Meanwhile back at the dinner party, Garrick notices a significant lack of people, no one dancing anymore, and everyone looking extremely uncomfortable and awkward except for Strahd who remains stone-faced as usual. Knowing he could be killed at any moment by this man had a strange effect, instead of being afraid or worried, it was almost as if he felt carefree, like nothing he did mattered because it was all out of his control. Walking over to Strahd, Garrick attempts to strike up a conversation.
“So the Vistani mentioned that you used to be a noble prince that was loved and respected by all. How did you go from that to… (motioning his hand up and down) this?”
Strahd side eyes you. "Adventurers used to be smart, resourceful, and wise. How did you go from that..." He motions his hand up and down. "to this?"
The castle is a terrifyingly magnificent home, comprising eight stories (excluding any basement floors). There are two towers standing above the castle, one with a flatter top and another with a pointed roof, which noticeably includes a gaping hole, large enough for a horse to comfortable slip through. There is a balcony nearby that over looks the 1000 foot mountain.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
Kessintra's eyes linger on the tower with the pointed roof as she notices the hole and recalls Anastrasya's story. Drawing is a bit different than map-making, but she does attempt to make an overall sketch of the castle in the empty space on the front of the invitation.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep| Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep| Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia| Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA| Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren| Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron| Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault| Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Cassian - Human Paladin - Dragonlance | Yua - Human Wizard - Carrion Crown |
As Strahd responds with cold indifference a chill runs down Garrick’s spine. “He really doesn’t care… he is not the man they remember.”, he thinks.
Out loud he says, “Fair enough. So now that you have us here what is your plan. Are we free to go, or are we to stay here with you like your ‘friends’ over there?”
Kess heads back inside eventually, realizing the privy being outside made their efforts at espionage largely a bust. On the way back to the room she keeps an eye out for anything small and stealable.
Perception: 21
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep| Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep| Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia| Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA| Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren| Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron| Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault| Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Cassian - Human Paladin - Dragonlance | Yua - Human Wizard - Carrion Crown |
Kessintra decides against taking any of the items. Of course Strahd doesn't leave his keys or anything important just sitting out. Arriving back at the room with the others, she can't resist the strange feeling that she is forgetting something.
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| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep| Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep| Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia| Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA| Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren| Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron| Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault| Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Cassian - Human Paladin - Dragonlance | Yua - Human Wizard - Carrion Crown |
The stale air is all that keeps you company in the tense room. All is silent, until two piercing sounds reach your ear. The first is glass shattering below you. The second is much more horrifying. It's a scream- Ireena's scream -coming from above you.
Strahd's face is filled with horror. He announces, "No one leaves this room," before turning to mist and phasing through the ceiling. Looking around, two vampires have entered the room, and Rahadin, Ludmilla, Volenta, Esther, and Ismirk are still here.
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I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
Kessintra is confused by the first sound of glass breaking, before Ireena's shriek nearly makes her heart jump out of her chest. Strahd himself looking terrified and vanishing certainly doesn't help. The rogue grips her lyre tightly as she stares wide-eyed at the ceiling, before seeing Garrick take off sets her into motion as well.
Action: dash
Bonus Action: Cunning action disengage to get past vampires
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| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep| Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep| Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia| Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA| Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren| Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron| Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault| Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Cassian - Human Paladin - Dragonlance | Yua - Human Wizard - Carrion Crown |
Rahadin, tired from putting up with your group all night, just lets you go.
As soon as you exit you see the spiral staircase Rahadin took you up earlier standing right in front of you. Looking to your left, there is another staircase that appears to make a u-turn to the left at the top.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
The massive stairs rise to a landing twenty feet wide by forty feet long. Stone arches support a ceiling covered with frescoes twenty feet overhead. The frescoes depict armored knights on horseback, their finer features faded beyond recognition.
Dust floats in the air here. At each end of the south wall, a staircase rises into darkness. Between the staircases are twin alcoves, each one containing a standing suit of armor covered with dark stains. Each suit of armor clutches a mace, the “business end” of which is shaped like a dragon’s head. Words engraved on the arches above the suits of armor have been scratched out. At the top of both staircases is an audience hall.
Dim light from the courtyard falls into this great hall through the broken glass and iron latticework of a large window in the west wall. This immense room is a place of chilly, brooding darkness. Empty iron sconces dot the walls. Hundreds of dust-laden cobwebs drape the hall, hiding the ceiling from view. Directly across from the window stand a set of double doors in the east wall. Farther south, a single door also leads from the east wall. Staircases at both ends of the north wall lead down. At the far southern end of the hall, a large wooden throne stands atop a marble dais. The high-backed throne faces south, away from most of the room.
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I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
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((I'm assuming there's no window or anything for Kess to sneak out unnoticed?))
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Cassian - Human Paladin - Dragonlance | Yua - Human Wizard - Carrion Crown |
There aren't any windows.
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
Kessintra will exit the outhouse once the map is updated, moving to take a still position so Chipper can cast an illusion to mimic her if needed.
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Cassian - Human Paladin - Dragonlance | Yua - Human Wizard - Carrion Crown |
((It would probably be easier to just spy using Skipper actually lol.))
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Cassian - Human Paladin - Dragonlance | Yua - Human Wizard - Carrion Crown |
While Kess is waiting, she looks around for any other structures or things of note she can see on the castle grounds.
Perception: 16
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Cassian - Human Paladin - Dragonlance | Yua - Human Wizard - Carrion Crown |
Meanwhile back at the dinner party, Garrick notices a significant lack of people, no one dancing anymore, and everyone looking extremely uncomfortable and awkward except for Strahd who remains stone-faced as usual. Knowing he could be killed at any moment by this man had a strange effect, instead of being afraid or worried, it was almost as if he felt carefree, like nothing he did mattered because it was all out of his control. Walking over to Strahd, Garrick attempts to strike up a conversation.
“So the Vistani mentioned that you used to be a noble prince that was loved and respected by all. How did you go from that to… (motioning his hand up and down) this?”
Strahd side eyes you. "Adventurers used to be smart, resourceful, and wise. How did you go from that..." He motions his hand up and down. "to this?"
The castle is a terrifyingly magnificent home, comprising eight stories (excluding any basement floors). There are two towers standing above the castle, one with a flatter top and another with a pointed roof, which noticeably includes a gaping hole, large enough for a horse to comfortable slip through. There is a balcony nearby that over looks the 1000 foot mountain.
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
Kessintra's eyes linger on the tower with the pointed roof as she notices the hole and recalls Anastrasya's story. Drawing is a bit different than map-making, but she does attempt to make an overall sketch of the castle in the empty space on the front of the invitation.
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Cassian - Human Paladin - Dragonlance | Yua - Human Wizard - Carrion Crown |
As Strahd responds with cold indifference a chill runs down Garrick’s spine. “He really doesn’t care… he is not the man they remember.”, he thinks.
Out loud he says, “Fair enough. So now that you have us here what is your plan. Are we free to go, or are we to stay here with you like your ‘friends’ over there?”
Kess heads back inside eventually, realizing the privy being outside made their efforts at espionage largely a bust. On the way back to the room she keeps an eye out for anything small and stealable.
Perception: 21
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Cassian - Human Paladin - Dragonlance | Yua - Human Wizard - Carrion Crown |
Strahd responds, "You may go if you wish. You are also free to stay as long as you wish."
Kessintra is able to find many small items- candles, small bowls, and the like.
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
Garrick will wait for those missing to return.
Kessintra decides against taking any of the items. Of course Strahd doesn't leave his keys or anything important just sitting out. Arriving back at the room with the others, she can't resist the strange feeling that she is forgetting something.
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Cassian - Human Paladin - Dragonlance | Yua - Human Wizard - Carrion Crown |
The stale air is all that keeps you company in the tense room. All is silent, until two piercing sounds reach your ear. The first is glass shattering below you. The second is much more horrifying. It's a scream- Ireena's scream -coming from above you.
Strahd's face is filled with horror. He announces, "No one leaves this room," before turning to mist and phasing through the ceiling. Looking around, two vampires have entered the room, and Rahadin, Ludmilla, Volenta, Esther, and Ismirk are still here.
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
Ireena! I hope she is ok and using Striker to defend her! Ignoring Strahd I rush to find the way up.
Kessintra is confused by the first sound of glass breaking, before Ireena's shriek nearly makes her heart jump out of her chest. Strahd himself looking terrified and vanishing certainly doesn't help. The rogue grips her lyre tightly as she stares wide-eyed at the ceiling, before seeing Garrick take off sets her into motion as well.
Action: dash
Bonus Action: Cunning action disengage to get past vampires
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Cassian - Human Paladin - Dragonlance | Yua - Human Wizard - Carrion Crown |
Rahadin, tired from putting up with your group all night, just lets you go.
As soon as you exit you see the spiral staircase Rahadin took you up earlier standing right in front of you. Looking to your left, there is another staircase that appears to make a u-turn to the left at the top.
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
Kessintra hurries up the u-turn staircase.
| Joy - Hexblood Open Sea Paladin - Netherdeep | Kaelen - Shadar-kai Gloom Stalker Ranger - Old Keep | Lira - Half-elf Thief Rogue/Druid - Allansia | Arkon - Goliath Champion Fighter - Hardcore DiA | Teryn - High Elf Archfey Warlock - Runewarren | Zoveldra - Kalashtar Open Hand Monk - Eberron | Mavilius - Tiefling Eloquence Bard - Golden Vault | Vannithos - Shadar-kai Astral Self Monk - Von Nichts | Cassian - Human Paladin - Dragonlance | Yua - Human Wizard - Carrion Crown |
at the stairs I draw my hand crossbow and look at Kess. As we begin to climb I say one short phrase that sums up all our intent and frustrations:
“We can’t fail her again.”
The massive stairs rise to a landing twenty feet wide by forty feet long. Stone arches support a ceiling covered with frescoes twenty feet overhead. The frescoes depict armored knights on horseback, their finer features faded beyond recognition.
Dust floats in the air here. At each end of the south wall, a staircase rises into darkness. Between the staircases are twin alcoves, each one containing a standing suit of armor covered with dark stains. Each suit of armor clutches a mace, the “business end” of which is shaped like a dragon’s head. Words engraved on the arches above the suits of armor have been scratched out. At the top of both staircases is an audience hall.
Dim light from the courtyard falls into this great hall through the broken glass and iron latticework of a large window in the west wall. This immense room is a place of chilly, brooding darkness. Empty iron sconces dot the walls. Hundreds of dust-laden cobwebs drape the hall, hiding the ceiling from view. Directly across from the window stand a set of double doors in the east wall. Farther south, a single door also leads from the east wall. Staircases at both ends of the north wall lead down. At the far southern end of the hall, a large wooden throne stands atop a marble dais. The high-backed throne faces south, away from most of the room.
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.