Extremely grateful for the party's aid, Ismark and the party are able to put the Burgomaster of Barovia to rest and cover his grave just in time. As the last bit of dirt is placed upon the grave the howling winds, flashing lightning, crashing thunder, and pelting rain of a fierce storm buffets the village and land around. The storm is so powerful that normal conversations must be yelled for even the closest ally to hear.
"We must take shelter," Ismark yells over a particularly bright flash of lighting. He says more but the echoing thunder drowns out his words. In all this, the bereaved Ireena seems to bedazed, moving only when prodded by Ismark or Father Donavich. Father Donavich races for the church and motions everyone inside. As the last of the party enters the church he rushes in and it takes the effort of ismark, Father Donavich, and the party to press the door closed. Once inside, Father Donavich latches and bars the door shut only to then place a 2"x4"x8 ft. beam of reinforced wood across the door. Though the party may find this unusual, Ismark and Ireena do not flinch at the priest's actions and Ismark actually helps secure the beam.
The party finds themselves in the main chapel of the church, a 25 ft long, 60 ft. wide room. Debris litters the floor and the pews have seen better days with many of them broken with large pieces of wood scattered about. The alter to the Morning Lord takes up the center of the north wall, with a few small icons scattered on top. It too has seen better days. The roof has several holes in it with the evidence splashing on the floor of the chapel here and there. Outside the storm rages and with every gust of wind, the church creaks, and sways.
Father Donavich turns to the party. "Forgive me but I must ask you to stay in the chapel area and must ask you to go as soon as the storm subsides."
"Why must we stay in the chapel area? And why is there so much damage to the pews? I am no priest, but there seems to be something very wrong here," says Gimble.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Father Donavich seems not to listen as he races around the room, making sure the dozens of candles on candlesticks and candelabras stay lite, though it proves almost futile with the storm outside and the condition of the chapel. Father Donavich starts grabbing the wood from the broken pews and tries to light them. The party notices, on top of the debris, large quantities of dust covering the area which is accumulating water, creating muddy conditions inside the chapel.
As Ban enters the chapel proper, she will flick her clothes dry briefly and shake her hair out. Once dry enough, she looks about while stretching her arms up in a yawn. "Rain always makes me a bit sleepy." After taking in the scenery, she says, "I take it that the barred door isn't simply due to the weather. Are you expecting something in particular? Perhaps large wolves or something that harassed the late Burgomaster?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
On Ismark‘s command, Gillain heads straight inside the chapel. As she does so, she straps on her shield, and pulls out her spear.
She takes up a position in the centre of the main room and tries to focus her ‘normal’ senses on the storm and the world outside, looking towards the door and any windows and listening for anything other than the sounds of the storm outside…
As Ban enters the chapel proper, she will flick her clothes dry briefly and shake her hair out. Once dry enough, she looks about while stretching her arms up in a yawn. "Rain always makes me a bit sleepy." After taking in the scenery, she says, "I take it that the barred door isn't simply due to the weather. Are you expecting something in particular? Perhaps large wolves or something that harassed the late Burgomaster?"
Ismark responds: "The church has suffered from the same attacks we did at my father's home. The undead walks Barovia at night." you detect a bit of fear in Ismark's voice when he says this. "But," Ismark says and looks around the room and to the ceiling. "This storm is unnatural. And with the earthquake this morning, these are bizarre times indeed."
Father Donavich continues to roam the chapel, picking up wood and placing it a several points within the chapel, and lighting it. He suddenly looks to Tio when she attempts to move outside the chapel. "Please stay within the chapel," he says. Just as he finishes this statement there is a flash of lightning and thunder rocks the building. Once the thunder passes a voice calls out: "Father, are there people with you?" it calls. "I am so hungry!" The voice sounds muffled but does come from one of the rooms in the main hall of the church. There is another flash of lightning and a rumble of thunder.
"I thought you said your son was not here, Father," chides Gimble, saying, "Is not the church of Lathander a truthful one?"
"I know not why you hide your son, but you should let him out and feed him so that he may have the strength to help us if the undead attack during this unnatural storm," he adds.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
(Bob wanted to figure out if anything that Father Donavich is doing is cult related or anything like that. Picking up wood and lighting it and all that. I think I wrote Ismark in my last post but I meant Father Donavich!)
Bob scratches at his beard and gives Ismark a curious look. "Surely it can wait a mo' while ye feed yer son! I can even provide him with sustenance if need be, just ask me friends here!"
Hearing the voice then Gimble's statement Father Donavich leaves his task and rushes the entrance to the hallway along the south wall of the chapel. "Please," he says. The party can tell there is fear and desperation in his voice. "Please, come help me light these fires. We should be safe within the chapel, Lathander's will protect us while we are there."
Father Donavich's shoulders slump. "What he craves is not the food you think," he says.
The chapel sways slightly from the wind outside. Another flash of lightning and thunder rolls across the landscape heavy enough for the party to feel it in their bones. Ismark and Ireena have moved to the southeast corner of the room and huddle there. Ismark draws his rapier and asks. "What has happened to Doru?" From beneath the floor of where you are standing comes a muffled scream: "Father, I'm Starving."
On Ismark‘s command, Gillain heads straight inside the chapel. As she does so, she straps on her shield, and pulls out her spear.
She takes up a position in the centre of the main room and tries to focus her ‘normal’ senses on the storm and the world outside, looking towards the door and any windows and listening for anything other than the sounds of the storm outside…
Perception check (if needed): 13
Gillain has not seen or heard anything outside of what has been described.
Gillain nods to Ismark and Father Donavich, “Stay inside during the storm. Yes, okay. Thank you, we will… And I will gladly help, what? Lighting fires? Here, let me help…”.
Just as Gillain is moving to help, she hears the screaming voice. “Father, this person screaming?… They sound to be in great anguish. Who is it? Why are you holding them like a prisoner and denying them food? Why do you not treat them kindly? Are they a criminal?… have they done you a great wrong?”.
Father Donavich quickly steps between the party and the hallway. "Please,"he begs, a tear rolls down his right cheek. Ismark and Ireena move up to the priest and Ismark says: "Father Donavich, please tell us what is going on."
The priest stands there for a moment, looking at the party, his head turning slightly left then right. He bows his head and his shoulders slump. Ismark and Ireena rush forward, grabbing the priest by the arms, and guide him to the closest pew before the priest falls to the floor. As the priest sits down his head bows and he curls into a ball. "Father!" the muffled voice screams. "I am so Thirsty!" Father Donavich's body stiffens and his head jerks up and he looks quickly around. "Father Donavich," Ismark says and the priest calms again. "I told him not to go," the priest says. "I begged him!"Father Conavich grasps Ismark's arm and pulls him close as he says this. "But he wouldn't listen. That old man, that wizard, had stirred him and his friends up and they set out 5 days ago." Father Donavich explains. "That old man said he could defeat Strahd." Father Donavich says this through clenched teeth. Father Donavich jumps as a bright flash of lightning illuminates the interior of the chapel and thunder shakes the walls enough for pieces of ceiling to fall to the floor with a crash. Father Donavich moves behind the broken pew. 'I pleaded with Duro to not go, to let that fool of a wizard march up to the castle doors and let Strahd deal with him as he saw fit. Duro didn't need to go, he was just a boy and had no protection from such things but he insisted," Father Donavich's eyes widen as he says this. "I couldn't convince him of anything. He and his friends took what weapons they couple muster and followed that old fool to the castle. I," Father Donavich pauses just for a moment. 'I didn't even give them Lathander's blessing. After the first day, I went to the alter. I knelt and prayed for two days to the Dawn Lord, asking him to protect my boy, to send him back to me safe. Then, the third night, my prayer was answered and Duro returned." Father Donavich's expression changes in phases, from fear, to joy, then one of dread. "I ran to him, embraced him, and guided him inside the church. He called me father and said he had barely made it out with his life. He told me the old fool had been attacked and fled Strahd. He spoke of the death of his friends but lost consciousness only to awake while making his way here." Father Donavich looks to Ismark, pleading, asks: "You know how rare this would be? For someone to face the Baron and live. But, when Duro looked up at me, I knew. I knew Strahd had passed judgment on my boy and me. Duro knew as well. He still had control of who he was at that time so we made a place in the cellar for him and I locked him inside. I've been praying to Lathander for days, begging for the Morning Lord to give me guidance on what to do, how to say my son." Again his expression changes, his eyes go wide and he clenches his fists as he says. "The Dawn Lord has not answered my prayers but I am his servant and my faith will carry my prayers to him."
Gillain kneels in front of the Father, and will briefly take his hand if he’ll allow it, saying “I’m so sorry, I’m so very sorry….. If only my mentor were still alive she would know what to do… but I’m just a lowly squire and the rituals required are far beyond my skills….”.
”Is there anyone in town who knows, or do you know, how to give life… to one that has passed??…”.
”Failing that, what does your heart tell you?…”.
She’ll hold his hands and hold his gaze as long as he’ll let her. But will let go and step back if it seems he wants that.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Gimble:
Religion: 8
Medicine: 5
Considering what he knows about the undead and potential cures, Gimble says, "I think there are diseases that can be passed on from some undead to their living victims--ghoul fever comes to mind--that can be fought with medicine and magical healing. If your son has already passed from the realm of the living, though, there is little I know to do."
Tio can’t help but shake her head in disapproval, she sighs “You people and your gods, praying won’t solve your problem Donavich. If you don’t possess the power to change him then you need to put him down. Can’t you hear him suffering, from hunger...” Taking a moment “If you don’t have the means then perhaps we can do the job then needs to be done.”
”Well Ismark, we’re stuck inside here with a vampire who’s dying for thirst. He’s a threat to your sister, I say we put him down and let him rest.” Her arm crossed Tio can’t help but be rude, normally she very patient but the talk of god and prayer have her in a mood for sure.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Felix Windfall (Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA,Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiA
Bob shakes his furry head in tandem with Tio, his normally genial expression replaced with a far more stern one. "This land's already got enough problems with th' dead stayin' dead. An' please, fer th' love o' Lathander or whatever else ye hold dear, stop sayin' tha' bloody name out loud!"
He turns to Tio and the rest of the group with a resigned sigh. "Looks like our newfound expertise in dealin' with the recently deceased might prove to be useful once again."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
Extremely grateful for the party's aid, Ismark and the party are able to put the Burgomaster of Barovia to rest and cover his grave just in time. As the last bit of dirt is placed upon the grave the howling winds, flashing lightning, crashing thunder, and pelting rain of a fierce storm buffets the village and land around. The storm is so powerful that normal conversations must be yelled for even the closest ally to hear.
"We must take shelter," Ismark yells over a particularly bright flash of lighting. He says more but the echoing thunder drowns out his words. In all this, the bereaved Ireena seems to bedazed, moving only when prodded by Ismark or Father Donavich. Father Donavich races for the church and motions everyone inside. As the last of the party enters the church he rushes in and it takes the effort of ismark, Father Donavich, and the party to press the door closed. Once inside, Father Donavich latches and bars the door shut only to then place a 2"x4"x8 ft. beam of reinforced wood across the door. Though the party may find this unusual, Ismark and Ireena do not flinch at the priest's actions and Ismark actually helps secure the beam.
DM: Door noted by Red square with D in middle.
https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1zXnC7C0M5zDg_1_JNVGrkYbczoY3xSxhjAKiEidnlY4/edit
The party finds themselves in the main chapel of the church, a 25 ft long, 60 ft. wide room. Debris litters the floor and the pews have seen better days with many of them broken with large pieces of wood scattered about. The alter to the Morning Lord takes up the center of the north wall, with a few small icons scattered on top. It too has seen better days. The roof has several holes in it with the evidence splashing on the floor of the chapel here and there.
Outside the storm rages and with every gust of wind, the church creaks, and sways.
Father Donavich turns to the party. "Forgive me but I must ask you to stay in the chapel area and must ask you to go as soon as the storm subsides."
Gimble:
"Why must we stay in the chapel area? And why is there so much damage to the pews? I am no priest, but there seems to be something very wrong here," says Gimble.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Father Donavich seems not to listen as he races around the room, making sure the dozens of candles on candlesticks and candelabras stay lite, though it proves almost futile with the storm outside and the condition of the chapel. Father Donavich starts grabbing the wood from the broken pews and tries to light them.
The party notices, on top of the debris, large quantities of dust covering the area which is accumulating water, creating muddy conditions inside the chapel.
As Ban enters the chapel proper, she will flick her clothes dry briefly and shake her hair out. Once dry enough, she looks about while stretching her arms up in a yawn. "Rain always makes me a bit sleepy." After taking in the scenery, she says, "I take it that the barred door isn't simply due to the weather. Are you expecting something in particular? Perhaps large wolves or something that harassed the late Burgomaster?"
On Ismark‘s command, Gillain heads straight inside the chapel. As she does so, she straps on her shield, and pulls out her spear.
She takes up a position in the centre of the main room and tries to focus her ‘normal’ senses on the storm and the world outside, looking towards the door and any windows and listening for anything other than the sounds of the storm outside…
Perception check (if needed): 13
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Not sure how to take Donavich behavior, Tio will try sneak off to check the rest of the church to make sure it’s safe.
Stealth: 22
Perception: 14
Tio heading to the right room and check the door.
Felix Windfall(Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA, Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiABob tries to suss out whatever strange ritual Ismarck seems intent on performing.
Religion check: 18
Not clean about this post?
Father Donavich roll: 17
Ismark responds:
"The church has suffered from the same attacks we did at my father's home. The undead walks Barovia at night." you detect a bit of fear in Ismark's voice when he says this. "But," Ismark says and looks around the room and to the ceiling. "This storm is unnatural. And with the earthquake this morning, these are bizarre times indeed."
Father Donavich continues to roam the chapel, picking up wood and placing it a several points within the chapel, and lighting it. He suddenly looks to Tio when she attempts to move outside the chapel.
"Please stay within the chapel," he says. Just as he finishes this statement there is a flash of lightning and thunder rocks the building. Once the thunder passes a voice calls out:
"Father, are there people with you?" it calls. "I am so hungry!"
The voice sounds muffled but does come from one of the rooms in the main hall of the church.
There is another flash of lightning and a rumble of thunder.
Gimble:
"I thought you said your son was not here, Father," chides Gimble, saying, "Is not the church of Lathander a truthful one?"
"I know not why you hide your son, but you should let him out and feed him so that he may have the strength to help us if the undead attack during this unnatural storm," he adds.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
(Bob wanted to figure out if anything that Father Donavich is doing is cult related or anything like that. Picking up wood and lighting it and all that. I think I wrote Ismark in my last post but I meant Father Donavich!)
Bob scratches at his beard and gives Ismark a curious look. "Surely it can wait a mo' while ye feed yer son! I can even provide him with sustenance if need be, just ask me friends here!"
Hearing the voice then Gimble's statement Father Donavich leaves his task and rushes the entrance to the hallway along the south wall of the chapel.
"Please," he says. The party can tell there is fear and desperation in his voice. "Please, come help me light these fires. We should be safe within the chapel, Lathander's will protect us while we are there."
Father Donavich's shoulders slump. "What he craves is not the food you think," he says.
The chapel sways slightly from the wind outside. Another flash of lightning and thunder rolls across the landscape heavy enough for the party to feel it in their bones.
Ismark and Ireena have moved to the southeast corner of the room and huddle there. Ismark draws his rapier and asks.
"What has happened to Doru?"
From beneath the floor of where you are standing comes a muffled scream:
"Father, I'm Starving."
Gillain has not seen or heard anything outside of what has been described.
Gillain nods to Ismark and Father Donavich, “Stay inside during the storm. Yes, okay. Thank you, we will… And I will gladly help, what? Lighting fires? Here, let me help…”.
Just as Gillain is moving to help, she hears the screaming voice. “Father, this person screaming?… They sound to be in great anguish. Who is it? Why are you holding them like a prisoner and denying them food? Why do you not treat them kindly? Are they a criminal?… have they done you a great wrong?”.
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Father Donavich quickly steps between the party and the hallway.
"Please," he begs, a tear rolls down his right cheek.
Ismark and Ireena move up to the priest and Ismark says: "Father Donavich, please tell us what is going on."
The priest stands there for a moment, looking at the party, his head turning slightly left then right. He bows his head and his shoulders slump. Ismark and Ireena rush forward, grabbing the priest by the arms, and guide him to the closest pew before the priest falls to the floor. As the priest sits down his head bows and he curls into a ball.
"Father!" the muffled voice screams. "I am so Thirsty!"
Father Donavich's body stiffens and his head jerks up and he looks quickly around. "Father Donavich," Ismark says and the priest calms again.
"I told him not to go," the priest says. "I begged him!" Father Conavich grasps Ismark's arm and pulls him close as he says this. "But he wouldn't listen. That old man, that wizard, had stirred him and his friends up and they set out 5 days ago." Father Donavich explains. "That old man said he could defeat Strahd." Father Donavich says this through clenched teeth.
Father Donavich jumps as a bright flash of lightning illuminates the interior of the chapel and thunder shakes the walls enough for pieces of ceiling to fall to the floor with a crash. Father Donavich moves behind the broken pew.
'I pleaded with Duro to not go, to let that fool of a wizard march up to the castle doors and let Strahd deal with him as he saw fit. Duro didn't need to go, he was just a boy and had no protection from such things but he insisted," Father Donavich's eyes widen as he says this.
"I couldn't convince him of anything. He and his friends took what weapons they couple muster and followed that old fool to the castle. I,"
Father Donavich pauses just for a moment.
'I didn't even give them Lathander's blessing. After the first day, I went to the alter. I knelt and prayed for two days to the Dawn Lord, asking him to protect my boy, to send him back to me safe. Then, the third night, my prayer was answered and Duro returned."
Father Donavich's expression changes in phases, from fear, to joy, then one of dread.
"I ran to him, embraced him, and guided him inside the church. He called me father and said he had barely made it out with his life. He told me the old fool had been attacked and fled Strahd. He spoke of the death of his friends but lost consciousness only to awake while making his way here."
Father Donavich looks to Ismark, pleading, asks:
"You know how rare this would be? For someone to face the Baron and live. But, when Duro looked up at me, I knew. I knew Strahd had passed judgment on my boy and me. Duro knew as well. He still had control of who he was at that time so we made a place in the cellar for him and I locked him inside. I've been praying to Lathander for days, begging for the Morning Lord to give me guidance on what to do, how to say my son."
Again his expression changes, his eyes go wide and he clenches his fists as he says. "The Dawn Lord has not answered my prayers but I am his servant and my faith will carry my prayers to him."
Gillain kneels in front of the Father, and will briefly take his hand if he’ll allow it, saying “I’m so sorry, I’m so very sorry….. If only my mentor were still alive she would know what to do… but I’m just a lowly squire and the rituals required are far beyond my skills….”.
”Is there anyone in town who knows, or do you know, how to give life… to one that has passed??…”.
”Failing that, what does your heart tell you?…”.
She’ll hold his hands and hold his gaze as long as he’ll let her. But will let go and step back if it seems he wants that.
She’ll glance around the party for any ideas.
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Gimble:
Religion: 8
Medicine: 5
Considering what he knows about the undead and potential cures, Gimble says, "I think there are diseases that can be passed on from some undead to their living victims--ghoul fever comes to mind--that can be fought with medicine and magical healing. If your son has already passed from the realm of the living, though, there is little I know to do."
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Tio can’t help but shake her head in disapproval, she sighs “You people and your gods, praying won’t solve your problem Donavich. If you don’t possess the power to change him then you need to put him down. Can’t you hear him suffering, from hunger...” Taking a moment “If you don’t have the means then perhaps we can do the job then needs to be done.”
”Well Ismark, we’re stuck inside here with a vampire who’s dying for thirst. He’s a threat to your sister, I say we put him down and let him rest.” Her arm crossed Tio can’t help but be rude, normally she very patient but the talk of god and prayer have her in a mood for sure.
Felix Windfall(Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA, Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiABob shakes his furry head in tandem with Tio, his normally genial expression replaced with a far more stern one. "This land's already got enough problems with th' dead stayin' dead. An' please, fer th' love o' Lathander or whatever else ye hold dear, stop sayin' tha' bloody name out loud!"
He turns to Tio and the rest of the group with a resigned sigh. "Looks like our newfound expertise in dealin' with the recently deceased might prove to be useful once again."