This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Yes. An animated or remote-controlled iron gate? Classic," Bianka chuckles at Janek's words. "Hun... Barovia. Barovia. I might have something in my notebook," she muses, her voice filled with intrigue. "I'll consult my magic to examine the gate. Can you keep an eye out for any potential threats, my friends?" The wizard retrieves her spellbook and dismounts from her mual. She releases her skeletal owl into the air, commanding it to soar above and observe the ancient ruin. As the owl ascends, Bianka commences her ritual spell, investigating the magical vibration that emanates from the gate.
"We will guard you," Remnant agrees, looking over at Bianka as she readies herself to do her ritual. The name 'Barovia' was unfamiliar to Remnant, though that was no great surprise, given that they were not terribly familiar with the wider world outside their temple. They were tempted to look around as well, but the prickling feeling of being watched was unnerving. "Do you think the wolves we heard last night are around? Were they of this place, or the one we came from?" If they were of this place, Remnant could not help but think of what had happened to Bianka's familiar and wondered if the same would have happened to the more mundane creatures.
"Barovia? Not a name I am familiar with. Hopefully your magic can tell us something," he says while keeping an eye out for signs of danger. (perception 14)
Alcazar is happy for the pause; his curiosity about the land increased throughout the day as he peered into the mist-shrouded forest. Seeing the massive gates creak open at their approach impressed him. It was the kind of statement he understood: An ostentatious display of power. Who- or what- ever had transported them here clearly was not yet done with them.
"I wonder when our hosts will show themselves," he says, peering once more into the forest. "Or do you think that the gate swings open like that for any passer-by?"
He examines the gate more closely, trying to see what he can of the top. "And -- if it closes -- do you think we will find it easy to leave?"
The thought did not particularly bother him, perhaps it would keep out whatever it was that had pursued him these past months, if indeed it was still following at all.
He shrugs, and settles once more, waiting for the wizard to do her ritual.
The wizard retrieves her spellbook and dismounts from her mual. She releases her skeletal owl into the air, commanding it to soar above and observe the ancient ruin. As the owl ascends, Bianka commences her ritual spell, investigating the magical vibration that emanates from the gate.
History for the name, Barovia :19
Investigate the gate: 11
Lastly cast Detect Magic as a ritual spell.
The owl discovers nothing unusual. It simply appears to be a very large gate set in a very large wall.
The name Barovia rings a distant bell in your memory as something from an old tale. As you recall, centuries ago there was once some conquered place that was renamed Barovia. Though as you recall it wasn't around for long. It certainly isn't a placename that is in use today or something that you would see on any current maps.
Detect Magic allow you to see that although there is a strange low level magic all around you, particularly in the fog. But the gates and stonework appear normal and non-magical themselves.
"Barovia? Not a name I am familiar with. Hopefully your magic can tell us something," he says while keeping an eye out for signs of danger. (perception 14)
You keep an eye out while the spell is cast, but see nothing except the swirling fog.
Bianka shares her companions with every detail she can recall about Barovia. "In a manner of speaking, this entire realm resembles a haunting spectre, a shadowy remnant of a kingdom..."
The wizard's familiar is called back, returning to her side as she mounts her steed. Her brow furrows with concern, and she ponders aloud, "What troubles me is how long our captor's patience will endure. Were I the host, I would not tolerate my guests loitering at my threshold. I would sweep them away to ensure progress. I apologize, my furry friend Alcazar. It appears that our path lies in a single direction, even though the gate likely sealing shut behind us once we pass through."
Bianka gives a glance at her companions as she leads the way toward the ancient ruin.
"We can only hope answers for our situation can be found past this gate," Janek says. He continues to head forward along the path, taking him through the gates.
But the gates and stonework appear normal and non-magical themselves.
Alcazar smiles a lop-sided smile as the Wizard tells him that the gates are non-magical. "Despite the evidence to the contrary, eh? How, then, were they opened?"
He looks around at the fog, wondering if it disguises any creatures that might have opened the gate, or perhaps ... was it the fog itself?
"I'd suggest we stay away from the fog," he says as he stands, ready to follow along once more.
You move forwards, through the gate. Everyone seems slightly tense while you walk through. A chill runs down your spine as you enter the land of Barovia. But nothing happens as you cross. ... You walk a few more steps, and still nothing happens. It seems at least that entering was a simple task.
As you follow the road and enter deeper into Barovia, the fog closes behind you. But just before the gate is obscured by the fog, you see the it swing closed again. The fog obscures much of the land, but as you progress across the path, you can see glimpses of castle high up on a rock in the distance ahead of you.
The fog continues to guide you along the road. You soon leave the forest behind and enter a sort of flat grassland. Ahead of you, tall shapes loom out of the dense fog that surrounds everything. The muddy ground underfoot gives way to slick, wet cobblestones. The tall shapes become recognizable as village dwellings. The windows of each house stare out from pools of blackness. All the doors are closed and windows on the houses you pass are shuttered. Nestled among these solemn dwellings are a handful of closed-up shops. Even the tavern is shut tight. You follow the sound of sobbing. A soft whimpering draws your eye toward a pair of children standing in the middle of an otherwise lifeless street, standing near an old but impressive four-storied house.
The fog is still all around, obscuring the road behind you and the houses in the further distance. But you can clearly see some distance, about five houses in each direction.
Alcazar winces when he first sees the children. Such creatures were not his specialty, nor were these ones particularly engaging. He draws a breath then sighs. "No doubt after money, by the look of them," he says quietly.
He looks to wizard to see if she will engage with them, and if not, will reluctantly step forward. Despite his diffidence, people often seemed to engage with him. If was often quite annoying, though on occasion it could be useful.
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"When the ritual fails to detect magic despite solid evidence, two possibilities arise. Either there is no enchantment present, or everything is ensnared in enchantment. It's akin to a man who climbs a mountain but remains blind to its existence," Bianka responds to Alcazar.
The group of travellers presses onward, traversing the iron gate and venturing through the intended passage, guided by a mist as dense as goat's milk. Her companions might hear Bianka whisper " Beautiful " as they lay eyes upon the distant castle. They could spot her familiar caught squirrel. Small fragments of meat fell from the owl's ribcage as the poor critter consumed by the undead bard.
Finally, signs of habitation emerge before them. Bianka rides her mule along the deserted village road, pausing as they come across a group of children. "Beggars in an abandoned street? Curious indeed," muses Bianka, her gaze fixed upon the siblings. Her eyes resemble two emotionless, black voids, much like those of her familiar. "Greetings, young ones. Enlighten us the name of this beautiful village, and where might your neighbours be found?"
Investigation: 25 ( the clothes and health of the children. Are they well fed?)
Perception: 20 ( the Owl. Is there anything unnatural? Is there anyone who's hiding in the shadow of the street?)
Investigation: 13 ( the clothes and health of the children. Are they well fed?)
Perception: 19 ( the Owl. Is there anything unnatural? Is there anyone who's hiding in the shadow of the street?)
The children wear clothing that must have quite expensive but appears somewhat old-fashioned. You conclude that they must come from a family with some wealth. They appear well, but perhaps a little thin - but it is hard to tell due to their cloaks and clothes. The boy continues to whimper and cry, and the girl similarly looks miserable. The owl spots no one lurking around. The two children appear to be the only people on the street. The houses are all shut and shuttered, but most look reasonably well maintained and lived in.
After shushing the boy, the girl turns to you and says, "There's a monster in our house!" She then points to an old tall house. The substantial four-story house looks like it was once very impressive and probably the finest in the neighbourhood but has since fallen into a bit of disrepair. Its windows are dark and you see no lights inside the house. It has a gated portico on the ground floor, and the rusty gate is slightly ajar. The smaller houses on either side are abandoned, their windows and doors boarded up. "Please help us. We cannot go back inside unless the monster is gone.
“Monster? What kind of monster? And where are your parents?” Rojer asks the children.
The girl replies "I don't know what kind of monster. We did not see it, we only heard its terrible howls! Our parents are not here at the moment. Perhaps the monster got them"
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Bianka narrows her eyes, unperturbed by the whinny sounds of children or the mention of a monster. "How unfortunate," she remarks. The wizard dismounts from her mule, the bone owl gracefully perched on her shoulder. "I may lend my hands and spells, children, but I have a few more questions. You two appear... well-cared for. How long were you here before our arrival? And who looked after you? Where are they?" Bianka tilts her head, carefully examining the reaction of the siblings.
As Janek proceeded through the gate, he was unsurprised as it eventually swung shut. He was a bit surprised however to find these two children alone in this rather deserted place they had wandered into.
For now he simply listens as others question the children. His eyes wander about, trying to find any hint of any other life present in the houses nearby.
Bianka narrows her eyes, unperturbed by the whinny sounds of children or the mention of a monster. "How unfortunate," she remarks. The wizard dismounts from her mule, the bone owl gracefully perched on her shoulder. "I may lend my hands and spells, children, but I have a few more questions. You two appear... well-cared for. How long were you here before our arrival? And who looked after you? Where are they?" Bianka tilts her head, carefully examining the reaction of the siblings.
Insight: 15
"We have not been here long. Maybe a few hours. Our parents looks after us of course. They often go down to check on the monster in the basement, and tell us that we have to stay upstairs. But we have not seen them for hours.
For now he simply listens as others question the children. His eyes wander about, trying to find any hint of any other life present in the houses nearby.
(Perception: 6)
You see no signs of movement or people, but the shuttered houses and village do look lived in.
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"Yes. An animated or remote-controlled iron gate? Classic," Bianka chuckles at Janek's words. "Hun... Barovia. Barovia. I might have something in my notebook," she muses, her voice filled with intrigue. "I'll consult my magic to examine the gate. Can you keep an eye out for any potential threats, my friends?" The wizard retrieves her spellbook and dismounts from her mual. She releases her skeletal owl into the air, commanding it to soar above and observe the ancient ruin. As the owl ascends, Bianka commences her ritual spell, investigating the magical vibration that emanates from the gate.
History for the name, Barovia :21
Investigate the gate: 21
Lastly cast Detect Magic as a ritual spell.
"We will guard you," Remnant agrees, looking over at Bianka as she readies herself to do her ritual. The name 'Barovia' was unfamiliar to Remnant, though that was no great surprise, given that they were not terribly familiar with the wider world outside their temple. They were tempted to look around as well, but the prickling feeling of being watched was unnerving. "Do you think the wolves we heard last night are around? Were they of this place, or the one we came from?" If they were of this place, Remnant could not help but think of what had happened to Bianka's familiar and wondered if the same would have happened to the more mundane creatures.
No Longer Active
"Barovia? Not a name I am familiar with. Hopefully your magic can tell us something," he says while keeping an eye out for signs of danger. (perception 14)
"Indeed, we can wait to see if you learn anything," Janek says. "If not, then we move on."
Rabbit Sebrica | Skarai | Katryl Brightfury | Rylia Lionrage | Roxana Raincrest | Janek Whitmor | Lokilia Vaelphin
Alcazar is happy for the pause; his curiosity about the land increased throughout the day as he peered into the mist-shrouded forest. Seeing the massive gates creak open at their approach impressed him. It was the kind of statement he understood: An ostentatious display of power. Who- or what- ever had transported them here clearly was not yet done with them.
"I wonder when our hosts will show themselves," he says, peering once more into the forest. "Or do you think that the gate swings open like that for any passer-by?"
He examines the gate more closely, trying to see what he can of the top. "And -- if it closes -- do you think we will find it easy to leave?"
The thought did not particularly bother him, perhaps it would keep out whatever it was that had pursued him these past months, if indeed it was still following at all.
He shrugs, and settles once more, waiting for the wizard to do her ritual.
The owl discovers nothing unusual. It simply appears to be a very large gate set in a very large wall.
The name Barovia rings a distant bell in your memory as something from an old tale. As you recall, centuries ago there was once some conquered place that was renamed Barovia. Though as you recall it wasn't around for long. It certainly isn't a placename that is in use today or something that you would see on any current maps.
Detect Magic allow you to see that although there is a strange low level magic all around you, particularly in the fog. But the gates and stonework appear normal and non-magical themselves.
You keep an eye out while the spell is cast, but see nothing except the swirling fog.
Bianka shares her companions with every detail she can recall about Barovia. "In a manner of speaking, this entire realm resembles a haunting spectre, a shadowy remnant of a kingdom..."
The wizard's familiar is called back, returning to her side as she mounts her steed. Her brow furrows with concern, and she ponders aloud, "What troubles me is how long our captor's patience will endure. Were I the host, I would not tolerate my guests loitering at my threshold. I would sweep them away to ensure progress. I apologize, my furry friend Alcazar. It appears that our path lies in a single direction, even though the gate likely sealing shut behind us once we pass through."
Bianka gives a glance at her companions as she leads the way toward the ancient ruin.
"We can only hope answers for our situation can be found past this gate," Janek says. He continues to head forward along the path, taking him through the gates.
Rabbit Sebrica | Skarai | Katryl Brightfury | Rylia Lionrage | Roxana Raincrest | Janek Whitmor | Lokilia Vaelphin
Rojer continues through the gate with the others.
Alcazar smiles a lop-sided smile as the Wizard tells him that the gates are non-magical. "Despite the evidence to the contrary, eh? How, then, were they opened?"
He looks around at the fog, wondering if it disguises any creatures that might have opened the gate, or perhaps ... was it the fog itself?
"I'd suggest we stay away from the fog," he says as he stands, ready to follow along once more.
You move forwards, through the gate. Everyone seems slightly tense while you walk through. A chill runs down your spine as you enter the land of Barovia. But nothing happens as you cross.
...
You walk a few more steps, and still nothing happens. It seems at least that entering was a simple task.
As you follow the road and enter deeper into Barovia, the fog closes behind you. But just before the gate is obscured by the fog, you see the it swing closed again. The fog obscures much of the land, but as you progress across the path, you can see glimpses of castle high up on a rock in the distance ahead of you.
The fog continues to guide you along the road. You soon leave the forest behind and enter a sort of flat grassland. Ahead of you, tall shapes loom out of the dense fog that surrounds everything. The muddy ground underfoot gives way to slick, wet cobblestones. The tall shapes become recognizable as village dwellings. The windows of each house stare out from pools of blackness. All the doors are closed and windows on the houses you pass are shuttered. Nestled among these solemn dwellings are a handful of closed-up shops. Even the tavern is shut tight. You follow the sound of sobbing. A soft whimpering draws your eye toward a pair of children standing in the middle of an otherwise lifeless street, standing near an old but impressive four-storied house.
The fog is still all around, obscuring the road behind you and the houses in the further distance. But you can clearly see some distance, about five houses in each direction.
Alcazar winces when he first sees the children. Such creatures were not his specialty, nor were these ones particularly engaging. He draws a breath then sighs. "No doubt after money, by the look of them," he says quietly.
He looks to wizard to see if she will engage with them, and if not, will reluctantly step forward. Despite his diffidence, people often seemed to engage with him. If was often quite annoying, though on occasion it could be useful.
"When the ritual fails to detect magic despite solid evidence, two possibilities arise. Either there is no enchantment present, or everything is ensnared in enchantment. It's akin to a man who climbs a mountain but remains blind to its existence," Bianka responds to Alcazar.
The group of travellers presses onward, traversing the iron gate and venturing through the intended passage, guided by a mist as dense as goat's milk. Her companions might hear Bianka whisper " Beautiful " as they lay eyes upon the distant castle. They could spot her familiar caught squirrel. Small fragments of meat fell from the owl's ribcage as the poor critter consumed by the undead bard.
Finally, signs of habitation emerge before them. Bianka rides her mule along the deserted village road, pausing as they come across a group of children. "Beggars in an abandoned street? Curious indeed," muses Bianka, her gaze fixed upon the siblings. Her eyes resemble two emotionless, black voids, much like those of her familiar. "Greetings, young ones. Enlighten us the name of this beautiful village, and where might your neighbours be found?"
Investigation: 25 ( the clothes and health of the children. Are they well fed?)
Perception: 20 ( the Owl. Is there anything unnatural? Is there anyone who's hiding in the shadow of the street?)
The children wear clothing that must have quite expensive but appears somewhat old-fashioned. You conclude that they must come from a family with some wealth. They appear well, but perhaps a little thin - but it is hard to tell due to their cloaks and clothes. The boy continues to whimper and cry, and the girl similarly looks miserable. The owl spots no one lurking around. The two children appear to be the only people on the street. The houses are all shut and shuttered, but most look reasonably well maintained and lived in.
After shushing the boy, the girl turns to you and says, "There's a monster in our house!" She then points to an old tall house. The substantial four-story house looks like it was once very impressive and probably the finest in the neighbourhood but has since fallen into a bit of disrepair. Its windows are dark and you see no lights inside the house. It has a gated portico on the ground floor, and the rusty gate is slightly ajar. The smaller houses on either side are abandoned, their windows and doors boarded up. "Please help us. We cannot go back inside unless the monster is gone.
“Monster? What kind of monster? And where are your parents?” Rojer asks the children.
The girl replies "I don't know what kind of monster. We did not see it, we only heard its terrible howls! Our parents are not here at the moment. Perhaps the monster got them"
Bianka narrows her eyes, unperturbed by the whinny sounds of children or the mention of a monster. "How unfortunate," she remarks. The wizard dismounts from her mule, the bone owl gracefully perched on her shoulder. "I may lend my hands and spells, children, but I have a few more questions. You two appear... well-cared for. How long were you here before our arrival? And who looked after you? Where are they?" Bianka tilts her head, carefully examining the reaction of the siblings.
Insight: 15
As Janek proceeded through the gate, he was unsurprised as it eventually swung shut. He was a bit surprised however to find these two children alone in this rather deserted place they had wandered into.
For now he simply listens as others question the children. His eyes wander about, trying to find any hint of any other life present in the houses nearby.
(Perception: 6)
Rabbit Sebrica | Skarai | Katryl Brightfury | Rylia Lionrage | Roxana Raincrest | Janek Whitmor | Lokilia Vaelphin
"We have not been here long. Maybe a few hours. Our parents looks after us of course. They often go down to check on the monster in the basement, and tell us that we have to stay upstairs. But we have not seen them for hours.
You see no signs of movement or people, but the shuttered houses and village do look lived in.