Kessintra's expression falls. She'd known that the van Richten scare wouldn't keep Strahd busy forever, but to have to hand Ireena over so soon...at all really, is hard to bear. But what option do they have? Tricking him never works and fighting will just earn his wrath. She crosses her arms and silently heads inside the church, mind racing.
Chipper keeps a straight face as Strahd mentions Ezmerelda. He thinks back to the prophecy. A Vistana ally wanders this land alone, searching for her mentor.For once, perhaps, they had an upper hand if Strahd truly was clueless about Van Richten's presence.
As they head to the church Chipper counters, "No one has the capacity to kill a living human... until they do. If she opposes you enough to have tried then perhaps she'll regret not having done it and try again. Just something to consider."
Though he makes a good-faith effort to construe the argument, his main hope is to keep Strahd thinking Van Richten isn't back. He adds, "If you decide you want Ireena to have more protection again, I'm sure you'll know where to find us." He then heads into the church following Kess. In contrast to Kess' internal disposition of despair at handing over Ireena, Chipper has begun to have a positive outlook on the situation, albeit it would certainly be unpleasant for Ireena. But hopefully a temporary discomfort.
"No one has the capacity? I disagree. War was natural for me. Same for Rahadin. Maybe you should ask him about his first kill sometime, or perhaps your drow companion. Both are sure to be interesting stories."
When returning to the church you can't find anything he could have used to spy on you. Father Lucian asks, "Back so soon? Is there something you need? Something you left behind?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
Kessintra stiffens as she hears Strahd bring up her history, gladly shutting the church doors behind them. Unable to see an obvious method for the vampire listening in on them, she shakes her head in frustration. "Strahd is here. He wants Ireena back." She looks towards Ireena sadly, her spirits crying in her ears.
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 Manor | Cassian - Human Guardian Paladin - Dragonlance |
Ireena flinches and freezes in her seat. Ismirk immediately rushes to her side. Father Lucian stands between you and Ireena, clutching the holy symbol around his neck. "You denied him on the spot, right?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
"This is Strahd. There is no denying him."Kessintra grits her teeth, trying to steel her resolve. The vampire knows everything they've said somehow. To keep his trust even slightly intact she has to play the loyal servant. "Like I said, he has servants your church can't protect her or you from. It's best she just goes before he gets upset."
Ismirk quips back, "She's not going back and neither will I. I'm not going to get us both turned to vampires in those halls. Have you lost your minds?!"
Father Lucian adds, "You're sounding more and more like the cultists. Look, when I said she wasn't leaving the church, I meant it. If you wish to take her, me and Ismirk will oppose you at every opportunity. Though I don't think the religious among you will be particularly happy with the thought."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
"I wish you wouldn't...but I do understand,"Kessintra murmurs with a nod, reluctantly drawing her blades, "At least if it's us, we can make sure you survive." She casts a quick glance at the others, hoping she isn't the only one who sees what needs to be done.
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 Manor | Cassian - Human Guardian Paladin - Dragonlance |
Chipper holds out a hand over Kess' blade. "I'd rather not get violent." he says. He tries to make an argument with Ismirck, "The simple matter is that Strahd is more powerful than us. Even if these hallowed grounds keep him out, wolves and cultists number too much for us to hold back. So right now there's a choice to make." His tone is solemn and tries to be understanding as he speaks.
"Option 1. You can stay here and fight. And in the process your allies will die and Strahd will stay take Ireena. Option 2. You can flee. But he knew words we spoke in private together. Unless Fr. Lucian is somehow an agent of the devil, which I sincerely doubt, I think he might've scried on us. Perhaps taking a look at Ireena. So even with fleeing he will know where you are. Option 3. Choose your battlefield. Going to his castle is not ideal, though Strahd believes the risk of the assassin on Ireena's life is null and void now, but it gives us time. And it gives us a chance for information. If you have freer range of the castle you can learn things for us that will help you. Knowing his spellbook would certainly be useful to know his tools." He pauses and thinks to himself, Or option 4, kill yourself. But that helps no one.
Persuasion: [roll]1d20+1[/skill] //or an additional +4 if you're willing to consider it an attempt to logic them
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Everyone can see that Razz is clearly torn between the conflicting choices. Taking in a huge Razz starts saying, "I do not wish to fight on hallowed grounds. I'm worried that doing so will weaken the sanctity of the church and, more importantly, the bones. I agree with Chipper's assessment of the situation with 'Count Broody Von Cape-Flipout' out there. We need more information from him on this region and the fog if any of us wish to leave. Please do remember about the fog when deciding, none of us are free to actually leave or flee from this region while the fog keeps us here. I do not like that he knows what we say while he's not around but he is also our employer currently so I do not wish to risk angering him more. I do not think we are risking Ireena's life by letting her go with him. I do think it would be a huge risk to herself and anyone else here if we were to try to defend her here in the church. Again, Strahd would not harm her but anyone sent in for us may not care what happens to her once everything is underway. I do not think he would let us go with and I cannot blame him for that But again we need more information on this region and he has to have some clues either known or laying around somewhere, hopefully." Razz stops to catch his breath and look at everyone to see what they think.
(( Persuasion Check: 25 or +5 (help) to anyone who's gone before me if it will help their roll better than mine ))
Garrick holds his crossbow in his hand with Striker coiled around his shoulders, waiting. He doesn’t want to engage with Ismirk, but he will protect his friends if necessary.
”Fighting Strahd at this moment is foolish. He is able to kill us with a single command. It is better to wait like a snake in the grass, ready to strike when it’s most advantageous.”
"Ireena, please think about this. I know it's frightening, but...if Ismirk fights now, Strahd will never let you see him again. If you go and Ismirk simply asks, he might be able to stay with you at the castle at least."Kessintra casts message on Ireena. She can see that the priest and Ismirk are determined. Convincing Ireena is likely the best way of dissuading them.
'We'll find a way to save you before the wedding, I promise. Please trust us.'
Persuasion: 16 (Second roll for Razz's help was an 8 -.-;;)
"Trust you? And what? Go back and be turned?!" Tears start streaming from her eyes. "I will never go back! I refuse to be his plaything!"
Ismirk steps forward, drawing his longsword and shortsword. Solemnly he says, "I can't let you take her. She's the only thing I have left. I'm sorry."
The priest stands right next to Ismirk. "I'm sorry, I can't let her fall into the hands of the Devil. Strahd must be opposed, especially here and now." He takes out his mace.
If you want to fight, roll initiative.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
//not intent on fighting against our allies, but may find ways to intervene in hopes of lessening damage
[[ Are there ground-floor windows? (got ideas for a silent image of Strahd through one)
self-notes image of Strahd, possibly scare Ireena out (keep in mind Ismirck and Fr. Lucian would likely want to attack it, revealing the illusion, so keep it out of range) could use minor illusion for sound (gotta do the cantrip cast first to 6 silent seconds then sound and then bring the silent image to the right spot) for that matter, minor illusion for things getting thrown in or stuff (keep thinking) might want to run out of the building (both hide the fact doing a bunch of castings and also possibly more felixbility ]]
Kessintra's expression falls. She'd known that the van Richten scare wouldn't keep Strahd busy forever, but to have to hand Ireena over so soon...at all really, is hard to bear. But what option do they have? Tricking him never works and fighting will just earn his wrath. She crosses her arms and silently heads inside the church, mind racing.
| 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 Manor | Cassian - Human Guardian Paladin - Dragonlance |
Chipper keeps a straight face as Strahd mentions Ezmerelda. He thinks back to the prophecy. A Vistana ally wanders this land alone, searching for her mentor. For once, perhaps, they had an upper hand if Strahd truly was clueless about Van Richten's presence.
As they head to the church Chipper counters, "No one has the capacity to kill a living human... until they do. If she opposes you enough to have tried then perhaps she'll regret not having done it and try again. Just something to consider."
Persuasion: 10+1 = 11
Though he makes a good-faith effort to construe the argument, his main hope is to keep Strahd thinking Van Richten isn't back. He adds, "If you decide you want Ireena to have more protection again, I'm sure you'll know where to find us." He then heads into the church following Kess. In contrast to Kess' internal disposition of despair at handing over Ireena, Chipper has begun to have a positive outlook on the situation, albeit it would certainly be unpleasant for Ireena. But hopefully a temporary discomfort.
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny | Draíocht, Kholias | Eggo Lass, 100 Dungeons
Talorin Tebedi, Vecna: Eve | Cherry, Stormwreck | Chipper, Strahd
We Are Modron
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 48, 5/23/25, Immaculate Mary
Kessintra looks around the church once she gets inside, trying to figure out how Strahd has been spying on them.
Perception: 15
| 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 Manor | Cassian - Human Guardian Paladin - Dragonlance |
"No one has the capacity? I disagree. War was natural for me. Same for Rahadin. Maybe you should ask him about his first kill sometime, or perhaps your drow companion. Both are sure to be interesting stories."
When returning to the church you can't find anything he could have used to spy on you. Father Lucian asks, "Back so soon? Is there something you need? Something you left behind?"
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
Kessintra stiffens as she hears Strahd bring up her history, gladly shutting the church doors behind them. Unable to see an obvious method for the vampire listening in on them, she shakes her head in frustration. "Strahd is here. He wants Ireena back." She looks towards Ireena sadly, her spirits crying in her ears.
| 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 Manor | Cassian - Human Guardian Paladin - Dragonlance |
Ireena flinches and freezes in her seat. Ismirk immediately rushes to her side. Father Lucian stands between you and Ireena, clutching the holy symbol around his neck. "You denied him on the spot, right?"
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
"This is Strahd. There is no denying him." Kessintra grits her teeth, trying to steel her resolve. The vampire knows everything they've said somehow. To keep his trust even slightly intact she has to play the loyal servant. "Like I said, he has servants your church can't protect her or you from. It's best she just goes before he gets upset."
Persuasion: 19
| 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 Manor | Cassian - Human Guardian Paladin - Dragonlance |
“Ismirk, perhaps he will accept you under his roof once again to keep Ireena happy as well. Then at least one of us will have eyes on her”
Ismirk quips back, "She's not going back and neither will I. I'm not going to get us both turned to vampires in those halls. Have you lost your minds?!"
Father Lucian adds, "You're sounding more and more like the cultists. Look, when I said she wasn't leaving the church, I meant it. If you wish to take her, me and Ismirk will oppose you at every opportunity. Though I don't think the religious among you will be particularly happy with the thought."
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
"I wish you wouldn't...but I do understand," Kessintra murmurs with a nod, reluctantly drawing her blades, "At least if it's us, we can make sure you survive." She casts a quick glance at the others, hoping she isn't the only one who sees what needs to be done.
| 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 Manor | Cassian - Human Guardian Paladin - Dragonlance |
[[ I'm in the midst of writing a post; given this situation could go very South very quickly, want to get that out prior to Cameron's response ]]
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny | Draíocht, Kholias | Eggo Lass, 100 Dungeons
Talorin Tebedi, Vecna: Eve | Cherry, Stormwreck | Chipper, Strahd
We Are Modron
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 48, 5/23/25, Immaculate Mary
(Don't worry, I'm gonna wait for at least 4/5 people to say their intentions before I move things along with any sort of combat)
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
Chipper holds out a hand over Kess' blade. "I'd rather not get violent." he says. He tries to make an argument with Ismirck, "The simple matter is that Strahd is more powerful than us. Even if these hallowed grounds keep him out, wolves and cultists number too much for us to hold back. So right now there's a choice to make." His tone is solemn and tries to be understanding as he speaks.
"Option 1. You can stay here and fight. And in the process your allies will die and Strahd will stay take Ireena. Option 2. You can flee. But he knew words we spoke in private together. Unless Fr. Lucian is somehow an agent of the devil, which I sincerely doubt, I think he might've scried on us. Perhaps taking a look at Ireena. So even with fleeing he will know where you are. Option 3. Choose your battlefield. Going to his castle is not ideal, though Strahd believes the risk of the assassin on Ireena's life is null and void now, but it gives us time. And it gives us a chance for information. If you have freer range of the castle you can learn things for us that will help you. Knowing his spellbook would certainly be useful to know his tools." He pauses and thinks to himself, Or option 4, kill yourself. But that helps no one.
Persuasion: [roll]1d20+1[/skill] //or an additional +4 if you're willing to consider it an attempt to logic them
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny | Draíocht, Kholias | Eggo Lass, 100 Dungeons
Talorin Tebedi, Vecna: Eve | Cherry, Stormwreck | Chipper, Strahd
We Are Modron
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 48, 5/23/25, Immaculate Mary
Everyone can see that Razz is clearly torn between the conflicting choices. Taking in a huge Razz starts saying, "I do not wish to fight on hallowed grounds. I'm worried that doing so will weaken the sanctity of the church and, more importantly, the bones. I agree with Chipper's assessment of the situation with 'Count Broody Von Cape-Flipout' out there. We need more information from him on this region and the fog if any of us wish to leave. Please do remember about the fog when deciding, none of us are free to actually leave or flee from this region while the fog keeps us here. I do not like that he knows what we say while he's not around but he is also our employer currently so I do not wish to risk angering him more. I do not think we are risking Ireena's life by letting her go with him. I do think it would be a huge risk to herself and anyone else here if we were to try to defend her here in the church. Again, Strahd would not harm her but anyone sent in for us may not care what happens to her once everything is underway. I do not think he would let us go with and I cannot blame him for that But again we need more information on this region and he has to have some clues either known or laying around somewhere, hopefully." Razz stops to catch his breath and look at everyone to see what they think.
(( Persuasion Check: 25 or +5 (help) to anyone who's gone before me if it will help their roll better than mine ))
Garrick holds his crossbow in his hand with Striker coiled around his shoulders, waiting. He doesn’t want to engage with Ismirk, but he will protect his friends if necessary.
”Fighting Strahd at this moment is foolish. He is able to kill us with a single command. It is better to wait like a snake in the grass, ready to strike when it’s most advantageous.”
"Ireena, please think about this. I know it's frightening, but...if Ismirk fights now, Strahd will never let you see him again. If you go and Ismirk simply asks, he might be able to stay with you at the castle at least." Kessintra casts message on Ireena. She can see that the priest and Ismirk are determined. Convincing Ireena is likely the best way of dissuading them.
'We'll find a way to save you before the wedding, I promise. Please trust us.'
Persuasion: 16 (Second roll for Razz's help was an 8 -.-;;)
| 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 Manor | Cassian - Human Guardian Paladin - Dragonlance |
"Trust you? And what? Go back and be turned?!" Tears start streaming from her eyes. "I will never go back! I refuse to be his plaything!"
Ismirk steps forward, drawing his longsword and shortsword. Solemnly he says, "I can't let you take her. She's the only thing I have left. I'm sorry."
The priest stands right next to Ismirk. "I'm sorry, I can't let her fall into the hands of the Devil. Strahd must be opposed, especially here and now." He takes out his mace.
If you want to fight, roll initiative.
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
Kess init: 15
| 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 Manor | Cassian - Human Guardian Paladin - Dragonlance |
Chipper Initiative: 9+3 = 12
//not intent on fighting against our allies, but may find ways to intervene in hopes of lessening damage
[[
Are there ground-floor windows? (got ideas for a silent image of Strahd through one)
self-notes
image of Strahd, possibly scare Ireena out (keep in mind Ismirck and Fr. Lucian would likely want to attack it, revealing the illusion, so keep it out of range)
could use minor illusion for sound (gotta do the cantrip cast first to 6 silent seconds then sound and then bring the silent image to the right spot)
for that matter, minor illusion for things getting thrown in or stuff (keep thinking)
might want to run out of the building (both hide the fact doing a bunch of castings and also possibly more felixbility
]]
This is a signature. It was a simple signature. But it has been upgraded.
Belolonandalogalo, Sunny | Draíocht, Kholias | Eggo Lass, 100 Dungeons
Talorin Tebedi, Vecna: Eve | Cherry, Stormwreck | Chipper, Strahd
We Are Modron
Get rickrolled here. Awesome music here. Track 48, 5/23/25, Immaculate Mary
There are a few windows.
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.