The elf tenses up instantly, like a child who'd been caught doing something they really weren't supposed to, and the gravity of it was hitting them all at once. The typical schwing of metal echoes through the foyer as he turns around to face Jack, sword pointed. The tip shaking violently, as if just holding it was difficult for the elf.
Stay back! I may be bloodied, but I won't let you take me without a fight!
He continued to back away, though now facing Jack as he shuffled.
Noel's eyes are drawn to the chandelier, the glow of the thing illuminating the room in front of him. For such a dark place they have found themselves in, a bit of glow is more than welcome, even if it is in a place as run down as this one
Arcana: 9
As he hears Jack's words, he simply utters "What do you..?", before wheeling around and cutting off mid sentence as he sees the elf, beaten and bloodied and clearly attempting to get out of here. His immediate instict is to charm him, and he almost fires off a spell, but stops himself. The elf is bound to figure out he's been charmed eventually and well... people don't tend to take very kindly to that from Noel's experience. He's alwasy saved that spell for situations where he could flee long before his target could find out, and in this place, that certainly isn't going to happen. Instead, he simply relaxes, looks the elf in the eyes and says
"Ah! Do not worry friend! We mean you no harm. As long as you're no friend of that murderous vampire, you're no enemy of ours! You've got no need to run from us. You look hurt, and its far too dangerous out there to be wandering out there injured."
Persuasion: 14, used lucky point, 17
However, as he talks to the elf, his hand goes down to the candle at his side as subtly as possible, prepared to cast a spell if need be. He doesn't want to alarm this clearly injured elf any more than he clearly already is, but this is the first other sentient being besides Strahd they've seen here since they arive, and Noel can't let the possiblity of some answers slide. If the elf tries to attack one of them or makes a break for the door, he'll cast Tasha's Hideous Laughter on him
Noel studies the chandelier for a moment, but ultimately, all he can do is assume it may or may not be magical in some way. Perhaps in kind to his own, or perhaps an entirely different spell. Assuming it wasn't simply maintained by someone... or something. Noel is tugged from his thoughts though (likely why he didn't quite catch what he was trying to figure out) and once he see's the elf, who's skin is ashen-grey scans the man over (thanks to the help of his ring as the foyer was as dark as ever).
Initially, Noels words ring hollow to the elf, but somewhere, halfway through it, his sword arm seems to fall, slightly, as he scans over the pair before him. I... uhgh..Wondering where the 'glowing man' had gone but ultimately, finally succumbing to his wounds, as the tension that had held him together moments before fails as it falls off. His eyes close as he collapses limply to the floor. Though his chest can still be seen rising. The man isn't dead, but he is clearly on his last rope. His sword clatters to the floor.
It seems he trusted in Noels words, but that had the backfiring effect of atleast temporarily knocking him out.
Anyone who looked over him would see hundreds of tiny chunks of wood in his body, all needle thin, as if the man had been in a fight with a cactus or a porcupine, and barely survived to tell the tale. In very light amounts, his blood pools on the floor, a thin trail of it leading from the wine-room the group had been in just before.
Noel immediately springs into action as the elf drops to the ground, clearly bloodied from his wounds, rushing over and looking over the elf's body. The splinters of wood everywhere are extremely concerning, especially if he was hiding in that wine room they were just in... might he have been in one of the barrels? And for how long? This place clearly has not had inhabitants for quite a while. Though he can't do much to help, he steps back and casts Healing Word on the elf, hoping that the small burst of life will be enough to stablize him a bit, despite his rough condition
Healing: 8 The moment he's done, he takes a loot around for Beren before saying"Beren? Beren? Found the source of that breathing. He's quite injured"
Beren had pushed open the door to the next room, absorbed in his self assigned task of searching the whole place (even if it seems like the knock upside the head he’d received from Strahd last night was Interfering with his hearing and vision). As a result, it takes him a moment before responding to Jack’s comment…and at the sound of a weapon being drawn he instinctively draws his long sword. However, upon hearing Noel’s words and seeing the bloodied figure on the floor he hesitantly puts the blade away.
The light behind the mask flickers slightly as he approaches, “It seems that your healing should be sufficient for now.”Though it seems that the elf is likely not a threat, Beren doesn’t want to spend any more magic on him until he knows for certain they won’t regret it. However, if the elf does not wake soon with the help of Noel’s healing, then he is prepared to offer what help he can for the fellow.
About twenty minutes pass, the storm never giving up, before he finally awakens. His eyes open slowly as the splinter like things are in him still. He winces and hisses from pain, though.. lessened. For a moment, he panics as he see's your faces, but then settles down again as recognition dawns. He carefully wipes his face with his hand, as both have needles and splinters in various places. Once fully relaxed, he exhales raggedly.
T'would seem I am in your debt. If you wished to kill me you would have already... and if you wished to interrogate, you would have left me in that condition.
He says, as he looks you all over. Though his eyes linger longest on Beren as the strangest of all. Regardless, following his own logic, he sighs. Looking up at the dripping roof, that was likely the floor of the upper level.
So, what need of me do you have? very few in this land offer aid withou- Ah... looking over you now, you're all ... outlanders. It is a long shot, but.. did you happen to see a vistani child on your way here? I was searching for her when I was accosted by needleblights.
Noticing the elf's lingering gaze, Beren crosses his arms and lowers his mask just slightly. He's grown used to people either staring or avoiding looking at him altogether, though he's learned to ignore it, sometimes it still bothers him. Regardless, he does his best to appear nonthreatening. However, at the mention of a child, he tenses slightly, relaxing just a little when the elf says 'her' instead of 'him'. After a moment he speaks up, "No. We have not seen her. We've scarcely seen anyone upon finding ourselves here." His voice goes bitter as he says, "Aside from that accursed creature of darkness and..." He tilts his head, looking away for a moment as the light behind the mask flashes angrily.
Letting out a breath, he says, "Right now, we need to know that this place is safe to shelter in. If you are not certain we are alone here, then I will continue searching the place." There is much more he could say, but he is still uncertain as to whether or not he should trust this elf. Bloodied or not, he could very well be another of Strahd's minions meant to draw them in... though it seems that the vampire's eyes are not on them now. Perhaps... no, he must remain vigilant. This elf has yet to prove himself.
Although a bit taken aback seeing the elf suddenly fall, Jack soon enough found himself letting out a sigh of relief as it became clear they yet still breathe. And with Noel being far swifter to act in tending to the elf, the eladrin eventual strode forward at a slightly more casual pace to look over a shoulder and examine the injuries as well. Curiosity, however, very nearly gets the better of him, as he meandered just far enough to take another peek into the wine-room, following the trail of blood.
If he should spy nothing out of the ordinary after a minute or so, and frankly if he had, it would've been mentally tabled for later anyways, Jack returned to the side of their new patient looking a tidbit disappointed. "Seems our friend here will be out for a bit longer than most." He said. "A small break then." He carried on closer to a mutter, before then kneeling down for a proper inspection. If it could be swung as well, he'd try to start removing needles to start treating the injuries by tearing swatches of his own sleeves to make it happen. Or he might've, but never quite gets as far before remember how damp everyone's clothing was by this point.
"And me without a healer's kit or a herbalist one. Tut, tut. Guess you'll have to make do sleeping beauty." At that, Jack found a wall to sit at the base of that would also let him keep an eye on the front doors. Once the elf finally awakes, he grins and waggles his fingers, but seemed content to listen and observe. Almost content.
"Nasty buggers those needle blights are. But like my friend said, haven't seen any such girl, but we'd be happy to help. But seeing as you're local I will confess to be hopeful in you perhaps filling us in on at least a few things. Such as the name of these lands and what a Vistani is? Is that a word for special bloodline of elves here? Or are they something else?" He asked before rising up and giving a small bow. "The name is... well, you can call me Jack."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Following the trail of blood, Jack finds little of note aside from a small gap in the barrels. His wounds as you ultimately find out weren't from unfortunate hand scraping but evil little plantlike entities. The wine room, unless you sought gallons of vinegar, was useless.
At Berens response, the elf seems visibly disappointed. He continues listening as he slowly pulls himself to a sitting position. Ah yes. Strahd... he says, spitting on the floor, a mix of spittle and blood. Though I'm surprised you found few people since coming here. These lands are full of both evil and... well neutral folk. The two closest towns to here are Vallaki, and Krezk. And unless you came from the south, you should have seen at-least one of those two towns already... if you managed to get this far without fighting too many things, you should consider yourself lucky... he says, looking over his bloody body.
I.. don't know if it's safe, when I ran in here it was to escape the needle blights.... I rushed to the first room I saw and got lucky. Though I do know a little of the history of Argynvost. But aside from yourselves and the storm, I haven't heard any noise..
Regardless, all of my kin and most of the Vallakian Vistani are out searchign for Arabell. Unfortunately, he was gone and we all were drunk the night she dissappeared... so no one knows where she is so... we simply had to search everywhere... I may be nowhere close to where she is. But if you do see her and we are parted at the time... she is a small girl, who acts far more mature than her age. About yea tall, flowing, curled locks, and hair of fire.
Once asked about the land itself, the elf looks over the group and ... (19)
After some hesitation, sighs. Well, first.. my name is Savid. I am what's known as a Dusk Elf in these lands. There are almost none of us left. I... can't risk telling you everything, but I'll tell you what I can.
Well, everything here is part of Barovia. And there is no way out unless you are allowed to leave. The vistani can come and go as they please though... they are the only exception. I... have mixed feelings on the vistani themselves. They are the servants of Strahd... and yet without Vallaki, i would have no safe place to call home either...
The vistani are... hard to explain. They are free spirits. They do as they please. I am not quite sure how or why but the Vistani and Strahd work together most of the time. They share some bond or mutual respect... I'm not sure specifically. But as I said.. only the vistani may come and go from Barovia as they please. And hah, no, I'm sure you've seen the vistani are all human of some kind. (((They look similar to gypsies)))
As for this place..
This place is called Argynvost. There was a foolish man who thought he could take on Strahd, and he held out for a long time but eventually succumbed to Strahds overwhelming forces.
Agynvost himself was actually a dragon, who liked to take on the guise of a human. He was a noble being but ...if even a Dragon with an army at his back couldn't take down Strahd, what hope does anyone else? Strahd only left this place as a warning to others who might consider repeating Argynvosts mistake.
But despite how I talk about the dragon... he was a good person in the end. He took in refugees who were trying to escape the valley, gave them food and shelter. And helped them leave... atleast until Strahd locked this land into how it is now...
Once Strahd slew Argynvost, they ransacked the mansion, killed his men...
Normally my people and the Vistani avoid this place.... rumor is that the dragons spirit still haunts it's halls... but I have yet to see proof, and... my only other choice was to die.
"Good odds then that we did indeed come from the south. Though I will confess to us seeing a couple of signs mentioning a Vallaki, the last one was a touch too damaged I'm afraid to make it clear, thus our rather fortunate meeting with you here, my good friend Savid." Jack freely admits to start. "But a Dusk Elf, hm? Hmm... I've seen many of our varied cousins throughout the world, but cannot say I've met one of the Dusk. But I wager your kinship would be closer to the Teu-tel-quessir, or Moon Elves in the common tongue, if not the Shadar-kai from what I can... sense."
The eladrin waves a hand dismissively. "But!~ That's neither here nor there. You have been most helpful Sarid. A cynic might say enough to where your debt was paid back for the treatment of your injuries, but... rest assured again that this lot isn't of the kind." He beams at the Elf, then looks to Beren. "Sorry, Sir Beren. Say what you will of my focus, but I thought it prudent for proper introductions. Not to mention getting a better understanding of these lands we now find ourselves. And... frankly now I confess to being torn about exploring this place. The whole business of a dragon's spirit has me.... well, if the spirit yet haunts these halls, I imagine it's rancor will be quite much." He said with a smile to his voice, and had he not absentmindedly done so by then, he rose back to his feet, dusting his hands off. "But mayhaps -- just maybe he'll be willing to treat... with you." He points at Beren.
Beren stands quietly for a moment, arms still crossed as the elf's words sink in. What hope is there to defeat Strahd if the dragon could not? The power within him, though weaker after his releasing it during the encounter with Strahd, stirs within him. Whether he likes it or not, it drives him to seek out undead and evil, to hunt it down and destroy it. Next time, he will have to be prepared. He can't let that creature of darkness continue to walk the earth.
When Jack apologizes, Beren's mask tilts slightly in his direction, "You have nothing to apologize for. I was waiting on asking... similar questions." The light behind the mask flairs a bit when Jack points at him. What had given the elf that idea?
He tilts his head downwards for a moment and says, "If the dragon's soul linger's here, then perhaps he can provide us with information. It seems we have no choice but to succeed where he failed. I'll not be held captive." He says the last line more to himself then to the others. Looking up again, he turns his attention to Savid, "As you have likely surmised already, I am called Beren. As Jack has informed you, we require no debt for aiding you. Though we would appreciate whatever information you can give us about how best to survive in these lands." The light behind the mask flickers for a moment, and he turns his gaze towards the area he has yet to search, "If you are willing to answer, I have other questions to ask. We can speak of your plight as well, perhaps there is more we can do for you. However, since you are not certain of our solitude, I think it best that I continue searching this place. Once that is finished, if we prove to be in a place of safety, then we can talk further."
He turns to Jack and Noel, "Perhaps it would be best if at least one of you stays with Savid in case of further danger. It would not do for him to be attacked in this condition, while the three of us are to far away to offer aid." He begins walking back towards the room he'd been trying to search when Savid's appearance interrupted the job. "If neither of you wish to continue, that is fine as well."
Noel turns to Beren and says "I'll stick with Savid. Certainly wouldn't be be wise to leave him alone right now, especially if there's anything dangerous here. I still hope though that perhaps whatever is still here will not be hostile to us. After all, clearly this Arganvost was no friend of Strahd, so if his ghost is still here, that would certainly be a valuable ally to procure. If any danger arises, I doubt we'll have much trouble alerting each other. Though if this place is even remotely safe, perhaps it is wise for us to get some better rest soon. I doubt we'll find much better once we leave unless we make it to Valakki "
He then turns back to Savid and says "Ah, where are my manners! I've yet to introduce myself. My name is Noel. Perhaps in the morning we can help you look for this girl you speak of. Though if there are Vistani also looking for her... I'm a bit hesitent. It was a group of them that lured us here in the first place. An old woman named Madam Eva to be precise. Lured us in with a prophecy. Look how much good that did us"
Something else in what the elf said caught his attention though and he asks "What you just said about Strahd having 'locked this land into how it is now". Was there a time before him here? How long has that fiend been here"
After waiting a moment and listening careful to Savid's response he takes the candle out from his side and sets in in front of him, the flame lighting and beginning to dance. Noel turns to Savid and says "Perhaps a story while we wait. I know it may seem rather... out of place, but if there's anything in this place that would be a danger to us, trust me, we're better of if I have one prepared. Now, let's see which one we'll tell today!"
Tales from Beyond: 3
He begins to weave the story, saying:"Ah, the tale of Azdal and Calris, the Beloved Friends! A classic old legend. Almost certainly not true, but I enjoy the story anyways. Learned this one from a few families that had ancestry in Neverwinter going back generations. The most unlikely of allies, the two fought side-by-side through countless threats. Dragons and liches alike fell before their combines. Even the endless ranks of the undead could not stop them! They say the two of them traveled the Forgotten Realms, defeating any foe that got in their way, before taking thier fight to the Nine Hells themselves! Even after their deaths it is said they still fight together to this day, challening foes from every plane of existence." As he talks, the flame of the candle shapes into two figures: a large orc with magical armor and bolts of flame shooting from his hands, and a small gnome weilding a battleaxe that seems larger than him with absolute ease. The flame shifts repeatedly, and the foes the two face changing every time the flame flickers. As it continues to flicker, the orc flings a massive fireball at a horde of unded, and as the gnome slashes his axe into the hide of a black dragon, with more and more images of them fighting various foes following
If Beren and Jack are still in the room, he will turn to them and say "Friends, let their bond empower both of you to fight as they have!" and hhe'll bestow the effect on both of them, giving them both 9 temp hit points (1d6 + Charisma mod, rolled a 5). As he does, flames again leap from the candle and swirl around the two of them, the images of the orc wizard floating around Jack and the images of the gnome barbarian floating around Beren. If they aren't in the room, he'll hold the effect for now until they are all reuinited
Savid shakes his head at the declaration of his racial heritage. No. The closest relative to my kin would be the wood elves. And.. given the circumstances, I doubt any outside Barovia remember us. So I will not fault you for getting it wrong. Though I believe I owe my thanks to the human here for my healing. he says lookign at Noel, as the only 'obvious' human. Regardless, he stands, albeit slowly and rests against a wall nearby, re-sheathing his sword. Initially Savid is confused about the comment about 'cynic' as to him it wasn't clear, though Beren cleared that up not long after.
As for the dragon and his fury.... I have no idea. I've yet to see it, but that does not mean it isn't here. Though I've been here for at-least a day and a half, and seen nor heard anything. And before you ask, i do not have magic, nor any remaining bandages of any kind, I had hoped to recover but couldn't quite manage it..
As Beren shows his willingness to face Strahd, the elf frowns. As you just said, if a dragon, with a small army at his back could not, what hope do you have? My ... he hesitates. Some of the information he held back before forcing its way to the top. My.. people tried to harm Strahd once... a long time ago. We got together to kill one of Strahd's many... many brides... Patrina Velikovna. As retribution, he killed all of our women, and cursed our bodies to be incapable of having children with any other than dusk elves... so those of my kin that remain are... all thats left of our entire race. he says, with halting speech, as if even brining the topic up pains him.
Regardless, as you asked... as for how best to survive....? avoid conflict whenever possible. There are an untold number of fiends, and undead roaming this land. And because of this place... they never stay dead for good. Or .. atleast thats what my people believe, as even after as long as we've been here, we've yet to see a thinning of attacks.
But aye... I would suggest you do so. I would help if i could but I need atleast another day to fully recover. And any help you might provide would be beneficial, though once I am recovered, I have to return to Vallaki and report that Arabell has not been seen where I went.
Posting again to address Noels post, as we apparently were posting at the same time.
Madam Eva. I know the name, but I've never really met her, and what I've heard is nothing more than idle chatter, such as 'she is going out to the world today' and such. She is the eldest of the vistani by quite a margin, though vistani themselves are mortal. That is about all I know of her. before Strahd, Barovia was a central hub of trade between Watersdeep, and Redlarch... among others. But Strahd himself has been in power for more than half a millenia.
Then, Savid listens to Noels story with mild interest, though he clearly agrees with Noel... the story sounds implausible, but if it helps in some way... who was he to argue? He'd found himself amongst people who aren't hostile to him atleast.
Beren ultimately heads back into the room with the lit chandelier, then into the kitchen overlooking the graveyard. The pan on the wall still bobbles around though he ultimately ignores it, proceeding to the next room, the only other door in that direction, directly through the kitchen. Tattered brown drapes cover the windows of this circular room, and a heavy curtain hangs across an archway to the south. Strewn about the floor is the wreckage of half a dozen beds and other pieces of furniture.
Likely, as before, finding nothing of any inherent value here, he proceeds to the only door within the servants quarters. The door opens to a set of stairs leading down, and the storm is louder here. Likely somewhere below is some sort of entrance at the base of the stairs like the one they used to get inside, just from a different location.
((As I don't know if Beren would proceed down or return to the chandelier room, I can't proceed farther without player input.))
Back in the other room, Savid looks to the storyteller and asks So, who and what is that glowing man? I've never seen a person who just .. shines at all times, or flashes. Is he an ally? A guard? Somethign else?
Savid had intended to ask while he was still in the room but the questions derailed his curiosity until this moment.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The light behind the mask flickered as Savid once more warns against fighting Strahd. Beren understands his fear, he understands that right now there is no hope of defeating the monster. However, he has no intention of simply conforming to this new land and accepting that he is a prisoner here. He has nothing to lose but his life, which matters little to him if he is to remain without his freedom--not that he had much in the outside world, but it was still better then being held prisoner by a creature of such pure evil. "I am sorry for what was done to you and your people, but nothing will shake my resolve. I will do whatever it takes to purge this evil, even if it costs me my life. Again I say, we have no choice but to succeed where Arganvost failed."
He pauses for a moment when the elf proceeds to answer his question...though he had intended to hold off on further conversation until after he'd finished searching the building. Still, it would be rude to walk away while the elf was trying to offer helpful information, so he stays long enough to nod and mutter something about 'accursed undead'. There were very few things that he agreed with the Church about, but necromancy was one of them.
He nods to Noel, then glances at Jack. He is expecting one of them to go with him, even if he doesn't really think it necessary at this point. So he hesitates for a moment to give the elf time to catch up before heading back into the other room.
Glancing around and determining that this area is clear, he looks down the stairs and decides that it isn't worth checking if it just leads to outside. Still, he pauses for a moment with the door open, listening to see if there are any noises to signal if depending the stairs is necessary.
Perception: 11
(I'm not sure if Beren initially noticed the pot or not with his awful perception rolls, so I'll let Jack investigate it, or bring it to Beren's attention if he wishes.)
If he hears nothing, he closes that door and heads to the next unchecked room. Realizing that this is the chapel, he pauses for a moment before going inside. He doesn't like this room, but just because he doesn't like it doesn't mean he can skip it and move on. Instead, he forces himself to walk through the open door and stand amidst the seats. He stares blindly for a moment, unconsciously blanking the way he used to do while at his home church. Once he realizes what he's doing, he shakes his head and once more sets to searching the area.
Perception (for the chapel): 3
(OOC: I believe Beren would have already been in the next room before Noel started his story, so I held off on a reaction for that.)
(Just a quick update. Allright in regards to Aroc's post, and I believe that would mean that atleast one was out of the room, so timeline wise, I believe Noel hasn't told his story 'yet' - Jacks location is indeterminate at the moment as I dont know if he stayed back or followed Beren.
So once Beren ends up back in the room his story will take place and Jack/Beren gain the effects then. Until then proceed with any RP you wish and make any responses. The 'timeline' will fix itself overall. No time to post for what Beren see's just yet - too close to work)
When torn between some impending good stories or following after Beren, Jack groaned inwardly a bit before sighing and standing up once more. "Suppose it'll fall to me then to keep you company, Sir Beren." Jack said as much, but would quietly later find himself pleased in Beren at least lingering long enough still for Savid's story.
A simple nod had been Jack's response in being proven wrong about kin connection. But as for the rest, rest he listened to with rapt attention, or for at least as long as Beren's patience held him to the area. Long enough to hear of the curse, in any case. And although he gave a close eyed head bow sympathy, along with a curt elvish prayer, there is yet a moment in which he looked away with a thoughtful look... before shaking his head in dismissal. "Always more..." He murmured between breaks in the story telling from Savid.
As much as a distraction as the story winds up being, Jack eventually takes notice once more of Beren's intentions and is quick follow after the man. But not without turning to Noel and Savid and giving one last two fingered salute before carrying on after Beren. For better or for worse, Jack leaves Beren to carry the brunt of any real investigation/looking out, as the elf was either content or trusted his keen senses to pick up on anything of real note(relying on passive perception 15).
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
((So the timeline doesn't get confusing, Savid simply nods in response to Berens words before Beren moves off. Considering everything, lets simply assume that beren/jack got the buff, since atm the timeline is sort of everywhere.))
Beren proceeds to the chapel-like part of the building. Within, Cracked wooden pillars support a wooden, U-shaped balcony that overhangs this stone-walled chapel. Narrow archways lead to spiral staircases that curl up to the balcony, and a door set into the north wall has a wooden beam visibly barring it from this side. At the east end of the chapel rests a stone altar flanked by iron candelabras. The altar is carved with a rising sun bas-relief. Tall, arching windows set with panels of stained glass decorate the walls behind the altar. One of the windows has been shattered, covering the chapel floor with shards of colored glass and allowing thick fog to enter and fill the room.
Through the fog, Beren and Jack see three armored figures kneeling before the altar.
(Both of you may roll a DC 10 Religion Check)
As you both enter the chapel area, the three figures rise, and the sound of steel being drawn can be heard. In near unison, they can be heard saying in hate-filled voices Get out of here, spawn of evil!
(Everyone may roll initiative, Noel can just barely hear what's going on, but it will take him at-least a turn to get in range to do anything. As no one was movign particularly stealthily, i deemed a perception check unessecary for them)
The elf tenses up instantly, like a child who'd been caught doing something they really weren't supposed to, and the gravity of it was hitting them all at once. The typical schwing of metal echoes through the foyer as he turns around to face Jack, sword pointed. The tip shaking violently, as if just holding it was difficult for the elf.
Stay back! I may be bloodied, but I won't let you take me without a fight!
He continued to back away, though now facing Jack as he shuffled.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Noel's eyes are drawn to the chandelier, the glow of the thing illuminating the room in front of him. For such a dark place they have found themselves in, a bit of glow is more than welcome, even if it is in a place as run down as this one
Arcana: 9
As he hears Jack's words, he simply utters "What do you..?", before wheeling around and cutting off mid sentence as he sees the elf, beaten and bloodied and clearly attempting to get out of here. His immediate instict is to charm him, and he almost fires off a spell, but stops himself. The elf is bound to figure out he's been charmed eventually and well... people don't tend to take very kindly to that from Noel's experience. He's alwasy saved that spell for situations where he could flee long before his target could find out, and in this place, that certainly isn't going to happen. Instead, he simply relaxes, looks the elf in the eyes and says
"Ah! Do not worry friend! We mean you no harm. As long as you're no friend of that murderous vampire, you're no enemy of ours! You've got no need to run from us. You look hurt, and its far too dangerous out there to be wandering out there injured."
Persuasion: 14, used lucky point, 17
However, as he talks to the elf, his hand goes down to the candle at his side as subtly as possible, prepared to cast a spell if need be. He doesn't want to alarm this clearly injured elf any more than he clearly already is, but this is the first other sentient being besides Strahd they've seen here since they arive, and Noel can't let the possiblity of some answers slide. If the elf tries to attack one of them or makes a break for the door, he'll cast Tasha's Hideous Laughter on him
Stealth if needed: 12 (11 if slight of hand)
Noel studies the chandelier for a moment, but ultimately, all he can do is assume it may or may not be magical in some way. Perhaps in kind to his own, or perhaps an entirely different spell. Assuming it wasn't simply maintained by someone... or something. Noel is tugged from his thoughts though (likely why he didn't quite catch what he was trying to figure out) and once he see's the elf, who's skin is ashen-grey scans the man over (thanks to the help of his ring as the foyer was as dark as ever).
Initially, Noels words ring hollow to the elf, but somewhere, halfway through it, his sword arm seems to fall, slightly, as he scans over the pair before him. I... uhgh..Wondering where the 'glowing man' had gone but ultimately, finally succumbing to his wounds, as the tension that had held him together moments before fails as it falls off. His eyes close as he collapses limply to the floor. Though his chest can still be seen rising. The man isn't dead, but he is clearly on his last rope. His sword clatters to the floor.
It seems he trusted in Noels words, but that had the backfiring effect of atleast temporarily knocking him out.
Anyone who looked over him would see hundreds of tiny chunks of wood in his body, all needle thin, as if the man had been in a fight with a cactus or a porcupine, and barely survived to tell the tale. In very light amounts, his blood pools on the floor, a thin trail of it leading from the wine-room the group had been in just before.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Noel immediately springs into action as the elf drops to the ground, clearly bloodied from his wounds, rushing over and looking over the elf's body. The splinters of wood everywhere are extremely concerning, especially if he was hiding in that wine room they were just in... might he have been in one of the barrels? And for how long? This place clearly has not had inhabitants for quite a while. Though he can't do much to help, he steps back and casts Healing Word on the elf, hoping that the small burst of life will be enough to stablize him a bit, despite his rough condition
Healing: 8
The moment he's done, he takes a loot around for Beren before saying "Beren? Beren? Found the source of that breathing. He's quite injured"
Beren had pushed open the door to the next room, absorbed in his self assigned task of searching the whole place (even if it seems like the knock upside the head he’d received from Strahd last night was Interfering with his hearing and vision). As a result, it takes him a moment before responding to Jack’s comment…and at the sound of a weapon being drawn he instinctively draws his long sword. However, upon hearing Noel’s words and seeing the bloodied figure on the floor he hesitantly puts the blade away.
The light behind the mask flickers slightly as he approaches, “It seems that your healing should be sufficient for now.” Though it seems that the elf is likely not a threat, Beren doesn’t want to spend any more magic on him until he knows for certain they won’t regret it. However, if the elf does not wake soon with the help of Noel’s healing, then he is prepared to offer what help he can for the fellow.
About twenty minutes pass, the storm never giving up, before he finally awakens. His eyes open slowly as the splinter like things are in him still. He winces and hisses from pain, though.. lessened. For a moment, he panics as he see's your faces, but then settles down again as recognition dawns. He carefully wipes his face with his hand, as both have needles and splinters in various places. Once fully relaxed, he exhales raggedly.
T'would seem I am in your debt. If you wished to kill me you would have already... and if you wished to interrogate, you would have left me in that condition.
He says, as he looks you all over. Though his eyes linger longest on Beren as the strangest of all. Regardless, following his own logic, he sighs. Looking up at the dripping roof, that was likely the floor of the upper level.
So, what need of me do you have? very few in this land offer aid withou- Ah... looking over you now, you're all ... outlanders. It is a long shot, but.. did you happen to see a vistani child on your way here? I was searching for her when I was accosted by needleblights.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Noticing the elf's lingering gaze, Beren crosses his arms and lowers his mask just slightly. He's grown used to people either staring or avoiding looking at him altogether, though he's learned to ignore it, sometimes it still bothers him. Regardless, he does his best to appear nonthreatening. However, at the mention of a child, he tenses slightly, relaxing just a little when the elf says 'her' instead of 'him'. After a moment he speaks up, "No. We have not seen her. We've scarcely seen anyone upon finding ourselves here." His voice goes bitter as he says, "Aside from that accursed creature of darkness and..." He tilts his head, looking away for a moment as the light behind the mask flashes angrily.
Letting out a breath, he says, "Right now, we need to know that this place is safe to shelter in. If you are not certain we are alone here, then I will continue searching the place." There is much more he could say, but he is still uncertain as to whether or not he should trust this elf. Bloodied or not, he could very well be another of Strahd's minions meant to draw them in... though it seems that the vampire's eyes are not on them now. Perhaps... no, he must remain vigilant. This elf has yet to prove himself.
Although a bit taken aback seeing the elf suddenly fall, Jack soon enough found himself letting out a sigh of relief as it became clear they yet still breathe. And with Noel being far swifter to act in tending to the elf, the eladrin eventual strode forward at a slightly more casual pace to look over a shoulder and examine the injuries as well. Curiosity, however, very nearly gets the better of him, as he meandered just far enough to take another peek into the wine-room, following the trail of blood.
If he should spy nothing out of the ordinary after a minute or so, and frankly if he had, it would've been mentally tabled for later anyways, Jack returned to the side of their new patient looking a tidbit disappointed. "Seems our friend here will be out for a bit longer than most." He said. "A small break then." He carried on closer to a mutter, before then kneeling down for a proper inspection. If it could be swung as well, he'd try to start removing needles to start treating the injuries by tearing swatches of his own sleeves to make it happen. Or he might've, but never quite gets as far before remember how damp everyone's clothing was by this point.
"And me without a healer's kit or a herbalist one. Tut, tut. Guess you'll have to make do sleeping beauty." At that, Jack found a wall to sit at the base of that would also let him keep an eye on the front doors. Once the elf finally awakes, he grins and waggles his fingers, but seemed content to listen and observe. Almost content.
"Nasty buggers those needle blights are. But like my friend said, haven't seen any such girl, but we'd be happy to help. But seeing as you're local I will confess to be hopeful in you perhaps filling us in on at least a few things. Such as the name of these lands and what a Vistani is? Is that a word for special bloodline of elves here? Or are they something else?" He asked before rising up and giving a small bow. "The name is... well, you can call me Jack."
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Following the trail of blood, Jack finds little of note aside from a small gap in the barrels. His wounds as you ultimately find out weren't from unfortunate hand scraping but evil little plantlike entities. The wine room, unless you sought gallons of vinegar, was useless.
At Berens response, the elf seems visibly disappointed. He continues listening as he slowly pulls himself to a sitting position. Ah yes. Strahd... he says, spitting on the floor, a mix of spittle and blood. Though I'm surprised you found few people since coming here. These lands are full of both evil and... well neutral folk. The two closest towns to here are Vallaki, and Krezk. And unless you came from the south, you should have seen at-least one of those two towns already... if you managed to get this far without fighting too many things, you should consider yourself lucky... he says, looking over his bloody body.
I.. don't know if it's safe, when I ran in here it was to escape the needle blights.... I rushed to the first room I saw and got lucky. Though I do know a little of the history of Argynvost. But aside from yourselves and the storm, I haven't heard any noise..
Regardless, all of my kin and most of the Vallakian Vistani are out searchign for Arabell. Unfortunately, he was gone and we all were drunk the night she dissappeared... so no one knows where she is so... we simply had to search everywhere... I may be nowhere close to where she is. But if you do see her and we are parted at the time... she is a small girl, who acts far more mature than her age. About yea tall, flowing, curled locks, and hair of fire.
Once asked about the land itself, the elf looks over the group and ... (19)
After some hesitation, sighs. Well, first.. my name is Savid. I am what's known as a Dusk Elf in these lands. There are almost none of us left. I... can't risk telling you everything, but I'll tell you what I can.
Well, everything here is part of Barovia. And there is no way out unless you are allowed to leave. The vistani can come and go as they please though... they are the only exception. I... have mixed feelings on the vistani themselves. They are the servants of Strahd... and yet without Vallaki, i would have no safe place to call home either...
The vistani are... hard to explain. They are free spirits. They do as they please. I am not quite sure how or why but the Vistani and Strahd work together most of the time. They share some bond or mutual respect... I'm not sure specifically. But as I said.. only the vistani may come and go from Barovia as they please. And hah, no, I'm sure you've seen the vistani are all human of some kind. (((They look similar to gypsies)))
As for this place..
This place is called Argynvost. There was a foolish man who thought he could take on Strahd, and he held out for a long time but eventually succumbed to Strahds overwhelming forces.
Agynvost himself was actually a dragon, who liked to take on the guise of a human. He was a noble being but ...if even a Dragon with an army at his back couldn't take down Strahd, what hope does anyone else? Strahd only left this place as a warning to others who might consider repeating Argynvosts mistake.
But despite how I talk about the dragon... he was a good person in the end. He took in refugees who were trying to escape the valley, gave them food and shelter. And helped them leave... atleast until Strahd locked this land into how it is now...
Once Strahd slew Argynvost, they ransacked the mansion, killed his men...
Normally my people and the Vistani avoid this place.... rumor is that the dragons spirit still haunts it's halls... but I have yet to see proof, and... my only other choice was to die.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
"Good odds then that we did indeed come from the south. Though I will confess to us seeing a couple of signs mentioning a Vallaki, the last one was a touch too damaged I'm afraid to make it clear, thus our rather fortunate meeting with you here, my good friend Savid." Jack freely admits to start. "But a Dusk Elf, hm? Hmm... I've seen many of our varied cousins throughout the world, but cannot say I've met one of the Dusk. But I wager your kinship would be closer to the Teu-tel-quessir, or Moon Elves in the common tongue, if not the Shadar-kai from what I can... sense."
The eladrin waves a hand dismissively. "But!~ That's neither here nor there. You have been most helpful Sarid. A cynic might say enough to where your debt was paid back for the treatment of your injuries, but... rest assured again that this lot isn't of the kind." He beams at the Elf, then looks to Beren. "Sorry, Sir Beren. Say what you will of my focus, but I thought it prudent for proper introductions. Not to mention getting a better understanding of these lands we now find ourselves. And... frankly now I confess to being torn about exploring this place. The whole business of a dragon's spirit has me.... well, if the spirit yet haunts these halls, I imagine it's rancor will be quite much." He said with a smile to his voice, and had he not absentmindedly done so by then, he rose back to his feet, dusting his hands off. "But mayhaps -- just maybe he'll be willing to treat... with you." He points at Beren.
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Beren stands quietly for a moment, arms still crossed as the elf's words sink in. What hope is there to defeat Strahd if the dragon could not? The power within him, though weaker after his releasing it during the encounter with Strahd, stirs within him. Whether he likes it or not, it drives him to seek out undead and evil, to hunt it down and destroy it. Next time, he will have to be prepared. He can't let that creature of darkness continue to walk the earth.
When Jack apologizes, Beren's mask tilts slightly in his direction, "You have nothing to apologize for. I was waiting on asking... similar questions." The light behind the mask flairs a bit when Jack points at him. What had given the elf that idea?
He tilts his head downwards for a moment and says, "If the dragon's soul linger's here, then perhaps he can provide us with information. It seems we have no choice but to succeed where he failed. I'll not be held captive." He says the last line more to himself then to the others. Looking up again, he turns his attention to Savid, "As you have likely surmised already, I am called Beren. As Jack has informed you, we require no debt for aiding you. Though we would appreciate whatever information you can give us about how best to survive in these lands." The light behind the mask flickers for a moment, and he turns his gaze towards the area he has yet to search, "If you are willing to answer, I have other questions to ask. We can speak of your plight as well, perhaps there is more we can do for you. However, since you are not certain of our solitude, I think it best that I continue searching this place. Once that is finished, if we prove to be in a place of safety, then we can talk further."
He turns to Jack and Noel, "Perhaps it would be best if at least one of you stays with Savid in case of further danger. It would not do for him to be attacked in this condition, while the three of us are to far away to offer aid." He begins walking back towards the room he'd been trying to search when Savid's appearance interrupted the job. "If neither of you wish to continue, that is fine as well."
Noel turns to Beren and says "I'll stick with Savid. Certainly wouldn't be be wise to leave him alone right now, especially if there's anything dangerous here. I still hope though that perhaps whatever is still here will not be hostile to us. After all, clearly this Arganvost was no friend of Strahd, so if his ghost is still here, that would certainly be a valuable ally to procure. If any danger arises, I doubt we'll have much trouble alerting each other. Though if this place is even remotely safe, perhaps it is wise for us to get some better rest soon. I doubt we'll find much better once we leave unless we make it to Valakki "
He then turns back to Savid and says "Ah, where are my manners! I've yet to introduce myself. My name is Noel. Perhaps in the morning we can help you look for this girl you speak of. Though if there are Vistani also looking for her... I'm a bit hesitent. It was a group of them that lured us here in the first place. An old woman named Madam Eva to be precise. Lured us in with a prophecy. Look how much good that did us"
Something else in what the elf said caught his attention though and he asks "What you just said about Strahd having 'locked this land into how it is now". Was there a time before him here? How long has that fiend been here"
After waiting a moment and listening careful to Savid's response he takes the candle out from his side and sets in in front of him, the flame lighting and beginning to dance. Noel turns to Savid and says "Perhaps a story while we wait. I know it may seem rather... out of place, but if there's anything in this place that would be a danger to us, trust me, we're better of if I have one prepared. Now, let's see which one we'll tell today!"
Tales from Beyond: 3
He begins to weave the story, saying: "Ah, the tale of Azdal and Calris, the Beloved Friends! A classic old legend. Almost certainly not true, but I enjoy the story anyways. Learned this one from a few families that had ancestry in Neverwinter going back generations. The most unlikely of allies, the two fought side-by-side through countless threats. Dragons and liches alike fell before their combines. Even the endless ranks of the undead could not stop them! They say the two of them traveled the Forgotten Realms, defeating any foe that got in their way, before taking thier fight to the Nine Hells themselves! Even after their deaths it is said they still fight together to this day, challening foes from every plane of existence." As he talks, the flame of the candle shapes into two figures: a large orc with magical armor and bolts of flame shooting from his hands, and a small gnome weilding a battleaxe that seems larger than him with absolute ease. The flame shifts repeatedly, and the foes the two face changing every time the flame flickers. As it continues to flicker, the orc flings a massive fireball at a horde of unded, and as the gnome slashes his axe into the hide of a black dragon, with more and more images of them fighting various foes following
If Beren and Jack are still in the room, he will turn to them and say "Friends, let their bond empower both of you to fight as they have!" and hhe'll bestow the effect on both of them, giving them both 9 temp hit points (1d6 + Charisma mod, rolled a 5). As he does, flames again leap from the candle and swirl around the two of them, the images of the orc wizard floating around Jack and the images of the gnome barbarian floating around Beren. If they aren't in the room, he'll hold the effect for now until they are all reuinited
Savid shakes his head at the declaration of his racial heritage. No. The closest relative to my kin would be the wood elves. And.. given the circumstances, I doubt any outside Barovia remember us. So I will not fault you for getting it wrong. Though I believe I owe my thanks to the human here for my healing. he says lookign at Noel, as the only 'obvious' human. Regardless, he stands, albeit slowly and rests against a wall nearby, re-sheathing his sword. Initially Savid is confused about the comment about 'cynic' as to him it wasn't clear, though Beren cleared that up not long after.
As for the dragon and his fury.... I have no idea. I've yet to see it, but that does not mean it isn't here. Though I've been here for at-least a day and a half, and seen nor heard anything. And before you ask, i do not have magic, nor any remaining bandages of any kind, I had hoped to recover but couldn't quite manage it..
As Beren shows his willingness to face Strahd, the elf frowns. As you just said, if a dragon, with a small army at his back could not, what hope do you have? My ... he hesitates. Some of the information he held back before forcing its way to the top. My.. people tried to harm Strahd once... a long time ago. We got together to kill one of Strahd's many... many brides... Patrina Velikovna. As retribution, he killed all of our women, and cursed our bodies to be incapable of having children with any other than dusk elves... so those of my kin that remain are... all thats left of our entire race. he says, with halting speech, as if even brining the topic up pains him.
Regardless, as you asked... as for how best to survive....? avoid conflict whenever possible. There are an untold number of fiends, and undead roaming this land. And because of this place... they never stay dead for good. Or .. atleast thats what my people believe, as even after as long as we've been here, we've yet to see a thinning of attacks.
But aye... I would suggest you do so. I would help if i could but I need atleast another day to fully recover. And any help you might provide would be beneficial, though once I am recovered, I have to return to Vallaki and report that Arabell has not been seen where I went.
And thank you all, again.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Posting again to address Noels post, as we apparently were posting at the same time.
Madam Eva. I know the name, but I've never really met her, and what I've heard is nothing more than idle chatter, such as 'she is going out to the world today' and such. She is the eldest of the vistani by quite a margin, though vistani themselves are mortal. That is about all I know of her. before Strahd, Barovia was a central hub of trade between Watersdeep, and Redlarch... among others. But Strahd himself has been in power for more than half a millenia.
Then, Savid listens to Noels story with mild interest, though he clearly agrees with Noel... the story sounds implausible, but if it helps in some way... who was he to argue? He'd found himself amongst people who aren't hostile to him atleast.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Beren ultimately heads back into the room with the lit chandelier, then into the kitchen overlooking the graveyard. The pan on the wall still bobbles around though he ultimately ignores it, proceeding to the next room, the only other door in that direction, directly through the kitchen. Tattered brown drapes cover the windows of this circular room, and a heavy curtain hangs across an archway to the south. Strewn about the floor is the wreckage of half a dozen beds and other pieces of furniture.
Likely, as before, finding nothing of any inherent value here, he proceeds to the only door within the servants quarters. The door opens to a set of stairs leading down, and the storm is louder here. Likely somewhere below is some sort of entrance at the base of the stairs like the one they used to get inside, just from a different location.
((As I don't know if Beren would proceed down or return to the chandelier room, I can't proceed farther without player input.))
Back in the other room, Savid looks to the storyteller and asks So, who and what is that glowing man? I've never seen a person who just .. shines at all times, or flashes. Is he an ally? A guard? Somethign else?
Savid had intended to ask while he was still in the room but the questions derailed his curiosity until this moment.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
The light behind the mask flickered as Savid once more warns against fighting Strahd. Beren understands his fear, he understands that right now there is no hope of defeating the monster. However, he has no intention of simply conforming to this new land and accepting that he is a prisoner here. He has nothing to lose but his life, which matters little to him if he is to remain without his freedom--not that he had much in the outside world, but it was still better then being held prisoner by a creature of such pure evil. "I am sorry for what was done to you and your people, but nothing will shake my resolve. I will do whatever it takes to purge this evil, even if it costs me my life. Again I say, we have no choice but to succeed where Arganvost failed."
He pauses for a moment when the elf proceeds to answer his question...though he had intended to hold off on further conversation until after he'd finished searching the building. Still, it would be rude to walk away while the elf was trying to offer helpful information, so he stays long enough to nod and mutter something about 'accursed undead'. There were very few things that he agreed with the Church about, but necromancy was one of them.
He nods to Noel, then glances at Jack. He is expecting one of them to go with him, even if he doesn't really think it necessary at this point. So he hesitates for a moment to give the elf time to catch up before heading back into the other room.
Glancing around and determining that this area is clear, he looks down the stairs and decides that it isn't worth checking if it just leads to outside. Still, he pauses for a moment with the door open, listening to see if there are any noises to signal if depending the stairs is necessary.
Perception: 11
(I'm not sure if Beren initially noticed the pot or not with his awful perception rolls, so I'll let Jack investigate it, or bring it to Beren's attention if he wishes.)
If he hears nothing, he closes that door and heads to the next unchecked room. Realizing that this is the chapel, he pauses for a moment before going inside. He doesn't like this room, but just because he doesn't like it doesn't mean he can skip it and move on. Instead, he forces himself to walk through the open door and stand amidst the seats. He stares blindly for a moment, unconsciously blanking the way he used to do while at his home church. Once he realizes what he's doing, he shakes his head and once more sets to searching the area.
Perception (for the chapel): 3
(OOC: I believe Beren would have already been in the next room before Noel started his story, so I held off on a reaction for that.)
(Just a quick update. Allright in regards to Aroc's post, and I believe that would mean that atleast one was out of the room, so timeline wise, I believe Noel hasn't told his story 'yet' - Jacks location is indeterminate at the moment as I dont know if he stayed back or followed Beren.
So once Beren ends up back in the room his story will take place and Jack/Beren gain the effects then. Until then proceed with any RP you wish and make any responses. The 'timeline' will fix itself overall. No time to post for what Beren see's just yet - too close to work)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
(OOC: Jack would've gone with Beren. Still playing catch up myself, but will hopefully be able to post within the hour, if not early tomorrow.)
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
When torn between some impending good stories or following after Beren, Jack groaned inwardly a bit before sighing and standing up once more. "Suppose it'll fall to me then to keep you company, Sir Beren." Jack said as much, but would quietly later find himself pleased in Beren at least lingering long enough still for Savid's story.
A simple nod had been Jack's response in being proven wrong about kin connection. But as for the rest, rest he listened to with rapt attention, or for at least as long as Beren's patience held him to the area. Long enough to hear of the curse, in any case. And although he gave a close eyed head bow sympathy, along with a curt elvish prayer, there is yet a moment in which he looked away with a thoughtful look... before shaking his head in dismissal. "Always more..." He murmured between breaks in the story telling from Savid.
As much as a distraction as the story winds up being, Jack eventually takes notice once more of Beren's intentions and is quick follow after the man. But not without turning to Noel and Savid and giving one last two fingered salute before carrying on after Beren. For better or for worse, Jack leaves Beren to carry the brunt of any real investigation/looking out, as the elf was either content or trusted his keen senses to pick up on anything of real note(relying on passive perception 15).
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
((So the timeline doesn't get confusing, Savid simply nods in response to Berens words before Beren moves off. Considering everything, lets simply assume that beren/jack got the buff, since atm the timeline is sort of everywhere.))
Beren proceeds to the chapel-like part of the building. Within, Cracked wooden pillars support a wooden, U-shaped balcony that overhangs this stone-walled chapel. Narrow archways lead to spiral staircases that curl up to the balcony, and a door set into the north wall has a wooden beam visibly barring it from this side. At the east end of the chapel rests a stone altar flanked by iron candelabras. The altar is carved with a rising sun bas-relief. Tall, arching windows set with panels of stained glass decorate the walls behind the altar. One of the windows has been shattered, covering the chapel floor with shards of colored glass and allowing thick fog to enter and fill the room.
Through the fog, Beren and Jack see three armored figures kneeling before the altar.
(Both of you may roll a DC 10 Religion Check)
As you both enter the chapel area, the three figures rise, and the sound of steel being drawn can be heard. In near unison, they can be heard saying in hate-filled voices Get out of here, spawn of evil!
(Everyone may roll initiative, Noel can just barely hear what's going on, but it will take him at-least a turn to get in range to do anything. As no one was movign particularly stealthily, i deemed a perception check unessecary for them)
Initiatives:
A - 16
B - 12
C - 3
Occassional Dungeon Master.