"It seems clear. At least, Grano could not notice any living creature close to the gate. That does not mean we should not be cautious, but it's relatively safe to enter." Should anyone have told her a week ago, that she will check every stone of the bridge before crossing it or examining huge gates before entering, she would laugh. Now, though, her opinion about caution and security was very close to being described as paranoia. And she felt it be completely justified.
Later, be it on the road or around the campfire, she would finish the talk that started earlier. "I believe Ed meant, that now, when you, Sezsu, fully embraced "the way of the land" by sharing your blood with the strangers, you could see Doru's madness as natural behaviour, while his father was nothing but stubborn about the "good acceptable habits" of the natives. Strange, that you deny it."She just could not help it. Or maybe she still hoped the Strahd's influence will ware off. Because if not... It was like looking at future self, knowing, that one day that could happen to you.
Ed screws his eyes up, trying to peer deeper into the ever present mist. He looks to each of them and nods up to the gates, "If we can get a view from higher up to see beyond the mist that might be useful, not in the least for whether Vallaki is indeed nearby. Though the appearance of the mist makes it feel like something else wants us to camp here, I am still in favour of this over further travel today. If Vallaki is nearby we might get a better reception appearing in the morning rather than with the coming of the mist."
The majority of the group determines that the wall would make a proper campsite for the night. Although sunset won't happen for over an hour, the uncertainty of the distance between this gate and Vallaki perhaps warrants a degree of caution.
(Feel free to establish camp as you like.)
As twilight settles in, the hooting of a nearby owl echoes through the misty trees. The group hunkers down for another night in Barovia...
With the decision to camp for the night made, Ed makes use of their early stop to inspect the gates and the structure close up. He takes a moment to call upon Lathander before the day ends and the sunlight vanishes again. He takes a moment to Detect Magic in their immediate area, before walking around the area searching for a suitable location to set up their camp.
Ed walks the immediate area, extending his divine sense. He determines that there is some transmutation magic affecting the massive gate, which may explain its spontaneous opening. Otherwise, he does not register the presence of magical auras.
"I believe Ed meant, that now, when you, Sezsu, fully embraced "the way of the land" by sharing your blood with the strangers, you could see Doru's madness as natural behaviour, while his father was nothing but stubborn about the "good acceptable habits" of the natives. Strange, that you deny it."
"Deny what?" Sezsu retorts, seeming a bit miffed. "I don't know what you mean by 'embracing the way of the land'..." Furious air quotes accentuate his words. "I still hate it here. Nothing's going to change that." He walks to the wall beside the gate, puts his back to it and slides down to sit on the ground while the others look around. "There's nothing natural about Doru at this point. He's an unnatural aberration. I just said my feelings remain unchanged on the matter and I'm thoroughly confused as to why you both suddenly seem convinced that I'm lying. Ugh!" He bumps the back of his head against the wall in frustration.
"This place is making us all crazy. I don't know why you guys want to spend even longer on this blasted road but the sooner we fall asleep, the sooner we can wake up and keep going. Good. Night."
He unfurls his bed roll and sets about settling in.
"Well, if vampiric murder is still appealing whenever we end up in that village again, We can address it there. " Zied comments as Seszu buggers off to sleep in whatever location Ed ultimately came upon.
"As for the rotations, Are we splitting in twos, or ones? I intend to sleep-as ever-by my love in my workshop. I have to tell her about today. So much to tell her." Zied seems to be speaking faster than usual, and with more emotion than typical. "Shall I sleep now, or in 2 hours-and help with the first two, and last two? Seszu obviously has his preference for now. I do worry that some of you will opt to sleep in as it were. Please avoid that."
Long ago, a family doctor of Tagor's once demonstrated to Alessandra a peculiar (to him) case. A perfectly reasonable man, very grounded, who spend most of his life managing a small but well-established bank, was somehow convinced he had a toad living in his stomach. Anything else he saw clearly and could perfectly understand the logic of any event or idea, but no logical explanations could discourage him from believing in that toad. There was no talking to him. The explanations for how the amphibian got into his stomach and managed to stay alive there were so elaborated and so enormously absurd... It was scary. Alessa felt the same horror now.
She stopped arguing, sighed and just repeated her idea. "Grano will keep watch all night anyway." The spirit bird flew from her shoulder and perched on something allowing to see both - the camp and the road, preferably both sides. "Let us try to watch one by one. I can take the first watch, Ed - second and when you rest and come out, you will see if we are actually awake and hopefully still alive."
A light drizzle begins to pour down from the sky, which is just as overcast while raining as it is when not. The pale morning light does little to comfort against the cold and wet conditions.
Alessa woke up with a startle and reflexively touched her neck looking toward sleeping Sezsu and keeping guard Zied with eyes full of terror. The expression slowly melted away though and if caught with it, she would only smile faintly "I am sorry. Had a bad dream".
Many dreams, in fact, one scarier than the other. She breathed in the cold wet air almost welcoming customary bad weather. It was bad but it was normal and something one can see, feel and - most importantly - do something about it. "Seems like we have a chance to get to Vallaki today." (Provided the owner of the lands or some random group of terrifying monsters would not pay them another visit) "I wonder how much the lodging would cost there... Though, if it is the town from the Trokka reading we might not linger there for long. "A town where all is not well" with the "house of corruption, and within, a dark room full of still ghosts" does not sound like something very attractive."
Alessa tried to talk herself out of the memories of nightmares. Even discussion of future troubles was better. She was ready to go the moment others wanted to move away from the cold lonely but safe spot.
Ed rose early, the sweat on his forehead disguised as the damp air and pervading moisture leave rivulets of water dripping from clothes and the cold stone surfaces of their camp. The unrest of sleep made attempts to prolong it less appealing than just rising early and making a start to the day ahead. He rises and completes his morning ritual of prayer, though made difficult by the lack of any clear direction towards where the rising sun would be.
Joining with the others he laments on their current circumstance "This land seems not to slacken up, it is a relentless assault of ill omens, whether you be awake or not. Just once I'd like to rise with a glimpse of the Morning lord's blessings upon the day, to see or feel the sun on my skin. Instead this mist drains the warmth out of the day as much as it does from people's hearts. What's for breakfast Zied? I have a hankering for Grannie's pie again, though as it is about the best thing to happen to us here that is hardly surprising." A little too late he realises what he has said and proffers an apology, "I am sorry Zied, your cooking has been admirable considering what we've had to work with. I meant no offense, those pies were an extraordinary oddity considering the rest of this place."
"Though, if it is the town from the Trokka reading we might not linger there for long. "A town where all is not well" with the "house of corruption, and within, a dark room full of still ghosts" does not sound like something very attractive."
Sezsu stretches, yawns, and scratches as armpit followed by his well-rehearsed shrug. "As long as that house isn't the inn, I think we'll be fine." He smirks but it's clearly forced. Though the mist clings to everything, he's otherwise dry as always. You're not sure you've ever seen him sweat, even in his usual armor.
"You know, Ed? I was thinking the same thing myself. If nothing helpful turns up in Vallaki, what do you say we head back to Barovia Village and get some of Granny's pies? If we can't find a way home, at least we can be well-fed between that and readily available ingredients for Zied," he says with a hint of defeat in his voice.
He packs his bedroll and prepares to continue the journey.
"Do you all feel comfortable enough with our current location to light a fire for a bit? Even if we don't need it for breakfast? I didn't sleep well and I wouldn't mind warming up a little before we set off. It's always cold here..." You recall that he always complains about the cold except during the height of summer.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Zied shrugs at Alessa mild? panic, "I kind of remember dreams, they were a lot sometimes." With a make shift umbrella of a bug carapiece shield alleviating him of most of the drizzle, he sets down an elixir towards each. "Made some for today as well. We seem to gather trouble, so better to have something."
"I've made a bit, but rather sparing given the weather, and potential forest creatures and food smells. I think now that we're all up, a proper fine would be allowable. I cooked on rocks I warmed." Today it is simple gruel. at Ed's commentary and backpeddle at the quality of is food Zied sneaks in a small pocket of heavy spice at the bottom of the bowl. Ed's last taste will certainly help him awaken. As he lays out the bowls for folks-- Alessa he added a flavor of citrus, a local (to not here) remedy for a sour attitude, Seszu's is a maple flavoring-having felt like he had a sweet..fang. Ed's original dish was simply "warming" but now held a hidden surprise of warmth.
(2 use of my spice pouch~ for food prank and maple. Citrus was easy to have with the previous drinking)
3 For my free random elixir per day. Everyone else please choose one~
d6
Effect
1
Healing. The drinker regains a number of hit points equal to 2d4 + your Intelligence modifier.
2
Swiftness. The drinker’s walking speed increases by 10 feet for 1 hour.
3
Resilience. The drinker gains a +1 bonus to AC for 10 minutes.
4
Boldness. The drinker can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to every attack roll and saving throw they make for the next minute.
5
Flight. The drinker gains a flying speed of 10 feet for 10 minutes.
6
Transformation. The drinker’s body is transformed as if by the alter self spell. The drinker determines the transformation caused by the spell, the effects of which last for 10 minutes.
The panic was momentarily but Alessa nodded to Zied's notion about dreams. "Thank you, lovely smell." She accepted her bowl of food. Alessa did not comment anyhow on Sezsu's usual hypothermia (which now made much more sense, whether he denied it or not) but gestured towards the cup of whatever he was drinking. The vapour rose from the warmed-up liquid (Prestidigitation). "You two still have cravings for Grannie's pies? I thought we all were cleared from that strange addiction yesterday. Even if get back to Barovia village, I am not sure we should eat them. Can not say exactly what is wrong with those pies but the sudden sleepiness alone is too dangerous to risk it."
The party rouses to a dreary day. With little reason to linger, you set off along the western, mountain road.
Day 5 - 11:00 a.m.
Nearly four hours pass. The road is eerily silent.
The Old Svalich Road eventually transitions from being a winding path through the Mountains to a lazy trail that hugs the mountainside as it descends into a fog-filled valley. The road leads west to a promontory, atop which is perched a dilapidated stone windmill, its warped wooden vanes stripped bare.
Alessa did not comment anyhow on Sezsu's usual hypothermia (which now made much more sense, whether he denied it or not) but gestured towards the cup of whatever he was drinking. The vapour rose from the warmed-up liquid (Prestidigitation).
Sezsu grins, closes his eyes, and sighs as the warmth of the drink in his hands (apparently coffee...?) sooths him temporarily. For just a moment all thoughts of pie leave his mind.
(four hours later...)
"Why that lyin' sack of... He said there would be women here!" It's genuinely hard to tell if Sezsu's being serious or not as he picks up a small rock and throws it toward the windmill.
"Well, we could always just stay here, fix it up, and start our own milling business for the locals," he shrugs. "Should we check it out or just keep pressing on? I don't remember... Was there a windmill card or something?"
"Unless this old windmill can be counted as a "dragon house" or a home of the "entertaining man with a monkey", I do not think so, no." Alessa was not surprised to remember all the predictions - the impression was quite deep and the subject way too "close to home". It felt, in fact, like every sentence was deeply engraved in the memory and she was quite certain, not one of them spoke about a windmill. "But I think the mill was on the map. Can you check? At least we will know how far are we from the town."
"Disheartening. I had hopes to gather or barter for some milled flour. Our food would improve considerably if I had... I would like to visit regardless. If its abandoned-I should like to claim whats left. If its broken and someone lives there-alone, within this area. They likely have some tips." Looking around-Zied cannot remember who had the map last, as they hadn't exactly been keeping track of it and guestimation at best on their trip.
"Grano may want to take a peak. That is a lot of open terrain on high. ANything in there, or around here, will see travelers before they get close."
Sezsu reaches into a pocket and unfolds the map to refresh his memory.
"According to that lying drunkard's scrawlings, we could be anywhere around this area." He points to the road circling the windmill and rolls his eyes. "We passed the crossroads yesterday so we've got to be further along than that. But unless one of you can see this Lake Zarovich somewhere, there's no telling how close we may or may not be to Vallaki."
The young man lets out a groan of frustration and pockets the map again.
"It seems clear. At least, Grano could not notice any living creature close to the gate. That does not mean we should not be cautious, but it's relatively safe to enter." Should anyone have told her a week ago, that she will check every stone of the bridge before crossing it or examining huge gates before entering, she would laugh. Now, though, her opinion about caution and security was very close to being described as paranoia. And she felt it be completely justified.
Later, be it on the road or around the campfire, she would finish the talk that started earlier. "I believe Ed meant, that now, when you, Sezsu, fully embraced "the way of the land" by sharing your blood with the strangers, you could see Doru's madness as natural behaviour, while his father was nothing but stubborn about the "good acceptable habits" of the natives. Strange, that you deny it." She just could not help it. Or maybe she still hoped the Strahd's influence will ware off. Because if not... It was like looking at future self, knowing, that one day that could happen to you.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Ed screws his eyes up, trying to peer deeper into the ever present mist. He looks to each of them and nods up to the gates, "If we can get a view from higher up to see beyond the mist that might be useful, not in the least for whether Vallaki is indeed nearby. Though the appearance of the mist makes it feel like something else wants us to camp here, I am still in favour of this over further travel today. If Vallaki is nearby we might get a better reception appearing in the morning rather than with the coming of the mist."
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
The majority of the group determines that the wall would make a proper campsite for the night. Although sunset won't happen for over an hour, the uncertainty of the distance between this gate and Vallaki perhaps warrants a degree of caution.
(Feel free to establish camp as you like.)
As twilight settles in, the hooting of a nearby owl echoes through the misty trees. The group hunkers down for another night in Barovia...
With the decision to camp for the night made, Ed makes use of their early stop to inspect the gates and the structure close up. He takes a moment to call upon Lathander before the day ends and the sunlight vanishes again. He takes a moment to Detect Magic in their immediate area, before walking around the area searching for a suitable location to set up their camp.
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Ed walks the immediate area, extending his divine sense. He determines that there is some transmutation magic affecting the massive gate, which may explain its spontaneous opening. Otherwise, he does not register the presence of magical auras.
"Deny what?" Sezsu retorts, seeming a bit miffed. "I don't know what you mean by 'embracing the way of the land'..." Furious air quotes accentuate his words. "I still hate it here. Nothing's going to change that." He walks to the wall beside the gate, puts his back to it and slides down to sit on the ground while the others look around. "There's nothing natural about Doru at this point. He's an unnatural aberration. I just said my feelings remain unchanged on the matter and I'm thoroughly confused as to why you both suddenly seem convinced that I'm lying. Ugh!" He bumps the back of his head against the wall in frustration.
"This place is making us all crazy. I don't know why you guys want to spend even longer on this blasted road but the sooner we fall asleep, the sooner we can wake up and keep going. Good. Night."
He unfurls his bed roll and sets about settling in.
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
"Well, if vampiric murder is still appealing whenever we end up in that village again, We can address it there. " Zied comments as Seszu buggers off to sleep in whatever location Ed ultimately came upon.
"As for the rotations, Are we splitting in twos, or ones? I intend to sleep-as ever-by my love in my workshop. I have to tell her about today. So much to tell her." Zied seems to be speaking faster than usual, and with more emotion than typical. "Shall I sleep now, or in 2 hours-and help with the first two, and last two? Seszu obviously has his preference for now. I do worry that some of you will opt to sleep in as it were. Please avoid that."
Long ago, a family doctor of Tagor's once demonstrated to Alessandra a peculiar (to him) case. A perfectly reasonable man, very grounded, who spend most of his life managing a small but well-established bank, was somehow convinced he had a toad living in his stomach. Anything else he saw clearly and could perfectly understand the logic of any event or idea, but no logical explanations could discourage him from believing in that toad. There was no talking to him. The explanations for how the amphibian got into his stomach and managed to stay alive there were so elaborated and so enormously absurd... It was scary. Alessa felt the same horror now.
She stopped arguing, sighed and just repeated her idea. "Grano will keep watch all night anyway." The spirit bird flew from her shoulder and perched on something allowing to see both - the camp and the road, preferably both sides. "Let us try to watch one by one. I can take the first watch, Ed - second and when you rest and come out, you will see if we are actually awake and hopefully still alive."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"Alright, that works. If you're close to my ring I can hear you if you are loud enough." Lingering such a warning in his cohort's ears Zied vanishes.
The night passes without incident.
Day 5 - 7:00 a.m.
A light drizzle begins to pour down from the sky, which is just as overcast while raining as it is when not. The pale morning light does little to comfort against the cold and wet conditions.
Alessa woke up with a startle and reflexively touched her neck looking toward sleeping Sezsu and keeping guard Zied with eyes full of terror. The expression slowly melted away though and if caught with it, she would only smile faintly "I am sorry. Had a bad dream".
Many dreams, in fact, one scarier than the other. She breathed in the cold wet air almost welcoming customary bad weather. It was bad but it was normal and something one can see, feel and - most importantly - do something about it. "Seems like we have a chance to get to Vallaki today." (Provided the owner of the lands or some random group of terrifying monsters would not pay them another visit) "I wonder how much the lodging would cost there... Though, if it is the town from the Trokka reading we might not linger there for long. "A town where all is not well" with the "house of corruption, and within, a dark room full of still ghosts" does not sound like something very attractive."
Alessa tried to talk herself out of the memories of nightmares. Even discussion of future troubles was better. She was ready to go the moment others wanted to move away from the cold lonely but safe spot.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Ed rose early, the sweat on his forehead disguised as the damp air and pervading moisture leave rivulets of water dripping from clothes and the cold stone surfaces of their camp. The unrest of sleep made attempts to prolong it less appealing than just rising early and making a start to the day ahead. He rises and completes his morning ritual of prayer, though made difficult by the lack of any clear direction towards where the rising sun would be.
Joining with the others he laments on their current circumstance "This land seems not to slacken up, it is a relentless assault of ill omens, whether you be awake or not. Just once I'd like to rise with a glimpse of the Morning lord's blessings upon the day, to see or feel the sun on my skin. Instead this mist drains the warmth out of the day as much as it does from people's hearts. What's for breakfast Zied? I have a hankering for Grannie's pie again, though as it is about the best thing to happen to us here that is hardly surprising." A little too late he realises what he has said and proffers an apology, "I am sorry Zied, your cooking has been admirable considering what we've had to work with. I meant no offense, those pies were an extraordinary oddity considering the rest of this place."
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Sezsu stretches, yawns, and scratches as armpit followed by his well-rehearsed shrug. "As long as that house isn't the inn, I think we'll be fine." He smirks but it's clearly forced. Though the mist clings to everything, he's otherwise dry as always. You're not sure you've ever seen him sweat, even in his usual armor.
"You know, Ed? I was thinking the same thing myself. If nothing helpful turns up in Vallaki, what do you say we head back to Barovia Village and get some of Granny's pies? If we can't find a way home, at least we can be well-fed between that and readily available ingredients for Zied," he says with a hint of defeat in his voice.
He packs his bedroll and prepares to continue the journey.
"Do you all feel comfortable enough with our current location to light a fire for a bit? Even if we don't need it for breakfast? I didn't sleep well and I wouldn't mind warming up a little before we set off. It's always cold here..." You recall that he always complains about the cold except during the height of summer.
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Zied shrugs at Alessa mild? panic, "I kind of remember dreams, they were a lot sometimes." With a make shift umbrella of a bug carapiece shield alleviating him of most of the drizzle, he sets down an elixir towards each. "Made some for today as well. We seem to gather trouble, so better to have something."
"I've made a bit, but rather sparing given the weather, and potential forest creatures and food smells. I think now that we're all up, a proper fine would be allowable. I cooked on rocks I warmed." Today it is simple gruel. at Ed's commentary and backpeddle at the quality of is food Zied sneaks in a small pocket of heavy spice at the bottom of the bowl. Ed's last taste will certainly help him awaken. As he lays out the bowls for folks-- Alessa he added a flavor of citrus, a local (to not here) remedy for a sour attitude, Seszu's is a maple flavoring-having felt like he had a sweet..fang. Ed's original dish was simply "warming" but now held a hidden surprise of warmth.
(2 use of my spice pouch~ for food prank and maple. Citrus was easy to have with the previous drinking)
3 For my free random elixir per day. Everyone else please choose one~
1
Healing. The drinker regains a number of hit points equal to 2d4 + your Intelligence modifier.
2
Swiftness. The drinker’s walking speed increases by 10 feet for 1 hour.
3
Resilience. The drinker gains a +1 bonus to AC for 10 minutes.
4
Boldness. The drinker can roll a d4 and add the number rolled to every attack roll and saving throw they make for the next minute.
5
Flight. The drinker gains a flying speed of 10 feet for 10 minutes.
6
Transformation. The drinker’s body is transformed as if by the alter self spell. The drinker determines the transformation caused by the spell, the effects of which last for 10 minutes.
(Will take
BlessBoldness, if you don't mind.)The panic was momentarily but Alessa nodded to Zied's notion about dreams. "Thank you, lovely smell." She accepted her bowl of food. Alessa did not comment anyhow on Sezsu's usual hypothermia (which now made much more sense, whether he denied it or not) but gestured towards the cup of whatever he was drinking. The vapour rose from the warmed-up liquid (Prestidigitation). "You two still have cravings for Grannie's pies? I thought we all were cleared from that strange addiction yesterday. Even if get back to Barovia village, I am not sure we should eat them. Can not say exactly what is wrong with those pies but the sudden sleepiness alone is too dangerous to risk it."
They were not going to Borovia just yet, though.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
The party rouses to a dreary day. With little reason to linger, you set off along the western, mountain road.
Day 5 - 11:00 a.m.
Nearly four hours pass. The road is eerily silent.
The Old Svalich Road eventually transitions from being a winding path through the Mountains to a lazy trail that hugs the mountainside as it descends into a fog-filled valley. The road leads west to a promontory, atop which is perched a dilapidated stone windmill, its warped wooden vanes stripped bare.
Sezsu grins, closes his eyes, and sighs as the warmth of the drink in his hands (apparently coffee...?) sooths him temporarily. For just a moment all thoughts of pie leave his mind.
(four hours later...)
"Why that lyin' sack of... He said there would be women here!" It's genuinely hard to tell if Sezsu's being serious or not as he picks up a small rock and throws it toward the windmill.
"Well, we could always just stay here, fix it up, and start our own milling business for the locals," he shrugs. "Should we check it out or just keep pressing on? I don't remember... Was there a windmill card or something?"
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
"Unless this old windmill can be counted as a "dragon house" or a home of the "entertaining man with a monkey", I do not think so, no." Alessa was not surprised to remember all the predictions - the impression was quite deep and the subject way too "close to home". It felt, in fact, like every sentence was deeply engraved in the memory and she was quite certain, not one of them spoke about a windmill. "But I think the mill was on the map. Can you check? At least we will know how far are we from the town."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"Disheartening. I had hopes to gather or barter for some milled flour. Our food would improve considerably if I had... I would like to visit regardless. If its abandoned-I should like to claim whats left. If its broken and someone lives there-alone, within this area. They likely have some tips." Looking around-Zied cannot remember who had the map last, as they hadn't exactly been keeping track of it and guestimation at best on their trip.
"Grano may want to take a peak. That is a lot of open terrain on high. ANything in there, or around here, will see travelers before they get close."
Sezsu reaches into a pocket and unfolds the map to refresh his memory.
"According to that lying drunkard's scrawlings, we could be anywhere around this area." He points to the road circling the windmill and rolls his eyes. "We passed the crossroads yesterday so we've got to be further along than that. But unless one of you can see this Lake Zarovich somewhere, there's no telling how close we may or may not be to Vallaki."
The young man lets out a groan of frustration and pockets the map again.
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age