Cerio climbs to his feet next to the vampire's body. "She bit me," he mumbles, rubbing his neck. He pulls his hand away to find it smeared with his own blood. "I can't believe she bit me!"He kicks the corpse viciously. "'n you better stay down!"
He watches as Dallid casts a healing spell on the bugbear, shaking the blood from his khopesh. "Well I figure th' last thing we need is 'nother blood sucker, 'specially one o' his size!" He turns to Galqarin. "So what, ya think it's over? Some pack 'o blood drinkin' crazies 'n their pet bats just decided to help themselves to a midnight snack? I'd feel a whole lot better if we's inside somewheres. And who's that holy man e'erone's on about protectin'?"
"Not over", Galqarin opines softly. "We must find Rictavio. And the Martikovs. And make sure that bastard Izek is truly dead". The last part he spits out venemously.
“The Father is back in the church, but I cannot continue anymore this day. I use to much of my power,” says Dormark standing by the church. It is clear to see that it seems there are tears in his metal form from fighting. His eyes, normally bright glowing, are dim in their sockets.
Sandu crawled from under Galqarin's torso when Dallid approached the two of them. The bugbear turned out to be heavier than he anticipated and dragging him deadweight had knocked the wind out of his sails. He wanted to get out from underneath the bugbear as quickly as possible because the way he was draped over Sandu's shoulder, it looked like he was getting a bear hug from behind from a bloody, dirty rug. He also did not want to have to explain to Galqarin just why he was holding the bugbear's paw in his hand.
'I need to check on Father Lucian.' Sandu gave as an hasty explination for him dashing up the stairs. He gave Dormark a lingering look when he passed him by, taking note that the warforged's eyes had dimmed. It made him look tired: an odd thing, Sandu thought, for someone made of metal. He had nearly passed the good reverend in his musings but had enough presence of mind to refocus on the present.
'Father Lucian.' Sandu approached the old man sitting in the doorway of the chuch. 'Are you all right? What happened here? Are the bones safe?'
He feared he might overwhelm the man by asking too many questions but Sandu lacked the energy to stop himself.
The Father seems shaken as he looks Sandu in the eyes. Blood trickles from a wound on his neck but you can tell it's superficial. "Attacked... have you not seen Ioben? He... he went to go look for you." At the declaration, the Father sobs openly, covering his eyes.
"The bones are still in my keeping,"he says between tears. "The task seems greater than ever - they need to be restored. They must be taken to Krezk."
"Then we shall be the ones tha' take 'em," Baern says boldly before looking around at the rest of the group. "I mean, seems like the right thing to do... and my mother, everything I have learned about her has pointed to the place."
Ismark nods in agreement. "Perhaps this Abbot the Father mentioned will be able to protect Ireena. It is certain that she remains in great danger the longer we stay in Vallaki,"he says with a sigh.
"What has become of poor Vallaki?" Father Lucian asks with a whimper. "Such a brazen attack on the church? I'd never have thought Strahd would be so bold," he says as much to himself as the group. "That awful woman, Volenta? One of his brides. If you had not intervened..." he looks up, his eyes blotchy, "I'm not sure what would have come of me... or the town. I owe you all my life."
Dormark - The Father looks to you. "There is a weapon I kept in safekeeping. Not knowing its true power I stowed it away," he explains. "I can tell that the weapon is not evil in nature but do not understand its true properties. Perhaps it will assist you on your journey." The old man slowly rises to his feet and totters towards his bedroom. "Not since I came across this item have I shared its whereabouts or existence with anyone... other than yourself."
Kneeling, Lucian reaches under his bed and withdraws a wooden locked chest with the seal of the morning lord carved into its side. He slides it out and throws back the lid. Instantaneously the small room is filled with a brilliant, blinding light. "Surely the weapon is blessed by the morning lord, himself," the elderly priest remarks in a hushed tone. "Please, take it. I would entrust it to you." Sitting in the box is a bright, golden mace with a spikey sun symbol at its head (see spoiler).
"Galqarin don't be foolish. You are to injure to continue fighting. You should be able to sense that yourself," says Dormark.
When the father speaks and leads him to the area that hides the weapon Dormark says, "Thank you Father, I will take this item. I and Mordin understand the meaning of you given this to us."
Dormark will collect his old mace. We will also spend 10 minutes to ritual cast identify on the sun mace.
Dormark - You are able to discern the following about the mace;
What Father Lucian has gifted you appears to be a mace of disruption. You are able to tell instantly that it is a holy artefact and has the following properties;
When you hit a fiend or an undead with this magic weapon, that creature takes an extra 2d6 radiant damage. If the target has 25 hit points or fewer after taking this damage, it must succeed on a DC 15 Wisdom saving throw or be destroyed. On a successful save, the creature becomes frightened of you until the end of your next turn.
While you hold this weapon, it sheds bright light in a 20-foot radius and dim light for an additional 20 feet.
Proficiency with a mace allows you to add your proficiency bonus to the attack roll for any attack you make with it.
Notes: Damage: Radiant, Damage, Bane
((There is a lot of discussion stating that it should really be listed as a 'mace of smiting' and that the item descriptions should be transposed... but for ease I have added it to your character sheet))
It took a moment for Father Lucian and Ismark's words to sink in. He had not been able to restore the bones and it seemed it would require something beyond his scope. They had to take the bones to Krezk. Sandu was all for leaving Vallaki behind but he had to admit: they were two for two on the "something horrible happens in every village we come upon" aspect. His mind had already started thinking how awful the journey would be and what they might encounter along the road when Father Lucian's first sentence registered.
'Wait, what?'Sandu replied a bit flabbergasted. 'No, he- I mean: we did not see Ioben.' A chill passed down his spine. What could have happened to Ioben? Vallaki had been the site of a string of bloody murders but Ioben could not... could he?
"Ioben?!"Ireena's voice shakes and she moves to make her way toward the church's entrance.
"Ireena, no!" the voice is Ismarks. "To leave now would be folly. Had we not best wait until morning?" He looks exasperated.
Baern speaks up. "'Tis as I feared. Told 'im not to go it alone. He was mighty insistent, told us to stay an' protect Father Lucian." The dwarf shoots a look at Valerie, who confirms his assertion with a stoic nod. "Can't 'ave got far I should reckon... But likely to be dangerous, as worn out as we are."
"We can't leave him!"Ireena says, flopping down on the nearest pew. "What if he cannot wait until morning?!"
Valerie walks over to Ireena and places a gauntleted hand on her shoulder. "I shall go. Ioben was as much my companion as yours. Besides, he'd have done the same, had our positions been reversed."
"To the burgomaster's mansion then. Strikes me as the best place ta start,"Baern says, standing beside Valerie.
"With the greatest of respect, have you lost your minds?!" Ismark fumes. "You mean to walk the streets of Vallaki knowing that Strahd's forces are currently attacking the town. Sure, all of us together might be able to subdue a single vampire but a group? Speak some sense into them Sandu." Ismark looks at Sandu imploringly.
Noticing the new additions to the group, Ismark looks them each over in turn. "Ismark... Ismark Kolyanovich,"he says offering his hand, "though I'd have chosen different circumstances to meet under, I must admit that your intervention was most fortuitous. Morninglordknows what would have happened otherwise."
Cerio takes a breath, the adrenaline beginning to subside. He has a moment to reflect on the circumstances. The weapon seemed to have some... unusual properties. Had his eagerness in battle been the result of adrenaline, of his survival instincts? Or, as it had seemed for just a moment, did the weapon itself seem to guide his hand as he cut? And what to make of that... apparition? It had seemed like a projection of himself, gripped in anguish, had manifest during the battle. Was that, too, a property of the weapon? Or, perhaps it is this place, this damnable realm, that corrupts and twists everything.
Tentatively, he creeps up the church stairs and back into the main chamber. His eyes try to look everywhere at once, paranoid of a vampire or bat lurking in any of the many shadows. He listens to the conversation, confused about much. Who is Ioben, for example?
He jumps when addressed by Ismark. He accepts the man's hand. "Aw, shucks." Beneath the layer of grime and quickly-congealing blood Cerio's cheeks flush. "I'm Cerio. Anyway, I dun' know 'bout this morninglord, but we sure seemed t'get lucky. Them blood-suckers was hard as nails! Uh, speakin' o' which..." He turns to the priest. "She... bit me. Is that condition o' theirs contagious?"
Father Lucian's face darkens at Cerio's revelation. "You were not the only one bitten, Cerio," he says ominously. The Father displays two small puncture wounds on his own neck. "Fortunately, I believe that the bite is nothing more than an annoyance. Unless the person bitten perishes, that is. Should one be slain by a vampire's bite then they are doomed to rise the following night; damned to live a life void of love, life or goodness. An unholy smear upon the land, wreaking havoc upon the innocent and slaying those nearest and dearest to them."
"But that did not happen, did it Father," Ireena interjects.
"Damned to abide in the hells of..."Father Lucian snaps out of his monologue at Ireena's interjection. "Oh, no, no. Thank the Morninglord."
"If it helps Cerio, I was bitten a little over a week ago and I'm fine," Ireena explains reassuringly. "Ismark is my brother. These fine folk," she smiles at the other members of the party, "offered to help us safely to Vallaki. But in truth, they have gone beyond that. Ensuring my protection throughout the last week and thwarting the darkness that resides over this land at every opportunity." At this point you notice Ireena's eyes beginning to tear. "Frankly, they are a blessing. Each has gone out of their way to help a stranger in her greatest time of need."
At Ireena's declaration, Valerie puffs out her chest and Baern sheepishly rubs his arms.
"Ioben?!"Ireena's voice shakes and she moves to make her way toward the church's entrance.
"Ireena, no!" the voice is Ismarks. "To leave now would be folly. Had we not best wait until morning?" He looks exasperated.
Baern speaks up. "'Tis as I feared. Told 'im not to go it alone. He was mighty insistent, told us to stay an' protect Father Lucian." The dwarf shoots a look at Valerie, who confirms his assertion with a stoic nod. "Can't 'ave got far I should reckon... But likely to be dangerous, as worn out as we are."
"We can't leave him!"Ireena says, flopping down on the nearest pew. "What if he cannot wait until morning?!"
Valerie walks over to Ireena and places a gauntleted hand on her shoulder. "I shall go. Ioben was as much my companion as yours. Besides, he'd have done the same, had our positions been reversed."
"To the burgomaster's mansion then. Strikes me as the best place ta start,"Baern says, standing beside Valerie.
"With the greatest of respect, have you lost your minds?!" Ismark fumes. "You mean to walk the streets of Vallaki knowing that Strahd's forces are currently attacking the town. Sure, all of us together might be able to subdue a single vampire but a group? Speak some sense into them Sandu." Ismark looks at Sandu imploringly.
Sandu's head hurt. He realised that he had not eaten or drunk anything recently and with fatigue rapidly catching up, he was running on fumes. 'The burgomaster's mansion is a mess right now.' He remarked. 'I doubt he'll be there but we can't rule it out completely.'
He winced and sucked in a sharp breath through his teeth. He readjusted his footing. 'Strahd's bride was driven from here: I doubt anywhere in Vallaki will be safe. It's probably best that we leave town quickly and move on to Krezk. But you're right: we shouldn't leave anyone behind.'
Sandu sat himself down on a pew before his legs gave out. He pulled his cloak around himself, closed his eyes and focused his magic on his core. In a soft voice he spoke 'Ascultați-i, copiii nopții. Ce muzică fac.' and when he opened his cloak again, he pulled three ravens from underneath it.
'Find Ioben, our friend.' He gave the ravens a description of Ioben and let them loose. They flew through the church, out the door and into the night. 'That's all I can do right now.' Sandu said to the others. He leaned back on the pew, his eyes half open and his mind teetering on the edge between awake and asleep.
Father Lucian's face darkens at Cerio's revelation. "You were not the only one bitten, Cerio," he says ominously. The Father displays two small puncture wounds on his own neck. "Fortunately, I believe that the bite is nothing more than an annoyance. Unless the person bitten perishes, that is. Should one be slain by a vampire's bite then they are doomed to rise the following night; damned to live a life void of love, life or goodness. An unholy smear upon the land, wreaking havoc upon the innocent and slaying those nearest and dearest to them."
"But that did not happen, did it Father," Ireena interjects.
"Damned to abide in the hells of..."Father Lucian snaps out of his monologue at Ireena's interjection. "Oh, no, no. Thank the Morninglord."
"If it helps Cerio, I was bitten a little over a week ago and I'm fine," Ireena explains reassuringly. "Ismark is my brother. These fine folk," she smiles at the other members of the party, "offered to help us safely to Vallaki. But in truth, they have gone beyond that. Ensuring my protection throughout the last week and thwarting the darkness that resides over this land at every opportunity." At this point you notice Ireena's eyes beginning to tear. "Frankly, they are a blessing. Each has gone out of their way to help a stranger in her greatest time of need."
At Ireena's declaration, Valerie puffs out her chest and Baern sheepishly rubs his arms.
The corners of Sandu's mouth curled into half a smile. It's nice to be appreciated. It was his final thought before his brain switched to standby mode.
Casting Flock of Familiars and making the three ravens roam over the town to look for Ioben.
Dormark thinks on the many things that happened that day. The murders cause by the armor and the vampires eating heavily on his mind. Dormark looking to the ceiling says, “I fear I’ve failed many this day Moradin. I couldn’t kill the ones who led this attack. I wish I was stronger… I wish I could have save these people… It was my weakness has a cleric that brought these misfortunes on these people. Please bless me that I may have the strength to fight against this evil.”
"Well, that's a relief," Cerio muses, looking over the Father and Ireena. "What don't kill ya makes ya stronger 'n all that. Them vamps outta know better'n to mess with ole Cerio!"
He thumbs at Ismark. "Well at least someone's talkin' sense! What do ya'll hope to accomplish trekkin' off into tha night them them monsters lurkin' all over? What good's it gon' do anyone?"
Dallid pipes up from his investigation with a quick response to Cerio: "Well, it could be invaluable help to the ones who discover the bodies, someday. Cause of death is a fine way to examine and prepare for danger."
Sandu - You notice Ismark breathe a sigh of relief. "Sandu is correct," he says cooly, "there is nothing to be gained by going out at this time." He turns to Valerie and Baern, "you are both better served staying here. Resting. Then take up the search tomorrow morning."
Both Baern and Valerie lower their weapons and take a seat. "You are both right, of course,"Valerie says, defeated. "I must admit that there is wisdom in your words, fighting tired does not benefit anyone."
Baern places his hand on Valerie's shoulder, "Aye. For now, we'll wait. Let Sandu's ravens check for Ioben."
Pepi, Koki and Zazi nod their little heads in understanding and take flight. Flying through the smashed in church doors.
((I'll post what your ravens find at the end... In an attempt to tackle things chronologically.))
Dormark - Father Lucian looks at you through concerned eyes. "Not at all, Mr Dormark, not at all. It is to you that I owe my life. What would have become of me had I been taken." There is a softness and kindness in his voice. His face looks grim. "It is my opinion that they meant to turn me. Why else seek to take me rather than kill me? Can you imagine what effect that may have on Vallakians... witnessing their priest becoming something abhorrent?" He slumps down in a nearby pew.
"Had you ever thought that your god - Moradin - may use this day to hone you and prepare you for what is to come? Did you not tell me that Moradin constantly seeks to improve his subjects? Do not let today weaken your faith or your morale. Use it. Learn from it."
Cerio - Ismark pats you on the back. "It is good to hear another wise voice in this place,"he muses. "What of you Master Cerio? Are you of a mind to join us on our journey to Krezk?"
Dallid - Baern's eyes widen. "D'ya mean to study the corpse o' that vampire lady?"he asks, confused, "think y'll learn owt from it?"
Sandu - Please can you make a single perception check at advantage for Pepi, Koki and Zazi? Below is what they can see without the check, the check will be for any signs of Ioben:
Devastation. Destruction. Panic. Your familiars sore over Vallaki. A number of the buildings are on fire, the locals desperately attempt to extinguish the flames with buckets of water, yet the damage is terrible.
The pressing threat of Strahd's forces seems to have disappeared. None of the familiars spots any further fighting. Zazi flies east to the Morning Gate, a number of corpses have been lined up here, sheets covering them. The cacophony of mourning rings out in the night. A large gentleman is on his knees, inconsolable, beating at the ground - Urwin Martikov. Zazi relays just a small snippet of his words; "Why?! Why her?! The love of my life. Danika!". Besides him another of the Martikovs, you are unsure who, bites at his lip, fighting back tears.
Pepi heads straight to the Burgomaster's mansion. Fortunately, it appears as though it remains unscathed. Pepi notes that Baron Vargas, the Baroness, and their son the Baronet all appear to be alive and well. But there is no Ioben in sight.
Finally, Koki heads northwards to the Zarovich Gate. A number of the houses here have some sign of damage, be it fire or smashed windows. However, the largest house on the street leading to the north seems to be untouched. A lady stands outside, dressed head-to-toe in black. Next to her, a slippery-looking weasel of a man stands. Koki flies lower, attempting to eavesdrop their conversation;
"I WILL not stand for it Ernst," the woman says, her voice wrought with emotion. "I'll see him hang for this! My sons! My precious sons! One of the things I still have of him. Killed!"
"Are you sure this was the Baron's doing?" Ernst asks, he voice dripping with false sincerity.
"Ofcourse it is, you oaf!"the woman chastises.
"As you say, my lady," Ernst says, crawlingly. "All this pretense of a murderer. Simply to rob you of your sons."
"Exactly..."the woman's voice contains only hatred. "Lets just hope that Strazni fellow is among the corpses. He's always been a thorn in our side."
"One can only hope, Lady Fiona." Ernst says. "Speaking of corpses... and I do not mean this to sound improper, but what about your sons."
Tears fall from Lady Fiona Wachter's eyes. "Have the guard bring them here. I tell you Ernst, I will not have them lying next to the riffraff that died this night. Not a Wachter. You understand."
"As you command, my lady. So it shall be done." Ernst proceeds to head towards the centre of town. Lady Wachter heads back inside her house.
Pepi, Koki and Zazi all search for your missing companion.
Zazi notes that, so far as he can tell, Ioben is not among the corpses at the Morning Gate (East).
Koki does not notice Ioben among those attempting to put out fires near the Zarovich Gate (North).
Pepi heads from the Burgomaster's mansion to the South to the West side of Vallaki. As he flies, ready to return to you, his head turns towards the large building overlooking the church, St. Andral's Orphanage. Whether by complete chance or a sudden epiphany, Pepi goes to the attic window, where you had fought the Maurezhi.
Lodged into a crack in the windowsill sits a highly decorated playing card. Pepi pulls the card from where it is lodged with its beak and flies back to you.
The card appears to be Ioben's. Stuck to it, a hasty message is scrawled;
Dear all,
I stand here knowing that the choice I make may have rammifications felt throughout the land.
I have found powerful allies for our cause.
They have asked that I meet with their leader, though I have been asked to do so alone.
Cerio climbs to his feet next to the vampire's body. "She bit me," he mumbles, rubbing his neck. He pulls his hand away to find it smeared with his own blood. "I can't believe she bit me!" He kicks the corpse viciously. "'n you better stay down!"
He watches as Dallid casts a healing spell on the bugbear, shaking the blood from his khopesh. "Well I figure th' last thing we need is 'nother blood sucker, 'specially one o' his size!" He turns to Galqarin. "So what, ya think it's over? Some pack 'o blood drinkin' crazies 'n their pet bats just decided to help themselves to a midnight snack? I'd feel a whole lot better if we's inside somewheres. And who's that holy man e'erone's on about protectin'?"
"Not over", Galqarin opines softly. "We must find Rictavio. And the Martikovs. And make sure that bastard Izek is truly dead". The last part he spits out venemously.
“The Father is back in the church, but I cannot continue anymore this day. I use to much of my power,” says Dormark standing by the church. It is clear to see that it seems there are tears in his metal form from fighting. His eyes, normally bright glowing, are dim in their sockets.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
"Then I go", says Galqarin stubbornly. "Better now than before they come back."
Sandu crawled from under Galqarin's torso when Dallid approached the two of them. The bugbear turned out to be heavier than he anticipated and dragging him deadweight had knocked the wind out of his sails. He wanted to get out from underneath the bugbear as quickly as possible because the way he was draped over Sandu's shoulder, it looked like he was getting a bear hug from behind from a bloody, dirty rug. He also did not want to have to explain to Galqarin just why he was holding the bugbear's paw in his hand.
'I need to check on Father Lucian.' Sandu gave as an hasty explination for him dashing up the stairs. He gave Dormark a lingering look when he passed him by, taking note that the warforged's eyes had dimmed. It made him look tired: an odd thing, Sandu thought, for someone made of metal. He had nearly passed the good reverend in his musings but had enough presence of mind to refocus on the present.
'Father Lucian.' Sandu approached the old man sitting in the doorway of the chuch. 'Are you all right? What happened here? Are the bones safe?'
He feared he might overwhelm the man by asking too many questions but Sandu lacked the energy to stop himself.
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
Night - Day 6/7 - St. Andral's Church
The Father seems shaken as he looks Sandu in the eyes. Blood trickles from a wound on his neck but you can tell it's superficial. "Attacked... have you not seen Ioben? He... he went to go look for you." At the declaration, the Father sobs openly, covering his eyes.
"The bones are still in my keeping," he says between tears. "The task seems greater than ever - they need to be restored. They must be taken to Krezk."
"Then we shall be the ones tha' take 'em," Baern says boldly before looking around at the rest of the group. "I mean, seems like the right thing to do... and my mother, everything I have learned about her has pointed to the place."
Ismark nods in agreement. "Perhaps this Abbot the Father mentioned will be able to protect Ireena. It is certain that she remains in great danger the longer we stay in Vallaki," he says with a sigh.
"What has become of poor Vallaki?" Father Lucian asks with a whimper. "Such a brazen attack on the church? I'd never have thought Strahd would be so bold," he says as much to himself as the group. "That awful woman, Volenta? One of his brides. If you had not intervened..." he looks up, his eyes blotchy, "I'm not sure what would have come of me... or the town. I owe you all my life."
Dormark - The Father looks to you. "There is a weapon I kept in safekeeping. Not knowing its true power I stowed it away," he explains. "I can tell that the weapon is not evil in nature but do not understand its true properties. Perhaps it will assist you on your journey." The old man slowly rises to his feet and totters towards his bedroom. "Not since I came across this item have I shared its whereabouts or existence with anyone... other than yourself."
Kneeling, Lucian reaches under his bed and withdraws a wooden locked chest with the seal of the morning lord carved into its side. He slides it out and throws back the lid. Instantaneously the small room is filled with a brilliant, blinding light. "Surely the weapon is blessed by the morning lord, himself," the elderly priest remarks in a hushed tone. "Please, take it. I would entrust it to you." Sitting in the box is a bright, golden mace with a spikey sun symbol at its head (see spoiler).
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
"Galqarin don't be foolish. You are to injure to continue fighting. You should be able to sense that yourself," says Dormark.
When the father speaks and leads him to the area that hides the weapon Dormark says, "Thank you Father, I will take this item. I and Mordin understand the meaning of you given this to us."
Dormark will collect his old mace. We will also spend 10 minutes to ritual cast identify on the sun mace.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Dormark - You are able to discern the following about the mace;
What Father Lucian has gifted you appears to be a mace of disruption. You are able to tell instantly that it is a holy artefact and has the following properties;
((There is a lot of discussion stating that it should really be listed as a 'mace of smiting' and that the item descriptions should be transposed... but for ease I have added it to your character sheet))
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
It took a moment for Father Lucian and Ismark's words to sink in. He had not been able to restore the bones and it seemed it would require something beyond his scope. They had to take the bones to Krezk. Sandu was all for leaving Vallaki behind but he had to admit: they were two for two on the "something horrible happens in every village we come upon" aspect. His mind had already started thinking how awful the journey would be and what they might encounter along the road when Father Lucian's first sentence registered.
'Wait, what?' Sandu replied a bit flabbergasted. 'No, he- I mean: we did not see Ioben.' A chill passed down his spine. What could have happened to Ioben? Vallaki had been the site of a string of bloody murders but Ioben could not... could he?
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
"Ioben?!" Ireena's voice shakes and she moves to make her way toward the church's entrance.
"Ireena, no!" the voice is Ismarks. "To leave now would be folly. Had we not best wait until morning?" He looks exasperated.
Baern speaks up. "'Tis as I feared. Told 'im not to go it alone. He was mighty insistent, told us to stay an' protect Father Lucian." The dwarf shoots a look at Valerie, who confirms his assertion with a stoic nod. "Can't 'ave got far I should reckon... But likely to be dangerous, as worn out as we are."
"We can't leave him!" Ireena says, flopping down on the nearest pew. "What if he cannot wait until morning?!"
Valerie walks over to Ireena and places a gauntleted hand on her shoulder. "I shall go. Ioben was as much my companion as yours. Besides, he'd have done the same, had our positions been reversed."
"To the burgomaster's mansion then. Strikes me as the best place ta start," Baern says, standing beside Valerie.
"With the greatest of respect, have you lost your minds?!" Ismark fumes. "You mean to walk the streets of Vallaki knowing that Strahd's forces are currently attacking the town. Sure, all of us together might be able to subdue a single vampire but a group? Speak some sense into them Sandu." Ismark looks at Sandu imploringly.
Noticing the new additions to the group, Ismark looks them each over in turn. "Ismark... Ismark Kolyanovich," he says offering his hand, "though I'd have chosen different circumstances to meet under, I must admit that your intervention was most fortuitous. Morninglord knows what would have happened otherwise."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Cerio takes a breath, the adrenaline beginning to subside. He has a moment to reflect on the circumstances. The weapon seemed to have some... unusual properties. Had his eagerness in battle been the result of adrenaline, of his survival instincts? Or, as it had seemed for just a moment, did the weapon itself seem to guide his hand as he cut? And what to make of that... apparition? It had seemed like a projection of himself, gripped in anguish, had manifest during the battle. Was that, too, a property of the weapon? Or, perhaps it is this place, this damnable realm, that corrupts and twists everything.
Tentatively, he creeps up the church stairs and back into the main chamber. His eyes try to look everywhere at once, paranoid of a vampire or bat lurking in any of the many shadows. He listens to the conversation, confused about much. Who is Ioben, for example?
He jumps when addressed by Ismark. He accepts the man's hand. "Aw, shucks." Beneath the layer of grime and quickly-congealing blood Cerio's cheeks flush. "I'm Cerio. Anyway, I dun' know 'bout this morninglord, but we sure seemed t'get lucky. Them blood-suckers was hard as nails! Uh, speakin' o' which..." He turns to the priest. "She... bit me. Is that condition o' theirs contagious?"
Father Lucian's face darkens at Cerio's revelation. "You were not the only one bitten, Cerio," he says ominously. The Father displays two small puncture wounds on his own neck. "Fortunately, I believe that the bite is nothing more than an annoyance. Unless the person bitten perishes, that is. Should one be slain by a vampire's bite then they are doomed to rise the following night; damned to live a life void of love, life or goodness. An unholy smear upon the land, wreaking havoc upon the innocent and slaying those nearest and dearest to them."
"But that did not happen, did it Father," Ireena interjects.
"Damned to abide in the hells of..." Father Lucian snaps out of his monologue at Ireena's interjection. "Oh, no, no. Thank the Morninglord."
"If it helps Cerio, I was bitten a little over a week ago and I'm fine," Ireena explains reassuringly. "Ismark is my brother. These fine folk," she smiles at the other members of the party, "offered to help us safely to Vallaki. But in truth, they have gone beyond that. Ensuring my protection throughout the last week and thwarting the darkness that resides over this land at every opportunity." At this point you notice Ireena's eyes beginning to tear. "Frankly, they are a blessing. Each has gone out of their way to help a stranger in her greatest time of need."
At Ireena's declaration, Valerie puffs out her chest and Baern sheepishly rubs his arms.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Dallid stands uncomfortably close to people as he begins examining the bitten individuals, writing and drawing in his book.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Sandu's head hurt. He realised that he had not eaten or drunk anything recently and with fatigue rapidly catching up, he was running on fumes. 'The burgomaster's mansion is a mess right now.' He remarked. 'I doubt he'll be there but we can't rule it out completely.'
He winced and sucked in a sharp breath through his teeth. He readjusted his footing. 'Strahd's bride was driven from here: I doubt anywhere in Vallaki will be safe. It's probably best that we leave town quickly and move on to Krezk. But you're right: we shouldn't leave anyone behind.'
Sandu sat himself down on a pew before his legs gave out. He pulled his cloak around himself, closed his eyes and focused his magic on his core. In a soft voice he spoke 'Ascultați-i, copiii nopții. Ce muzică fac.' and when he opened his cloak again, he pulled three ravens from underneath it.
'Find Ioben, our friend.' He gave the ravens a description of Ioben and let them loose. They flew through the church, out the door and into the night. 'That's all I can do right now.' Sandu said to the others. He leaned back on the pew, his eyes half open and his mind teetering on the edge between awake and asleep.
The corners of Sandu's mouth curled into half a smile. It's nice to be appreciated. It was his final thought before his brain switched to standby mode.
Casting Flock of Familiars and making the three ravens roam over the town to look for Ioben.
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
Dormark thinks on the many things that happened that day. The murders cause by the armor and the vampires eating heavily on his mind. Dormark looking to the ceiling says, “I fear I’ve failed many this day Moradin. I couldn’t kill the ones who led this attack. I wish I was stronger… I wish I could have save these people… It was my weakness has a cleric that brought these misfortunes on these people. Please bless me that I may have the strength to fight against this evil.”
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
"Well, that's a relief," Cerio muses, looking over the Father and Ireena. "What don't kill ya makes ya stronger 'n all that. Them vamps outta know better'n to mess with ole Cerio!"
He thumbs at Ismark. "Well at least someone's talkin' sense! What do ya'll hope to accomplish trekkin' off into tha night them them monsters lurkin' all over? What good's it gon' do anyone?"
Dallid pipes up from his investigation with a quick response to Cerio: "Well, it could be invaluable help to the ones who discover the bodies, someday. Cause of death is a fine way to examine and prepare for danger."
Paladin - warforged - orange
Sandu - You notice Ismark breathe a sigh of relief. "Sandu is correct," he says cooly, "there is nothing to be gained by going out at this time." He turns to Valerie and Baern, "you are both better served staying here. Resting. Then take up the search tomorrow morning."
Both Baern and Valerie lower their weapons and take a seat. "You are both right, of course," Valerie says, defeated. "I must admit that there is wisdom in your words, fighting tired does not benefit anyone."
Baern places his hand on Valerie's shoulder, "Aye. For now, we'll wait. Let Sandu's ravens check for Ioben."
Pepi, Koki and Zazi nod their little heads in understanding and take flight. Flying through the smashed in church doors.
((I'll post what your ravens find at the end... In an attempt to tackle things chronologically.))
Dormark - Father Lucian looks at you through concerned eyes. "Not at all, Mr Dormark, not at all. It is to you that I owe my life. What would have become of me had I been taken." There is a softness and kindness in his voice. His face looks grim. "It is my opinion that they meant to turn me. Why else seek to take me rather than kill me? Can you imagine what effect that may have on Vallakians... witnessing their priest becoming something abhorrent?" He slumps down in a nearby pew.
"Had you ever thought that your god - Moradin - may use this day to hone you and prepare you for what is to come? Did you not tell me that Moradin constantly seeks to improve his subjects? Do not let today weaken your faith or your morale. Use it. Learn from it."
Cerio - Ismark pats you on the back. "It is good to hear another wise voice in this place," he muses. "What of you Master Cerio? Are you of a mind to join us on our journey to Krezk?"
Dallid - Baern's eyes widen. "D'ya mean to study the corpse o' that vampire lady?" he asks, confused, "think y'll learn owt from it?"
Sandu - Please can you make a single perception check at advantage for Pepi, Koki and Zazi? Below is what they can see without the check, the check will be for any signs of Ioben:
Devastation. Destruction. Panic. Your familiars sore over Vallaki. A number of the buildings are on fire, the locals desperately attempt to extinguish the flames with buckets of water, yet the damage is terrible.
The pressing threat of Strahd's forces seems to have disappeared. None of the familiars spots any further fighting. Zazi flies east to the Morning Gate, a number of corpses have been lined up here, sheets covering them. The cacophony of mourning rings out in the night. A large gentleman is on his knees, inconsolable, beating at the ground - Urwin Martikov. Zazi relays just a small snippet of his words; "Why?! Why her?! The love of my life. Danika!". Besides him another of the Martikovs, you are unsure who, bites at his lip, fighting back tears.
Pepi heads straight to the Burgomaster's mansion. Fortunately, it appears as though it remains unscathed. Pepi notes that Baron Vargas, the Baroness, and their son the Baronet all appear to be alive and well. But there is no Ioben in sight.
Finally, Koki heads northwards to the Zarovich Gate. A number of the houses here have some sign of damage, be it fire or smashed windows. However, the largest house on the street leading to the north seems to be untouched. A lady stands outside, dressed head-to-toe in black. Next to her, a slippery-looking weasel of a man stands. Koki flies lower, attempting to eavesdrop their conversation;
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Perception check using raven stats: 19
If using Sandu's stats, add another +2
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
Sandu - ((see below))
Pepi, Koki and Zazi all search for your missing companion.
Zazi notes that, so far as he can tell, Ioben is not among the corpses at the Morning Gate (East).
Koki does not notice Ioben among those attempting to put out fires near the Zarovich Gate (North).
Pepi heads from the Burgomaster's mansion to the South to the West side of Vallaki. As he flies, ready to return to you, his head turns towards the large building overlooking the church, St. Andral's Orphanage. Whether by complete chance or a sudden epiphany, Pepi goes to the attic window, where you had fought the Maurezhi.
Lodged into a crack in the windowsill sits a highly decorated playing card. Pepi pulls the card from where it is lodged with its beak and flies back to you.
The card appears to be Ioben's. Stuck to it, a hasty message is scrawled;
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)