Ravna and Lucian attempt to push the coffin but lose their grip rather quick growing a bit weary. Daestra is able to catch the other end as Mordred holds the headside. He gives Daestra a half smile and a nod.
"Ahh let us be off than and thank you Dastra. Lucian.. Ravna are you all right?'
With that they are able to make way from Barovia to the church itself. A weary-looking mansion squats behind a rusting iron fence. 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.
Mordred knocks on the church an empty echo through the cold air. A familiar voice rings out.
He won't come out.
A hulking silhouette steps forward from the mist—a young man, tall and brawny. His shaggy blonde hair falls messily across his face, and his childish glint within his eyes. Though muscles ripple beneath his tunic, there's a lightness and immaturity to his posture that belies his strength and size.
The young man fidgets with the hem of his tunic as their eyes fall upon him. "Not since two weeks ago," he mumbles.
He looks up to see Ireena and the other as he towers even over Mordred.
I REEANA! Modred! Tavern friend! It's good to see you all! My light.. Still Strong."
"Aww it's good to see you big guy! Light strong huh? Also what do you mean not since.. Two weeks ago?"
Lucian hunches his shoulders, feeling utterly useless as the coffin slips from his hands. He shouldn't have bothered to try, not when he's clearly the weakest one here and he'd just arrived in town after the long journey from Vallaki. Clearly the trip has taken a toll on Ravna as well, as apparently even she was struggling to help lift the coffin.
"Oh... uh," he stammers when Mordred asks if they're alright. "I'm fine. Just tired from the journey here..." He rubs his arms self-consciously before following them to the church.
Lucian flinches when the familiar voice rings out, only to turn towards the man and shiver. Who won't come out? The priest? How are they going to have a funeral?
"T...two weeks? Has... has anyone checked in on him?" He asks tentatively, glancing at the dilapidated building. "Is there a way to get inside to make sure nothing happened?" He could probably find a way in if he wanted to. His time on the streets has helped him there, but he'd much rather not try to break in unless absolutely necessary.
Daestra chuckles slightly as Ravna and Lucian are unable to move the coffin, he grabs a hold of it tight as to make sure Mordred doesn’t drop it himself.
As they arrive at the church and are told of the man having not come out in the last two weeks he stands there flabbergasted at the idea that no one has checked up on this man and were supposed to be having a funeral service? He thinks to himself “This town gets weirder it would seem with every passing hour but I must help however I can, I mean what choice do I have? I don’t even know where the exit is..”
Ravna lets out a quiet grunt as she struggles under the weight of the coffin. She frowns, clearly the journey here has taken a larger toll on her than she had thought. "I'm alright." She replies to Mordred giving him a small smile, "Lucian is right, it appears our journey has taken it's toll on us." She's a bit irritated at herself, as she knows that despite being a lean young woman, she would be perfectly capable of carrying this weight any other day, especially with the help of three others. Thankfully, Daestra steps in and saves the lot of them the embarrassment of having to drag the late burgomaster to his grave.
She takes the moment to catch her breath as Mordred knocks on the door. She's a bit surprised to hear the large man's voice from inside. When he exits and greets them, she gives him a brief smile. However, her face settles back into it's usual serious expression as everyone starts asking questions. "I'm glad your light is still strong, but please do answer. Why won't he come out? What happened?"
Mordred had looked to Lucian.. a fair question and Daestra himself seemed rather flabbergasted. Mordred could not speak for Salem but... He had looked to them with a solemn look.
"I'm.. the reason Donavich's son is missing... I couldn't face him. I very well may be the reason why he's lost... Like Bildrath I am sure he hates every fiber of my being and.. I can't blame him. I'm sorry Lucian.. Daestra.. I.. I didn't know what to do."
Ireena perks over and looks at him.
You told me he was doing better!!
"I.. I didn't want you wandering out here.. With "him" looking for you as is.."
"He was our fathers friend.. I can't... We can't abandon him."
Parpol smiles bright as he looks to Ireena.. His gaze holding her own as she smiles a moment. (An optional DC 11 insight check.) Before he turns Ravna and gives a nod.
"Since the loss.. Since losing Doru.. My parents.. He mumbles in here.. Lost. Used to give me advice on the... Heart? Soul? Make me feel better and now he.. He no feel good and Parpol don't know how to help. He no answer the knocks and Parpol raised to be polite no breaking in."
"Hmm.. the door doesn't appear locked... But I understand not wanting to come in when no one responses to a knock. Still...I'm not sure how we should proceed. Whatever you all decide I'm with you. Daestra's already helped me get father here and you all have been very kind towards us."
Mordred's voice seems sincere even if his eyes seem tense and his glare doesn't cease. Ireena looks at him with a sigh as she gestures for him to smile at their new friends but he only tilts his head a bit confused at her.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Salem noticed she didn't try to press him for anymore answers and finally to this stranger he gave a weak, but genuine smile. He was honestly thankful she didn't press him for anything else. He frowned lightly as he looked at the task at hand. He wasn't so sure he was going to be able to help though he wanted to.
Athletics Check: 14
Oh yes exactly what he expected. There was no way he was going to lift that casket. He looked to Mordred a bit defeated, but at least he had tried. He wouldn't have left everyone else to do it. He was thankful at least someone else was able to help Mordred though part of him wish that he could... If only...
No. He gave a shake of his head. That was not something he should be thinking about. He followed after the others to the church quietly. He felt nervous walking towards the church. He didn't necessarily like them very much. He wouldn't come to a place like this normally, but he wasn't going to let Mordred come alone even if he did have others with him.
This was something important to him. He took a deep breath and slowly let it out. He looked to the doors quietly and wondered what exactly they were all planning to do. It was senseless to just stand out here wasn't it? They had came all this way.
Ravna's expression hardens as Parpol tells his story. She understands grief, but this man is a priest. Many people in this town have lost loved ones, and most of them don't hole themselves up in their homes. Not to mention by baring his doors he is shirking his duty as a religious man! How can anyone feel true closure at a funeral if a priest isn't there to say the parting words?! She chooses to ignore Mordred's words this time, she can only do so much for his self blame and now isn't the time to dwell on it.
Stepping up to the door, she says, "You are a good lad Parpol, but sometimes you have to be a bit forceful with people, especially those who don't know what's good for themselves. Wallowing in his grief cannot be good for him."
With that, she opens the door. "Donavich! Are you here?" She calls into the churches' entry as she walks in.
Lucian peers around Ravna, not feeling particularly comfortable entering uninvited, but knowing it was necessary. Still, no point in taking the lead if the more capable person in the group is willing to do so.
Daestra does see a window higher up in the sides and the back it would take a decent show of athletics to climb up them. (DC 13)
Mordred doesn't seem to react or show if he can tell that Ravna has chosen to ignore his words. It's only his usual expression it's clear however without any insight that Ireena has no way of knowing how to help her brother and is thinking of Donavich. Parpol tilts his head confused.
"Raised to not force... Force can be good if good thing. Force people... to be good for good? With strong light? Always stronger than others.. Told to be... Gentle by mother.. Before..".
Parpol's eyes become a bit melancholic he however offers them a wave. It seems her advice has sparked an idea in him as he begins to go and find his uncle.
Inside the church as Ravna enterss opening the doors to reveal a ten-foot wide twenty-foot-long hall leading to a brightly lit chapel. The hall is unlit and reeks of mildew. Four doors, two on each fise of the hall, lead to adjacent chambers. (I can add a map on an owlbear for the church as it can be explored and such.)
Ravna and Lucian as well as any who follow see the chapel is strewn with debris, and you hear a soft voice from within reciting a prayer.
A figure kneeling behind the altar. The figure seems a bit chubby and his voice hoarse.
"Go! And leave this accursed place in peace! Any blessings you seek will not be found here!"
OOC I'll put the Owlbear map in the group chat here on DnD Beyond ^^
Salem listened quietly to what was being said. He looked towards Parpol as this advice was given. He slowly looked towards this woman that was saying this to him and a frown formed over his lips. He tilted his head off to the side and a thought occurred to him.
"Parpol... I don't think being forceful is the right thing to do. Gentle is about right. Your mother taught you the right way. People assume the good of others all the time. Ya know the vampire probably thinks its the right thing to do by being forceful to Ireena."
He gives a glance to Ravna. Clearly disagreeing with what she had said to Parpol. He took a deep breath and slowly let it out. He didn't normally like openly disagreeing with people. This irritated him a lot. He laid a hand on the center of his chest and glanced up at the church. He felt a bit uneasy now. Nervous and unsure. He could understand that she was trying to come from the right place, but if she thought that it was okay to be forceful for what one would assume to be the right reasons, well... That was kind of hypocritical wasn't it?
To him this whole thing felt very personal. He looked towards the castle. His bright green eyes are a bit sad.
Salem let his eyes move to Mordred. His fault... He really thought that didn't he? A sick feeling curled in his stomach.
"It is alright Mordred. You can't keep blaming yourself. Let us get inside... See what's going on... Maybe we can help him in some way. If he's a good man he would have known it was Doru's decision to go to the battle. Not everyone should just blame you."
As everyone else headed inside he stood a moment and again looked towards the castle before he followed them inside.
Ravna doesn't respond to Parpol right away, but she catches Salem's glance with her own hard gaze. It's probably best if Parpol stays gentle, he seems to be a pure soul and perhaps the idea of being forceful could taint that. However, she can tell Salem disagrees with her line of thinking. Unless he just misunderstands her. It is true that there is a fine line between assuming what is good for someone and knowing what is good for someone, and sometimes that line is hard to see. However, sometimes it is quite obvious. On top of that, sometimes force is the only way to deal with people. Otherwise you'd get pushed around. There is also the question as to what one considers force. There is brute force, but some may consider a gentle push in the right direction to be forceful. Both have their uses. However, 'the vampire probably think's it's the right thing to do by being forceful to Ireena?' is that some kind of joke? Since when is any man forcing himself on a woman considered alright? And to group that idea into her saying that they should push this sorry excuse for a priest out of his moping?
"Salem is right Parpol." She states, though she still keeps Salem in her red stare. "It is good to be gentle. We will be gentle in dealing with Donovich. We will just give him a gentle push to clean himself up and get back to his duties."
She nods to Mordred when Salem speaks to him. She agrees with his words, but she still is clearly irritated with his comment. That little statement opened a whole new floodgate of questions about this man. When she had started with a neutral view of him, now she finds her opinion mixed. She has mostly agreed with Salem up to this point, and even would have accepted (to an extent) his view when it comes to force, but that comment.... She will have to deal all that later. "Your friend is right Mordred. If Donovich has any sense at all, he will realize that it was his son's choice to follow you. You cannot take responsibility for the decisions others make."
Turning back to the door, she enters the building. Her eyes narrow as she takes in the mess and the man whom she assumes to be Donovich. Her jaw tightens as he shouts at them. Unswayed, she continues to approach him. "Accursed place you say? I think you should explain what you mean. All I see is a church that you've left in shambles. A sacred place that you have allowed to fall apart." She stops a few paces behind the man and the alter. If this is the priest, perhaps he is no longer fit to lead the church.
Lucian listens with wide eyes as both Salem and Ravna speak about being forceful... people, and how to interact with people, is something that he's still trying to figure out for himself. Often he thinks he knows what he's doing, or really really doesn't know what he's doing, and then finds himself either shut out or getting yelled at. But, perhaps that's also just the lot of an urchin. Either way, his curiosity is enough to keep him listening to the conversation, which oddly enough reminds him of some of his martial arts training with Vilmar. However, instead of giving his two cents (cause that's all he has lol) he just waves at Parpol when the larger man waves to them, and hopes that he doesn't take Ravna and Salem's words the wrong way.
He gives Mordred a hesitant glance before saying, "We'll... talk to him." He doesn't know what they're going to say to the grieving priest. He knows grief all too well, so he knows what this person is going through, but sometimes relating your own story to someone who's own experiences when theirs are fresher can make things worse. Well... he doesn't know that for sure... but still.
He nearly jumps out of his skin when the priest says 'Go!', as the familiar word rings loudly in his sensitive ears. Instead he just tenses, then shivers, then shrinks behind Ravna and peers around her, waiting for the priest to respond to her words.
OOC I love these two post! I wanna give the other two a chance to post first of course but Parpol will have a little parting words for sure.
Ireena and Mordred will have some thoughts and Donavich for certain! This will be interesting! I can't wait and have to almost bite my fingers to not post back haha
Daestra hears that the others have gotten inside the church and decides not to try coming in through a window, he heads back for the entrance of the building to meet up with everyone.
As he comes into the church he walks up to his fellow companions and notices the priest in distress. He doesn’t feel right about intervening too much though not being from around these parts, the priest doesn’t seem to be taking too well to us being here.
Daestra asks Mordred “What shall we do? The priest seems in too much distress to deal with this funeral, should we leave?”
"Salem right Salem.. Mordred friend... Right.. Wrong hard. Try and learn difference... I'll learn! Vampire force Ireena? No force.. Parpol beat up vampire even if uncle say no! Protect Ireena.. Always! Thank you Ravna.. Salem you two.. Parpol's friends now! Forever! Next time.. Parpol get you both.. Flower! And Ireena a flower too!"
Ireena looks to Salem and Ravna about her being "forced."
"I'm sorry.. if I was stronger it wouldn't be something to even debate about! Thank you all for taking us here really."
"Hmm you can't blame yourself over that.. Ireena"
"The pot than called the kettle, guess what it said?"
She gave a half hearted smile to Mordred as Salem came to his side. He had held a hand out to Salem and than Ireena's shoulder trying to put forth a brave face.
"My speech did compel them and the son of the burgomeister has to accept some responsibility.. Still thank you Ravna, Salem. I don't deserve to meet two kind souls back to back in the way I have."
"Oh wow, meet a pretty girl and you forget about me telling you the same thing huh? Heh."
"N-No.. That's not it. Still.. to think on Salem's words.. I can't imagine a world where what the vampire thinks what he did and does is right. However I think a gentle push is better than using force upon people. I think using force to our own ideals.. Is a dangerous way to create more tyrants. My father told me that we can't force others.. Only help guide them."
Mordred looks back to Salem on the rest of his words.
"He can be a good man.. and lament that my rallying cry took his son from him.. Least I think so. Either way I will help Donavich he is one of my people."
"OUR people."
Mordred looks relieved by Ireena's correction and Ravna stating they will be gentle with Donavich. Than Ravna had agreed with Salem... it's one thing to have a friend and a sister vouch for you but a stranger to side with them? More so a stranger not afraid to disagree with Salem? It made him look to Ireena than Salem again before back to Ravna. He was clearly raised that he needed to take some responsibility of these people.. So this conflicting advice is a bit to take in. As they head in Ireena playfully bumps her shoulder against Ravna's giving her a grateful smile. However she jumps at Donavich's yelling and Ravna retorting back. She almost steps forward but see's Lucian backing up than Daestra coming from the front. She see's Daestra come to ask Mordred a question. She walks over and softly holds Lucian's hand and a soft smile as she looks to his eyes.
"Don't be scared, it'll be okay. Promise! Ravna's approach is... Interesting but I won't stop her when she's working with Salem to help Mordred out of his stupor. I won't lie though if she was a complete stranger and did this.. I'd be screaming hehe.."
Mordred looks a bit surprised, a flash of.. something but than he looks to Daestra and gives a soft whisper back to him.
"I.. don't know I want to help him.. I grew up knowing him.. Plus Ireena won't go to Vallaki least not willingly unless we do this for father. I'd be willing to drag her truth be told... But it wouldn't be pleasant for anyone. If you all think we should go though.. Maybe I was too brash coming here."
Donavich's eyes widen but not with anger, terror... Despair and something.. Else entirely.
There is no sacred place! Only false faces and false skin! A trick by the vampire taints this place! It was never sacred.. a false and fragile lie! I was a fool.. Doru gone... Everything gone! ..Mordred..? Ireena? That coffin... Oh my oldest friend... How could this be? Even he is gone... the light is gone in Barovia... As long as "it's" missing.. as long as that thing.. This place can never truly be bright.
Ravna would notice his own holy symbol is missing, he looks to her own symbol with surprise.
Morning Lord above... You should leave this accursed village before you're holy light is taken as well! Nothing could be done for us!
"Donavich! Calm down! We'll help... Find what's missing the light isn't gone.. It doesn't have to be. So tell us.. What you're talking about."
She looks a bit shaken.. scared even as she looks to Ravna than Salem.. Than Daestra and last Lucian for a bit of reassurance or perhaps even some guidance.
Daestra walks up to Donavich and puts a hand on his shoulder “I may not know you, heck I don’t even really know this place all that well but you must have faith that this town will make it past these dark days. Sometimes things can look real bleak and you feel like it will never end but no matter how small there is always some amount of hope left, I know this group still believes there is hope so stand with us Donavich and believe that hope can still exist. We won’t stand for that monstrous vampire running this village any longer. We need this village to care about their futures because otherwise why are we even doing this? Why are we still choosing this life? I personally think its because the people here want to be saved, and I hope you feel the same Donavich.”
Daestra gives Donavich a quick smile and nods his head as he walks back over to Mordred and gives him a pat on the shoulder “I do hope I helped him, I may not know the man but I can understand the sentiment.”
Lucian freezes up a bit at the unexpected touch, face turning maroon as he registers that Ireena just grabbed his hand. He doesn't pull away or anything, but clearly is unused to the concept of holding hands as it takes him a moment before he actually returns the gesture. Even as he does so, his eyes flick up to Ireena's as she talks, only for him to avert his gaze as his face starts to burn--avoiding eye contact.
"Uh... yeah," he says shakily. He wasn't really afraid, well, he doesn't think so anyways. His jumpy reactions are more habit than anything else. Okay, maybe he was a little frightened at first, but he's not afraid right now...just a bit nervous.
His eyes quickly refocus on the distraught priest ahead of him, and he slowly gets his own shakiness under control...mostly. This priest isn't going to hurt them, there really is nothing to be afraid of so long as he keeps his cool. He shakes his head, frowning lightly at Donavich as everyone around him exchanges words.
Even with his limited people experience, he recognizes that Ireena seems shaken... so it's his turn to try and offer assurance. He lightly squeezes her hand, hoping that's the right thing to do here, before saying as confidently as he can, "Y...yeah. We'll help you. Just tell us what the problem is."
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(Sorry for the delay)
Ravna's Athletics: 19
Ravna and Lucian attempt to push the coffin but lose their grip rather quick growing a bit weary. Daestra is able to catch the other end as Mordred holds the headside. He gives Daestra a half smile and a nod.
"Ahh let us be off than and thank you Dastra. Lucian.. Ravna are you all right?'
With that they are able to make way from Barovia to the church itself. A weary-looking mansion squats behind a rusting iron fence. 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.
Mordred knocks on the church an empty echo through the cold air. A familiar voice rings out.
He won't come out.
A hulking silhouette steps forward from the mist—a young man, tall and brawny. His shaggy blonde hair falls messily across his face, and his childish glint within his eyes. Though muscles ripple beneath his tunic, there's a lightness and immaturity to his posture that belies his strength and size.
The young man fidgets with the hem of his tunic as their eyes fall upon him. "Not since two weeks ago," he mumbles.
He looks up to see Ireena and the other as he towers even over Mordred.
I REEANA! Modred! Tavern friend! It's good to see you all! My light.. Still Strong."
"Aww it's good to see you big guy! Light strong huh? Also what do you mean not since.. Two weeks ago?"
Lucian hunches his shoulders, feeling utterly useless as the coffin slips from his hands. He shouldn't have bothered to try, not when he's clearly the weakest one here and he'd just arrived in town after the long journey from Vallaki. Clearly the trip has taken a toll on Ravna as well, as apparently even she was struggling to help lift the coffin.
"Oh... uh," he stammers when Mordred asks if they're alright. "I'm fine. Just tired from the journey here..." He rubs his arms self-consciously before following them to the church.
Lucian flinches when the familiar voice rings out, only to turn towards the man and shiver. Who won't come out? The priest? How are they going to have a funeral?
"T...two weeks? Has... has anyone checked in on him?" He asks tentatively, glancing at the dilapidated building. "Is there a way to get inside to make sure nothing happened?" He could probably find a way in if he wanted to. His time on the streets has helped him there, but he'd much rather not try to break in unless absolutely necessary.
Daestra chuckles slightly as Ravna and Lucian are unable to move the coffin, he grabs a hold of it tight as to make sure Mordred doesn’t drop it himself.
As they arrive at the church and are told of the man having not come out in the last two weeks he stands there flabbergasted at the idea that no one has checked up on this man and were supposed to be having a funeral service? He thinks to himself “This town gets weirder it would seem with every passing hour but I must help however I can, I mean what choice do I have? I don’t even know where the exit is..”
Ravna lets out a quiet grunt as she struggles under the weight of the coffin. She frowns, clearly the journey here has taken a larger toll on her than she had thought. "I'm alright." She replies to Mordred giving him a small smile, "Lucian is right, it appears our journey has taken it's toll on us." She's a bit irritated at herself, as she knows that despite being a lean young woman, she would be perfectly capable of carrying this weight any other day, especially with the help of three others. Thankfully, Daestra steps in and saves the lot of them the embarrassment of having to drag the late burgomaster to his grave.
She takes the moment to catch her breath as Mordred knocks on the door. She's a bit surprised to hear the large man's voice from inside. When he exits and greets them, she gives him a brief smile. However, her face settles back into it's usual serious expression as everyone starts asking questions. "I'm glad your light is still strong, but please do answer. Why won't he come out? What happened?"
Mordred had looked to Lucian.. a fair question and Daestra himself seemed rather flabbergasted. Mordred could not speak for Salem but... He had looked to them with a solemn look.
"I'm.. the reason Donavich's son is missing... I couldn't face him. I very well may be the reason why he's lost... Like Bildrath I am sure he hates every fiber of my being and.. I can't blame him. I'm sorry Lucian.. Daestra.. I.. I didn't know what to do."
Ireena perks over and looks at him.
You told me he was doing better!!
"I.. I didn't want you wandering out here.. With "him" looking for you as is.."
"He was our fathers friend.. I can't... We can't abandon him."
Parpol smiles bright as he looks to Ireena.. His gaze holding her own as she smiles a moment. (An optional DC 11 insight check.) Before he turns Ravna and gives a nod.
"Since the loss.. Since losing Doru.. My parents.. He mumbles in here.. Lost. Used to give me advice on the... Heart? Soul? Make me feel better and now he.. He no feel good and Parpol don't know how to help. He no answer the knocks and Parpol raised to be polite no breaking in."
"Hmm.. the door doesn't appear locked... But I understand not wanting to come in when no one responses to a knock. Still...I'm not sure how we should proceed. Whatever you all decide I'm with you. Daestra's already helped me get father here and you all have been very kind towards us."
Mordred's voice seems sincere even if his eyes seem tense and his glare doesn't cease. Ireena looks at him with a sigh as she gestures for him to smile at their new friends but he only tilts his head a bit confused at her.
Salem noticed she didn't try to press him for anymore answers and finally to this stranger he gave a weak, but genuine smile. He was honestly thankful she didn't press him for anything else. He frowned lightly as he looked at the task at hand. He wasn't so sure he was going to be able to help though he wanted to.
Athletics Check: 14
Oh yes exactly what he expected. There was no way he was going to lift that casket. He looked to Mordred a bit defeated, but at least he had tried. He wouldn't have left everyone else to do it. He was thankful at least someone else was able to help Mordred though part of him wish that he could... If only...
No. He gave a shake of his head. That was not something he should be thinking about. He followed after the others to the church quietly. He felt nervous walking towards the church. He didn't necessarily like them very much. He wouldn't come to a place like this normally, but he wasn't going to let Mordred come alone even if he did have others with him.
This was something important to him. He took a deep breath and slowly let it out. He looked to the doors quietly and wondered what exactly they were all planning to do. It was senseless to just stand out here wasn't it? They had came all this way.
OOC
I would like to have Daestra check around the building for windows that he maybe able to get into
Investigation Check: 19
Ravna's expression hardens as Parpol tells his story. She understands grief, but this man is a priest. Many people in this town have lost loved ones, and most of them don't hole themselves up in their homes. Not to mention by baring his doors he is shirking his duty as a religious man! How can anyone feel true closure at a funeral if a priest isn't there to say the parting words?! She chooses to ignore Mordred's words this time, she can only do so much for his self blame and now isn't the time to dwell on it.
Stepping up to the door, she says, "You are a good lad Parpol, but sometimes you have to be a bit forceful with people, especially those who don't know what's good for themselves. Wallowing in his grief cannot be good for him."
With that, she opens the door. "Donavich! Are you here?" She calls into the churches' entry as she walks in.
Lucian peers around Ravna, not feeling particularly comfortable entering uninvited, but knowing it was necessary. Still, no point in taking the lead if the more capable person in the group is willing to do so.
Daestra does see a window higher up in the sides and the back it would take a decent show of athletics to climb up them. (DC 13)
Mordred doesn't seem to react or show if he can tell that Ravna has chosen to ignore his words. It's only his usual expression it's clear however without any insight that Ireena has no way of knowing how to help her brother and is thinking of Donavich. Parpol tilts his head confused.
"Raised to not force... Force can be good if good thing. Force people... to be good for good? With strong light? Always stronger than others.. Told to be... Gentle by mother.. Before..".
Parpol's eyes become a bit melancholic he however offers them a wave. It seems her advice has sparked an idea in him as he begins to go and find his uncle.
Inside the church as Ravna enterss opening the doors to reveal a ten-foot wide twenty-foot-long hall leading to a brightly lit chapel. The hall is unlit and reeks of mildew. Four doors, two on each fise of the hall, lead to adjacent chambers. (I can add a map on an owlbear for the church as it can be explored and such.)
Ravna and Lucian as well as any who follow see the chapel is strewn with debris, and you hear a soft voice from within reciting a prayer.
A figure kneeling behind the altar. The figure seems a bit chubby and his voice hoarse.
"Go! And leave this accursed place in peace! Any blessings you seek will not be found here!"
OOC
I'll put the Owlbear map in the group chat here on DnD Beyond ^^
Salem listened quietly to what was being said. He looked towards Parpol as this advice was given. He slowly looked towards this woman that was saying this to him and a frown formed over his lips. He tilted his head off to the side and a thought occurred to him.
"Parpol... I don't think being forceful is the right thing to do. Gentle is about right. Your mother taught you the right way. People assume the good of others all the time. Ya know the vampire probably thinks its the right thing to do by being forceful to Ireena."
He gives a glance to Ravna. Clearly disagreeing with what she had said to Parpol. He took a deep breath and slowly let it out. He didn't normally like openly disagreeing with people. This irritated him a lot. He laid a hand on the center of his chest and glanced up at the church. He felt a bit uneasy now. Nervous and unsure. He could understand that she was trying to come from the right place, but if she thought that it was okay to be forceful for what one would assume to be the right reasons, well... That was kind of hypocritical wasn't it?
To him this whole thing felt very personal. He looked towards the castle. His bright green eyes are a bit sad.
Salem let his eyes move to Mordred. His fault... He really thought that didn't he? A sick feeling curled in his stomach.
"It is alright Mordred. You can't keep blaming yourself. Let us get inside... See what's going on... Maybe we can help him in some way. If he's a good man he would have known it was Doru's decision to go to the battle. Not everyone should just blame you."
As everyone else headed inside he stood a moment and again looked towards the castle before he followed them inside.
Ravna doesn't respond to Parpol right away, but she catches Salem's glance with her own hard gaze. It's probably best if Parpol stays gentle, he seems to be a pure soul and perhaps the idea of being forceful could taint that. However, she can tell Salem disagrees with her line of thinking. Unless he just misunderstands her. It is true that there is a fine line between assuming what is good for someone and knowing what is good for someone, and sometimes that line is hard to see. However, sometimes it is quite obvious. On top of that, sometimes force is the only way to deal with people. Otherwise you'd get pushed around. There is also the question as to what one considers force. There is brute force, but some may consider a gentle push in the right direction to be forceful. Both have their uses. However, 'the vampire probably think's it's the right thing to do by being forceful to Ireena?' is that some kind of joke? Since when is any man forcing himself on a woman considered alright? And to group that idea into her saying that they should push this sorry excuse for a priest out of his moping?
"Salem is right Parpol." She states, though she still keeps Salem in her red stare. "It is good to be gentle. We will be gentle in dealing with Donovich. We will just give him a gentle push to clean himself up and get back to his duties."
She nods to Mordred when Salem speaks to him. She agrees with his words, but she still is clearly irritated with his comment. That little statement opened a whole new floodgate of questions about this man. When she had started with a neutral view of him, now she finds her opinion mixed. She has mostly agreed with Salem up to this point, and even would have accepted (to an extent) his view when it comes to force, but that comment.... She will have to deal all that later. "Your friend is right Mordred. If Donovich has any sense at all, he will realize that it was his son's choice to follow you. You cannot take responsibility for the decisions others make."
Turning back to the door, she enters the building. Her eyes narrow as she takes in the mess and the man whom she assumes to be Donovich. Her jaw tightens as he shouts at them. Unswayed, she continues to approach him. "Accursed place you say? I think you should explain what you mean. All I see is a church that you've left in shambles. A sacred place that you have allowed to fall apart." She stops a few paces behind the man and the alter. If this is the priest, perhaps he is no longer fit to lead the church.
Lucian listens with wide eyes as both Salem and Ravna speak about being forceful... people, and how to interact with people, is something that he's still trying to figure out for himself. Often he thinks he knows what he's doing, or really really doesn't know what he's doing, and then finds himself either shut out or getting yelled at. But, perhaps that's also just the lot of an urchin. Either way, his curiosity is enough to keep him listening to the conversation, which oddly enough reminds him of some of his martial arts training with Vilmar. However, instead of giving his two cents (cause that's all he has lol) he just waves at Parpol when the larger man waves to them, and hopes that he doesn't take Ravna and Salem's words the wrong way.
He gives Mordred a hesitant glance before saying, "We'll... talk to him." He doesn't know what they're going to say to the grieving priest. He knows grief all too well, so he knows what this person is going through, but sometimes relating your own story to someone who's own experiences when theirs are fresher can make things worse. Well... he doesn't know that for sure... but still.
He nearly jumps out of his skin when the priest says 'Go!', as the familiar word rings loudly in his sensitive ears. Instead he just tenses, then shivers, then shrinks behind Ravna and peers around her, waiting for the priest to respond to her words.
OOC
I love these two post!
I wanna give the other two a chance to post first of course but Parpol will have a little parting words for sure.
Ireena and Mordred will have some thoughts and Donavich for certain! This will be interesting! I can't wait and have to almost bite my fingers to not post back haha
OOC
Nvm just Daestra now!
Daestra hears that the others have gotten inside the church and decides not to try coming in through a window, he heads back for the entrance of the building to meet up with everyone.
As he comes into the church he walks up to his fellow companions and notices the priest in distress. He doesn’t feel right about intervening too much though not being from around these parts, the priest doesn’t seem to be taking too well to us being here.
Daestra asks Mordred “What shall we do? The priest seems in too much distress to deal with this funeral, should we leave?”
"Salem right Salem.. Mordred friend... Right.. Wrong hard. Try and learn difference... I'll learn! Vampire force Ireena? No force.. Parpol beat up vampire even if uncle say no! Protect Ireena.. Always! Thank you Ravna.. Salem you two.. Parpol's friends now! Forever! Next time.. Parpol get you both.. Flower! And Ireena a flower too!"
Ireena looks to Salem and Ravna about her being "forced."
"I'm sorry.. if I was stronger it wouldn't be something to even debate about! Thank you all for taking us here really."
"Hmm you can't blame yourself over that.. Ireena"
"The pot than called the kettle, guess what it said?"
She gave a half hearted smile to Mordred as Salem came to his side. He had held a hand out to Salem and than Ireena's shoulder trying to put forth a brave face.
"My speech did compel them and the son of the burgomeister has to accept some responsibility.. Still thank you Ravna, Salem. I don't deserve to meet two kind souls back to back in the way I have."
"Oh wow, meet a pretty girl and you forget about me telling you the same thing huh? Heh."
"N-No.. That's not it. Still.. to think on Salem's words.. I can't imagine a world where what the vampire thinks what he did and does is right. However I think a gentle push is better than using force upon people. I think using force to our own ideals.. Is a dangerous way to create more tyrants. My father told me that we can't force others.. Only help guide them."
Mordred looks back to Salem on the rest of his words.
"He can be a good man.. and lament that my rallying cry took his son from him.. Least I think so. Either way I will help Donavich he is one of my people."
"OUR people."
Mordred looks relieved by Ireena's correction and Ravna stating they will be gentle with Donavich. Than Ravna had agreed with Salem... it's one thing to have a friend and a sister vouch for you but a stranger to side with them? More so a stranger not afraid to disagree with Salem? It made him look to Ireena than Salem again before back to Ravna. He was clearly raised that he needed to take some responsibility of these people.. So this conflicting advice is a bit to take in. As they head in Ireena playfully bumps her shoulder against Ravna's giving her a grateful smile. However she jumps at Donavich's yelling and Ravna retorting back. She almost steps forward but see's Lucian backing up than Daestra coming from the front. She see's Daestra come to ask Mordred a question. She walks over and softly holds Lucian's hand and a soft smile as she looks to his eyes.
"Don't be scared, it'll be okay. Promise! Ravna's approach is... Interesting but I won't stop her when she's working with Salem to help Mordred out of his stupor. I won't lie though if she was a complete stranger and did this.. I'd be screaming hehe.."
Mordred looks a bit surprised, a flash of.. something but than he looks to Daestra and gives a soft whisper back to him.
"I.. don't know I want to help him.. I grew up knowing him.. Plus Ireena won't go to Vallaki least not willingly unless we do this for father. I'd be willing to drag her truth be told... But it wouldn't be pleasant for anyone. If you all think we should go though.. Maybe I was too brash coming here."
Donavich's eyes widen but not with anger, terror... Despair and something.. Else entirely.
There is no sacred place! Only false faces and false skin! A trick by the vampire taints this place! It was never sacred.. a false and fragile lie! I was a fool.. Doru gone... Everything gone! ..Mordred..? Ireena? That coffin... Oh my oldest friend... How could this be? Even he is gone... the light is gone in Barovia... As long as "it's" missing.. as long as that thing.. This place can never truly be bright.
Ravna would notice his own holy symbol is missing, he looks to her own symbol with surprise.
Morning Lord above... You should leave this accursed village before you're holy light is taken as well! Nothing could be done for us!
"Donavich! Calm down! We'll help... Find what's missing the light isn't gone.. It doesn't have to be. So tell us.. What you're talking about."
She looks a bit shaken.. scared even as she looks to Ravna than Salem.. Than Daestra and last Lucian for a bit of reassurance or perhaps even some guidance.
OOC
If I missed anything let me know ^~^
Daestra walks up to Donavich and puts a hand on his shoulder “I may not know you, heck I don’t even really know this place all that well but you must have faith that this town will make it past these dark days. Sometimes things can look real bleak and you feel like it will never end but no matter how small there is always some amount of hope left, I know this group still believes there is hope so stand with us Donavich and believe that hope can still exist. We won’t stand for that monstrous vampire running this village any longer. We need this village to care about their futures because otherwise why are we even doing this? Why are we still choosing this life? I personally think its because the people here want to be saved, and I hope you feel the same Donavich.”
Daestra gives Donavich a quick smile and nods his head as he walks back over to Mordred and gives him a pat on the shoulder “I do hope I helped him, I may not know the man but I can understand the sentiment.”
Lucian freezes up a bit at the unexpected touch, face turning maroon as he registers that Ireena just grabbed his hand. He doesn't pull away or anything, but clearly is unused to the concept of holding hands as it takes him a moment before he actually returns the gesture. Even as he does so, his eyes flick up to Ireena's as she talks, only for him to avert his gaze as his face starts to burn--avoiding eye contact.
"Uh... yeah," he says shakily. He wasn't really afraid, well, he doesn't think so anyways. His jumpy reactions are more habit than anything else. Okay, maybe he was a little frightened at first, but he's not afraid right now...just a bit nervous.
His eyes quickly refocus on the distraught priest ahead of him, and he slowly gets his own shakiness under control...mostly. This priest isn't going to hurt them, there really is nothing to be afraid of so long as he keeps his cool. He shakes his head, frowning lightly at Donavich as everyone around him exchanges words.
Even with his limited people experience, he recognizes that Ireena seems shaken... so it's his turn to try and offer assurance. He lightly squeezes her hand, hoping that's the right thing to do here, before saying as confidently as he can, "Y...yeah. We'll help you. Just tell us what the problem is."