"You say you don't care, but you are just running. I for one will never be afraid to try and to hope, no matter how many times it comes back to bite me. I cannot afford to live any other way."
Anborn offers no response to Elya. I hope that you can handle being bitten then.
Now
Anborn approaches the strangely dressed people. "Could one of you tell us where to find a fortuneteller named Madam Eva? Some of my companions have come looking for her in the hopes that she might show them what lies in wait."
Twelve Vistani are standing and sitting around the fire, telling stories and guzzling wine. Most of them are very buzzed or drunk. Three sober Vistani are resting in three of the four wagons and a few of them approach you in a non hostile way as you approach and speak. At best, they appear like gypsies, wanderers, almost like a travelling circus with how they move and laugh. They wear colorful clothes, and are graceful, and do not look in the slightest that this land is affecting them in any negative way. The men are handsome and rugged, and the women are sultry, athletic, and beautiful.
One of the Vistani men says, "Welcome! Welcome, friends! Yes! Madam Eva? Of course! Come, join us for wine and story!" They offer you seats, comfort, and wine. They all look at you with curiosity, and the young women look at men of your party with more than that, but it's probably your imagination. As you get comfortable, one of the Vistani men say,“It was fated that you would visit our humble camp. Madam Eva foretold your coming. She awaits you.” He then points to the largest tent.
"But first!"A Vistani woman proudly announces, "..another story! You're just in time."
Everyone gets strangely silent, as if storytelling among these people was a deeply respected tradition.
"A mighty wizard came to this land over a year ago. I remember him like it was yesterday. He stood exactly where you’re standing. A very charismatic man, he was. He thought he could rally the people of Barovia against the devil Strahd. He stirred them with thoughts of revolt and bore them to the castle en masse. When the vampire appeared, the wizard’s peasant army fled in terror. A few stood their ground and were never seen again."
A hushed paused. No one dares to speak.
“The wizard and the vampire cast spells at each other. Their battle flew from the courtyards of Ravenloft to a precipice overlooking the falls. I saw the battle with my own eyes. Thunder shook the mountainside, and great rocks tumbled down upon the wizard, yet by his magic he survived. Lightning from the heavens struck the wizard, and again he stood his ground. But when the devil Strahd fell upon him, the wizard’s magic couldn’t save him. I saw him thrown a thousand feet to his death. I climbed down to the river to search for the wizard’s body, to see if, you know, he had anything of value, but the River Ivlis had already spirited him away...."
At this point the sounds of cheering and clapping could be heard, and the woman bows low. The drinking continues and the Vistani turn to you.
"Tell us, my new friends, do you have a story to share?"
This wizard that they speak of must be the same wizard who led the revolt that got Donavich's son turned. "I'm not much of a storyteller, but my companions could probably do a better job. Maybe you've got a grand story for these people, Song?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Song had been dejected by the horrible events that had taken place around him. He can see both sides of the argument. The world was cruel, yes, but must we add to its cruelty? However, hearing the Vistani ask for stories... that was where Song shined. Anborn seemed to think so as well.
The young Aasimar cleared his throat and smiled for the first time in a while. "Gather 'round as I regale you with the telling of Melindy Myrtlesong, halfling hero and descendant of the legendary Lost Oldguard..."
Song got into the character of a storyteller, telling of the legend of this Halfling girl thrust into heroism by her ancestor's lost, legendary sword. "The Legendary Lost Oldguard" was a long-forgotten tale, only known through mentions in books about stories. Many thought it was not even a real story, much less based upon true events. That changed a century ago, when the descendant of Oldguard found his old sword. With new-found powers from a Pact with the spirit of her ancestor, she carved her own story of heroism and glory, perhaps even surpassing her ancestor. Within the hundred years after her tragic death, many bards tried their hand at putting her legend into prose and poem. Song's father was one such bard, and it was one of Song's favorite stories.
Song tries his best to wow his audience. Performance: 15
As you finish your story, the Vistani look at you with wild curiosity and remain silent until you finish your story. They all erupt with applause and cheering as you finish your tell. Inspiration to you, and your friends, nicely done.
MADAM EVA
A young woman takes Orilo by the arm with a look that you cannot tell if she's interested in bedding with you or leading you to Madam Eva. You realize soon it's the latter. As Orilo is led to a tent, you enter. Magic flames cast a reddish glow over the interior of this tent, revealing a low table covered in a black velvet cloth. Glints of light seem to flash from a crystal ball on the table as a hunched figure peers into its depths. As the crone speaks, her voice crackles like dry weeds. “At last you have arrived, Orilo!” Cackling laughter bursts like mad lightning from her withered lips.
She produces a very worn deck of cards. "I wish to free the land of the curse that has befallen it, but before that can be done, it will take more than your strength or the will of your friends alone that shall see this through. You will need..help."
Orilo never accepts any wine, and reverted to grunts and shrugs in answering in inquiry thrown his way. However, he listened with rapt attention to the stories. A moment or two more, and the elder Aasimar attempt at clearing his throat might've led elsewhere. Instead, and with clear wariness in his expression, he lets the woman lead him away with only a last glance back at the group: a half-hearted precaution to see if any other were being led elsewhere.
Present...
"Hn. Madam Eva." He says, turning from the young woman to the crone and bowing his head. "Thank you, for granting this one an audience. Not-..."The rest dies his throat seeing the woman pull out cards. Orilo quirks a brow, but says nothing until she finishes. "So long as that help is not that of the first of my line, I see no reason that cannot be done. But please, I would know more."
(The fortune of Madam Eva lists the locations of five very important items you can find in the land to greatly assist you in your adventure. It's random each time this campaign is run, which gives this game lots of replay ability. Here's where each item is located for our game. The last items tells you all where Strahd will be in his castle when you ready to engage him.)
Madam Eva lays down the first card.
THE TOME OF STRAHD This card tells of history. Knowledge of the ancient will help you better understand your enemy. "That which you seek lies in the womb of darkness, the devil's lair: the one place to which he must return."
Madam Eva lays down the second card.
THE HOLY SYMBOL This card tell of a powerful force of good and protection, a holy symbol of great hope. "The Vistani have what you seek. A missing child holds the key to the treasure's release."
Madam Eva lays down the third card.
THE SUNSWORD This is a card of power and strength. It tells of a weapon of vengeance: a sword of sunlight to help vanquish the darkness. "I see a wall of bones, a chandelier of bones, and a table of bones - all that remain of enemies long forgotten."
Madam Eva lays down the fourth card.
THE ALLY This card sheds light on one who will help you greatly in the battle against darkness. "I see a dead man of noble birth, guarded by his widow. Return life to the dead man's corpse, and he will be your staunch ally."
Madam Eva lays down the final card.
THE FINAL BATTLE Your enemy is a creature of darkness, whose powers are beyond mortality. This card will lead you to him. "He lurks in a hall of bones, in the dark pits of his castle."
Elya patiently waits for the fortune before speaking up, "A missing child? Holy symbol aside, isn't that a bit urgent? Madam Eva, do you know where we might find clues as to the child's location?"
"Well, you're more useful than the last fortune-teller I spoke too. Let's get going, big guy" Anborn takes the cards as he leaves the tent and fills in anyone who didn't go in the tent on Madam Eva's fortune. "So, where do you want to go first?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Song joined in on the reading. There was no way he going to miss this!
A Tome, a Symbol, a Sword, an Ally, and Strahd himself. Some of these seem like they're in dire places. And our Ally... is... dead? That does not help us at all!
"Wait... missing child?" Song says under his breath before Elya speaks what he was about to say.
Orilo watches Anborn leave, only to look right back at Madam Eva. He thumbs his chin, and muttered a few things: "Grave... Castle... And perhaps-..." Shaking his head, the aged Aasimar full attention returns just in time to catch the tail end of Elya's words. "Do not panic, Elya. Son -- Madam Eva. I thank you once more, for the counsel. If there's nothing more, however --for my compatriots yet, we would take our leave now. Finish our trip to Vallaki as promised before being able to move freely."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Just north of the town of Vallaki, there is rumor of a drunken man who drowns children in the lake in a foul attempt to appease the gods to bring more fish for his catch." Is all Madam Eva says.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ireena and Ismark is thrilled that the town of Vallaki is near your party's first intended target. They decide to join you.
THE SEARCH FOR THE HOLY SYMBOL
Roll for random encounter: 5 Roll for random encounter: 4
All is quiet.
LAKE ZAROVICH EVENING
At the foot of a mountain, nestled in the misty forest, is a large lake. The water is perfectly still and dark, reflecting the black clouds overhead like a monstrous mirror. Pulled up along the south shore are three small rowboats. A fourth boat can be seen in the middle of the lake, with a lone figure sitting in it, fishing pole in hand.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Understood. And thank you once more, Bone Sp--hn... Card Speaker Madam Eva."He said with ongoing reverence; and following a final bow, the Aasimar takes his leave of the tent. However, as everyone gathered outside to discuss the next course of actions, Orilo can't seem to focus. Enough becomes enough quickly, leading to a glance at the player, and then... entracement. Only as the song began to fade from the raven-haired beauty's play will shake himself, grumbles something indecipherable underbreathe, then while brushing off any looks goes on to address the group.
"This may be the last time in a long while before we find respite again. This is not a command, but a suggestion. Barter for what supplies you can, and see if you can learn anymore stories about this land."Orilo suggests to the others. "Time is of the essence, I know. But do not take all that was spoken for as the immediate, or you will hinder yourself needlessly and those that would aid you."Hopefully having convinced the group to delay things for a while longer, Orilo steps away to have a chat with the Vastani woman whose playing had so thoroughly allured him.
What started honestly as compliments for the song, an exchange of names, and short stories about their travels and experience turned to teasing(mostly from her). Not one to let things slide, Orilo put forth a challenge with her instrument on the line. The approach was clumsy at first, as the Aasimar wasn't out of practice. But as Tymora would have it, the attempt proved charming enough for her to gesture for him to follow elsewhere...
Dex Save(DC 15): 6. (The inevitable trip up at the finish line.. Called it.)
Some... time... Later...
After all is said and done, Orilo returns to the group with a violin in hand, and a small but genuine smile of satisfaction. Not the vindictive sort. Not the cruel sort. Not even the sardonic sort. But an honest to goodness peaceful smile. And no one -- not EVEN Anborn -- could stop him from doing so for the next few hours. As the feeling slowly but eventually fades on the trip, he looks at the instrument fondly, swearing in silence to play it. All the while blissfully aware of only the little token of affection, a piece of crystal that faintly glows in the moonlight impulsively, left behind in a now surprising moment of impulse; and just as blissfully unaware not of the consequence to come later.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"I will investigate our fisherman. I do not think a murderer would know how to fish, but if he is our man I will try to bring him back alive."
Elya walks into the water, staying below the surface and scanning the lakebed for anything suspicious. She begins to make her way towards the man in the boat. Perception: 23
Anborn declines to say anything to Orilo after seeing him in a good mood. Maybe getting laid was all that he needed to get that stick out of his ass. But I bet that he's going to have a real fun time raising kids.
Right now
As Elya starts swimming towards the fisherman, Anborn readies one of the boats. "Let's get ready to follow behind her in case things go poorly. There's enough boats for each of us if we go two to a boat. So, find a way to pair up and let's get going."
As they arrive to the lake, Winter cannot help but stare disdainfully at the body of water, glaring daggers as if the water had made some insult towards her that greatly offended her, and seeing Elya make her way to the boat in the distance, she can't help but groan in irritation. Don't let your fears control you, child.
"Let's get this over with." She grumbles as she moves towards to the conveniently placed rowboats and starts to push one to the water.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Aeydof the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm /ᐠ｡ꞈ｡ᐟ\
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"You say you don't care, but you are just running. I for one will never be afraid to try and to hope, no matter how many times it comes back to bite me. I cannot afford to live any other way."
Earlier
Anborn offers no response to Elya. I hope that you can handle being bitten then.
Now
Anborn approaches the strangely dressed people. "Could one of you tell us where to find a fortuneteller named Madam Eva? Some of my companions have come looking for her in the hopes that she might show them what lies in wait."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
MEETING THE VISTANI
Twelve Vistani are standing and sitting around the fire, telling stories and guzzling wine. Most of them are very buzzed or drunk. Three sober Vistani are resting in three of the four wagons and a few of them approach you in a non hostile way as you approach and speak. At best, they appear like gypsies, wanderers, almost like a travelling circus with how they move and laugh. They wear colorful clothes, and are graceful, and do not look in the slightest that this land is affecting them in any negative way. The men are handsome and rugged, and the women are sultry, athletic, and beautiful.
One of the Vistani men says, "Welcome! Welcome, friends! Yes! Madam Eva? Of course! Come, join us for wine and story!" They offer you seats, comfort, and wine. They all look at you with curiosity, and the young women look at men of your party with more than that, but it's probably your imagination. As you get comfortable, one of the Vistani men say, “It was fated that you would visit our humble camp. Madam Eva foretold your coming. She awaits you.” He then points to the largest tent.
"But first!" A Vistani woman proudly announces, "..another story! You're just in time."
Everyone gets strangely silent, as if storytelling among these people was a deeply respected tradition.
"A mighty wizard came to this land over a year ago. I remember him like it was yesterday. He stood exactly where you’re standing. A very charismatic man, he was. He thought he could rally the people of Barovia against the devil Strahd. He stirred them with thoughts of revolt and bore them to the castle en masse. When the vampire appeared, the wizard’s peasant army fled in terror. A few stood their ground and were never seen again."
A hushed paused. No one dares to speak.
“The wizard and the vampire cast spells at each other. Their battle flew from the courtyards of Ravenloft to a precipice overlooking the falls. I saw the battle with my own eyes. Thunder shook the mountainside, and great rocks tumbled down upon the wizard, yet by his magic he survived. Lightning from the heavens struck the wizard, and again he stood his ground. But when the devil Strahd fell upon him, the wizard’s magic couldn’t save him. I saw him thrown a thousand feet to his death. I climbed down to the river to search for the wizard’s body, to see if, you know, he had anything of value, but the River Ivlis had already spirited him away...."
At this point the sounds of cheering and clapping could be heard, and the woman bows low. The drinking continues and the Vistani turn to you.
"Tell us, my new friends, do you have a story to share?"
This wizard that they speak of must be the same wizard who led the revolt that got Donavich's son turned. "I'm not much of a storyteller, but my companions could probably do a better job. Maybe you've got a grand story for these people, Song?"
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Song had been dejected by the horrible events that had taken place around him. He can see both sides of the argument. The world was cruel, yes, but must we add to its cruelty? However, hearing the Vistani ask for stories... that was where Song shined. Anborn seemed to think so as well.
The young Aasimar cleared his throat and smiled for the first time in a while. "Gather 'round as I regale you with the telling of Melindy Myrtlesong, halfling hero and descendant of the legendary Lost Oldguard..."
Song got into the character of a storyteller, telling of the legend of this Halfling girl thrust into heroism by her ancestor's lost, legendary sword. "The Legendary Lost Oldguard" was a long-forgotten tale, only known through mentions in books about stories. Many thought it was not even a real story, much less based upon true events. That changed a century ago, when the descendant of Oldguard found his old sword. With new-found powers from a Pact with the spirit of her ancestor, she carved her own story of heroism and glory, perhaps even surpassing her ancestor. Within the hundred years after her tragic death, many bards tried their hand at putting her legend into prose and poem. Song's father was one such bard, and it was one of Song's favorite stories.
Song tries his best to wow his audience. Performance: 15
Just a nerdy dude.
As you finish your story, the Vistani look at you with wild curiosity and remain silent until you finish your story. They all erupt with applause and cheering as you finish your tell. Inspiration to you, and your friends, nicely done.
MADAM EVA
A young woman takes Orilo by the arm with a look that you cannot tell if she's interested in bedding with you or leading you to Madam Eva. You realize soon it's the latter. As Orilo is led to a tent, you enter. Magic flames cast a reddish glow over the interior of this tent, revealing a low table covered in a black velvet cloth. Glints of light seem to flash from a crystal ball on the table as a hunched figure peers into its depths. As the crone speaks, her voice crackles like dry weeds. “At last you have arrived, Orilo!” Cackling laughter bursts like mad lightning from her withered lips.
She produces a very worn deck of cards. "I wish to free the land of the curse that has befallen it, but before that can be done, it will take more than your strength or the will of your friends alone that shall see this through. You will need..help."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Like the Vistani, Corrin is drawn in and enthralled with Song’s story of Myrtlesing, ooohing and aahing throughout and applauding joyously at the end.
Corrin Kettlewhistle: Halfling Life Cleric (Curse of Strahd)
Kip Dalton: Human Lore Bard (Waterdeep Dragon Heist)
Debauchery Dalliance: Half-Drow Oath of Conquest Paladin (White Plume Mountain)
THE FORTUNE OF MADAM EVA
(The fortune of Madam Eva lists the locations of five very important items you can find in the land to greatly assist you in your adventure. It's random each time this campaign is run, which gives this game lots of replay ability. Here's where each item is located for our game. The last items tells you all where Strahd will be in his castle when you ready to engage him.)
Madam Eva lays down the first card.
THE TOME OF STRAHD
This card tells of history. Knowledge of the ancient will help you better understand your enemy.
"That which you seek lies in the womb of darkness, the devil's lair: the one place to which he must return."
Madam Eva lays down the second card.
THE HOLY SYMBOL
This card tell of a powerful force of good and protection, a holy symbol of great hope.
"The Vistani have what you seek. A missing child holds the key to the treasure's release."
Madam Eva lays down the third card.
THE SUNSWORD
This is a card of power and strength. It tells of a weapon of vengeance: a sword of sunlight to help vanquish the darkness.
"I see a wall of bones, a chandelier of bones, and a table of bones - all that remain of enemies long forgotten."
Madam Eva lays down the fourth card.
THE ALLY
This card sheds light on one who will help you greatly in the battle against darkness.
"I see a dead man of noble birth, guarded by his widow. Return life to the dead man's corpse, and he will be your staunch ally."
Madam Eva lays down the final card.
THE FINAL BATTLE
Your enemy is a creature of darkness, whose powers are beyond mortality. This card will lead you to him.
"He lurks in a hall of bones, in the dark pits of his castle."
Elya patiently waits for the fortune before speaking up, "A missing child? Holy symbol aside, isn't that a bit urgent? Madam Eva, do you know where we might find clues as to the child's location?"
"Well, you're more useful than the last fortune-teller I spoke too. Let's get going, big guy" Anborn takes the cards as he leaves the tent and fills in anyone who didn't go in the tent on Madam Eva's fortune. "So, where do you want to go first?"
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Song joined in on the reading. There was no way he going to miss this!
A Tome, a Symbol, a Sword, an Ally, and Strahd himself. Some of these seem like they're in dire places. And our Ally... is... dead? That does not help us at all!
"Wait... missing child?" Song says under his breath before Elya speaks what he was about to say.
Just a nerdy dude.
Orilo watches Anborn leave, only to look right back at Madam Eva. He thumbs his chin, and muttered a few things: "Grave... Castle... And perhaps-..." Shaking his head, the aged Aasimar full attention returns just in time to catch the tail end of Elya's words. "Do not panic, Elya. Son -- Madam Eva. I thank you once more, for the counsel. If there's nothing more, however --for my compatriots yet, we would take our leave now. Finish our trip to Vallaki as promised before being able to move freely."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"Just north of the town of Vallaki, there is rumor of a drunken man who drowns children in the lake in a foul attempt to appease the gods to bring more fish for his catch." Is all Madam Eva says.
(Updating the Campaign Notes)
Ireena and Ismark is thrilled that the town of Vallaki is near your party's first intended target. They decide to join you.
THE SEARCH FOR THE HOLY SYMBOL
Roll for random encounter: 5
Roll for random encounter: 4
All is quiet.
LAKE ZAROVICH
EVENING
At the foot of a mountain, nestled in the misty forest, is a large lake. The water is perfectly still and dark, reflecting the black clouds overhead like a monstrous mirror. Pulled up along the south shore are three small rowboats. A fourth boat can be seen in the middle of the lake, with a lone figure sitting in it, fishing pole in hand.
"Understood. And thank you once more, Bone Sp--hn... Card Speaker Madam Eva." He said with ongoing reverence; and following a final bow, the Aasimar takes his leave of the tent. However, as everyone gathered outside to discuss the next course of actions, Orilo can't seem to focus. Enough becomes enough quickly, leading to a glance at the player, and then... entracement. Only as the song began to fade from the raven-haired beauty's play will shake himself, grumbles something indecipherable underbreathe, then while brushing off any looks goes on to address the group.
The Challenge(DC 10): 15.
Inspired Re-roll: 11.
(And assuming he makes it past that...)
The Event(DC 13): 22.
Dex Save(DC 15): 6.
(The inevitable trip up at the finish line.. Called it.)
Some... time... Later...
After all is said and done, Orilo returns to the group with a violin in hand, and a small but genuine smile of satisfaction. Not the vindictive sort. Not the cruel sort. Not even the sardonic sort. But an honest to goodness peaceful smile. And no one -- not EVEN Anborn -- could stop him from doing so for the next few hours. As the feeling slowly but eventually fades on the trip, he looks at the instrument fondly, swearing in silence to play it. All the while blissfully aware of only the little token of affection, a piece of crystal that faintly glows in the moonlight impulsively, left behind in a now surprising moment of impulse; and just as blissfully unaware not of the consequence to come later.
For now. Probably...
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Hope you enjoy those twins, DAD. Nice violin.
"I will investigate our fisherman. I do not think a murderer would know how to fish, but if he is our man I will try to bring him back alive."
Elya walks into the water, staying below the surface and scanning the lakebed for anything suspicious. She begins to make her way towards the man in the boat. Perception: 23
Earlier
Anborn declines to say anything to Orilo after seeing him in a good mood. Maybe getting laid was all that he needed to get that stick out of his ass. But I bet that he's going to have a real fun time raising kids.
Right now
As Elya starts swimming towards the fisherman, Anborn readies one of the boats. "Let's get ready to follow behind her in case things go poorly. There's enough boats for each of us if we go two to a boat. So, find a way to pair up and let's get going."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
As they arrive to the lake, Winter cannot help but stare disdainfully at the body of water, glaring daggers as if the water had made some insult towards her that greatly offended her, and seeing Elya make her way to the boat in the distance, she can't help but groan in irritation. Don't let your fears control you, child.
"Let's get this over with." She grumbles as she moves towards to the conveniently placed rowboats and starts to push one to the water.
Aeyd of the Dragons || Wood Elf / Way of the Ascendant Dragon Monk
Demetrios Zalaoras || Protector Aasimar / Paladin of Torm
Hawke || Kalashtar / Circle of the Moon Druid
Morticia || Half-Aasimar Rogue
Yvan || Goliath / Path of the Wild Soul Barbarian | Paladin of Helm
/ᐠ｡ꞈ｡ᐟ\