Alexander Wenzel Eusebius Beaumont
Lvl 3 | Human | Paladin/Oath of Vengeance 

Going over in his mind everything they have learned so far about Strahd, Alexander attempts to figure out what could possibly be going on and what he could be. 

History: 9

Vaalu
Lvl 3|Goliath|Ranger/Hunter

Vaalu curtly nods, and then gestures to Brom to lower it (if he had already started to help her). By the end of the story, Vaalu looks about ready to punch something. Seeing Ireena make her way up the stairs, the mini-giantess starts after her. But after a step or two, she stops short. "Hmph. You never face wolf, Andres? Undead? I have, and know that losing sight of prey won't be enough." She states harshly before gesturing to her nose, and then makes her way to the base of the stairs to steer up and wait for Ireena.

From the time at being in the tavern to getting to the house Nylin has stayed mostly quiet other then general talking about the town, but listening to Vaalu talk to Andres Nylin will join in.

"I don't know much about undead, fought a few back in the war from some twisted wizard but never really understood them, I usually dealt with the living." 

After rubbing his hands in his beard he turns to the group. "We may not have time for it now but perhaps we can find a library or book store and see if there are any tomes on the matter?"

Andres would like to make a history/arcana check about what Vaalu has sneered.  Seeing if there is any knowledge he has read about undead and their hunting tactics/senses. 10

Andres, when Ismark returns, asks about turning Ireena invisible for the trip. "I'm not sure to be honest, I would say it can't hurt to be sure.  Any advantage we could get, we should seize."

Faron knows in heart that Strahd is a creature of the night. A cursed, blood-sucking vampire.

Alexander is beginning to put together the pieces of what might be behind this Strahd character.

Ireena returns down the stairs, now wearing a breastplate, and carrying a sword. 

Ismark says, "Well, the cart is ready. Are we set to go?"

Andres turns to Ireena, impressed by her new equipment. “Take your brothers hand” and he will cast invisibility on her before she leaves the house.

Ismark helps Valuu load the coffin onto the cart, and he helps invisible Ireena sit in an out of the the way spot at the back of the cart.  There's not enough room in the cart for all of you so you'll have to walk alongside.  You head back down through the town, past the tavern again. You notice that that are other shops in town, but they are all closed up, with no lights on inside.  Now that you've seen the marks of assault on the outside of Ireena and Ismarks home, you start to notice single claw marks in various spots on different buildings. Nothing as drastic as the mansion.  You can still hear the same faint sobbing coming from somewhere that you heard when you entered the village.

On the far side of the town, atop a slight rise, 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. 

Faron

"It seems we are dealing with a vampire. This will be difficult, but a determined pack of hunters can take down much bigger game. We'll need to be careful and work together." Faron accompanies the cart on foot watching out for danger.

Vaalu
Lvl 3|Goliath|Ranger/Hunter

Vaalu has been out of it ever since Ireena returned in armor. The admiration had been clear enough up. But the rest was hard to tell, and only really became a noticeable after the illusion made her disappear. Even in her befuddled state, Vaalu didn't even try to get into the carriage, but walked beside it instead on the opposite side than most others. The part about vampires went mostly over her head. But she keeps a close eye out for danger. 

You approach the church and see the heavy wooden doors of the church are covered with claw marks and scarred by fire.

Brom

Brom is fuming over the comments Faron made feeling his dwarven heritage was insulted but keeps quiet. Brom assists with getting the coffin in the cart and takes his place at the rear to provide protection. He looks to Vaalu and asks "What do you make of this vampyre business? I've fought orcs, goblins, elves and all kinds of nasty beasts but never a vampyre. Thought they were just tales you told wee ones to scare them."

Upon seeing the church Brom see's that the attacks happen here as well. His becomes increasingly vigil looking for incoming danger.

Nylin sits on the cart as he would not be able to keep up with the cart on foot easily, he has parchment and a quill out and is writing down down what has happened in the last day  or so.

When the cart gets to the church he was sketch a quick drawing of it in his papers then put them away.

Ismark heads up to the door to knock, but when his fist hits the wood the door swings open, the lock apparently broken. The door opens to reveal a ten-foot-wide, twenty-foot-long hallway leading to a brightly lit chapel. The hallway is dimly lit and reeks of mildew. Four doors, two on each side of the hall, lead to adjacent chambers.

You can see that the chapel is strewn with debris, and you hear a soft voice from within reciting a prayer. Suddenly, the prayer is blotted out by an inhuman scream. 

Vaalu
Lvl 3|Goliath|Ranger/Hunter

Vaalu snaps out of her stupor only for her expression to darken at the question. "I believe them. But, I know little more of them than you. Beasts, Giants, Orcs, Goblins, and the occasional lesser undead -- skeletons and zombies -- These things I've faced before. But a vampyre? No. At least..." She trails off there having lost her train of thought seeing the church in the distance.

Vaalu was tense during the approach, but not to the point of needing to keep a hand near her weapons. That changed the instant there was screaming. She rushes past the others whipping out an axe along the way.

Faron

After hearing screams Faron heads into the church careful but with haste. He uses pillars or benches as cover where possible and scans the room. He also draws his short bow and nocks an arrow.

Andres makes sure he is standing next to Ireena during the next couple events.  If everyone is going to storm in or investigate.. he stays and moves with her.  Viol and bow in hand.

Andres - You feel an invisible hand in your shoulder. "Thank you for staying with me, but I must go in too. Bishop Donavich is a friend."  and you hear Ireena exit the carriage and begin to head inside.

Those of you the go in see the chapel is in shambles, with overturned and broken pews littering the dusty floor. Dozens of candles mounted in candlesticks and candelabras light every dusty corner in a fervent attempt to rid the chapel of shadows. At the far end of the church sits a claw-scarred altar, behind which kneels a priest in soiled vestments. Next to him hangs a long, thick rope that stretches up into the bell tower.

Brom

Brom initially stays with the cart to provide protection. Upon hearing Ireena's plan to exit and go inside to check on her friend, Brom trails her but stops at the door and sets up as a first line of defense. He calls to the others inside "I will guard the door. If you need assistance just call out." Brom sheathes his long sword and pulls out his 2 hand axes. He steps through the threshold of the doorway so that he is just inside and can see the whole of the yard but can easily take cover if attacked at range.

Alexander Wenzel Eusebius Beaumont 
Lvl 3 | Human | Paladin/Oath of Vengeance 

"Lady Ireena, if you must go inside stay behind me. We know not of what is going on inside and must express extreme caution. Andres, I want you to follow behind her and be ready for anything." Alexander will wait until until Ireena acknowledges his request and then head inside with his sword drawn and his shield ready. 

Andres listens to Alexander’s command. While following His main focus is trying not to run into the rear end of Lady Ireena.