Ismark nods at Ireena, his face drawn into a grimace. Please Vaelar take his head and place it on his chest. Then we can seal the coffin against any interference.
The dhampir steps forward and places his sword against the corpse's neck. Without hesitation he pushes down on it with his weight, the sharp edge of his blade cutting cleanly through in one motion, severing the head. With reverence and without spectacle, Vaelar rests the Burgomeister's head on his chest as Ismark directed. He then stands back, using a rag from his pocket to clean his sword.
Ismark and Ireena pick up the lid of the coffin and set it in place. Tightening the lid down with thumbscrews.
The dining table is set for dinner, crystal glasses and pewter plates.
Ireena slips away to return with a tablecloth which she places over the lid of the coffin. She then sets the meal in place leaving a small box with food for Kolyan in it, it would be placed in his grave with him. Come help eat his sins so he may pass into the realm of the Morning Lord
Illmirth's eyes drifted to the dark, two story house. The sound of grief poured from the grim abode like blood flowing from a grievous wound. His heart broke for the poor woman, he turned to Lorelei and said, "I would join you, her pain calls to my heart." He glances up to the soft glow of the moonlight through the clouds. "Perhaps we add the visit to tomorrow's list of things to accomplish during the light of day."
He observes the decapitation of the Burgomeister in grim silence. What must be done was done, and the corpse of the slain would not then rise up to harass the living. As is their custom, a lavish meal is prepared and presented upon the coffin. The sins of the deceased are consumed, freeing the soul to join the Morning Lord in the realms of light that lie beyond mortal existence. Illmirth joined the siblings in their ritual, taking in his sins that he may have peace. When he was finished eating, he found a seat to the side and played soft, slow melodies on his lute while the others completed the ritual.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
On the walk back, Crisaryn slowly trudged along though the damp and growing darkness. When both the devotees of the Morning Lord, mention visiting Mad Mary, she simply nods. "Another item for tomorrow, sure."
Back at the Burgomeister's house, she removes her cloak, finding an appropriate spot to hang it. She has little faith that she would be able to decapitate this poor dead man, so she is glad Vaelar steps forward to do so. As Ireena later works to set the meal in place she would offer to help, quietly taking whatever she was directed to do. She too then joins in partaking of the feast.
As most seem to begin to have had their fill, Crisaryn finally speaks. "Ismark, you mentioned the vampyr spawn and wolves have attacked this house. Do you expect this has truly ended? Kolyan's death was enough to bring them to a halt?"
I hope that that is an end to it, but the devil Strahd is waiting to turn Ireena. It seems to me my fathers death corresponding with your arrival, that he has other things on his mind at the moment. We will see once father is buried. He takes a drink of Dragons Crush wine and offers it around.
Illmirth recognizes the difference in the quality of the wine compared to that from the inn immediately. He examined the crimson liquid as is swirled gently around the inside of his crystal glass. He inhaled the aroma, hints of berry, vanilla, something floral that he did not recognize, and the faintest earthy tone (most likely from the aging process he thought). He tasted it with a sigh, relishing the unique flavor bouquet. He made a mental note to give the bottle a closer look, this vintage warranted a closer inspection.
"During the sin eating ceremony of the poor Vistani lad the people spoke of him with fondness, recalling tale after tale of times both good and bad. If you wish to speak of your father's life and legacy, we would be honored to learn more of the man," Illmirth says, addressing Ismark and Ireena.
"Speaking of your father," Vaelar says as he accepts a small glass of wine. He does not find joy in food or wine, but he will take part in their funerary custom out of respect.
"Do you have his letters to us for Ismark to review?" he asks Ireena.
The young blonde priestess nods and gives Illmirth a grateful smile as he offers to come with her to the distressed mother the next day. The truth was that she didn't expect to be able to help, but she had to try, and any help was welcome, particularly by the likable drow who might just have the right words to make a difference.
Lorelei would solemnly join the others in their sin eating, quietely praying to her deity for the safe passage into the dawn for the old brave Burgomeister. She shares the concern of Crisaryn and she would offer to keep vigil watch during the first part of the night should the minions of darkness assail this home again.
Ireena holds out the well read letters, Yes, here are the letters, I don't think that father wrote them, what say you Ismark?
He took the letters over to the best light and quietly read them through, he held them up to the light as if to check for invisible ink. He then looked at the seal. The seal is right but father didn't use gold powder on red wax, too expensive. I would dare to say that these were written by Strahd himself, you my friends have been played. They are telling the truth though and you saved Ireena, maybe even saved my father from rising. I don't think that Strahd expected you to be so efficient.
Ismark puts the letters back on the study table. We should aim for a funeral in the morning.
With that the group split up, some to guard, and others to sleep.The only sound of wolves that night were howls in the distance, far outside the village.
He was up before dawn and slipped away into town to the coffin makers, and hires one of his wagons. He was willing for it to be hired but shook his head at helping in any other way. Ismark rode back home and set out the carriage for the coffin, with luck they would arrive just after morning service.. He hoped that they could lift it.
Illmirth rose shortly before dawn. He cleaned himself up and wore his fine clothes. Absent was the typical humming that seemed to follow him like a musical shadow. Something that Ismark said bothered him. The letters. More specifically, the author of the letters and the true intent of the second. Why would the Dark Lord of this land invite them here and warn them away in such short order. It was a mystery worth solving he thought.
He joined the others at daybreak. "I will aid you as I can. If there are but a few handles I will cede my position to one with a stronger arm." As they prepared to load the coffin Illmirth asked the siblings and his companions, "Why would Strahd invite us here and then warn us away? I can't imagine that we, capable as we may be, should strike fear into the heart of a centuries old Vampyr. It is quite perplexing."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Ireena nods her head, I have no idea why he sent two messages, were they both delivered by Vistani messengers?
With help Ismark and the party load the coffin. Dawn approaches and the bells from the Chapel should have been ringing. The Twilight was only punctuated by the dawn chorus and the calling of Ravens, There were three on the top of the house, watching and keening in the place of human lamentations.
As they made their way to the Chapel people looked through their windows, not daring to come out to pay their respects.
They arrived safely at the Chapel and noticed a large conspiracy of Ravens seated along the roof.
There was something wrong. Murdock and Lorelei both feel nauseas and almost loose their breakfasts, and getting nearer didn't help. The chapel was not lit up, nor striking bells for the end of twilight. The only light seemed to be coming from the kitchen, a low flicker of a candle.
Up in the early morning, Crisaryn had been puzzling over the letters since the previous night. When she joins the others, she too muses about the situation. "It is odd if the Vampyr would have sent both a summons and a warning away. Although even the later note mentioned wealth, so perhaps both were intended to entice in different ways?" When Ireena asks about delivery she tells her, "Both were carried by Vistani. The first was delivered, the second was found on a dead body. Dead by vampyr spawn at that."
In the end, she lets the questions go and heads on with the others and Kolyan's coffin.
Seeing the darkened and quiet chapel, she asks, "Is this normal?" She wonders if maybe worshippers of a god of dawn would maintain darkness to welcome the dawn? Though the look on Murdock and Lorelei faces does not seem to support that notion. "Perhaps we'd best quickly check in on the kitchen," she adds, nodding towards the one place that is lit.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Lorelei Dawnwarden
The young priestess with the blonde braided hair nods in agreement with Crisaryn, and guided by the divine light from her shield she approaches the lit window of the otherwise ominously dark chapel. She too was bothered by the letters, they didn't quite make sense to her, but there was much they didn't know yet and perhaps the truth about this mystery would come into the light eventually. In the meantime the path lay clear and enlightened for her even in these realms of darkness.
Perception if relevant to spot anyone inside: 9 + Guidance: 2
Vaelar is not looking forward to the visit to the chapel. He has no place in the home of the Morninglord whose light might burn him away. He does what he can to help the somber procession, but otherwise hangs towards the back of the group, his mind occupied by the strangeness of the contradictory letters.
There is a strange relief at seeing the chapel dark and quiet. Perhaps he need not provoke the gods by desecrating their holy places.
At Crisaryn's suggestion, he edges closer to the faintly lit kitchen, his eyes and ears alert for an activity within. He whispers an invocation to the primal powers to enhance his perceptions.
Illmirth holds back, as Vaelar and Lorelei move closer to get a look inside the only lit room. He begins to hum softly, calling to mind a minor offensive spell. His eyes swept the area beyond church, ensuring that nothing gets the drop on Lorelei or Vaelar.
***OoC: ready action sacred flame DEX 13 damage 2 radiant: triggering action hostile creature moving to attack Lorelei or Vaelar. He is banking on the "flame like radience" conjured by the spell to alert them, but he would call out warning to them should the spell go unnoticed***
Atop a slight rise, against the roots of the pillar stone that supports Castle Ravenloft, stands a gray, sagging edifice of stone and wood. This church has obviously weathered the assaults of evil for centuries on end and is worn and weary. A bell tower rises toward the back, and flickering light shines through holes in the shingled roof. The rafters strain feebly against their load.
To the left of the door is a pile of coffins, their lids tossed to one side. You see marks on the inside of the coffin lids, on closer inspection you see that they are fingernail marks. On the air is the scent of incense.
The windows in the kitchen are dirty and apart from a faint flicker you can not see what is within.
You walk towards the door.
The heavy wooden doors of the church are covered with claw marks and scarred by fire. It looks as if there has been a fight here.
Vaelar turns to look back at the others with a grim expression, gesturing to the obvious signs of a battle. It would not take a True Hunter to guess at what had assaulted the chapel. He turns back to the church, draws both his blades in preparation for what might lie beyond and makes another quiet call to the powers of the wilds.
Instead of approaching the door, he tries to quietly scale the side of the church's wall, hoping to climb to the roof and peer through one of the gaps in the shingles.
Stealth: 15 with Guidance. Using his Dhampir feature to climb vertical surfaces while having both hands free.
DM
Ismark nods at Ireena, his face drawn into a grimace. Please Vaelar take his head and place it on his chest. Then we can seal the coffin against any interference.
Vaelar
The dhampir steps forward and places his sword against the corpse's neck. Without hesitation he pushes down on it with his weight, the sharp edge of his blade cutting cleanly through in one motion, severing the head. With reverence and without spectacle, Vaelar rests the Burgomeister's head on his chest as Ismark directed. He then stands back, using a rag from his pocket to clean his sword.
DM
Ismark and Ireena pick up the lid of the coffin and set it in place. Tightening the lid down with thumbscrews.
The dining table is set for dinner, crystal glasses and pewter plates.
Ireena slips away to return with a tablecloth which she places over the lid of the coffin. She then sets the meal in place leaving a small box with food for Kolyan in it, it would be placed in his grave with him. Come help eat his sins so he may pass into the realm of the Morning Lord
Illmirth
Illmirth's eyes drifted to the dark, two story house. The sound of grief poured from the grim abode like blood flowing from a grievous wound. His heart broke for the poor woman, he turned to Lorelei and said, "I would join you, her pain calls to my heart." He glances up to the soft glow of the moonlight through the clouds. "Perhaps we add the visit to tomorrow's list of things to accomplish during the light of day."
He observes the decapitation of the Burgomeister in grim silence. What must be done was done, and the corpse of the slain would not then rise up to harass the living. As is their custom, a lavish meal is prepared and presented upon the coffin. The sins of the deceased are consumed, freeing the soul to join the Morning Lord in the realms of light that lie beyond mortal existence. Illmirth joined the siblings in their ritual, taking in his sins that he may have peace. When he was finished eating, he found a seat to the side and played soft, slow melodies on his lute while the others completed the ritual.
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Crisaryn Melkial
On the walk back, Crisaryn slowly trudged along though the damp and growing darkness. When both the devotees of the Morning Lord, mention visiting Mad Mary, she simply nods. "Another item for tomorrow, sure."
Back at the Burgomeister's house, she removes her cloak, finding an appropriate spot to hang it. She has little faith that she would be able to decapitate this poor dead man, so she is glad Vaelar steps forward to do so. As Ireena later works to set the meal in place she would offer to help, quietly taking whatever she was directed to do. She too then joins in partaking of the feast.
As most seem to begin to have had their fill, Crisaryn finally speaks. "Ismark, you mentioned the vampyr spawn and wolves have attacked this house. Do you expect this has truly ended? Kolyan's death was enough to bring them to a halt?"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
DM
Ismark
I hope that that is an end to it, but the devil Strahd is waiting to turn Ireena. It seems to me my fathers death corresponding with your arrival, that he has other things on his mind at the moment. We will see once father is buried. He takes a drink of Dragons Crush wine and offers it around.
Crisaryn Melkial
"I suppose time will tell," Crsaryn replies as she takes some of the wine. She drinks it sparingly. "Will the burial be in the morning?"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Illmirth
Illmirth recognizes the difference in the quality of the wine compared to that from the inn immediately. He examined the crimson liquid as is swirled gently around the inside of his crystal glass. He inhaled the aroma, hints of berry, vanilla, something floral that he did not recognize, and the faintest earthy tone (most likely from the aging process he thought). He tasted it with a sigh, relishing the unique flavor bouquet. He made a mental note to give the bottle a closer look, this vintage warranted a closer inspection.
"During the sin eating ceremony of the poor Vistani lad the people spoke of him with fondness, recalling tale after tale of times both good and bad. If you wish to speak of your father's life and legacy, we would be honored to learn more of the man," Illmirth says, addressing Ismark and Ireena.
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Vaelar
"Speaking of your father," Vaelar says as he accepts a small glass of wine. He does not find joy in food or wine, but he will take part in their funerary custom out of respect.
"Do you have his letters to us for Ismark to review?" he asks Ireena.
Lorelei Dawnwarden
The young blonde priestess nods and gives Illmirth a grateful smile as he offers to come with her to the distressed mother the next day. The truth was that she didn't expect to be able to help, but she had to try, and any help was welcome, particularly by the likable drow who might just have the right words to make a difference.
Lorelei would solemnly join the others in their sin eating, quietely praying to her deity for the safe passage into the dawn for the old brave Burgomeister. She shares the concern of Crisaryn and she would offer to keep vigil watch during the first part of the night should the minions of darkness assail this home again.
DM
Ireena holds out the well read letters, Yes, here are the letters, I don't think that father wrote them, what say you Ismark?
He took the letters over to the best light and quietly read them through, he held them up to the light as if to check for invisible ink. He then looked at the seal. The seal is right but father didn't use gold powder on red wax, too expensive. I would dare to say that these were written by Strahd himself, you my friends have been played. They are telling the truth though and you saved Ireena, maybe even saved my father from rising. I don't think that Strahd expected you to be so efficient.
Ismark puts the letters back on the study table. We should aim for a funeral in the morning.
With that the group split up, some to guard, and others to sleep.The only sound of wolves that night were howls in the distance, far outside the village.
DM
Ismark
He was up before dawn and slipped away into town to the coffin makers, and hires one of his wagons. He was willing for it to be hired but shook his head at helping in any other way. Ismark rode back home and set out the carriage for the coffin, with luck they would arrive just after morning service.. He hoped that they could lift it.
Illmirth
Illmirth rose shortly before dawn. He cleaned himself up and wore his fine clothes. Absent was the typical humming that seemed to follow him like a musical shadow. Something that Ismark said bothered him. The letters. More specifically, the author of the letters and the true intent of the second. Why would the Dark Lord of this land invite them here and warn them away in such short order. It was a mystery worth solving he thought.
He joined the others at daybreak. "I will aid you as I can. If there are but a few handles I will cede my position to one with a stronger arm." As they prepared to load the coffin Illmirth asked the siblings and his companions, "Why would Strahd invite us here and then warn us away? I can't imagine that we, capable as we may be, should strike fear into the heart of a centuries old Vampyr. It is quite perplexing."
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
DM
Ireena nods her head, I have no idea why he sent two messages, were they both delivered by Vistani messengers?
With help Ismark and the party load the coffin. Dawn approaches and the bells from the Chapel should have been ringing. The Twilight was only punctuated by the dawn chorus and the calling of Ravens, There were three on the top of the house, watching and keening in the place of human lamentations.
As they made their way to the Chapel people looked through their windows, not daring to come out to pay their respects.
They arrived safely at the Chapel and noticed a large conspiracy of Ravens seated along the roof.
There was something wrong. Murdock and Lorelei both feel nauseas and almost loose their breakfasts, and getting nearer didn't help. The chapel was not lit up, nor striking bells for the end of twilight. The only light seemed to be coming from the kitchen, a low flicker of a candle.
Crisaryn Melkial
Up in the early morning, Crisaryn had been puzzling over the letters since the previous night. When she joins the others, she too muses about the situation. "It is odd if the Vampyr would have sent both a summons and a warning away. Although even the later note mentioned wealth, so perhaps both were intended to entice in different ways?" When Ireena asks about delivery she tells her, "Both were carried by Vistani. The first was delivered, the second was found on a dead body. Dead by vampyr spawn at that."
In the end, she lets the questions go and heads on with the others and Kolyan's coffin.
Seeing the darkened and quiet chapel, she asks, "Is this normal?" She wonders if maybe worshippers of a god of dawn would maintain darkness to welcome the dawn? Though the look on Murdock and Lorelei faces does not seem to support that notion. "Perhaps we'd best quickly check in on the kitchen," she adds, nodding towards the one place that is lit.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Lorelei Dawnwarden
The young priestess with the blonde braided hair nods in agreement with Crisaryn, and guided by the divine light from her shield she approaches the lit window of the otherwise ominously dark chapel. She too was bothered by the letters, they didn't quite make sense to her, but there was much they didn't know yet and perhaps the truth about this mystery would come into the light eventually. In the meantime the path lay clear and enlightened for her even in these realms of darkness.
Perception if relevant to spot anyone inside: 9 + Guidance: 2
Vaelar
Vaelar is not looking forward to the visit to the chapel. He has no place in the home of the Morninglord whose light might burn him away. He does what he can to help the somber procession, but otherwise hangs towards the back of the group, his mind occupied by the strangeness of the contradictory letters.
There is a strange relief at seeing the chapel dark and quiet. Perhaps he need not provoke the gods by desecrating their holy places.
At Crisaryn's suggestion, he edges closer to the faintly lit kitchen, his eyes and ears alert for an activity within. He whispers an invocation to the primal powers to enhance his perceptions.
Perception: 24 (2 from Guidance)
Illmirth
Illmirth holds back, as Vaelar and Lorelei move closer to get a look inside the only lit room. He begins to hum softly, calling to mind a minor offensive spell. His eyes swept the area beyond church, ensuring that nothing gets the drop on Lorelei or Vaelar.
***OoC: ready action sacred flame DEX 13 damage 2 radiant: triggering action hostile creature moving to attack Lorelei or Vaelar. He is banking on the "flame like radience" conjured by the spell to alert them, but he would call out warning to them should the spell go unnoticed***
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
DM
Atop a slight rise, against the roots of the pillar stone that supports Castle Ravenloft, stands a gray, sagging edifice of stone and wood. This church has obviously weathered the assaults of evil for centuries on end and is worn and weary. A bell tower rises toward the back, and flickering light shines through holes in the shingled roof. The rafters strain feebly against their load.
To the left of the door is a pile of coffins, their lids tossed to one side. You see marks on the inside of the coffin lids, on closer inspection you see that they are fingernail marks. On the air is the scent of incense.
The windows in the kitchen are dirty and apart from a faint flicker you can not see what is within.
You walk towards the door.
The heavy wooden doors of the church are covered with claw marks and scarred by fire. It looks as if there has been a fight here.
Vaelar
Vaelar turns to look back at the others with a grim expression, gesturing to the obvious signs of a battle. It would not take a True Hunter to guess at what had assaulted the chapel. He turns back to the church, draws both his blades in preparation for what might lie beyond and makes another quiet call to the powers of the wilds.
Instead of approaching the door, he tries to quietly scale the side of the church's wall, hoping to climb to the roof and peer through one of the gaps in the shingles.
Stealth: 15 with Guidance. Using his Dhampir feature to climb vertical surfaces while having both hands free.