"Fair enough." Thulewyn turns to the others, "In a place full of bad deals, I can say it's refreshing to finally hear if a good one. I don't have the gold but if ye want to pool some resources, it may come in handy." Thulewyn winders how the man can stand listening to ruckus of the poor lad down stairs. He's got to know the liability of keeping a vampire in his basement.
"Thanks, it's a kind offer," Janek says to the priest. "Probably time to get on the road for us though." He's ready to head for the Burgomaster's Manor.
Having barely any gold left herself for purchasing Holy Water, Celeste steps outside the church and seeks out the Elf, Rodan, who she finds in the cemetary grounds, staring up at Strahd's dreadful castle. "I don't know about you Rodan, but I feel like I want to walk up to that tyrannical vampire lord in his castle and let the radiant light of Milil cleanse him from this realm. Alas, with what I've heard I would not stand a chance, even with the blessings of my Lord, but that does not mean I will not seek to overthrow his rule here one day. Come with us Rodan, please, and together we can perhaps make a difference in this domain of dread." The blonde elven maiden says, gently laying a slender encouraging hand on the elf's shoulder, offering him a warm gentle smile.
(Otherwise ready to move on to the Burgomaster's Manor :-)
Alcazar listens to the priest impassively. The tales of rebellion are familiar, as are the tales of the repression of the rebels. Such is the nature of the world: Kill or be killed. Somehow he had managed to escape the latter, but it did not diminish the inherent truth of the aphorism.
"An ill-prepared attack is always doomed to fail," he says as his gaze turns in the direction of the cellar. "Why do you think your child was spared; what is this Vampire Spawn of which you speak?"
Alcazar listens to the priest impassively. The tales of rebellion are familiar, as are the tales of the repression of the rebels. Such is the nature of the world: Kill or be killed. Somehow he had managed to escape the latter, but it did not diminish the inherent truth of the aphorism.
"An ill-prepared attack is always doomed to fail," he says as his gaze turns in the direction of the cellar. "Why do you think your child was spared; what is this Vampire Spawn of which you speak?"
The priest explains what little he knows, from the books he has read and his experiences:
"A Vampire Spawn is the term used for the lowest of the vampires, their former victims who were drained of life and were turned into vampires. It seems that they remain under the control of the Vampire that turned them. So he was not spared, but is simply another type of dead victim. And you can see why I cannot let release my son until I have found a cure. He would be a vampire, under the command of Strahd, and no doubt would cause further misery."
"Thanks, it's a kind offer," Janek says to the priest. "Probably time to get on the road for us though." He's ready to head for the Burgomaster's Manor.
The group leaves behind Donavich, who goes back to praying for his son to be cured.
You make your way back south through the village, across the main square, and towards the Burgomaster mansion. As you approach, you get a closer look at the house, which is behind a rusting iron fence.
You can clearly see the marks of the attacks of which Ismark told you. The scene reminds you more of a besieged castle than a homely place of rest.
The iron gates are twisted and torn. The right gate lies cast aside, while the left swings lazily in the wind. The stuttering squeal and clang of the gate repeats with mindless precision. Weeds choke the grounds and press with menace upon the house itself. Yet, against the walls, the growth has been tramped down to create a path all about the domain. Heavy claw markings have stripped the once-beautiful finish of the walls. Great black marks tell of the fires that have assailed the mansion. Not a pane nor a shard of glass stands in any window. All the windows are barred with planks, each one marked with stains of evil omen.
Janek looks warily at the house. "Remarkable they withstood the assault. If they fought back against whatever happened here, I'm not sure how much help we'll be for them." He shrugs. "But we can do what we can." He approaches the door, taking one more glance around before knocking.
After a short pause, you hear a female voice calling out through the door:
"Nice try! Did you think we'd be so stupid as to open the door?!"
You then hear a second voice inside and hear some hurried conversation which is not discernible through the door. One of the gaps smaller bits of wood turns out to be a peekhole of sorts, and you briefly see someone's eye peeking through. Then Ismark opens the door, and says
"I apologize for my sister. You can imagine that we are both a little on edge, and she had not met you yet. Please come inside"
He opens the door fully and invites you in with a polite bow and a friendly gesture.
Inside, you are met by Ismark, and a striking young woman with auburn hair whom you presume to be Ireena.
The interior of the mansion is well furnished, yet the fixtures show signs of great wear. All the windows are boarded up, and you see a great many holy symbols - presumably packed in an attempt to ward off evil. Through an open door to a sideroom, you see a simple wooden coffin (closed) sitting on a table, surrounded by flowers.
Ismark says "Allow me to introduce my sister, Ireena."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Approaching the remnants of the once proud Burgomaster Manor, Celeste is realizing just what kind of strangle-hold the cruel Strahd has on the village, having his minions besieging this manor nightly with impunity. "They would likely need all the escort they can if they are to leave the relative safety of this...fortress."The blonde elven maiden says to Janek beside her, giving the dark-haired rugged man an apprecietive nod as he mentions doing what he can. "If you and Alcazar survived that horrid house I'm sure you are both quite capable." She adds with a warm encouraging smile.
As they step inside the blonde elven maiden offers Ismark and Ireena a warm smile. "Greetings Ireena, I am Celeste, a servant of my Lord Milil. You are true heroes of your village to not give in to the tyranny of Strahd, we are ready to leave when you are, but please, tell us why Strahd seeks you?"She asks with a gentle melodious voice.
"Welcome. Ismark told me of your meeting, and I am very glad that you have agreed to accompany us.
I don't know why Strahd has chosen me specifically, but I fear he ... well ... desires me for himself. He has been here twice, and entered the house to ... charm me. We knew who and what he is of course, but his powers are strong. It is hard to resist. He seemed to have magically charmed us. I do not recall exactly what happened. But I do know that he fed on me, both times."
She turns her head and shows you her neck where you can see vampiric puncture marks.
"It seems he had not decided to kill me just yet, but we are afraid that next time he will kill and transform me into one of his vampire followers."
She seems distressed at the thought. But you see that she is far from overwhelmed, and seems very strong of will and looks like she might be able to hold her own in a fight. She wears armour and sword, and both looks like they have seen some battles already.
"We have provisions, and I am certainly ready for the journey. However, we cannot leave yet. I know Ismark is very practical, and would leave immediately. But I could not leave without first attending to the matter of our dead father."
She indicates the coffin in the side room.
"We have not been able to bury him yet. But I cannot leave without knowing that his remains a properly buried in consecrated ground"
It wasn't hard for Celeste to imagine why Strahd coveted Ireena, she was quite a striking beauty. "Let us make sure there won't be a third time then Ireena." The blonde elven maiden says with a warm and encouraging smile, then forcing herself not to shudder as she sees the vampiric bite marks. "Then let us take care of the funeral with some haste. I assume you want your father buried at the cemetary then?" She asks, ready to help carry the coffin and to perform the funeral service.
Celeste ponders why Strahd have charmed her and bitten her twice but not taken her away. Religion: 8
It wasn't hard for Celeste to imagine why Strahd coveted Ireena, she was quite a striking beauty. "Let us make sure there won't be a third time then Ireena." The blonde elven maiden says with a warm and encouraging smile, then forcing herself not to shudder as she sees the vampiric bite marks. "Then let us take care of the funeral with some haste. I assume you want your father buried at the cemetary then?" She asks, ready to help carry the coffin and to perform the funeral service.
Celeste ponders why Strahd have charmed her and bitten her twice but not taken her away. Religion: 5
"Yes, the village cemetery would be very suitable. After all, our father was the leader of the village for many years. The villagers would not help us bury him, because of the attacks and Strahd's attention. I guess no one wants to risk upsetting Strahd.
But if you could help, I am sure we could take him to the cemetery for a proper burial. After that, we can make our way to Valliki"
"How much attention to ye want to bring to your leaving? Burying the old boy will surely get folks talking and for sure we would be seen on the move. I for fer one don't have any interest in announcing our intentions. But I am fer stopping by the priest for some holy water and possibly dunk the lass in it. I maybe no expert in vampires, but the rumor I always heard was the bite is how they turn victims into allies. Looking at the state of this place, I have a hard time buying you managed to fend off those attacks." Thulewyn eyes Ireena, "No disrespect lass, but I'm in no rush to transport a possible vampire to the only place we hear is kind of safe in these parts, and well, something doesn't smell right, call me cautious or curious."
"Seems Ireena doesn't come with us if her father is not buried," Janek says to Thulewyn. "Maybe we just help her?" He shrugs, "Or find some other path to pursue here."
The blonde elven maiden nods in agreement with Janek. "I think we will all be safer if we just take care of the funeral now so we can depart for Vallaki as soon as possible." She says with a somewhat firm tone, ready to help carry the the coffin to the cemetary.
"How much attention to ye want to bring to your leaving? Burying the old boy will surely get folks talking and for sure we would be seen on the move. I for fer one don't have any interest in announcing our intentions. But I am fer stopping by the priest for some holy water and possibly dunk the lass in it. I maybe no expert in vampires, but the rumor I always heard was the bite is how they turn victims into allies. Looking at the state of this place, I have a hard time buying you managed to fend off those attacks." Thulewyn eyes Ireena, "No disrespect lass, but I'm in no rush to transport a possible vampire to the only place we hear is kind of safe in these parts, and well, something doesn't smell right, call me cautious or curious."
Ireena is surprised and somewhat taken aback by your gruff response, but recovers quickly and gives you a smile in response. "I thought you clever, but maybe I overestimated you. Surely you know that Vampires need to drain and kill their victim to turn them. Do I look dead to you?" To emphasis her point, she steps near a window to stand in daylight and adds with a sarcastic tone of fake wonder "Hmmm. I don't seem to be burning in the daylight. I think we can safely assume I am not a Vampire."
Having made her point, she turns back and steps over to her fathers coffin and ties some flowers to the top of it so that they will remain there for the walk to the cemetery before continuing.
"I was hoping you and your friends could help us to keep me out of Strahd's grasp. But I simply will not leave our poor fathers corpse behind here to be eaten by animals, or worse - turned into some sort of undead. I beg you, please help me do this first, and then we will set off to Valliki. And on the way, we will help you find the Vistani camp that you are looking for. In this land, it surely is better to stay safe as a group."
"Seems Ireena doesn't come with us if her father is not buried," Janek says to Thulewyn. "Maybe we just help her?" He shrugs, "Or find some other path to pursue here."
The blonde Elven maiden nods in agreement with Janek. "I think we will all be safer if we just take care of the funeral now so we can depart for Vallaki as soon as possible." She says with a somewhat firm tone, ready to help carry the the coffin to the cemetery.
(I'll take this as agreement that you will help them)
Ismark and Ireena help to organise you into a small procession. Celeste is given is shuffled to the front and given a lantern to hold. the other members of the group are are made coffin-bearers, and Ismark and Ireena walk behind the coffin as mourners.
Once everything is ready, the small sad procession slowly makes its way through the village to the church. At the church, you find Donavich once more, who agrees to bury the Burgomaster. "Of course. And let us offer a prayer to the Morninglord to pray for his salvation".
(Let me know if you want to do anything in particular for the funeral, or are happy for Donavich to organise and lead it)
Janek is more than happy to let others organize the funeral proceeding. But he willingly helps bear the coffin and whatever tasks might be needed. Otherwise he stands quiet and solemn as the service proceeds.
"Fair enough." Thulewyn turns to the others, "In a place full of bad deals, I can say it's refreshing to finally hear if a good one. I don't have the gold but if ye want to pool some resources, it may come in handy." Thulewyn winders how the man can stand listening to ruckus of the poor lad down stairs. He's got to know the liability of keeping a vampire in his basement.
"Thanks, it's a kind offer," Janek says to the priest. "Probably time to get on the road for us though." He's ready to head for the Burgomaster's Manor.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Having barely any gold left herself for purchasing Holy Water, Celeste steps outside the church and seeks out the Elf, Rodan, who she finds in the cemetary grounds, staring up at Strahd's dreadful castle. "I don't know about you Rodan, but I feel like I want to walk up to that tyrannical vampire lord in his castle and let the radiant light of Milil cleanse him from this realm. Alas, with what I've heard I would not stand a chance, even with the blessings of my Lord, but that does not mean I will not seek to overthrow his rule here one day. Come with us Rodan, please, and together we can perhaps make a difference in this domain of dread." The blonde elven maiden says, gently laying a slender encouraging hand on the elf's shoulder, offering him a warm gentle smile.
(Otherwise ready to move on to the Burgomaster's Manor :-)
Alcazar listens to the priest impassively. The tales of rebellion are familiar, as are the tales of the repression of the rebels. Such is the nature of the world: Kill or be killed. Somehow he had managed to escape the latter, but it did not diminish the inherent truth of the aphorism.
"An ill-prepared attack is always doomed to fail," he says as his gaze turns in the direction of the cellar. "Why do you think your child was spared; what is this Vampire Spawn of which you speak?"
The priest explains what little he knows, from the books he has read and his experiences:
"A Vampire Spawn is the term used for the lowest of the vampires, their former victims who were drained of life and were turned into vampires. It seems that they remain under the control of the Vampire that turned them. So he was not spared, but is simply another type of dead victim. And you can see why I cannot let release my son until I have found a cure. He would be a vampire, under the command of Strahd, and no doubt would cause further misery."
The group leaves behind Donavich, who goes back to praying for his son to be cured.
You make your way back south through the village, across the main square, and towards the Burgomaster mansion. As you approach, you get a closer look at the house, which is behind a rusting iron fence.
You can clearly see the marks of the attacks of which Ismark told you. The scene reminds you more of a besieged castle than a homely place of rest.
The iron gates are twisted and torn. The right gate lies cast aside, while the left swings lazily in the wind. The stuttering squeal and clang of the gate repeats with mindless precision. Weeds choke the grounds and press with menace upon the house itself. Yet, against the walls, the growth has been tramped down to create a path all about the domain. Heavy claw markings have stripped the once-beautiful finish of the walls. Great black marks tell of the fires that have assailed the mansion. Not a pane nor a shard of glass stands in any window. All the windows are barred with planks, each one marked with stains of evil omen.
Janek looks warily at the house. "Remarkable they withstood the assault. If they fought back against whatever happened here, I'm not sure how much help we'll be for them." He shrugs. "But we can do what we can." He approaches the door, taking one more glance around before knocking.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
After a short pause, you hear a female voice calling out through the door:
"Nice try! Did you think we'd be so stupid as to open the door?!"
You then hear a second voice inside and hear some hurried conversation which is not discernible through the door. One of the gaps smaller bits of wood turns out to be a peekhole of sorts, and you briefly see someone's eye peeking through. Then Ismark opens the door, and says
"I apologize for my sister. You can imagine that we are both a little on edge, and she had not met you yet. Please come inside"
He opens the door fully and invites you in with a polite bow and a friendly gesture.
Inside, you are met by Ismark, and a striking young woman with auburn hair whom you presume to be Ireena.
The interior of the mansion is well furnished, yet the fixtures show signs of great wear. All the windows are boarded up, and you see a great many holy symbols - presumably packed in an attempt to ward off evil. Through an open door to a sideroom, you see a simple wooden coffin (closed) sitting on a table, surrounded by flowers.
Ismark says "Allow me to introduce my sister, Ireena."
"Sorry to have startled you," Janek says to Ireena. "I believe we are ready to depart whenever you and your sister are," he adds to Ismark.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Approaching the remnants of the once proud Burgomaster Manor, Celeste is realizing just what kind of strangle-hold the cruel Strahd has on the village, having his minions besieging this manor nightly with impunity. "They would likely need all the escort they can if they are to leave the relative safety of this...fortress." The blonde elven maiden says to Janek beside her, giving the dark-haired rugged man an apprecietive nod as he mentions doing what he can. "If you and Alcazar survived that horrid house I'm sure you are both quite capable." She adds with a warm encouraging smile.
As they step inside the blonde elven maiden offers Ismark and Ireena a warm smile. "Greetings Ireena, I am Celeste, a servant of my Lord Milil. You are true heroes of your village to not give in to the tyranny of Strahd, we are ready to leave when you are, but please, tell us why Strahd seeks you?" She asks with a gentle melodious voice.
Persuasion if needed: 17
Insight: 10
Ireena greets you with a polite bow.
"Welcome. Ismark told me of your meeting, and I am very glad that you have agreed to accompany us.
I don't know why Strahd has chosen me specifically, but I fear he ... well ... desires me for himself. He has been here twice, and entered the house to ... charm me. We knew who and what he is of course, but his powers are strong. It is hard to resist. He seemed to have magically charmed us. I do not recall exactly what happened. But I do know that he fed on me, both times."
She turns her head and shows you her neck where you can see vampiric puncture marks.
"It seems he had not decided to kill me just yet, but we are afraid that next time he will kill and transform me into one of his vampire followers."
She seems distressed at the thought. But you see that she is far from overwhelmed, and seems very strong of will and looks like she might be able to hold her own in a fight. She wears armour and sword, and both looks like they have seen some battles already.
"We have provisions, and I am certainly ready for the journey. However, we cannot leave yet. I know Ismark is very practical, and would leave immediately. But I could not leave without first attending to the matter of our dead father."
She indicates the coffin in the side room.
"We have not been able to bury him yet. But I cannot leave without knowing that his remains a properly buried in consecrated ground"
It wasn't hard for Celeste to imagine why Strahd coveted Ireena, she was quite a striking beauty. "Let us make sure there won't be a third time then Ireena." The blonde elven maiden says with a warm and encouraging smile, then forcing herself not to shudder as she sees the vampiric bite marks. "Then let us take care of the funeral with some haste. I assume you want your father buried at the cemetary then?" She asks, ready to help carry the coffin and to perform the funeral service.
Celeste ponders why Strahd have charmed her and bitten her twice but not taken her away.
Religion: 8
"Yes, do you have a consecrated spot? We saw the priest in the church. Perhaps if he can help if you don't already have plan for this," Janek says.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
"Yes, the village cemetery would be very suitable. After all, our father was the leader of the village for many years. The villagers would not help us bury him, because of the attacks and Strahd's attention. I guess no one wants to risk upsetting Strahd.
But if you could help, I am sure we could take him to the cemetery for a proper burial. After that, we can make our way to Valliki"
"How much attention to ye want to bring to your leaving? Burying the old boy will surely get folks talking and for sure we would be seen on the move. I for fer one don't have any interest in announcing our intentions. But I am fer stopping by the priest for some holy water and possibly dunk the lass in it. I maybe no expert in vampires, but the rumor I always heard was the bite is how they turn victims into allies. Looking at the state of this place, I have a hard time buying you managed to fend off those attacks." Thulewyn eyes Ireena, "No disrespect lass, but I'm in no rush to transport a possible vampire to the only place we hear is kind of safe in these parts, and well, something doesn't smell right, call me cautious or curious."
"Seems Ireena doesn't come with us if her father is not buried," Janek says to Thulewyn. "Maybe we just help her?" He shrugs, "Or find some other path to pursue here."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
The blonde elven maiden nods in agreement with Janek. "I think we will all be safer if we just take care of the funeral now so we can depart for Vallaki as soon as possible." She says with a somewhat firm tone, ready to help carry the the coffin to the cemetary.
Ireena is surprised and somewhat taken aback by your gruff response, but recovers quickly and gives you a smile in response. "I thought you clever, but maybe I overestimated you. Surely you know that Vampires need to drain and kill their victim to turn them. Do I look dead to you?" To emphasis her point, she steps near a window to stand in daylight and adds with a sarcastic tone of fake wonder "Hmmm. I don't seem to be burning in the daylight. I think we can safely assume I am not a Vampire."
Having made her point, she turns back and steps over to her fathers coffin and ties some flowers to the top of it so that they will remain there for the walk to the cemetery before continuing.
"I was hoping you and your friends could help us to keep me out of Strahd's grasp. But I simply will not leave our poor fathers corpse behind here to be eaten by animals, or worse - turned into some sort of undead. I beg you, please help me do this first, and then we will set off to Valliki. And on the way, we will help you find the Vistani camp that you are looking for. In this land, it surely is better to stay safe as a group."
(I'll take this as agreement that you will help them)
Ismark and Ireena help to organise you into a small procession. Celeste is given is shuffled to the front and given a lantern to hold. the other members of the group are are made coffin-bearers, and Ismark and Ireena walk behind the coffin as mourners.
Once everything is ready, the small sad procession slowly makes its way through the village to the church. At the church, you find Donavich once more, who agrees to bury the Burgomaster. "Of course. And let us offer a prayer to the Morninglord to pray for his salvation".
(Let me know if you want to do anything in particular for the funeral, or are happy for Donavich to organise and lead it)
Janek is more than happy to let others organize the funeral proceeding. But he willingly helps bear the coffin and whatever tasks might be needed. Otherwise he stands quiet and solemn as the service proceeds.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer