Galqarin, thinking quickly, draws himself to a semblance of attention. "Of course, Sir Osric".
"Danvers?", thinks Galqarin. The unliving knight has clearly lost some of his cognisance, but it would not do to offend what could prove a powerful foe - though, he'd wager, one rather less so than Count von Zarovich himself. Still, a peasant with a pitchfork - or a noose - could prove just as lethal as a knightly blade if the Fates so decreed it.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Baern listened, his eyed wide at the sight of this undead but noble knight, as Sandu, Dormark and the others spoke with the creature. Getting over his shock after a few moments, he tried to take in the details in case they proved useful later, including the directions provided.
Baern'sHistory check ((would be the same as Sandu's)):
Oddly enough the name 'Argynvost' does ring-a-bell. You recall tales of a grand silver dragon that was lost to history many hundreds of years ago. Tales spoke of a benevolent creature that provided protection from those beings/entities that wished to cause evil. You surmise that a creature such as he would be diametrically opposed to the evil Strahd has wrought - potentially to the point of seeking open conflict with the Count.
From the way this knight is dressed it is not difficult to see that the Silver Dragon emblazoned on his armour and weaponry depicts 'Argynvost'. Furthermore, 'Argynvostholt' would likely be the dwelling place / name given to the seat of power of Argynvost himself; 'holt' in this case literally translating to 'house' , 'hold', 'mansion' , or other dwelling place.
((People knocking it out of the park with these History checks))
'Then we shall delay no longer and make our way to Argynvostholt post-haste,' Sandu proclaimed loudly, taking care to properly enunciate the name, 'so we may confer with lord Argynvost on future proceedings.'
He leaned to Dormark and whispered. 'I don't think we will get much more out of him. If my knowledge is correct, he has been dead,' he eyeballed the knight sitting in the saddle, 'or undead for some four hundred years now. He's clearly conflating the present with past memories.'
He straightened his back to address Sir Osric one final time. 'We bid you adieu, Sir Osric. May the Order of the Silver Dragon forever be a shining light in the dark.' When finished, Sandu stepped aside in a polite gesture to let the knight pass. Though he did keep his eyes fixed on the magic emanating from the undead rider.
After Sir Osric has departed about his quest - a knight errant riding a fool's errand - Galqarin turns to the others, almost quivering with excitement. "A Silver Dragon Knight! Like in fairy tales, but real!"
His mood darkens somewhat at the memories of childhood games where the other children played as knights, with himself cast in the role of the evil monster.
As the knight rides away, Ioben walks over to join the others. "Well, that was a pleasant change for Barovia. Maybe not everything in this mist is trying to kill us."
“I agree Sandu, it is the unfortunate fate of most higher undead. unless the keep their state fueled, deterioration is unavoidable. To think some mortals seek to achieve this as their ultimate goal,” says Dormark as the knight road away. He shoulders his pack and keeps heading down the road.
Sandu - Before the knight leaves he nods his head, a look of confusion on his face, "Yes... I... Safe travels friend. I must off... I... I will not rest until the Devil Strahd is defeated..!". His next words come out as a whisper, you can barely make them out, "For mine brothers... thou wilt be avenged." The knight raises his hand in farewell and charges off on his undead steed.
The party continues on with their journey, contemplating the knight's words. After an hour of uneventful travel, they follow the dirt road as it clings to the side of a mountain and ends before an arching bridge of mould-encrusted stone spanning a natural chasm. Gargoyles cloaked in black moss perch on the corners of the bridge, their frowns weather-worn. On the mountainous side of the bridge, a waterfall spills into a misty pool nearly a thousand feet below. The pool feeds a river that meanders into the fog-shrouded pines that blanket the valley.
((Image of Tser Falls, complete with bridge))
"Tser Falls!" Ireena says excitedly,"I remember visiting the place as a child, isn't it beautiful." Ismark smiles and nods at his sister,"Now, mind your step everyone - the bridge can be slippery." The bridge appears sturdy enough at a glance.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"My clan had stories of Argynvost"remarks Baern as they groups sets off after meeting the undead knight. "Did even he travel here through the fog? He, or at least his followers, would certainly make welcome allies!"
As they group approaches the bridge at Tser Falls, Baern looks around for signs of trouble, something that is quickly growing to be expected here in Barovia: 9
You check for signs of trouble, your senses heightened, expecting the worst. However, aside from a few faint footprints, a number of moss-covered gargoyle statues, and the occasional raven flying overhead, you find little of importance. As far as you are aware no immediate danger is exists in the vicinity.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The road carried on ahead of them. Quickly, the encounter with Sir Osric lay far back in the mist and Ioben started to wonder if the information they had heard was still relevant, or of these were just ancient memories that still survived somehow in the animated corpse.
His musing was disturbed by a growing rumble. The noise continued to grow until finally, they cleared the forests to see a magnificent waterfall pouring down the side of a cliff and under a bridge spanning a massive ravine far below."How on earth did they ever build this?" Ioben said to no one in particular. Below the water dropped down for what seemed like forever, the mist of the water crashing at the bottom mixed with the perpetual fog, obscuring what lay below. The height made Ioben feel on edge and he did his best to stick to the middle of the road as he approached the bridge.
As they reached the bridge, Ioben looked closely at it's construction. Surely something on such a main road was sturdy, but the moss and weathering on the statues suggested great age. Surely it was prudent to make sure it was safe before they crossed, though if it wasn't he had no idea how they would get through to Valaki. Perception: 16
He prefers not to dwell on his journey from Vallaki, scarcely two days hence. However, he will also be alert for any sign that they are not alone on this part of the road ((perception23)).
You find evidence that the bridge has been used recently though the tracks / footprints do not appear 'fresh'. You have traversed this road on multiple occasions and are aware that it is pretty well travelled. You do not get the sense that there is any clear and present danger. You spot a couple of ravens perched on the rock-face higher up but that is nothing out of the ordinary for Barovia.
You would also be aware that the chasm / rock-face's walls are slippery and sheer, it is unlikely that anyone would be able to climb them.
Sandu paused to gaze at the waterfall. So far it was the only thing that could count as natural beauty and he wanted to take a moment to relish in the idea that, even in a land like Barovia, such things still found a foothold.
His eyes moved from the natural to the constructed. The bridge itself was finely build, though Sandu could not tell if the bridge was build in this exact spot because it was needed or because it would look pretty. He figured it could be both, though Barovia has shown itself so far to prefer practicality over beauty. The moss and wear and tear suggested that the bridge was not used frequently but seemed safe enough to cross. Sandu pulled his travel cloak tighter around him in preparation against the vapour when something heavy passed him: Dormark crossed the bridge with steady foot.
'Careful!'Sandu yelled out instinctively. 'Are you even rustproof?'
Despite having been quickly conditioned to expect the worst in Barovia at almost every turn, Baern could not discern any specific threats and thus set about crossing the bridge.
As Galqarin crosses the bridge, the mist settles on his robes and mask, giving them a glistening, otherworldy appearance. A myriad of tiny rainbows erupt from the drops of moisture that coalesce upon his hood.
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Galqarin, thinking quickly, draws himself to a semblance of attention. "Of course, Sir Osric".
"Danvers?", thinks Galqarin. The unliving knight has clearly lost some of his cognisance, but it would not do to offend what could prove a powerful foe - though, he'd wager, one rather less so than Count von Zarovich himself. Still, a peasant with a pitchfork - or a noose - could prove just as lethal as a knightly blade if the Fates so decreed it.
Baern listened, his eyed wide at the sight of this undead but noble knight, as Sandu, Dormark and the others spoke with the creature. Getting over his shock after a few moments, he tried to take in the details in case they proved useful later, including the directions provided.
History: 13
Baern's History check ((would be the same as Sandu's)):
Oddly enough the name 'Argynvost' does ring-a-bell. You recall tales of a grand silver dragon that was lost to history many hundreds of years ago. Tales spoke of a benevolent creature that provided protection from those beings/entities that wished to cause evil. You surmise that a creature such as he would be diametrically opposed to the evil Strahd has wrought - potentially to the point of seeking open conflict with the Count.
From the way this knight is dressed it is not difficult to see that the Silver Dragon emblazoned on his armour and weaponry depicts 'Argynvost'. Furthermore, 'Argynvostholt' would likely be the dwelling place / name given to the seat of power of Argynvost himself; 'holt' in this case literally translating to 'house' , 'hold', 'mansion' , or other dwelling place.
((People knocking it out of the park with these History checks))
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
'Then we shall delay no longer and make our way to Argynvostholt post-haste,' Sandu proclaimed loudly, taking care to properly enunciate the name, 'so we may confer with lord Argynvost on future proceedings.'
He leaned to Dormark and whispered. 'I don't think we will get much more out of him. If my knowledge is correct, he has been dead,' he eyeballed the knight sitting in the saddle, 'or undead for some four hundred years now. He's clearly conflating the present with past memories.'
He straightened his back to address Sir Osric one final time. 'We bid you adieu, Sir Osric. May the Order of the Silver Dragon forever be a shining light in the dark.' When finished, Sandu stepped aside in a polite gesture to let the knight pass. Though he did keep his eyes fixed on the magic emanating from the undead rider.
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
After Sir Osric has departed about his quest - a knight errant riding a fool's errand - Galqarin turns to the others, almost quivering with excitement. "A Silver Dragon Knight! Like in fairy tales, but real!"
His mood darkens somewhat at the memories of childhood games where the other children played as knights, with himself cast in the role of the evil monster.
As the knight rides away, Ioben walks over to join the others. "Well, that was a pleasant change for Barovia. Maybe not everything in this mist is trying to kill us."
Valerie is still staring at the direction that the undead knight went off for a moment.
"Right. I think we should get moving then." Then she continues her way in front of the group.
“I agree Sandu, it is the unfortunate fate of most higher undead. unless the keep their state fueled, deterioration is unavoidable. To think some mortals seek to achieve this as their ultimate goal,” says Dormark as the knight road away. He shoulders his pack and keeps heading down the road.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Sandu - Before the knight leaves he nods his head, a look of confusion on his face, "Yes... I... Safe travels friend. I must off... I... I will not rest until the Devil Strahd is defeated..!". His next words come out as a whisper, you can barely make them out, "For mine brothers... thou wilt be avenged." The knight raises his hand in farewell and charges off on his undead steed.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Late-Afternoon - Day 4 - Tser Falls
The party continues on with their journey, contemplating the knight's words. After an hour of uneventful travel, they follow the dirt road as it clings to the side of a mountain and ends before an arching bridge of mould-encrusted stone spanning a natural chasm. Gargoyles cloaked in black moss perch on the corners of the bridge, their frowns weather-worn. On the mountainous side of the bridge, a waterfall spills into a misty pool nearly a thousand feet below. The pool feeds a river that meanders into the fog-shrouded pines that blanket the valley.
"Tser Falls!" Ireena says excitedly, "I remember visiting the place as a child, isn't it beautiful." Ismark smiles and nods at his sister, "Now, mind your step everyone - the bridge can be slippery." The bridge appears sturdy enough at a glance.
DM rolls:
1
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Dormark proceeds across the bridge looking towards the waterfall. “Be on guard this place is as good as any to set up an ambush,” says Dormark.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
"My clan had stories of Argynvost" remarks Baern as they groups sets off after meeting the undead knight. "Did even he travel here through the fog? He, or at least his followers, would certainly make welcome allies!"
As they group approaches the bridge at Tser Falls, Baern looks around for signs of trouble, something that is quickly growing to be expected here in Barovia: 9
Baern's Perception check:
You check for signs of trouble, your senses heightened, expecting the worst. However, aside from a few faint footprints, a number of moss-covered gargoyle statues, and the occasional raven flying overhead, you find little of importance. As far as you are aware no immediate danger is exists in the vicinity.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
The road carried on ahead of them. Quickly, the encounter with Sir Osric lay far back in the mist and Ioben started to wonder if the information they had heard was still relevant, or of these were just ancient memories that still survived somehow in the animated corpse.
His musing was disturbed by a growing rumble. The noise continued to grow until finally, they cleared the forests to see a magnificent waterfall pouring down the side of a cliff and under a bridge spanning a massive ravine far below. "How on earth did they ever build this?" Ioben said to no one in particular. Below the water dropped down for what seemed like forever, the mist of the water crashing at the bottom mixed with the perpetual fog, obscuring what lay below. The height made Ioben feel on edge and he did his best to stick to the middle of the road as he approached the bridge.
As they reached the bridge, Ioben looked closely at it's construction. Surely something on such a main road was sturdy, but the moss and weathering on the statues suggested great age. Surely it was prudent to make sure it was safe before they crossed, though if it wasn't he had no idea how they would get through to Valaki. Perception: 16
"What do you guys think? Is it safe?"
Galqarin shrugs, and says simply. "I crossed."
He prefers not to dwell on his journey from Vallaki, scarcely two days hence. However, he will also be alert for any sign that they are not alone on this part of the road ((perception 23)).
Ioben's Perception check:
The bridge appears slick with moisture, but appears sturdy enough; there should be no threat to those attempting to cross.
Galqarin's Perception check:
You find evidence that the bridge has been used recently though the tracks / footprints do not appear 'fresh'. You have traversed this road on multiple occasions and are aware that it is pretty well travelled. You do not get the sense that there is any clear and present danger. You spot a couple of ravens perched on the rock-face higher up but that is nothing out of the ordinary for Barovia.
You would also be aware that the chasm / rock-face's walls are slippery and sheer, it is unlikely that anyone would be able to climb them.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
(Dormark moves across with others as well.)
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Sandu paused to gaze at the waterfall. So far it was the only thing that could count as natural beauty and he wanted to take a moment to relish in the idea that, even in a land like Barovia, such things still found a foothold.
His eyes moved from the natural to the constructed. The bridge itself was finely build, though Sandu could not tell if the bridge was build in this exact spot because it was needed or because it would look pretty. He figured it could be both, though Barovia has shown itself so far to prefer practicality over beauty. The moss and wear and tear suggested that the bridge was not used frequently but seemed safe enough to cross. Sandu pulled his travel cloak tighter around him in preparation against the vapour when something heavy passed him: Dormark crossed the bridge with steady foot.
'Careful!' Sandu yelled out instinctively. 'Are you even rustproof?'
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
Despite having been quickly conditioned to expect the worst in Barovia at almost every turn, Baern could not discern any specific threats and thus set about crossing the bridge.
As Galqarin crosses the bridge, the mist settles on his robes and mask, giving them a glistening, otherworldy appearance. A myriad of tiny rainbows erupt from the drops of moisture that coalesce upon his hood.