As you listen to Eliza speak you are able to pick-up on subtle clues; body language, inconsistent eye-movement, and the like. There seems to be something off about the whole story as though she is intentionally holding elements back / skirting around certain parts. In addition, there seems to be a coldness when mentioning the other Vistani camp - it's subtle and you are sure that many would not pick up on the fact - but it would appear that there is a level of anger, or frustration, aimed there.
Valerie - Eliza hands you the letter and nods,"Thank you for your kindness. I'm sure it will bring a smile to little Arabelle's face."
Galqarin smiles beneath his mask. Arabelle is a sweet child - unlike her father and uncle.
Galqarin is saddened to leave this camp and its apparently genuinely friendly Vistani; yet he is also anxious to leave before any more harm befalls them. There is no small amount of trepidation within him about returning to Vallaki however.
Valerie approaches the woman. "I am sorry, Galqarin had to left for his personal matter, but he will return to us after he finishes." She glances to the direction where Galqarin is with the corner of her eyes. She seems to hesitate for a moment, then she turns back to the woman with a smile. "Do you mind tell me what favor you want to ask from him? Maybe we can help you too."
Sandu watched the conversation between the Vistani woman and the others unfold with relative interest. The only topic he committed to memory was that Galqarin had some rapport with the Vistani, which sounded suspicious to him. But so far, the woman was merely asking them to pick up a doll for a little girl. Sandu had a soft spot for children so he did not object. Besides, it sounded like it was on their route so they might as well.
He did lean towards Valerie when the Vistani woman was out of earshot. 'Not for nothing,'he softly asked her, 'but I thought paladins aren't allowed to speak falsehoods?'
Valarie looks at Sandu and smiles. "You are right but not entirely. We swore an oath before our gods when we become paladins. It depends on the oath we swore, some of us can be vigilant if the situation requires."
"Miss before you leave do most of the Vistani camps get along with each other? I notice you seem to not care, or slightly mad when you mention the other camp in Vallaki," says Dormark stating this as a fact that will not broker argument.
"Wha' do you mean..." Eliza says before sighing and speaking under her voice, "Myself and Luvash do not always see eye-to-eye... In fact the last I saw 'im and Arabelle was quite some time ago." She shrugs, "Hence the need for people such as yerselves to take the gift. In truth, I am not sure what he'll make of the letter... It was a way of testin' the waters, so to speak - see if he still holds a grudge. He told me... that I was no longer welcome at his camp."
"Hmmm, very well. we will deliver the letter and the present. I'm sorry to have question you, and I will not question you about your past. A place like this you must be wary of everyone, even to those who look friendly. I pray for you safe travels on the road," says Dormark bowing and begins helping the others pack.
"Well, the toy is on the way. It can't hurt to do a little favour as we go. Maybe it will help repair some of the goodwill with the camp?" Ioben shoulders his gear and prepares to leave the Vistani camp. It didn't sound like they would get to Valaki before sun down, so he hoped that they could find somewhere safe along the way to rest up.
Galqarin - You do manage to hear what Eliza has said, assuming you are standing in the vicinity. She is addressing the party as a whole, not just Dormark.
Dormark - Eliza nods,"Not a' all, I understand. I guess, on reflection, the request is a little odd." As you wish her safe travels, she smiles, adding,"To you too. Barovia is a cursed place, you never know what ya might find on the Old Svalich Road - living or dead."
Ioben - Eliza thanks you and wishes you all farewell as she rejoins the other Vistani in the camp.
((ALL - As I move the story on, please feel free to retrospectively add any parting words / comments / actions you would have made in the camp. I don't want people to feel restricted if they had a burning question but did not post it in time!))
As the party leaves the colour and the vibrancy of the Tser Pool Camp behind they find themselves once more traversing down the dark, mist-covered Old Svalich Road. Music and laughter now replaced by an eerie silence occasionally punctuated with an Owl's cry or a wolf's call. Though the day remains dry their is a dampness to the cobbles under-foot and the smell of damp wood permeates the air.
"See Ismark, those Vistani seemed to be more than welcoming."Ireena comments to her brother. "They've even assisted us on our travels." Ismark grunts something by way of an agreement and comments on the 'unusual happenings' that occurred at the camp. "In truth, I am just glad to be back on the way to Vallaki. I'll feel a lot more at ease once we get there."He says, po-faced.
After around a mile and a half you find the familiar sight of the crossroads, the gallows standing proud as though freshly built. The party continues on, taking the road west towards Vallaki. After roughly a mile down the road you hear a shrill SCRREEECCHH((LINK)) echo out from down the road followed by heavy horse-hoof sounds. At a guess you have moments before whatever it is will be at your location.
((DM Rolls - they see me rollin', they hatin'...))
Sandu watched the Vistani woman trudge off before focusing his attention back on the road. On the one hand, he was glad to be back on the road: to be moving, be less of a sitting duck. On the other hand, they were back on the Svalich Road: no good thing has come yet so far from them travelling on said road.
His suspicion was soon proven right when they turned a corner and came face to face with another gallows. That marked the second gallows they had encountered in two days: entirely two gallows too many if you were to ask him. Luckily this one did not have a corpse swinging from it that turned out to be horribly not-dead. Sandu silently passed by it, holding his breath just in case something were to happen. It did not. He sighed a breath of relief. He was still counting his lucky stars when the air was ruptured by a loud screech and heavy hooves beating on the ground.
Taking no chances, Sandu dove to the side of the road. Or rather, he hastily yet carefully retreated to the side of the road. He had not forgotten what happened the last time he blindly ran into the woods. There was a particularly wide tree he could somewhat hide behind. At least it was better than nothing. Sandu kept his eyes peeled. Something was coming towards them. Horses were a given. The only problem was: what were these horses accompanying?
Galqarin gives the gallows a contemplative look and a wide berth, wary lest his erstwhile captors should return. Mind, they'd think twice about taking on a masked Vistani and a handful of seasoned adventurers.
Hearing the screech and the thudding hooves, he instinctively bounds for the tree line, his long arms hauling him onto a bough and behind the cover of its damp, mossy trunk.
Sandu (+ any others that are attempting to hide) - Please can you roll a Stealth check please.
Galqarin - As you haphazardly dive behind the trunk, almost clattering into it! None-the-less you are able to hide yourself well enough. Please can you make a History check?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ioben already missed the vistani camp. There he had been able to get good company, music, warm food, everything that was missing now on the road. It was amazing how quickly the solitary chill of Barovia seeped back into his bones. If anything, it made him more determined to push through and reach Valaki.
As he contemplated this, a screech pierced the air. Thundering hooves never bode well, so taking the mere moments he had, Ioben dashed for the gallows, hoping to use the structure to help him hide. Stealth: 22
Returning to the road, Valerie gets in front of the group as usual. She tries to not let herself thinking too much of what happened back in the camp and focus her attention on the surrounding.
Upon hearing the screeching sound, Valerie signal everyone to hide and she will wait for other to get to their position before she find a big tree to hide behind.
After Dormark help spilt the reward, he walks down the path with the others. Hearing an unearthly screech. Dormark pulls out his mace and shield and says, "Everyone off the road and behind me." Dormark walks off to the side of the road. Looking down the path he prepares to defend himself.
The noise of the hooves grows louder. It is close now. The sound is almost deafening. At its crescendo a rider comes forth from the mists.
Sandu, Galqarin, Ioben -You are all convinced that you are well hidden from view as the rider approaches.
Valerie - You stumble over in your rush to find cover, you currently lie at the side of the road.
Dormark / Baern - You defiantly stand, ready to meet any potential threats. Ismark and Ireena, weapons drawn, stand off to the side behind you.
A skeletal warhorse and a ghoulish rider, both clad in ruined chainmail, appear in full view. The rider holds up a rusted lantern that sheds no light. It lets out a fearful screech as it rides, the skeletal warhorse is going at some pace, as though in pursuit.
You vaguely recall stories from your past. Of undead riders, risen from the dead to engage in an eternal pursuit against someone that has wronged them in life. 'Revenants' you recall - those driven by the sole purpose of revenge.
You are certain, in this case, that this Revenant is likely in pursuit of the one that had wronged them in life.
As the rider approaches the party's location it shows them little heed, seemingly determined to reach it's destination, where-ever that might be. Ireena lets out an audible gasp.
ALL - Any wishing to make Perception or any other type of check, please roll.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As he ducks into cover, Ioben draws his bow and watches as the thing rides toward them on an undead horse. His main concern is whether this thing means them any harm.
Dormark's Perception check:
As you listen to Eliza speak you are able to pick-up on subtle clues; body language, inconsistent eye-movement, and the like. There seems to be something off about the whole story as though she is intentionally holding elements back / skirting around certain parts. In addition, there seems to be a coldness when mentioning the other Vistani camp - it's subtle and you are sure that many would not pick up on the fact - but it would appear that there is a level of anger, or frustration, aimed there.
Valerie - Eliza hands you the letter and nods, "Thank you for your kindness. I'm sure it will bring a smile to little Arabelle's face."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Galqarin smiles beneath his mask. Arabelle is a sweet child - unlike her father and uncle.
Galqarin is saddened to leave this camp and its apparently genuinely friendly Vistani; yet he is also anxious to leave before any more harm befalls them. There is no small amount of trepidation within him about returning to Vallaki however.
Sandu watched the conversation between the Vistani woman and the others unfold with relative interest. The only topic he committed to memory was that Galqarin had some rapport with the Vistani, which sounded suspicious to him. But so far, the woman was merely asking them to pick up a doll for a little girl. Sandu had a soft spot for children so he did not object. Besides, it sounded like it was on their route so they might as well.
He did lean towards Valerie when the Vistani woman was out of earshot. 'Not for nothing,' he softly asked her, 'but I thought paladins aren't allowed to speak falsehoods?'
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
Valarie looks at Sandu and smiles. "You are right but not entirely. We swore an oath before our gods when we become paladins. It depends on the oath we swore, some of us can be vigilant if the situation requires."
"Miss before you leave do most of the Vistani camps get along with each other? I notice you seem to not care, or slightly mad when you mention the other camp in Vallaki," says Dormark stating this as a fact that will not broker argument.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
"Wha' do you mean..." Eliza says before sighing and speaking under her voice, "Myself and Luvash do not always see eye-to-eye... In fact the last I saw 'im and Arabelle was quite some time ago." She shrugs, "Hence the need for people such as yerselves to take the gift. In truth, I am not sure what he'll make of the letter... It was a way of testin' the waters, so to speak - see if he still holds a grudge. He told me... that I was no longer welcome at his camp."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Perception 7 to see if Galqarin overhears the latter part - guess not :)
"Hmmm, very well. we will deliver the letter and the present. I'm sorry to have question you, and I will not question you about your past. A place like this you must be wary of everyone, even to those who look friendly. I pray for you safe travels on the road," says Dormark bowing and begins helping the others pack.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
"Well, the toy is on the way. It can't hurt to do a little favour as we go. Maybe it will help repair some of the goodwill with the camp?" Ioben shoulders his gear and prepares to leave the Vistani camp. It didn't sound like they would get to Valaki before sun down, so he hoped that they could find somewhere safe along the way to rest up.
Galqarin - You do manage to hear what Eliza has said, assuming you are standing in the vicinity. She is addressing the party as a whole, not just Dormark.
Dormark - Eliza nods, "Not a' all, I understand. I guess, on reflection, the request is a little odd." As you wish her safe travels, she smiles, adding, "To you too. Barovia is a cursed place, you never know what ya might find on the Old Svalich Road - living or dead."
Ioben - Eliza thanks you and wishes you all farewell as she rejoins the other Vistani in the camp.
((ALL - As I move the story on, please feel free to retrospectively add any parting words / comments / actions you would have made in the camp. I don't want people to feel restricted if they had a burning question but did not post it in time!))
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Mid-Afternoon - Day 4 - On the road to Vallaki
As the party leaves the colour and the vibrancy of the Tser Pool Camp behind they find themselves once more traversing down the dark, mist-covered Old Svalich Road. Music and laughter now replaced by an eerie silence occasionally punctuated with an Owl's cry or a wolf's call. Though the day remains dry their is a dampness to the cobbles under-foot and the smell of damp wood permeates the air.
"See Ismark, those Vistani seemed to be more than welcoming." Ireena comments to her brother. "They've even assisted us on our travels." Ismark grunts something by way of an agreement and comments on the 'unusual happenings' that occurred at the camp. "In truth, I am just glad to be back on the way to Vallaki. I'll feel a lot more at ease once we get there." He says, po-faced.
After around a mile and a half you find the familiar sight of the crossroads, the gallows standing proud as though freshly built. The party continues on, taking the road west towards Vallaki. After roughly a mile down the road you hear a shrill SCRREEECCHH ((LINK)) echo out from down the road followed by heavy horse-hoof sounds. At a guess you have moments before whatever it is will be at your location.
((DM Rolls - they see me rollin', they hatin'...))
12, 20, 1, 3
8, 6
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Sandu watched the Vistani woman trudge off before focusing his attention back on the road. On the one hand, he was glad to be back on the road: to be moving, be less of a sitting duck. On the other hand, they were back on the Svalich Road: no good thing has come yet so far from them travelling on said road.
His suspicion was soon proven right when they turned a corner and came face to face with another gallows. That marked the second gallows they had encountered in two days: entirely two gallows too many if you were to ask him. Luckily this one did not have a corpse swinging from it that turned out to be horribly not-dead. Sandu silently passed by it, holding his breath just in case something were to happen. It did not. He sighed a breath of relief. He was still counting his lucky stars when the air was ruptured by a loud screech and heavy hooves beating on the ground.
Taking no chances, Sandu dove to the side of the road. Or rather, he hastily yet carefully retreated to the side of the road. He had not forgotten what happened the last time he blindly ran into the woods. There was a particularly wide tree he could somewhat hide behind. At least it was better than nothing. Sandu kept his eyes peeled. Something was coming towards them. Horses were a given. The only problem was: what were these horses accompanying?
Stealth check: 19 (rolled in game log)
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
Galqarin gives the gallows a contemplative look and a wide berth, wary lest his erstwhile captors should return. Mind, they'd think twice about taking on a masked Vistani and a handful of seasoned adventurers.
Hearing the screech and the thudding hooves, he instinctively bounds for the tree line, his long arms hauling him onto a bough and behind the cover of its damp, mossy trunk.
Athletics: 8, stealth: 20.
Sandu (+ any others that are attempting to hide) - Please can you roll a Stealth check please.
Galqarin - As you haphazardly dive behind the trunk, almost clattering into it! None-the-less you are able to hide yourself well enough. Please can you make a History check?
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Galqarin's command of history: 13 - not too shoddy for an illiterati!
Ioben already missed the vistani camp. There he had been able to get good company, music, warm food, everything that was missing now on the road. It was amazing how quickly the solitary chill of Barovia seeped back into his bones. If anything, it made him more determined to push through and reach Valaki.
As he contemplated this, a screech pierced the air. Thundering hooves never bode well, so taking the mere moments he had, Ioben dashed for the gallows, hoping to use the structure to help him hide. Stealth: 22
Returning to the road, Valerie gets in front of the group as usual. She tries to not let herself thinking too much of what happened back in the camp and focus her attention on the surrounding.
Upon hearing the screeching sound, Valerie signal everyone to hide and she will wait for other to get to their position before she find a big tree to hide behind.
Stealth 2 (Natural 1)
After Dormark help spilt the reward, he walks down the path with the others. Hearing an unearthly screech. Dormark pulls out his mace and shield and says, "Everyone off the road and behind me." Dormark walks off to the side of the road. Looking down the path he prepares to defend himself.
(Dormark is taking the dodge action.)
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Mid-Afternoon - Day 4 - Strange Rider
The noise of the hooves grows louder. It is close now. The sound is almost deafening. At its crescendo a rider comes forth from the mists.
A skeletal warhorse and a ghoulish rider, both clad in ruined chainmail, appear in full view. The rider holds up a rusted lantern that sheds no light. It lets out a fearful screech as it rides, the skeletal warhorse is going at some pace, as though in pursuit.
Galqarin's History check:
You vaguely recall stories from your past. Of undead riders, risen from the dead to engage in an eternal pursuit against someone that has wronged them in life. 'Revenants' you recall - those driven by the sole purpose of revenge.
You are certain, in this case, that this Revenant is likely in pursuit of the one that had wronged them in life.
As the rider approaches the party's location it shows them little heed, seemingly determined to reach it's destination, where-ever that might be. Ireena lets out an audible gasp.
ALL - Any wishing to make Perception or any other type of check, please roll.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
As he ducks into cover, Ioben draws his bow and watches as the thing rides toward them on an undead horse. His main concern is whether this thing means them any harm.
Perception: 10 Insight: 16