Ioben, Sandu & Valerie - Sandu rejoins Ioben and Valerie, pooling any information gained from the children so far. Moira (the older girl) greets Sandu and agrees to show the group to the elder girls' dormitories.
Moira leads you through the entrance hallway and up the stairs to the 1st floor ((2nd floor to my US friends!)). As you enter out into the hallway there are 6 separate doors all leading to different rooms, they are all flung open. At the end of the hallway overlooking the entrance (to the South) is a broken and boarded up window. A hatch leading, you would assume, to an attic is located near the window to the South.
((St. Andral's Orphanage 1st Floor))
"Just this way,"Moira says as she beckons to the party. You go through the South-Westerly most door and enter a small room (approximately 30x20 ft); four beds fit snugly into this room. Two of the beds hold smiling, red-cheeked dolls with straw hair."Oh, it appears Hedy and Ivah aren't here," Moira exclaims as she enters the room. "Not sure where they've got too. Not sure what to suggest really."She scratches absent-mindedly at her back, as much out of habit,"This here's my bed," she points to the Southern most, and surprisingly most unkempt, bed."Those two at the far end are Hedy and Ivah's."she explains,"The last is Fanya's."
Galqarin - The girls spin around as you gain their attention. Surprisingly their reactions are more curiosity than fear. "Look at that,"Hedy exclaims as she walks towards you,"What a beautiful mask."Ivah, initially shocked, joins her friend,"Who are you and what's with the mask,"she says bluntly, not caring about politeness."Only witch we know is Ms Belasco, an' she ain't scary. We're not scared of nothin' - are we?" You notice the question catches Hedy a little off-guards, "N-no," she mutters.
"Why are you here?"Ivah asks, squinting through her eyes,"Raven? Lots of those round 'ere." Almost punctuating her words a raven caws very loudly from the rafters of a nearby house.
It is plainly obvious that of the two girls it is Ivah that is made of sterner stuff. The way she acts is with a natural confidence and you full well believe that she does not scare easily. Hedy is a little harder to read, you get the sense that she is a little scatty and is very taken aback by the 'beautiful mask', though it is clear to see that she is used to Ivah doing the lion-share of the talking.
Both girls seem authentic in their reactions to you; more curious than weary at this point in time.
Sandu gave Moira a friendly nod and followed the girl upstairs to the dormitories. He also gave Ioben and Valerie a quick aside about what he had learned but did not yet go into specifics: only that they needed to review their collective findings once they had a moment to do so.
A sense of déjà vu gripped Sandu when he set foot in the hallway on the first floor. Perhaps that was not the right phrase for it but what he could see of the dormitories so far was quite familiar to him. Sandu chalked it up to all orphanages being roughly the same, choosing function over form.
'So boys and girls seperated and grouped together based on age?' He asked their guide. It was no so much a question to which he expected an answer as it was merely to confirm his thought. They had to be, if problems were to be avoided, and Ms Belasco seemed like she ran a tight enough ship to take such precautions.
There were also mentioned two more names he added to his mental list: Hedy and Ivah. According to Moira, they were the ones who would know most of what went on around here. The thought made him smirk. It really did seem that all orphanages were alike.
Sandu pointed to the other doorways. 'What about the other rooms?'
Galqarin is initially taken aback by the swift cross examination from the more assertive of the two girls - Ivah was it? - but he recovers quickly. He'd already assumed the taller one would be their spokesperson, but stature was not always a fair gauge of mettle. Another lesson from Baern.
"Mask a special gift", he explains to Hedy, "Helps keep secrets."
"I come find my friends. They talk to witch", guesses Galqarin, having by now pieced together that the orphanage's matron was the "witch" the girls had earlier referred to. "I no talk to witch. Bad stuff happen here, witch not stop."
It dawns upon Galqarin that the bad stuff might not have ended with his own departure.
"Is there a priest here?"asks Baern of Ismark. He then sets off wandering about the main floor of the church. If he finds someone who may have worked here for a while he'll politely introduce himself and ask if they met a dwarven woman in recent years, or heard word of her.
"It must be great getting to share a room with the others. There will always be someone to talk to." Ioben paces around the room slowly, taking time to look at the details, as if admiring the place. In reality, he is pleased that at least someone is looking after these children, even if their means are clearly stretched.
Sandu pointed to the other doorways. 'What about the other rooms?'
Ioben, Sandu & Valerie - "That's right - grouped by age and gender."Moira says in response to Sandu's question. She points out a number of the rooms, explaining each ones functions - you gather the following;
The room next to the Elder Girls' Dormitory is the Elder Boys' Dormitory (West) - In response to Ioben's question, she explains that,"Mili would normally sleep there. He was moved to stop any sickness from spreading."
Next to the Elder Boys' Dormitory (North-West) is the Toddlers' Dormitory - this is generally for all children between the ages of 2-5.
The room to the North is the Nursery - they take it in turns to take care of the babies under the age of 2.
The North-Eastern room is the younger girls' dormitory
The Eastern (room opposite where you are currently located) is the younger boys' dormitory
You gather that generally the younger age groups are 5-12 based on space, any older kids are classed as 'Elder' children. Mili at 17 is the oldest 'child' and would likely leave the Orphanage if financially able to.
"Would you like me to show you to any of the rooms?"Moira politely asks.
Ioben (and Sandu & Valerie, if you join in) - Please make an investigation check as you look around the Elder Girls' Dormitory, if you would also describe what you are investigating in particular that would help ((a more thorough search of a particular item(s) in the room might lead to an easier DC))
Galqarin - Hedy chuckles quietly,"Do you think he wants to see Ms Belasco?". Ivah narrows her eyes at you, "I want to know what he means with all these secrets. What do you mean bad stuff'll happen? An' who are your friends?"
"Hadn't we better take him to see 'the witch', Ivah?" Hedy says, looking at her friend questioningly, "Maybe she'll know what he means.". Ivah tilts her head a little, "S'alright with me. You!"she says firmly at you,"Go on through that door there, an' make sure you don't try any funny business." Ivah points to the door you know to be the backdoor of the Orphanage, leading to the large communal area on the ground floor.
Baern - In answer to your question Ismark explains about Father Lucian, the missing bones of St. Andral, the underground crypt, and the reason why the rest of the party are currently investigating the Orphanage. He mentions that Father Lucian and Ireena are in the main area of the church - you find them quickly enough, sitting in a pew at the front of the church.
"Baern," Ireena calls out, mindful of the other parishioners / Vallakians within the church."I was just telling the Father about all the help you and your travelling companions had provided to my brother and I over the last number of days," she explains as you get closer. You see an elderly man sitting next to Ireena in a full priests garb, though age has had its toll you are able to tell that he would have likely been quite strong in his youth. A large chain hangs from his neck holding a lantern.
"Father Lucian Petrovich"his voice booms, by way of introduction. "Glad to meet you Baern. From what Ireena has told me, you are truly a kind-hearted individual." He smiles warmly,"Undoubtedly Vallaki could benefit from more folk such as you." He shifts a little in his seat and lowers his voice,"The rest of your group are currently helping me with an issue. Hopefully they will resolve it in due course... I am not sure what may happen if the bones are not restored to their resting place."
When asked about your mother, you see the Father close his eyes and attempt to recollect."I remember meeting a Dwarven woman, yes. That's right, Diesa. I know she had a deep determination to leave Barovia. If what Ireena says is correct, it sounds like you were very much like your mother - the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, so they say."His brow furrows,"I know she went to Krezk. She was convinced that there was something there... a powerful artefact that would enable her to return home. I am sorry Baern, my memory was not what it once was. Do you remember the names of her travelling companions? Something that might jog a memory?" His voice fades a little, "What was the name of that Elvish gentleman..."
The Father makes to stand, using the pew as an assist as he does so. "I do keep records of visitors,"he explains, "In my study((the room you were just in)), I shall check there... Maybe it will provide further revelations."
As Ioben wanders around the room he pays close attention to the beds, checking under them, under the pillows, even lifting the mattresses a little. He particularly pays attention to Moira’s bed, as the unkempt nature of it makes it stand out from the others. After checking the beds he makes sure he leaves them tidy again.
As you wander around the room, paying specific attention to the beds, you notice something - carvings. There are what appear to be runes, written in a language you cannot comprehend, on bed post at the foot of each of the beds. You believe they would go unnoticed unless someone was specifically looking for them. The nature of the runes suggest that it is more than simple graffiti / vandalism.
Ioben, Sandu & Valerie - "That's right - grouped by age and gender."Moira says in response to Sandu's question. She points out a number of the rooms, explaining each ones functions - you gather the following;
The room next to the Elder Girls' Dormitory is the Elder Boys' Dormitory (West) - In response to Ioben's question, she explains that,"Mili would normally sleep there. He was moved to stop any sickness from spreading."
Next to the Elder Boys' Dormitory (North-West) is the Toddlers' Dormitory - this is generally for all children between the ages of 2-5.
The room to the North is the Nursery - they take it in turns to take care of the babies under the age of 2.
The North-Eastern room is the younger girls' dormitory
The Eastern (room opposite where you are currently located) is the younger boys' dormitory
You gather that generally the younger age groups are 5-12 based on space, any older kids are classed as 'Elder' children. Mili at 17 is the oldest 'child' and would likely leave the Orphanage if financially able to.
"Would you like me to show you to any of the rooms?"Moira politely asks.
Ioben (and Sandu & Valerie, if you join in) - Please make an investigation check as you look around the Elder Girls' Dormitory, if you would also describe what you are investigating in particular that would help ((a more thorough search of a particular item(s) in the room might lead to an easier DC))
Sandu was about to walk into the elder girls' dormitory when halfway through his step he yanked his foot back as he could feel a sharp pinch on his ear.
'You cannot just barge into the girls' room like that, Sandu.' He struggled to get free but twisting and turning only increased the pain. Miss Esther had an iron grip on his ear as she dragged him out of the room. 'Why not?' Sandu asked in between efforts to get back to his feet and not tearing his own ear off. 'It is not proper.' Miss Esther had hauled him halfway through the hallway. The staircase was getting close. In a last ditch effort to get out of the death grip, Sandu resorted to his final weapon. He turned his head, pouted his lips and turned on the waterworks. Not a difficult task considering the pain already made his eyes water. 'Why not?' 'That might have worked when you were younger but you're past that now.' Miss Esther replied. He could see a tiny smirk creep up in the corners of her mouth so it was not a complete loss on his end. She tossed him out on the stairs and he more or less landed on his feet on the landing. 'I'll tell you when you're older. Now go clean up the shed like you were supposed to or there will be no dinner for you tonight, young man.'
Sandu hesitated but ultimately decided against it. He remained outside the room, just past the threshold and surveyed the room from the doorway. His eyes darkened when he spoke the incantation 'Dezvãlui'. He had gotten a better grip on how the spell worked, and his magic in general, so he was not surprised it came more natural, more easy to him to perform. And if he had to be perfectly honest: he was enjoying the feeling. It made him feel powerful to just casually throw magic around.
Sandu peeked into each room, taking care not to step into the girls' rooms, unless his curiosity should overtake his precaution.
OOC: Casting Detect Magic Investigation 14 (campaign log), combined with Detect Magic specifically looking for traces of magic. Or Arcana? They have the same modifier, unless you want this to be a seperate check.
> Hedy chuckles quietly, "Do you think he wants to see Ms Belasco?". Ivah narrows her eyes at you, "I want to know what he means with all these secrets. What do you mean bad stuff'll happen? An' who are your friends?" > "Hadn't we better take him to see 'the witch', Ivah?" Hedy says, looking at her friend questioningly, "Maybe she'll know what he means.". Ivah tilts her head a little, "S'alright with me. You!" she says firmly at you, "Go on through that door there, an' make sure you don't try any funny business." Ivah points to the door you know to be the backdoor of the Orphanage, leading to the large communal area on the ground floor.
"Bad stuff before. Maybe still. Again. Worse. Friends help Father Lucien. I no meet witch.", Galqarin makes no move towards the door and his words come out staccato but determined, a lift of his voice indicating his statement ends in an offer: "Bad stuff happen, I help."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Arcana - 8 On seeing the runes, Ioben quickly racked his brain to see if he recognised them at all. How strange that someone would add these to the room. Especially as it seemed like this was done without the knowledge or consent of the girls.
"Sandu,"Ioben calls him over as he turns, only to find Sandu is no longer at the door. Moving over to the corridor Ioben puts his head out and calls quietly, "Hey. I found something over here, but you might have a better shot recognising it."
Thoughts of his mother kept Baern from being prepared to run into Ireena once again. "Oh, ah, hi Ireena. No, I,... well yeah I... I mean we... we all helped keep Ireena... I mean... well, we all kept each other safe... oh and Ismark too, of course. What I mean is, ah..." The dwarf pauses before just saying "....yeah"and looking away from Ireena, red faced and embarrassed.
"Oh, ah, hello Father. Nice to meet you. I'm Baern. Oh, I mean, you knew that. Um..."
"You knew her? That's great! An artifact huh..."
(I don't believe Baern was there when Petyr and Shey told Ioben about the dwarven woman and her companions. Ioben/DM am I mistake, and/or would Ioben have told the others about the druid, etc. seen with the dwarven woman? Thanks)
Valzes stays outside the rooms. She goes to a spot that she thinks that her divine sense can cover all the rooms. She takes a deep breath and takes out an amulet. By now, she knows that she will sense some sort of unpleasant scent more or less; however, she hopes to find something unusual in the room.
She closes her eyes and focuses her senses on the evil presence in the house.
“Hmm well I’m going inside to meet the priest and offer my thanks. I don’t know if you want to tell your sister our suspicions, but whatever you decided should be your choice. Thank you for sharing so much about your life. If you like I can tell you a bit about the Dwarven faith. You seem to be a man who enjoys scholarly pursuits at the least,” says Dormark stepping into the church.
Dormark looking around spots Baern talking to someone believing to be the Father Dormark steps up to the side of Baern waiting patiently while the Dwarf talks to him.
Ioben, Sandu & Valerie - Ioben excitedly calls over the other party members in the vicinity upon finding what appear to be runes carved into the bed posts of each of the beds in the Elder Girls rooms.
Your spell instantly registers numerous magical essences coming from each of the beds, concentrated strongest where the runes are located. You are certain that there are powerful necrotic magics at work. All of the rooms on this floor seem to emanate necrotic auras.
((Without trying to give too much away - I am correct in assuming that Sandu is peeking into each room as opposed to investigating each room in turn?))
You believe that the runes might well be magic, but do not fully comprehend their function or meaning.
Valerie'sDivine Sense:
You stand in an area where you believe your spell will have maximum effect. As you cast it the powerful stench of evil fills your nostrils - you sense that a powerful fiend of some variety has recently been, and might still be, in the Orphanage. The smell emanates from all the rooms on this floor, however it is most pungent at the south of the building between the Elder Girls' and Younger Boys' Dormitories.
Neither Sandu or Valerie understand the script the runes are written in. However, Valerie does get the sense that the language is dark / evil in nature.
Moira looks concerned at all the ruckus caused by the revelation of the runes,"Is everything alright here?" she asks curiously,"Do I need to go and get Ms Belasco?"
Galqarin - At this point you notice Hedy getting a little concerned,"What does he mean he doesn't want to meet the Wtich? Sorry, Ms Belasco?". Ivah shrugs, not knowing what to make of the strange man in a bizarrely ornamental mask,"If 'e don't want to meet her what's he wanna do?"
Ivah stares blankly at you, "What bad stuff?"she asks once more, slowly. Hady, still looking concerned, interjects,"He mentions Father Lucian, do you think he's doing something for him - like a task or a job.". Ivah responds harshly to her friend, "Like what? And why would he be here an' not want to involve Ms Belasco?"
At this point Hedy moves to Ivah and whispers in her ear. As the girls whisper to each other you see Ivah frown. "You say tha' bad stuff, like what happened before. What do you mean? Like what happened to Cedric? Or wha' happened to them boys - Lazlo, Hans, and Franz?"Ivah asks, her arms crossed,"Could be you wish bad stuff to happen to us."
Galqarin - Please make a Persuasion check ((I'll allow advantage for the name drop of the Father)).
Baern & Dormark - The Father once more looks a little vacant as he attempts to remember,"I think she said an artefact... I know she seemed to have a single-minded purpose to escape this land. Poor lady felt like a caged animal - can't say I blame her really."
Dormark you appear just in time to catch the end of the sentence above. The sight of a hulking metal-person almost bowls over the old priest."By the Morning Lord - what a sight!" he exclaims a little too loudly, interrupting a number of the parishioners deep in prayer. He waves an apologetic arm,"I am sorry. It's just I have never. Well... you look magnificent." If Dormark allows it, he will take you by the hand - as though touching Dormark makes him more feel more 'real'.
"This is your companion, Dormark, you were telling me about Ireena? I must admit I was sceptical of your description."The Father goes a little red faced,"But where are my manners - I am Father Lucian Petrovich. This, though it may not look like much, is the church I shepherd and we are very much delighted to have you here, Dormark." Though the Father is advanced in years you see something of the child he once was (long ago), as he is almost giddy with excitement at meeting Dormark.
"I was just speaking with your companion, Baern. It might be that I can help provide him information that may help him with his search." Lucian says absent-mindedly. "But to meet such a unique person as well..." He cuts himself off, not wishing to cause offence. Ireena rolls her eyes a little behind the Father's back, a large smile on her face."Now, now, Father. One thing at a time. I am sure you can ask Dormark all the questions you want to in due course. However, you were just about to check your records for any mentions of Diesa Stonebrok."
"That I was, that I was." The Father says as he totters off towards his office."Sorry about that Dormark," Ireena apologises,"He was very eager to meet you... I think it was all a bit of a shock."
Late-Afternoon - Day 5 - St. Andral's Orphanage
Ioben, Sandu & Valerie - Sandu rejoins Ioben and Valerie, pooling any information gained from the children so far. Moira (the older girl) greets Sandu and agrees to show the group to the elder girls' dormitories.
Moira leads you through the entrance hallway and up the stairs to the 1st floor ((2nd floor to my US friends!)). As you enter out into the hallway there are 6 separate doors all leading to different rooms, they are all flung open. At the end of the hallway overlooking the entrance (to the South) is a broken and boarded up window. A hatch leading, you would assume, to an attic is located near the window to the South.
"Just this way," Moira says as she beckons to the party. You go through the South-Westerly most door and enter a small room (approximately 30x20 ft); four beds fit snugly into this room. Two of the beds hold smiling, red-cheeked dolls with straw hair. "Oh, it appears Hedy and Ivah aren't here," Moira exclaims as she enters the room. "Not sure where they've got too. Not sure what to suggest really." She scratches absent-mindedly at her back, as much out of habit, "This here's my bed," she points to the Southern most, and surprisingly most unkempt, bed. "Those two at the far end are Hedy and Ivah's." she explains, "The last is Fanya's."
Galqarin - The girls spin around as you gain their attention. Surprisingly their reactions are more curiosity than fear. "Look at that," Hedy exclaims as she walks towards you, "What a beautiful mask." Ivah, initially shocked, joins her friend, "Who are you and what's with the mask," she says bluntly, not caring about politeness. "Only witch we know is Ms Belasco, an' she ain't scary. We're not scared of nothin' - are we?" You notice the question catches Hedy a little off-guards, "N-no," she mutters.
"Why are you here?" Ivah asks, squinting through her eyes, "Raven? Lots of those round 'ere." Almost punctuating her words a raven caws very loudly from the rafters of a nearby house.
Insight:
It is plainly obvious that of the two girls it is Ivah that is made of sterner stuff. The way she acts is with a natural confidence and you full well believe that she does not scare easily. Hedy is a little harder to read, you get the sense that she is a little scatty and is very taken aback by the 'beautiful mask', though it is clear to see that she is used to Ivah doing the lion-share of the talking.
Both girls seem authentic in their reactions to you; more curious than weary at this point in time.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Sandu gave Moira a friendly nod and followed the girl upstairs to the dormitories. He also gave Ioben and Valerie a quick aside about what he had learned but did not yet go into specifics: only that they needed to review their collective findings once they had a moment to do so.
A sense of déjà vu gripped Sandu when he set foot in the hallway on the first floor. Perhaps that was not the right phrase for it but what he could see of the dormitories so far was quite familiar to him. Sandu chalked it up to all orphanages being roughly the same, choosing function over form.
'So boys and girls seperated and grouped together based on age?' He asked their guide. It was no so much a question to which he expected an answer as it was merely to confirm his thought. They had to be, if problems were to be avoided, and Ms Belasco seemed like she ran a tight enough ship to take such precautions.
There were also mentioned two more names he added to his mental list: Hedy and Ivah. According to Moira, they were the ones who would know most of what went on around here. The thought made him smirk. It really did seem that all orphanages were alike.
Sandu pointed to the other doorways. 'What about the other rooms?'
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
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Galqarin is initially taken aback by the swift cross examination from the more assertive of the two girls - Ivah was it? - but he recovers quickly. He'd already assumed the taller one would be their spokesperson, but stature was not always a fair gauge of mettle. Another lesson from Baern.
"Mask a special gift", he explains to Hedy, "Helps keep secrets."
"I come find my friends. They talk to witch", guesses Galqarin, having by now pieced together that the orphanage's matron was the "witch" the girls had earlier referred to. "I no talk to witch. Bad stuff happen here, witch not stop."
It dawns upon Galqarin that the bad stuff might not have ended with his own departure.
"Is there a priest here?" asks Baern of Ismark. He then sets off wandering about the main floor of the church. If he finds someone who may have worked here for a while he'll politely introduce himself and ask if they met a dwarven woman in recent years, or heard word of her.
"It must be great getting to share a room with the others. There will always be someone to talk to." Ioben paces around the room slowly, taking time to look at the details, as if admiring the place. In reality, he is pleased that at least someone is looking after these children, even if their means are clearly stretched.
"Yes. Where does Mili sleep?"
Ioben, Sandu & Valerie - "That's right - grouped by age and gender." Moira says in response to Sandu's question. She points out a number of the rooms, explaining each ones functions - you gather the following;
"Would you like me to show you to any of the rooms?" Moira politely asks.
Ioben (and Sandu & Valerie, if you join in) - Please make an investigation check as you look around the Elder Girls' Dormitory, if you would also describe what you are investigating in particular that would help ((a more thorough search of a particular item(s) in the room might lead to an easier DC))
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Galqarin - Hedy chuckles quietly, "Do you think he wants to see Ms Belasco?". Ivah narrows her eyes at you, "I want to know what he means with all these secrets. What do you mean bad stuff'll happen? An' who are your friends?"
"Hadn't we better take him to see 'the witch', Ivah?" Hedy says, looking at her friend questioningly, "Maybe she'll know what he means.". Ivah tilts her head a little, "S'alright with me. You!" she says firmly at you, "Go on through that door there, an' make sure you don't try any funny business." Ivah points to the door you know to be the backdoor of the Orphanage, leading to the large communal area on the ground floor.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Baern - In answer to your question Ismark explains about Father Lucian, the missing bones of St. Andral, the underground crypt, and the reason why the rest of the party are currently investigating the Orphanage. He mentions that Father Lucian and Ireena are in the main area of the church - you find them quickly enough, sitting in a pew at the front of the church.
"Baern," Ireena calls out, mindful of the other parishioners / Vallakians within the church. "I was just telling the Father about all the help you and your travelling companions had provided to my brother and I over the last number of days," she explains as you get closer. You see an elderly man sitting next to Ireena in a full priests garb, though age has had its toll you are able to tell that he would have likely been quite strong in his youth. A large chain hangs from his neck holding a lantern.
"Father Lucian Petrovich" his voice booms, by way of introduction. "Glad to meet you Baern. From what Ireena has told me, you are truly a kind-hearted individual." He smiles warmly, "Undoubtedly Vallaki could benefit from more folk such as you." He shifts a little in his seat and lowers his voice, "The rest of your group are currently helping me with an issue. Hopefully they will resolve it in due course... I am not sure what may happen if the bones are not restored to their resting place."
When asked about your mother, you see the Father close his eyes and attempt to recollect. "I remember meeting a Dwarven woman, yes. That's right, Diesa. I know she had a deep determination to leave Barovia. If what Ireena says is correct, it sounds like you were very much like your mother - the apple doesn't fall far from the tree, so they say." His brow furrows, "I know she went to Krezk. She was convinced that there was something there... a powerful artefact that would enable her to return home. I am sorry Baern, my memory was not what it once was. Do you remember the names of her travelling companions? Something that might jog a memory?" His voice fades a little, "What was the name of that Elvish gentleman..."
The Father makes to stand, using the pew as an assist as he does so. "I do keep records of visitors," he explains, "In my study ((the room you were just in)), I shall check there... Maybe it will provide further revelations."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Investigation: 19
As Ioben wanders around the room he pays close attention to the beds, checking under them, under the pillows, even lifting the mattresses a little. He particularly pays attention to Moira’s bed, as the unkempt nature of it makes it stand out from the others.
After checking the beds he makes sure he leaves them tidy again.
Ioben's Investigation check:
As you wander around the room, paying specific attention to the beds, you notice something - carvings. There are what appear to be runes, written in a language you cannot comprehend, on bed post at the foot of each of the beds. You believe they would go unnoticed unless someone was specifically looking for them. The nature of the runes suggest that it is more than simple graffiti / vandalism.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Sandu was about to walk into the elder girls' dormitory when halfway through his step he yanked his foot back as he could feel a sharp pinch on his ear.
'You cannot just barge into the girls' room like that, Sandu.'
He struggled to get free but twisting and turning only increased the pain. Miss Esther had an iron grip on his ear as she dragged him out of the room.
'Why not?' Sandu asked in between efforts to get back to his feet and not tearing his own ear off.
'It is not proper.' Miss Esther had hauled him halfway through the hallway. The staircase was getting close.
In a last ditch effort to get out of the death grip, Sandu resorted to his final weapon. He turned his head, pouted his lips and turned on the waterworks. Not a difficult task considering the pain already made his eyes water. 'Why not?'
'That might have worked when you were younger but you're past that now.' Miss Esther replied. He could see a tiny smirk creep up in the corners of her mouth so it was not a complete loss on his end. She tossed him out on the stairs and he more or less landed on his feet on the landing. 'I'll tell you when you're older. Now go clean up the shed like you were supposed to or there will be no dinner for you tonight, young man.'
Sandu hesitated but ultimately decided against it. He remained outside the room, just past the threshold and surveyed the room from the doorway. His eyes darkened when he spoke the incantation 'Dezvãlui'. He had gotten a better grip on how the spell worked, and his magic in general, so he was not surprised it came more natural, more easy to him to perform. And if he had to be perfectly honest: he was enjoying the feeling. It made him feel powerful to just casually throw magic around.
Sandu peeked into each room, taking care not to step into the girls' rooms, unless his curiosity should overtake his precaution.
OOC:
Casting Detect Magic
Investigation 14 (campaign log), combined with Detect Magic specifically looking for traces of magic.
Or Arcana? They have the same modifier, unless you want this to be a seperate check.
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
> Hedy chuckles quietly, "Do you think he wants to see Ms Belasco?". Ivah narrows her eyes at you, "I want to know what he means with all these secrets. What do you mean bad stuff'll happen? An' who are your friends?"
> "Hadn't we better take him to see 'the witch', Ivah?" Hedy says, looking at her friend questioningly, "Maybe she'll know what he means.". Ivah tilts her head a little, "S'alright with me. You!" she says firmly at you, "Go on through that door there, an' make sure you don't try any funny business." Ivah points to the door you know to be the backdoor of the Orphanage, leading to the large communal area on the ground floor.
"Bad stuff before. Maybe still. Again. Worse. Friends help Father Lucien. I no meet witch.", Galqarin makes no move towards the door and his words come out staccato but determined, a lift of his voice indicating his statement ends in an offer: "Bad stuff happen, I help."
Arcana - 8 On seeing the runes, Ioben quickly racked his brain to see if he recognised them at all. How strange that someone would add these to the room. Especially as it seemed like this was done without the knowledge or consent of the girls.
"Sandu," Ioben calls him over as he turns, only to find Sandu is no longer at the door. Moving over to the corridor Ioben puts his head out and calls quietly, "Hey. I found something over here, but you might have a better shot recognising it."
Thoughts of his mother kept Baern from being prepared to run into Ireena once again. "Oh, ah, hi Ireena. No, I,... well yeah I... I mean we... we all helped keep Ireena... I mean... well, we all kept each other safe... oh and Ismark too, of course. What I mean is, ah..." The dwarf pauses before just saying "....yeah" and looking away from Ireena, red faced and embarrassed.
"Oh, ah, hello Father. Nice to meet you. I'm Baern. Oh, I mean, you knew that. Um..."
"You knew her? That's great! An artifact huh..."
(I don't believe Baern was there when Petyr and Shey told Ioben about the dwarven woman and her companions. Ioben/DM am I mistake, and/or would Ioben have told the others about the druid, etc. seen with the dwarven woman? Thanks)
Valzes stays outside the rooms. She goes to a spot that she thinks that her divine sense can cover all the rooms. She takes a deep breath and takes out an amulet. By now, she knows that she will sense some sort of unpleasant scent more or less; however, she hopes to find something unusual in the room.
She closes her eyes and focuses her senses on the evil presence in the house.
Cast: Divine Sense
“Hmm well I’m going inside to meet the priest and offer my thanks. I don’t know if you want to tell your sister our suspicions, but whatever you decided should be your choice. Thank you for sharing so much about your life. If you like I can tell you a bit about the Dwarven faith. You seem to be a man who enjoys scholarly pursuits at the least,” says Dormark stepping into the church.
Dormark looking around spots Baern talking to someone believing to be the Father Dormark steps up to the side of Baern waiting patiently while the Dwarf talks to him.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Ioben, Sandu & Valerie - Ioben excitedly calls over the other party members in the vicinity upon finding what appear to be runes carved into the bed posts of each of the beds in the Elder Girls rooms.
Sandu's Detect Magic:
Your spell instantly registers numerous magical essences coming from each of the beds, concentrated strongest where the runes are located. You are certain that there are powerful necrotic magics at work. All of the rooms on this floor seem to emanate necrotic auras.
((Without trying to give too much away - I am correct in assuming that Sandu is peeking into each room as opposed to investigating each room in turn?))
Ioben's Arcana check:
You believe that the runes might well be magic, but do not fully comprehend their function or meaning.
Valerie's Divine Sense:
You stand in an area where you believe your spell will have maximum effect. As you cast it the powerful stench of evil fills your nostrils - you sense that a powerful fiend of some variety has recently been, and might still be, in the Orphanage. The smell emanates from all the rooms on this floor, however it is most pungent at the south of the building between the Elder Girls' and Younger Boys' Dormitories.
Neither Sandu or Valerie understand the script the runes are written in. However, Valerie does get the sense that the language is dark / evil in nature.
Moira looks concerned at all the ruckus caused by the revelation of the runes, "Is everything alright here?" she asks curiously, "Do I need to go and get Ms Belasco?"
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Galqarin - At this point you notice Hedy getting a little concerned, "What does he mean he doesn't want to meet the Wtich? Sorry, Ms Belasco?". Ivah shrugs, not knowing what to make of the strange man in a bizarrely ornamental mask, "If 'e don't want to meet her what's he wanna do?"
Ivah stares blankly at you, "What bad stuff?" she asks once more, slowly. Hady, still looking concerned, interjects, "He mentions Father Lucian, do you think he's doing something for him - like a task or a job.". Ivah responds harshly to her friend, "Like what? And why would he be here an' not want to involve Ms Belasco?"
At this point Hedy moves to Ivah and whispers in her ear. As the girls whisper to each other you see Ivah frown. "You say tha' bad stuff, like what happened before. What do you mean? Like what happened to Cedric? Or wha' happened to them boys - Lazlo, Hans, and Franz?" Ivah asks, her arms crossed, "Could be you wish bad stuff to happen to us."
Galqarin - Please make a Persuasion check ((I'll allow advantage for the name drop of the Father)).
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Baern & Dormark - The Father once more looks a little vacant as he attempts to remember, "I think she said an artefact... I know she seemed to have a single-minded purpose to escape this land. Poor lady felt like a caged animal - can't say I blame her really."
Dormark you appear just in time to catch the end of the sentence above. The sight of a hulking metal-person almost bowls over the old priest. "By the Morning Lord - what a sight!" he exclaims a little too loudly, interrupting a number of the parishioners deep in prayer. He waves an apologetic arm, "I am sorry. It's just I have never. Well... you look magnificent." If Dormark allows it, he will take you by the hand - as though touching Dormark makes him more feel more 'real'.
"This is your companion, Dormark, you were telling me about Ireena? I must admit I was sceptical of your description." The Father goes a little red faced, "But where are my manners - I am Father Lucian Petrovich. This, though it may not look like much, is the church I shepherd and we are very much delighted to have you here, Dormark." Though the Father is advanced in years you see something of the child he once was (long ago), as he is almost giddy with excitement at meeting Dormark.
"I was just speaking with your companion, Baern. It might be that I can help provide him information that may help him with his search." Lucian says absent-mindedly. "But to meet such a unique person as well..." He cuts himself off, not wishing to cause offence. Ireena rolls her eyes a little behind the Father's back, a large smile on her face. "Now, now, Father. One thing at a time. I am sure you can ask Dormark all the questions you want to in due course. However, you were just about to check your records for any mentions of Diesa Stonebrok."
"That I was, that I was." The Father says as he totters off towards his office. "Sorry about that Dormark," Ireena apologises, "He was very eager to meet you... I think it was all a bit of a shock."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
When the party is gathered, Valerie will quietly tell the group. "I sensed some evil presence, a fiend. They were here..., or maybe still here."