The vampires swiftly surround the entire church. Behind the boarded windows, you can make out the undead army waiting to attack anyone who tries to flee. Viktor is encircled but not harmed. Right behind the front door, three figures push to the front of the crowd. The first is Strahd, dressed in slightly more modest clothing. The second is Rahadin, clad in his usual attire. The third is a human woman in a plain blue dress. She appears almost sick, with unsteady footing and a hand held to her forehead. It takes you a moment to realize, but Garrick, Chipper, and Kess recognize her as Ludmilla—somehow alive.
Strahd's voice cuts through the tension. "Yet again, the faithful cower behind stone. Stone they forget belongs to me. It will be fun to tear this church apart, brick by brick, with no puny God stopping me. Only puny adventures. What do you have to say for yourselves?"
Kessintra tilts her head as she watches the three emerge, simultaneously wondering if Strahd is using another illusion and how he managed to turn Ludmilla back into a human. "Now, you know better than to call me faithful," she remarks with a casual wave, staying just close enough to the door for conversation, "These old bones seem to do something though. Ah, we destroyed that weak cult for you. It wasn't a very entertaining fight, unfortunately...We have a new leader in mind for the town who would be superior: Nikolai, as soon as we can revive him. Perhaps you can give us some pointers on that, considering this recent development?" She gestures to Ludmilla.
Strahd smirks. "The cult still has some remnants. As for that proposal for the new leader..... He'll tell you everything you need to know when you revive him. I have no useful information that he can't give you. Though, if you're asking if I will accept his rule, I will."
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I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
“We know you can destroy this church and us at a whim, so what’s with this charade of war with your “followers”. Do you just need to show off your strength again? Show Ludmilla you still have all the power here?”
"There are easier ways to do what I please. For example, it's easier to extract my Tatyana from the building before demolishing it. Unfortunately, that isn't something I can easily do alone."
Just outside the church doorway, Razz’s illusion—the humble little crate that had served him so well—flickers and vanishes, its purpose no longer relevant in the shadow of what’s to come.
Razz steps forward just enough to be seen clearly, wings fluttering with tension and a trace of theatrical bravado. He raises his voice like a court performer addressing a noble crowd—though the smirk on his face shows he knows exactly who he’s needling.
"Wait, wait, wait—hold on. I thought we were supposed to be the entertainment tonight, not the ones being performed at."
He gestures broadly toward Strahd with a mock look of surprise, voice carrying like a stage actor hitting the back row.
"And forgive me, but laying waste to the very edifice that shelters your beloved? That reads less like eternal devotion and more like... passion turned petulant."
"Back in the Fey courts, we’d call that courting through calamity."
He shrugs, folding his arms, then offers a sly grin.
"Even the unseelie would say you’re being a touch dramatic."
"I apologize for the misconception. This is to be an improvised duet performance entitled, 'The Obliteration of Saint Andril's church'. It's going to have quite the gruesome end. As for your comment on the 'shelter' of the church, I assure you, all it's doing is attempting to conceal my darling from me. And yes, I am being dramatic. I quite enjoy it."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
"But Strahd...The incident at your castle has made it clear that your consorts can't be trusted, let alone all of the other monsters out there," Kessintra states, shaking her head in concern and lowering her voice, "As long as the church stands and she is here, it is certainly easier to protect her until the wedding. This place is...an ingenious trap really, the illusion of safety. You know exactly where she is and she is...calm, unlikely to do harm to herself. That has been the cause of many of the past failures, yes?"
Razz blinks once, slowly, as Kess speaks—watching her weave words with both grace and insight. He arches a brow in surprise, then gives the smallest nod of approval, his expression shifting from mockery to quiet admiration.
"Huh. Turns out you’ve been paying more attention than I have."
He leans in slightly, just enough to catch her attention without pulling focus, and adds in a low, playful tone:
"Don’t worry. You’ve got this... but a little help never hurts."
He steps lightly behind her, one hand held low and casual near the small of her back—not touching, just close enough. His fingers twitch in a soft spiral of golden light, the magic slipping forward unnoticed.
"Keep talking, Kess. I think he’s listening now."
The subtle magic of Guidance threads its way through her aura, a glimmer of divine nudge beneath the surface, just in case the next words need a little more weight.
-----------------
Razz will offer help to Kess and then cast Guidance on her for her next roll as well
"Excellent idea, however-" He stops for a moment, tongue tied. His smirk slowly fades. "I- I don't agree with the sentiment that the castle isn't safe, but I do agree that this might be better..... Then again, I can't just bail on the attack. I'm too far in....." After what feels like an eternity, he turns to Rahadin. "Go round up 2 fanatics, 3 cultists, 2 wolves, 2 dire wolves, and 3 skeletons. They will not be participating in the attack. Then return here." Rahadin nods and ventures into the horde.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
Ada stares out at the vampire lord with clear disgust in her eyes. She remains quiet, content to let Kess and Razz handle the conversation. If she interjected, she's not sure she could stop herself from saying something that would just them into an immediate fight with Strahd himself. But at the mentioning of rounding up random undead creatures, Ada glares at Strahd suspiciously.
Kessintra gives a slight frown at the barest hint of a compliment from Strahd, moving back from the party as they prepare to get the fight underway. "I'm just...a bit more familiar with it than the rest of you..." She mutters. Manipulation, preying on weaknesses, thinking like a monster. It comes easily. Still. Has she made no progress at all...?
As Kess mutters and steps away, Razz watches her with a thoughtful expression. He doesn’t say anything immediately—just glides beside her, wings twitching in the still air.
"Hey... even if your past taught you how to speak Strahd’s language, that doesn’t mean you’re still on his side of the story."
He shrugs, offering her a small, genuine smile—not his usual smirk, but something softer, steadier.
"You’re here, standing between him and Ireena. That’s all I need to know to trust you."
Then, as Garrick speaks up, Razz tilts his head and lets the smile curl into something sharper. He steps back toward the others, arms folding across his chest.
"Yeah, I’m not big on being anyone’s marionette either."
He glances toward the looming horde.
"Especially not in a dance number where the finale involves us catching fire."
Ada will move forward and attack one of the wolves with her halberd, dealing some extra radiant damage while she is still transformed into her more angelic form.
The first one yelps in pain and falls over, dead. Unless Ada says otherwise, I will redirect the second attack to a different wolf.
Three cultists run in, including the one targeted by Faerie Fire. One of the other two fills in the hole left in the formation by the dead wolf. The rest of them stand next to the other cultists.
Garrick's turn.
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I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
Garrick will fire his crossbow at the cultist inflicted with faerie fire. 19 to hit for 19 dmg He will then BA attack again (same cultist if alive, a wolf otherwise) 23 to hit for 7 dmg
Striker will move next to Ada (Held reaction to impose disadvantage) Garrick will also move next to Ada creating a wall to protected the ones behind them.
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The vampires swiftly surround the entire church. Behind the boarded windows, you can make out the undead army waiting to attack anyone who tries to flee. Viktor is encircled but not harmed. Right behind the front door, three figures push to the front of the crowd. The first is Strahd, dressed in slightly more modest clothing. The second is Rahadin, clad in his usual attire. The third is a human woman in a plain blue dress. She appears almost sick, with unsteady footing and a hand held to her forehead. It takes you a moment to realize, but Garrick, Chipper, and Kess recognize her as Ludmilla—somehow alive.
Strahd's voice cuts through the tension. "Yet again, the faithful cower behind stone. Stone they forget belongs to me. It will be fun to tear this church apart, brick by brick, with no puny God stopping me. Only puny adventures. What do you have to say for yourselves?"
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
Kessintra tilts her head as she watches the three emerge, simultaneously wondering if Strahd is using another illusion and how he managed to turn Ludmilla back into a human. "Now, you know better than to call me faithful," she remarks with a casual wave, staying just close enough to the door for conversation, "These old bones seem to do something though. Ah, we destroyed that weak cult for you. It wasn't a very entertaining fight, unfortunately...We have a new leader in mind for the town who would be superior: Nikolai, as soon as we can revive him. Perhaps you can give us some pointers on that, considering this recent development?" She gestures to Ludmilla.
Persuasion: 14
| 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 |
Strahd smirks. "The cult still has some remnants. As for that proposal for the new leader..... He'll tell you everything you need to know when you revive him. I have no useful information that he can't give you. Though, if you're asking if I will accept his rule, I will."
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
“We know you can destroy this church and us at a whim, so what’s with this charade of war with your “followers”. Do you just need to show off your strength again? Show Ludmilla you still have all the power here?”
Kessintra idly strums a few notes on her lyre, pretending to be in a semi-trance like usual as the others continue the conversation.
Bonus Action: Bardic Inspiration on Ludmilla (1d6. For 10 minutes, the creature can add it to one ability check, attack roll, or saving throw.)
| 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 |
"There are easier ways to do what I please. For example, it's easier to extract my Tatyana from the building before demolishing it. Unfortunately, that isn't something I can easily do alone."
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
Just outside the church doorway, Razz’s illusion—the humble little crate that had served him so well—flickers and vanishes, its purpose no longer relevant in the shadow of what’s to come.
Razz steps forward just enough to be seen clearly, wings fluttering with tension and a trace of theatrical bravado. He raises his voice like a court performer addressing a noble crowd—though the smirk on his face shows he knows exactly who he’s needling.
"Wait, wait, wait—hold on. I thought we were supposed to be the entertainment tonight, not the ones being performed at."
He gestures broadly toward Strahd with a mock look of surprise, voice carrying like a stage actor hitting the back row.
"And forgive me, but laying waste to the very edifice that shelters your beloved? That reads less like eternal devotion and more like... passion turned petulant."
"Back in the Fey courts, we’d call that courting through calamity."
He shrugs, folding his arms, then offers a sly grin.
"Even the unseelie would say you’re being a touch dramatic."
Persuasion: 23 (19+4)
"I apologize for the misconception. This is to be an improvised duet performance entitled, 'The Obliteration of Saint Andril's church'. It's going to have quite the gruesome end. As for your comment on the 'shelter' of the church, I assure you, all it's doing is attempting to conceal my darling from me. And yes, I am being dramatic. I quite enjoy it."
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
"But Strahd...The incident at your castle has made it clear that your consorts can't be trusted, let alone all of the other monsters out there," Kessintra states, shaking her head in concern and lowering her voice, "As long as the church stands and she is here, it is certainly easier to protect her until the wedding. This place is...an ingenious trap really, the illusion of safety. You know exactly where she is and she is...calm, unlikely to do harm to herself. That has been the cause of many of the past failures, yes?"
Persuasion: 19 with help from Razz
| 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 |
Razz blinks once, slowly, as Kess speaks—watching her weave words with both grace and insight. He arches a brow in surprise, then gives the smallest nod of approval, his expression shifting from mockery to quiet admiration.
"Huh. Turns out you’ve been paying more attention than I have."
He leans in slightly, just enough to catch her attention without pulling focus, and adds in a low, playful tone:
"Don’t worry. You’ve got this... but a little help never hurts."
He steps lightly behind her, one hand held low and casual near the small of her back—not touching, just close enough. His fingers twitch in a soft spiral of golden light, the magic slipping forward unnoticed.
"Keep talking, Kess. I think he’s listening now."
The subtle magic of Guidance threads its way through her aura, a glimmer of divine nudge beneath the surface, just in case the next words need a little more weight.
-----------------
Razz will offer help to Kess and then cast Guidance on her for her next roll as well
"Excellent idea, however-" He stops for a moment, tongue tied. His smirk slowly fades. "I- I don't agree with the sentiment that the castle isn't safe, but I do agree that this might be better..... Then again, I can't just bail on the attack. I'm too far in....." After what feels like an eternity, he turns to Rahadin. "Go round up 2 fanatics, 3 cultists, 2 wolves, 2 dire wolves, and 3 skeletons. They will not be participating in the attack. Then return here." Rahadin nods and ventures into the horde.
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
Ada stares out at the vampire lord with clear disgust in her eyes. She remains quiet, content to let Kess and Razz handle the conversation. If she interjected, she's not sure she could stop herself from saying something that would just them into an immediate fight with Strahd himself. But at the mentioning of rounding up random undead creatures, Ada glares at Strahd suspiciously.
"What? You want to give us a fair fight?"
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)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus & Phandalin Adventures
"Well, your companion's small stroke of genius deserved some sort of reward, and I'm not in the habit of being a debtor."
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
“Well let’s get this over with then. If it’s a fight you demand then we have no choice but to dance at your puppet strings”
Kessintra gives a slight frown at the barest hint of a compliment from Strahd, moving back from the party as they prepare to get the fight underway. "I'm just...a bit more familiar with it than the rest of you..." She mutters. Manipulation, preying on weaknesses, thinking like a monster. It comes easily. Still. Has she made no progress at all...?
| 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 |
As Kess mutters and steps away, Razz watches her with a thoughtful expression. He doesn’t say anything immediately—just glides beside her, wings twitching in the still air.
"Hey... even if your past taught you how to speak Strahd’s language, that doesn’t mean you’re still on his side of the story."
He shrugs, offering her a small, genuine smile—not his usual smirk, but something softer, steadier.
"You’re here, standing between him and Ireena. That’s all I need to know to trust you."
Then, as Garrick speaks up, Razz tilts his head and lets the smile curl into something sharper. He steps back toward the others, arms folding across his chest.
"Yeah, I’m not big on being anyone’s marionette either."
He glances toward the looming horde.
"Especially not in a dance number where the finale involves us catching fire."
"Eager, are we? Well, I'm not one to keep you waiting. Have fun."
Initiative: Wolves, Fanatics, Vampires, Ada, Cultists, Garrick, Skeletons, Viktor, Chipper, Lucian, Strahd, Ismirk, Dire Wolves, Razz, Kess, Ireena, Bats, Ludmilla
Four wolves rush 10 ft into the church. They stand in a line, blocking you from moving past them.
Two hooded cultists rush in behind them.
The vampires don't do much, just like platypi.
Ada's turn.
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
Ada will move forward and attack one of the wolves with her halberd, dealing some extra radiant damage while she is still transformed into her more angelic form.
Halberd - Nat 20 for 11 damage
Halberd End - 24 to hit for 7 damage
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)
DM: Baldur's Gate: Descent Into Avernus & Phandalin Adventures
The first one yelps in pain and falls over, dead. Unless Ada says otherwise, I will redirect the second attack to a different wolf.
Three cultists run in, including the one targeted by Faerie Fire. One of the other two fills in the hole left in the formation by the dead wolf. The rest of them stand next to the other cultists.
Garrick's turn.
I exist sometimes, especially when I'm DMing Curse of Strahd.
Garrick will fire his crossbow at the cultist inflicted with faerie fire.
19 to hit for 19 dmg
He will then BA attack again (same cultist if alive, a wolf otherwise)
23 to hit for 7 dmg
Striker will move next to Ada (Held reaction to impose disadvantage)
Garrick will also move next to Ada creating a wall to protected the ones behind them.