AS they depart they find Zied leaning against the building, pondering slightly. Perking up as they file out "Finished your meals rather quickly no?" catching just the last bits of the conversations as they speak to the sister, gathering enough to guess the conversations were overwith.
"Oddly, that drunken fellow seemed to be gone right quick. Either he lives close, or my paranoia holds true in these lands so far. What say you lot, whats the plan for now? Do we visit the Father prior to departing, or do we need much else?"
(Zied now kind of wonders if the drunk was a play, or an illusion. We didn't touch him,only the barkeep touched the coins. The pricing was very large for what he owed, and he had more than enough on hand to pay for it. Plus the sisters stated that no one has much in Barovia, they just salvage or make do... but that guys running around with gold, and has bar tabs level of trust or investment. Much less he travels fairly fast once they left. Zied is paranoid! and he would explain this if folks asked what he was doing in idle conversation while we travel)
Sezsu waves off Zied's concerns about the Radu situation. "Locals have their ways and isolationist trade is ever a confusing subject. I wouldn't worry too much on it..."
To the question of where to go next, he shakes his head. "I have no desire to revisit that place unless there's a need. I've already made my thoughts known and I don't like traversing desecrated grounds without the intent to cleanse and sanctify them. We should keep moving. We were thinking the Tser Pool would be our next destination."
"Sounds fine then. We would be camping. Do you lot have camping gear? I assume we'll find wood for a fire. We should set out sooner than later, given the multiple warnings..."
Awaiting his companions input or disagreements, he'll continue as they move. "We should likely take shifts in 2. We can switch back and forth on sleep schedules, or I can sleep while we travel and remain awake the night through, with you three rotating....Assuming no one is unawakable again... I know not what to do with that."
"Zied... Relax. This is not our first camping even in these woods, remember? Except yes, that "reawakening" thing... Let's assume whatever it was, was related to the Ismark's house. Then maybe it makes sense for you to rest. We three take the first and second shift, provided we can wake up, and if not - the first shift will wake you instead. How does it sound?"Preparations - whether for the battle or for the road - as always took the thoughts away from far less pleasant matters. Alessa welcomed that distraction. "By the way, you promised to tell one day how come you do not need sleep? You are no elf to pull such a trick."
You gather your wits, your equipment, and, most important, your courage, and step out into the town square, looking westward toward the muddy road that leads out of the village. Although the ever-present fog obscures the view, you know that only a short stroll down the southern path sits the burgomaster’s mansion. Was it only last night you were safely tucked away inside its walls? Only this morning that you shared food around its table? Set against the prospect of the muddy road, the mist, and the unknown wilds of this dreary landscape, is it not tempting to simply return to the safety of the known?
Ah, but you have your courage, remember? May it guide you through and protect you from whatever dangers lay ahead. Or else lull you into a false sense of safety and draw you toward some darker fate…
The muddy mess of a road, the Old Svalich Road, as it is called, wends sharply left. The air is heavy and gray. Black pools of water stand like dark mirrors in and around the muddy roadway. Giant trees loom on both sides of the road, their branches clawing at the mist. In the distance, thick clouds of fog roll relentlessly over the hills and moors, obscuring whatever lies beyond. And all the while, you are pulled inescapably closer to your destination.
Five hours pass.
Day 2 - 5:00 p.m.
The river is heard before it is seen, a rapids rushing through the mist. It flows as clear as a blue winter sky through the valley. The river is roughly 50 feet wide with an unknown depth. An arching stone bridge spans its breadth.
Is this the River Ivlis bridge that Bildrath mentioned?
(Each PC may make a single check with Perception, Survival, or Investigation (your choice), if you're inclined).
"The only camping gear I need is my trusty blanket to keep warm. Selûne will provide the rest," Sezsu muses as they set out.
Hearing Alessa's prompt, he piles on. "Yeah! That's always been a bit unnerving. I don't think I've ever seen you eat either, come to think of it. You always just pass your portions to me. Which, don't get me wrong, I thoroughly appreciate." The young (and possibly still growing, if his appetite is any indication) man smiles and pats his stomach.
Sezsu remembers talk of a river this morning and looks around to see if he can spot the missing supply wagon.
"Zied... Relax. This is not our first camping even in these woods, remember? Except yes, that "reawakening" thing... Let's assume whatever it was, was related to the Ismark's house. Then maybe it makes sense for you to rest. We three take the first and second shift, provided we can wake up, and if not - the first shift will wake you instead. How does it sound?"Preparations - whether for the battle or for the road - as always took the thoughts away from far less pleasant matters. Alessa welcomed that distraction. "By the way, you promised to tell one day how come you do not need sleep? You are no elf to pull such a trick."
(Zied would say this when we're out o town and away from folks.)
Sighing slightly, but ultimately shrugging off the lingering emotions that stirrs up. "I suppose I did. I was hoping you'd forget. I shant go into details-some of it involves secrets not my own to reveal. but I likely fit in with some of the oddities of this realm. " Tapping himself on the chest, then pulling his clothes slightly to the side, showing some scars. "I died once, I'm alive through alchemy and remain so through such. The amount of food, water, and rest I need has changed. Although if I go too long without I'm not sure what will happen. but it is considerably reduced compared to before. I don't intend to test it but considering these lands are not the most welcoming stretching food and water seems apt. --Plus Seszu, I suspect is grumpy if he eats not enough for satiety."
Running his hands together lightly and polishing his ring slightly. "As I've mentioned before, I do have a workshop with me. Something someone made for me. I have things I need to survive in there, but I also have some basic tools, as well as a stockpile of some rations. If we find clean water and some jars or barrels I think we should stock up. The essence of an alchemist is preperation, nothing is quick but if we have time. We can do much. From building a golem, to making clean water."
Giving a mirthful smile with a hint of meloncholy dread Zied finishes with a simple "Relaxing isn't something that comes easy when you remember how painful it is to die. Stress and fear lets you know you're alive. "
The river is heard before it is seen, a rapids rushing through the mist. It flows as clear as a blue winter sky through the valley. The river is roughly 50 feet wide with an unknown depth. An arching stone bridge spans its breadth.
Is this the River Ivlis bridge that Bildrath mentioned?
(Each PC may make a single check with Perception, Survival, or Investigation (your choice), if you're inclined).
Investigation. 6+Guidiance 3
"Likely this is the River in question? I wish we could view from the sky. A stone bridge, seems reliable. I wonder if there is anything in the waters?" Zied removes his Rope of Climbing, in case of unforseen issues with the river.
"So... you are undead in a way?" Whether because of the strict upbringing or for some other reason, but Alessandra did not look shocked or appalled. "I'm sorry, did not mean to pry. Thank you for sharing and glad that someone who saved you did so."She strongly suspected Zied would not want her to dwell longer on the matter and change the subject.
"Well, here is some clean water, or at least look clean enough. Though, we probably had to ask Ismark for a few wine bottles and check the well in the village. Any signs of the wagon?"She crossed the bridge and joined the search for any tracks or clues about the lost good.
Zied gives a shurg "Want to check for a pulse?"offering his wrist.
"For water... I have nothing for long term. But when I get my supplies, I have cookware.. I could at least boil enough for our water bags. As well as a fortified soup for dinner." Zied offers, happy to cook.
Sezsu looks back over his shoulder. "Zied's many things, most of which I'm unsure of, but he's definitely not undead. There's a fundamental distinction between 'undead' and 'alive again.' As a trained healer I can tell you that, despite his oddities, he's truly alive. If he were otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to heal his wounds this morning." He chews a lip in thought. "I've read about people being brought back to life through various holy magics but none of the accounts mentioned anything about these other strange effects. But then again, alchemy really isn't my forte." He shrugs dismissively.
"I believe you," smiled Alessa but curiosity won and she did check Zied's puls.
Alessa feels no pulse. But hears and feels a slight tick and thum. Reminding her of the pocketwatch he keeps-but noticing the ticking seems to not be just from the watch.
It was a strange eerie sensation. Alessa did not withdraw her hand but had to fight the urge to ask what's the trick and how Zied does it? Instead, she answered Sezsu. "Can not say I know much about alchemy either. And necromancy says nothing about such cases, at least not in the books I had studied. Seems like I had to pay more attention to potion-making." She finally let go of Zied's hand with another apology. "I am afraid for me and Sezsu it is a professional curiosity, that does not excuse such ... inquisitive investigation. Let us just find those goods and be on our way."
Continuing his search of the area, Sezsu responds without looking back this time. "I'm not that curious. As long as you're alive and well and it isn't causing problems...it's none of my business, really." He trails off and shrugs again.
Shrugs as well. "Just don't cut me open to find out and we'll be good. Been there, care not to repeat it. Maybe I'll be able to introduce you someday to the one who did it." Scanning the area. "So.. think its on this side or the other side of the bridge?"
Ed listens as the other three discuss Zied's state, "I'll be honest, I hadn't really given it any thought up to now. Indeed, I'd always appreciated the extra rations and you taking some extra watches. I hadn't really ever thought about why. I guess I just like taking people at face value - if someone has a few odd quirks, then those are their own, and I'm sure something they will talk about in time if they ever feel the need. Though certainly in this place, knowing more about each other seems wise. Anything that might help us, or hinder us by no knowing, seems like a valuable piece of knowledge."
Ed starts looking around for signs of a shipment or cargo gone missing, tracks of a wagon or cart, pack animal tracks, or signs of banditry.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Even though the muddy roadway is marked with many old prints, including human and horse, as well as wheel tracks, Sezsu notices wheel tracks leading south off of the road on this side of the river. Following them several hundred feet, around a bend and the obscuring treeline, you find it. Just about 40 feet ahead, an old wagon lies on its side. It is wrecked, its cargo strewn about, and whatever passengers and work animals occupied it are long gone. However, there are clear signs of violence. Dark matter, what might be blood, is splattered across the wreckage in numerous areas.
Suddenly, the ground begins to shift. On either side, mud and river pebbles go flying as two enormous insectile creatures explode up from the ground! They are mantis-like with huge, clawed legs and enormous mandibles that drip with corrosive digestive juices! Emerging on either side of you, as though they were laying in wait, they immediately atttempt to bite into their next fresh meal!
(blue) @ Alessa: Attack: 20 Damage: 7 plus 6 acid damage. If hit, you are grappled (escape DC 13).
(red) @ Ed: Attack: 20 Damage: 11 plus 1 acid damage. If hit, you are grappled (escape DC 13).
The creatures seize Alessa and Ed, tearing at them with their mandibles and burning them with their digestive bile!
The creatures were not only aggressive but smarter than they looked and hunt with some tactic. Reflectively, Alessa raised a shield around herself, repelling the attack (Shield AC become 20) and shot the bolt of fire, hoping to scare the insect.
Attack: 16 Damage: 7
There was nowhere to go, though, and she remained with the group. (If she can move, she will risk and do so)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ed fails to react to the creatures emergence in time, and falls victim to the creature's assault. Pinned and severely wounded, he jabs his sword toward the creature, crying out Lathander's name as his weapon again takes on a darker tone, as he strikes at the creatures low rumbling like distant thunder carries on the air. "In Lathander's name! Get off me!"
Attack: 17 Damage: 8
Bonus: Thunderous Smite +4 thunder damage. On a hit the creature must make a DC13 STR save or be knocked 10ft back and fall prone.
Movement: If the creature is hit, Ed will move away and get some space from the creatures.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
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AS they depart they find Zied leaning against the building, pondering slightly. Perking up as they file out "Finished your meals rather quickly no?" catching just the last bits of the conversations as they speak to the sister, gathering enough to guess the conversations were overwith.
"Oddly, that drunken fellow seemed to be gone right quick. Either he lives close, or my paranoia holds true in these lands so far. What say you lot, whats the plan for now? Do we visit the Father prior to departing, or do we need much else?"
(Zied now kind of wonders if the drunk was a play, or an illusion. We didn't touch him,only the barkeep touched the coins. The pricing was very large for what he owed, and he had more than enough on hand to pay for it. Plus the sisters stated that no one has much in Barovia, they just salvage or make do... but that guys running around with gold, and has bar tabs level of trust or investment. Much less he travels fairly fast once they left. Zied is paranoid! and he would explain this if folks asked what he was doing in idle conversation while we travel)
Sezsu waves off Zied's concerns about the Radu situation. "Locals have their ways and isolationist trade is ever a confusing subject. I wouldn't worry too much on it..."
To the question of where to go next, he shakes his head. "I have no desire to revisit that place unless there's a need. I've already made my thoughts known and I don't like traversing desecrated grounds without the intent to cleanse and sanctify them. We should keep moving. We were thinking the Tser Pool would be our next destination."
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
"Sounds fine then. We would be camping. Do you lot have camping gear? I assume we'll find wood for a fire. We should set out sooner than later, given the multiple warnings..."
Awaiting his companions input or disagreements, he'll continue as they move. "We should likely take shifts in 2. We can switch back and forth on sleep schedules, or I can sleep while we travel and remain awake the night through, with you three rotating....Assuming no one is unawakable again... I know not what to do with that."
"Zied... Relax. This is not our first camping even in these woods, remember? Except yes, that "reawakening" thing... Let's assume whatever it was, was related to the Ismark's house. Then maybe it makes sense for you to rest. We three take the first and second shift, provided we can wake up, and if not - the first shift will wake you instead. How does it sound?" Preparations - whether for the battle or for the road - as always took the thoughts away from far less pleasant matters. Alessa welcomed that distraction. "By the way, you promised to tell one day how come you do not need sleep? You are no elf to pull such a trick."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Day 2 - 12:00 p.m.
You gather your wits, your equipment, and, most important, your courage, and step out into the town square, looking westward toward the muddy road that leads out of the village. Although the ever-present fog obscures the view, you know that only a short stroll down the southern path sits the burgomaster’s mansion. Was it only last night you were safely tucked away inside its walls? Only this morning that you shared food around its table? Set against the prospect of the muddy road, the mist, and the unknown wilds of this dreary landscape, is it not tempting to simply return to the safety of the known?
Ah, but you have your courage, remember? May it guide you through and protect you from whatever dangers lay ahead. Or else lull you into a false sense of safety and draw you toward some darker fate…
The muddy mess of a road, the Old Svalich Road, as it is called, wends sharply left. The air is heavy and gray. Black pools of water stand like dark mirrors in and around the muddy roadway. Giant trees loom on both sides of the road, their branches clawing at the mist. In the distance, thick clouds of fog roll relentlessly over the hills and moors, obscuring whatever lies beyond. And all the while, you are pulled inescapably closer to your destination.
Five hours pass.
Day 2 - 5:00 p.m.
The river is heard before it is seen, a rapids rushing through the mist. It flows as clear as a blue winter sky through the valley. The river is roughly 50 feet wide with an unknown depth. An arching stone bridge spans its breadth.
Is this the River Ivlis bridge that Bildrath mentioned?
(Each PC may make a single check with Perception, Survival, or Investigation (your choice), if you're inclined).
"The only camping gear I need is my trusty blanket to keep warm. Selûne will provide the rest," Sezsu muses as they set out.
Hearing Alessa's prompt, he piles on. "Yeah! That's always been a bit unnerving. I don't think I've ever seen you eat either, come to think of it. You always just pass your portions to me. Which, don't get me wrong, I thoroughly appreciate." The young (and possibly still growing, if his appetite is any indication) man smiles and pats his stomach.
Sezsu remembers talk of a river this morning and looks around to see if he can spot the missing supply wagon.
Perception: 25
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
(Zied would say this when we're out o town and away from folks.)
Sighing slightly, but ultimately shrugging off the lingering emotions that stirrs up. "I suppose I did. I was hoping you'd forget. I shant go into details-some of it involves secrets not my own to reveal. but I likely fit in with some of the oddities of this realm. " Tapping himself on the chest, then pulling his clothes slightly to the side, showing some scars. "I died once, I'm alive through alchemy and remain so through such. The amount of food, water, and rest I need has changed. Although if I go too long without I'm not sure what will happen. but it is considerably reduced compared to before. I don't intend to test it but considering these lands are not the most welcoming stretching food and water seems apt. --Plus Seszu, I suspect is grumpy if he eats not enough for satiety."
Running his hands together lightly and polishing his ring slightly. "As I've mentioned before, I do have a workshop with me. Something someone made for me. I have things I need to survive in there, but I also have some basic tools, as well as a stockpile of some rations. If we find clean water and some jars or barrels I think we should stock up. The essence of an alchemist is preperation, nothing is quick but if we have time. We can do much. From building a golem, to making clean water."
Giving a mirthful smile with a hint of meloncholy dread Zied finishes with a simple "Relaxing isn't something that comes easy when you remember how painful it is to die. Stress and fear lets you know you're alive. "
Investigation. 6+Guidiance 3
"Likely this is the River in question? I wish we could view from the sky. A stone bridge, seems reliable. I wonder if there is anything in the waters?" Zied removes his Rope of Climbing, in case of unforseen issues with the river.
"So... you are undead in a way?" Whether because of the strict upbringing or for some other reason, but Alessandra did not look shocked or appalled. "I'm sorry, did not mean to pry. Thank you for sharing and glad that someone who saved you did so." She strongly suspected Zied would not want her to dwell longer on the matter and change the subject.
"Well, here is some clean water, or at least look clean enough. Though, we probably had to ask Ismark for a few wine bottles and check the well in the village. Any signs of the wagon?" She crossed the bridge and joined the search for any tracks or clues about the lost good.
Investigation: 12
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Zied gives a shurg "Want to check for a pulse?"offering his wrist.
"For water... I have nothing for long term. But when I get my supplies, I have cookware.. I could at least boil enough for our water bags. As well as a fortified soup for dinner." Zied offers, happy to cook.
"I believe you," smiled Alessa but curiosity won and she did check Zied's puls.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Sezsu looks back over his shoulder. "Zied's many things, most of which I'm unsure of, but he's definitely not undead. There's a fundamental distinction between 'undead' and 'alive again.' As a trained healer I can tell you that, despite his oddities, he's truly alive. If he were otherwise, I wouldn't have been able to heal his wounds this morning." He chews a lip in thought. "I've read about people being brought back to life through various holy magics but none of the accounts mentioned anything about these other strange effects. But then again, alchemy really isn't my forte." He shrugs dismissively.
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Alessa feels no pulse. But hears and feels a slight tick and thum. Reminding her of the pocketwatch he keeps-but noticing the ticking seems to not be just from the watch.
It was a strange eerie sensation. Alessa did not withdraw her hand but had to fight the urge to ask what's the trick and how Zied does it? Instead, she answered Sezsu. "Can not say I know much about alchemy either. And necromancy says nothing about such cases, at least not in the books I had studied. Seems like I had to pay more attention to potion-making." She finally let go of Zied's hand with another apology. "I am afraid for me and Sezsu it is a professional curiosity, that does not excuse such ... inquisitive investigation. Let us just find those goods and be on our way."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Continuing his search of the area, Sezsu responds without looking back this time. "I'm not that curious. As long as you're alive and well and it isn't causing problems...it's none of my business, really." He trails off and shrugs again.
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Shrugs as well. "Just don't cut me open to find out and we'll be good. Been there, care not to repeat it. Maybe I'll be able to introduce you someday to the one who did it." Scanning the area. "So.. think its on this side or the other side of the bridge?"
Ed listens as the other three discuss Zied's state, "I'll be honest, I hadn't really given it any thought up to now. Indeed, I'd always appreciated the extra rations and you taking some extra watches. I hadn't really ever thought about why. I guess I just like taking people at face value - if someone has a few odd quirks, then those are their own, and I'm sure something they will talk about in time if they ever feel the need. Though certainly in this place, knowing more about each other seems wise. Anything that might help us, or hinder us by no knowing, seems like a valuable piece of knowledge."
Ed starts looking around for signs of a shipment or cargo gone missing, tracks of a wagon or cart, pack animal tracks, or signs of banditry.
Ed's Survival: 11
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Even though the muddy roadway is marked with many old prints, including human and horse, as well as wheel tracks, Sezsu notices wheel tracks leading south off of the road on this side of the river. Following them several hundred feet, around a bend and the obscuring treeline, you find it. Just about 40 feet ahead, an old wagon lies on its side. It is wrecked, its cargo strewn about, and whatever passengers and work animals occupied it are long gone. However, there are clear signs of violence. Dark matter, what might be blood, is splattered across the wreckage in numerous areas.
Suddenly, the ground begins to shift. On either side, mud and river pebbles go flying as two enormous insectile creatures explode up from the ground! They are mantis-like with huge, clawed legs and enormous mandibles that drip with corrosive digestive juices! Emerging on either side of you, as though they were laying in wait, they immediately atttempt to bite into their next fresh meal!
(blue) @ Alessa: Attack: 20 Damage: 7 plus 6 acid damage. If hit, you are grappled (escape DC 13).
(red) @ Ed: Attack: 20 Damage: 11 plus 1 acid damage. If hit, you are grappled (escape DC 13).
The creatures seize Alessa and Ed, tearing at them with their mandibles and burning them with their digestive bile!
Init (bold may act): PCs, enemy
GM:
Alessa initiative: 20
Edlanar initiative: 6
Sezsu initiative (advantage): 15
Zied initiative: 6
Enemy initiative: 18
The creatures were not only aggressive but smarter than they looked and hunt with some tactic. Reflectively, Alessa raised a shield around herself, repelling the attack (Shield AC become 20) and shot the bolt of fire, hoping to scare the insect.
Attack: 16 Damage: 7
There was nowhere to go, though, and she remained with the group. (If she can move, she will risk and do so)
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Ed fails to react to the creatures emergence in time, and falls victim to the creature's assault. Pinned and severely wounded, he jabs his sword toward the creature, crying out Lathander's name as his weapon again takes on a darker tone, as he strikes at the creatures low rumbling like distant thunder carries on the air. "In Lathander's name! Get off me!"
Attack: 17 Damage: 8
Bonus: Thunderous Smite +4 thunder damage. On a hit the creature must make a DC13 STR save or be knocked 10ft back and fall prone.
Movement: If the creature is hit, Ed will move away and get some space from the creatures.
Bring out your inner chatacter class...