This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Crouching down low, and sattling near a tree. "That seems odd-or at least it should be odd. Carriage at a crossroads. Easily a start of a folk story.." Watching for a moment as the horses puff and condense into the air. "Well, the horses are breathing and seem to be at a hold. Maybe there is someone inside-or the coachmen is taking his morning residuals?"
"Do we want to look into this or should we give it a wide birdth. I don't see anything... but I'd have to get closer to really get a feel.." Zied takes a moment to look up-into the trees above themselves as well as above the carriage.
(GM if you'd like a perc roll for that feel free to roll one. Zied's actually just learning from the werewolf folks~)
6 Zie'd stealth roll if needed. as he kind of half peeks from a tree-though everyone else may be obvious regardless.
"Alessandra was studying the carriage with an open expression of mistrust on her face. "Everyone we have met so far was quite poor. Not sure even that greedy shopkeeper could afford such luxury as this carriage. I would also suspect that any rich person - if there is one besides you know who - has to be in good relations with said "you-know-who". Don't know if we should go as far as to hide from it, might want to keep some distance."
She did not move either toward or away from the sudden obstacle, but Grano, in answer to the silent request, flew from her shoulder towards the carriage and made a circle around it, sending images back to Alessa.
"I don't like it," Sezsu mutters quietly. "I mean... I don't like anything here. But especially not that." He motions toward the carriage with his chin.
"Isn't that the direction of the castle? We should probably give it a wide berth and keep going as quickly as we can manage."
As Grano nears the carriage, the side door swings open silently.
Out steps a man. He is tall, gaunt, and dressed in finery befitting a man of aristocratic, even royal, stature. A black cloak is pulled neatly up around his shoulders, tied at the shoulder by a blood-red broach. His scarlet tunic is worked with intricate designs and his hair is pulled back into a sharp and immaculate widow’s peak. His eyes are dark and as he moves to adjust the ruby at his shoulder you see that his fingernails form long, elegant claws. Old scars line his face.
It’s only then that you realize that his skin is pale--unnaturally so--and that his eyes glint with a deep, red hue.
“Tatyana.” He smiles at Alessa, revealing a pair of glinting fangs. He gives a deep bow.
Ed steps forward, one hand on his sword.
The man’s eyes shift to the sword. “Ah. The heir of Kolyan Indirovich. A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Count Strahd von Zarovich. It is a pleasure to meet you at least.”
From behind Strahd you hear a chorus of low, feral growls. From the underbrush behind him glint six pairs of eyes. Rather than low to the ground, each one is at the height of a man’s shoulder. Slowly, from the shadows slink six massive wolves. Each one is as tall as a horse, easily nine feet in length and twice as muscled. Their fur is a thick, mottled gray. Saliva drips from their sharp, yellow teeth. They take a position behind and around Strahd, flanking him like a noble’s honor guard.
"Alessandra."The proper, refined manners of that man of an obviously noble origin made Alessa lower her head a bit in greetings and automatically respond in the same manner, despite the horrendous circumstances. "Pleased to meet you." The ice-cold tone left no doubts about her true feelings, but manners are manners. "I am afraid there are some misunderstandings here."She continued as coldly and politely as she started. "My name is Alessandra Tagor. I have never heard of any Tatiana."She considered adding that neither did anyone else around here including all-knowing Vistani, but decided to leave that part out for now. "Nor was I ever called this way. All of us just recently arrived in these lands," (it was a very wrong term, more like a euphemism for "dragged here against our will") "and neither of us can be familiar with or related to people here. If I or Edlanar resemble someone you, Count, are familiar with, I assure you, this s pure coincidence."
It was her last attempt to make the situation sane, and she was not even sure she wanted it - that pack of wolves, obviously on Strahd's leash, looked like the death itself. Should the Count admit a mistake, would he sic his "hounds" on the group? Alessa gave another polite nod, trying to look only at Strahd and suppressing the growing fear inside.
Sezsu places a reassuring hand on Alessa's shoulder and takes a step forward, visibly setting himself between her and the Count but not blocking their line of sight or the interaction.
He grasps the moonstone pendant around his neck, smiles, bows, and says, "Our most humble greetings, your lordship, and may Selûne's blessing be upon you. I am Sezsu Utshoza, devoted servant of the Moonmaiden and, apparently, hapless traveler along with my companions here. As Alessandra pointed out, we're newcomers to your lands and aren't familiar with this Tatyana, although we did happen to meet one Mr. Ismark Indirovich who, as I understand it, is Kolyan's son. Lovely fellow. Ed here, every the vigilant guardian, has had quite a time keeping our group safe as we've bumbled around these last few days and he's still a bit on edge."
As he speaks, the slightest shift in light of the gloomy forest path is barely perceptible as he channels his divinity creating a sort of twilight sanctuary for the group.
"I must apologize as, under normal circumstances, we would have presented ourselves to the lord of a new land in which we find ourselves. Unexpected events brought us here and we've been fairly lost and trying to find our way home. If it wouldn't be beneath you, would you mind giving us directions?"
He continues to smile and exude as much pleasantness and propriety as he can muster, given the circumstances.
Zied remains behind the tree-frutlessly he is fully aware. but uncertain if strong movement is a good plan all things considered. Speaking relatively low trying to mainly gather his cohorts. "That' is a show of force... and seems to know two but not all of us.. We won't outrun that-wish we weren't so far from the falls..." Never the less. Zied still takes care to draw a weapon-while the others focus forward Zied looks around acertaining the precense or lack there of of further enrapturing wolves.
"Indeed, my blood holds no ties to the Indirovich line, though the honour of their hospitality tie me to them through friendship. The sword was a gift, a most kind gift in this land that seems to take the hearts and hopes of so many." Edlanar tightens his grip on the hilt before realising the others are acting in deference to the terror of the land. He steps back and allows his hands to drift away from the sword, lowering his guard but keeping his wariness around this individual.
Strahd’s eyes pierce Ed like a knife. “Of course I do not mistake you for Ismark Kolyanovich, of whom I am… very well aware. I am only referring to your inheritance.” He gestures toward the sword. “Ismark must hold you in high regard.”
“A holy...man...,”Strahd replies to Sezsu, pausing on the last word. “Religious worship is a topic on which I am regretfully disinterested. It was not an entirely successful relationship.”
Strahd ignores the request for directions, staring silently at Sezsu’s twilight sanctuary. He pauses, seemingly lost in thought. The silence extends for many moments, as only the sounds of the party’s breathing and the odd forest animal break the stillness.
As Sezsu’s sanctuary fades into nothingness, Strahd again smiles, almost apologetically. The fangs are truly unnerving…
“Tatyana,” he repeats, undeterred. “Do not act this way. It has been far too long. I am trying to be patient. Come, join me in our castle, to take your rightful place by my side.”
He extends a clawed hand in Alessa’s direction.
(Everyone please make a Wisdom saving throw against a magical effect. Please place this roll in a spoiler so that other players will not see it. Please, no peeking at others' rolls.)
"How long is long? *Allessa* is a youth. Not someone from your past" Zied chokes out, a bit wary but also reminded too heavily of scholastic debates where one side just forces their thoughts and refuses to listen to anyone else. Old irratation bubbling up.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Wisdom Save: 22
Ed responds to Strahd's look with a cheerful smile, his words are spoken in a manner much closer to his normal merry tone than his intial introduction, perhaps the Count's flash of irritation putting the smile back on his face. "Perhaps he feels that some good can come of its use. Spreading some good as a Legacy of his recently passed father. Did you approve of the funeral rites?"
When Strahd extends his hand towards Alessa, Ed steps in front of her, shielding her from Strahd's gaze. "Perhaps the manners and protocol in this land are a little different, so allow me to educate you. In our world, when a lady declines your request you do not ask again. And your four-legged frinds will do nothing to change that." There is a steel in his voice as he rejects the invitation on Alessa's behalf.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Alessandra Wisdom saving throw: 11
Alessandra involuntarily made a step back from the offered hand fighting the urge to openly hide behind Ed's back. "I am saddened by your insistence on calling me by the name I had never owned." She simply ignored the other half of the insinuation. "Rest assured, I have no intention of joining you, Count. I wish you a good day, and do hope you will not interfere with our journey any further."
It was hard to believe Strahd would simply let them go but at least now everything was finally stated clear. Not the reason for Strahd's insistence on the mistake, maybe (that she preferred not to think too much about), but the group's refusal to have dealings with the terrifying owner of these lands.
Both Alessa and Ed remain resolute under the gaze of those blood-red eyes. Strahd tilts his head ever so slightly. “Impressive. Edlanar, is it? I have heard of the strength of your convictions. It has been… some time since a knight of the order has walked these lands.”
“And Sezsu. I confess I am intrigued by your heritage. A serpent-born! And one infatuated with Mother Night, no less! You seem a rare creature.”
“But not so rare as you, Zied. Flesh and blood, but not quite human. I should like to hear more of your story.”
Strahd sniffs the air, returning his attention to Alessa. “But you, my love, are the most exquisite flower in this exotic bouquet. A… change has come upon you--I can sense it--but it has not changed your essence. You are still my Tatyana. Once you receive the dark gift, this strange blood, this spell, will make no difference. But, I can see that you are yet confused, and are not yet able to understand your circumstances. Do not fret, my darling. I am nothing if not patient. I have waited oceans of time to find you, and I shan’t lose you now.”
His next statement sends a shiver down your spine.
“I will be watching you.”
Strahd looks to the east, up the old cobblestone road, and to the west, down the western path presumably leading toward Vallaki. “Before we part ways, if you don’t mind, a small request.”
“Zied. Sezsu. Approach your Lord.”
Both Zied and Sezsu’s feet begin to carry them forward, as they slowly approach Strahd.
Strahd smiles grimly. “I can be very generous to my subjects, especially toward those I consider… friends.”
He holds out his hand once more, prepared to embrace the men as they shuffle toward him.
The wolves snarl and then, one by one, each raises its maw and unleashes a melancholic howl toward the overcast sky.
Maybe Sezsu was a "serpent-born" (something Alessa's mind barely registered but noticed, a talk for another time) but it was Alessandra who wished right now to hiss in frustration and anger. Cursing too, but unlike the Count, she did not forget herself yet. Though, she suspected his forgetfulness of the manners was on purpose. Strahd obviously felt as if he owned everything and everyone here and was not going to bother with common courtesy like politely sod off when the lady said "no". She was boiling inside but it did not matter right now. What bothered her is the behaviour of others. Alessa did not see Strahd casting any spells, but there are ways to do it inconspicuously. And it seemed like he did something like that - Zied and Sezsu were somehow affected.
"Sezsu, Zied, no! Snap out of it!" She was ready to throw a spell of her own, hoping if not awake the guys then at least slow down that sudden "bonding" with the monster.
((Vortex Warp on Sezsu to bring him 90 away if he does come close to Strahd))
“But not so rare as you, Zied. Flesh and blood, but not quite human. I should like to hear more of your story.”
“Zied. Sezsu. Approach your Lord.”
Zied's vision narrows the more the enemy talks--enemy mmaybe not. Maybe someone who could help? Zied's inherent politeness prevents him from immediately speaking as Strahd continues his liteny. As his feet begin to move, and the voices lull, Zied acquiesis to an extent.
"I died years ago, at my workshop. Stabbed through the chest by a Djinn that refused to cooperate with experiments-Sabotaged experiments. I died in protest to the attempted assassintion. I awoke, alone.My heart is not my--" but his feet carry him faster than his story. Unnoticing what occurs to Seszu (Unless he makes that con save). GIving an old fashion courtesy bow; uncommonly seen by anyone in today's societ.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Amid the chorus of wolfsong, Alessa reaches out with her hand, attempting to magically twist the space around Sezsu and move him from harm’s way. But her magic faces resistance against something in Sezsu’s nature, and the spell is blunted in its effect. The space around him twists for a split second, but springs back to an ordered structure without affecting him. Sezsu barely notices and continues walking toward Strahd.
“Extraordinary,” Strahd breathes, eyes growing wide at Alessa.
As the two men stand before him, he reaches a hand out to each and traces a long claw down their cheek. “Do not worry, my friends. I mean you no harm. I only intend to leave you--” He leans in closer to Zied, his claws tearing at Zied’s tunic to reveal his neck. “--a gift to remember me by.”
Strahd widens his mouth, pale lips stretching back over large, gleaming fangs. He sinks his teeth into Zied’s neck, taking a long draught. He pulls away, blood dripping from his fangs. Zied appears pale, somewhat faded.
Strahd turns to Sezsu and repeats the same, gently tilting Sezsu’s head to reveal his neck before biting into his flesh. His eyes remain locked on Alessa. Sezsu also slumps slightly as Strahd stands back.
(Zied suffers 5 of piercing damage and 16 of necrotic damage and his maximum hit points are reduced by the amount of necrotic damage. Sezsu suffers 8 of piercing damage and 8 of necrotic damage and his maximum hit points are reduced by the amount of necrotic damage.)
Strahd’s eyes now glow a fiercer shade of red. The howling of the wolves is joined by the calls of others, out of sight and deeper in the wood. He cups his hand over an ear and begins to laugh, his teeth smeared with blood. The Count’s eyes gleam. “Listen to them--the children of the night. What music they make!”
Ed glances at Alessa, realising that both of them seem unaffected by whatever has caused this strange turn of events. As the two walk towards Strahd, Ed stands caught in the balance of what to do. He watches Alessa work her magic and Sezsu slightly shimmer though to his eyes nothing happens, until Strahd plunges his fangs into each of his friends. Ed quickly steps up behind and placing his large hand on Zied's shoulder staring at the bite mark on his neck. "Zied, wake up from whatever delusion you are in. this monster is no master of yours."
Crouching down low, and sattling near a tree. "That seems odd-or at least it should be odd. Carriage at a crossroads. Easily a start of a folk story.." Watching for a moment as the horses puff and condense into the air. "Well, the horses are breathing and seem to be at a hold. Maybe there is someone inside-or the coachmen is taking his morning residuals?"
"Do we want to look into this or should we give it a wide birdth. I don't see anything... but I'd have to get closer to really get a feel.." Zied takes a moment to look up-into the trees above themselves as well as above the carriage.
(GM if you'd like a perc roll for that feel free to roll one. Zied's actually just learning from the werewolf folks~)
6 Zie'd stealth roll if needed. as he kind of half peeks from a tree-though everyone else may be obvious regardless.
"Alessandra was studying the carriage with an open expression of mistrust on her face. "Everyone we have met so far was quite poor. Not sure even that greedy shopkeeper could afford such luxury as this carriage. I would also suspect that any rich person - if there is one besides you know who - has to be in good relations with said "you-know-who". Don't know if we should go as far as to hide from it, might want to keep some distance."
She did not move either toward or away from the sudden obstacle, but Grano, in answer to the silent request, flew from her shoulder towards the carriage and made a circle around it, sending images back to Alessa.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"I don't like it," Sezsu mutters quietly. "I mean... I don't like anything here. But especially not that." He motions toward the carriage with his chin.
"Isn't that the direction of the castle? We should probably give it a wide berth and keep going as quickly as we can manage."
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
As Grano nears the carriage, the side door swings open silently.
Out steps a man. He is tall, gaunt, and dressed in finery befitting a man of aristocratic, even royal, stature. A black cloak is pulled neatly up around his shoulders, tied at the shoulder by a blood-red broach. His scarlet tunic is worked with intricate designs and his hair is pulled back into a sharp and immaculate widow’s peak. His eyes are dark and as he moves to adjust the ruby at his shoulder you see that his fingernails form long, elegant claws. Old scars line his face.
It’s only then that you realize that his skin is pale--unnaturally so--and that his eyes glint with a deep, red hue.
“Tatyana.” He smiles at Alessa, revealing a pair of glinting fangs. He gives a deep bow.
Ed steps forward, one hand on his sword.
The man’s eyes shift to the sword. “Ah. The heir of Kolyan Indirovich. A pleasure to make your acquaintance. I am Count Strahd von Zarovich. It is a pleasure to meet you at least.”
From behind Strahd you hear a chorus of low, feral growls. From the underbrush behind him glint six pairs of eyes. Rather than low to the ground, each one is at the height of a man’s shoulder. Slowly, from the shadows slink six massive wolves. Each one is as tall as a horse, easily nine feet in length and twice as muscled. Their fur is a thick, mottled gray. Saliva drips from their sharp, yellow teeth. They take a position behind and around Strahd, flanking him like a noble’s honor guard.
"Alessandra." The proper, refined manners of that man of an obviously noble origin made Alessa lower her head a bit in greetings and automatically respond in the same manner, despite the horrendous circumstances. "Pleased to meet you." The ice-cold tone left no doubts about her true feelings, but manners are manners. "I am afraid there are some misunderstandings here." She continued as coldly and politely as she started. "My name is Alessandra Tagor. I have never heard of any Tatiana." She considered adding that neither did anyone else around here including all-knowing Vistani, but decided to leave that part out for now. "Nor was I ever called this way. All of us just recently arrived in these lands," (it was a very wrong term, more like a euphemism for "dragged here against our will") "and neither of us can be familiar with or related to people here. If I or Edlanar resemble someone you, Count, are familiar with, I assure you, this s pure coincidence."
It was her last attempt to make the situation sane, and she was not even sure she wanted it - that pack of wolves, obviously on Strahd's leash, looked like the death itself. Should the Count admit a mistake, would he sic his "hounds" on the group? Alessa gave another polite nod, trying to look only at Strahd and suppressing the growing fear inside.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Sezsu places a reassuring hand on Alessa's shoulder and takes a step forward, visibly setting himself between her and the Count but not blocking their line of sight or the interaction.
He grasps the moonstone pendant around his neck, smiles, bows, and says, "Our most humble greetings, your lordship, and may Selûne's blessing be upon you. I am Sezsu Utshoza, devoted servant of the Moonmaiden and, apparently, hapless traveler along with my companions here. As Alessandra pointed out, we're newcomers to your lands and aren't familiar with this Tatyana, although we did happen to meet one Mr. Ismark Indirovich who, as I understand it, is Kolyan's son. Lovely fellow. Ed here, every the vigilant guardian, has had quite a time keeping our group safe as we've bumbled around these last few days and he's still a bit on edge."
As he speaks, the slightest shift in light of the gloomy forest path is barely perceptible as he channels his divinity creating a sort of twilight sanctuary for the group.
"I must apologize as, under normal circumstances, we would have presented ourselves to the lord of a new land in which we find ourselves. Unexpected events brought us here and we've been fairly lost and trying to find our way home. If it wouldn't be beneath you, would you mind giving us directions?"
He continues to smile and exude as much pleasantness and propriety as he can muster, given the circumstances.
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Zied remains behind the tree-frutlessly he is fully aware. but uncertain if strong movement is a good plan all things considered. Speaking relatively low trying to mainly gather his cohorts. "That' is a show of force... and seems to know two but not all of us.. We won't outrun that-wish we weren't so far from the falls..." Never the less. Zied still takes care to draw a weapon-while the others focus forward Zied looks around acertaining the precense or lack there of of further enrapturing wolves.
"Indeed, my blood holds no ties to the Indirovich line, though the honour of their hospitality tie me to them through friendship. The sword was a gift, a most kind gift in this land that seems to take the hearts and hopes of so many." Edlanar tightens his grip on the hilt before realising the others are acting in deference to the terror of the land. He steps back and allows his hands to drift away from the sword, lowering his guard but keeping his wariness around this individual.
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
(Only Zied and Ed have weapons and Shields out ? Just to confirm)
Strahd’s eyes pierce Ed like a knife. “Of course I do not mistake you for Ismark Kolyanovich, of whom I am… very well aware. I am only referring to your inheritance.” He gestures toward the sword. “Ismark must hold you in high regard.”
“A holy...man...,” Strahd replies to Sezsu, pausing on the last word. “Religious worship is a topic on which I am regretfully disinterested. It was not an entirely successful relationship.”
Strahd ignores the request for directions, staring silently at Sezsu’s twilight sanctuary. He pauses, seemingly lost in thought. The silence extends for many moments, as only the sounds of the party’s breathing and the odd forest animal break the stillness.
As Sezsu’s sanctuary fades into nothingness, Strahd again smiles, almost apologetically. The fangs are truly unnerving…
“Tatyana,” he repeats, undeterred. “Do not act this way. It has been far too long. I am trying to be patient. Come, join me in our castle, to take your rightful place by my side.”
He extends a clawed hand in Alessa’s direction.
(Everyone please make a Wisdom saving throw against a magical effect. Please place this roll in a spoiler so that other players will not see it. Please, no peeking at others' rolls.)
Wisdom 13
(whether he gets this out or not is GM call)
"How long is long? *Allessa* is a youth. Not someone from your past" Zied chokes out, a bit wary but also reminded too heavily of scholastic debates where one side just forces their thoughts and refuses to listen to anyone else. Old irratation bubbling up.
Wisdom Save: 22
Ed responds to Strahd's look with a cheerful smile, his words are spoken in a manner much closer to his normal merry tone than his intial introduction, perhaps the Count's flash of irritation putting the smile back on his face. "Perhaps he feels that some good can come of its use. Spreading some good as a Legacy of his recently passed father. Did you approve of the funeral rites?"
When Strahd extends his hand towards Alessa, Ed steps in front of her, shielding her from Strahd's gaze. "Perhaps the manners and protocol in this land are a little different, so allow me to educate you. In our world, when a lady declines your request you do not ask again. And your four-legged frinds will do nothing to change that." There is a steel in his voice as he rejects the invitation on Alessa's behalf.
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Alessandra Wisdom saving throw: 11
Alessandra involuntarily made a step back from the offered hand fighting the urge to openly hide behind Ed's back. "I am saddened by your insistence on calling me by the name I had never owned." She simply ignored the other half of the insinuation. "Rest assured, I have no intention of joining you, Count. I wish you a good day, and do hope you will not interfere with our journey any further."
It was hard to believe Strahd would simply let them go but at least now everything was finally stated clear. Not the reason for Strahd's insistence on the mistake, maybe (that she preferred not to think too much about), but the group's refusal to have dealings with the terrifying owner of these lands.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Both Alessa and Ed remain resolute under the gaze of those blood-red eyes. Strahd tilts his head ever so slightly. “Impressive. Edlanar, is it? I have heard of the strength of your convictions. It has been… some time since a knight of the order has walked these lands.”
“And Sezsu. I confess I am intrigued by your heritage. A serpent-born! And one infatuated with Mother Night, no less! You seem a rare creature.”
“But not so rare as you, Zied. Flesh and blood, but not quite human. I should like to hear more of your story.”
Strahd sniffs the air, returning his attention to Alessa. “But you, my love, are the most exquisite flower in this exotic bouquet. A… change has come upon you--I can sense it--but it has not changed your essence. You are still my Tatyana. Once you receive the dark gift, this strange blood, this spell, will make no difference. But, I can see that you are yet confused, and are not yet able to understand your circumstances. Do not fret, my darling. I am nothing if not patient. I have waited oceans of time to find you, and I shan’t lose you now.”
His next statement sends a shiver down your spine.
“I will be watching you.”
Strahd looks to the east, up the old cobblestone road, and to the west, down the western path presumably leading toward Vallaki. “Before we part ways, if you don’t mind, a small request.”
“Zied. Sezsu. Approach your Lord.”
Both Zied and Sezsu’s feet begin to carry them forward, as they slowly approach Strahd.
Strahd smiles grimly. “I can be very generous to my subjects, especially toward those I consider… friends.”
He holds out his hand once more, prepared to embrace the men as they shuffle toward him.
The wolves snarl and then, one by one, each raises its maw and unleashes a melancholic howl toward the overcast sky.
Maybe Sezsu was a "serpent-born" (something Alessa's mind barely registered but noticed, a talk for another time) but it was Alessandra who wished right now to hiss in frustration and anger. Cursing too, but unlike the Count, she did not forget herself yet. Though, she suspected his forgetfulness of the manners was on purpose. Strahd obviously felt as if he owned everything and everyone here and was not going to bother with common courtesy like politely sod off when the lady said "no". She was boiling inside but it did not matter right now. What bothered her is the behaviour of others. Alessa did not see Strahd casting any spells, but there are ways to do it inconspicuously. And it seemed like he did something like that - Zied and Sezsu were somehow affected.
"Sezsu, Zied, no! Snap out of it!" She was ready to throw a spell of her own, hoping if not awake the guys then at least slow down that sudden "bonding" with the monster.
((Vortex Warp on Sezsu to bring him 90 away if he does come close to Strahd))
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Zied's vision narrows the more the enemy talks--enemy mmaybe not. Maybe someone who could help? Zied's inherent politeness prevents him from immediately speaking as Strahd continues his liteny. As his feet begin to move, and the voices lull, Zied acquiesis to an extent.
"I died years ago, at my workshop. Stabbed through the chest by a Djinn that refused to cooperate with experiments-Sabotaged experiments. I died in protest to the attempted assassintion. I awoke, alone.My heart is not my--" but his feet carry him faster than his story. Unnoticing what occurs to Seszu (Unless he makes that con save). GIving an old fashion courtesy bow; uncommonly seen by anyone in today's societ.
<ignore>
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Amid the chorus of wolfsong, Alessa reaches out with her hand, attempting to magically twist the space around Sezsu and move him from harm’s way. But her magic faces resistance against something in Sezsu’s nature, and the spell is blunted in its effect. The space around him twists for a split second, but springs back to an ordered structure without affecting him. Sezsu barely notices and continues walking toward Strahd.
“Extraordinary,” Strahd breathes, eyes growing wide at Alessa.
As the two men stand before him, he reaches a hand out to each and traces a long claw down their cheek. “Do not worry, my friends. I mean you no harm. I only intend to leave you--” He leans in closer to Zied, his claws tearing at Zied’s tunic to reveal his neck. “--a gift to remember me by.”
Strahd widens his mouth, pale lips stretching back over large, gleaming fangs. He sinks his teeth into Zied’s neck, taking a long draught. He pulls away, blood dripping from his fangs. Zied appears pale, somewhat faded.
Strahd turns to Sezsu and repeats the same, gently tilting Sezsu’s head to reveal his neck before biting into his flesh. His eyes remain locked on Alessa. Sezsu also slumps slightly as Strahd stands back.
(Zied suffers 5 of piercing damage and 16 of necrotic damage and his maximum hit points are reduced by the amount of necrotic damage. Sezsu suffers 8 of piercing damage and 8 of necrotic damage and his maximum hit points are reduced by the amount of necrotic damage.)
Strahd’s eyes now glow a fiercer shade of red. The howling of the wolves is joined by the calls of others, out of sight and deeper in the wood. He cups his hand over an ear and begins to laugh, his teeth smeared with blood. The Count’s eyes gleam. “Listen to them--the children of the night. What music they make!”
Ed glances at Alessa, realising that both of them seem unaffected by whatever has caused this strange turn of events. As the two walk towards Strahd, Ed stands caught in the balance of what to do. He watches Alessa work her magic and Sezsu slightly shimmer though to his eyes nothing happens, until Strahd plunges his fangs into each of his friends. Ed quickly steps up behind and placing his large hand on Zied's shoulder staring at the bite mark on his neck. "Zied, wake up from whatever delusion you are in. this monster is no master of yours."
Action: Protection from Evil and Good on Zied
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Redacted