He looks to the others seeming to scatter in all directions. "Hey, hold up." He looked to Madam Eva for confirmation in case he's missing something."I don't think staying to fight is the play here. She's buying us time to get out. It's in her best interest too by the way. They're here for Ireena and probably these talismans. The best thing we can do for the Vistani is GTFO. Nowish? Is the nearest border back the way we came?"
He looks to the others seeming to scatter in all directions. "Hey, hold up." He looked to Madam Eva for confirmation in case he's missing something."I don't think staying to fight is the play here. She's buying us time to get out. It's in her best interest too by the way. They're here for Ireena and probably these talismans. The best thing we can do for the Vistani is GTFO. Nowish? Is the nearest border back the way we came?"
Jared nods his head in agreement then turns back to the tent door/flap and opens it again to watch.
"And scatter our forces? Risk getting intercepted on the way by one of them? No. Here we have an army of our own and tempest to back us up. Staying is our best shot."
As much as he doesn't like staying with the Vistani, Akyan agrees with Zathon. "Zathon is right. If what Madame Eva says is true, we can't even use the talismans to get out of here without either Strahd or Azalin intercepting us."
This was a terrible idea. A small Vistani camp was not an army and they were taking this woman who asked for their help directly toward danger. Nothing about fighting two undead armies with a handful traveling merchants made any sense, but he was outvoted and had already said he'd keep the rest of them alive as long as possible. Not gonna be very long, but... yeah.
To Ireena he says, "There's a certain kind of freedom that comes from living like you're already dead. Good luck."
((Anthony will cast Aid on Ireena, himself, and eenie meenie miney mo.. Akyan, Sorry Ismark, Also, does Ismark look enough like Ireena that if they switch armor,, might be mistaken for her?))
For some, the hour of waiting seems to crawl by, anticipation eating away at you. For others, it doesn't seem like long enough. At the command of Madame Eva, the Vistani quickly set up various defenses around the camp. Those too young, too old, and those with children quickly make their retreat with to safety early on, but they are quickly replaced by men and women armed up to their teeth. Soon, you guestimate there's about 150 Vistani milling about, all preparing for the oncoming invasion. All the tents are quickly stowed.
As for the defenses, the Vistani quickly erect wooden spikes set into the ground in a large perimeter around the camp. To those that help them pound the spikes of wood into the ground, the grizzled Vistani soldiers explain that if a vampire is pierced through the heart by a wooden stake, it destroys them. They also pour flammable pitch around the spikes, preparing to turn the spikes into a blazing conflagration if needs be.
A pair of Vistani mages spend about twenty minutes standing knee-deep in the lake, chanting arcane phrases as they gesture towards the lake. At the end of their ritual, you see something large stir deep within the lake, but you're not quite sure what it is.
The mages, along with Madame Eva, carve out a moat just outside of the spikes using some kind of magic. As they do, other Vistani position the wagons within the circle of spikes to form barricades which can be used as barricades and cover.
Finally, three sets of Vistani set about erecting some sort of squat totem pole in the center of the defensive circle. They explain that it has been enchanted to glow with intense sunlight, something that many undead find repulsive. Madame Eva finds you around this time and informs you that you should stay near the center of the defenses where 'Tatyana' would be the most protected.
As the hour passes by, the rain soon turns into a downpour. Thunder rumbles ominously on the horizon, a mere precursor of the storm to come. You, along with everyone else, soon become completely soaked, and large puddles begins growing across the ground. The moat actually fills with several inches of water.
Eventually, the dreaded cry alarm shatters the tense atmosphere that had been accumulating for the past hour. "Strahd has been spotted, approaching from the east!" shouts an unseen Vistani. All of the soldiers around you spring to attention, and the air is filled for a moment with the sounds of weapons sliding free of sheaths and armor clinking. You see several scouts fleeing from that direction towards you and the fortifications. After a few tense of minutes of soldiers shuffling nervously around you, a few muttering prayers and mantras to themselves, you see the first signs of the enemy.
About two hundred feet to the east, you see a hulking figure step out from the forlorn forest. They look faintly humanoid, but their muscled body is covered in a dense, dark gray fur almost most dark enough to be black. A wolfen head rests upon their thick shoulders, and you spot a nasty-looking glaive clutched in one of its clawed hands. The werewolf hesitates for a moment as it clears the forest, gazing towards the fortifications you are within. You see several other hybrid werewolves and normal packs of wolves begin emerging from the forest as well, and several of them race off to the sides of your fortifications to cut off any possible retreat. The soldiers shuffle nervously around you at the sight of the lupine aggressors, but none of them make any actions towards them.
You also spot several vampires start walking out of the forest, though they seem be in more ordered formations than the wolves and werewolves that yip and growl with an excited bloodthirst as they circle you and the Vistani. Next to the hulking werewolf holding the glaive, you see another figure emerge from the woods, and without anyone telling you, you know that this must be Strahd.
While you can't really make out any details from this distance, Strahd has a regal bearing as he rides upon his jet-black monstrosity of a horse. As the horse strides deliberately towards you, you see embers spark about its hooves with each step it takes. A mane of fire smolders dimly under the onslaught of rain. Strahd himself wears a subdued raincoat with coattails long enough to almost brush the ground to either side of his hellish mount. As the werewolf with the glaive and Strahd on his horse stride forward, Ireena at your side begins to tremble slightly in fear.
The small legion of snarling wolves and werewolves sprinkled with pale and gaunt vampire spawn with motley equipment waiting about fifty feet beyond the spikes set into the ground part to let Strahd ride out to eventually stop about twenty feet from your defenses, each hoof sending out sparks and smoke with each step. Now that he's closer, you can make out more of his features. Lean and muscular, he strikes you as an imposing figure atop his steed. You see a sheathed blade hanging from belt on his side, but you see no other weapons on the Darklord's figure. His face is lean and angular with a predatory cast to it. His dark eyes are inscrutable, void of any passion or mercy. His shoulder-length, black hair hangs in damp strands as he looks disdainfully upon the nervous Vistani between you and him. His dark eyes roam across the assembled troops, and they linger on each of you for a moment before he finally sees Ireena shivering next to her brother in the center of the circle.
His expression as cold as the ice and snow atop the mountains of Barovia, he calls out, loud enough to be heard over storm, "I have come to retrieve that which is rightfully mine." His voice is just as cold as his expression, and he too has the distinct dialect of one living in Barovia, but he sounds haughtier and highborn compared to the villagers you have met thus far. "I suggest you turn over Tatyana to me. If you do, I might be willing to let you all leave with your lives intact."
Madame Eva makes her way towards the front of the Vistani ranks to present herself to Strahd. She still wears the same outfit you met her in, but it somehow seems more imposing in the rain. "You cannot have her!" the seer shouts. "She was never yours in the first place."
A cold, humorless smile creeps across the vampire's thin lips. "She has always been mine," he replies evenly. "Do not think that because you and I are family I will let you get away with defying me."
Madame Eva spits into the mud at her feet before defiantly looking back up at Strahd on his towering warhorse. "We stopped being family the moment you plotted to kill our brother those many years ago," she says with vehemance.
Jared watches this, trying to be expressionless but, with the arrival of the werewolves, he finds himself a bit jittery. He stares are the werewolf with the glaive as the rain runs down his face, causing his long hair to become a stringy matted mess. He holds something back, something primal that wants to break out to the surface. Win or lose, Jared understands he and this pack leader will face off in the coming battle.
Kora looks at the rest of her siblings, hoping they all caught what Madam Eva had said, she was Strahd's sister?? Well, that puts an interesting spin on things. Would she really use the Tempest?
"Anyone know when Madame Eva plans to unleash the Elder? And if so, which way do we head? If we get separated before, we should have a place to meet up as well..." Kora's mind starts racing with what they are looking at and what the possibilities may bring.
She looks over at Jared, wondering if he was doing alright, she knew the full moon was coming.
Akyan nods a silent thanks to Anthony when he feels his brother's magic strengthen his body. He glances at Ireena, Ismark, and his other siblings as he prepares for the fight to come. He approves of the Vistani's defensive formation, and agrees with the idea of stationing Ireena and the rest of them in the center.
As the enemies start approaching, he flexes his hands in preparation for summoning his blades. Werewolves, vampires, and Strahd. Where is Azalin? That thought is broken when the dreadlord calls out. Madame Eva is...? How old is that woman? He blinks, driving that pointless thought away. As long as her keeping them there doesn't turn out to be some elaborate plot to hand them and Ireena over to Strahd and Azalin, he couldn't care less who the woman's related to. He of all people can't judge someone for that.
"I think the current plan is for us to hold down the fort Kora."The drow responds, "As for what happens if we get split up..." He glances at Ireena, noting her fear. "I'll make a mental link with you and Ireena. Try to stay with Zathon and Jared. I'll look out for Anthony and Aoufie. All of us need to keep tabs on Ireena."If things go well, they shouldn't need to worry about getting separated, but having a plan is a good idea. Without much warning, his silver eyes flash green as he links with Kora. Then he turns to Ireena, creating a link with her as well. "Don't be alarmed, If you didn't hear what I said earlier, I've made a mental link with you. This way we can communicate even when separated."
There was nothing that they could do at this point. They'd let themselves be trapped in here with Ireena and were completely at the mercy of Madam Eva now. She had Ireena and all of the mist talismans. She could hand them over, or keep them for herself. Anthony sighed, shield and flail raised to defend as soon as someone got close, waiting for a knife to come from behind. He really hoped he was wrong.
((Anthony will also use Vigilant Blessing for advantage on initiative.))
Strahd smirks at Madame Eva’s resolve. Still smirking, he wheels his demonic mount around. As he does, he says loudly, “Very well then. It looks like you have chosen de-“
His words are cut off by a sudden, thunderous roar from the heavens. Startled, both Vistani and Strahd’s forces look upward. Swooping out from the black clouds, you see an immense, skeletal dragon descending to the campsite. The reanimated draconic skeleton loops over the campsite, roaring as it does, before it lands on the side opposite of Strahd. The wolves scatter at its presence, yipping in terror. Stop the dragon, you spot a figure wearing ornate crimson robes the same shade as dried blood. Behind it, you see a multitude of shambling forms emerging from the woods. You also see a deep bank of fog spreading out among the shambling undead, and you can’t help but remember the misty creature you fought earlier by the name of Kazahd-nei.
Strahd snarls at the newcomer onto the undead dragon. “You!” he spits out furiously. “I thought I smelled your stench.”
“Ah, you’re still the same, old friend,” the figure says atop the dragon in a dry, raspy voice. Though hard to pick out in the rain, you see his features are skeletal and gaunt. Pinpricks of red light burn within his sockets. This must be Azalin, the lich trying to overthrow the Realms of Dread.
“Awfully brave of you to show up without an invitation,” Strahd snarls. “Do I really need to escort you out like last time?”
Azalin mirthlessly chuckles. “Believe it or not, I’m actually here to help you this time.” Turning his attention to Madame Eva, he says offhandedly, “Give the man his wife, and we can all be on our way. I give you my word that I won’t harm you if you do.”
A coy grin forms on the wizened seer’s face. “Just try to take her from us.”
With that she looks towards the stormy sky, raising both hands high above her head. “Acxertiinavelaint, come to me!”
All in an instant, the world changed. Suddenly, a massive gust of wind blasts through the camp, strong enough to knock a few people to the ground with cries of surprise. A flurry of lighting bolts slam into the forest and valley about you, thunder almost shattering your eardrums and shaking the earth with its power. The wind crescendos into a deafening gale, and the rain feels like tiny daggers slashing at your skin. Within the raging heavens above, the dark thunderclouds start swirling furiously a moment before a colossal creature spoken of only in legends descends.
Acxertiinavelaint, the Elder Tempest, resembles an incredibly vast, opaque serpent. It’s large enough that it could gobble up Grymhearth with a single bite, though you suspect that a bite is the least it could do to Grymhearth if it felt like it. Four sets of feathered wings sprout along its sinuous body. It looms in the tempestuous sky like one of the gods of storms, lightning and thunder heralding its arrival.
“Acxertiinavelaint, destroy Azalin and Strahd!” shouts Madame Eva. There’s no way the creature could have heard the seer with how far apart they are, but you have feeling that distance didn’t matter.
“Idiot woman!” shouts Azalin from atop his draconic mount. “You’ll kill us all!”
Madame Eva only grins, and she responds by tossing a fireball at lich. It detonates with a fiery roar, and the blossoming fireball puffs away in the powerful winds to reveal a slightly singed and surprised Azalin.
At that moment, the Elder Tempest flares its wings and screams out an ear-shattering cry as loud as a thousand tempests. For that instant, it becomes almost as bright as day as hundreds of bolts of electricity light up the valley. The ensuing thunder and gale-force winds again almost knock you to your feet as Acxertiinavelaint swoops down from the heavens like a vengeful hurricane, mouth still gaped open in a deafening scream.
He straightens as the call rings out, placing a hand on his chest as cold energy crackles across in fractals. He stations himself next to Ireena at the center, he mutters a prayer over his blade, his talisman, as Strahd begins to talk. The blade shines with a holy radiance, he holds it at the ready and shrugs his shield down to a similar position.
"Looks like we have a plan." ----------------- Casting: Armor of Agathys and Divine Favor. --------------- Initiative: 11
Aoufie somberly waited for the inevitable clash of horrifying undead and monstrosities. He thought he was mentally prepared but seeing the werewolf hybrid with a Glave gave him a sinking feeling. He eyes go wide when hearing Madam Eva is related to Strahd. Aoufie practically cowered with Anzalin's entrance. He takes some solace being with his siblings and strides out with them gripping his cittern tightly. We are but tiny ants to these beings, but he will do his all to protect his siblings.
Kora watches in silence as they all come. She actually feels a bit reassured being telepathically linked to Akyan, especially since communication in this storm was near impossible. With Ireena's protection being their first priority, well after staying alive anyways, she focuses on Strahd.
Not sure how much it will do, but seeing as a good ranged attack is all she can do at the moment, she summons her moonbeam above the vampire, hoping the radiant damage will pierce through his smug facade.
(At the start of his turn, CON save of 15 - 18 radiant damage if failed, half if saved)
A pillar of radiant moonlight pierces the tempestuous clouds and illuminates Strahd. He grimaces, but seems to shrug most of it off.
Moments after Kora’s spell, a sudden whirlwind whips up around the camp. The winds are incredibly powerful, and they threaten to pull you off your feet. Debris, mud, and bodies fly through the air in the chaos of the whirlwind. Cries of surprise are drowned out by the gale.
Thankfully, the sudden whirlwind subsides, but it really did a number on the battlefield. Both the Vistani and the enemy forces are scattered all of the place. With the wind still howling, you look around and see that there are several undead and werewolves amongst the Vistani, and they engage with each other, swords and teeth flashing in the erratic lightning. Near Ireena and Ismark, two werewolves rise to their feet. One of them has thick, black fur covering their hybrid form, and the other has lighter, tan fur. The both growl and look over Ireena who groans on the muddy ground. Looks like the wind knocked her down.
With not much else to do, Anthony takes a swing at one of the werewolves on Ireena and Ismark, doing his best to interpose himself between them and the beasts, standing over Ireena if necessary.
Having been flung by the severe wind of the tempest he scrambles to his feet once more. Then tries to run back to guard Ireena as she shakes the ringing from his ears and tightens the grip on his blade.
"Get away from her!"he yells, his sword igniting with a brighter aura. ---------------- Full movement to get up from prone and run 15ft. Activating Channel Divinity: Sacred Weapon.
As an action, you can imbue one weapon that you are holding with positive energy, using your Channel Divinity. For 1 minute, you add your Charisma modifier to attack rolls made with that weapon (with a minimum bonus of +1). The weapon also emits bright light in a 20-foot radius and dim light 20 feet beyond that. If the weapon is not already magical, it becomes magical for the duration.
You can end this effect on your turn as part of any other action. If you are no longer holding or carrying this weapon, or if you fall unconscious, this effect ends.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Determinedly, Anthony slams his mace into the side of the werewolf with the dark fur. Anthony feels and hears the werewolf's ribs fracture and crumble under the force of the blow, and it cries out in an odd mixture of a human grunt and wolf yelp. It turns its attention from Ireena and lunges towards Anthony, thick strands of ropey saliva dripping from its bared fangs as a deep growl rumbles in its throat. Even over the tempest, you can hear its fractured ribs creaking and popping as they reknit themselves. It appears the legends surrounding werewolves' durability are true.
Attacks against Anthony:
-Bite Attack: 16 Damage: 3 points of piercing damage. If the target is a humanoid, it must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or be cursed with werewolf lycanthropy.
-Claw Attack: 17 Damage: 7 points of slashing damage.
The werewolf with the lighter fur reaches to grab the groaning Ireena, but Ismark steps in front of her and draws both the swords at his waist. With a longsword in one hand and shortsword, Ismark growls out, "You'll have to go through me first, you hellspawn!"
The lighter werewolf bellows as it lashes out at Ismark, and Ismark engages the beast, his weapons whirling in the air. Ireena unsteadily rises to her feet, and she draws out her longsword.
Attacks against Ismark:
-Bite Attack: 21 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll. points of piercing damage. If the target is a humanoid, it must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or be cursed with werewolf lycanthropy.
-Claw Attack: 5 Damage: 7 points of slashing damage.
Ismark's attacks against the werewolf:
-Silvered Longsword Attack: 24 Damage: 10 points of slashing damage.
-Silvered Longsword Attack: 7 Damage: 11 points of slashing damage.
-Silvered Shortsword Attack: 10 Damage: 4 points of slashing damage.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
DM- Azalin's Doom
DM- Surviving the Unsurvivable
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He looks to the others seeming to scatter in all directions. "Hey, hold up." He looked to Madam Eva for confirmation in case he's missing something. "I don't think staying to fight is the play here. She's buying us time to get out. It's in her best interest too by the way. They're here for Ireena and probably these talismans. The best thing we can do for the Vistani is GTFO. Nowish? Is the nearest border back the way we came?"
Jared nods his head in agreement then turns back to the tent door/flap and opens it again to watch.
Zathon stops short of leaving.
"And scatter our forces? Risk getting intercepted on the way by one of them? No. Here we have an army of our own and tempest to back us up. Staying is our best shot."
As much as he doesn't like staying with the Vistani, Akyan agrees with Zathon. "Zathon is right. If what Madame Eva says is true, we can't even use the talismans to get out of here without either Strahd or Azalin intercepting us."
This was a terrible idea. A small Vistani camp was not an army and they were taking this woman who asked for their help directly toward danger. Nothing about fighting two undead armies with a handful traveling merchants made any sense, but he was outvoted and had already said he'd keep the rest of them alive as long as possible. Not gonna be very long, but... yeah.
To Ireena he says, "There's a certain kind of freedom that comes from living like you're already dead. Good luck."
((Anthony will cast Aid on Ireena, himself, and eenie meenie miney mo.. Akyan, Sorry Ismark, Also, does Ismark look enough like Ireena that if they switch armor,, might be mistaken for her?))
For some, the hour of waiting seems to crawl by, anticipation eating away at you. For others, it doesn't seem like long enough. At the command of Madame Eva, the Vistani quickly set up various defenses around the camp. Those too young, too old, and those with children quickly make their retreat with to safety early on, but they are quickly replaced by men and women armed up to their teeth. Soon, you guestimate there's about 150 Vistani milling about, all preparing for the oncoming invasion. All the tents are quickly stowed.
As for the defenses, the Vistani quickly erect wooden spikes set into the ground in a large perimeter around the camp. To those that help them pound the spikes of wood into the ground, the grizzled Vistani soldiers explain that if a vampire is pierced through the heart by a wooden stake, it destroys them. They also pour flammable pitch around the spikes, preparing to turn the spikes into a blazing conflagration if needs be.
A pair of Vistani mages spend about twenty minutes standing knee-deep in the lake, chanting arcane phrases as they gesture towards the lake. At the end of their ritual, you see something large stir deep within the lake, but you're not quite sure what it is.
The mages, along with Madame Eva, carve out a moat just outside of the spikes using some kind of magic. As they do, other Vistani position the wagons within the circle of spikes to form barricades which can be used as barricades and cover.
Finally, three sets of Vistani set about erecting some sort of squat totem pole in the center of the defensive circle. They explain that it has been enchanted to glow with intense sunlight, something that many undead find repulsive. Madame Eva finds you around this time and informs you that you should stay near the center of the defenses where 'Tatyana' would be the most protected.
As the hour passes by, the rain soon turns into a downpour. Thunder rumbles ominously on the horizon, a mere precursor of the storm to come. You, along with everyone else, soon become completely soaked, and large puddles begins growing across the ground. The moat actually fills with several inches of water.
Eventually, the dreaded cry alarm shatters the tense atmosphere that had been accumulating for the past hour. "Strahd has been spotted, approaching from the east!" shouts an unseen Vistani. All of the soldiers around you spring to attention, and the air is filled for a moment with the sounds of weapons sliding free of sheaths and armor clinking. You see several scouts fleeing from that direction towards you and the fortifications. After a few tense of minutes of soldiers shuffling nervously around you, a few muttering prayers and mantras to themselves, you see the first signs of the enemy.
About two hundred feet to the east, you see a hulking figure step out from the forlorn forest. They look faintly humanoid, but their muscled body is covered in a dense, dark gray fur almost most dark enough to be black. A wolfen head rests upon their thick shoulders, and you spot a nasty-looking glaive clutched in one of its clawed hands. The werewolf hesitates for a moment as it clears the forest, gazing towards the fortifications you are within. You see several other hybrid werewolves and normal packs of wolves begin emerging from the forest as well, and several of them race off to the sides of your fortifications to cut off any possible retreat. The soldiers shuffle nervously around you at the sight of the lupine aggressors, but none of them make any actions towards them.
You also spot several vampires start walking out of the forest, though they seem be in more ordered formations than the wolves and werewolves that yip and growl with an excited bloodthirst as they circle you and the Vistani. Next to the hulking werewolf holding the glaive, you see another figure emerge from the woods, and without anyone telling you, you know that this must be Strahd.
While you can't really make out any details from this distance, Strahd has a regal bearing as he rides upon his jet-black monstrosity of a horse. As the horse strides deliberately towards you, you see embers spark about its hooves with each step it takes. A mane of fire smolders dimly under the onslaught of rain. Strahd himself wears a subdued raincoat with coattails long enough to almost brush the ground to either side of his hellish mount. As the werewolf with the glaive and Strahd on his horse stride forward, Ireena at your side begins to tremble slightly in fear.
The small legion of snarling wolves and werewolves sprinkled with pale and gaunt vampire spawn with motley equipment waiting about fifty feet beyond the spikes set into the ground part to let Strahd ride out to eventually stop about twenty feet from your defenses, each hoof sending out sparks and smoke with each step. Now that he's closer, you can make out more of his features. Lean and muscular, he strikes you as an imposing figure atop his steed. You see a sheathed blade hanging from belt on his side, but you see no other weapons on the Darklord's figure. His face is lean and angular with a predatory cast to it. His dark eyes are inscrutable, void of any passion or mercy. His shoulder-length, black hair hangs in damp strands as he looks disdainfully upon the nervous Vistani between you and him. His dark eyes roam across the assembled troops, and they linger on each of you for a moment before he finally sees Ireena shivering next to her brother in the center of the circle.
His expression as cold as the ice and snow atop the mountains of Barovia, he calls out, loud enough to be heard over storm, "I have come to retrieve that which is rightfully mine." His voice is just as cold as his expression, and he too has the distinct dialect of one living in Barovia, but he sounds haughtier and highborn compared to the villagers you have met thus far. "I suggest you turn over Tatyana to me. If you do, I might be willing to let you all leave with your lives intact."
Madame Eva makes her way towards the front of the Vistani ranks to present herself to Strahd. She still wears the same outfit you met her in, but it somehow seems more imposing in the rain. "You cannot have her!" the seer shouts. "She was never yours in the first place."
A cold, humorless smile creeps across the vampire's thin lips. "She has always been mine," he replies evenly. "Do not think that because you and I are family I will let you get away with defying me."
Madame Eva spits into the mud at her feet before defiantly looking back up at Strahd on his towering warhorse. "We stopped being family the moment you plotted to kill our brother those many years ago," she says with vehemance.
DM- Azalin's Doom
DM- Surviving the Unsurvivable
Jared watches this, trying to be expressionless but, with the arrival of the werewolves, he finds himself a bit jittery.
He stares are the werewolf with the glaive as the rain runs down his face, causing his long hair to become a stringy matted mess. He holds something back, something primal that wants to break out to the surface. Win or lose, Jared understands he and this pack leader will face off in the coming battle.
Kora looks at the rest of her siblings, hoping they all caught what Madam Eva had said, she was Strahd's sister?? Well, that puts an interesting spin on things. Would she really use the Tempest?
"Anyone know when Madame Eva plans to unleash the Elder? And if so, which way do we head? If we get separated before, we should have a place to meet up as well..." Kora's mind starts racing with what they are looking at and what the possibilities may bring.
She looks over at Jared, wondering if he was doing alright, she knew the full moon was coming.
Akyan nods a silent thanks to Anthony when he feels his brother's magic strengthen his body. He glances at Ireena, Ismark, and his other siblings as he prepares for the fight to come. He approves of the Vistani's defensive formation, and agrees with the idea of stationing Ireena and the rest of them in the center.
As the enemies start approaching, he flexes his hands in preparation for summoning his blades. Werewolves, vampires, and Strahd. Where is Azalin? That thought is broken when the dreadlord calls out. Madame Eva is...? How old is that woman? He blinks, driving that pointless thought away. As long as her keeping them there doesn't turn out to be some elaborate plot to hand them and Ireena over to Strahd and Azalin, he couldn't care less who the woman's related to. He of all people can't judge someone for that.
"I think the current plan is for us to hold down the fort Kora." The drow responds, "As for what happens if we get split up..." He glances at Ireena, noting her fear. "I'll make a mental link with you and Ireena. Try to stay with Zathon and Jared. I'll look out for Anthony and Aoufie. All of us need to keep tabs on Ireena." If things go well, they shouldn't need to worry about getting separated, but having a plan is a good idea. Without much warning, his silver eyes flash green as he links with Kora. Then he turns to Ireena, creating a link with her as well. "Don't be alarmed, If you didn't hear what I said earlier, I've made a mental link with you. This way we can communicate even when separated."
There was nothing that they could do at this point. They'd let themselves be trapped in here with Ireena and were completely at the mercy of Madam Eva now. She had Ireena and all of the mist talismans. She could hand them over, or keep them for herself. Anthony sighed, shield and flail raised to defend as soon as someone got close, waiting for a knife to come from behind. He really hoped he was wrong.
((Anthony will also use Vigilant Blessing for advantage on initiative.))
Strahd smirks at Madame Eva’s resolve. Still smirking, he wheels his demonic mount around. As he does, he says loudly, “Very well then. It looks like you have chosen de-“
His words are cut off by a sudden, thunderous roar from the heavens. Startled, both Vistani and Strahd’s forces look upward. Swooping out from the black clouds, you see an immense, skeletal dragon descending to the campsite. The reanimated draconic skeleton loops over the campsite, roaring as it does, before it lands on the side opposite of Strahd. The wolves scatter at its presence, yipping in terror. Stop the dragon, you spot a figure wearing ornate crimson robes the same shade as dried blood. Behind it, you see a multitude of shambling forms emerging from the woods. You also see a deep bank of fog spreading out among the shambling undead, and you can’t help but remember the misty creature you fought earlier by the name of Kazahd-nei.
Strahd snarls at the newcomer onto the undead dragon. “You!” he spits out furiously. “I thought I smelled your stench.”
“Ah, you’re still the same, old friend,” the figure says atop the dragon in a dry, raspy voice. Though hard to pick out in the rain, you see his features are skeletal and gaunt. Pinpricks of red light burn within his sockets. This must be Azalin, the lich trying to overthrow the Realms of Dread.
“Awfully brave of you to show up without an invitation,” Strahd snarls. “Do I really need to escort you out like last time?”
Azalin mirthlessly chuckles. “Believe it or not, I’m actually here to help you this time.” Turning his attention to Madame Eva, he says offhandedly, “Give the man his wife, and we can all be on our way. I give you my word that I won’t harm you if you do.”
A coy grin forms on the wizened seer’s face. “Just try to take her from us.”
With that she looks towards the stormy sky, raising both hands high above her head. “Acxertiinavelaint, come to me!”
All in an instant, the world changed. Suddenly, a massive gust of wind blasts through the camp, strong enough to knock a few people to the ground with cries of surprise. A flurry of lighting bolts slam into the forest and valley about you, thunder almost shattering your eardrums and shaking the earth with its power. The wind crescendos into a deafening gale, and the rain feels like tiny daggers slashing at your skin. Within the raging heavens above, the dark thunderclouds start swirling furiously a moment before a colossal creature spoken of only in legends descends.
Acxertiinavelaint, the Elder Tempest, resembles an incredibly vast, opaque serpent. It’s large enough that it could gobble up Grymhearth with a single bite, though you suspect that a bite is the least it could do to Grymhearth if it felt like it. Four sets of feathered wings sprout along its sinuous body. It looms in the tempestuous sky like one of the gods of storms, lightning and thunder heralding its arrival.
“Acxertiinavelaint, destroy Azalin and Strahd!” shouts Madame Eva. There’s no way the creature could have heard the seer with how far apart they are, but you have feeling that distance didn’t matter.
“Idiot woman!” shouts Azalin from atop his draconic mount. “You’ll kill us all!”
Madame Eva only grins, and she responds by tossing a fireball at lich. It detonates with a fiery roar, and the blossoming fireball puffs away in the powerful winds to reveal a slightly singed and surprised Azalin.
At that moment, the Elder Tempest flares its wings and screams out an ear-shattering cry as loud as a thousand tempests. For that instant, it becomes almost as bright as day as hundreds of bolts of electricity light up the valley. The ensuing thunder and gale-force winds again almost knock you to your feet as Acxertiinavelaint swoops down from the heavens like a vengeful hurricane, mouth still gaped open in a deafening scream.
Roll initiative
DM- Azalin's Doom
DM- Surviving the Unsurvivable
He straightens as the call rings out, placing a hand on his chest as cold energy crackles across in fractals. He stations himself next to Ireena at the center, he mutters a prayer over his blade, his talisman, as Strahd begins to talk. The blade shines with a holy radiance, he holds it at the ready and shrugs his shield down to a similar position.
"Looks like we have a plan."
-----------------
Casting: Armor of Agathys and Divine Favor.
---------------
Initiative: 11
Jared's Initiative: 20
Aoufie initiative.
16 rolled in game log
Aoufie somberly waited for the inevitable clash of horrifying undead and monstrosities. He thought he was mentally prepared but seeing the werewolf hybrid with a Glave gave him a sinking feeling. He eyes go wide when hearing Madam Eva is related to Strahd. Aoufie practically cowered with Anzalin's entrance. He takes some solace being with his siblings and strides out with them gripping his cittern tightly. We are but tiny ants to these beings, but he will do his all to protect his siblings.
Kora watches in silence as they all come. She actually feels a bit reassured being telepathically linked to Akyan, especially since communication in this storm was near impossible. With Ireena's protection being their first priority, well after staying alive anyways, she focuses on Strahd.
Not sure how much it will do, but seeing as a good ranged attack is all she can do at the moment, she summons her moonbeam above the vampire, hoping the radiant damage will pierce through his smug facade.
(At the start of his turn, CON save of 15 - 18 radiant damage if failed, half if saved)
A pillar of radiant moonlight pierces the tempestuous clouds and illuminates Strahd. He grimaces, but seems to shrug most of it off.
Moments after Kora’s spell, a sudden whirlwind whips up around the camp. The winds are incredibly powerful, and they threaten to pull you off your feet. Debris, mud, and bodies fly through the air in the chaos of the whirlwind. Cries of surprise are drowned out by the gale.
DM- Azalin's Doom
DM- Surviving the Unsurvivable
Thankfully, the sudden whirlwind subsides, but it really did a number on the battlefield. Both the Vistani and the enemy forces are scattered all of the place. With the wind still howling, you look around and see that there are several undead and werewolves amongst the Vistani, and they engage with each other, swords and teeth flashing in the erratic lightning. Near Ireena and Ismark, two werewolves rise to their feet. One of them has thick, black fur covering their hybrid form, and the other has lighter, tan fur. The both growl and look over Ireena who groans on the muddy ground. Looks like the wind knocked her down.
DM- Azalin's Doom
DM- Surviving the Unsurvivable
With not much else to do, Anthony takes a swing at one of the werewolves on Ireena and Ismark, doing his best to interpose himself between them and the beasts, standing over Ireena if necessary.
14 to hit, 10 dmg non-magical
Having been flung by the severe wind of the tempest he scrambles to his feet once more. Then tries to run back to guard Ireena as she shakes the ringing from his ears and tightens the grip on his blade.
"Get away from her!" he yells, his sword igniting with a brighter aura.
----------------
Full movement to get up from prone and run 15ft.
Activating Channel Divinity: Sacred Weapon.
As an action, you can imbue one weapon that you are holding with positive energy, using your Channel Divinity. For 1 minute, you add your Charisma modifier to attack rolls made with that weapon (with a minimum bonus of +1). The weapon also emits bright light in a 20-foot radius and dim light 20 feet beyond that. If the weapon is not already magical, it becomes magical for the duration.
You can end this effect on your turn as part of any other action. If you are no longer holding or carrying this weapon, or if you fall unconscious, this effect ends.
Determinedly, Anthony slams his mace into the side of the werewolf with the dark fur. Anthony feels and hears the werewolf's ribs fracture and crumble under the force of the blow, and it cries out in an odd mixture of a human grunt and wolf yelp. It turns its attention from Ireena and lunges towards Anthony, thick strands of ropey saliva dripping from its bared fangs as a deep growl rumbles in its throat. Even over the tempest, you can hear its fractured ribs creaking and popping as they reknit themselves. It appears the legends surrounding werewolves' durability are true.
Attacks against Anthony:
-Bite Attack: 16 Damage: 3 points of piercing damage. If the target is a humanoid, it must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or be cursed with werewolf lycanthropy.
-Claw Attack: 17 Damage: 7 points of slashing damage.
The werewolf with the lighter fur reaches to grab the groaning Ireena, but Ismark steps in front of her and draws both the swords at his waist. With a longsword in one hand and shortsword, Ismark growls out, "You'll have to go through me first, you hellspawn!"
The lighter werewolf bellows as it lashes out at Ismark, and Ismark engages the beast, his weapons whirling in the air. Ireena unsteadily rises to her feet, and she draws out her longsword.
Attacks against Ismark:
-Bite Attack: 21 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll. points of piercing damage. If the target is a humanoid, it must succeed on a DC 12 Constitution saving throw or be cursed with werewolf lycanthropy.
-Claw Attack: 5 Damage: 7 points of slashing damage.
Ismark's attacks against the werewolf:
-Silvered Longsword Attack: 24 Damage: 10 points of slashing damage.
-Silvered Longsword Attack: 7 Damage: 11 points of slashing damage.
-Silvered Shortsword Attack: 10 Damage: 4 points of slashing damage.
DM- Azalin's Doom
DM- Surviving the Unsurvivable