While waiting for the rest of her sensible adventure companions to decide whether to try to talk to the invaders or try to kill them, Eithne asks Adrian: "You who are the rightful owners of the winery, probably know it inside out; in case we decide to fight... can you think of access points (less obvious than the main door) which could allow us to enter unseen and surprise the invaders?"
“I think I am the something from the valley that’s supposed to help.”
- And the way to help them requires knocking out each and everyone of them? So ... the fight is inevitable?
Imagining that the answer to this question is a plain "yes", the bard just falls silent and waits to hear Adrian's answers to what the party has asked him so far, and the party's opinion on wether they are rested enough to win this fight.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
When they took the bodies of the two madmen into the woods and fire them, Lenn says nothing but sometimes grunt under his breath when he has to move the muscles that were injured by the greataxe. He feels how the last wound opens again and start to slowy wet his inner shirt. He put the bodies upon the flea infested blankets and set them on fire.
"At least " he says in low voice to Lucian "There is no more bodies here, as I feared. I guess that it's better to burn this one, I guess that they were drove mad by... " he looks up to the fog "All of this. Another victims of the Count..."
Then, while they rest, he takes out his breastplate and the padded leather that he wears below it and raises his inner shirt, which is stained by blood on his left side. He doesn't seem to care about the cold breeze and he cleans the blood of the wound, but then stops. looking down at how the blood slowly drips of the wound and turns his pale skin red.
When Chara and Lucian talk to him to make sure he is alright he blinks and look at them with a smirk on his lips.
"Yes... yes... " he says finishing cleaning the wound and bandaging it. "It's just... it keeps flowing... " he says with relief on his voice.
Once he has finished he dons again his armor and rest against a trunk listening to Bran's song.
HD: 4
Song's Rest: 5
Later, when they are beckoned by the cloaked figure he tenses for a few moments until Eithne talks and the man introduces himself and his family. He, again, tries to keep himself away from them, both for them not recognizing him for what he was and to keep them away from the danger he poses. Despite all his talk about self-control he has learned that the first step to keep it is to avoid unnecessary temptations. Still he is close enough to hear them talk.
"I am glad that you are now on your path for redemption and in our side Cole " he says to the druid "And yes Bran. Fighting will be inevitable. I do not think that these corrupt druids had in mind nothing but the utter destruction of the winery and its occupants. It's hard I know " he says looking to Chara " But we must be the shield and the sword of those who cannot fight for themselves against the evil forces that threaten to crush our souls and destroy our bodies. If you two prefer to stay here with them... " he says motioning to the family "It will be alright. " he walks to Chara's side and puts a gauntlet hand no her shoulders "I rather will keep my soul free of these stains, but I pray to my Goodness to give the strength to endure them... I... envy you. Your soul is truly kind." he smiles at her.
"We should get ready and you and your family " says to Adrian "Better stay here and safe. If we haven't come back in a couple of hours take your family back to safety at the city. "
- No, I will fight, as I did before. I just wanted to exhaust the possibility of solving this without a fight before doing anything else. If we decide as a team that killing those druids is the best option, that there is no way to free them from their taint without fighting and killing them, then ... that is what I will do.
He pauses for a moment and then adds:
- I'm just worried I will not be ... helpful enough. I didn't count on burning that much magic before arriving here, and I can't count on my ability to use the javelin as I don't have any kind of training with that weapon. But I will try to boost the party's attacks as much as I can and just ... not be on the way, I guess.
Bran nods and smiles as Adrian Martikov introduces his family and listens gravely to his report on the winery status. To be removed from their own house and have their precious wine spoiled this way, that was hard. Specially taking into account they even have kids and a baby with them.
- Might I ask, Master Martikov,have you had dealings with these druids before? This region is druid land, after all, if I'm not mistaken. So I imagine they have been your neighbours, of some sort, for years. Have you had problems with them in the past? Do you know could have led them to do this? I ask this because it would be good to know if they can be ... reasoned with?
"The druids have attacked the winery in the past, but we've usually been able to drive them off. Our suspicion is that they are driven to destroy anything of order and civilization in the valley. These last two incursions are the first time they've attacked with large forces in years. There were simply too many of them."
"With all the bandits and foul creatures roaming the land, it seems odd to me that your winery had no guards or defenses... or did it?" asks Nikolai.
"We are not entirely helpless and the house itself is built to be defended. But we were overrun by the numbers two nights ago. As for the house, there are several points of entry. On the north, there is the garage where our wagon is kept and two more doors, on the west there is another door, near the fermentation vats, and there is a door to the cellar on the south. We know that there is a druid in with the fermentation vats, beyond that we haven't been able to penetrate the house."
"The west door, near the fermentation vats, looks the most promising..." reflects Eithne "The druid in with the fermentation vats, is probably up to no good. So he should be stopped. And if it's just one... we could overpower him before he can give the alarm to the others. And then go on to clear the house from there. Unless we prefer Cole to pose as one of them and try to lure someone out here so that we can attack by surprise..."
"Perhaps," suggests Nikolai, "Perhaps some of your family could create a diversion, leading at least some of the druids away on a merry chase while we gain entry to the main house. Maybe some of your trained ravens could help. If we succeed in securing it, we could take advantage of those defenses you mentioned."
Lucian frowns a little at Cole's odd response and mutters, "That...doesn't really answer my question," he turns his eyes towards the ground as if not really wanting the Druid to hear that.
He listens as Lenn talks to Chara and Bran and says, "You...you're right. I just... well I just thought that if they were corrupted that maybe we could help them without killing them. But..."He clenches his fists, not out of anger but with resolve, "If they've been corrupted beyond saving, even if it was against their will, then I will do for them what I would hope others would do for me."His eyes move to his clenched fists, wrapped in white strips of cloth stained from dirt and now the blood of the wolf he'd pummeled. Doubtlessly, there would be far more stains upon those wrappings before long. The thought of that didn't really help his confidence.
After a moment he shakes his head and lowers his hands, listening as the others talk of a plan for clearing out these...corrupt individuals. He wishes that there was more he could do to help in this situation. Really, all he is good at is hiding and hitting things...more hiding than hitting really. Perhaps his stealth could be helpful? Maybe? "Um... If we are going to try sneaking in... I might be able to help with that. ...I've gotten pretty good at uh... avoiding detection over the years. I might be able to help the rest of you..." He trails off, realizing how silly that sounds. It wasn't like he could just teach everyone how to be quiet. Really, they might be just as good if not better at it then he is...some of them anyways.
Nikolai's idea would be helpful too... though Lucian doesn't like the idea of putting this family in anymore danger. He doesn't say anything though, instead staying quiet and hoping he didn't make a fool of himself with his previous words. He fidgets a little, also seeming to realize that they really were going to go and fight (and probably kill) some people. Maybe he'll get lucky and just have to fight whatever those twig monsters are... better yet, maybe he'll get lucky and not have to fight at all but that was probably to much to ask. Perhaps he shouldn't stretch his luck, and instead just hope that he can avoid...the worst.
(Dusk elf Stealth, just thought I'd bring it up in case it could prove useful)
Years of being in fear of the Baron have taught you how to effectively dodge detection. You gain a +1 bonus to your stealth checks; additionally, all allies within 30 ft. of you, that do not likewise have this racial trait, gain a +1 bonus to their stealth checks.
"I... I've also gotten a lot of practice disappearing over the years," Chara says when Lucian brings up sneaking in. "And... if things did go badly... I have a good way to escape quickly if I need to."
"I like your idea of going for the one at the fermentation vats first, and proceed from there. " says Lenn to Eithne
"Well, if the idea sounds convincing also to an accomplished warrior like you... then let's try!" Eithne seems to gain confidence from Lenn's approval "Especially since, if the druid is really close to the fermentation vats, a little push could be enough to make him fall inside... and he would suddenly be in big trouble. It is not easy to fight or cast, if you are drowning in wine..."
"If we decide to sneak, I also can join..." says the savage stranger, approaching Lucian and Chara "Years of wandering alone in the wilderness of Barovia have left their mark; most times, if necessary, I am able to avoid being noticed".
He listens as Lenn talks to Chara and Bran and says, "You...you're right. I just... well I just thought that if they were corrupted that maybe we could help them without killing them. But..."
- Yeah, I hoped that too when I heard you say it, but it seems that's not the case...- Bran sighs - What you say about stealth sounds good, by they way. If you have a way of boost us somehow, it'll be very welcome.
The bard agrees with the proposal of starting with the fermentation vats, and nods at Nikolai's idea. He's not sure how the family will take it, but if they agree it'll be a great help.
- By the way, guys. Should we do something about Kong and the cart? We should probably tie her somewhere so that she doesn't wander astray. Though ... - he stops and thinks for a moment - ... Lenn mentioned that the family could go to the city, and that is a pretty good idea. What if one or two of you - he asks Adrian - take the kids on the cart and go to Krezk, while the rest help us with that diversion Nikolai mentioned? They would be safer there, wouldn't they? We only need to take what we need from the cart before they leave and then we could send word for them when this is over. In fact, Krezk is our next destination after the Winery is freed.
"Your heart is in the right place Lucian, as always, but we do not have the numbers or the skills to do such thing. We must see that these children recover the safety of their home. If they have made a choice to allow the corruption feast on their souls, then I have no regrets. If it wasn't their choice, then I will put their souls to rest as soos as possible and not have to spread pain and suffering over the world. " he says to Lucian but to the others as well.
" I would rather have all of you "he says to Adrian "Together and away from the winery, the druids and the danger. The road should be safe now but I do not risk to send the children alone. You must be with your family and take care of them. "he says to Adrian " I get that you want to help to recover your property but what's important is them. We are here to help and we'll do our best to recover your home, we will send word when it's done. But, for now, you've done enough. "
He turns to his friends.
"We've accepted the duty to help this people. Let's keep them away from danger. We have the element of surprise, the knowledge of our enemy thanks to Cole and anything you"he says to Adrian "could tell us of the layout of the winery and anything you feel it's important. We do not need to put them in more danger. " he almost pledge to Nikolai and Bran.
"Don't be stupid!!"he can almost hear in his head "The children.. they smell so sweet... once you've tasted one..." For a second he stops and takes a couple of deep breaths to silence his own personal devil.
"I am not good at being subtle " Lenn says knocking a couple of times his armor "but I am sure that you all can scout the path before the rest of us and help us once the fight has begun. I can draw their attention once we've discovered the druid at the valts and or the others and you can surprise them. For us to prevail we must be swift and decisive."
"You say they were too many" asks Eithne to Adrian. "How many druids came? And how many plant monsters? No need to be exact to the unit - just give us an idea... 5? 10? 20?"
Nikolai shrugs. "Life is Danger, especially in Barovia. If they're not willing to fight to defend their own property, I'm not sure why I should should feel compelled to do so. I'm glad to help them, but if they take no personal responsibility, then as soon as we leave the next bandit to come along will just kick them out again. As for the children... again, this is Barovia. I've been taught to hunt and defend myself almost since I could walk, and have been on my own since the age of 12. Was it ideal? No. But sheltering these kids from the reality of our world is doing them a dis-service. They need to learn, now, to defend themselves and their loved ones. Maybe not on the front lines, but they can throw rocks or set traps or help in some way, I'm sure. The only way they'll survive as adults is if they learn the skills they need now."
“They are willing to fight that’s why they are still here. It’s me who are asking you to send them away. This kids are too young to fight for themselves. Life is rough and hard for all yes but there is no need to take unnecessary risks and face more monsters that there already are” Lenn hopes his friend finally understand that he is not only concern about the corrupted druids when he talks about their safety
- Let's let them decide if they want to stay and helps us or not. I'd gladly receive their help, as it will only improve everyone's chances, but if they decide against it, then so be it. We have a mission to accomplish either way. And the same goes for the kids. I'd prefer they stayed out of this, and we've given this family an opportunity to do so. But in the end, it's up to them to decide if they want to use it or not.
Thanking Nicolai with a nod that he understand Lenn grits his teeth when Bran intervine again and give them the chance to stay. He looks over the bard and seems to be about to say something to him, but he only stares at him and turns to Adrian.
"Give us as more info as you can and let us fight this one for you. Take your family to safety. I beg you."
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PbP Character: A few ;)
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“I think I am the something from the valley that’s supposed to help.”
These words are smaller than the other ones.
While waiting for the rest of her sensible adventure companions to decide whether to try to talk to the invaders or try to kill them, Eithne asks Adrian: "You who are the rightful owners of the winery, probably know it inside out; in case we decide to fight... can you think of access points (less obvious than the main door) which could allow us to enter unseen and surprise the invaders?"
- And the way to help them requires knocking out each and everyone of them? So ... the fight is inevitable?
Imagining that the answer to this question is a plain "yes", the bard just falls silent and waits to hear Adrian's answers to what the party has asked him so far, and the party's opinion on wether they are rested enough to win this fight.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
When they took the bodies of the two madmen into the woods and fire them, Lenn says nothing but sometimes grunt under his breath when he has to move the muscles that were injured by the greataxe. He feels how the last wound opens again and start to slowy wet his inner shirt. He put the bodies upon the flea infested blankets and set them on fire.
"At least " he says in low voice to Lucian "There is no more bodies here, as I feared. I guess that it's better to burn this one, I guess that they were drove mad by... " he looks up to the fog "All of this. Another victims of the Count..."
Then, while they rest, he takes out his breastplate and the padded leather that he wears below it and raises his inner shirt, which is stained by blood on his left side. He doesn't seem to care about the cold breeze and he cleans the blood of the wound, but then stops. looking down at how the blood slowly drips of the wound and turns his pale skin red.
When Chara and Lucian talk to him to make sure he is alright he blinks and look at them with a smirk on his lips.
"Yes... yes... " he says finishing cleaning the wound and bandaging it. "It's just... it keeps flowing... " he says with relief on his voice.
Once he has finished he dons again his armor and rest against a trunk listening to Bran's song.
HD: 4
Song's Rest: 5
Later, when they are beckoned by the cloaked figure he tenses for a few moments until Eithne talks and the man introduces himself and his family. He, again, tries to keep himself away from them, both for them not recognizing him for what he was and to keep them away from the danger he poses. Despite all his talk about self-control he has learned that the first step to keep it is to avoid unnecessary temptations. Still he is close enough to hear them talk.
"I am glad that you are now on your path for redemption and in our side Cole " he says to the druid "And yes Bran. Fighting will be inevitable. I do not think that these corrupt druids had in mind nothing but the utter destruction of the winery and its occupants. It's hard I know " he says looking to Chara " But we must be the shield and the sword of those who cannot fight for themselves against the evil forces that threaten to crush our souls and destroy our bodies. If you two prefer to stay here with them... " he says motioning to the family "It will be alright. " he walks to Chara's side and puts a gauntlet hand no her shoulders "I rather will keep my soul free of these stains, but I pray to my Goodness to give the strength to endure them... I... envy you. Your soul is truly kind." he smiles at her.
"We should get ready and you and your family " says to Adrian "Better stay here and safe. If we haven't come back in a couple of hours take your family back to safety at the city. "
PbP Character: A few ;)
Bran responds to Lenn:
- No, I will fight, as I did before. I just wanted to exhaust the possibility of solving this without a fight before doing anything else. If we decide as a team that killing those druids is the best option, that there is no way to free them from their taint without fighting and killing them, then ... that is what I will do.
He pauses for a moment and then adds:
- I'm just worried I will not be ... helpful enough. I didn't count on burning that much magic before arriving here, and I can't count on my ability to use the javelin as I don't have any kind of training with that weapon. But I will try to boost the party's attacks as much as I can and just ... not be on the way, I guess.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
"The druids have attacked the winery in the past, but we've usually been able to drive them off. Our suspicion is that they are driven to destroy anything of order and civilization in the valley. These last two incursions are the first time they've attacked with large forces in years. There were simply too many of them."
"We are not entirely helpless and the house itself is built to be defended. But we were overrun by the numbers two nights ago. As for the house, there are several points of entry. On the north, there is the garage where our wagon is kept and two more doors, on the west there is another door, near the fermentation vats, and there is a door to the cellar on the south. We know that there is a druid in with the fermentation vats, beyond that we haven't been able to penetrate the house."
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
"The west door, near the fermentation vats, looks the most promising..." reflects Eithne "The druid in with the fermentation vats, is probably up to no good. So he should be stopped. And if it's just one... we could overpower him before he can give the alarm to the others. And then go on to clear the house from there. Unless we prefer Cole to pose as one of them and try to lure someone out here so that we can attack by surprise..."
"I like your idea of going for the one at the fermentation vats first, and proceed from there. " says Lenn to Eithne
PbP Character: A few ;)
"Perhaps," suggests Nikolai, "Perhaps some of your family could create a diversion, leading at least some of the druids away on a merry chase while we gain entry to the main house. Maybe some of your trained ravens could help. If we succeed in securing it, we could take advantage of those defenses you mentioned."
Lucian frowns a little at Cole's odd response and mutters, "That...doesn't really answer my question," he turns his eyes towards the ground as if not really wanting the Druid to hear that.
He listens as Lenn talks to Chara and Bran and says, "You...you're right. I just... well I just thought that if they were corrupted that maybe we could help them without killing them. But..." He clenches his fists, not out of anger but with resolve, "If they've been corrupted beyond saving, even if it was against their will, then I will do for them what I would hope others would do for me." His eyes move to his clenched fists, wrapped in white strips of cloth stained from dirt and now the blood of the wolf he'd pummeled. Doubtlessly, there would be far more stains upon those wrappings before long. The thought of that didn't really help his confidence.
After a moment he shakes his head and lowers his hands, listening as the others talk of a plan for clearing out these...corrupt individuals. He wishes that there was more he could do to help in this situation. Really, all he is good at is hiding and hitting things...more hiding than hitting really. Perhaps his stealth could be helpful? Maybe? "Um... If we are going to try sneaking in... I might be able to help with that. ...I've gotten pretty good at uh... avoiding detection over the years. I might be able to help the rest of you..." He trails off, realizing how silly that sounds. It wasn't like he could just teach everyone how to be quiet. Really, they might be just as good if not better at it then he is...some of them anyways.
Nikolai's idea would be helpful too... though Lucian doesn't like the idea of putting this family in anymore danger. He doesn't say anything though, instead staying quiet and hoping he didn't make a fool of himself with his previous words. He fidgets a little, also seeming to realize that they really were going to go and fight (and probably kill) some people. Maybe he'll get lucky and just have to fight whatever those twig monsters are... better yet, maybe he'll get lucky and not have to fight at all but that was probably to much to ask. Perhaps he shouldn't stretch his luck, and instead just hope that he can avoid...the worst.
(Dusk elf Stealth, just thought I'd bring it up in case it could prove useful)
Years of being in fear of the Baron have taught you how to effectively dodge detection. You gain a +1 bonus to your stealth checks; additionally, all allies within 30 ft. of you, that do not likewise have this racial trait, gain a +1 bonus to their stealth checks.
Chara swallows nervously...
"I... I've also gotten a lot of practice disappearing over the years," Chara says when Lucian brings up sneaking in. "And... if things did go badly... I have a good way to escape quickly if I need to."
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"Well, if the idea sounds convincing also to an accomplished warrior like you... then let's try!" Eithne seems to gain confidence from Lenn's approval "Especially since, if the druid is really close to the fermentation vats, a little push could be enough to make him fall inside... and he would suddenly be in big trouble. It is not easy to fight or cast, if you are drowning in wine..."
"If we decide to sneak, I also can join..." says the savage stranger, approaching Lucian and Chara "Years of wandering alone in the wilderness of Barovia have left their mark; most times, if necessary, I am able to avoid being noticed".
- Yeah, I hoped that too when I heard you say it, but it seems that's not the case... - Bran sighs - What you say about stealth sounds good, by they way. If you have a way of boost us somehow, it'll be very welcome.
The bard agrees with the proposal of starting with the fermentation vats, and nods at Nikolai's idea. He's not sure how the family will take it, but if they agree it'll be a great help.
- By the way, guys. Should we do something about Kong and the cart? We should probably tie her somewhere so that she doesn't wander astray. Though ... - he stops and thinks for a moment - ... Lenn mentioned that the family could go to the city, and that is a pretty good idea. What if one or two of you - he asks Adrian - take the kids on the cart and go to Krezk, while the rest help us with that diversion Nikolai mentioned? They would be safer there, wouldn't they? We only need to take what we need from the cart before they leave and then we could send word for them when this is over. In fact, Krezk is our next destination after the Winery is freed.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
"Your heart is in the right place Lucian, as always, but we do not have the numbers or the skills to do such thing. We must see that these children recover the safety of their home. If they have made a choice to allow the corruption feast on their souls, then I have no regrets. If it wasn't their choice, then I will put their souls to rest as soos as possible and not have to spread pain and suffering over the world. " he says to Lucian but to the others as well.
" I would rather have all of you " he says to Adrian "Together and away from the winery, the druids and the danger. The road should be safe now but I do not risk to send the children alone. You must be with your family and take care of them. " he says to Adrian " I get that you want to help to recover your property but what's important is them. We are here to help and we'll do our best to recover your home, we will send word when it's done. But, for now, you've done enough. "
He turns to his friends.
"We've accepted the duty to help this people. Let's keep them away from danger. We have the element of surprise, the knowledge of our enemy thanks to Cole and anything you" he says to Adrian "could tell us of the layout of the winery and anything you feel it's important. We do not need to put them in more danger. " he almost pledge to Nikolai and Bran.
"Don't be stupid!!" he can almost hear in his head "The children.. they smell so sweet... once you've tasted one..." For a second he stops and takes a couple of deep breaths to silence his own personal devil.
"I am not good at being subtle " Lenn says knocking a couple of times his armor "but I am sure that you all can scout the path before the rest of us and help us once the fight has begun. I can draw their attention once we've discovered the druid at the valts and or the others and you can surprise them. For us to prevail we must be swift and decisive."
PbP Character: A few ;)
"You say they were too many" asks Eithne to Adrian. "How many druids came? And how many plant monsters? No need to be exact to the unit - just give us an idea... 5? 10? 20?"
Nikolai shrugs. "Life is Danger, especially in Barovia. If they're not willing to fight to defend their own property, I'm not sure why I should should feel compelled to do so. I'm glad to help them, but if they take no personal responsibility, then as soon as we leave the next bandit to come along will just kick them out again. As for the children... again, this is Barovia. I've been taught to hunt and defend myself almost since I could walk, and have been on my own since the age of 12. Was it ideal? No. But sheltering these kids from the reality of our world is doing them a dis-service. They need to learn, now, to defend themselves and their loved ones. Maybe not on the front lines, but they can throw rocks or set traps or help in some way, I'm sure. The only way they'll survive as adults is if they learn the skills they need now."
“They are willing to fight that’s why they are still here. It’s me who are asking you to send them away. This kids are too young to fight for themselves. Life is rough and hard for all yes but there is no need to take unnecessary risks and face more monsters that there already are” Lenn hopes his friend finally understand that he is not only concern about the corrupted druids when he talks about their safety
PbP Character: A few ;)
Nikolai shrugs, seeing no point in further discussion on the subject.
- Let's let them decide if they want to stay and helps us or not. I'd gladly receive their help, as it will only improve everyone's chances, but if they decide against it, then so be it. We have a mission to accomplish either way. And the same goes for the kids. I'd prefer they stayed out of this, and we've given this family an opportunity to do so. But in the end, it's up to them to decide if they want to use it or not.
Peindre l'amour, peindre la vie, pleurer en couleur ♫
Auriel | Shenua | Arren | Lyra
Thanking Nicolai with a nod that he understand Lenn grits his teeth when Bran intervine again and give them the chance to stay. He looks over the bard and seems to be about to say something to him, but he only stares at him and turns to Adrian.
"Give us as more info as you can and let us fight this one for you. Take your family to safety. I beg you."
PbP Character: A few ;)