Gillain leads the way as she, and the rest of the party follows Ireena into the next room. As the party enters they find a 30 ft. x 40 ft. room with what appears to be a tiered platform along the north wall of the room with a great chair sitting on top of the platform. What draws the party's attention is not the trappings of this meeting hall but the pine coffin that sits in the middle of the room. Several vases with long since wilted flowers surround the coffin but their aroma does not hide the odor of decay and death. Inside the coffin, dressed in official robes with his arms crossed over his chest is what the party believes to be the body of Kolyan Indirovich, the author of the letter the party found when they first entered Barovia and Burgermaster of Barovia.
DM: marked with the B
Ireena stands to the right of the body while Ismark moves up to stand to the left of the body. Ismark looks to the party and speaks: "Here lies my Father, the Bugermaster of Barovia." he says with sadness in his voice. "He died 2 days ago defending Ireena from the onslaught that has plagued our home for several nights now." The party can see a large gash along the right of the late Bugermaster's face. "He lived his life,"he continues "trying to aid the people of this village from the curse that is upon this land and died because the source of that curse seeks Ireena to be his bride. I, his son, implore you to aid me in taking Ireena far from here for her protection." Ireena speaks up almost immediately. "I will not go one step until Father is taken to the church and receives a proper burial. I will not have him rise in the night as undead as so many have before."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Tio won’t say anything sticking to back of the group. She will observe Ireena as she speaks to Ismark.
Insight:16
Seeing Ireena talk about her father, Tio turns to Ireena “I see, I am.... truly sorry for your loss.” Taking a moment “Are you sure you wish to bury him? If the evil of this land bring him back as an undead, would you be able to strike him down?”
Gillain looks around at her companions, then follows Ireena through into the room west of the hall, with her.
As the odor of decay hits her nose, she looks about. Does she see this ‘father’, or anyone, or anything else, that the odor might be coming from?
If she sees the father or a body or something, she will try to reach out with her senses using Divine Sense (to detect the presence of undead, celestials or fiends, and desecrated or concentrated objects or ground).
She will make sure to at least glance at the father, Ireena and Ismark, while her senses are heightened…
@DM: Does anything ping up on Divine Sense? You can message me if need be…
Ban follows the group, looking about and watching their backs until they get inside. Once there, having seen the late Burgomaster, she puts a hand over both her and his brow and utters a few words in Elvish. She looks under her hood at the two who've lost and nods, paying her respects. "It is unfortunate you have lost a loved one, but it sounds like he lived a full life. Surely, he will receive just dues for his accomplishments and be at peace. It would be my honour to escort him to his final resting place."
Preparing to look out a window for the angle of the sun, then realizing the windows are all boarded up and the day is overcast anyway, Gimble grumbles a bit but attempts to estimate the time of day. "Do we have time to get him buried yet today, then perhaps get on the road? Or will we need to stay here and defend you tonight if we tarry to inter your father?" he asks.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Bob tries to radiate as much dwarven hospitality and warmth as he can as they move through the home, though he remains quiet as he feels the general unease of death so nearby and the anger at the fiend who sought to take Ireena for himself.
"Life's a branching road and all paths lead to death. Wot the dead don' tell us livin' folks is that there may only be one path but it sure does take some wild twists an' turns! Once he rests soundly he'll be free t' enjoy the fruits o' nature's design." He nods sagely, tapping his staff on the floor with a little puff of fungal spores.
Gillain looks around at her companions, then follows Ireena through into the room west of the hall, with her.
As the odor of decay hits her nose, she looks about. Does she see this ‘father’, or anyone, or anything else, that the odor might be coming from?
If she sees the father or a body or something, she will try to reach out with her senses using Divine Sense (to detect the presence of undead, celestials or fiends, and desecrated or concentrated objects or ground).
She will make sure to at least glance at the father, Ireena and Ismark, while her senses are heightened…
@DM: Does anything ping up on Divine Sense? You can message me if need be…
"My father has done so much good for me I owe him the chance to have peace,"Ireena responds to Tio.
"I believe if we wait and bury my father," Ismark speaks up. "We may have time to put a good distance away from Barovia and the hopefully the Count's influence. If not, all I can propose is that we stay here 1 more night and start out at first light." Ismark pauses for a moment then speaks: "The attacks stopped once my father passed. Honestly, I do not know what power the Count has but it appears he has enough to cause us to fear. I hear Vallaki is well defended and they do not face what we do here in Barovia. My hope is to take my adopted sister as far away from Barovia as we can and to a place that she will be safe."
Tio
Ireena seems very devoted to her father but when the Count has been mentioned something in Ireena's body language makes Tio think there is something else going on.
Ireena is silent for a few moments. When Gillain speaks up, Ireena responds. "I only ask you to help us escort my father to the chapel. Once there Father Donovich will perform the rituals and we will place my father's body into its resting place. None of the Villagers will aid us in this, though Ismark has tried." Ireena's anger flares as she speaks the last part.
Gillain clicks her heels and salutes with her fist across her chest, “Agreed!… We are yours to command. We will help any way we can. But we must be guided by your wishes in this matter… … Where do you need me? I am strong and I can help lift…”.
She waits politely for specific instructions, not wanting to put a foot wrong in this delicate matter. But eager to help and get going quickly…
Ismark smiles slightly. "Thank you," he says. Ireena is a bit more reserved but states. "I will go and prepare for the journey and get some gold for Father Donavich." With that, she leaves the party for a few moments.
It takes the better part of two hours to prepare and hitch the carriage and move the body of the Burgomaster to it. Ismark and Ireena say little and both take a bit longer to retrieve things for the journey ahead. Once ready, Ismark takes the lead position and guides the carriage from the courtyard of the Burgomaster's residence to the village cobblestone streets. The going is slow and quiet. As the party follows along, each of you gets the feeling of many eyes upon you as you travel through the streets. Your precession is slow going but travels north to the village center, passing the Mercantile as you go. Once the party makes it to the village center, located in the area close to the Blood of the Vine Tavern, the party follows the cobblestone road that turns Northwest. The party had not seen any of the villagers in their journey so far but, standing on the porch of the Tavern, are 3 men. All 3 have dark hair, dark eyes, and tan skin and are dressed in colorful attire.
Banrecognizes the clothing as the same style worn by the man who had hired her for the job that brought her to this land.
Turning Northwest the party escorts Ismark, Ireena, and the remains of the late Burgomaster another 240 ft., to the end of the cobblestones and the party sees before them the church. DM: marked with C on the map below.
The church is atop a slight rise with a rusting cast-iron fence that radiates out from both back corners of the church and encompasses the village cemetery. The church and cemetery stand in contrast to its backdrop, a single mountain peak. Atop one of the cliffs, Castle Ravenloft can be seen surrounded by the thick Mist that the party has encountered before. The church, a gray sagging edifice, whose worn and weary stone and wood have obviously weathered the assaults of evil for centuries, appears empty and silent. A bell tower rises towards the back, and flickering candle lights can be barely seen through holes in the shingled roof. The cemetery taking up the majority of the church property to the rear. Suddenly a strong northern wind buffets the church and the sound of creaking can be heard as the rafters strain feebly against their load.
Ismark guides the cart to the front of the church. 2 large wooden and steel-framed doors stand closed with a bell to the left side of them. Ireena steps forward and pulls the cord, ringing the bell 3 times. While waiting the party notices lines etched all over the door. These lines are in groups of 3 and 4 and appear to be the same you saw on the outside of the Burgomaster's home. You also see scorch marks on the door as well.
Bob seemed in dour spirits as they went from the wearying misery of Ismark and Ireena's tale of woe to the equally dismal town, now thronging with unhappy faces looming like some sort of nightmare made real. It only got worse once they reached the church, an imposing structure set into the grim landscape in its own right, but what stilled Bob's heartbeat for a moment was the sight of Strahd's castle in the distance looming against the horizon. He looks around nervously, suddenly aware that the master of that mansion could be watching them.
Seeing the familiar garb of her most recent employer, Ban takes a mental note to come back to the tavern after her current commitment. Pulling her hood further down as they pass, she averts her face. The eladrin asks the group, "Have you any knowledge of the flagrantly dressed human folk over there at the Blood of the Vine?"Aside from that, she will take a respectful silence as the progression proceeds to the church.
As the group waits to no answer, the minutes seem like hours to the eladrin. Ban takes a quick interested look at the gashes and damage, reminded of the big paw prints she saw in the dirt, and thinks the worst. She awkwardly looks over her shoulders as she stands at the entrance and lightly tests the left door to see if it moves to open. If so, she will take out her mirror and check inside the church. Quietly, Ban says, "Hopefully this isn't seen in a negative light. I don't mean to enter without being invited to a holy place, but isn't it better to ask for forgiveness than permission?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Gimble:
Perception: 6
Gimble follows along and keeps an eye out for any threats coming their way, though will all the undead recently encountered in the haunted mansion, he remains uncomfortable transporting a dead body.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Gillain’s perception check: 8
As Ban asks her question about the strangers, Gillain answers “I’m afraid not. No…. You okay though?… … I got your back…”. She offers a businesslike wink and a serious nod.
Gillain also keeps close behind Ban as her new friend approaches the church.
Seeing the familiar garb of her most recent employer, Ban takes a mental note to come back to the tavern after her current commitment. Pulling her hood further down as they pass, she averts her face. The eladrin asks the group, "Have you any knowledge of the flagrantly dressed human folk over there at the Blood of the Vine?"Aside from that, she will take a respectful silence as the progression proceeds to the church.
While passing the Vine and hearing Ban's question Ismark responds. "They are Vistani,"Ismark says. "A loose group of travelers, thieves, and cutthroats that travel Barovia. They live in camps far from the villages. I do not know much more about them, I do not trust them."
Waiting a bit longer, Ireena again reaches out and pulls the cord, ringing the bell. The moments pass by in silence and Ireena finally calls out "Father Donavich". She looks to Ismark and a look of concern does not escape the party's notice. DM: Will wait until morning to post the rest.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1tna_7IIvImxb510eBbbfuI4EIfHi_Ce4gkmY748ZQUo/edit
Gillain leads the way as she, and the rest of the party follows Ireena into the next room.
As the party enters they find a 30 ft. x 40 ft. room with what appears to be a tiered platform along the north wall of the room with a great chair sitting on top of the platform.
What draws the party's attention is not the trappings of this meeting hall but the pine coffin that sits in the middle of the room. Several vases with long since wilted flowers surround the coffin but their aroma does not hide the odor of decay and death.
Inside the coffin, dressed in official robes with his arms crossed over his chest is what the party believes to be the body of Kolyan Indirovich, the author of the letter the party found when they first entered Barovia and Burgermaster of Barovia.
DM: marked with the B
Ireena stands to the right of the body while Ismark moves up to stand to the left of the body. Ismark looks to the party and speaks:
"Here lies my Father, the Bugermaster of Barovia." he says with sadness in his voice. "He died 2 days ago defending Ireena from the onslaught that has plagued our home for several nights now."
The party can see a large gash along the right of the late Bugermaster's face.
"He lived his life," he continues "trying to aid the people of this village from the curse that is upon this land and died because the source of that curse seeks Ireena to be his bride. I, his son, implore you to aid me in taking Ireena far from here for her protection."
Ireena speaks up almost immediately.
"I will not go one step until Father is taken to the church and receives a proper burial. I will not have him rise in the night as undead as so many have before."
Tio won’t say anything sticking to back of the group. She will observe Ireena as she speaks to Ismark.
Insight:16
Seeing Ireena talk about her father, Tio turns to Ireena “I see, I am.... truly sorry for your loss.” Taking a moment “Are you sure you wish to bury him? If the evil of this land bring him back as an undead, would you be able to strike him down?”
Felix Windfall(Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA, Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiA@DM…
@DM: Does anything ping up on Divine Sense? You can message me if need be…
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Ban follows the group, looking about and watching their backs until they get inside. Once there, having seen the late Burgomaster, she puts a hand over both her and his brow and utters a few words in Elvish. She looks under her hood at the two who've lost and nods, paying her respects. "It is unfortunate you have lost a loved one, but it sounds like he lived a full life. Surely, he will receive just dues for his accomplishments and be at peace. It would be my honour to escort him to his final resting place."
Gimble:
Preparing to look out a window for the angle of the sun, then realizing the windows are all boarded up and the day is overcast anyway, Gimble grumbles a bit but attempts to estimate the time of day. "Do we have time to get him buried yet today, then perhaps get on the road? Or will we need to stay here and defend you tonight if we tarry to inter your father?" he asks.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Bob tries to radiate as much dwarven hospitality and warmth as he can as they move through the home, though he remains quiet as he feels the general unease of death so nearby and the anger at the fiend who sought to take Ireena for himself.
"Life's a branching road and all paths lead to death. Wot the dead don' tell us livin' folks is that there may only be one path but it sure does take some wild twists an' turns! Once he rests soundly he'll be free t' enjoy the fruits o' nature's design." He nods sagely, tapping his staff on the floor with a little puff of fungal spores.
DM: Divine Sense picks up nothing.
((@DM Ha! Cool. Gillain is getting paranoid for sure! Thanks))
Gillain is pleased, seeing all her friends’ compassion, offering words of comfort and to help bury the father…
She will also offer to help, “We will of course help with your father. Just tell us what you need to be done”. She nods a small bow to the family.
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
"My father has done so much good for me I owe him the chance to have peace," Ireena responds to Tio.
"I believe if we wait and bury my father," Ismark speaks up. "We may have time to put a good distance away from Barovia and the hopefully the Count's influence. If not, all I can propose is that we stay here 1 more night and start out at first light."
Ismark pauses for a moment then speaks: "The attacks stopped once my father passed. Honestly, I do not know what power the Count has but it appears he has enough to cause us to fear. I hear Vallaki is well defended and they do not face what we do here in Barovia. My hope is to take my adopted sister as far away from Barovia as we can and to a place that she will be safe."
Tio
Ireena seems very devoted to her father but when the Count has been mentioned something in Ireena's body language makes Tio think there is something else going on.
Ireena is silent for a few moments. When Gillain speaks up, Ireena responds.
"I only ask you to help us escort my father to the chapel. Once there Father Donovich will perform the rituals and we will place my father's body into its resting place. None of the Villagers will aid us in this, though Ismark has tried."
Ireena's anger flares as she speaks the last part.
Tio notices the body language but says nothing “Well if that’s the case then, perhaps we should go now then.”
Felix Windfall(Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA, Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiAGillain clicks her heels and salutes with her fist across her chest, “Agreed!… We are yours to command. We will help any way we can. But we must be guided by your wishes in this matter… … Where do you need me? I am strong and I can help lift…”.
She waits politely for specific instructions, not wanting to put a foot wrong in this delicate matter. But eager to help and get going quickly…
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
Ismark smiles slightly. "Thank you," he says.
Ireena is a bit more reserved but states. "I will go and prepare for the journey and get some gold for Father Donavich." With that, she leaves the party for a few moments.
It takes the better part of two hours to prepare and hitch the carriage and move the body of the Burgomaster to it. Ismark and Ireena say little and both take a bit longer to retrieve things for the journey ahead. Once ready, Ismark takes the lead position and guides the carriage from the courtyard of the Burgomaster's residence to the village cobblestone streets.
The going is slow and quiet. As the party follows along, each of you gets the feeling of many eyes upon you as you travel through the streets.
Your precession is slow going but travels north to the village center, passing the Mercantile as you go. Once the party makes it to the village center, located in the area close to the Blood of the Vine Tavern, the party follows the cobblestone road that turns Northwest.
The party had not seen any of the villagers in their journey so far but, standing on the porch of the Tavern, are 3 men. All 3 have dark hair, dark eyes, and tan skin and are dressed in colorful attire.
Ban recognizes the clothing as the same style worn by the man who had hired her for the job that brought her to this land.
Turning Northwest the party escorts Ismark, Ireena, and the remains of the late Burgomaster another 240 ft., to the end of the cobblestones and the party sees before them the church.
DM: marked with C on the map below.
https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1xs6ZuPMPWMtSO548eeVqqymR2VLJewWqZVeh5pZ98DE/edit
The church is atop a slight rise with a rusting cast-iron fence that radiates out from both back corners of the church and encompasses the village cemetery. The church and cemetery stand in contrast to its backdrop, a single mountain peak. Atop one of the cliffs, Castle Ravenloft can be seen surrounded by the thick Mist that the party has encountered before.
The church, a gray sagging edifice, whose worn and weary stone and wood have obviously weathered the assaults of evil for centuries, appears empty and silent. A bell tower rises towards the back, and flickering candle lights can be barely seen through holes in the shingled roof. The cemetery taking up the majority of the church property to the rear.
Suddenly a strong northern wind buffets the church and the sound of creaking can be heard as the rafters strain feebly against their load.
Ismark guides the cart to the front of the church. 2 large wooden and steel-framed doors stand closed with a bell to the left side of them. Ireena steps forward and pulls the cord, ringing the bell 3 times.
While waiting the party notices lines etched all over the door. These lines are in groups of 3 and 4 and appear to be the same you saw on the outside of the Burgomaster's home. You also see scorch marks on the door as well.
The minutes pass by and no one responds to the ringing of the bell.
Perception rolls, please.
Bob seemed in dour spirits as they went from the wearying misery of Ismark and Ireena's tale of woe to the equally dismal town, now thronging with unhappy faces looming like some sort of nightmare made real. It only got worse once they reached the church, an imposing structure set into the grim landscape in its own right, but what stilled Bob's heartbeat for a moment was the sight of Strahd's castle in the distance looming against the horizon. He looks around nervously, suddenly aware that the master of that mansion could be watching them.
Perception check: 13
Seeing the familiar garb of her most recent employer, Ban takes a mental note to come back to the tavern after her current commitment. Pulling her hood further down as they pass, she averts her face. The eladrin asks the group, "Have you any knowledge of the flagrantly dressed human folk over there at the Blood of the Vine?" Aside from that, she will take a respectful silence as the progression proceeds to the church.
As the group waits to no answer, the minutes seem like hours to the eladrin. Ban takes a quick interested look at the gashes and damage, reminded of the big paw prints she saw in the dirt, and thinks the worst. She awkwardly looks over her shoulders as she stands at the entrance and lightly tests the left door to see if it moves to open. If so, she will take out her mirror and check inside the church. Quietly, Ban says, "Hopefully this isn't seen in a negative light. I don't mean to enter without being invited to a holy place, but isn't it better to ask for forgiveness than permission?"
Perception: 24
Investigation: 5
Gimble:
Perception: 6
Gimble follows along and keeps an eye out for any threats coming their way, though will all the undead recently encountered in the haunted mansion, he remains uncomfortable transporting a dead body.
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Perception: 12
Felix Windfall(Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA, Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiAGillain’s perception check: 8
As Ban asks her question about the strangers, Gillain answers “I’m afraid not. No…. You okay though?… … I got your back…”. She offers a businesslike wink and a serious nod.
Gillain also keeps close behind Ban as her new friend approaches the church.
GILLAIN OF ATHKATLA - Human Paladin - Into the Mists PHILLIP THE GRUNG - Grung Eldritch Knight - Tomb of Annihilation
ROBWIN WINDROBE - High Elf Wizard - Dragon of Icespire Peak EVE DARKSHORE - Tiefling Warlock - Rime of the Frost Maiden
ASH OF THE FIRE - Tabaxi Rogue - Ghosts of Marshswamp LIA STARBORN - Aasimar Bard - Out of the Abyss
While passing the Vine and hearing Ban's question Ismark responds.
"They are Vistani," Ismark says. "A loose group of travelers, thieves, and cutthroats that travel Barovia. They live in camps far from the villages. I do not know much more about them, I do not trust them."
Waiting a bit longer, Ireena again reaches out and pulls the cord, ringing the bell.
The moments pass by in silence and Ireena finally calls out "Father Donavich". She looks to Ismark and a look of concern does not escape the party's notice.
DM:
Will wait until morning to post the rest.