The last of the Dusk Elf maidens decides to (cautiously) retrieve the poison darts hanging from the skeleton's side and keep them. Perhaps, over time, the poison has had time to lose its effectiveness... but if not, it could always be an additional weapon to use against the Monster of the Basement.
Svetlana watches with interest as her friends are examining books and documents. Perhaps more mysteries are about to be revealed...
If the others go through the documents, they discover the deed to the house, the deed to a windmill, and a signed will. Someone skilled in magic may attempt to determine what kind of spell scrolls are in the trunk.
While whoever is skilled in magic may attempt to determine what kind of spell scrolls are in the trunk, the last of the Dusk Elf maidens is intrigued by the signed will... The Dursts perhaps felt threatened (more than one normally feels threatened in Barovia, at least) to prepare such a document? She reads it, curious to find out to whom the Dursts are leaving their legacy.
After that, Svetlana sighs: "Now at least we know that the Durst had a good reason to hide the access to the basement. This access, however, still remains to be found... and it seems it is not in this room. Shall we move on to the next one?"
[[ OOC: @DM: There are other rooms on this floor, right? ]]
((Yes, let me post an updated map. There is one unexplored room left on this floor and a chill still emanating from the floor above.))
To move things along while waiting for everyone to post, the documents reveal the following: The will is signed by Gustav and Elisabeth Durst and bequeaths the house, the windmill, and all other family property to Rosavalda and Thornboldt Durst in the event of their parents’ deaths. Other than that the documents hold little interest.
If someone goes across the hall to the other room, they discover a conservatory. Gossamer drapes cover the windows of this elegantly appointed hall, which has a brass-plated chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Upholstered chairs line the walls, and stained-glass wall hangings depict beautiful men, women, and children singing and playing instruments. A harpsichord with a bench rests in the northwest corner. Near the fireplace is a large standing harp. Alabaster figurines of well-dressed dancers adorn the mantelpiece.
Investigation of this room reveals little and certainly no means of accessing the basement. Svetlana has noticed before though that there seems to be a walled off space on each floor so far that is inaccessible (the small grayed out area). She muses that it's possible there is some sort of hidden staircase inside the walls, but they haven't yet discovered the door.
"So, Rose and Thorn are the owners, now..." the last of the Dusk Elf maidens comments, with a slight hint of sadness in her voice "What a shame that their legacy (as well as their life) has been… poisoned… in this way”.
The Voices in her head are immediately ready to have their say: 'Yes, poor children... They remind me of my poor Kamil and Olga...' 'Barovia is poisoned to the very roots of her...' '...And so it will always be, if no one frees us from the Devil Stradh!' 'Who knows?' Svetlana lets her gaze wander over the adventure companions who are accompanying her 'Who knows, what the future may hold for us? If we can show that there is hope for Rose and Thorn... maybe there will be hope for Barovia too'.
Realizing that, even on this floor, there is a section that seems inaccessible, the savage wanderer examines around for a long time... but, finding nothing, she finally decides to explore the last room left here: the conservatory. Admiring the elegance of the environment (and secretly wondering what macabre references will be hidden this time) she reaches the alabaster statuettes and places them delicately in her backpack: "They seem to be fine and valuable objects... when we are finished here, I will ask Rose and Thorn if we can keep them. If they agree, we should be able to resell them - and maybe put the proceeds to good use".
"Music..." the voice of the last of the Dusk Elf maidens has a nostalgic tone, as she fixes her azure eyes on the instruments for a moment "It's been a long time since I heard any playing... Do any of you know how to play these instruments?" her tapered fingers caress the strings of the standing harp for a moment, drawing melancholic notes... but not of excessive artistic value - it is clear that she does not know how to play.
Mittens shakes his head at Svetlana’s question. “I don’t have a musical bone in my body,” he replies. The last time he tried playing an instrument, his instructor had graced and said that maybe he should stick to other things.
“Should we take a peak upstairs?” He asks, fidgeting nervously with the hem of his cloak. “This place has been way too nice so far, so there’s got to be something nasty upstairs.”
The last of the Dusk Elf maidens is a little surprised at the lack of reaction from most of the party members... Is it the oppressiveness of Ravenloft, which they are not used to, that is making itself felt? However, Mittens is right...
"Yes, we have explored everything on this floor too..." Svetlana nods "We just have to go up further - and hope that the Dursts were eccentric enough to insert the entrance to the basement on one of the upper floors of the house. Surely, the cold emanating from the next floor does not seem to say 'welcome'..."
In going up, the savage wanderer once again uses her enchanted broom, the one that the Voices in her head, by channeling their united intentions, can make float and fly. In this way, a possible retreat should be easier. While she holds onto the handle with one hand, she holds the shield ready with the other.
“I’m always talking to ghosts when I rest.” He answered Mittens as they approached the chest. “So if you haunt me be careful to not be eaten by the others.”
His words were mostly a joke. Lorin had no idea if the souls he could contact were even able to devour another, though he had little doubt that such hungry spirit was real. The concept was simply too horrid and brutal for it to not exist on those lands. Hells, he had seen worse back home.
The investigation showed no danger and the rogue focused his attention on the will, pointing in silence the names it carried. Another indication that the baby in the portrait hadn’t survived. Before long he moved with his companions to the other room.
“As far it comes to music, I’m excellent woodcarver.” Duboi replied while examining the direction of the walled space. He knew little of stonework. “If there’s no entrance up, we can try breaking the wall there.”
Lorin didn’t exactly like the idea. Breaking down any wall would take some time and above everything else would make noise, announcing their arrival to the monster. He preferred the stealth approach to movement, especially in combat. Alas, he couldn’t think of another plan in case they found no entrance.
"I think breaking the wall there is a great backup plan," Svetlana turns her azure eyes to Lorin and smiles at him "we'll definitely take it into consideration if we don't find a more conventional access".
The party ascends the marble staircase to the third floor. The chill is much more noticeable up here. As you all spread out onto the third floor landing, which is noticeably dusty compared to the rest of the house, Mittens' premonition turns out to be correct. You all hear a horrid screeching sound as a black-painted suit of armor detaches itself from its pedestal and turns toward you, raising its sword menacingly.
(I will roll for initiative to keep combat flowing more quickly. Everyone who has higher initiative than the armor may go first and actions will be resolved in initiative order but no need to post in strict order!)
"Let's all take a step back" the last of the Dusk Elf maidens is quick to advise, struggling to control the panic in her voice at the disturbing sight of the self-moving armor "so I can defend you all. I can just focus on defence... while you will demolish this pile of scrap metal from behind me. It won't be able to get past me if we're standing along the stairs - it won't have the space".
'Svetlana, we can make you fly! Keep yourself safe and let others take care of it!' the Voices in her head are quick to advise. 'That 'scrap metal', as you call it, has a very sharp sword in its hand...' But Svetlana is already focused on the battle, shield ready, shortsword in hand, ready to deflect every blow from the disturbing enemy... 'We're trying to speak to your common sense, Svetlana...' '...So to the void, I suppose!' finally the Voices give up.
[[ OOC: Svetlana strives to remain (as she already is now) between the animated armor and the rest of the party and takes the Dodge: attacks made against her are done at Disadvantage. She counts that, in this way, the other party members, free to attack from range in safety, will make short work of the enemy. ]]
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Mittens lets out a less than dignified yelp when the suit of armor suddenly starts clanking towards them. Reacting instinctively, he thrusts his hand towards the armor, and the familiar ghostly hand crackling with black lightning rushes out towards the animated object.
Chill Touch Attack: 21 Damage: 1 necrotic damage, and it can't regain hit points until the start of your next turn. Until then, the hand clings to the target.
He was more surprised by Mittens yelp than by the walking armor, maybe because the tabaxi was so fast to react that by the time the rogue understood the situation the scream had already happened. Silent like a shadow, Lorin moved sideways and waited for someone to engage the enemy in melee. As it raised its arm he used his right hand to pull the tiller of his already loaded heavy crossbow. The weapon was leveraged from his back, arching from his shoulder, where his left hand caught its side and slid through it, at once balancing its body and supporting its weight. The right arm brought it to his side and the trigger was pulled.
The movements were fast, fluid, connected to the point that its many parts seemed all but a single, effortless, motion. Between that as his aim, so fast to be locked, anyone would notice he had combat experience unbefitting of a simple artisan. Real combat experience.
Lorin knew his target was not only heavily armored but rather was the heavy armor itself. Even then, he thought, there was a place for a bolt. No suit of plate covered the articulations and his shot aimed for the axilla I hopes of hindering the movement of an arm. Attack made, the rogue moved as far back as he could.
Notes: Lorin attacks after Svetlana is in melee, as to trigger his Sneak Attack (4 damage). He spends his action to make a ranged attack with his heavy crossbow (21 to hit, 14 magic piercing damage, 18 magic piercing damage with Sneak Attack). Then he uses his speed to get as far away from the armor as possible.
Hazel, who had fallen strangely silent, moved with an eerie calmness as she extended one pale hand toward the armor. Crackling energy leapt from her hand toward the armor, striking it with a loud clap.
Svetlana steps forward, ready to take any blows from the armor and shield her companions from harm. Mittens yelps with alarm but releases a powerful bolt of necrotic energy. A ghostly hand clings to the suit of armor, causing rust spots to form. Lorin gauges the armor's weak spots and makes an attack from range with his heavy crossbow. It strikes true, and the armor stumbles but manages to stay upright, but it looks about ready to fall apart. The armor raises its sword toward Svetlana and brings it down, hoping to cut deep into the dusk elf maiden. Svetlana is able to dodge nimbly out of the way of its first attack, but the armor comes around again with another swing, but once again Svetlana is able to dodge out of the way of the clumsy armor.
Armor Multiattack: 1st Slam (12 to hit, miss!) & 2nd Slam (13 to hit, miss!)
'This pile of scrap metal looks about ready to fall apart...' the last of the Dusk Elf maidens thinks and, encouraged, goes on the offensive: she raises her shield for a moment, blocking the enemy's view of the shortsword - and therefore of the direction from which it will strike.
"Come on!" Svetlana urges the other party members "Let's finish off this Restless Armor before it can adjust its aim!" she then launches a rapid lunge, aiming at the parts already damaged by Lorin's precise bolt - and immediately after putting herself back on guard.
The last of the Dusk Elf maidens decides to (cautiously) retrieve the poison darts hanging from the skeleton's side and keep them. Perhaps, over time, the poison has had time to lose its effectiveness... but if not, it could always be an additional weapon to use against the Monster of the Basement.
Svetlana watches with interest as her friends are examining books and documents. Perhaps more mysteries are about to be revealed...
[[ OOC: @DM: Do we discover something interesting by reading the books and documents? ]]
If the others go through the documents, they discover the deed to the house, the deed to a windmill, and a signed will. Someone skilled in magic may attempt to determine what kind of spell scrolls are in the trunk.
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan (Vecna: Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak) ♦ Karys Velthune (Out of the Abyss) ♦ Surina Xarith (Simple, Heroic Adventure)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus
While whoever is skilled in magic may attempt to determine what kind of spell scrolls are in the trunk, the last of the Dusk Elf maidens is intrigued by the signed will... The Dursts perhaps felt threatened (more than one normally feels threatened in Barovia, at least) to prepare such a document? She reads it, curious to find out to whom the Dursts are leaving their legacy.
After that, Svetlana sighs: "Now at least we know that the Durst had a good reason to hide the access to the basement. This access, however, still remains to be found... and it seems it is not in this room. Shall we move on to the next one?"
[[ OOC: @DM: There are other rooms on this floor, right? ]]
((Yes, let me post an updated map. There is one unexplored room left on this floor and a chill still emanating from the floor above.))
To move things along while waiting for everyone to post, the documents reveal the following: The will is signed by Gustav and Elisabeth Durst and bequeaths the house, the windmill, and all other family property to Rosavalda and Thornboldt Durst in the event of their parents’ deaths. Other than that the documents hold little interest.
If someone goes across the hall to the other room, they discover a conservatory. Gossamer drapes cover the windows of this elegantly appointed hall, which has a brass-plated chandelier hanging from the ceiling. Upholstered chairs line the walls, and stained-glass wall hangings depict beautiful men, women, and children singing and playing instruments. A harpsichord with a bench rests in the northwest corner. Near the fireplace is a large standing harp. Alabaster figurines of well-dressed dancers adorn the mantelpiece.
Investigation of this room reveals little and certainly no means of accessing the basement. Svetlana has noticed before though that there seems to be a walled off space on each floor so far that is inaccessible (the small grayed out area). She muses that it's possible there is some sort of hidden staircase inside the walls, but they haven't yet discovered the door.
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan (Vecna: Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak) ♦ Karys Velthune (Out of the Abyss) ♦ Surina Xarith (Simple, Heroic Adventure)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus
"So, Rose and Thorn are the owners, now..." the last of the Dusk Elf maidens comments, with a slight hint of sadness in her voice "What a shame that their legacy (as well as their life) has been… poisoned… in this way”.
The Voices in her head are immediately ready to have their say:
'Yes, poor children... They remind me of my poor Kamil and Olga...'
'Barovia is poisoned to the very roots of her...'
'...And so it will always be, if no one frees us from the Devil Stradh!'
'Who knows?' Svetlana lets her gaze wander over the adventure companions who are accompanying her 'Who knows, what the future may hold for us? If we can show that there is hope for Rose and Thorn... maybe there will be hope for Barovia too'.
Realizing that, even on this floor, there is a section that seems inaccessible, the savage wanderer examines around for a long time... but, finding nothing, she finally decides to explore the last room left here: the conservatory. Admiring the elegance of the environment (and secretly wondering what macabre references will be hidden this time) she reaches the alabaster statuettes and places them delicately in her backpack: "They seem to be fine and valuable objects... when we are finished here, I will ask Rose and Thorn if we can keep them. If they agree, we should be able to resell them - and maybe put the proceeds to good use".
"Music..." the voice of the last of the Dusk Elf maidens has a nostalgic tone, as she fixes her azure eyes on the instruments for a moment "It's been a long time since I heard any playing... Do any of you know how to play these instruments?" her tapered fingers caress the strings of the standing harp for a moment, drawing melancholic notes... but not of excessive artistic value - it is clear that she does not know how to play.
Mittens shakes his head at Svetlana’s question. “I don’t have a musical bone in my body,” he replies. The last time he tried playing an instrument, his instructor had graced and said that maybe he should stick to other things.
“Should we take a peak upstairs?” He asks, fidgeting nervously with the hem of his cloak. “This place has been way too nice so far, so there’s got to be something nasty upstairs.”
DM- Azalin's Doom
DM- Surviving the Unsurvivable
The last of the Dusk Elf maidens is a little surprised at the lack of reaction from most of the party members... Is it the oppressiveness of Ravenloft, which they are not used to, that is making itself felt? However, Mittens is right...
"Yes, we have explored everything on this floor too..." Svetlana nods "We just have to go up further - and hope that the Dursts were eccentric enough to insert the entrance to the basement on one of the upper floors of the house. Surely, the cold emanating from the next floor does not seem to say 'welcome'..."
In going up, the savage wanderer once again uses her enchanted broom, the one that the Voices in her head, by channeling their united intentions, can make float and fly. In this way, a possible retreat should be easier. While she holds onto the handle with one hand, she holds the shield ready with the other.
And she leads the way up.
“I’m always talking to ghosts when I rest.” He answered Mittens as they approached the chest. “So if you haunt me be careful to not be eaten by the others.”
His words were mostly a joke. Lorin had no idea if the souls he could contact were even able to devour another, though he had little doubt that such hungry spirit was real. The concept was simply too horrid and brutal for it to not exist on those lands. Hells, he had seen worse back home.
The investigation showed no danger and the rogue focused his attention on the will, pointing in silence the names it carried. Another indication that the baby in the portrait hadn’t survived. Before long he moved with his companions to the other room.
“As far it comes to music, I’m excellent woodcarver.” Duboi replied while examining the direction of the walled space. He knew little of stonework. “If there’s no entrance up, we can try breaking the wall there.”
Lorin didn’t exactly like the idea. Breaking down any wall would take some time and above everything else would make noise, announcing their arrival to the monster. He preferred the stealth approach to movement, especially in combat. Alas, he couldn’t think of another plan in case they found no entrance.
"I think breaking the wall there is a great backup plan," Svetlana turns her azure eyes to Lorin and smiles at him "we'll definitely take it into consideration if we don't find a more conventional access".
The party ascends the marble staircase to the third floor. The chill is much more noticeable up here. As you all spread out onto the third floor landing, which is noticeably dusty compared to the rest of the house, Mittens' premonition turns out to be correct. You all hear a horrid screeching sound as a black-painted suit of armor detaches itself from its pedestal and turns toward you, raising its sword menacingly.
(I will roll for initiative to keep combat flowing more quickly. Everyone who has higher initiative than the armor may go first and actions will be resolved in initiative order but no need to post in strict order!)
13 - Hazel
11 - Svetlana
10 - Mittens
9 - Lorin
9 - Armor
Everyone is up!
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan (Vecna: Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak) ♦ Karys Velthune (Out of the Abyss) ♦ Surina Xarith (Simple, Heroic Adventure)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus
"Let's all take a step back" the last of the Dusk Elf maidens is quick to advise, struggling to control the panic in her voice at the disturbing sight of the self-moving armor "so I can defend you all. I can just focus on defence... while you will demolish this pile of scrap metal from behind me. It won't be able to get past me if we're standing along the stairs - it won't have the space".
'Svetlana, we can make you fly! Keep yourself safe and let others take care of it!' the Voices in her head are quick to advise.
'That 'scrap metal', as you call it, has a very sharp sword in its hand...'
But Svetlana is already focused on the battle, shield ready, shortsword in hand, ready to deflect every blow from the disturbing enemy...
'We're trying to speak to your common sense, Svetlana...'
'...So to the void, I suppose!' finally the Voices give up.
[[ OOC: Svetlana strives to remain (as she already is now) between the animated armor and the rest of the party and takes the Dodge: attacks made against her are done at Disadvantage. She counts that, in this way, the other party members, free to attack from range in safety, will make short work of the enemy. ]]
Mittens lets out a less than dignified yelp when the suit of armor suddenly starts clanking towards them. Reacting instinctively, he thrusts his hand towards the armor, and the familiar ghostly hand crackling with black lightning rushes out towards the animated object.
Chill Touch Attack: 21 Damage: 1 necrotic damage, and it can't regain hit points until the start of your next turn. Until then, the hand clings to the target.
DM- Azalin's Doom
DM- Surviving the Unsurvivable
He was more surprised by Mittens yelp than by the walking armor, maybe because the tabaxi was so fast to react that by the time the rogue understood the situation the scream had already happened. Silent like a shadow, Lorin moved sideways and waited for someone to engage the enemy in melee. As it raised its arm he used his right hand to pull the tiller of his already loaded heavy crossbow. The weapon was leveraged from his back, arching from his shoulder, where his left hand caught its side and slid through it, at once balancing its body and supporting its weight. The right arm brought it to his side and the trigger was pulled.
The movements were fast, fluid, connected to the point that its many parts seemed all but a single, effortless, motion. Between that as his aim, so fast to be locked, anyone would notice he had combat experience unbefitting of a simple artisan. Real combat experience.
Lorin knew his target was not only heavily armored but rather was the heavy armor itself. Even then, he thought, there was a place for a bolt. No suit of plate covered the articulations and his shot aimed for the axilla I hopes of hindering the movement of an arm. Attack made, the rogue moved as far back as he could.
Notes: Lorin attacks after Svetlana is in melee, as to trigger his Sneak Attack (4 damage). He spends his action to make a ranged attack with his heavy crossbow (21 to hit, 14 magic piercing damage, 18 magic piercing damage with Sneak Attack). Then he uses his speed to get as far away from the armor as possible.
Hazel, who had fallen strangely silent, moved with an eerie calmness as she extended one pale hand toward the armor. Crackling energy leapt from her hand toward the armor, striking it with a loud clap.
Eldritch Blast - Attack: 21 Damage: 1
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan (Vecna: Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak) ♦ Karys Velthune (Out of the Abyss) ♦ Surina Xarith (Simple, Heroic Adventure)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus
Svetlana steps forward, ready to take any blows from the armor and shield her companions from harm. Mittens yelps with alarm but releases a powerful bolt of necrotic energy. A ghostly hand clings to the suit of armor, causing rust spots to form. Lorin gauges the armor's weak spots and makes an attack from range with his heavy crossbow. It strikes true, and the armor stumbles but manages to stay upright, but it looks about ready to fall apart. The armor raises its sword toward Svetlana and brings it down, hoping to cut deep into the dusk elf maiden. Svetlana is able to dodge nimbly out of the way of its first attack, but the armor comes around again with another swing, but once again Svetlana is able to dodge out of the way of the clumsy armor.
Armor Multiattack: 1st Slam (12 to hit, miss!) & 2nd Slam (13 to hit, miss!)
Everyone is up!
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan (Vecna: Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak) ♦ Karys Velthune (Out of the Abyss) ♦ Surina Xarith (Simple, Heroic Adventure)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus
'This pile of scrap metal looks about ready to fall apart...' the last of the Dusk Elf maidens thinks and, encouraged, goes on the offensive: she raises her shield for a moment, blocking the enemy's view of the shortsword - and therefore of the direction from which it will strike.
"Come on!" Svetlana urges the other party members "Let's finish off this Restless Armor before it can adjust its aim!" she then launches a rapid lunge, aiming at the parts already damaged by Lorin's precise bolt - and immediately after putting herself back on guard.
Svetlana's Shortsword Attack: 19 Damage: 4 (piercing)
Bolstered by the armor’s clumsiness, Mittens summons another hand to assault their foe.
Chill Touch Attack: 24 Damage: 6 necrotic damage
DM- Azalin's Doom
DM- Surviving the Unsurvivable
The armor seems to rally itself a bit and is able to shrug off both blade and spell. Hazel casts another bolt of dark, crackling energy at it.
Attack: 18 Damage: 8
Extended Signature
Characters: Bryony Alderleaf (Phandelver and Below) ♦ Vesta Trevelyan (Vecna: Eve of Ruin) ♦ Ada Kendrick (Curse of Strahd) ♦ Gareth Blackwood (Dragon of Icespire Peak) ♦ Karys Velthune (Out of the Abyss) ♦ Surina Xarith (Simple, Heroic Adventure)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus