Alder shakes his head at Dormark. "The merchant's nephew. Little more than a child in a man's body."
Alder steps to the side as the group approaches Mary's house, not wanting to be within the grieving woman's line of sight. He is cognizant of his own size and appearance to most people, and has no desire to spook the poor woman. He is reticent to get involved with the woman's plight, wondering what good it could do the group of misplaced individuals.
"Oh?! Where is she? Where is my Gertruda? I - I thought I heard her just now."
Valerie takes a moment to reassure the woman, letting her know that they were here to help. Stepping up beside Valerie, Ioben bowed slightly. "We are sorry to hear what has happened to you and your family. We came, hoping that there was something we could do to help you."
Moments after the rest of the group set off towards Mary's house you notice a raven flying in the same direction. As far as you can tell the bird seems pretty nondescript but it does seem to show some interest in the others.
Mary seems bewildered by the group standing in her doorway, "Wha.. Yes, yes - I, ahh, help. You want to help to find my Gertruda? Please come, come this way." She totters off inside her house beckoning for the other's to follow.
Should Ioben, Valerie, or any others choose to follow they find Mary staring at a portrait hanging in her hallway, "My beautiful little girl, where are you Dearest?" she mutters to herself.
The sight of the older woman tugged at Sandu's heartstrings. The loss of a family member was not something he was familiar with, for obvious reasons, but on dark lonely nights he had often fantasised that... Well, that did not matter right now.
'I'll euh-' He hesitantly began, 'I'll stay outside. Wouldn't want to burden her too much.' He glanced at the portrait inside. Pretty lass. Sandu mused. Wonder why she's gone missing.
Sandu took up position outside the house. He perused the front garden and tried to look as unassuming as possible, even if that was hard to pull off being an outsider.
Ioben follows Mary into the house, stopping as Mary shows them the picture. Hanging back a step, he allows Valerie to take the lead with the conversation. As he does so, he watches carefully to see if he notices anything that may catch her attention particularly, or if any of her words have more meaning than others.
Valerie looks at the portrait. "She's a pretty girl." Then she turns to Mary. "I will find her. But to do that I hope you can answer some questions first." She waits for the old lady to calm herself down a bit and continues. "When was the last time you see her? Did she tell you where she was going before she went missing?"
Baern silently joins Sandu in remaining just outside. He quietly ponders the group's own plight, never mind that of the missing girl and her mother. Without even thinking he pulls a holy symbol out of his pocket and stares at it, trying to piece together what he can about his own situation.
Dormark notes the Raven as he stands there, thinking an interesting topic to talk to group. As he stands there looking at the passing people he wonders what they make of him. To those around he hasn’t move as much as an inch. Since taking is position, Dormark feeling no physical discomfort, but mentally he didn’t much like being the center of attention. He wished Ismark to hurry so he can proceed to finally put the body to rest.
You notice a number of things about Mary's demeanour;
The way she talks and acts about her daughter made you believe that she was significantly younger than the portrait depicts - you get the sense that Mary still see's her more as a 'little girl' than a young woman. This is confirmed, in your mind, by Mary clutching desperately at the child's doll in her hands.
She is VERY protective of her 'little girl', you get the sense that Gertruda lived a very sheltered life.
It is clear that Mary has an intense level of pride and love towards her daughter.
Valerie: Once again you see Mary's eyes become teary, though this time she smiles,"Yes, so pretty my Gertruda. Please find her for me." You notice as Mary takes a deep breath before continuing, trying to compose herself,"The... the last time I saw her she was in her room, upstairs. The locks on her door had not been tampered with, I think someone must have taken her through the window."Mary once more loudly sobs,"She is ever such a good little girl, I cannot imagine she would have left of her own accord. Besides where would she go?"
Mary thinks a while on her own question,"The only other people she spoke to other than me were Rose and Thorn, the Durst children. I tried to keep her away from harm. Discourage any interactions with others. We had each other..." She smiles broadly,"... that's enough, isn't it?"
Sandu:As you peruse the front garden you do have a brief thought that the tree outside the house may allow for access to the property.
Dormark:A while later you see Ismark walk outside the tavern. He looks over to you,"Dormark? I - I didn't think you'd be literally waiting for me outside. I'm sorry, have you been waiting long?"Ismark looks sheepishly at you,"Can I help? You were looking to be taken to the church, were you not?"
He stares at the corpse within your hands,"Dawnfather! Is that the body you were talking about? Eurgh! You best follow me."Ismark starts walking down the street to the North, away from Bildrath's and Mad Mary's house.
Baern silently joins Sandu in remaining just outside. He quietly ponders the group's own plight, never mind that of the missing girl and her mother. Without even thinking he pulls a holy symbol out of his pocket and stares at it, trying to piece together what he can about his own situation.
'You think that's going to help?' Sandu surveyed the surroundings. 'Looks like this place doesn't get frequented by the gods that much.'
"Why do you think she would be harmed?" Valerie understands that a mother could be protective, but discouraging interaction with others seems a bit extreme.
"Also, would you mind if I check Gertruda's room? Maybe there’re some clues in there? And can you tell me who are Rose and Thorn?"
Dormark follows behind Ismark to there destination happy to finally take care of what is left of the man that had die on the road, he looks around and says, “The Dawnfather, what deity is that? I don’t think I’ve heard of him before.”
Mary looks a little perplexed at Valerie's comments, "This is Barovia, have you not seen the horrors of this land? Far safer to keep those dear to you safe, to protect them."
Answering questions seems to have honed Mary's mind a little more, "May I ask whoyou are? I don't think I have seen you around here before - are you local?".She stands with her hands on her hips. Sighing she says,"If you care to look for my daughter, I can show you her room. You've shown more interest in her than most around here."
She leads you up the stairs to the 1st floor, moving along the hallway until she approaches a door. The door is covered in locks and bolts similarly to the front door. The thing that immediately stands out is that the locks are on the outside of the door - as though whatever was inside must be contained.
"Rose and Thorn... two of the local children. Truth be told I never trusted their parents, the children seemed alright though." At this time you realise she is talking more to herself than you, as though you were not there at all, "Yes, that's right. Those were strange people - never trusted them. If they have anything to do with my Gertruda... Should never have let her talk with those kids. The apple never falls far from the tree and all that. Rose was always polite though. Yes, well spoken. I like that."
As she lets you in to Gertruda's room you can see Mary's eyes light up. The room is well kept - tidy and clean. It is covered head to foot in pink everything - bed sheets, pillows, drapes, rugs. On the bed are a selection of stuffed animals and dolls. The sole window looks out over the front of the house - the branches of a tall tree partially obstructing the view of the street. In the far corner you notice small pink cushions on the floor - a makeshift bed for an animal of some sort.
Looming out of the mists in front of Dormark stands a once mighty building. It is now but a shell of what it once was - parts of the walls and roof appear caved in. This church has obviously weathered the assaults of evil for centuries on end and is worn and weary. A bell tower rises toward the back, and flickering light shines through holes in the shingled roof. The rafters strain feebly against their load. Their is an eerie looking orange-red glow being emitted from inside. A path to the left of the entrance leads to a gated graveyard - though as with the church the railings are damaged and broken in areas.
Ismark shivers slightly as he approaches the entrance of the church, the heavy wooden doors are covered with claw marks and scarred by fire. "The Dawnfather is the God that is worshipped in these parts - it is said he is responsible for allowing the sun to rise each morning, casting out the darkness." He looks slightly confused, "Mayhaps he is know under a different name whether you're from. Let's hope Father Donavich is around - this place has always given me the creeps. I must confess, I have a separate matter I wish to speak with him about."
“Fair enough ... pray how strange are the beasts of the land? Is there anything I should worry about in these parts, “ he says entering old church. Reminding himself of his home and place of worship in Mithral Hall, and how different it seemed to this place.
Baern shrugs his shoulders in response to Sandu. "Not sure, I just got this before... before we ended up here. I've never really prayed before, but I think he was listening back at the temple I visited. Maybe we can use all of the help we can get in this place?"
"Remind me to tell you the tale of the last person to engage the Count in battle sometime." Ismark solemnly replies.
The church doors open 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 side of the hall, lead to adjacent chambers. You can see that the chapel is strewn with debris, and you hear a soft voice from within reciting a prayer.
"In the meantime let me introduce you to Father Donavich."
Ismark beckons towards an alter in the centre of the Church. In front of the alter a man stands in priestly robes. He turns slowly - shoulders drooping, face downcast, muttering prayers.
"Ismark... is that... you? What brings you here to me." The figure's voice sounds weak, hoarse, it is barely audible over the ambient noise in the church. He squints in Dormark and Ismark's direction as he speaks.
((Portrait of Father Donavich))
"Yes... Father Donavich. I've brought someone to meet you, he requires your..." Ismark is cutoff mid-sentence by an inhuman scream that rises up from beneath the wooden floor.
"FAAAATTTTHHHEEERRRR! PLEASE! I'M STARVING!"
Ismark's face drops, overcome with emotion. Donavich's lips quiver and he blinks away tears. Ismark turns to Dormark, "You must understand Dormark. It's Doru, it's Father Donavich's s..."
Once more the scream echoes out,"FATHER! WHY, WHY? FATTHHEERR PLEASE!"
Sinking to his knees, Donavich breaks out into a heavy sob,"My son - Ismark! MY SON! Why did he... to... MY SON! an, an, ABOMINATION!"
Ismarks response is quick. He strides to Donavich to comfort the old man,"Come now, come now. Dormark assist us if you will. Father Donavich, let's go outside, away from here."
"FATHER! FATHER! DO YOU NOT LOVE ME?! IF YOU LOVED ME YOU WOULD SET ME FREE! FATHER!" The screams are deafening.
"Dormark, please, help us out of the church." Ismark pleads.
Baern shrugs his shoulders in response to Sandu. "Not sure, I just got this before... before we ended up here. I've never really prayed before, but I think he was listening back at the temple I visited. Maybe we can use all of the help we can get in this place?"
'The foremost person you can rely on to help you is yourself.'Sandu replied with a bitter undertone in his voice. He cast a look at what Baern was holding. 'Who's this 'he' you mentioned?'
"I know" replies Baern to the advice about replying on oneself. "But, I've been trying to find her for years." "My mother"he clarifies after a pause.
Displaying the small metal holy symbol in his hand, Baern continues "I saw her, in the fog, and I was holding this symbol., this very same one." "It was just a dream, perhaps, but I had it several times. I decided to go in search of this symbol, and found a temple to Kord. I don't really know if it means anything, or if I'm just a fool. I don't know why this god of storms and battle would help me or my mother if Moradin did not."
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Alder shakes his head at Dormark. "The merchant's nephew. Little more than a child in a man's body."
Alder steps to the side as the group approaches Mary's house, not wanting to be within the grieving woman's line of sight. He is cognizant of his own size and appearance to most people, and has no desire to spook the poor woman. He is reticent to get involved with the woman's plight, wondering what good it could do the group of misplaced individuals.
The door opens and a woman comes out, distraught.
Valerie takes a moment to reassure the woman, letting her know that they were here to help. Stepping up beside Valerie, Ioben bowed slightly. "We are sorry to hear what has happened to you and your family. We came, hoping that there was something we could do to help you."
Dormark Perception Check:
Moments after the rest of the group set off towards Mary's house you notice a raven flying in the same direction. As far as you can tell the bird seems pretty nondescript but it does seem to show some interest in the others.
Mary seems bewildered by the group standing in her doorway, "Wha.. Yes, yes - I, ahh, help. You want to help to find my Gertruda? Please come, come this way." She totters off inside her house beckoning for the other's to follow.
Should Ioben, Valerie, or any others choose to follow they find Mary staring at a portrait hanging in her hallway, "My beautiful little girl, where are you Dearest?" she mutters to herself.
((Portrait of 'Mad' Mary's daughter - Gertruda))
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
The sight of the older woman tugged at Sandu's heartstrings. The loss of a family member was not something he was familiar with, for obvious reasons, but on dark lonely nights he had often fantasised that... Well, that did not matter right now.
'I'll euh-' He hesitantly began, 'I'll stay outside. Wouldn't want to burden her too much.' He glanced at the portrait inside. Pretty lass. Sandu mused. Wonder why she's gone missing.
Sandu took up position outside the house. He perused the front garden and tried to look as unassuming as possible, even if that was hard to pull off being an outsider.
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
Ioben follows Mary into the house, stopping as Mary shows them the picture. Hanging back a step, he allows Valerie to take the lead with the conversation. As he does so, he watches carefully to see if he notices anything that may catch her attention particularly, or if any of her words have more meaning than others.
Insight: 18
Valerie looks at the portrait. "She's a pretty girl." Then she turns to Mary. "I will find her. But to do that I hope you can answer some questions first." She waits for the old lady to calm herself down a bit and continues. "When was the last time you see her? Did she tell you where she was going before she went missing?"
Baern silently joins Sandu in remaining just outside. He quietly ponders the group's own plight, never mind that of the missing girl and her mother. Without even thinking he pulls a holy symbol out of his pocket and stares at it, trying to piece together what he can about his own situation.
Dormark notes the Raven as he stands there, thinking an interesting topic to talk to group. As he stands there looking at the passing people he wonders what they make of him. To those around he hasn’t move as much as an inch. Since taking is position, Dormark feeling no physical discomfort, but mentally he didn’t much like being the center of attention. He wished Ismark to hurry so he can proceed to finally put the body to rest.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Ioben's Insight Check:
You notice a number of things about Mary's demeanour;
Valerie: Once again you see Mary's eyes become teary, though this time she smiles, "Yes, so pretty my Gertruda. Please find her for me." You notice as Mary takes a deep breath before continuing, trying to compose herself, "The... the last time I saw her she was in her room, upstairs. The locks on her door had not been tampered with, I think someone must have taken her through the window." Mary once more loudly sobs, "She is ever such a good little girl, I cannot imagine she would have left of her own accord. Besides where would she go?"
Mary thinks a while on her own question, "The only other people she spoke to other than me were Rose and Thorn, the Durst children. I tried to keep her away from harm. Discourage any interactions with others. We had each other..." She smiles broadly, "... that's enough, isn't it?"
Sandu: As you peruse the front garden you do have a brief thought that the tree outside the house may allow for access to the property.
Dormark: A while later you see Ismark walk outside the tavern. He looks over to you, "Dormark? I - I didn't think you'd be literally waiting for me outside. I'm sorry, have you been waiting long?" Ismark looks sheepishly at you, "Can I help? You were looking to be taken to the church, were you not?"
He stares at the corpse within your hands, "Dawnfather! Is that the body you were talking about? Eurgh! You best follow me." Ismark starts walking down the street to the North, away from Bildrath's and Mad Mary's house.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
'You think that's going to help?' Sandu surveyed the surroundings. 'Looks like this place doesn't get frequented by the gods that much.'
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
"Why do you think she would be harmed?" Valerie understands that a mother could be protective, but discouraging interaction with others seems a bit extreme.
"Also, would you mind if I check Gertruda's room? Maybe there’re some clues in there? And can you tell me who are Rose and Thorn?"
Dormark follows behind Ismark to there destination happy to finally take care of what is left of the man that had die on the road, he looks around and says, “The Dawnfather, what deity is that? I don’t think I’ve heard of him before.”
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Mary looks a little perplexed at Valerie's comments, "This is Barovia, have you not seen the horrors of this land? Far safer to keep those dear to you safe, to protect them."
Answering questions seems to have honed Mary's mind a little more, "May I ask who you are? I don't think I have seen you around here before - are you local?". She stands with her hands on her hips. Sighing she says, "If you care to look for my daughter, I can show you her room. You've shown more interest in her than most around here."
She leads you up the stairs to the 1st floor, moving along the hallway until she approaches a door. The door is covered in locks and bolts similarly to the front door. The thing that immediately stands out is that the locks are on the outside of the door - as though whatever was inside must be contained.
"Rose and Thorn... two of the local children. Truth be told I never trusted their parents, the children seemed alright though." At this time you realise she is talking more to herself than you, as though you were not there at all, "Yes, that's right. Those were strange people - never trusted them. If they have anything to do with my Gertruda... Should never have let her talk with those kids. The apple never falls far from the tree and all that. Rose was always polite though. Yes, well spoken. I like that."
As she lets you in to Gertruda's room you can see Mary's eyes light up. The room is well kept - tidy and clean. It is covered head to foot in pink everything - bed sheets, pillows, drapes, rugs. On the bed are a selection of stuffed animals and dolls. The sole window looks out over the front of the house - the branches of a tall tree partially obstructing the view of the street. In the far corner you notice small pink cushions on the floor - a makeshift bed for an animal of some sort.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Church to the Dawnfather
Looming out of the mists in front of Dormark stands a once mighty building. It is now but a shell of what it once was - parts of the walls and roof appear caved in. This church has obviously weathered the assaults of evil for centuries on end and is worn and weary. A bell tower rises toward the back, and flickering light shines through holes in the shingled roof. The rafters strain feebly against their load. Their is an eerie looking orange-red glow being emitted from inside. A path to the left of the entrance leads to a gated graveyard - though as with the church the railings are damaged and broken in areas.
Ismark shivers slightly as he approaches the entrance of the church, the heavy wooden doors are covered with claw marks and scarred by fire. "The Dawnfather is the God that is worshipped in these parts - it is said he is responsible for allowing the sun to rise each morning, casting out the darkness." He looks slightly confused, "Mayhaps he is know under a different name whether you're from. Let's hope Father Donavich is around - this place has always given me the creeps. I must confess, I have a separate matter I wish to speak with him about."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
“Fair enough ... pray how strange are the beasts of the land? Is there anything I should worry about in these parts, “ he says entering old church. Reminding himself of his home and place of worship in Mithral Hall, and how different it seemed to this place.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
"Seems to me that people call upon their gods far more often in bad situations."
Alder stands somewhat uncomfortably nearby, his eyes roaming up and down the streets. His hands are stuffed into the pockets of his long coat.
"Never been much of one for gods myself."
Baern shrugs his shoulders in response to Sandu. "Not sure, I just got this before... before we ended up here. I've never really prayed before, but I think he was listening back at the temple I visited. Maybe we can use all of the help we can get in this place?"
Dormark:
"Remind me to tell you the tale of the last person to engage the Count in battle sometime." Ismark solemnly replies.
The church doors open 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 side of the hall, lead to adjacent chambers. You can see that the chapel is strewn with debris, and you hear a soft voice from within reciting a prayer.
"In the meantime let me introduce you to Father Donavich."
Ismark beckons towards an alter in the centre of the Church. In front of the alter a man stands in priestly robes. He turns slowly - shoulders drooping, face downcast, muttering prayers.
"Ismark... is that... you? What brings you here to me." The figure's voice sounds weak, hoarse, it is barely audible over the ambient noise in the church. He squints in Dormark and Ismark's direction as he speaks.
"Yes... Father Donavich. I've brought someone to meet you, he requires your..." Ismark is cutoff mid-sentence by an inhuman scream that rises up from beneath the wooden floor.
"FAAAATTTTHHHEEERRRR! PLEASE! I'M STARVING!"
Ismark's face drops, overcome with emotion. Donavich's lips quiver and he blinks away tears. Ismark turns to Dormark, "You must understand Dormark. It's Doru, it's Father Donavich's s..."
Once more the scream echoes out, "FATHER! WHY, WHY? FATTHHEERR PLEASE!"
Sinking to his knees, Donavich breaks out into a heavy sob, "My son - Ismark! MY SON! Why did he... to... MY SON! an, an, ABOMINATION!"
Ismarks response is quick. He strides to Donavich to comfort the old man, "Come now, come now. Dormark assist us if you will. Father Donavich, let's go outside, away from here."
"FATHER! FATHER! DO YOU NOT LOVE ME?! IF YOU LOVED ME YOU WOULD SET ME FREE! FATHER!" The screams are deafening.
"Dormark, please, help us out of the church." Ismark pleads.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
'The foremost person you can rely on to help you is yourself.' Sandu replied with a bitter undertone in his voice. He cast a look at what Baern was holding. 'Who's this 'he' you mentioned?'
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
"I know" replies Baern to the advice about replying on oneself. "But, I've been trying to find her for years." "My mother" he clarifies after a pause.
Displaying the small metal holy symbol in his hand, Baern continues "I saw her, in the fog, and I was holding this symbol., this very same one." "It was just a dream, perhaps, but I had it several times. I decided to go in search of this symbol, and found a temple to Kord. I don't really know if it means anything, or if I'm just a fool. I don't know why this god of storms and battle would help me or my mother if Moradin did not."