Doremor grins as the others discuss dinner plans, "Of course, there's no need for all of us to attend. I'm sure some of the more... subtle in this group will have plenty of opportunities to slip away and sift through the things in our host's castle. Perhaps he keeps a secret collection of stakes and garlic locked up somewhere. At the very least, there will be much treasure to be found, if he is what you all say he is."
“As for what he gains, Strahd would seem to be immortal if the tales are true. Immortality is unnatural, and warps the mind. His motives are quite possibly unknowable.”
After coming to an agreement on what course of action you are to take in fighting the devil Strahd, you all make the journey to Castle Ravenloft. The trip is uneventful, with none of the monsters that inhabit Barovia deciding to trouble your caravan. Despite this, you still don't feel peace at this, as you feel that this inactivity is all part of Strahd's dark plans. You arrive at the Village of Barovia for the first time since you took Ireena to Vallaki. As you march through the town up the path leading to Castle Ravenloft, you pass the chapel with Father Donavich and his cursed son. You have arrived at the courtyard of Castle Ravenloft.
Thick, cold fog swirls in this courtyard. Sporadic flashes of lightning lance the weeping clouds overhead as thunder shakes the ground. Through the drizzle, you see torch flames fluttering on each side of the keep’s open main doors. Warm light spills out of the entrance, flooding the courtyard. High above the entrance is a round window with shards of broken glass lodged in its iron frame. You are not troubled as you approach the double doors, which suddenly swing open, revealing a grand hall with the sound of organ music, as well as the sight of a beautiful young woman that's dressed all in black. Despite her beautiful appearance, you can obviously sense the inhumanity in her from her red eyes, unnaturally pale skin, and the general coldness about her. "Greetings." She says in a voice devoid of emotion. "My name is Winter. Master Strahd is right this way. He's been waiting patiently for you." She begins to walk down the hall, motioning for you to follow her.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Samael walks behind Winter, feeling pity for the girl, and vocally expressing it as he speaks, "How are you, Lady Winter?" This, hopefully serves to distract her, but Samael is also genuinely curious/concerned.
Fae is able to sneak away from Winter while she's not looking. You meet up with Doremor at K21 and go all the way down to Area K73.
Belzo, Samael, and Hadrian.
"I want for nothing at Castle Ravenloft." Winter leads you into the dining hall.
Three enormous crystal chandeliers brilliantly illuminate this magnificent chamber. Pillars of stone stand against dull white marble walls, supporting the ceiling. In the center of the room, a long, heavy table is covered with a fine white satin cloth. The table is laden with many delectable foods: roasted beast basted in a savory sauce, roots and herbs of every taste, and sweet fruits and vegetables. Places are set for each of you with fine, delicate china and silver. At each place is a crystal goblet filled with an amber liquid with a delicate, tantalizing fragrance.
At the center of the far west wall, between floor-to-ceiling mirrors, stands a massive organ. Its pipes blare out a thunderous melody that speaks in its tone of greatness and despair. Seated at the organ, facing away from you, a single caped figure pounds the keys in raptured ecstasy. The figure suddenly stops, and as a deep silence falls over the dining hall, it slowly turns toward you. It's Strahd von Zarovich, Master of Castle Ravenloft.
"Welcome friends, I trust that Winter has been courteous in welcoming you here. Please, sit and eat of the feast that has been prepared for you."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Doremor holds out an invisible arm, allowing Gertrude to appear before she flutters down to help him search the rooms ahead. Peering cautiously into K73, if he sees nothing amiss or of value, he'll proceed to listen at the door to K75, only entering if he's sure there's no danger within.
You detect nothing of interest or alarm in K73. As you sneak over to K75, you notice that the rusty iron door that connects it to K73 is submerged in five feet of water and will require a DC10 Athletics check to open.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
You do manage to force the door open, but as you struggle with it you think that maybe it would've been a good idea to go lift some weights before taking on a vampire king. A mold-covered ceiling hangs three feet above the still, black water that fills this dungeon corridor. The water is five feet deep. Ten-foot-square cells, their entrances blocked by iron bars, line both sides of the hall. From one of the cells, you hear a gruff voice ask, “Who’s there?”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Doremor grits his teeth in frustration at the water, before casting mage hand (which ends Invisibility) and sending it sweeping through the water. If it impacts anything, it will attempt to grab it and lift it out of the waves. Otherwise, it will retrieve a small sample of the mold on the ceiling and bring it back to Doremor, who pokes at it with a dagger and examines it.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Doremor wades into the K75, rapier out, looking for the person in the cell as well as any interesting goods that might have been left there.
Investigation: 22
If the person in the cell isn't obviously a monster, he'll greet them, "It might be better for you to introduce yourself first, since I'm out here and you're in there."
Fae sticks her head around the corner and follows cheerfully. Doremor probably has to keep her from plunging headfirst into each room. When the voice comes, she waves, regardless of whether the person is obviously a monster. "Hello!"
A strong young man clutches the bars of his cell while struggling to keep his teeth from chattering. His clothes are shredded, and he is soaked from head to toe.
"My name is Emil Toranescu, I was chased into this castle by direwolves and then imprisoned by the devil Strahd. I can help you fight him if you rescue me."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Samael nods, grasping his blade, "If we must dine with the devil to slay him, so be it. I am also curious what he hopes to gain from all of this."
Doremor grins as the others discuss dinner plans, "Of course, there's no need for all of us to attend. I'm sure some of the more... subtle in this group will have plenty of opportunities to slip away and sift through the things in our host's castle. Perhaps he keeps a secret collection of stakes and garlic locked up somewhere. At the very least, there will be much treasure to be found, if he is what you all say he is."
“As for what he gains, Strahd would seem to be immortal if the tales are true. Immortality is unnatural, and warps the mind. His motives are quite possibly unknowable.”
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
"Maybe he's just bored?" Fae suggests.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
After coming to an agreement on what course of action you are to take in fighting the devil Strahd, you all make the journey to Castle Ravenloft. The trip is uneventful, with none of the monsters that inhabit Barovia deciding to trouble your caravan. Despite this, you still don't feel peace at this, as you feel that this inactivity is all part of Strahd's dark plans. You arrive at the Village of Barovia for the first time since you took Ireena to Vallaki. As you march through the town up the path leading to Castle Ravenloft, you pass the chapel with Father Donavich and his cursed son. You have arrived at the courtyard of Castle Ravenloft.
Thick, cold fog swirls in this courtyard. Sporadic flashes of lightning lance the weeping clouds overhead as thunder shakes the ground. Through the drizzle, you see torch flames fluttering on each side of the keep’s open main doors. Warm light spills out of the entrance, flooding the courtyard. High above the entrance is a round window with shards of broken glass lodged in its iron frame. You are not troubled as you approach the double doors, which suddenly swing open, revealing a grand hall with the sound of organ music, as well as the sight of a beautiful young woman that's dressed all in black. Despite her beautiful appearance, you can obviously sense the inhumanity in her from her red eyes, unnaturally pale skin, and the general coldness about her. "Greetings." She says in a voice devoid of emotion. "My name is Winter. Master Strahd is right this way. He's been waiting patiently for you." She begins to walk down the hall, motioning for you to follow her.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Doremor makes sure to stay in the back of the group, making an effort to sneak away as soon as possible.
Stealth: 22
If Winter ever turns away for more than a few moments, he casts invisibility on himself and leaves.
advantage stealth (if invisible): 29
Samael walks behind Winter, feeling pity for the girl, and vocally expressing it as he speaks, "How are you, Lady Winter?" This, hopefully serves to distract her, but Samael is also genuinely curious/concerned.
"I am doing fine. There is no reason to worry about my condition."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
"Even if there's no reason to, I shall, if that's alright with you." He gives a small sad smile and keeps walking behind her, "Do you like it here?"
Religion: 3
Fae tags along at the back, slipping around a corner when Winter isn't looking and tagging along with Doremor.
Sneaky Elf: 27
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Prior to approaching the castle, Hadrian will cast aid on himself, Fae, and Doremor. "Be careful," he tells the two.
(Each target's hit point maximum and current hit points increase by 5 for the duration)
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
Fae and Doremor:
Fae is able to sneak away from Winter while she's not looking. You meet up with Doremor at K21 and go all the way down to Area K73.
Belzo, Samael, and Hadrian.
"I want for nothing at Castle Ravenloft." Winter leads you into the dining hall.
Three enormous crystal chandeliers brilliantly illuminate this magnificent chamber. Pillars of stone stand against dull white marble walls, supporting the ceiling. In the center of the room, a long, heavy table is covered with a fine white satin cloth. The table is laden with many delectable foods: roasted beast basted in a savory sauce, roots and herbs of every taste, and sweet fruits and vegetables. Places are set for each of you with fine, delicate china and silver. At each place is a crystal goblet filled with an amber liquid with a delicate, tantalizing fragrance.
At the center of the far west wall, between floor-to-ceiling mirrors, stands a massive organ. Its pipes blare out a thunderous melody that speaks in its tone of greatness and despair. Seated at the organ, facing away from you, a single caped figure pounds the keys in raptured ecstasy. The figure suddenly stops, and as a deep silence falls over the dining hall, it slowly turns toward you. It's Strahd von Zarovich, Master of Castle Ravenloft.
"Welcome friends, I trust that Winter has been courteous in welcoming you here. Please, sit and eat of the feast that has been prepared for you."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Doremor holds out an invisible arm, allowing Gertrude to appear before she flutters down to help him search the rooms ahead. Peering cautiously into K73, if he sees nothing amiss or of value, he'll proceed to listen at the door to K75, only entering if he's sure there's no danger within.
Investigation (K73): 19
Perception (K73): 20
Stealth: 14
Investigation (K75): 14
Perception (K75): 21
You detect nothing of interest or alarm in K73. As you sneak over to K75, you notice that the rusty iron door that connects it to K73 is submerged in five feet of water and will require a DC10 Athletics check to open.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Doremor cracks his invisible knuckles, grabbing the door with both hands and pulling Fae to help him.
Athletics: 11
You do manage to force the door open, but as you struggle with it you think that maybe it would've been a good idea to go lift some weights before taking on a vampire king. A mold-covered ceiling hangs three feet above the still, black water that fills this dungeon corridor. The water is five feet deep. Ten-foot-square cells, their entrances blocked by iron bars, line both sides of the hall. From one of the cells, you hear a gruff voice ask, “Who’s there?”
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More
Doremor grits his teeth in frustration at the water, before casting mage hand (which ends Invisibility) and sending it sweeping through the water. If it impacts anything, it will attempt to grab it and lift it out of the waves. Otherwise, it will retrieve a small sample of the mold on the ceiling and bring it back to Doremor, who pokes at it with a dagger and examines it.
Investigation (Mold): 11
Doremor wades into the K75, rapier out, looking for the person in the cell as well as any interesting goods that might have been left there.
Investigation: 22
If the person in the cell isn't obviously a monster, he'll greet them, "It might be better for you to introduce yourself first, since I'm out here and you're in there."
Insight on whatever the dude says: 21
Fae sticks her head around the corner and follows cheerfully. Doremor probably has to keep her from plunging headfirst into each room. When the voice comes, she waves, regardless of whether the person is obviously a monster. "Hello!"
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
A strong young man clutches the bars of his cell while struggling to keep his teeth from chattering. His clothes are shredded, and he is soaked from head to toe.
"My name is Emil Toranescu, I was chased into this castle by direwolves and then imprisoned by the devil Strahd. I can help you fight him if you rescue me."
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
More