrug, she accepts the fact that it is her place to go down first.  She might not be the most heavily armored, but she has the best chance to hear if something lies in wait, and in a mad scramble to leave the shaft via the ladder, Violet would bet on herself to arrive at the top before any other in the group.

Hearing Violet's comment about the need for light, Zertin walked over to peer down the shaft as well.

"I can provide light that will last for at least an hour, if you will allow me to enchant an item to glow for you. No flame, no heat, just light bright enough to illuminate out to 20 feet from the light source. It can be anything you wish to use as a light source - whether it is something you want to carry, or something you can wear so your hands remain free, or something you can throw ahead of you, or anything else at all," he offered.

Qvar nods encouragingly at Violet's bravery and at Zertin's suggestion.  "I can offer a little more Protection on behalf of Pelor." He holds our his hand to touch Violet's arm if she agrees.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:51, Sat 12 June 2021.

"I shall be right behind you," Ashlyn avows to Violet, appreciating that the young woman's caution is more appropriate here than her own forthright approach.

The armoured woman nods to Saeko, with that committing her to ward Ireena.

Moving towards the edge of the pit, Caesius turns the glass in his hands.  His fingers trace the outlines of some of the markings, as he studies the device curiously.

Finally he stands on the rim of the opening and, raising the lens before one eye, he peers into the depths.

Violet winces at the thought of taking Zertin's sorcerous light with her.  But...  If he speaks truth - and he seems proud enough of his magery not to lie about it - it is naught but light.  And carrying the devil's light for a short time seems likely a touch safer than burning oil and a ladder. She glances around herself.

And I am already in hell.

Qvar's blessing, heathen that it is, concerns her far less and would be more welcome; she has seen the light he carries and how it burns the Un-Dead.  A pity the blessing will not grant her that light as well.  "Very well," Violet finally decides.  Pulling out a single arrow, she offers it to Zertin.  "I will...accept this gift."

Politeness costs nothing, after all.

"And yours as well,"the young woman continues, with a bow for Qvar.  But her eyes shadow slightly as she turns to Ashlyn.  "Perhaps not...'right' behind me," Violet suggests.  "If I need to climb the ladder to escape what lies below, it might be good to give me room to do so."
This message was last edited by the player at 00:52, Tue 15 June 2021.

Zertin smiles and takes the arrow that Violet offers. He plucks a tiny speck of something that glows faintly from one of the pouches on his belt and briefly shows it to Violet.

"Phosphorescent moss is one of the items we can use to help focus the magic for a Light spell," he explains. "Fireflies are another option, if they are available."

He gently rubs the arrow with the faintly luminescent moss as he intones a brief incantation, then hands the glowing arrow back to Violet.

Smiling, Qvar casts Aid on Violet. "Pelor embolden this brave woman as she seeks the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind, your Sunstone."

Saeko nods back to Ashlyn and shifts her position very slightly towards Ireena, recognizing the division.  She pauses, though, looking back to Violet steadily, and then dips her fingers into a small pocket on her pack.  Pulling out a small, thin whistle, she holds it out.  "Do you have one of these?"

Violet cannot help but cringe slightly under Qvar's touch - a reflex, his prayer a heathen thing.  But nevertheless, she offers him a grateful smile and a nod.  Less-sanguine is her stare toward Zertin's offering; but the light the arrow gives seems to hold no taint within it....

And such a thing is likely the most dangerous of all, for it appears harmless.

Reaching out, she takes the arrow with a wince, somehow managing a second nod of thanks, this time to the mage.  Freely and of her own will has she taken magic in-hand, now.  Surely I am truly damned.  Violet cannot say for sure; she is no clergyman, no priest.  Gripping the arrow firmly, fingers trembling even so, she turns back to the ladder...and pauses at Saeko's offering.

Brows furrow for an instant, then Violet recognizes the tool.  "No."  A faint, tremulous smile crosses her lips.  "I have not seen one since my childhood."  With a small bow of thanks, she takes the whistle; drawing a small cord from her kit, Violet ties it around one wrist.  "If you hear a whistle, come slowly," she offers to the group.

If you hear screams, come swiftly.  Or not at all.

Moving to the edge of the hole, Violet stares down into the dark.  Then she nods decisively, nocks the glowing arrow, and looses it into the darkness, straight down.  When it impacts, she swings her legs over and begins the descent, peering down past her body to where the arrow shines below.

The armoured woman peers over the edge, tracking Violet's progress, ready to follow as soon as she can, though mindful of the young woman's request that she allow her some time before she does so, should Violet need to retreat in haste.

While Violet is obviously the most suited to scouting ahead, still you do what you can to assist her.

Zertin provides light in the form of a spell cast upon an arrow, causing it to glow brightly, while Qvar calls upon Pelor to strengthen and hearten her.

Holding up the lens he uncovered, Caesius stares down into the hole ... but after some consideration he pronounces it free from the taint of the undead.

Before ushering Ireena back from the trapdoor to allow others to stand close by and ready, Saeko gives Violet a whistle ... a child's toy, as the young woman notes, but
perhaps its use to provide a signal will prove its value.

With Ashlyn standing ready, Violet begins her descent ...

Sending the arrow down before her, she climbs down into the darkness, quickly and safely gaining the floor of the cavern some fifty feet below.  With no immediate threat in sight, the young woman snatches up the arrow, ranging north and south from the ladder before reporting back.

To the south of the cavern, a steep slope ran down to a series of narrow passages, while to the north, Violet came to the edge of a sheer drop.  Some twenty feet below she could just make out, at the fringes of the light, a circle of runes carved in the stone floor, with a small rune-graved stone in the centre.

She saw neither sight nor sound of any creatures in either direction.

OOC: Map of the proceedings updated ...

The paladin of Heironeous  tenses, and frowns, as he lowers the lens from his eye.

The cause of such a reaction is not immediately apparent.  Only Zertin, Qvar, and Ashlyn stand before him.

He drops the lens into his belt pouch and, oh so casually, rests his right hand on the hilt of his blade.

Zertin frowns slightly at Caesius's reaction but after a moment's consideration he smiles and nods as though acknowledging something to himself.

"What has vexed you so, my dear paladin? You look as though you have seen a ghost! Or is there some taint of evil here that is not already apparent to the rest of us?" he asks Caesius quietly as he waits for Ashlyn to follow Violet down the ladder.

It takes all of her nerve to merely stand at the foot of the ladder, both ways open before her.  But the arrow provides light, and a better one than her lantern; heart in her mouth, the young woman moves in both directions a short ways to check the lay of the land before returning to where she entered.

Looking up, she waves the arrow in the air before stabbing it into the ground once again, replacing the sorcerous tool with a more pedestrian depulicate, nocked in her bow.  A small shiver passes through her and she edges a step from the light source.  It had felt like nothing in her hand, no heat, no chill...just an arrow.

Shining with toxic, sorcerous magic.

Waiting for the others, she continuously casts her gaze in both directions down the tunnel.

Caesius slowly shakes his head at Zertin, his expression grim, and replies quietly, "Best pray that I have not seen a ghost, Zertin.  For, had I done so, one so mighty would, almost certainly, mean doom for our quest."

"I will keep watch, and stand ready to fight, just in case.  I hope that, when the time comes, I can count on your support, no matter what befalls."

Zertin smiles and glances fondly at his brother before replying to Caesius.

"With you and Ashlyn blessed with the talent to detect the taint of evil whenever it comes near, I am certain we will all be ready to fight it together. You can count on our support in the battle against evil," he assures Caesius. "Isn't that right, Q?"

Saeko stays close to Ireena, but also keeps an eye cast downward.  When she sees the light waving, she says simply, "Violet beckons."

She will gesture for Ireena to go first, and then follow her down the ladder.

"Oh, me?"  Qvar is perplexed to find himself the object of Caesius' premonition.  He smiles to disguise his discomfort, then, looking for the telltale crinkle in the corner of his brother's eye, bursts out laughing.  "Oh, you had me there!  It's the evil dead we need to worry about.  Not us nice ones."  He pats Caesius on the shoulder.  Stifling further chuckles he queues to descent the ladder.

Ashlyn has eyes only to watch for Violet's signal, and as the young woman waves the glowing arrow and plants it in the earth, she grunts in relief, checking her blade is safe in the scabbard just one more time before she begins her descent.

Perturbed by what the mystic lens reveals, Caesius's hand strays to Razor's hilt. Zertin notices the Paladin's reaction, though the wizard seems unafraid, even confident that there is no threat that he and his companions cannot overcome, while Qvar realises himself to be the likely cause and good naturedly reassures Caesius.

Having given the word to the others to descend, Violet retreats a pace from the glowing arrow to stand guard, her gaze flicking left and right as she looks for dangers lurking in the shadows.

Soon Ashlyn is at her side, and the pair are soon joined by Ireena and Saeko.

OOC: Map of the proceedings updated ...
This message was last updated by the GM at 06:04, Sun 11 July 2021.

Qvar descends the ladder, his soft golden glow making a pool of light 5' around his head.  At the bottom he smiles at those who've bravely come already, then speaks quietly, "We seek The Holy Symbol of Ravenkind.  It's a platinum amulet shaped like the sun with a large golden crystal at its center, and around the crystal are inscribed symbols of light and truth.  In the distant land that Zed and I came from, it was called the Sunstone.  I suspect it exists simultaneously in both worlds, for the two versions appear identical and were stolen around the same time.  Curious, don't you think?"

He peers around the cavern, his eyes probing the darkness beyond the arrow's glow.

Relieved the others have arrived, the young woman makes room.  "There is some sort of..."  A look of distaste crosses Violet's face as she whispers.  "Mystic circle."  She gestures in the proper direction.  "That way.  I have seen nothing of danger, but..."  A small shrug demonstrates her feelings on that subject.



OOC - Sorry; dealing with some things right now.  Still around, mostly.

Qvar nods his understanding to Violet.  "That sounds a likely place to search."  He walks north around the pillar, stops at the cliff and looks.

13:40, Today: Qvar rolled 17 using 1d20+8.  knowledge religion sacred circle. Good idea Zed.
This message was last edited by the player at 05:42, Sun 04 July 2021.

Zertin follows his brother down the ladder and over to the cliff edge. He stops behind Qvar and peers over his shoulder at the circle Violet mentioned.

Zertin rolled 14 using 1d20+6.  Knowledge religion (mystic circle?).
Zertin rolled 18 using 1d20+14.  Knowledge arcana (magic circle?).

Caesius holds position at the top of the ladder until everybody else has reached the bottom.  Between glancing down the pit to see how things go with the descent, his eyes sweep the wreckage of the ruined fortification, searching for any current source of the foulness that scratches at his nerves.

Only when all are safely below, does the paladin set foot on the ladder and descend into the pit.

Those above make their way down the ladder into the pit ...

Qvar pauses to describe the Sunstone, Ireena nodding to confirm that it is indeed the same amulet stolen from her family, known to them as the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind.  Directed by Violet, he and Zertin head to the north of the cavern while the rest of you wait for Caesius, the Paladin's heavy armour making the climb down more difficult, though taking his time he manages it safely, if not quickly. 

Reaching the edge of a sheer drop, Qvar and Zertin look out.  Though the mage can see naught now that the glowing arrow is back near the base of the ladder, the priest can just make out a circle of runes carved in the stone floor some twenty feet below, at the centre of which sits a small dark rune-graved stone.

There is no sign of the object you seek, nor sight or sound of any creature lurking in these depths.

OOC: Map of the proceedings updated ...

"Rather dark down here, isn't it, Q? I might, er, walk toward the light. That's the usual advice, is it not?" Zertin chats with his brother.

He will move a few steps back toward the group but won't leave Qvar until his brother is ready to move on as well.

"Mmmm, yes, it is dark." Qvar replies to Zed.  Picking up a pebble he murmurs a prayer, "By your light, Sunfather."  He tosses the pebble down to land in the mystic circle engraved on the cavern floor below.

His aim is spectacular, perfectly allowing for the distance and high vantage, and the pebble bounces to rest on or near the small raised stone in the centre of the circle.
09:19, Today: Qvar rolled 24 using 1d20+4.  Throw pebble 30'.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:25, Mon 12 July 2021.

More light flares; Violet casts a nervous glance that way, seeing only Qvar and Zetin.  Relieved - as much as possible in this hellhole - she returns her attention down the corridor in the other direction, watching for movement.  Or possibly the glow of eyes.

Now she's just unnerving herself.

OOC - Sorry - been somewhat hors de combat due to the wonders of a second dose.  It pretty much KO'ed me for the last couple of days.

The glowing pebble describes an arc of light as it flies through the air from Qvar's hand, landing exactly where the Cleric intended in the centre of the graven circle.

Suddenly revealed, at the very edge of the light's brightest reach is a cloaked figure, which raises an arm to ward off the sudden glare, only to slowly lower it again as her eyes begin to adjust to reveal the face of a frail old woman, one gnarled hand wrapped about a crooked staff upon which she leans for support.

"Who's there ?" she croaks.  "Leave me be !"

OOC: Map of the proceedings updated ...
This message was last edited by the GM at 12:22, Sun 18 July 2021.

As soon as he hears the old woman's voice Zertin rejoins Qvar at the ledge so he can see her as well.

"I say, Caesius, I think we've found your grandmother!" he exclaims. "There's definitely a family resemblance."

He reaches back and retrieves a pair of wands out of his haversack then as quietly as possible he speaks the command word to trigger one of them.

Caesius frowns.  If it really is my grandmother, then it is as Violet believes, and we are truly in one of the Nine Hells.

Still the voice had sounded like an old woman's...

The problem is, as he was taught, there are a number of things that sound like old women.  And very few of them limit their actions to beating a boy with a broom for not cleaning a sword properly.  Their cruelty even extends beyond sending the same boy to bed with no supper for dropping that sword in the mud during combat training.

He wheels around and sets off towards Zertin, calling out, "Who is it?  Who's there?"

As soon as Caesius reaches them, Zertin nods toward the lighted circle and the old woman on the edge of it.

"Is evil there?" he asked the paladin softly, still concentrating on his own spell.

Probably, Qvar expects.  But he hopes not.  Hopefully she's a harmless old woman living peacefully down here in the dark, and eager to help with finding the Sunstone.  Hopefully he won't need to deal harshly with her, as he did with the Heart of the Forest yesterday ... perhaps overly so ... bring light without pain.

Raising a hand in greeting, Qvar forces a smile and calls down to her.  "Hello.  We seek something that was stolen, and has perhaps turned up here.  Can you help us find it?  And is there aught we might do to help you?"
This message was last edited by the player at 10:24, Sun 25 July 2021.

Turning his gaze towards the woman, Caesius ponders briefly.

"She certainly looks harmless enough." he murmurs in response to Zertin.

The others seem to be in deep discussion with...someone?  No satanic magic is yet in evidence, nor have swords been swung, so it appears thus far the discussions are at least somewhat congenial.  Violet grimaces at those left behind, and continues to watch the second path.  "Best we hold here," she murmurs.  "Keep the ladder free."

And watch their backs.

The armoured woman nods at Violet's words, looking over her shoulder to smile at the younger woman before turning back to her vigil.

"There is a lingering taint of evil in this place," Ashlyn sounds not at all surprised about this, "but nothing close by ... so far as I can tell."

As the old woman pleads, Zertin returns to the ledge, calling out to Caesius to do likewise before casting a spell of detection.

The Paladin joins the Wizard and his brother, the three staring down on the figure within the magic circle below, as Qvar calls out to her.

"I have taken nothing !" the old woman seems affronted at Qvar's suggestion.  "Whatever you have lost you will not find it here !""

"I need no help ... the Green God provides for me !"

At Violet's urging those remaining near the ladder keep watch, alert for any sign or sound of attack coming from the south ...

Zertin murmurs a few words too quietly for the old woman to hear.

"Yes, there is magic here ..."

He continues to study the magic circle and surrounding area to learn more about the magic he can sense.

"Huh!  Something vile too." mutters the paladin, "Do her skin and hair look... green?  In fact, does her hair look like plants?"

Oh, so casually, he reaches for the crossbow slung across his back.

Qvar puzzles over the name 'Green God' a moment, trying to recall what he's heard and listening to the murmurings of his companions.  Just as quietly, he replies grimly to Caesius, "Yes.  Oh dear."

Calling out again he reveals a little more, gauging her reaction and giving his companions time to prepare.  "I do not accuse you of stealing.  It was foretold by Madame Eva that a thing stolen by Strahd, the master of the castle, has found its way here.  Can we come down?"

08:48, Today: Qvar rolled 19 using 1d20+8.  knowledge religion Green God.
09:02, Today: Qvar rolled 15 using 1d20+5.  sense motive - nice old green lady.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:06, Sat 07 Aug 2021.

"Eva !"  The old lady sneers.  "My cousin is the seer, not I, Baba Zelenna !  You must tell me what you seek for I know only that which the Green God reveals to me !" 

"Speak as you will, but keep your distance.  I trust you not !"

"I sense two magical auras down there, one very strong," Zertin murmurs. "Now where exactly are they?" he whispers to himself as he continues peering at the scene below.

Qvar nods understanding to Zertin, and glances towards Caesius wondering if he has located the source of the vileness he sensed.  He calls out again to the crone. "We seek The Sunstone, although in this land it is known as The Holy Symbol of Ravenkind.  It's a platinum amulet shaped like the sun.  As I said, it was stolen by Strahd."

Caesius continues to study the woman as she speaks to them.  His crossbow is cradled in his arms, but not pointed at her.

"A blasphemous creation !" Baba Zelenna replies to Qvar as Zertin and Caesius watch her intently, anger and contempt in her voice.  "An artifact of the Light."

"Aye, that ... thing is here, but warded well so that it does not disturb the Darkness."

"The Green God will drape the land in gentle night," she assures the priest, smiling.

Those waiting at the foot of the ladder hear a noise from somewhere within the darkness to the south, the sound of bone scraping on stone.

"We have a problem," whispers Violet.  Arrow nocked, she watches the darkness intently, hunting for any sign of motion.  "Someone, go to the others and let them know."  Her eyes narrow.  "Without shouting."

She suspects there will be enough of that shortly.

"Ah, that small stone covered in runes at the centre of the circle is very strongly magical; almost overwhelming, in fact," Zertin murmurs. "The second magical aura is located just below it."

OOC:
Zertin rolled 33 using 1d20+14.  Spellcraft check to identify school of magic of powerful aura.
Zertin rolled 28 using 1d20+14.  Spellcraft check to identify school of magic of the other aura.

"Yes that." Qvar responds gravely, taking in Zed's revelations as well.  He looks toward Caesius to hear what the paladin can reveal about the old woman.  "And will you aid us to pass those wards and take it?  Then we will go, and take these small lights with us.  The light of the Sun will be restored in the land above, but need never reach down here to disturb you."

08:21, Today: Qvar rolled 31 using 1d20+12.  last ditch effort at diplomacy .

Knowing that when trouble arrives then she is less suited to deal with it than the others gathered about the base of the ladder, the young woman nods at Violet, and again to show she's heeded the warning, before heading north to warn those standing near the cliff's edge, whispering in Caesius's ear to let him know that something approaches from the south.

"Never !"  Baba Zelenna vows angrily as Qvar proposes stealing whatever treasure she has buried her.  "Darkness will rule the lands both above and below."

"Soon I will summon the Green God and together we will slay not only the Master but also Eva and the Drowned Lady that we might rule together in blessed Night !"

It's probably fairly obvious at this point, but Caesius confirms it anyway.  "This crone carries the stench of vileness about her.  It permeates her very flesh and bones."

He slides a quarrel into place, and aims the crossbow at the woman.  Though he seems  distracted...

Zertin murmurs thoughtfully as he completes his investigation of the magics he can see below.

"Abjuration, of course. Protective magic mainly with some conjuration and divination mixed in as well. I suggest we stay out of that magic circle until we can give it our undivided attention," he whispered to Qvar, Caesius and Ashlyn. "The other aura remains a mystery to me."

With his wand of magic missiles in hand he calls out to the old woman.

"Excuse me, madam, might I enquire, are you one of those marvelous magical creatures called a hag? A green hag?"

"Alas." Qvar sighs in response to Caesius' news of inevitable evil.

"Agreed!" he whispers in response to Zertin's warning to stay out of the circle.  A Green Hag?  Goodness!  "Don't they come in threes?" he wonders.

He replies resignedly to the crone.  "I pray that you may yet find the Light of Lathander in your heart, Baba Zelenna.", although, sadly, it seems more likely it will be our swords and arrows she finds there.

"What do you think, shall we find a way down?"  He whispers.  "I'm no use up here if it comes to blows, I have no power that will reach."  He looks toward Caesius, smiles to see Ireena also there.  He's ready to move off with them when they choose.

In a sudden flash of inspiration he adds quietly to Zertin, "I wonder if the drowned lady she spoke of is the Guardian of the Forest?  And whether this Green God is responsible for the green pillar outside the Guardian's cave?  You could ask her while she's still in a talkative mood, before we reach her.  Its a pity she's so set on bringing darkness, for it seems she's no friend of Strahd."
This message was last edited by the player at 06:50, Sat 28 Aug 2021.

"She mentioned Madame Eva, too. I fear she may be your third hag. It sounds like there is little love or loyalty between them, though. Clearly they are no friends of Strahd's either, so us destroying him would still serve her purpose, would it not?" Zertin whispered back to his brother.

"Agreed!" Qvar whispers, grinning back at his brother.  "That would be a good day's work, if you found a way to cheer up the hags."
This message was last edited by the player at 02:07, Sat 04 Sept 2021.

"Glad I am that my flesh bears the mark of the Green God !" Baba Zelenna replies angrily to the three on the ledge above her, "and may He show you the path to Darkness !" she tells Qvar in response to the priest's prayer for her redemption. 

As the two brothers discuss how to proceed, with Caesius's warning and Ireena's hastily whispered message to guide them, a shout from Ashlyn tells all that a more immediate threat has arisen ...

To the south, two figures round the rocky wall of the cavern at the top of the slope.  Reeking of decay, these gaunt humanoids are covered in black, leathery skin.  Each has a single crooked horn rising from the back of its head and curling forward like a scorpion's tail.  Their hands end in claws, impossibly long and their mouths are filled with huge numbers of needle-like teeth.  Blood oozes from their skin and drops in gelatinous globs to the ground as they approach.

OOC: Map of the proceedings updated ...

"Something is amiss here.  I know of no gods of Nature that would embrace eternal darkness, and the resulting death of all that lives." Caesius says quietly, and readies his crossbow.

Then a shout from Ashlyn draws his attention.  His head swings in her direction and, as he catches sight of the two creatures coming out of the gloom, his crossbow follows suit.

The quarrel springs forth to meet them... too soon, as it turns out.  Sparks fly as the metal-tipped bolt strikes stone behind Ashlyn's head.

Wary and ready, Violet is nonetheless taken aback by the appearance of their assailants.  Her stomach roils - not in disgust, but raw, visceral fear.  No mere un-dying, these two; Hell has certainly disgorged demons to hunt the souls trapped within it.  "Beware!" she shouts to those behind her, voice shaking, and shifts slightly for a better angle.

Draw, aim, loose.

But her shock betrays her, and the arrow's aim is off, likely producing a missed opportunity.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
OOC - Attack roll 13, damage (haha) 7 if it hits (unlikely).   

---

Qvar inclines his head slightly,
the smallest bow in appreciation of Baba Zelenna's blithe acceptance of the burdensome vessel given her to inhabit,  though her devotion is no less than his.  "Thank you Pelor.", he murmurs fervently as he turns from the ledge.


"What are those?" he wonders aloud as he picks his way 25' south to stand near Ashlyn.  He raises the Woden Sun-face symbol tied around his waist "In the name of the Sun, whose light pales the corrupted makings of this Green God, begone!"

He frowns at the approaching undead and for a moment worries that the strength of his devotion may not be enough to halt them after all (dice roller!).  "Swords?"
This message was last edited by the player at 02:50, Tue 07 Sept 2021.

"I fear darkness needs no further help if such as these abide here," Ashlyn states grimly, eyeing the creatures that approach her.

The armoured woman touches her hand to the blade of her sword, speaking a prayer to Lathander to bless the weapon as she readies herself for their attack.

Zertin follows his brother about 10 feet south/southwest but stops as soon as he is out of sight of the hag behind the edge of the rock wall. He recites an incantation to shoot a pair of blazing rays at the horrid pair of undead approaching from the south then turns and peeks around the edge of the rock to keep an eye on Baba Zelenna.

Zertin rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  Touch attack to hit undead #1 with 1 scorching ray.
Zertin rolled 6 using 1d20+5.  Touch attack to hit undead #2 with 2nd scorching ray.
Zertin rolled 8 using 4d6.  Scorching ray damage on undead #1.

With bow and crossbow at hand, Violet and Caesius are the first to react, loosing shafts of wood and metal at the creatures approaching from the shadows ... but neither arrow nor bolt finds its target, respectively shattering against and bouncing off the rough stone walls of the cavern.

Qvar strides forward, Ireena at his heels, the wooden symbol of his god presented boldly as he attempts to drive the creatures back ... but still the pair of horrors, slicked with blood, come on. 

While he takes a few paces in pursuit of his brother, Zertin is wary of leaving the Hag at their back, unwatched.  Stopping at the edge of the rock wall alongside the ledge, the wizard sends rays of fire arcing towards the two dark denizens, biting back a curse as the flames play harmlessly over their leathery skin.

Holding her ground, Ashlyn waits for the first of the creatures to draw near, then swings her blade with all her might, though she fares no better than Caesius or Violet as the edge meets only air ... but the effort at least serves to cause the creature's claws to merely rake her warding shield and miss the armoured woman's vitals.

The second creature vanishes.  Turning back to see what mischief Baba Zelenna might be up to, Zertin does not see it instantaneously reappear behind him, those impossibly large claws reaching out for the wizard ...

OOC: Map of the proceedings updated ...

A closer look tells Qvar that these are not undead.  "They're demons!  Babau they are named.  That's not blood covering them, it's acid which may corrode our weapons, but we've little choice in this matter for nothing else will stop them.  Cut them down!"

Remembering more of that lore he'd never expected to need caring for the merry folk of Glanquin, he holds up his staff and prays aloud to help his friends strike true.  "Sunfather, bless our weapons."  OOC: all party weapons 'good' aligned for 1 min; there's no specific 'trapping' in the text for this but I'd like to think the weapons feel warm.

When one demon disappears instinct drags his gaze back towards his brother.  "Zed!" he gasps.  In a few quick steps he's moved 10' north and is behind the demon and in a flanking position for Caesius.  He's no warrior, but if conviction can make up for slight body then perhaps he can topple the demon, or at least draw its attention from his brother.  He shoves his staff at the demon's back.  [Language unknown: "Wertralat! Wiort hi pl Amewerstr!"]
This message was last edited by the player at 15:58, Mon 20 Sept 2021.

Cursing under his breath, Caesius winds the crannequin to reset his crossbow.  Sweat beads on his brow, as he works as fast as he can and, somehow, seems to take an eternity to get the string back to the nut...

Zertin cowers back from the demon that suddenly appeared so close behind him. He staggers back until he is right at the edge of the ledge beside Caesius. With nowhere else to retreat he hastily recites the words of a spell to protect himself against the horrible evil demon.

OOC: 5 foot step (to avoid attack of opportunity) then casts Protection from Evil upon himself.

One of the vile creatures abruptly vanishes; Violet glances around wildly, giving up after a moment.  Wherever it has gone, there's one in front of them, now, and that needs to be dealt with immediately.

But if Qvar speaks true, and these are demons, she knows not how.

All the young woman has is her bow, in truth; if they are sheathed in demonic fluids, getting close would seem a fool's game.  So when Qvar leaps away, she hurries to follow but instead heads south, into the darkness, attempting to move behind the creature without coming within range of its claws.

OOC - Okay, if Qvar moves I can see a path where Violet can take a full move to shift around behind the demon that's in our faces...at a distance, thank you, ending at least 10' from it (which I think is well within ranged-sneak-attack distance.  If I have this correct, she'll be two squares directly 'beneath' it on the map.

Afterthought: Qvar also increases his glow, as a free action, to a fierce radiance that lights 10'r around him so that Zed and Caesius are not working in the dark.

OOC: There is a permanent Protection from Evil 10'r around Qvar, less helpful now he's moved but could be useful if the battle closes in.  Spells cast earlier should still be running, 5 min duration: Aid on Violet and Bless on the whole party.

The armoured woman bites back a curse as the priest reveals the nature of the fell creatures.

"Stay close to Qvar!" she tells Ireena.  "The demons cannot breach the wards he has set if you do not attack them first!"

For her that die is already cast.  With a prayer to Lathander on her lips to add His power to her blow, she swings her blade..

Realising just what these creatures are, Qvar shouts out a warning before he turns back towards his brother, calling upon Pelor's blessing as he strikes at the demon's unprotected rear ... but his staff misses the mark as Caesius struggles to reload his crossbow all to aware of the evil descending upon him. 

Zertin recoils from the demon, but finds himself teetering at the edge of cliff with nowhere to go.  In desperation, the Wizard casts a spell of protection, hoping to ward himself from the evil creature much as Qvar, more powerful spell wards Saeko, Ireena and the priest himself.

While Ashlyn battles the second demon, Violet swiftly works her way around the edge of the cavern, praying to remain beyond its reach until she can get herself into a position at its rear where she may pepper it with arrows, as the armoured woman lands a heavy blow with her blade, slicing the demon's leather skin, but just manages to drag the weapon clear before the blood-like substance on its hide spatters it.

The first demon presses towards Zertin ... but recoils as the mage's protection spell prevents its claws from touching him.  But Ashlyn has but mundane shield and armour to protect her and is unable to stop its long claws tearing furrows in her flesh.

OOC: Map of the proceedings updated ...

Qvar relaxes a little seeing Zertin well warded, and does instead what he can to aid Caesius.  "Sunfather, let no stain besmirch this holy warrior.", he prays before moving 10' east then 5' north.  "Caesius, come closer so Pelor can protect your sword from the Babau's acid flesh."  He holds out his hand glowing with golden power ready to touch Caesius if he comes closer.

Zertin breathes a sign of relief when the demon in front of him proves unable to strike him with its claws. Then he frowns as he realises he cannot afford to attack that demon either, or it will be able to attack him. After a moment of consternation he finally brightens as he realises that the other demon presents an alternative target to vent his frustration upon. So, he leans to the side and points his wand past the closest demon to shoot a string of magic missiles at the other demon attacking Ashlyn instead.

Zertin rolled 21 using 5d4+5.  Magic missile damage on babau.

The string finally reaches the nut and catches, and Caesius heaves a sigh of relief as he reaches for a quarrel.  He slots it into position, and his brow furrows.  Something is nagging at his mind...

Quickly glancing around, he calls out, "Where is the witch?" 

He swings the crossbow towards the nearest demon...

"She disappeared from the circle of light below while my back was turned. I know not where she has gone in the darkness down there," Zertin admits in answer to Caesius's question.

She's in the dark, out in the rocks.  There's little to no light here; the stones and cracks in the floor are nothing but dim shadows to Violet.  But the light illuminates the others...and the demons battling them.  There could more demons crawling unseen along the ceilings, the walls; for once, Violet doesn't care, her focus tunneling down on the single demon before her.

Unfortunate for her; she stubs her toe in one of those crevasses, and the first arrow flies well-wide of her target.

OOC - Okay, that's a clean miss.  :I

Glad that his brother is safe for the moment, Qvar does what he can to aid Caesius.  Summoning a spell of protection, the priest cautiously approaches the Paladin, urging him to step but a pace forward that he might bestow that benison upon him ... but Caesius is distracted as he is by the realisation that Baba Zelenna is now nowhere to be seen, and does not move, though he manages to load a shaft to his crossbow and points it towards the demon, perhaps thinking to hold it back or else to take advantage of the wards against evil which surround Qvar.

Not so the spell that Zertin releases.  Five glowing spheres of mystical energy fly across the cavern, aimed not at the demon before the Wizard, but its companion that even now assails Ashlyn, burning its blood-soaked hide.

As Saeko wards Ireena, Violet takes one more step to bring herself into a flanking position behind that demon ... but the uneven ground trips her and her arrow fails to find its mark.

Ashlyn fights fearlessly, swinging her sword with precision to stab the demon through its guts, wounding it greviously, though she is unable to prevent the creature's blood from spattering upon the blade, sizzling as it eats into the metal.

As if in unison, both creatures vanish ... only to reappear either side of the armoured woman, reaching their claws towards her ...

OOC: Map of the proceedings updated ...

Zertin hurries closer to the battle, stopping when he is just north of Ireena and able to see both of the demons attacking Ashlyn.

He points his wand again at the same demon he attacked last time and speaks the command word again to hurl another string of magic missiles at the fiend.

Zertin rolled 21 using 5d4+5.  Magic missile damage on babau.

Qvar quirks a grin at Caesius. "Good hunting." he wishes the paladin before picking his way back towards the other paladin with hand outstretched and glowing with powers against besmirchment.  He scoots in between Ireena and the demon south of her and lightly touches her shield arm as she battles the demon.  "Pelor's gift will protect your sword from the acid blood.  Cut them down!"

Cursing inwardly, Violet shifts position again, angling to get a clear line to one of the demon's backs.  She'd better hit, this time, or it's likely Ashlyn who will be sprouting an arrow.  Drawing again, the young woman breathes out as the feathers brush her ear, then looses.

OOC - I think by moving two squares diagonally I can get a shot at the back, so that's what I'll do.  Sorry about the brevity and slowness.  Dealing with some stuff.
Edit: Amazingly enough, I think I hit.
Attack Roll: 26
Damage: 6
Sneak Attack Damage: Underwhelming, 10 more if sneak attack is on the table.  Total 16.
This message was last edited by the player at 00:56, Thu 14 Oct 2021.

Caesius murmurs a prayer to Heironeous under his breath, and squeezes the trigger.  He grimaces as the quarrel hurtles into the gloom

Putting up the weapon, he reaches instead for Razor...

First to react to the demons' sudden disappearance and reappearance, Zertin rushes across the uneven ground, coming to a halt behind Ireena.  Taking only a second to determine which of the creatures was the one beset with Ashlyn's blade and his own magics, the Wizard once more sends a volley of globes of mystic energy flying towards it.

The demon collapses as the missiles strike, falling to the ground, a foul stench assailing those close by as its remains begin to quickly dissolve into a puddle of black ichor.

On the heels of his brother, Qvar slips past Ireena, the nimbus of light about him encircling those near as he reaches out a hand to bestow protective wards upon Ashlyn, even as Caesius's bolt flies past his ear, the Paladin's shot made more difficult as both Wizard and Priest run heedlessly into his line of fire.

Violet too is lucky to avoid the wayward shaft as she steps forward, aiming to round the remaining demon and attack it from behind ... but that pause proves serendipitous as she looks up to see Qvar's light illuminating the creature.  Raising her bow, she steadies her aim and looses the arrow ... scoring a direct hit between the creatures shoulder blades as the metal head sinks deep into demon-flesh, though the shaft falls away, the tip blackened as the acid secretions that ooze from its leathery hide eat away at the wood.

Fortified by Qvar's prayers, Ashyln swings her pitted blade to strike the remaining demon, and though the cut is but shallow, this time the sword is unharmed.

The demon allows itself to be driven back a pace as words of power trip off its tongue ...

OOC: Map of the proceedings updated ...

Zertin listens for a moment to the arcane gibberish the babau is spouting, then he frowns in frustration and resorts to his wand once more. Again a string of magic missiles shoots out to strike the foul demon.

Zertin rolled 16 using 1d20+14.  Spellcraft check.
Zertin rolled 19 using 5d4+5.  Magic missile damage on babau.

"I didn't know you were hunting Pelorians!" Qvar grins over his shoulder to Caesius.

"Oh, good shot!" He calls to Violet.  The tide seems to have turned and his spirits are lifted.  The remaining demon has moved out of reach so he quickly casts a healing spell "Sunfather, close her wound." and touches Ashlyn's shoulder while she is still close. 

He listens intently as the demon attempts a casting of its own, and calls out to it in its own foul language.  [Language unknown: "Itul ustoll Ectiththa!  U enll se nahaieitiv, uticiv tiohersan k ble antil, peat wasek ll son infi, ne be Lo pellek enee ntiughion!" ]

18:03, Today: Qvar rolled 22 using 1d20+5.  Spellcraft...what's Babau casting?
This message was last edited by the player at 06:48, Sat 23 Oct 2021.

With blade in hand, and a prayer on his lips, Caesius hurries towards the foul demon, Razor raised to strike.

"Heironeous!  Lend your Might to your servant, that he might strike down your foe.  Guide his blade."

Her fingers tremble as she draws forth another arrow, but settle as she nocks it on the string.  Lips thin, Violet stares down the shaft, waits for the charging Caesius to reach his enemy, and looses once again.  It's a harder shot; likely she'll not get a solid opportunity to strike a vital location.  Nevertheless, every little bit counts against the forces of hell.

Shaking his head as understanding of the Demon's casting eludes him, Zertin sends another volley of missiles at it, the mystic spheres striking true, causing the fiend to rock back as it aborbs the brunt of the attack.

Though with the destruction of one of the creatures, Qvar is emboldened, jesting and encouraging in turn even as the priest calls upon Pelor to provide further healing for Ashlyn.  Like his brother, he listens intently as the remaining Demon speaks words arcane, calling out to it mockingly. 

Abandoning his crossbow, Caesius draws his trusty blade and charges across the chamber.  Heironeous is with his servant, guiding both feet and blade of the Paladin as he picks a clear path across the rubble strewn floor to deliver a powerful blow, his blade biting into the ribs of the fiend.

This distraction is what Violet was hoping for - once more the young woman looses an arrow which buries itself betwixt the Demon's shoulders.

Ashyln, fortified by Qvar's healing spell, raises her blade ... but the armoured woman is too slow, as the wounded Fiend hisses in pain and anger, then vanishes ...

OOC: Map of the proceedings updated ...

"Thank-you Pelor!  And well fought!"  Qvar beams at his brother and friends.  "The Babau tried to summon another demon, but failed.  No more are coming to aid them.  Now let's find where that green crone is hiding, and see if we can find what we came for."  He leads off down the slope in the direction the demons came from, his head glowing brightly to light the way.
This message was last edited by the player at 02:06, Tue 02 Nov 2021.

Satisfied even through her terror, Violet still grimaces as the demonic monstrosity vanishes.  For a long moment, she sags in place...then the young woman recalls a few critical points.  One, the demon isn't dead, just disappeared.  Two, she's alone in the darkness.

Probably a good idea to move back into the group, and she promptly does just that, knees shaking with a sudden release of tension.

Then her head snaps around, and she follows Qvar with her disbelieving gaze.  Now they're running off, immediately...to see the crone?  With a faint, trembling shrug, she glances around at the others before setting off in pursuit of the priest.

"Someone bring that light," Zertin suggests, pointing at the glowing pebble(?) that they had dropped down the ladder before climbing down into this cave.

Then he hurries to join Qvar and Violet in their search for the evil hag, wand still held in readiness in his hand.

Caesius bows his head in silent prayer for a moment, giving thanks for another victory, and another battle without serious injury or death for his companions.  Then he follows after the others, pulling a square of silk from his purse to wipe demonic ichor from Razor's blade.

A frown settles across his features as he rubs at the metal, and faint tendrils of acrid smoke rise from the cloth.

"Look to your weapons!  Though destroyed, the demons may yet be able to work some mischief!"

As the demon vanishes, the young woman bites back a sob of fear ... then a gasp of relief as Violet steps from the shadows.  The practical concerns of Zertin and Caesius at least give her something to focus on as she picks up the glowing arrow as the Wizard commands and proffers her water flask to the Paladin thinking it might serve to wash away the demon's blood.

Caesius nods gratefully to Ireena, then pours some of the water onto his blade, allowing it to run down the length of the weapon and off the tip.  Then he starts rubbing at it again, examining the steel closely...

Qvar leads the way to the south-west of the cavern where the ground slopes down steeply ... but there is more than sufficient light to allow you to carefully place your feet, and the rough rock walls give you ample handholds to assist you on your way.

Violet and Zertin follow close behind the Priest, albeit with varying degrees of enthusiasm, while Caesius and Ashlyn come after, the pair tending to their swords with Ireena's assistance, and with Saeko warding the rear.

Ashlyn bemoans the damage the demon's blood has caused to her sword, though she suggests that when time permits it, a simple Mending cantrip/orison would repair the blades, provided they suffer no more harm in the meantime.

Qvar stops abruptly at the edge of the magic circle at the centre of which stands the rune covered stone upon which Zertin radiated an almost overwhelming magic aura.

There is no sign of Baba Zelenna.

OOC: Map of the proceedings updated ...

"What do you think Zed? You said we should stay out of the circle, but it looks safe enough.  Is there anything else for you to test?"  As a test, and while the others are still safely a good step back, he lets fall his staff across the magic circle.

"When I checked earlier, that small stone covered in runes at the centre of the circle is so strongly magical it is almost overwhelming. Abjuration, of course. Protective magic mainly with some conjuration and divination mixed in as well. The second magical aura is located just below it but I cannot tell what type of magic that involves."

After watching Qvar's experiment with his staff he adds,

"I wonder whether we can move that stone at all without entering the magic circle? I have a spell that generates a blast of force strong enough to knock a man off his feet. If that stone is moveable, that spell may move it far enough to reveal what lies beneath."

Violet's 'enthusiasm' is non-existent, and she bites her lip in worry when Qvar drops his staff across the circle.  She knows nothing of magery than its vile origins, but it seems like an unwise choice.  Of course, Qvar knows this business better than her, so...defer to the expert. Even so, she takes a half-step back and keeps an arrow nocked.  Unfortunately, the young woman can contribute little of value to the conversation, so she chooses instead to survey the area, searching for anything out of place.

...that she could recognize as being such, of course.

OOC - Spot 23, Listen 19.

Nothing happens as Qvar releases his staff and it falls to the ground over the threshold of the circle ... nor does Zertin's spell shift the stone at all, though the force of it blows the fine sand across the stone ... 

Then the staff simply vanishes.

"Perhaps Baba Zelena has made herself invisible?  Watch carefully."  Qvar prays for rain, Sunfather, gift your servant with pure water." and peers into the gloom as rain pours down where the staff vanished.

Zertin grins at Qvar's antics.

"Yes, where is that evil hag?" he wonders aloud, stressing the adjective for the benefit of the pair of paladins behind him.

Although he already has a wand in one hand he swiftly retrieves another wand from his haversack, points and shoots a trio of magic missiles directly toward the top surface of the rune-covered stone at the centre of the circle, which had refused to move for his previous blast of force.

OOC: Just a hunch, but that is likely to be a bit uncomfortable for anyone that gets in the way - sitting on or standing in front of that stone, for example.
Zertin rolled 8 using 3d4+3.  Magic missile damage.

Violet's eyes narrow, but she doesn't stare directly at the stone; instead, she shuffles on a bit of an angle, using her peripheral vision to keep an eye on what she noticed while taking a bit of a round-about route to close in.  "Maybe she's gone for good," the young woman murmurs, loud enough to be heard by everyone.

Then Zertin chooses to loose his sorcery, willy-nilly.

No sense in being careful now...  Cringing from the sudden blast of magic, Violet nevertheless draws her arrow to her cheek, aiming directly above the stone.  "She IS there!" the woman cries, confirming the mage's suspicions.

Caesius stands quietly, his expression stern, scanning the area within the circle, and then surrounding it, for signs of the hag.

Qvar summons a brief but ferocious downpour in an effort to locate what he assumes to be an invisible Baba Zelena ... but the water reveals nothing, merely soaking the ground.

His brother launches a volley of balls of mystical energy, thinking that might serve, but the missiles' path to the runestone in the centre of the scribed circle is not impeded, though the stone itself cracks as the globes of pure magic strike it.

Caesius follows Zertin's advice, seeking any sign of the taint of evil, concentrating his attention upon the circle and its environs.

However Violet, trusting only to eyes and ears, assures you that the Hag is indeed within the circle, tracking her with the tip of a nocked arrow ...

"Everything in this cursed place bears the taint of evil!  Wherever I look, I find its mark, and in equal measure!" Caesius growls, his frustration clear in his voice.  The paladin brandishes his weapon, as if seeking something, anything, that he can cut down with it.

But he sees nothing.

Zertin frowns and practically tosses that wand back over his shoulder into his haversack. Then, with a glance at Violet to double-check where she is indicating the hag to be, he intones the words of an evocation and points a slim metal tube into the magic circle. Immediately, a bright ball of fire manifests inside the nearest edge of the magic circle and zigzags its way across the circle, including the central area where the rune-scribed stone sits.

OOC: Explosive cascade covers seven 5-foot squares in one continuous path in front of Qvar and Zertin, shaped like this (unless Violet's indication suggests the hag has moved).

Z XXXX
VQXXX

Zertin rolled 29 using 7d6.  Explosive cascade damage.

Another arrow nocked; apparently the group is going for 'kill' rather than 'parlay', which Violet can appreciate against the devil's servants.  She looses...just as Zertin unleashes his spell.  Perhaps she's getting used to this, a little; at least the arrow flies in the correct direction.

Does it hit anything?  A good question.

OOC - with my typical accuracy, a grand total of 20.  I'd bet money that's not going to be enough against an invisible hag.

Though the Paladin is frustrated in his efforts to spy out the Hag, Zertin is not.  The Wizard summons a ball of flame which he hurls into the magic circle sending it flying back and forth, leaving a fiery trail in its path ... and eliciting a scream of pain from somewhere within.

Violet looses her arrow, but it does not hit its intended target, though as Baba Zelenna reappears, slumped in defeat, you can see that the shaft must have come perilously close.

The Hag throws down Qvar's staff in surrender, almost sobbing as she takes refuge in a familiar litany.

"The Green God will drape the land in gentle night, and the screams of the damned will be his lullaby !"


OOC: Map of the proceedings updated ...

Now that he can see her again, Zertin keeps his wand casually aimed at Baba Zelenna.

"I should not sleep if my dreams matched yours, I fear," Zertin replied to the hag's recital.

"If you wish to live, you will tell me about the magic cast upon that stone. What triggers it, what does it do and how can it be disarmed or bypassed?" he demands.

"This is the Fane of the Mountain," Baba Zelanna tells Zertin.  "At the next new moon we were to use it to summon the Green God to these lands so that he would raise me above all !"

"But the foul Master of these lands has corrupted the Fane, bound it to himself."

"Though I spent the night in vigil and prayer as the ritual demands, I was not strong enough to bind it to myself.  No one is."

"The Master of these lands is no friend of mine, either, but your Green God is no concern of mine. We seek the symbol of the sun to aid our fight against the Master. It is there, under that stone, is it not?" Zertin points at the rune-scribed stone in the centre of the circle.

"Will the magics in this circle harm us if we try to take that sun symbol?" he asks Baba Zelenna.

Relaxing, as the witch decides to divulge information, Caesius listens to her words carefully.  It seems to him that the group of saviours have interrupted a dispute between creatures of Darkness.  A situation which suits him fine.

Heironeous teaches that letting two Evils fight each other to the death, then finishing off the victor, can be just as sound a strategy as leading forces to battle them both.

The paladin, meanwhile, regards the stone with some interest, puzzling over the runes.

Qvar also relaxes when Baba Zelanna surrenders, his halo settles down to just the glow about his head.  He smiles as a rivulet of pure water trickles around his foot.  "Not everything.  Not forever." he murmurs cryptically.

It looks safe enough, he thinks, optimistically edging his foot closer to the circle.

The hag's face creases at Zertin's question, for she is loathe to let any enter the circle of the Green God's protection.

"The Master came and buried the symbol of light beneath the Mountain Fane, that the darkness might consume it," Baba Zelenna admits.  "I hid from him, though he knew I was there yet cared not at all.  It lies there now, with the bones of the saint, for I dared not touch it."

"The Runestone offers the Green God's protection to any who bask in its presence."

”Which saint is that? One of yours?” Zertin asks the hag.

He strides forward to inspect the rune-scribed stone more closely.

"I'd say so." Caesius says, following Zertin.

"The markings on the stone aren't entirely familiar to me, but they are reminiscent of those once used by priests of the Old Faith - worshippers of Nature.  See this one?  It looks like the symbol for stone in old inscriptions in the Shield Lands, my home.  And this... this looks the rune for strength."

Following Zertin's lead, Qvar also enters the circle.  He nods approval toward Baba Zelanna for her surrender, though with no hint of forgiveness or judgement.  He retrieves the staff that the hag dropped and uses it to push aside the rune carved stone, eager to catch a glimpse of the Sunstone beneath.

The Hag trembles as Qvar prods at the runestone with his staff, cowering back.

"Not mine !" she hisses at Zertin.  "One once revered by those who bask in the glow of light, who sought to steal this sacred place from the Green God !  But He is strong and bones are dust and the Green God has reclaimed his own !"

The Wizard and the Paladin discuss the markings upon the stone which resists Qvar's efforts to dislodge it and while the symbols yield up nothing more, the Priest finds the point of the staff digs easily into the earth at the base of the stone until it catches upon something buried beneath.

"The stone won't budge, but there's something buried here beside it.". Qvar kneels beside the stone and sets to fervently scraping away the earth with his bare hands, eager to gaze upon the bones of the saint.  "What name was given this saint?" he asks glancing up at Baba Zelanna, forgetting for now that she is the sworn enemy of his faith.

Zertin reaches into a large pocket inside his robes and gently pulls out a weasel, which he strokes gently on the head. He murmurs something that sounds very much like the noises that animal would make, then he sets it down on the ground and it scurries over and starts burrowing into the soft soil where Qvar started digging.

"Q, you remember Louise, don't you? Let her do the digging. Her claws are much better at that than your fingers are," he tells his brother.

Then he turns his attention back to Baba Zelanna, making sure the wand of magic missiles in his hand remains clearly visible to the hag.

Grimacing in fear and disgust, Violet moves to keep herself within the light.  With that managed, she turns her attention to the darkness surrounding their little island of brilliance.

One of those accursed demons did manage to disappear; it could be anywhere.

She leaves discussion with the sorceress to the others; were there any proof of the diabolical nature of magic, and its effects upon its users, it's right there in front of them.

OOC - back, hopefully!  Again!  And Violet will keep watch.

"Hello Lou Lou!" delighted, Qvar's fingers switch to scratching her silky back as she scratches in the earth. "Zed really mustelids youse out more, yes."

Baba Zelenna hisses at Qvar's question (or perhaps Zertin's unsubtle reminder of the power of his wand), but Ireena provides the answer in her stead.

"Saint Ecaterina," the young woman recounts. "This hill has always been a source of evil, but the saint believed that building the monastery atop it would sanctify it, though if so, that did not long outlast her, and even in my father's time it was known as a fell place."

The wizard sets his animal companion to digging and the weasel delightedly complies, even as Qvar fusses over it.

With everyone's attention upon either the Runestone or the Hag, it is left to Violet to turn her gaze elsewhere, looking out into the darkness for any sign that the demons, or perhaps something worse is out there ...

The weasel proves far more effective at shifting earth than the priest and it takes only about a minute before she has uncovered a small reliquary box with sides and lid carved with images of heavenly beings ... but as Qvar pulls it out and brushes the loose soil away, you notice that the eyes of every angel are red with a sticky liquid suspiciously like blood.
This message was last edited by the GM at 13:11, Tue 18 Jan 2022.

Zertin sighs and turns his attention back to Baba Zelenna.

"We told you earlier that we seek a platinum amulet shaped like the sun. You said that it is here but warded well so that it does not disturb the Darkness. Where is it?" he asks.

"Jeez Louise."  Qvar shakes his head, peering at the defaced box.  "That's not what we were hoping to find.  Is there anything else down there Lou Lou?"

He takes the box to where Ireena and the others are gathered.  "Ecaterina?  She sounds nice.  Was she known for weeping blood?" He shows her the box but does not let go of it; if it should should harm those who touch it then let it be him alone.  "Have you seen this box before Ireena?"  He looks toward Caesius and Zertin wondering if their senses reveal anything about the box.

13:51, Today: Qvar rolled 25 using 1d20+8.  knowledge religion - markings on the box.
This message was last edited by the player at 06:01, Sat 22 Jan 2022.

Caesius watches the excavation.  The reliquary, when it is drawn forth, gains his attention.  The blood-weeping angels seem... odd... but hardly more so than some saintly relics he has heard of. 

"If there's nothing else in the hole, mayhap the item we seek is in the box?  It would not be the first time I've heard of an object being hidden with a holy relic to protect it from evil."

"Within the box," Baba Zelenna croaks in reply to Zertin, "the cursed symbol of Light lies within !"

At Qvar's urging, his brother's weasel scurries back and continues to ply the earth at the base of the runestone, though she shows no sign that her claws have found aught else beneath it.  Both Priest and Paladin study the box, their brows furrowed in concern. 

Violet continues her vigil, watching and listening, thankful that as yet the demons seem loathe to return.
This message was last edited by the GM at 14:06, Mon 31 Jan 2022.

The young woman shakes her head.  "The Saint was known for her holiness and after her death, for miracles of healing ... not this."

"No, I've not seen such as this before.  The Symbol of Ravenkind is an heirloom of my family, but it hung always about my father's neck until ... until his death."
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 14:07, Mon 31 Jan 2022.

Zertin will use one of his wands to cast Detect Magic to determine the nature of the magics upon and within the box, to see if that gives him any clues as to what spells might have been used on it and how to safely open it to retrieve the symbol of light.

He will use his skills of spellcraft ad knowledge of arcana and various other areas of study he has dabbled in to try to work out what needs to be done.

Louise seems happy to keep digging.

Qvar smiles his thanks to Ireena.  He would be happy to watch Louise digging, but equally feels drawn to the box.  "It was holy when it was made, but I can't quite figure out the reason for the blood eyes... I wonder if its poison?"  He dabs a finger at one of the eyes and absently tastes it.  Then, remembering his gift of faith, casts a spell.  "Sunfather, is this poison?"

Caesius eyes Qvar curiously.  The man has just tasted something that could very easily be poison.  While the paladin doesn't doubt that the priest knows what he's doing, the action seems a little reckless.  Capricious even?

"Well?  What does it taste like?" he asks, then adds, "The reliquary has, by the way, not been touched by Foulness."

"That's good."  Qvar murmurs in reply to Caesius' news, his eyes still intently on the reliquary.  "Tastes like ... mmm ... can't quite put my finger on it..."  With sudden awareness he holds up his finger in surprise then smiles sheepishly at the concerned paladin.  "Poison won't harm me.  Not since ... well, not now."

Zertin invokes the magic of his wand as he studies the box in his brother's hands, his brow furrowing as he concentrates.

As Qvar seems intent on tasting the blood-like liquid that seeps from the eyes of the carvings, Caesius fears that even though the box is not touched by evil, still the priest's concern that it could be poison might very well be correct !  But Qvar brushes aside the Paladin's concerns as he touches his finger to his lips.

"Um, yes, it tastes like blood.  And its not poison, thank you Radiant One."  Qvar remembers his manners.  Looking over at Louise it seems she has not unearthed any saintly bones.  Looking around the gathering he asks.  "Hopefully the Sunstone is in here with the bones of blessed Ecaterina.  Shall I open it Zed?  Would anyone have any idea about finding traps?"  He looks around again ready to offer the box and a heartening smile to any who jump at that.

Face screwed up in a moue of disgust that the priest has accidentally tasted blood - and what else would be appropriate in this place - Violet edges forward, studying the box.  "I have...some skill with such things," she admits.  The ladies of Chaville did keep their jewels in locked boxes, and often they held hidden surprises.  Poison needles, for examples.

Or Kashmir Handspiders.

"If you like, I might have a look," the young woman offers, with a wary glance over her shoulder into the darkness.  "If someone else keeps watch."

Qvar hands the box to Violet with the promised heartening smile.  "I'll keep watch."  He looks into the darkness, then at Baba Zelenna, then at Louise ... much distracted watching her dig ...

"It does radiate a magical aura but it is only faint," Zertin reports.

He turns back to Baba Zelenna.

"You said that the Master came and buried the symbol of light beneath the Mountain Fane, You said it still lies there, with the bones of the saint. Now, show us where it is buried," he tells her.

Violet takes the box, turning it over in her hands.  Carefully.  She grimaces at Zertin's observation, all the more disquieted at having to handle an enchanted item.  Even so, this is somewhat in her area of expertise, so she'll do her best to assist.

Even if it feels likely she's handling a particularly large and disgusting spider.

Perhaps that's why she's extra careful, diligent in her perusal of the small container.  Pursing her lips, Violet runs her fingers over the box again and again, seeking any possible triggers.  She studies the opening mechanism, cracks it a hair open with a thin blade and runs a tiny wire all the way around the space between.  Even the hinges are inspected.

Search Roll: 30.

Caesius watches Violet at work for a while, then slowly expels the breath he hadn't realised he was holding.

While he has inspected the box, albeit less closely than Violet is currently doing, there is still that constant niggling concern that a simple needle dipped in asp venom, or the like, is not intrinsically evil...

It can, however, leave a person just as dead as the vilest of liches.

Troubled that the reliquary which Qvar passes to her is both bloody and magical, moreso than the mere matter of a mundane trap, however inimical, but perhaps her fears are assuaged somewhat by Caesius's insistence that it is not tained by evil,  Violet still is most careful and thorough as she examines the box, taking all precautions before she cracks it open.

While the young woman works, Zertin confronts Baba Zelenna once more, but the Hag bridles at his questions.  "The bones of the saint lie in that box," she hisses, glaring at the weasel.  "If there is aught else beneath the mountain fane then it is known only to the Green God and has has been long forgotten by all else, even by the Master." 

Qvar keeps watch, if perhaps less attentively than he should, like Caesius drawn to what lies within the box ...

The lid peels back, with less than theatrical silence as the hinges, untarnished despite burial and age make no protest to reveal a silk lined interior holding a folded piece of thick parchment within which you hear the scrape of what sounds like merely dust as the box tilts slightly.

And atop the parchment lies a platinum amulet, shaped like the sun, with a large crystal embedded in its centre around which are inscribed symbols of light and truth.

The Holy Symbol of Ravenkind.

Zertin bows his head ever so slightly to Baba Zelenna and murmurs, "Thank you."

Then he turns to Qvar.

"Is this truly it, Q? If we have what we came for, I suggest we leave now and trouble Baba Zelenna no more."

"Yes that's it.  The Sunstone."  Qvar replies, reverently touching his forehead and smiling with relief but making no move to take the box back from Violet.  "And here it is, unharmed even after I burned my church down around it to keep it safe.  Some fool protector I've been ... but Ireena, is this not also the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind?"  He looks in wonder towards the young woman, still perplexed by the mystery of the holy artefact being simultaneously in two worlds.

Looking back at the box he asks Violet, "Are the bones of blessed Ecaterina there also?"
This message was last edited by the player at 06:20, Sat 12 Mar 2022.

The bones of a saint?  Here, in Hell?  Trapped or stolen, no doubt, Violet concludes, assuming the hag speaks truth.  But interestingly, no traps - nothing at all, not even a lock.  Which...might bear up the claim of what lies within.  Blinking twice to moisten her eyes, dried from their focused study, the young woman eases open the box.

And low, a king's ransom sits within.

Had she opened a jewelry case in Chaville and discovered this beauty, Violet would be set for some time.  Not for life, not even close, but for weeks, if not months, even counting the markdown for fencing the precious item?  Most certainly.  But here, in Hell, it is worthless as such; gold cannot buy her way from this land.  Without hesitation, the young woman carefully holds out the box to the shining holy man.

"If they are truly the bones of a saint," she quietly states, "and this...sunstone be yours, then it is you who should examine them."  A faint shrug rolls her shoulders a hair, and she sniffs once in faint, despairing amusement...making certain that the small gust of breath goes nowhere near the open box and its dusty contents.

"I would not know hallowed remain from common...or profane."

The young woman steps forward at Qvar's urging, to nervously examine the amulet within the reliquary, taking care to tread safely clear of Baba Zelenna.

"It is !" she asserts, relief evident in her voice that the lost family heirloom has been found.  Reaching out, she tentatively touches the metal, but pulls her hand back sharply.

"But it is cold ... lifeless," she declares in confusion.  "It lacks the comforting warmth that it has always had before.  What has been done to it ?"

"That is enough, for now. We have what we came for. It is time to go. We can do nothing else for the sunstone in this dark place. The answers lie elsewhere," Zertin declares.

"Everybody out, now."

He starts to move toward the exit without further delay but is obliged to move slowly because he keeps his eye on Baba Zelenna and his wand ready in case it is needed.

OOC: i've written several rounds of actions here so that Qvar does not hold up the game with small details.  Please interrupt or add whatever you like.

Qvar is reaching forward to examine the contents of the reliquary at Violet's invitation, intent on testing Ireena's claim that the holy relic was not whole, when Zertin issues his warning.  After a moment's pause he looks at his brother, puzzled.  "Agreed, Zed, but we should take only what we came for and leave the bones of the saint to rest where we found them."  He looks pointedly at Baba Zelenna, guessing she'd be only too happy for the saint's bones to be removed from her lair.

Moving quickly now he lifts the Sunstone from the box and places his hand upon the folded parchment.  "The Light of Lathander be with You always, Blessed Ecaterina."  He closes the lid and takes the box from Violet, simultaneously placing the Sunstone in her hand.  He meets her unreadable expression with his own of trust.  "If you would be so kind, Violet, please carry this with care, as you did the holy phylactery, until we may examine it without haste."

Bustling back to the centre of the circle he kneels and places the box back into Louise's hole beneath the rune-carved stone, scraping the scattered earth back into place.  Rising he dusts off his hands on his robe, smiling at the weasel.  "Good job, Lou Lou."

Finally, following Zertin he says "Lead on Zed.  Let's find somewhere less dark, and maybe some answers."

Zertin pauses and calls softly to the weasel.

"Good girl, Louise. Come along now," he tells her.

The weasel immediately scurries over to him and he scoops her up and tucks her back inside his  coat before he resumes his cautious retreat.

Caesius stands, facing Baba Zelenna.

"You live now only because my allies would question you, and because you have proven somewhat... helpful, and may continue to do so in the days to come."

"We go now to deal with a greater threat than you, but we will not always be so engaged.  Should word of your further misdeeds reach our ears in future, then we shall return, bolstered by the might we have earned today, and there will be a reckoning."

The paladin lifts Razor before him.

"This I swear on the blade of my forefathers, and before the unwavering gaze of Heironeous."

Then he lowers his weapon, turns, and follows the others.

You return the saint's bones to their resting place in the hope that whatever sanctity they may yet retain might counter the darkness that has claimed Lysaga Hill as its own.

Baba Zelenna does not seem perturbed by this ... but then the Hag seems almost a broken woman, muttering over and over a litany of jumbled words and phrases concerning the Green God (though nothing new reaches your ears regarding that entity).  She cringes and cowers as Caesius delivers his warning and promise, daring no reply to the Paladin.

With Violet given charge of the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind (which Qvar named Sunstone) you follow Zertin's urging and retreat from the cavern, keeping watch over both Baba Zelenna and for any sign of the return of the demon-creatures you fought off.

Yet the Light and Heironeous are with you, and you make it safely back up the ladder to the ruins, and thence down the hill, cold rain lashing you as you descend though the mists to the forest below.

There, sheltering just within the tree line, Randal awaits you, and Hammer, his hooves slick with blood and a corpse at his feet.

On the way back down the hill, when they are well clear of Baba Zelenna's hearing, Zertin explains why he wanted them to take the holy symbol and leave straight away.

"Do you remember what Madame Eva said about the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind? She said you must bring the symbol home, to the last remaining shred of sacred ground in the defiled castle. In the grounds of the castle there once stood a chapel. Perhaps it yet holds some remnant of goodness.

"Of the Sunsword she said, To wake it, bring the sword to join the other treasures of the castle. She claimed to see a blazing fire protecting the place where the lord hides his wealth.

"Now that we have both of those weapons our next destination is within the castle itself, to reawaken both of them so we can then confront the lord of the castle himself to finally free this land from his thrall."

When they finally reach Randal, Zertin barely spares the corpse a passing glance.

"Who is your friend?" he casually enquires.

Caesius follows down the hill, nodding at Zertin's explanation, which makes perfect sense.  The demon that rules this land is the next obvious destination, and if they can get there before his thralls warn him they are coming, then all the better.

At the bottom of the hill, the corpse receives scant attention, as the paladin moves to check Hammer for injuries first.  Patting the horses neck, he whispers to it, and finds a carrot hidden in his belt pouch to serve as a treat for the animal.

Only then does Caesius show more concern for the corpse.  "If Hammer felt the need to kill him, I doubt he was a friend.  Did he say aught, before he died?  Or after, for that matter?"

Qvar treks down the hill, the cold rain dampening his spirits not at all.  He grins as he replies to his brother "Ah, yes Zed, that is why you were summoned here, to make sense of all these omens.

Walking beside Ireena for a while he seeks to reassure her.  "Ireena, your family heirloom is in good hands, and by Lathander's grace it will be restored when we reach Strahd's castle, as foretold.  May we rest again at your home tonight?"

Arriving at the forest he smiles widely at Randal "Good to see you alive Randal!  Are you hurt?  What happened?"  He stoops to examine the corpse.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:01, Sat 02 Apr 2022.

"Not a scratch," Randall assures Qvar smiling with relief at seeing you all again, matter not the foul weather.

"Nor on him either - he earned that carrot," he assures Caesius, somewhat bemused that Hammer submits to the Paladin's concern.  "Not my friend," he tells Zertin. "The man is of the Vistani and whatever he said as he drew his blade I know not for I do not speak their cursed tongue."

"Though your steed took exception to that !  Tell me, was I set to watch him ... or he me ?!!" he grins broadly.  "I'd have rewarded him myself with some morsel, but I feared to linger too close to either those hooves or his teeth !"

"His arms and armour are of good quality," Randall tells Qvar, gesturing towards the corpse and it's scimitar, chain shirt and buckler, "save for a few new dents."

"The Vistani's pouch contains a few coins and a couple of vials," he informs you all.  "Nothing that might suggest he was after aught but what little wealth I have, though he reckoned without my guardian here," he looks fondly, if warily, to Hammer.

Ireena listens attentively to Zertin's explanation, nodding her head as the mage recounts the way by which her family's heirloom might be restored, and smiling in thanks at Qvar's reassurances.

"Of course," she allows as the priest requests shelter for the night, scratching at the marks on her neck at his mention of the Master's name. "I insist.  My father has some supplies set aside which will provide sustenance for all."

Zertin finally spares the corpse more than a passing glance.

"A horse thief, perhaps? Shall we bury him rather than just leaving him to be eaten by the local wildlife? If some of you would like to start digging a grave or gathering rocks for a cairn, whichever is easier, I will try to work out what is in those vials he was carrying," he suggested.

"Actually, let's see whether any of his possessions are enchanted first," he adds.

He pulls out a wand, points it at the corpse and speaks the command word to activate the wand.

OOC: Detect Magic. Zertin will spend enough time to detect any magical auras, their strength and if possible what school of magic is involved. If the contents of the vials are magical he will use Spellcraft to try to identify each one. (DC25 Spellcraft checks. Zertin is at +14 on that skill. If anyone else has Spellcraft they can try to aid another (DC10) to add +2 on Zertin's spellcraft checks.

Unsure as to why Qvar requests she carry the sunstone, Violet nevertheless bobs her head in swift agreement; taking it, she stows it away in her pouch, and follows the others as they remove themselves from the underground dampness.....into the dampness above ground.  It's not an improvement, though she's more than happy to be free from darkness that may yet hold demons in waiting.

She's somewhat amused by the sight that greets them, and pleased Randall is safe despite the assault.  Hammer receives and appreciative - and wary - look, then Zertin is drawing forth another of his accursed (literally) wands.  Violet shuffles away as he aims it at the body, with some distress.

'See whether any of his possessions are enchanted'?  Probably not to bury them, more's the pity.

Having no shoved with which to dig, and thinking this task beyond even Louise, Qvar gathers rocks.  Placing a big one carefully over the dead man's face he offers a prayer to comfort the departed soul.  "May Lathander forgive you you sins, and may those you loved once again know the Warmth of The Sun."

Caesius shakes his head, smiling, "To the best of my knowledge, he doesn't understand this Vistani tongue.  Though the drawing of a weapon seldom indicates a friendly greeting in any language, and would be enough to bring a reaction from Hammer."

He pats the horse's neck again.

Violet smiles, grimly amused.  "Wise horse," she murmurs.

Hammer does indeed seem pleased with himself, snorting self-importantly at the praises Caesius heaps upon him, and moreover disinclined to even acknowledge the burial ceremony.  Rocks there are aplenty and if the rain makes things uncomfortable and decidedly sodden they prise free of the earth easily enough.

Violet reluctantly accepts the Sunstone from Qvar's hands and watches with a trepidation shared by both Randal and Ireena as Zertin brings forth a wand to cast a divination first upon the corpse, then upon the vials that Randal proffers. 

With Ashlyn pitching in to help, she and Qvar soon manage to cover the dead Vistani with sufficent heavy rocks to dissuade any predator, perhaps even to prevent any fell spirit that might possess it from rising from its final resting place.

Through the rain and mists, you set off, heading back towards the Village of Bavaria and shelter, there to rest before you brave the castle and what threats lie therein.

Within a couple of minutes Zertin announces that the two vials hold an Elixir of Hiding (+10 on Hide check for 1 hr) and an Elixir of Sneaking (+10 on Move Silently checks for 1 hr). Nothing else on the corpse was enchanted.

"Well, I would say that just about proves he truly was a thief, after all. I doubt I would ever have cause to use such potions myself, but if anyone else would like to have them, now is the time to speak up," Zertin suggests.

He was happy enough to help with the task of piling rocks on the dead man and even happier to be heading back to the village after that task was done.

More than happy to return to some sort of shelter, Violet hunches her shoulders against the rain and takes the lead, eyes and ears ready to catch the barest hint of danger.  She keeps her own counsel during the walk as much as possible, the better to keep tabs on her surroundings.  The rain, though, makes her loathe to keep her bow strung and she opts to release its tension, trusting in the short blade at her side.

And, to be honest, the far greater power and ability of her companions.

Zertin’s announcement brings a looks of faint disgust to her face, and she shakes her head, waving off any thought of her taking the ‘elixirs’, as he names them.  The young woman does sufficiently well, herself, in those areas, and would rather avoid pouring tainted sorcery into her body.  No, depending on hard-learned and practiced skills seems a far better choice.

Qvar, of course, declines to own either of the potions.  "If anyone wants them, please take them." he urges.  "I'm sure my brother won't label you a thief if you do."  He favours Zertin with a mock frown.

He walks with Ireena and Zertin as they return to her home, chatting away as if he hasn't noticed the weather or the grim moods of those about.  "... Though I've seen it many times, on Bright Days and festivals, that was the first time I've held it.  Its quite a weight." he muses.  "Cold and lifeless you said.  Of course you don't wish to carry it until its been restored, in the chapel at the castle, as Zertin said.  Its in good hands meanwhile.  This is not the first time Violet has been chosen to carry a holy relic, she's an old hand at it you might say ... are there no birds in these woods?"

"I'd say it's too dark for birds.  Bats, mayhap.  Or it may be that it's simply too wet for bird and bat alike."  Caesius lifts his head to gaze, thoughtfully, at the forest roof, as Hammer trudges over the rain-soaked earth beneath.

"For how long has this land lain thus, shrouded in gloom?"

"I've known naught else," Ireena advises Caesius.  "All my life the land has been dark and covered in the mists, though it is said that before the Master came, the mists lurked only at the borders of the realm, preventing any from leaving and gathering up the unsuspecting from elsewhere and bringing them here."

Even with Qvar's quiet jest, it seems nobody wishes to lay claim to the two potions, leaving Zertin to pocket them, the mage being of a more practical turn of mind and unwilling to set aside anything that might prove of use in the trials ahead.

Violet leads the way back down the trail as you turn away from the path that leads to the home of the Master and retrace your steps back to the crossroads, and from there to the bridge over the Ivlis river and the village of Barovia beyond.

As night approaches (or so the weariness that you feel suggests, for the lack of sun provides no guide) you reach your destination.  The streets of Barovia are emptier than when last you walked them as most of the villagers seem to have chosen to keep to their ruined homes ahead thinking there they might find safety ... but at least the undead no longer hold sway and you soon arrive at the aged and dilapidated mansion that was the Burgomaster's demense and is now Ireena's home.

The young woman sets out what food she has, perhaps assuming that come what may on the morrow she'll have no more need to ration her supplies, kindling a fire in the grate as she offers you a glass of red wine, her father's she confirms as you settle down to eat and drink and make your plans.

"Thankyou, Ireena. A good meal and a small glass of wine will certainly help us sleep peacefully tonight, although I suggest we post a guard at your door tonight too.

"We will make preparations in the morning for our next mission - tomorrow we visit the castle up there on the mountain above the village. We must try to restore the Symbol and the Sunsword to their full power if we hope to defeat the darkness that holds sway in these lands."

Qvar enlists Randal's help to venture into town in search of spoiled food or ale, which he freshens up and leaves with townsfolk who Randal advises will welcome it. 

Returning to the mansion he releases Randal to rest and eat.  He smiles agreement with Zed.  "I too bid you all sleep peacefully tonight.  I'll keep watch.  I've ho need of sleep.  I'll wake you all at Dawn."  Then to Caesius and Ashlyn he adds, "I'll ask Pelor to help repair the corrosion of your swords in the morning if you wish."

He carries two chairs into the entry hall where he sits in a pool of warm golden light near the front door.

Grimacing, Violet nods in reluctant agreement to the sorcerer's words.  "I will join as part the night watch," she volunteers, before continuing in a more quiet tone.  "Better to have two sets of eyes and ears.  I doubt I will sleep, regardless."

Sleep does not come so easily in this hell, especially after all that she has seen.

"As for the castle..."  A shrug follows.  "I expect we'll see what awaits there tomorrow."  More horror, to be sure.

"Horror?  Certainly.  Perhaps worse than what we have witnessed thus far." Caesius interjects, his tone oddly calm.

"But the greater the horror, the greater the satisfaction in its defeat.  After we sleep, I will pray to Heironeus for the valour to face, and destroy, whatever the castle and its ruler set against us."

Violet's smile is wry.  "I wish, sir knight, that I possessed an ounce of your faith," she abruptly states, surprisingly clearly.  "Or yours, Qvar."  Or, she cannot help but muse, a hint of satanic sorcery, the better to assist those in the group.  For as much as she detests his methods, she young woman must admit Zertin has certainly done just that.

"I'll take your prayers" - heretical as they may be - "and hope for your satisfaction in this endeavor."  The woman takes a small sip of her wine and stares moodily at the boarded up windows.  "My only satisfaction lies in survival, now."

To die in hell...the thought is appalling.

Qvar is not normally a proselytiser, but he knows when someone is in need of the warmth and comfort of Pelor's gift.  "Pelor has an ounce, or more, to spare for every soul seeking the light." he beams at Violet.

He glances across at Caesius, thinking that with her instinct for combat, Violet would make a fair paladin as well.

Another smile, this one tainted by a hint of bitterness.  "Pelor must carry a lot of weight," Violet murmurs, "for every soul entombed in this hell.  Would that your god could free them all, Qvar."

A larger sip of the wine follows.  It doesn't matter; she'll stop shortly, with no wish to leave herself insensate.

Another smile, Qvar notes, musing on the pervasive nature of Pelor's warmth even in this mist-shrouded land.  "Already some of them have joined us," he glances towards Randal, Ashlyn and Ireena, "and we have driven out the corruption from Lathander's church and recovered two holy relics.  We're carrying their hope, Violet.  And with Pelor's help we will free them all." he replies confidently, settling into his chair by the door to await the Dawn.
This message was last edited by the player at 01:12, Wed 08 June 2022.

Ashlyn accepts Qvar's offer to mend her damaged blade ... indeed, perhaps with even more gratitude than that with which she embraced the food and drink that Ireena provided, welcome as the meal was.

"I'm more surprised to even find a church to the Morninglord in this Hell," the Lightbringer replies to Qvar, freely choosing to use Violet's term for this benighted realm, "than to find that it was tainted by the all-pervading corruption."

"The Holy Symbol of Ravenkind and the Sunsword ... what were Madame Eva's instructions ?  For the symbol, to seek a chapel in the castle grounds; for the sword to the blazing fire within the castle where the Master hoards his treasures."

"Much as I would see the sword restored, might I suggest that we attempt the former task first ?"

Having pressed Randal into service and proceeded forth to do good works, Qvar returns to take his brother's advice and sets up a watch out the front of the mansion, his holy aura providing a comforting light that seems to perhaps hold the mists at bay, if but a little.

After all have eaten and drunk their fill, and the semblance of a plan for the morrow has taken shape, Violet joins the priest on his watch.  Despite her misgivings that rest will not come easy in these fell lands, at length she finds that weariness overcomes her and she is grateful when it is time to stand down from her post.

As a canny Bard once wrote, sleep still has its place even in Hell, for what power would Hell have if those there imprisoned could not dream of release ?

Ashlyn too takes her turn, as does Randal, the rest of you freed by Qvar's long vigil to rest the night through the better to be refreshed for the trials ahead.

The night passes without incident, yet when morning comes and you stir from your beds, it is not long before someone checks upon Ireena, and Saeko who did not leave her side ... to find the Daughter of the Wind slumped upon the floor, insensible, as if drugged, and the Burgomaster's daughter lying still upon her bed, covered by a funerary shroud.

Hearing the rising sounds of alarm, Qvar hurries to the sleeping quarters.  Frowning, he looks at the scene for a moment.  "Ashlyn, Caesius ... what do you sense here?"  He kneels on the bed and pulls away the shroud from Ireena's face. 

08:41, Today: Qvar rolled 15 using 1d20+6.  heal - diagnose illness.

Zertin curses softly beneath his breath when he sees the scene in Ireena's room.

Although he has no skill in the healing arts he does what he can. His first impulse is to check Ireena's throat to see whether there is any sign of another bite there. He checks Saeko, too.

OOC: Zertin rolled 5 using 1d20+1.  Heal skill check DC10 to aid another. - Failed

Worse and worse, and Violet has come to expect such.  Even so, this deviltry surpasses her most vivid nightmares.  Swiftly, she hurries to the Lady Saeko's side, for once not shying away from Zertin's approach.  "I know nothing of medicine, nor of any physician's arts."  Such things are not unknown in Gabriel, though only the rich have any practical familiarity.

"How did this transpire?  Sorcery?"  Turning left, then right as if searching, the young peers at the entrances to the room - including any windows - then curses viciously, refusing to leave the unconscious warrior.  We've failed again, and one of our own now suffers for it.

If only she hadn't slept!

Caesius appears in the doorway, tightening the straps of his hauberk with his right hand.  Razor, sheathed still, is grasped in his left, and ready to be drawn.

Qvar's question is a good one, and the paladin's eyes scan the room.  "Are they bitten, Zertin?"

Pulling aside the shroud, Zertin swiftly determines that Ireena yet lives and, thankfully, her neck shows now sign of a new bite.  Indeed, the young woman begins to rouse at the mage's touch.

Following his lead, Violet confirms that Saeko has not been bitten, though her breathing is laboured.  Glancing over at the window she sees that the latch is still in place, barring entry.

Finding Ireena slowly regaining her senses and unable to find any sign of illness upon her, Qvar joins Violet and after examining Saeko, concludes that she has indeed been drugged, though her wine glass, the likely source, lies on the floor beside her, the carpet bearing a dark stain where what remained in the cup spilled out as it fell.

At the priest's prompting, Caesius searches the room for the taint of evil, but finds nothing, not even a lingering aura.

At last Ireena's eyes flicker open, widening in alarm as she sees all of you gathered about her.

"Wh.. what has happened ?" she pleads.

Zertin looks slightly embarrassed by Ireena's question.

"We found Saeko lying on the floor, apparently drugged, and you lying still upon your bed, covered by this."

He holds up the funerary shroud that was covering Ireena.

"We feared the worst. Thankfully you both seem to be unharmed."

"Perhaps this is just a warning - that we cannot protect you here? The question is who could have done this?"

Qvar is hugely relieved that both Ireena and Saeko will be well.  He could have a pretty good guess who could have done this.  "Yes, perhaps a warning.  I was awake all night, and saw and heard nothing.  I will do what I can to ward us next time we sleep."  Mentally working out a list of spells to pray for before they set out, and silently chiding himself for 'wasting' such a warding spell the day before rather than holding it for the night as he had intended.

After a few minutes of prayer he begins searching for the source of the drug that affected Saeko.  "Sunfather, is this poison?"  He starts with Saeko and the spilt cup then stalks through the house, reporting to the others anything that he discovers.

Eventually he settles next to Ashlyn, smiling as he casts the promised Mending spell on her corroded sword, "Sunfather, brighten this besmirched steel."  He looks toward Caesius and asks "Caesius, could your sword also use some Sunshine?"

"A man would have to be a fool to refuse any blessing in this Gods' forsaken place." the paladin says, drawing his blade and holding it out to Qvar.

"Barring magic, of some description, I'd say the sealed window shows that the cause of whatever affected Ireena and Saeko was inside the house."

A warning?  Curious. Violet supposes it could have been - some sort of noble's game, to feed their ego.  Where she comes from, such things are common among the upper class.  Not so in her own, where a warning is simply a wasted opportunity.

She has never committed such murders herself, but has seen the results far too many times in the back alleys of Chaville.

"The Lady Saeko remains insensate," she murmurs, distraught.  "Will this pass with time?  Or is the toxin a..."  Her lips twist.  "Sorcerous one?  That will not leave her?"  A curse, in effect.  She has only heard of such things in stories, but if it were to transpire, it would be here.

"I would not be so swift to rule magic out," Ashlyn suggests to Caesius as she examines the window herself, peering out at the grounds below.

The warrior-woman is equally pleased that the priest of Pelor might repair the damage wrought upon her sword.

At Zertin's explanation as to what has transpired, Ireena's panicked hand goes to her neck, though the young woman's fears are somewhat calmed by the mage's assurance that she has not been bitten again.

Qvar's utters a prayer over Saeko and swiftly discovers that the Daughter of the Wind has indeed been poisoned, though thankfully he is able to easy Violet's concern, with his surmise that the effects should be neither fatal nor long lasting.

Both Ashlyn and Caesius gratefully accept the priest's offer to repair their blades etched by demon's blood, a  matter which is quickly dealt with over the utterance of a simple orison.

Zertin looks around at the gathering then finally speaks up.

"Well then, my friends. As soon as Saeko is recovered we should make a start on our next task. If you want to make any preparations before we visit the castle on its mountainous peak, that may be a good way to fill the time before we leave," he suggested.

"How soon do you think she will recover?" he asks Qvar.

"Its a potent sleeping draught, like the Dark Elves use in our world, which should wear off about 8 hours after drinking, and then Saeko will be quite herself again." Qvar reports.  He has not found any other traces of the poison within the mansion and can only speculate what could have induced Saeko to drink it  ... his mind goes to the master of the castle on its mountainous peak ... and he also would not be so swift to rule magic out.  But he smiles reassuringly at Zertin and Violet and moves off to heal the steel then outside to complete his joyful ritual of prayer to the the unseen but heartfelt Sunrise ... leaving the front door open should anyone wish to bring their breakfast outside and join him.  That done, he's fairly bursting with sunshine and ready to visit the castle, as Zertin suggests, when Saeko recovers and all are ready.

"Dark elves?  Drow?" Caesius turns his head to regard Qvar.  "If it is a poison such as they use, then they might dwell here too.  Certainly this eternal night and mist would suit their kind."

"I believe I shall leave Hammer here, if there is a stable nearby?  The confines of the castle might be a little cramped for him, and I'd sooner leave him alone down here than in a monster's nest."

With concern over Saeko eased by Qvar's examination, Zertin's suggestion that everyone make what preparations they need is swiftly taken up.  Fasts are broken while both the priest and Ashlyn go out to the front of the mansion to make their prayers to the sun gods Pelor and Lathander respectively while Violet and Ireena watch over the sleeping form of the Daughter of the Wind.

Meanwhile, Randall leads Hammer down to The Blood on the Vine tavern off the town square where he might enjoy the comfort of the stables during your quest.

At length Saeko rouses, and though still a little groggy from the aftereffects, and with no memory as to how she was poisoned, her resolve is unshaken and she insists on her readiness to accompany you.

Final preparations made, and made more wary by Caesius's notion that Drow might frequent these lands of mist and shadow and pose yet another threat, you set out.

A strong wind blows (though perversely seems unable to disperse the mists) turning what might otherwise be but light rain to a freezing sleet that lashes you intermittently, making the going both slow and unpleasant, though at least the inclement weather serves to keep trouble away.

You pass the crossroads, taking the higher, western route past Lysaga Hill once more that the signpost marks as the way to Castle Ravenloft, following the road's twists and turns as it climbs steeply till you come out of the tree line to a view that might, in better circumstances, be considered beautiful.

Draped in a cloak of mist, you look up at a waterfall which plummets over a high cliff carved from the shoulders of the mountains.  Before you, a dizzying height above the river that runs below is a stone bridge.

Zertin studied the view and had to admit the beauty of it. But he did not let the magnificent scenery distract him. He looked for any sign of guards or hazards on or beneath the bridge before they set foot upon it.

"If we were kids, there would probably be a troll hiding beneath the bridge to leap out and eat us," he chuckled, making a light-hearted reference to the tale of the three billy goats gruff to lighten the mood of the party.

OOC: Zertin rolled 20 using 1d20+4.  Spot check.

Pleased that the lady has risen from her drugged slumber none the worse - save perhaps for a painful reminder in her head - and with no real comprehension of what these 'drow' might be, Violet heads out with the others.

'Dark' elves?  Are there any other kind of Fae?

Regardless of potential scenery, she remains wary and alert, eyes open and ears perked for any threats.  In a way, the mist is comforting; it conceals them as much as it might any ambush.  Or it would, Violet is forced to admit, if the demonic beings of this hell saw with mortal eyes.

She's all-too-convinced this is not the case.

As they approach the bridge, she keeps an arrow on her bow.  Zertin's comment regarding trolls beneath bridges garners a thin smile from the woman.  She is unfamiliar with the story he references, but gets the gist of it regardless.  And trolls...well, should one step out, towering, horned, and three-eyed, she would be sure to greet it in an appropriate manner.

Retreat, and loosing arrows, most likely.

"What are these...drow of which you have spoken?" she quietly inquires.

"Drow?" Zertin muses thoughtfully.

"There are a number of different types of elves. Different branches of the elvish family tree, I suppose you could say. You would be most likely to meet high elves, as they are the most likely to interact on friendly terms with humans like us. The gray elves are more aloof and reserved - you might call them the most noble, if you are not put off by their manner. Wood elves, or sylvan elves as they are sometimes called, are a little less sophisticated but generally wouldn't trouble you as long as you are not seen as a threat to the forests where they live. You remember the elves that stopped us in the forest and their leader who guided us to the heart of the forest? They were wood elves. Then there are wild elves who might be considered the barbarians of elvenkind. There are even elves who live in the sea, called aquatic elves.

"The drow are the dark elves. If the others are branches of the elvish family tree, you might think of drow as the roots of that tree. They dwell in deep caverns, speak a language of their own, worship evil deities and demons, and hate sunlight because their eyes are adapted to the perpetual darkness of their subterranean home."

Caesius nods, frowning, "Aye, their gods are gods of murder, deceit, cruelty, and treachery.  And those are the kindest among them.  The drow regard all other peoples as inferiors, fit only to be enslaved or killed, or both."

"It is well for surface dwellers that they prefer to stay below, and rarely raid the sunlit lands."

"Heironeous charges that his followers watch for their presence, as well as that of illithids, duergar, and other vile creatures of the Underdark, and put an end to their wicked schemes."

Violet stares at the two speakers with slow-growing horror.  There are...different kinds of faerie elves?  They live...everywhere in their lands?  Even under the ocean?  And they are on friendly - or at least neutral - terms with humanity?

And then the dark elves, these drow.

"Thank you, Zertin," she answers in a faint voice.  "That is most detailed.  And yourself, Sir Caesius.  I have no doubt that...Heironeous speaks against these dark elves.  I would rather not encounter their evil, myself.  Nor the evil of the others you speak of."

She hasn't seen anything of the like, at least until she came to Hell; all of the evil in Violet's past belonged to men and women.

It seems to her that the dark elves are likely the more honest of the lot of devil-spawn, Violet ponders.  But she doubts that the others will feel that way.  Perhaps she should keep those thoughts to herself.

Perhaps, part of her wonders, things are different elsewhere; or perhaps, comes a dark whisper from deep inside, she believes wrongly.

Distracted with marvelling at the scenery,  Qvar has only half an ear on the conversation. Surely this waterfall will look lovely ... sparkling ... when the Sunshine breaks through...

Still smiling from his daydream, he shrugs and seeks to elucidate. "The sleeping draught was like to the Drow poison, as an example that we've all heard of, potent but not lethal. I never met any dark elves in Glanquin, or any poisoners for that matter, except a few farmers slowly poisoning their livers with the drink." He chuckles but his laugh falls flat in the surrounding gloom, and he glances self-consciously at his companions. He notices Violet's look and hurries on. "Well, lets hope there are no dark elves about. The bridge looks sturdy enough... stone. Shall we go on?"

He sets off across the bridge, his wooden staff tapping solidly on the stones.

Though the discussion of the various sub-branches of Elven stock does little to quell Violet's fears, the young woman remains calm and polite in the face of Zertin's explanation and the additional information provided by Caesius and Qvar, keeping those qualms to herself.

E'en so, she maintains a vigil lest any such creatures or, perhaps more welcome, others such as trolls might lie in ambush.

As Zertin casts a searching eye over the bridge and the starkly magnificent landscape in which it is situated, Qvar begins to cross, using his staff to test the stones at his feet, lest the realities of hitherto unseen crumbling mortar prove more of a hazard than creatures but imagined ...

"More like you will find ghosts than trolls or Elves," the Burgomaster's daughter offers.

"For all their beauty, the Tser falls and the pool below which they feed into are named to commemorate a terrible tragedy.  It is said that a century ago, a Barovian villager named Tsertsimir Bobrishchev leaped over the falls to his death, driven by grief at the death of his lover.  His body was found in the pool just downstream, and his nickname is now the name by which both the falls and the pool are known."

"A sad tale ..."

Qvar listens quietly to Ireena's sad tale.  When she's done he smiles back at her.  "It feels right that you remember him so."

He presses on across the bridge.  "It seems quite safe!" he calls back optimistically.  "No elves.  Or trolls.  Or ghosts."

OOC: hope i'm not setting him up to be the fall guy.

The armoured warrior does not share Qvar's optimism, though her faith requires her to look upon the bright side.

"I doubt many on this path call upon the master of the castle uninvited," she muses. "Still, let perils come as they may that we might rid these lands of their evil."

Zertin pauses on the bridge long enough to point out a steep and narrow path that leads down the high cliff, finishing near the base of the waterfall.

"I wonder who made that treacherous little path down there, and why? Perhaps that is a mystery we might explore on another day," he muses.

"Paths are, in my experience, only created when the route is followed many times, or by many feet." Caesius responds, peering down to the bottom of the precipice, "Somebody thought that whatever lays down there was worth visiting.  Or that it was a good place from which to ascend the cliff.  Either way, the path may be worth investigating."

He turns away.

"For now, though, we have an appointment with the monster, and I, for one, would not be late."

"Neither late nor early," Violet murmurs.  "Hurrying may bring problems of its own, and paths might be walked both ways by many feet."  She grimaces down at the pathway Zertin indicates.  "We must be wary of our rearguard - something might travel up that route, and fall in behind us."

At which point they would be caught between hammer and anvil, but she keeps that part to herself - it's a safe guess everyone has figured that out, anyway.

Continuing, she again keeps her eyes and ears open for any hints of impending disaster, be it falling bridges or the Undying.

While none choose to pursue what mysteries or dangers afforded by the cliff-side trail, still all are doubly wary as you cross the bridge and continue along the road as it meanders first west then north, following the contours of the land, till the way ahead branches.

East lies the masters castle, high up in crags, though it be hidden in the mists, while to the north west you can make out a pair of high stone pillars, grey in the fog, looming up from the impenetrable woods on both sides of the road, twins of those that lie far to the east of here, on the other side of the town, where first you entered these cursed lands.

Taking in a long breath, Violet stares up toward the cliffs.  It's easy to imagine the castle, a looming monolith peering down into the mists and perhaps seeing through them from its vantage point.  Seeing through the mists to them.  Wincing, she switches her gaze to the pathway East.

"Would seem we go that way."  One eyebrow cocks.  "I assume there are no objections..."  Her tone indicates she would rather there are.  Even so, with a small shrug the young woman begins along the path to the East.

Provided there are, in fact, no objections.

"None at all."  Qvar smiles at Violet.  He seems pleased with progress thus far.  If he were a whistler, he'd whistle.  But fortunately he's not.  He paces along next to Zertin enjoying the view and imagined Sunshine.

Randal eyes the stone pillars thoughtfully, finally shaking his head.

"I doubt we'd be allowed to leave anyway," he states sourly, turning his gaze eastwards and upwards.

Zertin chuckles.

"Not to mention that it would be awfully rude to even think of leaving before we pay our respects to the Master of the Castle," he jokes.

You continue on, following the twisting road as it follows the contours of the land, climbing ever higher.  After passing through the craggy peaks at what seems to be a pass, the road straightens, heading south-east as it descends, the startling presence of Castle Ravenloft towering before you.

OOC: Continued in Ravenloft - Castle Ravenloft ...