Dallid - "Ilya was taken around 7 days ago," Dmitri recalls, Anna nods in confirmation. "As for our Alana, we found her empty grave a week or two before Ilya's abduction." He sighs heavily, "they say bad news always happens in threes. But it seems like our steps have been dogged by misfortune for years." He rubs his eyes as though waking from a deep slumber. Anna bites at her lip nervously.
"Sandu you should be more careful, you shouldn't spit out your tea if it is to hot," says Dormark as he produces a handkerchief from somewhere in his armor for the Warlock to use.
After hearing the news about Baern's mother Dormark puts a comforting hand on the Dwarf's shoulder silently given the Dwarf support.
Galqarin touches the bottle of Red Dragon Crush. "Do you have a wine cellar?", he enquires, obstensibly changing the subject to lighter matters. Actually, he is probing to find out if Dimitri will admit more about the broken cellar door.
Dadeveth places a hand on the dwarf's shoulder, saddened by his loss. "Do you know how to open that book?" She asks. "It might give you some idea of what she was up to before she left to face the vampire."
Sandu took the handkerchief handed to him and dabbed the edges of his mouth. It would seem that nuance and subtlety were something of lesser importance to whomever taught - Raised? Created? - though there was an argument to be made for blunt forwardness. Baern might not concur but now he might have some sort of closure.
and also why I was so afeared when the Abbot paid me a visit."
'What business did the Abbot have with you?'Sandu asked after the Burgomeister had the chance to answer the others.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Dormark - Perhaps uncharacteristically for the dwarf, Baern embraces you. "Thank ye, friend,"he says, fighting back tears. "I though' this day might come, t'hear that she was betrayed by those close t'her makes it worse."
Anna nods grimly, "many tried to figure out what happened, but to no avail. Diesa's death was hard felt across Krezk. She left many positive memories in her wake."
Galqarin - "Oh, uh, yes. We do have a wine cellar,"Dmitri says, fidgeting. "Though, unfortunately, the last couple of deliveries from The Wizard of the Wines have not come through. A shame, the Martikovs are generally more reliable than that. What makes you ask?"
You get the sense that Anna becomes a lot more nervous when Dmitri mentions the family's recent misfortunes. It seems that she really believes that it is the result of a curse. You get the sense that there is something that the Krezkovs are withholding from you relating to this curse and the nature of the sickness that has inflicted their children.
Dadeveth - Baern looks up at you. "Oh, the book," he says, coming back to his senses, "lemme have a good look."
DM roll:
2
"Cannae see owt obvious,"Baern muses, perplexed. "Go' these odd lookin' grooves dahn the side, look." As he shows you the lock it appears as though it has an oblong groove down its spine with room enough for a small item to fit. "Look like somethin' migh' go in 'ere?"
The dwarf's face lights up slightly, "like yer thinkin' though. Goo' chance tha' she wrote 'er suspicions in 'ere."
Sandu - Dmitri sighs heavily as you watch him recall the last time he met with the Abbot. "It was after Ilya went missing,"he begins, shaking his head almost in disbelief. "The Abbot came down from his Abbey, which was an unusual event in itself. He said he had means of finding our Ilya and... of returning Alana to us, alive."
The Burgomaster looks to his wife for support. "Well, I must admit I flew off the handle a little. Seemed clear to me that the only way he could have returned Alana was if it was he, or those close to him, what took her body," he says through gritted teeth. "I do not know what his plans are, but I suspect that he is the one behind the grave-snatching."
"Be warned though, the true extent of the Abbot's power is unknown. He has largely kept himself to himself and we have kept a well away from the Abbey."
> "Oh, uh, yes. We do have a wine cellar," Dmitri says, fidgeting. "Though, unfortunately, the last couple of deliveries from The Wizard of the Wines have not come through. A shame, the Martikovs are generally more reliable than that. What makes you ask?"
"I wondered", Galqarin says ponderously, "If any was stolen. When your cellar was broken into" he adds apologetically.
Galqarin - Dmitri's eyes narrow. "Oh, you were aware of the break-in?" he says, almost relieved. "As I mentioned, we've had a lack of wine in Krezk since the last couple of missed deliveries. I think that someone might have been trying to send me a message. May they even thought I had been hoarding it, I can assure you nothing is further from the truth."
It is clear to you that the Burgomaster is lying. Firstly, the damage to the cellar was outward rather than inward; as though someone was escaping rather than breaking in. Secondly, the Burgomaster had already confirmed that he had not expected anyone within Krezk of having anything against him ((in terms of ordinary, non-abbey dwelling, folk)).
You believe that the damage to the door might well be linked to Ilya's disappearance. It felt like the Burgomaster was quick to dismiss the damage to the cellar door.
Cerio - This time Dmitri allows himself a laugh. "Exactly, Cerio. Crazy what an absence of alcohol will do to a man. We have our reserves but these are running short. The cellar is practically empty, save for a few bottles of Red Dragon Crush and Purple Grapemash No. 3. If you were planning on visiting the winery in the future I am sure Krezkians would be grateful if you could check what the hold up is. As I said, it is most unlike the Martikovs to miss deliveries like this."
Galqarin - ((No time like the present? You'd be aware that the cellar is currently accessible from the outside and that both Krezkovs are occupied.))
Galqarin excuses himself, intimating a necessity to use the privvy. Once outside, he will stride purposefully towards the cellar door as if on an errand for the burgomaster and enter it.
(Perception: 7 for what he notices; investigation: 19 for what he deduces. NB that was a nat 1 and a nat 20!)
Dormark understanding Galqarin's line of question says to the Baron. "Thank you, Baron for telling us this. I think it helps my brother to know that she was following in Moradin's steps. May he receive her in his halls as a noble champion of her people. If she was half as good of a person as her son, then I know she will be welcomed with open arms," says Dormark comforting his Dwarven brother.
Galqarin - ((Interesting rolls!)) The Krezkovs think nothing of it as you excuse yourself and head out of their cottage. Outside a guard stands on duty, he acknowledges you as you pass him and does not move to intercept you as you make your way to the shattered cellar doors. The weather is bleak and fog still obscures much of the streets.
Approaching the outside entry to the cellar, your initial suspicions are confirmed, the doors have been smashed outwards. In your estimation, you would struggle to destroy this door, it would clearly require preternatural strength.
You enter the cellar, checking around for any clues. Unfortunately, all you find is some tattered cloth sitting by the smashed doors, otherwise, nothing strikes you as being out of the ordinary. Trusting your instinct, you make your way through the cellar. Dmitri was not lying about wine reserves being low; you count only a few bottles remain of the red dragon crush and five bottles of the purple grape mash. Many of the wine racks are smashed and broken glass can be found throughout.
Instinct draws you to the back of the cellar. The panelling on the wall furthest from where you entered appears a little different to that which exists on the others; a fact that you are sure the untrained eye would not have noticed. Placing your fingers around the sides of the panels, you find that they easily come away from the wall. Behind is a small, dark chamber, now partially lit by the removal of the panels.
The small chamber is bare, except for six sets of steel manacles and collars that are chained to the walls. Could it be that the Krezkovs kept people chained up here? The space would not suffice for permanent imprisonment.
Dormark - "Thank y', brother," Baern says, his eyes soft. "Sure my ma' could be stric' a' times, bu' I ne'er met a more generous an' lovin' person. You'd 'ave liked her Dormark, she was a natural crafter, gif'ed." He removes something from his backpack. "These 'ere figurines were crafted by 'er 'ands. Loo' at the de'ail." Baern holds them up to you; the likeness one of the figures bares to Baern is uncaanny. "Remember I go' 'em from Mr Blinksy." ((Please make a Perception check))
Cerio - This time Dmitri allows himself a laugh. "Exactly, Cerio. Crazy what an absence of alcohol will do to a man. We have our reserves but these are running short. The cellar is practically empty, save for a few bottles of Red Dragon Crush and Purple Grapemash No. 3. If you were planning on visiting the winery in the future I am sure Krezkians would be grateful if you could check what the hold up is. As I said, it is most unlike the Martikovs to miss deliveries like this."
Galqarin - ((No time like the present? You'd be aware that the cellar is currently accessible from the outside and that both Krezkovs are occupied.))
'We do plan on visiting the winery.'Sandu finished the last of his meal. 'We will relay your message once we get to it.'
Sandu - Dmitri sighs heavily as you watch him recall the last time he met with the Abbot. "It was after Ilya went missing,"he begins, shaking his head almost in disbelief. "The Abbot came down from his Abbey, which was an unusual event in itself. He said he had means of finding our Ilya and... of returning Alana to us, alive."
The Burgomaster looks to his wife for support. "Well, I must admit I flew off the handle a little. Seemed clear to me that the only way he could have returned Alana was if it was he, or those close to him, what took her body," he says through gritted teeth. "I do not know what his plans are, but I suspect that he is the one behind the grave-snatching."
"Be warned though, the true extent of the Abbot's power is unknown. He has largely kept himself to himself and we have kept a well away from the Abbey."
The soft clang of cutlery hitting a plate rung through the air when Sandu dropped his fork.His ears had perked up at what Dmitri said.
'Are you saying that,' He slowly replied as he could hardly believe it himself, 'the Abbot claims to have the power to bring the dead back to life?'
”It is possible to revive folks back from the dead. You need the body and the right materials, but for someone that is long gone the cost is astronomical,” Says Dormark.
”Baron can you give us anymore detail about what this priest looks like,” asks the warforge.
"That does seem like powerful magic, if it is true." Dadeveth says, as she listens to the conversation about the Abbot. She lets her tail swish back and forth as she thinks this over for a bit, letting the conversation continue on around her.
Dallid is taking notes throughout, scribbling faster and faster. "How long ago was he taken? How long ago was Alana's body taken?"
He stops writing to clutch at Ferelyon's fur.
Paladin - warforged - orange
Dallid - "Ilya was taken around 7 days ago," Dmitri recalls, Anna nods in confirmation. "As for our Alana, we found her empty grave a week or two before Ilya's abduction." He sighs heavily, "they say bad news always happens in threes. But it seems like our steps have been dogged by misfortune for years." He rubs his eyes as though waking from a deep slumber. Anna bites at her lip nervously.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
"Sandu you should be more careful, you shouldn't spit out your tea if it is to hot," says Dormark as he produces a handkerchief from somewhere in his armor for the Warlock to use.
After hearing the news about Baern's mother Dormark puts a comforting hand on the Dwarf's shoulder silently given the Dwarf support.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Galqarin touches the bottle of Red Dragon Crush. "Do you have a wine cellar?", he enquires, obstensibly changing the subject to lighter matters. Actually, he is probing to find out if Dimitri will admit more about the broken cellar door.
(does Anna seem nervous because of Dimitri, because of us, or because of Ilya?)
Dallid insight 20
Paladin - warforged - orange
Dadeveth places a hand on the dwarf's shoulder, saddened by his loss. "Do you know how to open that book?" She asks. "It might give you some idea of what she was up to before she left to face the vampire."
Sandu took the handkerchief handed to him and dabbed the edges of his mouth. It would seem that nuance and subtlety were something of lesser importance to whomever taught - Raised? Created? - though there was an argument to be made for blunt forwardness. Baern might not concur but now he might have some sort of closure.
'What business did the Abbot have with you?' Sandu asked after the Burgomeister had the chance to answer the others.
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 - Perhaps uncharacteristically for the dwarf, Baern embraces you. "Thank ye, friend," he says, fighting back tears. "I though' this day might come, t'hear that she was betrayed by those close t'her makes it worse."
Anna nods grimly, "many tried to figure out what happened, but to no avail. Diesa's death was hard felt across Krezk. She left many positive memories in her wake."
Galqarin - "Oh, uh, yes. We do have a wine cellar," Dmitri says, fidgeting. "Though, unfortunately, the last couple of deliveries from The Wizard of the Wines have not come through. A shame, the Martikovs are generally more reliable than that. What makes you ask?"
Dallid's Insight check:
You get the sense that Anna becomes a lot more nervous when Dmitri mentions the family's recent misfortunes. It seems that she really believes that it is the result of a curse. You get the sense that there is something that the Krezkovs are withholding from you relating to this curse and the nature of the sickness that has inflicted their children.
Dadeveth - Baern looks up at you. "Oh, the book," he says, coming back to his senses, "lemme have a good look."
DM roll:
2
"Cannae see owt obvious," Baern muses, perplexed. "Go' these odd lookin' grooves dahn the side, look." As he shows you the lock it appears as though it has an oblong groove down its spine with room enough for a small item to fit. "Look like somethin' migh' go in 'ere?"
The dwarf's face lights up slightly, "like yer thinkin' though. Goo' chance tha' she wrote 'er suspicions in 'ere."
Sandu - Dmitri sighs heavily as you watch him recall the last time he met with the Abbot. "It was after Ilya went missing," he begins, shaking his head almost in disbelief. "The Abbot came down from his Abbey, which was an unusual event in itself. He said he had means of finding our Ilya and... of returning Alana to us, alive."
The Burgomaster looks to his wife for support. "Well, I must admit I flew off the handle a little. Seemed clear to me that the only way he could have returned Alana was if it was he, or those close to him, what took her body," he says through gritted teeth. "I do not know what his plans are, but I suspect that he is the one behind the grave-snatching."
"Be warned though, the true extent of the Abbot's power is unknown. He has largely kept himself to himself and we have kept a well away from the Abbey."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
> "Oh, uh, yes. We do have a wine cellar," Dmitri says, fidgeting. "Though, unfortunately, the last couple of deliveries from The Wizard of the Wines have not come through. A shame, the Martikovs are generally more reliable than that. What makes you ask?"
"I wondered", Galqarin says ponderously, "If any was stolen. When your cellar was broken into" he adds apologetically.
(Insight 19 watching their reactions)
Galqarin - Dmitri's eyes narrow. "Oh, you were aware of the break-in?" he says, almost relieved. "As I mentioned, we've had a lack of wine in Krezk since the last couple of missed deliveries. I think that someone might have been trying to send me a message. May they even thought I had been hoarding it, I can assure you nothing is further from the truth."
Galqarin's Insight check:
It is clear to you that the Burgomaster is lying. Firstly, the damage to the cellar was outward rather than inward; as though someone was escaping rather than breaking in. Secondly, the Burgomaster had already confirmed that he had not expected anyone within Krezk of having anything against him ((in terms of ordinary, non-abbey dwelling, folk)).
You believe that the damage to the door might well be linked to Ilya's disappearance. It felt like the Burgomaster was quick to dismiss the damage to the cellar door.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
"A shortage o' wine?" Cerio asks anxiously. "Ya mean there ain't even gonna be booze? As if this place couldn't get more hellish."
"No offense."
Galqarin nods, appearing to accept the burgomaster's version of events. "Desperate men will go to all lengths for drink", he agrees.
Privately, he resolves to investigate the cellar if the opportunity arises.
Cerio - This time Dmitri allows himself a laugh. "Exactly, Cerio. Crazy what an absence of alcohol will do to a man. We have our reserves but these are running short. The cellar is practically empty, save for a few bottles of Red Dragon Crush and Purple Grapemash No. 3. If you were planning on visiting the winery in the future I am sure Krezkians would be grateful if you could check what the hold up is. As I said, it is most unlike the Martikovs to miss deliveries like this."
Galqarin - ((No time like the present? You'd be aware that the cellar is currently accessible from the outside and that both Krezkovs are occupied.))
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Galqarin excuses himself, intimating a necessity to use the privvy. Once outside, he will stride purposefully towards the cellar door as if on an errand for the burgomaster and enter it.
(Perception: 7 for what he notices; investigation: 19 for what he deduces. NB that was a nat 1 and a nat 20!)
Dormark understanding Galqarin's line of question says to the Baron. "Thank you, Baron for telling us this. I think it helps my brother to know that she was following in Moradin's steps. May he receive her in his halls as a noble champion of her people. If she was half as good of a person as her son, then I know she will be welcomed with open arms," says Dormark comforting his Dwarven brother.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Galqarin - ((Interesting rolls!)) The Krezkovs think nothing of it as you excuse yourself and head out of their cottage. Outside a guard stands on duty, he acknowledges you as you pass him and does not move to intercept you as you make your way to the shattered cellar doors. The weather is bleak and fog still obscures much of the streets.
Approaching the outside entry to the cellar, your initial suspicions are confirmed, the doors have been smashed outwards. In your estimation, you would struggle to destroy this door, it would clearly require preternatural strength.
You enter the cellar, checking around for any clues. Unfortunately, all you find is some tattered cloth sitting by the smashed doors, otherwise, nothing strikes you as being out of the ordinary. Trusting your instinct, you make your way through the cellar. Dmitri was not lying about wine reserves being low; you count only a few bottles remain of the red dragon crush and five bottles of the purple grape mash. Many of the wine racks are smashed and broken glass can be found throughout.
Instinct draws you to the back of the cellar. The panelling on the wall furthest from where you entered appears a little different to that which exists on the others; a fact that you are sure the untrained eye would not have noticed. Placing your fingers around the sides of the panels, you find that they easily come away from the wall. Behind is a small, dark chamber, now partially lit by the removal of the panels.
The small chamber is bare, except for six sets of steel manacles and collars that are chained to the walls. Could it be that the Krezkovs kept people chained up here? The space would not suffice for permanent imprisonment.
Dormark - "Thank y', brother," Baern says, his eyes soft. "Sure my ma' could be stric' a' times, bu' I ne'er met a more generous an' lovin' person. You'd 'ave liked her Dormark, she was a natural crafter, gif'ed." He removes something from his backpack. "These 'ere figurines were crafted by 'er 'ands. Loo' at the de'ail." Baern holds them up to you; the likeness one of the figures bares to Baern is uncaanny. "Remember I go' 'em from Mr Blinksy." ((Please make a Perception check))
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
'We do plan on visiting the winery.' Sandu finished the last of his meal. 'We will relay your message once we get to it.'
Quote from IrRy0 >>
The soft clang of cutlery hitting a plate rung through the air when Sandu dropped his fork. His ears had perked up at what Dmitri said.
'Are you saying that,' He slowly replied as he could hardly believe it himself, 'the Abbot claims to have the power to bring the dead back to life?'
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
(Perception check was a 21)
”It is possible to revive folks back from the dead. You need the body and the right materials, but for someone that is long gone the cost is astronomical,” Says Dormark.
”Baron can you give us anymore detail about what this priest looks like,” asks the warforge.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
"That does seem like powerful magic, if it is true." Dadeveth says, as she listens to the conversation about the Abbot. She lets her tail swish back and forth as she thinks this over for a bit, letting the conversation continue on around her.
Galqarin carefully restores the panels and retreats the way he came, nodding to the guard as he passes.