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.
The eladrin smiles brightly, "I'm all in one piece, alive, and not alone, so I'd say I'm doing alright." Ban looks away, composes herself again, and continues, "I just have a lapse in memory, and it's eating at me a bit. Feelin' all around better than most around these parts, I'd guess. I appreciate you looking out for me. You got mine as I have yours.'
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."
Ban thinks hard, crossing her arms. "Thank you for the information. I don't recall much before I found myself here, but I do recall similarities in their colourful attire."
After a few long moments Ismark says: "I have never known Father Donavich to not be here." and he moves to try and look through the edges of the door. Ireena takes a more direct approach. She moves to and unlatches the left door. The door swings open and she walks in. Once the door is open the party can hear chanting coming from inside the chapel. Ireena calls out "Father Donavich?"and the chanting stops. There is a grunt that comes from inside and then the quick shuffling of sandaled feet can be heard coming towards the door. "My Dear Ireena, I did not expect you."comes a voice from the chapel. A man appearing at the doorway, holding Ireena's arm as she follows. The man, a plump middle-aged man with pale skin wearing simple robes, looks to Ireena then to the party, then to the body of the Burgomaster. "It is a sad day," he states. "Please, pull the Burgomaster's body to the cemetery entrance and I will change and meet you there." Father Donavich motions to the right side of the church towards the cemetery. With that he leads Ireena out the door and turns, going inside. DM: Giving the party time to react to this scene.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Gimble:
Peering inside past the priest, Gimble attempts to see what is going on in the church that might require the chanting he heard earlier...Failing that, he tries to assess the mood of the priest.
Perception: 6
Insight: 12
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
If it seems appropriate, she takes a few steps inside, before going down to one knee. Her steps echo off the hard floor, and around the inside of the building, with heavy ‘THUD-clink!’, with each step.
She takes a few private seconds on one knee, before joining the rest of the party again, lending a strong hand wherever needs be.
As she rises though, and looks around the interior, her eyes take on their familiar sheen again as she uses Divine Sense to take in the priest and the building.
((In particular she’s interested in whether the building and grounds ping as properly ‘concecrated’, hoping very much that they don’t come across as ‘desecrated’, whilst also making certain of the Priest as well)).
Speaking to Ireena, Gimble says, "I understand we interrupted his prayers to Lathander, but walking you back out of the church seemed a bit brusque, don't you think? It could have been my imagination, but I think I heard a distant voice calling out to his father about being hungry. Does Father Donavich have a son?"
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Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Bob gulps. The grip of the fear of death was loosening by the minute in this place, so near to death, suffused with it in every facet. The chanting, however, put a certain dread in his dwarvish heart even if it wasn't the same dread utterances he remembered from the dark places beneath the mansion. "I'm feelin' the ol' heebie-jeebies again, friends," he murmurs in a low voice.
Gimble looks inside the Chapel and sees a 10 ft. wide x 20 ft. long hall, with 2 doors on both sides at the 10ft. and 15 ft. mark, that leads to the chapel's meeting room. The room inside is dark but, the flicker of candles allows you to see an alter another 40 ft. away. Gimble also catches the glimpse of broken pews and debris on the floor of the room.
Gillain takes a breath and calls upon the power within her then focuses on the grounds of the chapel. Gillain doesn't feel anything from the grounds itself but, a sudden sickening feeling washes over her which is replaced immediately by a feeling of a dark hunger. There is a Vampire somewhere within the chapel! (There is something interfering with Gillain's Divine Sense so she can not tell exactly where the creature is but she could follow her Divine Sense to the location of the Vampire)
Ireena responds to Gimble's question: "Yes, his son is named Doru, I think."
As Gillain stands, her nose wrinkles a bit, like she smells something repulsive.
She says simply, “I must pray… … And pay my respects…”, and immediately walks off in the direction of whatever she senses (unless anyone stops her).
As she leaves, she quickly looks over her shoulder, and asks “Ban?…”. A simple invitation (as if the paladin thinks her friend may want to ‘pray’ too), but she couples that with a businesslike nod.
Tio silence for the most part will keep close to Ireena speaking softly to her so that only she could hear “If you don’t mind I would like to keep close to you. As you know Ismark asked us to guard and take you to Vallaki, and to ensure nothing happens I would like to stay close to you.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Felix Windfall (Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA,Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiA
As Gillain moves towards the church entrance Father Donavich makes it to the doors. He closes one and is turning to face the party and goes to close the other. "The entrance to the cemetery is on the left side of the chapel," he tells Gillan. He has a confused look on his face as he says this, probably not understanding Gillain's actions. However, he does not move and his position will impede Gillainfrom entering the church unless she forces her way past him.
Ireena does not respond to Tio. She and Ismark are watching Gillain, unsure of what the paladin is doing.
The eladrin picks up on the subtle invitation. Moving to partner with Gillian, Ban quietly bows and says, "Pardon the intrusion", as she nears the entrance in tandem.
When it becomes apparent entry is not permitted, she doesn't press the priest for entrance but looks to the paladin. "Perhaps maybe after the late Burgomaster has been put to rest would be more appropriate."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Gillain stops a step or two away from Father Donavich. She looks politely, from him, to Ban, and then back again to the Priest. “Left side of the chapel”, she repeats, with a little nod, “Thank you”. Then she agrees with Ban, “…after the Burgomaster has been put to rest… Of course…”. A faint smile on her face.
((Flat CHA check just for my info: 15))
She’s composed. The embodiment of restrained power coupled with diplomacy. She doesn’t force the issue and is happy to follow the group around the side and continue with the task at hand. She’s on high alert though.
Seeing the tension rising, Gimble offers, "I may have some extra food in my pack if your son is hungry, Father Donavich."
Not sure exactly what is going on, Gimble watches the priest carefully for his reaction to knowing he was overheard.
Insight: 7
Gimble says this and Father Donavich's reaction is obvious to everyone present. His eyes widen and his already pale complexion flushes. "My son is not here," he says quickly and shuts the door.
DM: I will continue. If anyone wants to do anything else, please let me know.
An uneasiness comes over the party after this exchange. Ismark is the first to speak. "These are trying times and he, being the only priest in the village, has had to face much."Ismark states. The statement sounds like more trying to convince himself than make an excuse for the priest. "Here,"he says as he grabs the reins of the horse. "Help me guide Father to the cemetery so we may bury him." Ismark tugs on the reins and the horse plods along behind him. Ireena glances to the church but says nothing as she moves alongside Ismark. They both glance at the party to encourage them to follow but, say nothing. The cart stops at the gates of the cemetery.
A fence of wrought iron with rusty gates encloses a rectangle plot of land behind the dilapidated church. Off in the distance, towards the mountains, there is a flash of lightning and rolling thunder washes over the area a few moments later. The air is moist and you can smell the rain coming. Tightly packed gravestones dot the cemetery plot bearing the names of souls long passed. All seems quiet. Ismark leads the cart and party through a narrow road to a small spot a few feet inside. To the east, the party can see an open grave with a meager stone pillar at its head. "This is the place,"Ismark states and he drops the reins and moves to the rear of the cart. Ismark unhitches the cart gate. "Could you help me carry my father to his resting place?"he somberly asks. (assuming the party does) With some effort the party and Ismark take the coffin from the cart, carrying it to the gravesite. As you lower the coffin to the right of the grave, Father Donavich appears from the church's cemetery entrance and strides to where the party has congregated. Solemnly Ireena and Ismark gather near the priest and he begins the short ceremony. The party, especially those who have knowledge of religious ideologies, pick up on a couple of things while Father Donavich is speaking. First, he invokes the Morninglord throughout the ceremony. The problem with this is, from your understanding, All rituals done in the Morninglord's name are always carried out at Dawn. Secondly, Father Donavich is distracted. He knows the words of the rituals just fine but he pauses on occasion and his focus seems elsewhere. Lightning Flashes, causing the party to blink away the sudden light and the first pelting of heavy raindrops start to fall. The thunder that comes after shakes everyone to the bone. Father Donavich finishes quickly as the rain starts to come down harder. You and Ismark lower the coffin into the empty grave and Ismark goes to bury his father when Father Donavich says: "I will have some men from the village come and bury him, once the rain subsides." Father Donavich looks to Ireena then to the party. "Please take her and flee this place as you have planned." (pausing for party responses)
"I would not leave an open grave in this land any longer than absolutely necessary," replies Gimble, starting to fill in the grave by hand with a determined effort, "There are far too many undead and fell beasts roaming around to leave the honored Burgomaster vulnerable."
Gillain steps forward too. She says slowly and calmly (as suits the somber mood), “Agreed… If we all help, this will be done in no time… …”. And unless anyone objects, she joins Gimble in filling the grave, scooping with her shield if it would help…
Bob clears his throat and steps up, tugging at his beard a tad nervously. "S'cuse me, but I could make sure he don't turn, least while we're interring 'im into th' ground an fer a while after. Just need to perform a bit o' a ritual..."
Unless anyone stops him Bob takes two copper coins and places them on the corpse's eyes, sprinkling salt on the body as well. He says a few words, touching its arm, casting Gentle Repose on the body.
She looks astonished, smiling, “My friend… Oh my! That’s is some potent ritual!.. Let’s hope it works!!”. She pats the man on his shoulder a good few times once he’s finished, nodding.
[Sorry been all over the place these past few days.]
Tio watches as Father Donavich preforms the last rites, she continues to study him.
Insight: 17
Thinking nothing of it, Tio will stick to Ireena as they gather for the rites. She continues to watch the surrounding area for any signs of danger or malice. Perception: 13
The eladrin respectfully adds handfuls of dirt to the grave but otherwise stands silent at the side. Quietly, she pays what respects she can while watching the burial.
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The eladrin smiles brightly, "I'm all in one piece, alive, and not alone, so I'd say I'm doing alright." Ban looks away, composes herself again, and continues, "I just have a lapse in memory, and it's eating at me a bit. Feelin' all around better than most around these parts, I'd guess. I appreciate you looking out for me. You got mine as I have yours.'
Ban thinks hard, crossing her arms. "Thank you for the information. I don't recall much before I found myself here, but I do recall similarities in their colourful attire."
After a few long moments Ismark says: "I have never known Father Donavich to not be here." and he moves to try and look through the edges of the door.
Ireena takes a more direct approach. She moves to and unlatches the left door. The door swings open and she walks in.
Once the door is open the party can hear chanting coming from inside the chapel.
Ireena calls out "Father Donavich?" and the chanting stops. There is a grunt that comes from inside and then the quick shuffling of sandaled feet can be heard coming towards the door.
"My Dear Ireena, I did not expect you." comes a voice from the chapel.
A man appearing at the doorway, holding Ireena's arm as she follows. The man, a plump middle-aged man with pale skin wearing simple robes, looks to Ireena then to the party, then to the body of the Burgomaster.
"It is a sad day," he states. "Please, pull the Burgomaster's body to the cemetery entrance and I will change and meet you there." Father Donavich motions to the right side of the church towards the cemetery.
With that he leads Ireena out the door and turns, going inside.
DM:
Giving the party time to react to this scene.
Gimble:
Peering inside past the priest, Gimble attempts to see what is going on in the church that might require the chanting he heard earlier...Failing that, he tries to assess the mood of the priest.
Perception: 6
Insight: 12
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Gillain steps inside with the others.
If it seems appropriate, she takes a few steps inside, before going down to one knee. Her steps echo off the hard floor, and around the inside of the building, with heavy ‘THUD-clink!’, with each step.
She takes a few private seconds on one knee, before joining the rest of the party again, lending a strong hand wherever needs be.
As she rises though, and looks around the interior, her eyes take on their familiar sheen again as she uses Divine Sense to take in the priest and the building.
((In particular she’s interested in whether the building and grounds ping as properly ‘concecrated’, hoping very much that they don’t come across as ‘desecrated’, whilst also making certain of the Priest as well)).
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
Gimble:
Speaking to Ireena, Gimble says, "I understand we interrupted his prayers to Lathander, but walking you back out of the church seemed a bit brusque, don't you think? It could have been my imagination, but I think I heard a distant voice calling out to his father about being hungry. Does Father Donavich have a son?"
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Bob gulps. The grip of the fear of death was loosening by the minute in this place, so near to death, suffused with it in every facet. The chanting, however, put a certain dread in his dwarvish heart even if it wasn't the same dread utterances he remembered from the dark places beneath the mansion. "I'm feelin' the ol' heebie-jeebies again, friends," he murmurs in a low voice.
Gimble looks inside the Chapel and sees a 10 ft. wide x 20 ft. long hall, with 2 doors on both sides at the 10ft. and 15 ft. mark, that leads to the chapel's meeting room. The room inside is dark but, the flicker of candles allows you to see an alter another 40 ft. away. Gimble also catches the glimpse of broken pews and debris on the floor of the room.
https://docs.google.com/drawings/d/1zXnC7C0M5zDg_1_JNVGrkYbczoY3xSxhjAKiEidnlY4/edit
Gillain
Gillain takes a breath and calls upon the power within her then focuses on the grounds of the chapel. Gillain doesn't feel anything from the grounds itself but, a sudden sickening feeling washes over her which is replaced immediately by a feeling of a dark hunger. There is a Vampire somewhere within the chapel! (There is something interfering with Gillain's Divine Sense so she can not tell exactly where the creature is but she could follow her Divine Sense to the location of the Vampire)
Ireena responds to Gimble's question: "Yes, his son is named Doru, I think."
As Gillain stands, her nose wrinkles a bit, like she smells something repulsive.
She says simply, “I must pray… … And pay my respects…”, and immediately walks off in the direction of whatever she senses (unless anyone stops her).
As she leaves, she quickly looks over her shoulder, and asks “Ban?…”. A simple invitation (as if the paladin thinks her friend may want to ‘pray’ too), but she couples that with a businesslike nod.
Without waiting though, she’s heading off…
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
Tio silence for the most part will keep close to Ireena speaking softly to her so that only she could hear “If you don’t mind I would like to keep close to you. As you know Ismark asked us to guard and take you to Vallaki, and to ensure nothing happens I would like to stay close to you.”
Felix Windfall(Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA, Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiAAs Gillain moves towards the church entrance Father Donavich makes it to the doors. He closes one and is turning to face the party and goes to close the other.
"The entrance to the cemetery is on the left side of the chapel," he tells Gillan. He has a confused look on his face as he says this, probably not understanding Gillain's actions. However, he does not move and his position will impede Gillainfrom entering the church unless she forces her way past him.
Ireena does not respond to Tio. She and Ismark are watching Gillain, unsure of what the paladin is doing.
The eladrin picks up on the subtle invitation. Moving to partner with Gillian, Ban quietly bows and says, "Pardon the intrusion", as she nears the entrance in tandem.
When it becomes apparent entry is not permitted, she doesn't press the priest for entrance but looks to the paladin. "Perhaps maybe after the late Burgomaster has been put to rest would be more appropriate."
Gimble:
Seeing the tension rising, Gimble offers, "I may have some extra food in my pack if your son is hungry, Father Donavich."
Not sure exactly what is going on, Gimble watches the priest carefully for his reaction to knowing he was overheard.
Insight: 7
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Gillain stops a step or two away from Father Donavich. She looks politely, from him, to Ban, and then back again to the Priest. “Left side of the chapel”, she repeats, with a little nod, “Thank you”. Then she agrees with Ban, “…after the Burgomaster has been put to rest… Of course…”. A faint smile on her face.
((Flat CHA check just for my info: 15))
She’s composed. The embodiment of restrained power coupled with diplomacy. She doesn’t force the issue and is happy to follow the group around the side and continue with the task at hand. She’s on high alert though.
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
Gimble says this and Father Donavich's reaction is obvious to everyone present. His eyes widen and his already pale complexion flushes.
"My son is not here," he says quickly and shuts the door.
DM: I will continue. If anyone wants to do anything else, please let me know.
An uneasiness comes over the party after this exchange. Ismark is the first to speak.
"These are trying times and he, being the only priest in the village, has had to face much." Ismark states. The statement sounds like more trying to convince himself than make an excuse for the priest. "Here," he says as he grabs the reins of the horse. "Help me guide Father to the cemetery so we may bury him."
Ismark tugs on the reins and the horse plods along behind him.
Ireena glances to the church but says nothing as she moves alongside Ismark.
They both glance at the party to encourage them to follow but, say nothing.
The cart stops at the gates of the cemetery.
A fence of wrought iron with rusty gates encloses a rectangle plot of land behind the dilapidated church.
Off in the distance, towards the mountains, there is a flash of lightning and rolling thunder washes over the area a few moments later. The air is moist and you can smell the rain coming.
Tightly packed gravestones dot the cemetery plot bearing the names of souls long passed. All seems quiet.
Ismark leads the cart and party through a narrow road to a small spot a few feet inside. To the east, the party can see an open grave with a meager stone pillar at its head.
"This is the place," Ismark states and he drops the reins and moves to the rear of the cart. Ismark unhitches the cart gate. "Could you help me carry my father to his resting place?" he somberly asks.
(assuming the party does)
With some effort the party and Ismark take the coffin from the cart, carrying it to the gravesite. As you lower the coffin to the right of the grave, Father Donavich appears from the church's cemetery entrance and strides to where the party has congregated. Solemnly Ireena and Ismark gather near the priest and he begins the short ceremony.
The party, especially those who have knowledge of religious ideologies, pick up on a couple of things while Father Donavich is speaking.
First, he invokes the Morninglord throughout the ceremony. The problem with this is, from your understanding, All rituals done in the Morninglord's name are always carried out at Dawn.
Secondly, Father Donavich is distracted. He knows the words of the rituals just fine but he pauses on occasion and his focus seems elsewhere.
Lightning Flashes, causing the party to blink away the sudden light and the first pelting of heavy raindrops start to fall. The thunder that comes after shakes everyone to the bone.
Father Donavich finishes quickly as the rain starts to come down harder. You and Ismark lower the coffin into the empty grave and Ismark goes to bury his father when Father Donavich says:
"I will have some men from the village come and bury him, once the rain subsides." Father Donavich looks to Ireena then to the party. "Please take her and flee this place as you have planned."
(pausing for party responses)
Gimble:
"I would not leave an open grave in this land any longer than absolutely necessary," replies Gimble, starting to fill in the grave by hand with a determined effort, "There are far too many undead and fell beasts roaming around to leave the honored Burgomaster vulnerable."
Gerrard Feldren - Human Noble in Ghosts of Saltmarsh
Kerric Brightblade - Elven Warrior in "Apocalypse"
Gillain steps forward too. She says slowly and calmly (as suits the somber mood), “Agreed… If we all help, this will be done in no time… …”. And unless anyone objects, she joins Gimble in filling the grave, scooping with her shield if it would help…
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
Bob clears his throat and steps up, tugging at his beard a tad nervously. "S'cuse me, but I could make sure he don't turn, least while we're interring 'im into th' ground an fer a while after. Just need to perform a bit o' a ritual..."
Unless anyone stops him Bob takes two copper coins and places them on the corpse's eyes, sprinkling salt on the body as well. He says a few words, touching its arm, casting Gentle Repose on the body.
Gillain looks on, as Bob works his magic…
Arcana check: 20
She looks astonished, smiling, “My friend… Oh my! That’s is some potent ritual!.. Let’s hope it works!!”. She pats the man on his shoulder a good few times once he’s finished, nodding.
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
[Sorry been all over the place these past few days.]
Tio watches as Father Donavich preforms the last rites, she continues to study him.
Insight: 17
Thinking nothing of it, Tio will stick to Ireena as they gather for the rites. She continues to watch the surrounding area for any signs of danger or malice. Perception: 13
Felix Windfall(Human-V Lv.7 Rogue) killed in ToA, Vallan Houndstrider (Halfling Ghostwise Lv.1 Fighter) in DiAThe eladrin respectfully adds handfuls of dirt to the grave but otherwise stands silent at the side. Quietly, she pays what respects she can while watching the burial.