The oaken doors that open into a grand foyer.

Hanging on the south wall of the foyer is a shield emblazoned with a coat-of-arms (a stylized golden windmill on a red field), flanked by framed portraits of the family: you see Rose and Thorn, obviously their mother and father, and then a baby that is far too small to survive. These portraits are painted and reflect the family in happiness and health, even the preemie looks well.

Mahogany-framed double doors leading from the foyer to the main hall are set with panes of stained glass.

OOC: This text assumes you have a torch or other light source with you. If you all decide you're doing darkvision then clearly I'm not doing a good job describing how scary the dark is.

Ceila wasn't using a light; her eyes, a gift from her unknown father, penetrated the gloom as she looked around, shield raised, sword at the ready.  (If another had brought light, of course, well enough.)

"All right," she said.  "This way, then."

She moved towards the double doors, stopping to get a good look at what the stained glass depicted.  An abstract design?  The family arms?  Or...

Jia lit a torch before she entered the house. She tailed Ceila with soft footsteps, noting the elegant details even amidst tragic ruin. She imagined the mahogany when it was freshly carved. The painting showed a healthy family in happier times. The children’s faces in their portraits were well-fed, clean, not the tear-stained moppets she met in the woods.

As Jia examined the portrait, she checked Thorn’s painting for a sign of the eerie doll his ghost carried in the woods. Then, she moved over beside Ceila. She also took an interest in the stained glass, noting the craftsmanship and looking for a story it may have told.

The artist was thoughtful enough not to include any dolls.

The stained glass reflects the torchlight joyously. Pretty colors reflect into the foyer And oil lamps on the wall stretch themselves, hoping you will light them.

Despite having the ability to see in the dark, Caedwen finds it of comfort to continue carrying his small ball of flame; a reminder of the benefits of fire, along with the destructive potential.  The light flickers and brings a small touch of warmth to the otherwise cold, empty house.  He walks the foyer, not straying too far from his companions.  And he begins lighting the oil lamps as he nears.

"This place brings to mind those forgotten places I have seen, and those I have avoided.  There are memories here, and if the children are any indication... powerful memories.  What monster could lurk in such a cold, silent place?"  His voice, despite being but a whisper, runs its course through the house, a testament to how truly silent it was.

"I don't like the looks of it," said Ceila.  "Not inclined to trust anything here..."

She attempted to open the doors with her foot for that very reason, although she'd fall back on her gloved hand if she must.

“We walk a world that has given us little reason to trust it.” Jun Jia looked the foyer over, but still could make out very little among the shadows. “We have even less reason to trust this house.”

OOC:

16:57, Today: Jun Jia rolled 11 using 1d20+3.  Perception check.

"'Tis just a house.  Fear what lurks within, and without.  But fear not this collection of lumber.  And be ready.  I worry we'd have heard something in here if it were unaware of us.  The silence is deafening."  Caedwen speaks quietly, and lays a hand on a piece of wood, fingers tracing the grain and searching for any imperfections.  After all, what was wood if not perfectly imperfect?  This form, this construction, was no longer wood, but rather wooden.  There was a distinction, if only in his mind.

“Coming events cast their shadows before them,” Jia said softly. The petite woman gave Caedwen a slight nod as she carried the torch to a corner of the foyer. She would wait for the entire group before she explored the first floor any further.

Vyktor walked behind the others, his right hand concealed beneath the rosen cloak he wore, assuredly resting upon some weapon or other means of defence. He too was grateful for the light, though the shadows they threw seemed to mock and taunt him, inviting him to explore further but barely hiding what they knew was coming...

A creature of habit and the product of discipline, the former nobleman's eyes swept the hall for tracks, dust disturbed, exits and things which could be leveraged as advantage should the inevitable confrontation the shadows whispered of reach fulfillment sooner rather than later.

Jia's words seemed to echo in the silence. "The shadows cast foretell that which shall become..." If circumstances were any different, he'd commit their words to song. But now was not the time for that.

"So children, what can you tell us of your home?" Vyktor inquired of their strange hosts.

Ceila privately wondered what the children would or could answer.  She was inclined to think that they were shades of some kind-- not truly undead, but echoes of what had been.  Or perhaps illusions, bait in a trap for all of them...

But such a trap should not be allowed to ensnare others.  She'd spring it, if need be, to destroy it.

Drucca stands in the doorway, muttering something about Bahamut when the inky darkness surrounds her. Have you ever heard a dragonborn scream?

You quickly slam the doors shut before the darkness can invade the foyer, feeling bad that you could not save her.

--

Meanwhile the lamps lit, the stained glass doors create a warm and welcome display of color.

"Welcome." You feel the voice rather than hear it, as you push open the stained glass doors.

A wide hall  runs the width of the house, with a black marble fireplace at one end and a sweeping, red marble staircase at the other. Mounted on the wall above the fireplace is a longsword with a windmill cameo worked into the hilt. The wood-paneled walls are ornately sculpted with images of vines, flowers, nymphs, and satyrs. The decorative paneling follows the staircase as it circles upward to the second floor.

There are 4 doors to the north, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 1 door to the south.

“May her ancestors receive her spirit,” Jia said as she softly whispered a quick prayer in her native tongue. “The malignant force in this house will not allow us to tarry. We must keep moving forward if we would live.” She stepped up behind Ceila. “Should we open the door closest to us first?”

"I see no reason to pick one door over another," said Ceila.  "We must take what we find, I suppose, and make the best of it."

She opened door one, but did not step through until her weapon was in her hand.  This place was clearly perilous.

"I fear that her god would not look favorably upon her inaction when investigating the injustice of this place.  Such are the whims of intolerant deities.  But we should focus on the present.  I wonder if the sword above the mantle would have more power here, given the ties to this place.  Celia, it may be a consideration before rushing headlong... oh never mind, carry on."  Caedwen follows Celia, allowing his flame to provide some more vision into whatever room they were about to enter.

“A foolish man grows fat upon his own words,” Jun Jia said pointedly as she stepped around Caedwen. She stood opposite the paladin outside the door. Jia glanced at  the darkened door. Then, she met Ceila’s eyes and nodded, affirming that she would have the other woman’s back.

It is in the light (or what passes for it in this dimly lit house) that you notice Caedwen is not nearly as aged as he first appeared.  He has wrinkles, for sure, but they show a life of hardship and strong emotion rather than age.  There is sun damage and scars, adding greatly to his visual age.  But his eyes are young.

"...I don't trust the sword," said Ceila.  "You may have a point, though  We'll see..."

She looked to see what was on the other side of the door.  That might change things.

The words seemed to stick in Vyktor's throat, somewhere between a warning and a scream as the strange dragon-woman was sucked away! A shiver coursed through his body. "It could have been me..." he murmured to no one in particular.

He stepped into the new room and looked around, shrugging. "Careful Celia..." He too was curious as to what the opened door might reveal.

Vyktor was curious as to the sword as well, often an heirloom would take such a place of honor on display... or it might simply be an item of decoration rather than war.

"It may even bear a curse..." he muttered, for such things were not unheard of, and in this new terrifying reality in which he'd been thrust into by way of exile, it was certainly a probability.

"Only one way to find out." He walked over to inspect the sword, taking care not to touch it, but to observe that it was not the trigger to some trap or danger!

The sword gleams in the firelight, it must be made of silver and has clearly never seen battle, there's narely a scratch on it. It appears sharp.

Taking door 1, the most northwest door, leads you to a fine banquet room. The details of the room are lost on you, as the candles on the chandelier are lit for the big man sitting at the head of the table tearing into a turkey leg. There is no turkey on the table, only the plates and silverware. There is no food at the table...and that probably isn't a turkey leg...

Frozen in the doorway not out of fear but rather caution, Caedwen whispers to his companions.  "Could this be the beast we were told of?  It may appear as a man, but man alone is a great foe.  I fear it may be some sort of trickery, an illusion of sorts to fool us into letting down our guard."  He eyes the meat being consumed, and attempts to identify it (no small feat with this tricky lighting and distance).

---

08:36, Today: Caedwen rolled 20 using 1d20+5.  Survival.  (Or an 18 for Knowledge: Nature)
This message was last edited by the player at 16:40, Mon 01 Feb 2021.

It is up to chokahr what he is eating.

Your eyes are fixed on the man, but you take in as many details of the room as you can:

The centerpiece of this wood-paneled dining room is a carved mahogany table surrounded by eight high-backed chairs with sculpted armrests and cushioned seats. A crystal chandelier hangs above the table, which is covered with resplendent silverware and crystalware polished to a dazzling shine. Mounted above the marble fireplace is a mahogany-framed painting of an alpine vale.

The wall paneling is carved with elegant images of deer among the trees.

Red silk drapes cover the windows, and a tapestry depicting hunting dogs and horse-mounted aristocrats chasing after a wolf hangs from an iron rod bolted to the south wall.

Rushing through nightly woods, away from the clamor, the fire, the blank steel. The hunter became the prey. Wind wheezing, branches slapping, breath getting short. Pain in his ankle as the foot catches a prominent root. Blows. Screams. Ropes and chains. He tore and struggled and roared as they placed the noose, even bit off the executioner's hand. The horrible pain in his neck as he was strung up, kicking, struggling, fighting and fighting and fighting all over again until his breath turned to a wheeze, and then...

A mist. Thick and heavy and menacing, holding him tight like a burial shroud. His voice had no power here, nor could his claws get a hold of the grey fumes. How much time has passed? He did not remember. He must have escaped the mists at some point, when the hunger became too insistent to bear.  There must have been others, shadows, creatures, some like him, some different. It mattered not. He was fed. Tough, stringy meat, too fresh from the kill - ichor still oozed from every bite. Had it been his prey? He did not care. The blood slaked his thirst, the meat filled his belly. Chewing slowly, his gaze lost in the chandelier's dancing lights before him, Chokahr ran a finger over the scar on his throat. It was still sore, so it must have been fresh - but where did he get it?

A door opening. Figures standing in the dim light, barely visible. They were armed, yet seemed hesitant. Chokahr stopped chewing.He slowly ducked behind the table, his wild, yellow eyes still eyeing the newcomers from above the fine and dusty tablecloth, and retreated behind the chair in a slithery motion, almost too fast for someone his size. His hand clutched the chunk of meat tighter, hiding it slowly behind his back.

"Mine" he growled, blood dripping from his mouth, as menacingly as he could muster. "Find your own."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:00, Mon 01 Feb 2021.

Ceila didn't attack... yet.  She looked the man over carefully, trying to figure out what he was doing.  Could he be the monster that this place contained?  But... he was hiding behind a chair, clutching at his food.

That wasn't the behavior of a monster.  That was the behavior of a starved, frightened child who feared that what they had would be stolen.

It was something that she'd seen many times.  Too many times.  Something she'd done herself, for that matter...

"It's all right," she said, gently.  "We're not going to take your food away.  I'm Ceila.  What's your name?"

She still didn't drop her guard, however.  This was the behavior of a frightened child, but desperation could give even a child dangerous strength, and this was clearly no child-- he was large, strong, and could doubtlessly inflict considerable damage in a fight.

Jun Jia stood beside Ceila, her movements as unthreatening as her size. Her brown eyes cautiously observed the enormous man who moved like a wolf. The comparison seemed reasonable to Jia, as everything about the stranger seemed feral. Particularly the ravenous way he gnawed on the questionable hunk of meat. He hid like a cornered animal, and the growl in his claim reminded Jia of an animal asserting its territory.

“Do you live in this house?” She couldn’t see his face yet to compare it with the portraits in the parlor, so it seemed like a fair question. It followed that such a house of horrors would harbor equally horrific denizens.

Squinting through the half-darkness, Chokahr tried to assess the situation. He wasn't satiated yet. The women spoke soothing words, but they looked so... proper, and neat. Civilization and sweet talk evoked conflicted feelings in his gut. He knew something was off, but it was impossible to pinpoint the sensation, much less link it to any clear memory. This place was definitely odd. His gaze switched between the half-elf and the foreign-looking girl. There were others too, hidden somewhere, he could hear them, smell them. Foes? Pack-mates? Prey? Too early to tell.

He took a slow step back, felt the hilt of his hammer brushing against his thigh. He hesitated. How on Earth did it get there? But then again, he could see his backpack below the table, folded in the fashion Father showed him. Could this be home, after all? Had he really forgotten that much?

"No," he said finally, with a hint of hesitation. Then, more confidently, he added: "No house is home to me. Who brought me here? Was it you? What do you want?"

The menacing tone was gone; only caution and confusion remained.
This message was last edited by the player at 15:55, Tue 02 Feb 2021.

“No.” Jia slowly shook her head. “This is not our home nor is it our country. We were brought here by the Mists.” Jia watched the fur-garbed brute with calm brown eyes. “A vampire who claims to be Lord of this domain identified this land as ‘Barovia’.

We entered this house because dark forces led us here. We want to defeat whatever Evil lurks in this house. You may join us until we vanquish it, or go your own way in peace.”

"I think those forces brought you here, as well," Ceila added.  "And I fear that this is a perilous land indeed-- one ally of ours has already fallen.  Will you join us?  We'll be safer together."

That male might be child-like in some ways, but he appeared to be strong, and... any tool at hand was very much a part of her oath.  Besides, he'd be safer with them.

Upon further observation of this stranger, Caedwen shrugs and lets down his guard.  "Well met, friend.  As you seem to be one in touch with your primal nature, I have trust in you.  I am Caedwen of the Adri Forest, which I believe to be far from here.  Who are you, and from where do you hail?"

Upon noticing Caedwenn, the large man straightened up slowly from behind the chair, a look of puzzlement on his face. Taking an absent-minded bite from the gruesome chunk of meat in his hand, he moved slowly towards the druid, his eyes running him up and down. Then he pointed at him with the blood-dripping fragment.

"You... you are Forest-Soul, I can smell it. One of you ran with our pack, long ago."

Chokahr tossed the bone over his shoulder and raised both hands, palms facing the druid, and slowly closed them to fists.

"I hide my claws from you, Caedwenn of the Adri Forest, and from your friends. I am Chokahr. I give my woods no name. The townfolk nearby call them the Archwood, but they know nothing. This forest of yours I do not know either. Must be far away."

Dropping his hands, Chokahr turned back towards the table, all the while attempting to dislodge something from between his teeth with a fingernail. He grabbed the backpack below and slung it over his broad shoulders, glancing at the two women.

"You look like you can fight, Celia. Good. What about you, strange girl?"

“These fists and feet are all the weapons I need.” Jia held up her fists in emphasis, then clasped her hands and gave a half-bow. “My name is Jun Jia. I was born in the land of Kara-Tur.”

Jia stood straight and appraised the stranger with a look. “Your hammer undoubtedly has drawn blood. Have you slain monsters with it? Have you ever faced the undead? We met a vampire earlier tonight, and were led to this house by ghosts. The very shadows of this unholy place claimed the life of one of our companions, and to kill a Dragonborn is no easy task for mortals.”

Vyktor snorted as the word Vampire was thrown about. "A jester with questionable taste in music," he grumbled.

From where the former knight stood, this new fellow seemed every bit as savage as the creatures Vyktor suspected lurked at the edges of these cursed mists. "If we allow him to join us, how will we keep him fed?" This wasn't entirely rhetorical nor jest.

"You seem sturdy enough, friend," Vyktor began, "just don't get any ideas about gnawing on anything of mine..."

He nodded slightly and then introduced himself.

"I am Vyktor of Rosewylde, an exile."

His stomach snarled in response.

"I'm sure he can hunt," said Ceila.  It was a practical question, granted, and one that might cause them no end of trouble in the future... but first, they had to get through their current crisis.  There would be time to worry about who and what was going to be hunting what... and who... after they dealt with this house.

Chokahr nodded at Vyktor, chuckling at the idea that he might want to feed on his new companion - a dry, snorting laugh that sounded like the snarl of a wolverine.
"I'm not biting you, hunter. You smell of black powder. Don't like it. Tickles my mouth."

Reaching back to his backpack, the barbarian released his round wooden shield from the hook to which it was attacked and donned it on his left arm. Having then made sure his warhammer was ready to be drawn, he looked around the room again, sniffing. His fingers patted the hammer's head.
"This one, only for monsters, Jun Jia of Kara-Tur. Your fist better be real strong if we're up against the restless dead. Some stuff you don't want to touch with your bare hands."

OOC: 15:36, Today: Chokahr rolled 21 using 1d20+3.  General Perception check.
Anything of interest in that room?

With the introductions near at an end, Caedwen coughs (but was it out of annoyance or something else?) and then speaks, "Then it seems settled for now.  Join us, and fight with us to escape this dead place.  We could use your strength in this place, and it will be good to have one such as yourself by my side.  I feared to be caught here with naught but city-folk."

He turns and begins moving towards door 2, but turns at the last moment and says, "Be sure there is nothing of importance in this room, often it is the smallest of clues that warns you of the wolves."

The centerpiece of this wood-paneled dining room is a carved mahogany table surrounded by eight high-backed chairs with sculpted armrests and cushioned seats. A lit crystal chandelier hangs above the table, which is covered with resplendent silverware and crystalware polished to a dazzling shine. Mounted above the marble fireplace is a mahogany-framed painting of an alpine vale.

The wall paneling is carved with elegant images of deer among the trees.

Red silk drapes cover the windows, and a tapestry depicting hunting dogs and horse-mounted aristocrats chasing after a wolf hangs from an iron rod bolted to the south wall.

When Chokahr inspects the drapes, he sees that they match the carpet. Blood red. Dripping. Your feet are wet, your shoes are stained.

With a click of the tongue, Chokahr attempted to push the dripping drapes aside using his warhammer in order to get a peek outside the window.

"Such a waste of perfectly good blood" he said with a sigh. "Father and I used to make blood sausages in the summers after a great hunt, with herbs and mushrooms and good chunks of fat. You can keep it fresh for weeks if you smoke and dry it."

Far enough from the window to avoid seeing the copious amounts of blood, Caedwen licks his lips at the mention of blood sausage.  He was growing quite hungry.

CHOKAR:
The curtains part and you see yourself outside the window. Not a reflection. You stand in a flower garden with various flowers, none of which you know the name, and they are so pretty. You're wearing a pretty little skirt and have a pretty bow in your pretty braided hair.

You wave at yourself inside the house, then stoop down to pick up a pink flower and put it in your hair, then look back up at yourself to see if you like the way you look.
This message was last edited by the GM at 16:24, Wed 03 Feb 2021.

Ceila looked over the decor cautiously.

"I fear wolves, in this place.  Perhaps the kind that walk on two legs," she said, with distaste.  Such things, unfortunately, often needed silver to hurt-- and she was hardly rich enough to carry a silver blade.

"...what's outside those curtains?" she asked.

“If we find the restless dead or any wolves-that-walk, I possess another skill that may discourage them.” Jia admired the craftsmanship of the chandelier and the table, if not the bloody theme of the paneling  art. “The art seems to convey the house’s hunger.” So much Red in the room.

“What do you want of us, House?” Jia addressed the dwelling directly. Obviously, It wanted them there. To what end?

Blinking, the tall lad took a slow step back from the window, letting the curtain fall back into place. He stood there an instant, staring blankly, then shivered and shook his head.

"Spirits are playing tricks on me," he growled. "There is a garden outside, though what dwells in it I do not know."

Chokahr let the warhammer slide back into the belt loop. He glanced over at Celia.
"I grew up among wolves. Wolves are only dangerous when they are hungry, or when a mother has pups. Man-wolves, now, that depends. Some you can trust, some not. As for silver... what's with the... things on the table?" he asked, pointing at the cutlery.

JUN JIA:
You cannot hear it, neither a voice nor a thought, but you feel the answer. "Go up."

“They are eating utensils,” Jun Jia said, leaning closer to Ceila. “We must go upstairs soon.” She stepped away, looking toward the window that beguiled the barbarian. “After I investigate the window. Let us learn what so fascinates the barbarian.” Jia walked toward the window, looking out to see the garden that Chokahr described.

Ceila considered.  This was fine dining-ware, wasn't it?  She wasn't inclined to theft... of late... but if those knives looked to be silver, it might save all of their lives.  She sheathed her sword and took a moment to grab any sharp, silver knives that she could see.

JUN JIA:
Looking through the window you only see inky Smokey darkness.

CELIA:
You can take 8 sets of salad forks, dinner forks, knives, spoons and tea spoons. Altogether the value should be around 40gp.

Jia shrugged. “Hmm. I see nothing but the darkness that claimed Druaccic. Whatever you saw was apparently meant for your eyes alone,” Jia said to Chokahr.

She returned to the table. Eyeing the handfuls of dining-ware going into Ceila’s bag, she arched a slender eyebrow. “Do you have a sufficient bounty, Ceila?”

"I hope so," she said, and she began handing out the sharp silver she'd been able to gather.

"There may be wolf-changers here," she explained.  "Silver can harm them, when warhammers and swords and blows cannot.  Best we be prepared."

And if they weren't needed now, why, they might well be in the future.  Denying oneself a weapon one might need was pointless.

Jia accepted a silver knife with a grateful nod. “Your thoughtfulness is appreciated.” Jia also decided that she respected the woman even more for thinking ahead that way, and thinking of her companions. She tested the grip of the knife. “Will Silver also harm the shadows?”
This message was last edited by the player at 22:22, Wed 03 Feb 2021.

Ceila looked dubious.

"Not that I've heard," she said.  "Such things are unpleasant threats, able to kill many before they know it happened.  I hope they don't lair here."

"I have seen no evidence of the walking dead yet.  And to that end, I have found that fire often cleans the dead as well as it does the living."  The ball of flame in his hands dances from hand to hand, his eyes contemplating the truth of the fire.  "I worry that you might be putting too much faith in such implements.  The forks may be silver, but I defy you to penetrate the flesh of any true beast with them."

Caedwen’s Fire cantrip would come in handy under such circumstances. His incessant contrarianism wouldn’t. Jia answered the Druid with a mild weariness in her voice. “If the creature in question possesses a weakness to silver, then the weapon should penetrate with sufficient force behind it.”

She walked toward the dining room entrance. “What was Strahd, if not the walking dead? We have already met ghosts, too. Skepticism is healthy, even helpful. Willful disagreement is not.”

"I should have been more clear.  I have seen no evidence of the dead within these walls.  Only hungry woodsmen."  Caedwen points with his chin at the newcomer.  "If we are to arm ourselves for every possibility, we will run out of pockets and time.  We would be best served discovering what it is we face here."

“Then we must go upstairs soon. I cannot say how I know, but I know with certainty that what we seek lies there.” She pocketed the silver knife, and added, “I only travel with what I can carry. Should we encounter a fiend vulnerable to silver, I expect that I will lighten my burden.”

Ceila rolled her eyes at Caedwen.

"We fight with knives, not forks," she said.  "Obviously.  And you may not see a wolf yet, but in a land as accursed as this, far better to be ready.  I can strike with holy power, but nevertheless, a silver blade might save my life."

Having cautiously retreated from the window, Chokahr spent a moment inspecting the deer motifs on the wall panels. Now that was something he would have loved to put his teeth on. The  chatter of his companions annoyed him. It reminded him of whelps fighting for status, baring their teeth and yelping. Now probably wasn't the best time for such games.

"All beasts die when you splatter their brain on the ground or burn them to a crisp," he growled, tapping his hammer. "I want out of here. Who knows the way?"
This message was last edited by the player at 11:11, Thu 04 Feb 2021.

Having felt the room growing restless you return to the hallway. There are two more doors on the north wall and a single door on the south wall. There are stairs spiraling up.

Vyktor palmed one of the silver knives and it disappeared somewhere beneath the blood-red cloak he wore draped over one shoulder as if concealing that half of his body. As the others continued the discussion, he approached the next door on the north wall and opened it with little ceremony.

"I'm sure we'll go up eventually, but I'd rather not leave an enemy behind us..." he called quietly over his shoulder to the group, "nor an ally for that matter."

"Caedwen, a little light here if you would?"

As Vyktor led the way out, Jun Jia followed him. She stopped outside the door in the hall and kept a watchful eye on the group. She didn’t want another left behind to suffer the Dragonborn’s fate. In reply to Vyktor, she said, “Perhaps the lone room first?”
This message had punctuation tweaked by the player at 05:15, Fri 05 Feb 2021.

"As good a choice as any," said Ceila.  She went to that door, taking the lead, sword at the ready.

Eager to escape the argument that seemed to be brewing, Caedwen moves with Vyktor to provide the soothing light of his flame.  "A wise choice.  I would prefer not leave anything between us and the door."  He does not seem to be leading the exploration of any room, but is clearly more than willing to assist.

Chokahr left the dining room last, gracing the place with one last look as he joined his new companions in the great hall. They were all planning their next move, and as far as he could gather, they intended to go up, not out. With a sigh, he joined Vyktor near the door, trying to listen for suspicious sounds on the other side, as the man simply swung the door open without any apparent care for caution or discretion. Eyes wide, the barbarian snorted and softly shook his head.

"You are very brave, or very dumb, or both, my friend," he said with a chuckle. "I like that."

"Yes. I've been called both, by both..."

"Will most likely be called much worse by the time this is all over..

Taking the single south door opens to a 20x20' oak paneled hunter's den.

Mounted above the fireplace is a stag’s head, and positioned around the outskirts of the room are three stuffed wolves.

Two padded chairs draped in animal furs face the hearth, with an oak table between them supporting a cask of wine, two carved wooden goblets, a pipe rack, and a candelabrum.

An unlit chandelier hangs above a cloth-covered table surrounded by four chairs.

Two cabinets stand against the walls.

"...I don't trust those wolves," said Ceila.  She went to examine a cabinet.  There might be something useful in there.

“Do you trust anything in this unholy place?” Jia cut a disapproving eye at the wolves, then shook her head. So much of the house glorified death in one way or another. Not all the finery could compensate for the morbid aspects of the manor.

“I will check the other cabinet.” Jia looked at the shelves and the objects adorning them. She also looked at the area where the cabinet touched the wall.

OOC:

17:23, Today: Jun Jia rolled 11 using 1d20.  Search the second cabinet.

 

The first cabinet is unlocked and holds a small box containing a deck of playing cards and an assortment of wine glasses.

The second cabinet is locked. You can see the lock and it does not appear trapped.

As his companions begin searching the new room, Caedwen stands in the doorway and begins a ritualistic series of strange words and movements.  His hands move to his eyes, and for ten minutes he continues this behaviour.  At the end, his eyes emit a slight glow.  Any who glance at him peripherally might see the eyes of owls peering from beneath his heavy brow, but closer inspection reveals his own.  His eyes scan the room before taking a moment to reexamine the previous.

---

Caedwen casts Detect Magic as a ritual and concentrates on the spell.

"Cover me, and I can try the lock," said Ceila.  She went to see if she could pick it-- a skill learned from her early days on the street.

Thieves' Tools check with Dex.  13.

"This doesn't look like an exit," Chokahr commented simply after glancing into the room. "We should move on."

He stood in the doorway while his companions were searching the cabinets, scratching his ear and yawning.

CAEDWEN: As soon as you finish your ritual you are completely blinded by magical aura. You are forced to close your eyes and have the blinded condition for 10 minutes regardless of ending the spell early.

CEILA: You pick the lock easily, this cabinetholds a heavy crossbow, a light crossbow, a hand crossbow, and 20 bolts for each weapon. There is a journal or personal diary here.

"Weapons," said Ceila, getting them out.  She wasn't sure if they'd be useful in the close-quarters of a fight in this house, but best to have options.

"Help yourself," she continued, and she took the journal and opened it to see what it was.  She was too intent on this to immediately notice what had befallen Caedwen.

The journals pages have all been torn out except for one, the very first one.

August 13, 340
It’s an agenda suicide. To get what I want I will do what I have to. Street rat they call me. I don’t like that. I will show the world I am not a thief sneaking in the shadows taking things to survive. I am the assassin lurking in the shadows willing to take life.
This is the beginning. At the end of my path is the pretty little town home on rich row.
I will neighbor the elites. I will take the most beautiful wife. We will have 4 children and life will be perfect.

“Your lock-picking skills are noteworthy for a Paladin.” Jia smiled wryly, teasing Ceila with good-natured banter. “Very good.” The monk eyed the goods in the cabinet. “Would you like the heavy crossbow? You should choose first, as you gave us this bounty.”

The other woman opened the journal, so Jia shrugged and left the heavy gear for her. “If I may, I will choose the light crossbow. Perhaps the Druid would like the hand crossbow? That will interfere the least with his spells.”

 Jia picked up the light crossbow and accompanying bolts. If the crossbow had a strap, she would sling it over her shoulder. If not, she would pack it in her bags.

Jia didn’t snoop over Ceila’s shoulder, but that didn’t mean she wasn’t interested in the journal's contents. “May we hope that the journal reveals some helpful secrets about this house...?”

After ten minutes of muttering his prayers and magicks, Caedwen gives out a loud cry, one far more intense than would be advisable given the circumstances.  "Aaargh!"  He stumbles forward, one hand before him and the other covering his face.  "This isn't right.  This isn't safe.  I attempted to pierce the veil between the mundane and the magical, and the power here is blinding!  This house holds more secrets than we are seeing, and I fear I must apologize for underestimating the gravity of the situation, Jia.  And while I appreciate the offer of such a weapon," he says while handling the hand crossbow, "I must admit I have no knowledge of the use nor do I consider it necessary for myself.  Perhaps Vyktor would find more use in it."

"As you like," said Ceila.  "I have a longbow, but I could use the heavier weapon..."

She read what the journal contained to the others-- no need to keep it secret.  It was daunting, that Caedwen had had his magical senses overwhelmed by this place, but it was clear that they were in some kind of magical trap, or perhaps a site of great evil power.

“Please sit, and rest until you recover your sight.” If Caedwen allowed her, Jia would guide him toward the chairs and help him sit. “Chokahr’s experience with the window told us that the house reeks of Magic. If it blinded you, then Magic is indeed all around us here. I wonder what other ways the house will interfere with our group’s own respective magicks?”

Surprised by Caedwenn'S cry, Chokahr twitched and reached for his weapon, but quickly caught himself. The man seemed to suffer from some sort of violent headache. Normally he'd call a green sage or a wise woman to have it looked upon, but what did you do when the green sage himself was afflicted?

"Bad spirits haunt this place, that's for sure," he mumbled. "What does the journal say?... Sounds like any sad little man to me," he concluded with a chuckle. "Big threats and big words and petty dreams. Killing doesn't make you a pack leader, any whelp can kill. Instincts matter."

Vyktor tried not to look disdainful toward the inferior weapons. A simple shake of his head told Jia that he wasn't particularly interested. "Better the rest of you have means to strike from distance or cover. I'm already rather well accoutered for such myself."

He stepped next to Caedwen and grabbed the druid's arm to steady him. "Easy woodsman, I'll guide you, I know little of magicks, but would venture to counsel you NOT to try that again..."

A thought occurred to him then. "Are any of those bolts silvered or barbed by chance?"

"Excellent question," said Ceila, examining them.  If they were, that might be very important.

“Ceila, could you take the extra crossbow, then? My primary attacks rely on unencumbered movement. The crossbow I took is sufficient.” Jia gestured toward Ceila.

“We are not obligated to take all that we see. Still, I would advise that we leave no weapons for any who may come upon them, and bear malice toward us. We found the barbarian. It follows that we may encounter others we were not expecting very soon.”

"It is truly unfortunate, as I seem to have been overpowered by the house itself.  But in my efforts, I believe we learned something valuable.  Allow me to sit a moment while the rest of you search the remaining rooms.  If we are to go upstairs, I would have it that my sight returned before proceeding."

Caedwen accepts the help, taking a seat in the nearest available room (which is likely the dining room).  He takes the opportunity to listen in, hoping to pick up something that he would have otherwise missed by relying on his visual senses.

---

08:22, Today: Caedwen rolled 16 using 1d20+5.  Perception.

"I'll stay with him," Chokahr threw in and led Caedwenn into the nearest seat. "You go and have a look around. Holler if you need me."

After having helped his companion sit down, the large man squatted down, sighing and scratching behind his ear.

"The gods have a wicked sense of humor, sending me here, of all places... They must be testing me, testing all of us." He gazed up at the temporarily blinded druid. "Do you know more about such things, Forest-soul? How can I prove myself worthy of the god's challenge, in this place where my strength isn't needed?"

Ceila took the crossbow.  She might not use it as much, in a place like this... but it might well become necessary.

The room has begun to become unwelcoming. The taxidermized wolves begin to salivate.

“The wolves seem hungry,” Jia said softly, “For mere decor.” She noted the golem’s positions, bracing herself for defense. “I would suggest leaving this room, but the House clearly has other ideas.”

Vyktor allowed his charge of the blinded Druid to be taken by Chokahr. He left the den and proceeded back to the north to open the next unexplored doorway. He gave it a cursory glance (Passive Perception) and then opened it up to reveal whatever strangeness lie beyond...

"I already hate this place..." he muttered.

Jia knew that enough troubles awaited them in the rest of the house. She exited the den with Vyktor. Even if the stuffed wolves followed, she preferred facing them in less confined space. “Close the door behind you,” she said to Ceila.

Caedwen allows himself to be seated, and maintains the flame in his hand.  While the light is of little use at the time, the warmth is a comfort.  "I know the desires of only one god, though I suspect the whims of many others.  I, myself, follow the Shalm, Obad-Hai.  A testament to the strength of the primal, the balance found in nature, and the savagery necessary to defend oneself from the encroach of civilization.  I have learned much from the Shalm, and many of the lessons were unexpected."

"You feel that your strength is of no use here.  Find new strength.  Find new purpose.  Even the strong wolf pack must have those that care for the sick.  The bear that smites with one paw, protects with the other.  You have physical might, that is plain to see.  But perhaps this is a challenge from the gods to find another use.  But perhaps the gods have nothing to do with this, and we are at the whimsy of a dark creature like this Strahd.  If this is the case, your sword-arm must be ready."

Finally, he puts out a hand towards Chokahr's shoulder.  "Stand by me, warrior, and I will aid you in your journey, as I would have your aid in mine."

The second door from the left on the north wall opens to a simple 5x5 coat closet. Different black cloaks in different sizes suggest different people stayed here...and never left.

There is a top hat on the top shelf. The crossbow bolts are crossbow bolts.

You have already determined the next door is a second door that leads to the dining room that you were in.

The last door on the north wall opens to the kitchen. The kitchen is tidy, with dishware, cookware, and utensils neatly placed on shelves. A worktable has a cutting board and rolling pin atop it. A stone, dome-shaped oven stands near the east wall, its bent iron stovepipe connecting to a hole in the ceiling. Behind the stove and to the left is a thin door leading to a well-stocked pantry. All the food in the pantry appears fresh.

For those who didn't just eat their last group, you notice you are hungry.

Ceila did as they moved on to another room.  This place was dangerous; no point in asking for more trouble than they would already get.

Vyktor perused the kitchen, taking a moment to glance into the oven. He then took note of the pantry and his stomach rumbled ominously. He looked for something simple, a small loaf or roll perhaps, which he tasted experimentally.

When his perusal of the kitchen and pantry were complete, he returned to the main hall an with a gesture to the rest, led the way carefully up the stairs, taking note of any trickiness with the steps or dangers from above.

Chokahr nodded at Caedwenn's reply, then scratched his head again. He'd have to cut that mass of hair soon, or get those itchy lice again. Normally he would do so in the spring, and let them grow back until next winter's first colds, but telling the time of the year in such a place as this could prove difficult, so he'd have to rely on his gut. Or itch.

There was a hint of a twitch as the druid's hand rested on his shoulder. Chokahr thought for an instant, then spoke. "We are not pack-mates, not yet, but we may become. Maybe this is what the gods have planned for me. Anyway, your Shalm sounds very much like the gods our own Forest-Souls revered. Perhaps they were related." He stood up, stretching and yawning, leaning towards the corridor to see what the others were doing. "Your eyes any better? We should move on before I die of boredom. Why do the townies need so many rooms for anyway?"

The bread is as tasteless as Vyktor's beard style. :)

You move together up the stairs. There's no lingering behind. The red marble staircase that started on the first floor continues its upward spiral...A cold draft can be felt coming down the steps.

The second floor landing is 15x20 with four gleaming suits of armor. Each pair guards double doors, one on the north wall, the other on the south wall. Each suit of armor clutches a spear and has a visored helm shaped like a wolf’s head. The doors are carved with dancing youths.

Unlit oil lamps are mounted on the walls of this elegant hall. A fireplace is in the west wall. Hanging above the mantelpiece is a wood-framed portrait of the Durst family: Gustav and Elisabeth Durst with their two smiling children, Rose and Thorn. Cradled in the father’s arms is a swaddled baby, which the mother regards with a hint of scorn.

"More wolves, more paintings of the ghosts, and a mystery child who may be key to it all," said Ceila.  Sword in hand, she went to examine the painting.  Was there anything behind it...?

“Look at the disdain the mother shows the infant,” Jun Jia said, as she pointed at the dismissive mother. “Earlier, I felt a great urgency that we come upstairs. The House communicated this with me...or was it something else? Could the child indeed be the key? What about the monster the children mentioned?”

Shivering a bit at the cold, Vyktor gestured upward, "I'd say someone left a window open..." But the look on his face was one of skepticism at his own observation.

He made his way forward and began to look over the suits of armor, curious as to their decorum and style or if they were in fact fit for battle. He the proceeded to examine the doors for anything unpleasant.

Ceila finds there is a wall behind the painting. This wall is sturdy and strong enough to hold a painting.


Vyktor got what he was looking for. Upon closer inspection of the dancing youths carved into the doors he realizes they are actually running away from bats attacking them.

I actually rolled a d100 to give you a 1% chance of finding a holy avenger behind the painting or in the doors. sorry.
This message was last edited by the GM at 03:37, Tue 16 Feb 2021.

“Ghastly house, but good craftsmanship,” Jia said with a quick knock on the wall. “Mmm-hmm.” Then, she approached the Southernmost doors. She turned the doorknob and slowly opened the door.

Chokahr made sure Caedwenn had the help he needed when ascending the stairs, letting him go as soon as he was convinced he could manage on his own. Having reached the next floor, he looked around in amazement and the wooden panels, marveling at the craftsmanship, stared blankly at the painting, and sniggered at the suits of armor, tapping one of the breastplates lightly with his knuckle. He did, however, give the spears a critical look, judging their quality and sturdiness.

"Good weapon for hunting, spears," he commented. "Useful against boars. Those beasts keep charging at you until they're dead, so keeping them at bay is nice if you don't wanna get a nasty bite.The people look familiar to you?" he asked to his companions in general, pointing in the painting's direction.

Caedwen accepts the help from the stairs.  After all, even beasts have been known to help the injured.  Reaching the top, he asks for somewhere safe to stand or sit.  His stomach growls loudly, enough that the group should be able to hear.

"I might as well make myself of use in this moment.  Trust not the food in this place, for it is likely infused with the same darkness that blinded me.  Instead, sup on the bounty granted to me by the Shalm himself."  He kneels to the floor, plants his staff on the wooden planks, and mutters another incantation.  Almost immediately several berries sprout from the staff, which he promptly plucks and begins passing around.  He places one in his mouth, the other in a pouch.  "This should help you maintain strength, and sooth small wounds."

---

Caedwen casts Goodberry, and gives everyone two berries.

The berries appear sickly and oily. Of course Caedwyn can’t see how they look and eats them, they taste bitter in your mouth, but when it hits your stomach you feel the effects as they should be. Your sight returns.

"We were sent here by what appeared to be the ghosts of the children," said Ceila.  "They spoke of monsters, and I expect we'll find such here... but they're elusive."

She pocketed the berries, not needing them yet.

Jun Jia opens the double doors to the south room.

Gossamer drapes cover the windows of this elegantly appointed hall, which has a brass-plated chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Upholstered chairs line the walls, and stained-glass wall hangings depict beautiful men, women, and children singing and playing instruments.

A harpsichord with a bench rests in the northwest corner. Near the fireplace is a large standing harp. Alabaster figurines of well-dressed dancers adorn the mantelpiece.

Vyktor entered the room with a growing sense of unease. He normally wore his cloak draped over his right shoulder, concealing the arm, hand and whatever else was beneath it, but the cold draught from above motivated him to shoulder the other side as well.

"Does anyone play?" he asked, gesturing with his chin toward the instruments. Though the nobility were expected to have learned, even mastered some form of art as part of their enlightened status, Vyktor's skills were found elsewhere... "I most often found ways to escape from my lessons, I'm afraid nothing of my poor teacher's efforts ever stuck."

Working his way across the room to the fireplace, he reached out his left hand, more out of habit than out of any expectation that the empty hearth would produce any heat. He then carefully inspected the figurines on the mantle, expecting perhaps that they may be of some future use.

Jia tentatively ran a single finger over the elegant seats. She considered the exacting detail of the stained glass, staring at the beautiful musicians playing their instruments. “Will this art also depict a gruesome scene hidden by the splendor?”

After a minute or two of inspecting the stained glass, Jia answered Vyktor’s question. She reached into a pouch in her traveling bag and pulled out a small bamboo flute. “I only play the dizi.” The flute was promptly inserted back in her pack.

 Still, Jia couldn’t deny her curiosity for the harpsichord. Her fingers brushed the keys. Out of the corner of her eyes, Jia also admired the harp.

"I'm no performer," said Ceila.  "Still, it should be easy enough for someone to play a few notes on that thing, if it might be magical."

...although it was hard to know what was safe to touch here.  Nothing had directly harmed them, as yet, but who knew when that might change?

Snorting derisively at the instruments, Chokahr approached the stained-glass panels, looking for clues or insights in the colourful mosaic. This kind of art was new to him, and intrigued him very much. He knew glass to be expensive - most of the peasant homes near his native forests had simple wooden panels, the richest ones used oiled paper - and was amazed at the idea of using it as a support for a pitcure, rather than the more obvious linen or wood.

"THe master of this home likes to flaunt his wealth," he sniggered, tapping the panels gently. "Yet another room with no clear use. Why would you need more than a kitchen and a bedroom?"

Eyesight returned, Caedwen examines the berries he is attempting to hand out and sighs.  "I promise you all, they seem safe enough.  My belly is full, and I am not yet dead.  But let this also be another warning to us about the evil that permeates this place."

He walks to the harp with a gathering crowd.  "Even if we had the talent, I would advise against the attempt.  Nothing good could come from these cords."  Turning from the instrument, he as well begins to examine the mantle.
This message was last edited by the player at 16:51, Thu 18 Feb 2021.

Jia accepted a berry. “Thank you, Caedwen. I cannot decide if this home is opulent or ostentatious.” She gestured at the stained glass, chairs, and the musical instruments. “You speak truly in that we cannot trust the house.”

"The wealthy do like to flaunt it," said Ceila.  "If you don't find anything, let's move on-- somewhere in here, there must be something significant."

But what?  What was a waste of time?  What was important?  There was no way to tell...

Brushing the keys does not apply enough pressure to bring it to life. Figuratively speaking.

The alabaster figurines on the fireplace prove to be carved skeletons, carved of bone.

The music hall is deathly silent. You can hear each other breathing.

With a shrug, Chokahr left the music hall and headed for the room across the floor.

"You coming, or are you preparing for a recital?" he asked his companions while swinging open the double doors on the north side. His eyes wandered briefly towards the painting. Something was creeping him out in this piece of art, but he couldn't put a finger on it...

“I am pleased that one like you knows that word,” Jun Jia said with an approving nod. She pushed down three of the harpsichord keys first, just so she could hear what music it produced. “The Northern room awaits.”

The c major chord??? Of course you would pick that one. But it sounds more like c minor to your ear.

"To the north, then," said Ceila, heading in that direction.

The north doors open
Red velvet drapes cover the windows of this room. An exquisite mahogany desk and a matching high-back chair face the entrance and the fireplace, above which hangs a framed picture of a windmill perched atop a rocky crag. Situated in corners of the room are two overstuffed chairs. Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves line the south wall. A rolling wooden ladder allows one to more easily reach the high shelves.

The desk has several items resting atop it: an oil lamp, a jar of ink, a quill pen, a tinderbox, and a letter kit containing a red wax candle, four blank sheets of parchment, and a wooden seal bearing the Durst family’s insignia (a windmill). There is only one drawer and it is closed.

The bookshelves hold hundreds of tomes covering a range of topics including history, warfare, and alchemy. There are also several shelves containing first-edition collected works of poetry and fiction.

Perception checks pls.

OOC: 22

that's it! no one else needs to roll.

Inside the desk drawer is a key.

Ceila spots a book that is out of place. It is red with a blank spine.

Ceila took the book down and examined it, reading it over if it was in a language that she knew.

Jun Jia browsed the books on the lower shelves, then joined Ceila at the desk. She searched for a journal or other documents that might describe what happened in the house.

OOC:

20:34, Today: Jun Jia rolled 11 using 1d20+3.  Perception .

 

Another room full of clutter. Great. Chokahr rolled his eyes and groaned. He would have expected more weapon chambers and mead cellars in this gigantic estate, or at least a few disgruntled guards ready to rumble, and all he had been confronted with so far was paper, and, and other similar frivolities. All this strolling around leisurely made him jittery. He was one to either run or lie down. This slow walking of civilized folks drove him half crazy.

Well, at least this room looked slightly less boring than the others, if only because it was more furnished. His curiosity getting the better of him, the burly savage climbed the wooden ladder to peer atop the shelves and armoires. Maybe the tenants or the servants would have had the brilliant idea to hide a flagon of rotgut or any other similar delicacy in such a remote place?
This message was last edited by the player at 18:44, Sat 20 Feb 2021.

Ceila: It pulls out six inches and stops. You cannot take the book down, it holds fast to the book case, fixed permanently as a lever.

Click click click click

A secret door slides open in the book case to reveal a dark 4' high x 8' long x 3' wide hallway. The walls are lined with bookshelves packed with tomes describing fiend-summoning rituals and the necromantic rituals of a cult called the Priests of Osybys.

A heavy wooden chest with clawed iron feet stands against the back wall, its lid half-closed. Sticking out of the chest is the back side of a human male skeleton in leather armor. It seems he fell in to the chest and died there.

----

Chokahr does not find any beverages at the top rows of books.

----

Jun Jia finds a torn piece of paper, it is similar size and handwriting to the journal from the wolf den:

August 13, 340
It's an agenda suicide.  I own most of this town and the windmill to the west, the people pay me just to grind their grain. I've got what I want but there is more power waiting in the darkness. Osybys calls to me. I have formed a cult. Elisabeth was completely happy to join me. I had feared she would disdain me, but as we cut into our first victim I saw lust in her eyes that I had not expected. She is now pregnant with our second child. Praise Orybys.
-Gustav

Jia picked up the paper and read it. She shared aloud the contents of the writing. “The woman in the portrait was named Elizabeth. Her husband fell under the sway of a being called ‘Osybys’. They formed a cult dedicated to this dark one, and committed human sacrifices. The owners of this house were very evil people.”


OOC:

I don’t know if this is allowed, but I’ll see if Jia might recognize that name.

. 13:42, Today: Jun Jia rolled 11 using 1d20.  Intelligence roll to recognize Osybys.

 

You've never heard of it/him.

"...let's see what's here," said Ceila.  "I suspect traps, though."

She attempted to study the chest to see what kind of threat it might pose.

11 Perception.

Not high enough. Hopefully someone else feels like trying...um...you might wanna move out of the way

Chokahr climbed down the ladder with a disappointed look on his face. The servants here were obviously not very creative.

"Human sacrifice, eh?" he sniggered as he reached the ground. "I remember a coven of witches Father used to deal with. Always wondered why on Earth they would bother with those brats they kept asking for, until Father explained later on. Explains why it was really hard to find a soup that good later on. Chicken just doesn't cut it, you know."

Looking around the room, the barbarian spotted Celia inspecting the large chest cautiously.

"Found something interesting? Anything drinkable, by chance?"

“The former residents may very well keep baby fat in that chest,” Jia said with a half-smile. “Why don’t you help Ceila look?”

"Be my guest," said Ceila, getting out of the way.  "Let me know if you spot anything dangerous-- I can work with traps and locks."

Shrugging, Chokahr pulled his warhammer from his belt, used his shield to cover his torso and face as efficiently as possible, and prodded the chest several times with his weapon, first lightly, then with more determination. He stood ready to open the lid with the hammer's head in case there was no adverse reaction.

Vyktor watched with a hint of mild amusement dancing about his lips. It was the closest thing to a smile that anyone had seen from him as of yet. He perused a few of the books, shuddered and tossed them aside.

"A most vile and horrid affair," he observed, "and if I felt this house might take a flame, I'd offer to torch it."

Chokahr determines the trap has already been sprung, and thus killed this poor soul. He pulls the skeleton out of the chest to find 3 darts stuck between its ribs. Clutched in the skeleton’s left hand is a letter bearing a broken noble wax seal-a Z, which the adventurer tried to remove from the chest.

The chest contains three blank books with black leather covers (worth 25 gp each), three spell scrolls (bless, protection from poison, and spiritual weapon), the deed to the house, the deed to a windmill, and a signed will. The will is signed by Gustav and Elisabeth Durst and bequeathes the house, the windmill, and all other family property to Rosavalda and Thornboldt Durst in the event of their parents’ deaths.

"...and I doubt very much that the children managed to inherit it," said Ceila.  "Why would you even need a will for something that obvious?  Wills are for people with complicated family lives."

“Unless the evil that menaces this house did not want them to receive their inheritance.” Jun Jia frowned. “I would say that this family indeed led most complicated lives.” Jia looked back toward the hall. “Rose. Thorn. Is this why you needed our aid?”

The hallway is silent except for any friends still in it.

You notice Caedwyn is gone. But then again...does it matter? No. You barely knew him. So what? You find that you do not care that he is gone.

Chokahr looked around the room and corridor with a dispassionate eye. No sign of Caedwenn. He felt worried, or surprised, or startled, or... no, he didn't really feel anything at all. The man was gone. That seemed like a normal thing in this cursed place. The burly savage tried to remember a few words from their last conversation, mere minutes ago, but the thoughts were blurred, the words illogical, the sensation forgotten. As Jun Jia spoke and caught his attention for a brief instant, all memory of the druid vanished from his mind, like a puff of smoke in the wind.

Others had read the papers out loud for him. The legalese and the concept of a "will" meant nothing to him. In the wilderness, you owned what you could protect from others, and when you died, everything became fair game. The hammer he wore on his hip had once been a soldier's, whose heart he had ripped out with his bare claws. The shield had been a packmate's, whose neck he had cracked in an act of mercy instead of letting him agonize for days from a festering bear's bite. The backpack was his. He had fashioned it himself from a pelt taken from a hunter who had wandered too deep into his woods. And all those meagre possessions would go to whoever was left alive to pilfer his corpse after he would meet his inevitable demise, one day or another.

There were some intersting tidbits of knowledge in the written words, however.
"Windmill," he said. "Maybe we could check that out once we're done here. What about the other papers, anything useful?"
Why? he asked himself. It's not as if he cared for those people, or their fate, or their children's fate. He felt no envy towards their possessions, their comfort. There was nothing to be gained from the dead but a few coin. Still, Chokahr's heart was filled with an unexplained curiosity. Even if it mattered very little, he still wanted to know what had happened.

Maybe learning of the family's demise would teach him how to leave this place and come home.

“We must leave the house before we can visit any windmill.  At least, we must find a way other than the one taken by Druccac and Caedwen.”

"Agreed," said Ceila.  "Well, take the scrolls, by all means.  I can make use of them if no one else can.  Shall we be on our way?"

“You shame me with your generosity, but I cannot cast spells of divine nature.” Jia thanked Ceila with a half-bow and handed her the scrolls. “Your suggestion of moving on seems wise. The Dragonborn hesitated, and the shadows consumed her. The House blinded and befuddled Caedwen, who likely met a similar fate.”

She exited the fancy room with quick steps. “Is there another room to explore on this floor?” The monk surveyed the hall, but paid more attention to her companions’ timely exits.

OOC:

22:14, Today: Jun Jia rolled 9 using 1d20+3.  Perception check .

 

Vyktor was again unnerved by the sudden disappearance of one of their group. This time he hadn't even noticed until after the fact!

He flipped through the books, recognizing their worth for the quality of craftsmanship and materials. He also considered the deeds.

"These may be important later on..." he mused.

He put everything save the scrolls into his satchel and left the room with the others.

"I believe there's one last room on this floor we've not been in yet." He led the way to the door in the northeast and opened it.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:06, Sat 27 Feb 2021.

Ceila followed him.  Nothing had attacked them yet, but surely it was just a matter of time...?

“Yes. We found helpful information here, but the final pieces of this puzzle lie in the other rooms.” Jun Jia proceeded with the group, but chose a position in the marching order where she wouldn’t give the barbarian her back.

You continue up the stairs. This third floor is different from the others. Whatever magic kept the first two pristine is gone. The walls and floors show their age, at least 400 years. Cobwebs hide the corners from view.

A suit of black plate armor is completely covered in silver spiderwebs and stands in the middle of the west wall.

To the north, two doors, 1 and 2.

To the south is 1 door.

Iron sconces look like they have never been lit. The wood panels were carved, but you cannot see what it is with all the dust built up on them.

Exploring a dark hall in a haunted house was simply not an option. Jia lit the sconces losers to the stairs. She held out her torch so she could see the woodcarvings. “What sort of horrors will we see depicted here?” Jia cautiously stepped closer for a better look after scanning the immediate area.

OOC:

21:05, Today: Jun Jia rolled 21 using 1d20+3.  Perception .

Well, no help for it.  Ceila went to brush off the panels and examine what was there.

Having assessed the third floor's state with a glance, Chokahr hurried back to grab a torch from downstairs and assisted Jun Jia in lighting the remaining sconces.

"A glimpse of truth," he said in a mocking tone, wiping away dust from a wall panel with a finger. While his companions examined the panelling, the barbarian brought a torch closer to the suit of armor, examining it with a click of his tongue. He had no intention of wielding or touching the old thing, but he knew of its impressive defensive power. A faint memory stirred up unpleasant sensations in the most remote corner of his brain...


10:22, Today: Chokahr rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  General Perception check.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:23, Tue 02 Mar 2021.

“I hope you wield your hammer as bluntly as you wield your words,” Jia said in an even tone. She looked at him for a beat, then stepped toward the Southern room. She kept examining the carvings, and looking for anything else of interest.
This message was last edited by the player at 09:40, Tue 02 Mar 2021.

The wood panels show a knight in web covered armor running his fists through: YOU.

Jun Jia turns in time to see the armor animate and pull away from the wall, the cobwebs tearing away the wood panels of that wall to reveal a bathroom behind it.

It swings at Chokar, who dodges in time.

no init. Just go when you have a chance to post. Armor AC18, so you know if you hit it and you can post your damage. This one should go quickly since it's 1 v 4. Our first fight. YAY! Good luck.

Jia covered the space between her and the animated armor. She threw her fists in rapid strikes at the armor. To no avail, though, as she disengaged to allow the others to attack.

OOC:

23:12, Today: Jun Jia rolled 8 using 1d20+5.  Unarmed Strike.
23:11, Today: Jun Jia rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Unarmed Strike.

Goddamn Dice Roller.

Ceila drew her sword and pointed it at the armor, promising that it would be destroyed; holy power coursed through her.  Then she lunged to the attack!

Bonus Action:  Channel Divinity OATH OF VENGEANCE!

So, attacking with Advantage: 21 hits for 10 damage

With a blur of movement, Vyktor's arm snapped toward the suit of armor! From his hand extended a long, silvery tendril, a whip, striking like a viper! The lash snapped against the metal, but did nothing more than make a resounding crack. Flesh surely would have rended, but steel was more resilient it would seem.

Thorn Whip cantrip melee spell attack: Vyktor Rosewylde rolled 8 to miss.

With a furious, bestial snarl, Chokahr ducked his head out of the blow's way while deftly drawing his hammer. There was a tearing noise as a long, scaly tail snapped out of his trousers, interposing itself between the barbarian and his opponent. Focused on his defense, Chokahr attempted a wild swing to keep the animated suit of armor at bay, but missed.

Rage, Form of the Beast (Tail): if the armor hits me next round, spend my reaction and gain 1d8 AC.
Rolled a 10 to hit with the hammer, so.... nope.

PLINK PLINK SLAM PLINK PLINK PLINK.

The armor doesn't seem to register that it is even being hit, but Ceila's strike cleaved a quarter of the cobwebs from the armor's torso.

It raises it hands and the webs shoot out from it's body and onto you.

ARMOR: AC18 HP-10

Cast Web, everyone make a dex save dc13 or you're incapacitated.

ROUND 2

OOC:
13:08, Today: Jun Jia rolled 20 using 1d20+3.  Dexterity save .

5

Ceila used language that Paladins, in the popular conception, really shouldn't know as the web trapped her!

Jun Jia marshaled her Ki, summoning her spiritual energy to increase the speed of her attacks. Once again, her fists darted in four rapid blows. Once again, the attack failed, although she came closer on her third attempt.

OOC:

Spending 1 Ki Point on Flurry of Blows.

15:57, Today: Jun Jia rolled 16 using 1d20+5.  Unarmed Strike .
15:57, Today: Jun Jia rolled 12 using 1d20+5.  Unarmed Strike .
15:56, Today: Jun Jia rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Unarmed Strike .
15:56, Today: Jun Jia rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Unarmed Strike.

*Sigh* Wasting that Ki point.

Vyktor tried to step in front of Celia to intercept the webbing, not that she needed the protection, but it was a habit ingrained in him through chivalry. He did manage to catch the cobwebs, that part was very successful, unfortunately in so doing he managed to entangle himself against the swearing paladin! He joined in with a few choice oaths of his own as he struggled to free himself from the embarrassing situation...


Dexterity Saving Throw: Vyktor Rosewylde rolled 6 with a Natural 1!

From such short distance, Chokahr had no chance of dodging the sticky web, but in his fury, not much could hold him down. Roaring like an animal, he wiggled and tore at the sticky strands with inhuman might, tearing the webbing away as if it was, well, cobwebs.


11:36, Today: Chokahr rolled 20 using 2d20+3, dropping the lowest dice only.  Strength check with advantage (Rage).
11:35, Today: Chokahr rolled 12 using 1d20+2.  Dex save.

The armor gave no hint that it was satisfied by catching you in its webs, but simply returned blows at Jun Jia, which she blocked or dodged effectively.

ROUND 3.
Strength save dc13 to break free from the web. Chokar that was your turn for this round already rolled.

Jun Jia heard Chokhar snarl and rip the webbing that ensnared him. “Chokhar, free Ceila while I dance with this puppet!” The petite woman nimbly avoided the armor’s retaliation. She darted around the animated menace, feinting with her first punch.

Then, Jia noticed an opening in the armor’s defense. She finally saw an opportunity and struck true! Her small fist lashed out with the force of a smithy’s hammer!

OOC:

17:11, Today: Jun Jia rolled 6 using 1d4+3.  Damage.
17:09, Today: Jun Jia rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  Unarmed Strike .
17:08, Today: Jun Jia rolled 9 using 1d20+5.  Unarmed Strike .

 
This message was last edited by the player at 22:16, Thu 04 Mar 2021.

armor ac18 hp-19

21:15, Today: Ceila Greendoor rolled 18 using 1d20 ((18)).

Ceila managed to tear free from the webbing.  But would it be in time...?

"There m'Lady, you're free!" Vyktor said as he helped to break the tendrils holding him to the paladin. Though she was free, he could not however say the same about himself, having taken the brunt of the sticky attack. He continued to struggle against the webbing himself, hoping to soon be free as well.


STR Save: Vyktor Rosewylde rolled 6 - FAIL! - This happens when Strength is your dump stat! ;-)

The armor slams Jun Jia with its fist.

ROUND 4
Again STR Save Dc15 to escape the webbing, or someone can burn their turn helping you escape (no roll needed but it will take your entire turn).
armor ac18 hp-19
Jun Jia hit AC24 for 5 bludgeoning dmg

Free of the webbing, Chokahr threw himself into the battle, recklessly flailing at his opponent. If only this damn webbing wasn't still hindering his motions, he would certainly have hit. Still, his fury was very convincing. If only the empty, animated armor suit had been capable of emotion, it would certianly be shaking in its plated greaves!

Reckless attack, still misses. Attack rolls against me have Advantage until next turn.
16:36, Today: Chokahr rolled 8 using 1d20+5.  Reckless attack (forgot, sorry...).
16:35, Today: Chokahr rolled 16,12 using d20+5,d8+5.  Attack AC 18.

The animated armor bludgeoned Jun Jia with a heavy blow from its metallic fist. She winced with the pain, but grit her teeth. Recalling the lessons from the windswept mountaintop temple, she willed the pain away. The tiny Monk maneuvered around the clumsy Barbarian. Jia channeled her Ki and bludgeoned the armor in kind in a rapid flurry of fists!

OOC:

Spending 1 Ki point.

10:36, Today: Jun Jia rolled 7 using 1d4+3.  Damage .
10:36, Today: Jun Jia rolled 7 using 1d4+3.  Damage .
10:36, Today: Jun Jia rolled 6 using 1d4+3.  Damage .
10:36, Today: Jun Jia rolled 4 using 1d4+3.  Damage .
10:35, Today: Jun Jia rolled 20 using 1d20+5.  Unarmed Strike .
10:35, Today: Jun Jia rolled 21 using 1d20+5.  Unarmed Strike .
10:35, Today: Jun Jia rolled 19 using 1d20+5.  Unarmed Strike .
10:35, Today: Jun Jia rolled 23 using 1d20+5.  Unarmed Strike .




This message was last edited by the player at 15:43, Sat 06 Mar 2021.

While his companions hammered upon the strangely animated armor, Vyktor seemed only to get himself more and more entangled in the webbing despite his efforts otherwise. The frustration was written large upon his brow as he reached for a dagger that was stuck just out of his reach! His face flushed with embarrassment and anger.

Strength Saving Throw DC15: Vyktor Rosewylde rolled 12

Jun Jia proves that discipline is stronger than the strongest metal. She dents the steel and steam hisses out of the joints and cracks and the armor falls over.

All is silent.  It is now obvious one of the doors on the north wall leads to a dirty bathroom, in fact, you notice there are bats hanging above the toilet.

There is a second set of doors in the north, and a door to the south.

"Well done, Jun," said Ceila.  "To the south?  I'd prefer to avoid that restroom for now."

A satisfied half-smile curled Jun Jia’s lips. “You honor me, Ceila,” she said with a quick nod. “Might I beg your kindness for a short rest? The construct only hit me once, but it also struck true.” She gingerly touched her left ribs with a soft hiss.

"Of course," said Ceila.  "I could heal you, if resting isn't sufficient."

“I must also replenish my spiritual energies. Please save your healing grace, in case we face worse. I need no more than a half hour.” Jia gracefully sat in a Lotus position. Eyes closed, she hummed a soft chant in her native tongue, a mantra of self-healing.

OOC:

20:55, Today: Jun Jia rolled 6 using 1d8.  Short Rest Rejuvenation.

I’ll recover the 5 HP and the 2 Ki points with a short rest.

Vyktor continued to fight the webbing, pulling at it and tugging and trying to look the whole time as if he were simply cleaning things up. He would have called for his chamberlain and butler, but reminded himself that such luxuries were missing now that he'd been exiled into this horrific new realm.

"I suppose it doesn't matter now, bashing that thing about has surely awoken anything, living or dead, that would cause us grief." He spat a bit of cobwebs that had stuck to his lip.

He cursed under his breath and continued trying to free himself.

Strength Save DC15: Vyktor Rosewylde rolled 14... Soooo close! Anyone with the assist?

His foe now a disparate heap of metal on the floor, Chokahr slowly emerged out of his battle fury, his unnerving tail retracting as he did. His facial traits morphed back into something more human. Nodding approvingly at Jun Jia, he slid his warhammer back into his belt and went to Viktor's help, freeing him of the webbings.
"Strong women they have in those distant lands," he mumbled at his unfortunate companion. "She put us both to shame, didn't she?"

Vyktor, doubly humiliated by his unfortunate performance in the fight, and his inability to escape the webbing, bit back a haughty retort to Chokahr's question. He muttered something in the way of gratitude, but his mood was foul and certainly not very convincing as to sincerity.

By the time he had himself put back together once more, Jun Jia had completed her odd meditation.

With a grunt he strode toward the southern door and gave it a stout kick to open it!


@Chokahr - Ouch! That was harsh! ;-)

As you short rest you are unable to focus. Strange sounds plague your mind. Things you do not hear outside, but you hear it on the inside. You know there is more than you see here, and therefore, you cannot meditate.

Short rest does not give you any benefits.

Jia sighed in mild frustration and popped the Goodberry she’d stashed into her mouth. She bit into the bitter fruit, but knew she’d feel no hunger for nearly a day. The healing properties alleviated her pain enough to fight again soon.

OOC:

Then I’ll use Caedwen’s Goodberry from earlier.

1 HP regained.

"...I mislike this," said Ceila.  "Not enough that horror surrounds us, but I can't focus and rest.  Best we move on quickly."

"Yes, this place is drawing my strength, I can feel it," Chokahr added enthusiastically. After all, what better explanation for his lack of combat performance than the curse lying on those creepy walls? Relieved to have his beliefs realigned, the burly man readied himself to follow Viktor through the south door, but hesitated an instant. Tracing his steps back, Chokahr knelt down near the armor's remains and looked around in search of something interesting or valuable.


08:01, Today: Chokahr rolled 9,19 using d20+3,d20-1.  Perception, Investigation.
Take your pick. That's a nat 20 on the Investigation.
This message was last edited by the player at 07:02, Tue 09 Mar 2021.

“The House humbled you. There is no shame in acknowledging it.” Jun Jia walked past Chokhar, following Vyktor into the southern room. She stepped up beside him and looked up to catch his eye.  “Perhaps next time, your own arcane skills will defeat what the House sends against us.”

Vyktor considered the exotic woman whose hands and feet were weapons in themselves. Her words, perhaps, were more biting than those of the barbarian, but again neither had seemed inclined toward giving offense. "Humility. One of the many lessons Exile has to teach... or so it is assumed by those who sent me to this hellish place. Not my greatest flaw, but perhaps one I can work on." He gave a half nod and proceeded into whatever lie beyond the southern threshold.

“Perhaps you did not need that particular lesson as much as he whom I left in the hall?” Jia smiled at Vyktor, softening what may have seemed like a stern countenance. “I meant no offense, Vyktor. The House confounds me also, as I could not even finish a meditation I’d learned before I left the temple.”

Almond-shaped eyes took in the latest room. Her brown eyes swept the area as best she could as she held up her torch. “Vyktor, a question. The House seemingly abducted or consumed two who arrived with us. Do you think it could bar our way if we needed a hasty departure from this wretched place?”


OOC:

04:31, Today: Jun Jia rolled 12 using 1d20+3.  Perception check.


 

The armor is too bent up to be of any use to you. And you wouldn't look good in it anyway.

The South Door:
Dust and cobwebs shroud an elegantly appointed bedroom and an adjoining nursery. Double doors set with panes of stained glass pull open to reveal a balcony overlooking the front of the house.

The bedroom contains a large bed, two end tables, and a wardrobe. Mounted on the wall next to the wardrobe is a full-length mirror with an ornate wooden frame carved to look like ivy and berries.

The nursery contains a crib covered with a hanging black shroud. When characters part the shroud, they see a tightly wrapped, baby-sized bundle lying in the crib.

Jun Jia finds a secret door that leads to a narrow stairwell leading up.

Casting aside the aesthetic considerations he had entertained with the suit of armor, Chokahr entered the room, once again marveling at its elaborate design. The carvings on the mirror's frame looked particularly lifelike, and filled him with a sense of longing for the freedoms of the wild. Having gazed around the room, he approached the baby-sized bundle, sniffing carefully, and prodded the crib, then the bundle with his warhammer.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:06, Wed 10 Mar 2021.

They’d found an elegant bedroom. “Perhaps for the master and mistress of the House?” Once again, a lovely room corrupted by time and the decadence of those that lived within the manor. She admired the wardrobe and the mirror.

Although the crib also caught her eye, Jun Jia noticed something even more interesting. A secret door. “I found a secret passage.”

"Careful with the bundle," said Ceila.  "That's the kind of thing that could be a grave danger..."

She moved to cover Chokahr.  Jun's discovery was certainly important, but if Chokahr was about to get throttled by a dead baby, best to stand by to help him, first.

Oh thank god. The bundle is empty.

This room seems small for the master and madam of a house like this. More than likely it was the nursemaid's room. The wardrobe and end tables are still closed.

Vyktor was relieved to see that there wasn't a tiny corpse wrapped up in the bundle. He tried to distract the dark thoughts swirling in his mind by examining the end-table and the wardrobe, rifling through any contents.

"A moment Jia, before we try your door let's see what secrets the furniture may conceal."


Passive Perception 15, Passive Investigation 14

“Now that I see it, the room looks it belonged to the family nursemaid.” Jia peered into the wardrobe with Vyktor. “Was she also a victim of the family, or a willing servant in their evil deeds?”


OOC:

03:16, Today: Jun Jia rolled 10 using 1d20+3.  Perception check .

"Most likely she helped," Chokahr groaned. "She was certainly a trusted friend, maybe even a relative. Can't imagine they would have given their children to a total stranger, now, would they?" he finished on a slightly jolly tone.

"Alright, let me check that balcony while you finish with the room." Chokahr went to look out, hesitated, then seemed to remember something. Pulling out a length of rope from his still bloody backpack, he attached one end to his waist and the other to the wardrobe's foot.
"In case some evil spirit wants to trick me into jumping or something," he explained, winking. "Won't let the evil spirits win!"

This message was last edited by the player at 08:20, Fri 12 Mar 2021.

"Good," said Ceila.  "Don't.  I used power fighting the armor that I won't have if we fight again too soon..."

She looked around the room as well.

OOC: Passive Perception 13

Inside the wardrobe you find the nursemaid's diary. If you spend time reading it you'll learn of her affair with the master of the house and the baby she bore him. The baby was born premature. She considered offering herself as a ritual sacrifice to save the baby. The outcome is unclear, it seems like she didn't want to go through with it. It's not like Gustav actually loved her, and Elizabeth hated her for the affair. She would just have to deal with losing her son Rahadin.

Once Chokahr finishes saying "I won't let the evil spirits win" he sees a female spectre rise up out of the bed and stare into his soul. She comes up to him and reaches into his chest to grab his heart and squeeze.

---

Chokahr make a con save dc13 or you're paralyzed for 2 rounds.
Spectre ac12 resistant to non-magic
everyone can go and then I will
yes my heart squeeze attack is homebrew, but you're all level 3 so don't cry

Chokahr looked down at the spectral hand burrowing in his chest, chuckled, and smashed his hammer in a backhanded blow through the apparition's face in response.

"Don't go breaking my heart" he snarled with a nasty grin. "You couldn't if you tried."


09:15, Today: Chokahr rolled 24,7 using d20+5,d8+3.  Warhammer attack.

09:14, Today: Chokahr rolled 20 using 1d20+5.  DC 13 Con save.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:19, Fri 12 Mar 2021.

Jun Jia grunted and shook her head at Chokhar’s boasting bringing more disaster upon himself. He resisted the chilling attack and fought back. However, they needed to banish that unholy spirit as quickly as possible.

 The young Monk planted her feet squarely. Her fingers folded into “The Sign of The Horns.” She quickly pressed her extended fingertips together and uttered a chant that she’d learned from a most unusual mentor in the land of Wa.

She felt energy build within herself, both like and unlike her Ki. It rapidly built to a crescendo, and Jun Jia thrust her left hand toward the undead spirit! Jia shouted, “E Er Deli Qi Baozha!“ With those words, Jia unleashed an Eldritch Blast at the specter!

OOC:

03:09, Today: Jun Jia rolled 16 using 1d20+3.  Eldritch Blast.

03:25, Today: Jun Jia rolled 5 using 1d10.  Force damage (if it hits).


This message was last edited by the player at 08:26, Fri 12 Mar 2021.

As the spectre reached for the barbarian's chest, Vyktor's arm streaked outward in a blurring arc. There was a resounding crack as his whip's lash wrapped around the apparition's neck and he yanked her backwards, away from Chokahr!

"Leave him be! Return to your torment!"


Action: Thorn Whip cantrip - Vyktor Rosewylde rolled 15 to hit for 4 damage (magical) and pulls her 10 feet away from Chokahr.

Ceila didn't bother with words, lunging to attack the creature with her blade!

20 to hit, 8 Piercing which is probably halved.

The spectre takes all the magical blows by shrieking in pain, but any blow from a common weapon she seems to shrug at. Then she plunges her hands into Chokahr's rib cage and pulls the breath from him.

10:39, Today: DM rolled 23 using 6d6.  sorry chokahr.
10:39, Today: DM rolled 24 using 1d20+4.


ROUND 2 Spectre AC12 needs 6dmg to die. Good luck.
This message was last edited by the GM at 17:41, Mon 15 Mar 2021.

Chokahr winced visibly and paled from the excruciating pain, but managed to turn an all-out cry into a suppressed whimper.
"Guess... I deserved... that..." he said with great difficulty. "My... turn!"
Again, the bloodied hammer struck true, with a force that would shatter the resolve of any living foe... and hopefully at least mildly inconvenience this one.

18:52, Today: Chokahr rolled 24,10 using d20+5,d8+3.  Hammer away!
This message was last edited by the player at 17:54, Mon 15 Mar 2021.

Good enough. She dead.

Now what?

Chokahr spat down a gob of blood and leaned against the nearest wall, knees shaking slightly. He rummaged in his pocket, fishing out the enchanted berry gifted by... whom exactly? He could barely recall. Nevermind. The fruit tasted tart and slightly moldy, but did its job nonetheless. A rather symbolic effect, but any progress was good to take.

"Now... where was I? Ah yes, the balcony," he groaned, resuming his interrupted securing operation.

+1 HP!
This message was last edited by the player at 18:16, Mon 15 Mar 2021.

"Chokahr, let me heal you," said Ceila.  "You're badly hurt, and you need your strength."

She advanced on him with the intent to heal.

And give him the full 15 HP back from Laying On Hands; he needs it.

The bed here seems like it would be comfortable.

“Please don’t anger any other house spirits,” Jun Jia said with pronounced caution to Chokhar. She nodded at Ceila’s choice. Turning around to Vyktor, she said, “I will look through the room one more time for clues or anything else of interest.”

Jia walked to the crib. Her fingers gingerly touched the sheets, taking care NOT to disturb the bundle. Her fingertips softly brushed the covers and inside perimeter for any telltale lumps. She bent low and peeked under the crib.

Then, the Monk approached the bed. She stared at the spot where the specter arose from its fitful slumber. Apprehensively, she peeked underneath the bed, as if a little uncertain whether or not something would look back.

If Jia found nothing, she would check the adjoining bath.

OOC:
16:53, Today: Jun Jia rolled 15 using 1d20+3.  Another Perception check.

Jun Jia finds a secret door that leads up into the attic. The cobwebs are thick, the dust is hazy. The smell is...actually quite neutral. Doesn't really smell like anything.

Vyktor was about to attack the spectre once more, but the ferocity of their newest companion seemed to have dissipated the thing entirely. "Nicely done," he observed.

"Before we go there," he said to Jia, pointing toward the door, "let's finish having a look around this floor of the mansion. I dislike the feeling of the unknown at my back..."

He looked around for wherever was left to explore before they took Jia's secret door...

As he passed by Chokahr, he gave the large man his own berry which he found still in his hand. "Looks like you could use an entire bushel of these..."
This message was last edited by the player at 17:03, Wed 17 Mar 2021.

Not one to refuse an offering of food, Chokahr nodded approvingly and popped the tart berry in his mouth. He was feeling quite euphoric after the recent victory, even humming quietly to himself as he searched the room with his companions. As Jun Jia discover the hidden passage, the big man hurried forward.

"Ah, something of note! Let me go first, I feel like I could take on a whole army if needed!"

Deeds followed words, and the barbarian boldly engaged in the narrow passage.

(I'm not a fan of party splits, so everyone has to follow Chokahr. There's still a north room on the 3rd floor that has not been explored)

This attic hall is bare, choked with dust and cobwebs.
There are 3 doors, south, west and north. The north door is held shut with a padlock.
I do believe Ceila found a key earlier???

You can hear unintelligible chanting coming from that room. the voices are the kids you met outside the house.

“Watch your back,” Jia said playfully to Vyktor, as Chokhar proceeded upstairs. She batted away the cobwebs in the hall and took note of the doors. Jia recognized the voices behind the farthest door, too. “Rose & Thorn. Our helpless wards found their way home and to their playroom, perhaps?”
This message was last edited by the player at 20:09, Wed 17 Mar 2021.

"And not nearly so helpless," said Ceila.  She handed Jun the key she's found.

"I want my sword and shield ready when the door's opened," she explained.  "But we need to see what's happening in there."

“I will abide by the will of the majority.” Jun Jia accepted the key with a questioning glance at the men. “Would you look at the other rooms first, or the one where the children are?“

"I don't care about more dust and empty rooms. Those ones seem lively enough, maybe they will have some insights for us." Chokahr's eyes squinted in the dark attic, and he slowly took out his weapon. "Tell me about those kids you met, I don't remember anything like this."

“No, you did not encounter the children. We met them in the woods, while you gnawed...meat in their dining room.” Jia’s nose wrinkled with her mention of how they’d met. “The sister, Rose, told us that their parents ordered them to remain in the attic. She claimed that they heard screams, and said, ‘It’s the baby’s fault.’ Then, they seemed to vanish like the other spirits of this house.”

When Jia  finished recounting the abbreviated tale of Rose & Thorne, she looked at Ceila and Vyktor. “They vanished before we entered the House. Now, we hear them in that room. I say again, that there is much Gu here.”

With a sigh of resignation, she added, “Our path since we met them leads here. At last, the Barbarian says something sensible. I also think we should open that door and ask them what new questions we’ve pondered since we first met them.” She looked at Vyktor for his wishes on the matter.

"Very well," Vyktor said, though his tone suggested he wasn't entirely convinced it was the right thing to do.

"Let's find out what this place has in store for us..."

Jun Jia nodded at Ceila, so she could prepare her weapons. She stared up at Chokhar with a pleasant half-smile. “Please do not charge in and attempt to bludgeon the children.” She held his gaze for a beat. “At least until we confirm that they are indeed the masterminds behind this wretched House’s menace.”

Then, Jun Jia unlocked the door, stepping aside as she opened the door...

This room contains a bricked-up window flanked by two dusty, wood-framed beds sized for children. Closer to the door is a toy chest with windmills painted on its sides and a dollhouse that’s a perfect replica of the entire house. These furnishings are draped in cobwebs. Lying in the middle of the floor are two small skeletons wearing tattered but familiar clothing.

A stuffed doll sits in a brass brazier.

The ghosts of the children sit around it chanting “hear us Orybys. We summon a familiar to unlock the door!”

But once you open the door they open their eyes with happiness! “It worked. Our prayers are answered! We are saved!”

They are not aware that they are dead.

Jun Jia nodded slowly as she entered the room. “Yes, children. You are saved...”

The scene before them wrenched at the former knight's heart like a terrified mountain cat clinging to the side of a cliff in a storm. It took all of Vyktor's will power not to just turn and walk out of the mansion and let the obscuring mists take him as it had the others.

"Children... they're just children... who could..." he mumbled to himself. As the truth of what had happened here continued to sink in, his mind filled with even more questions.

"Rose, Thorn, you're free now. But please tell us, who put you in here? Was it your nursemaid?"

"You've had a very hard time, children," Ceila said, gently. "I know that it's been difficult.  But it's all over now.  You're free, and you can finally rest and move on past your pain."

And she hoped, oh, she hoped that they would listen, and be able to simply rest.

"We waited and waited for Orybys to visit us, unlock the door, or send a familiar to help us. We got so hungry and tired. I think we fell asleep. If you'll take us we will lead you to where we must go." Rose answers.

At that, Jun Jia exchanged a quick glance with Ceila. She couldn’t decide if that signaled an end to the trials of the House, or forebodings of further evils. “Where must we go now, Rose?”

Chokahr stood there uncertain of what to do. Those specters seemed harmless, but then again, could one really be sure? On the other hand, his cmpanions seemed to have everything under control. So he just stepped back, trying to keep his distance, maintained his grip on the weapon, and waited for the events to unfold.

"...the door is open," said Ceila, stepping out of the way of it in case it would just be a simple thing to free the spirits.

"We can send you on," she continued.  "I will pray for you to find peace."

They shake their heads. They don’t turn to their corpses or make it obvious, but they cannot go on their own. Little thorn puts up his hands like he wants to be picked up and carried.

“If you take us, we can go.”

——
Who will carry Rose?
Who will carry Thorn?
Wisdom save for those brave enough to carry a body.

Jun Jia nodded solemnly. “I can carry Thorn.“ Jia looked at Chokhar and nodded toward Rose’s body. “Can you carry Rose?”

She knelt over the boy’s body. Head bowed, she softly whispered a quick prayer for his soul and that of his sister. “Anxi.” She steeled herself to carry his body.

OOC:

02:30, Today: Jun Jia rolled 17 using 1d20+1.  Wisdom Save.

Jun Jia will carry Thorn’s body.

 

A chill crept across the nape of Vyktor's neck. It wasn't the eerie presence of the the ghostly children which caused it, nor the general chill of the mansion itself... it was the beginnings of a revelation, though still ethereal and difficult to grasp, it occurred to the exile that perhaps this odd encounter was one of the reasons he was cast into this God's-forsaken realm. He could not help but feel there was something to be learned from this, but still he shuddered to think of what that might entail!
This message was last edited by the player at 06:58, Mon 22 Mar 2021.

When Jun Jia picks up the boys corpse the ghost climbs inside her body to ride along. Though she feels cold, all is well.

But when Chokahr picks up Rose her ghost possesses him. He is still in control of his body, but he feels this flaw: “I like being in charge and get angry when other people tell me what to do.”

The wall behind the doll house magically opens to reveal a dark spiral staircase leading down. The steps are iron, the walls are not wood nor brick nor stone. You've said it yourself, the house is alive.

Rose: "Take us. It is not far now."

Yes, Jun Jia felt cold, but she had felt colder in the winters of her mountaintop monastery back in Kara-Tur. Sharing the body with another spirit got her attention more than any accompanying physical sensations. Thorn seemed like easy enough company at the moment. That helped Jun Jia cooperate with the urging she felt from the boy.

Pointing at Rose Chokhar, she said, “Yes. Follow Sissy.” Jia spoke in a childlike voice thick with the local Slavic accent. In her own voice, she said, “Hopefully, our ordeal with the house ends down those stairs.” Whether that ordeal ended well, she was reluctant to say, for fear of tempting the House.

"I hope so," said Ceila, preparing the materials she had on hand for a funeral rite.

"This is a trap." Vyktor made the observation, but had no alternative. They were being funneled, he felt, toward some horrific scene in which each of these odd companions and himself would be the actors. "But there's not much else I see we can do..."

Looking around the playroom, he tried to find a blanket or other discarded item which he could use as a doorstop to keep the secret entrance from locking behind them. Shrugging, he then proceeded to follow into the depths of this new hell.

This felt odd. Past thhe initial repulsion of interacting with the spirits of the dead, Chokahr felt strangely powerful and confident carrying the ghostly child in his arms. She weighed nothing, yet clung onto him as if she was alive. Lifting his head up high, he marched on towards the stairs.

"Let's finish this. We spent enough time in this forsaken place already."

Down.

Deeper.

To hell...

(CHAPTER END)