You remember the curious little figurines that had been left by Diesa at Mr Blinksys; they had clearly been well crafted and were of her family.
As Baern turns the figures over in his hands; fidgeting, his mind elsewhere. It strikes you that the oblong groove along Diesa's journal's spine matches the shape and size of one of the figurines; perhaps not coincidentally the small figure of her. You watch as Baern smiles wistfully at the model Diesa, his mind's eye clearly re-living a memory of a happier time. But, you are sure, if that figurine was to be properly placed within the spine of the journal the mechanism would likely unlock.
Dormark - You watch as Dmitri attempts to recall his meeting with the Abbot. It is clear, whilst doing so, that it is a fear-filled memory; his eyes widen and beads of sweat form on his brow. "Tall, very tall, in pale garments he stood, his hat stretching to the heavens," Dmitri begins, staring off into the distance. "A young man in appearance, perhaps in his late twenties, but certainly he is older... much older. Strikingly hansome, yet with a cool, cold demeanour - there was no joy to be found behind those piercing eyes, as blue as any ocean and certainly as bottomless. When he spoke, I listened, enchanted, though his voice was calculating and unkind. 'I know who you are Dmitri, I know what y...'", the burgomaster stops short as he recalls the Abbots words, as if lost in a trance.
Taking a deep breath and a heavy sip of wine, Dmitri continues. "'Your daughter - Alana - you miss her,' the words came as a question, I tried to look away but could not. 'Aye, with all my heart,' I whispered, my confidence ebbing away by the second. 'Doubtless would do anything to see her returned,' his voice cut to my soul. I cannot..." He stops again and buries his face in his hands.
After minutes that feel like hours, he regains his composure. "He explained that he had means - like you mentioned, Dormark - to raise poor Alana from the dead," the broken man says, shaking his head. "I refused, for am full-aware of foul magics and curses and the like. I feared that this man did not wish well for me nor my family. His voice contained nought but malice and hatred."
His hand shakes violently as he attempts to take another sip from a now empty wine glass. He raised his other hand, trying in vain to ease the shaking. "I stood on the spot and swear I do not recall what he said then, only that it seemed final. Then, just as suddenly as he appeared, he left." Dmitri stares into his empty wine glass, his eyes hollow.
Dadeveth - "Aye, powerful and dark, to be sure,"Dmitri says, still staring blankly at his wine glass. "Tis why I bid visitors not to visit that cursed Abbey. 'Leave it and those that dwell there well alone', says I."
Galqarin - The guard returns your nod, none the wiser as to where you had just been or what you had just seen.
Cerio - "Don't speak of such ill, Cerio!"Dmitri gently reprimands. "But you surely have the truth of it. Nowt good could have been gained from accepting the Abbot's offer."
"Not every form of resurrection is evil, but the easier ones the ones that try circumvent the natural life a person without paying a price are foul indeed. You were right to refuse his offer, baron. I think however our mission may take us against the abbot. Thank you very much Baron, we will start looking into your son's disappearance," says Dormark standing up takes his leave of the house.
Outside Dormark turns to Baern and says, "I think you have the key to your mother's book." he says holding Baern's hand with his mother's figurine in it and showing him what he sees.
Dadeveth follows the others outside. "Shall we find a place to rest for the day, or shall we move onward and see about this Abbot?" Her eyes stray up to the abby. "Unless someone has something else to look into first..." She says, sounding hopeful someone has another option instead of the abby.
Sandu watched the others get up. 'Oh, we're leaving already?' He asked but placed his knife and fork in an orderly fashion across his plate. He got up and gave his hosts a bow.
'Thank you.'Sandu eyed his companions leaving. 'For both your hospitality and your words of warning. We'll be in Krezk for a while, should you have need of us.'
With that said Sandu followed the others outside. The animated armour that had followed him from Khazan's tower stood motionless near the house waiting for him. Sandu had commanded it to follow him but did not specify to go inside. He understood that the magic animated the metal needed rather literal commands so he would have to take care just what exactly he said to it. For now it merely seemed to await further instructions.
Dadeveth follows the others outside. "Shall we find a place to rest for the day, or shall we move onward and see about this Abbot?" Her eyes stray up to the abby. "Unless someone has something else to look into first..." She says, sounding hopeful someone has another option instead of the abby.
'Considering the Burgomeister's words, I'm not too keen on visiting the Abbot at all.'Sandu came up next to Dadeveth to weigh in on the conversation. 'There's also the winery to consider. What was it: the wizards of the wine or something? If Madam Eva' and Von Richten are to be believed, we'll find allies there.' He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. 'Certain allies are better than maybe allies, if you ask me. This Abbot fellow does not sound like someone I'd tangle with. Unprepared that is.'He shrugged.
Sandu stretched his arms and scratched his back. 'Might as well do best to find some place to hunker down. Think we can make it to the winery before nightfall?'
Dallid adds to Galqarin's comments: "Not all is as it seems here. There is guilt in the air, as well as grief. And I believe we are here for Krezk, not for wine. Best not to let this issue linger. Testimony against the abbot is hardly multi-sourced, either. I would prefer to speak to the abbot, as part of an investigation independent from the burgomaster's."
> "Think we can make it to the winery before nightfall?"
“Do you think it’s worth the risk? This place is not all that it seems”, Galqarin continues guardedly, “but at least it has walls and guards.”
When he gets the opportunity to do so in private, he will pass on what he discovered in the burgomaster’s cellar.
'I think we've learned that walls and guards will not deter evil from getting in if they so desire.'Sandu offered as a retort. The guards in Vallaki had been little more than lambs to the slaughter when the vampires decided to make an entrance. It did make Sandu wonder: were they always planning to attack or only because they were there? If the latter than their mere presence would bring untold pain to the people of Krezk. He did not know if they were actively hunted by Strahd but would it be worth such a risk?
Dallid adds to Galqarin's comments: "Not all is as it seems here. There is guilt in the air, as well as grief. And I believe we are here for Krezk, not for wine. Best not to let this issue linger. Testimony against the abbot is hardly multi-sourced, either. I would prefer to speak to the abbot, as part of an investigation independent from the burgomaster's."
'We,' Sandu pointed at Dormark, himself and Galqarin, 'are looking for allies in the struggle against Strahd. Madam Eva foretold we would find alles living among the vines. Combined with what Von Richten has said, the winery is where we will find said allies.'
He looked up at the darkening sky. 'In any case we should not be out at night. I propose a swift course for the winery, though this is a group's decision. But at least let us not go knocking on the Abbot's door at night. Considering the Burgomeister's words, that would be unwise methinks.'
Dormark - Baern's eyes widen as you hand the piece back to him outside. He slots the figurine into the spine of the book. As it clicks into place, the latch at the front opens. "Thank y', Dormark,"he says, grinning. "'opefully I'll be able t' find ou' more abou' wha' 'appen to me ma." He flicks through a few of the pages, they are beautifully written and contain many drawings; of people, places and designs.
Dadeveth - Ismark flicks his fingers. "We forgot to ask the Burgomaster where we can stay. Perhaps the guardhouse has room... or perhaps there is a spare communal house," he says as he starts to re-enter the Burgomaster's cottage.
"Dadeveth? Do you hear those voices?" Ireena asks you curiously.
Sandu - Moments after Ismark re-entered the Burgomaster's cottage, he returns holding a key. "There are no inns in the village, but there are a couple of empty cottages. The Burgomaster reckoned we could stay there whilst in Krezk - use it as a base of operations, so to speak,"he explains.
"Ain't that a relief,"Cerio replies to Ismark. "Let's scope out them cottages, makin' sure there ain't no haints in 'em 'afore we put our heads down. I fer one am makin' darn sure there's a dagger 'neath my pillow. Elsewise, what should we do with the remainder o' sunlight? Head to tha winery?" His eyes glint eagerly at the prospect of scoring some wine.
Galqarin cocks his head on one side, listening to Sandu's opinion and the following exchange. "Then I shall go with you. I have no wish to be mistaken for anything I'm not, and end up in chains or worse here."
Sandu eyed the key Ismark was holding. 'By the time we've settled in this cottage, let alone find the right one, I'd wager it be dark.'He scratched his beard and hoised his backpack a bit higher on his shoulders. 'A compromise then? We'll stay the night in the cottage, get a feel of the town and whatnot. In the morning we make for the winery and when the sun is past noon, we can visit the abby.'
He placed his hands behind his head and laced his fingers together. He awaited a response, though midly curious leaned a bit to the side to hear what Ireena and Dadeveth were talking about.
"Not just burst out, but destroyed half the contents, what was left of it. But there's more", he continues in a hushed tone, "I found a secret room, with manacles on the wall. Whatever the ailment that has affected the burgomaster's offspring, the treatment has not been honey and herbs."
"One of the guards mentioned werewolves. You don't think..."
You hear no whispered voices or any other sounds that Ireena may be mishearing.
However, you are certain that Ireena is not lying or joking about the whispers; her demeanour and expressions suggest sincerity. You are able to tell that she believes the voices are coming from the direction of the shrine ((coincidentally, this is close to Alana's previous resting place/grave)).
Sandu - Ismark nods. "I think you are right, Sandu. If it is alright, I think that Ireena and myself should stay in Krezk for the time being - a rest is much needed," he explains, his face the picture of fatigue.
Galqarin - If you wish, you can make a nature check to search your memory for what you may know about werewolves ((I'd also accept history as an alternative)).
"The way the baron and the lady were acting when it came to their son... I have an inkling of what may have happen. Once we get to the cottage, I will share my theory and your findings with the others," says Dormark.
Dadeveth looks at Ireena for a long moment. "I do not hear the sound myself, but that does not mean it is not there." She glances to the shrine. "Would you like to go to the shrine there and see what it is together?"
"That'd be like... necromancy, wouldn't it?" Cerio adds, growing bone-white. "Sure don't wanna get mixed up 'n all that. Dark boogers, them kind."
Dormark's Perception:
You remember the curious little figurines that had been left by Diesa at Mr Blinksys; they had clearly been well crafted and were of her family.
As Baern turns the figures over in his hands; fidgeting, his mind elsewhere. It strikes you that the oblong groove along Diesa's journal's spine matches the shape and size of one of the figurines; perhaps not coincidentally the small figure of her. You watch as Baern smiles wistfully at the model Diesa, his mind's eye clearly re-living a memory of a happier time. But, you are sure, if that figurine was to be properly placed within the spine of the journal the mechanism would likely unlock.
Dormark - You watch as Dmitri attempts to recall his meeting with the Abbot. It is clear, whilst doing so, that it is a fear-filled memory; his eyes widen and beads of sweat form on his brow. "Tall, very tall, in pale garments he stood, his hat stretching to the heavens," Dmitri begins, staring off into the distance. "A young man in appearance, perhaps in his late twenties, but certainly he is older... much older. Strikingly hansome, yet with a cool, cold demeanour - there was no joy to be found behind those piercing eyes, as blue as any ocean and certainly as bottomless. When he spoke, I listened, enchanted, though his voice was calculating and unkind. 'I know who you are Dmitri, I know what y...'", the burgomaster stops short as he recalls the Abbots words, as if lost in a trance.
Taking a deep breath and a heavy sip of wine, Dmitri continues. "'Your daughter - Alana - you miss her,' the words came as a question, I tried to look away but could not. 'Aye, with all my heart,' I whispered, my confidence ebbing away by the second. 'Doubtless would do anything to see her returned,' his voice cut to my soul. I cannot..." He stops again and buries his face in his hands.
After minutes that feel like hours, he regains his composure. "He explained that he had means - like you mentioned, Dormark - to raise poor Alana from the dead," the broken man says, shaking his head. "I refused, for am full-aware of foul magics and curses and the like. I feared that this man did not wish well for me nor my family. His voice contained nought but malice and hatred."
His hand shakes violently as he attempts to take another sip from a now empty wine glass. He raised his other hand, trying in vain to ease the shaking. "I stood on the spot and swear I do not recall what he said then, only that it seemed final. Then, just as suddenly as he appeared, he left." Dmitri stares into his empty wine glass, his eyes hollow.
Dadeveth - "Aye, powerful and dark, to be sure," Dmitri says, still staring blankly at his wine glass. "Tis why I bid visitors not to visit that cursed Abbey. 'Leave it and those that dwell there well alone', says I."
Galqarin - The guard returns your nod, none the wiser as to where you had just been or what you had just seen.
Cerio - "Don't speak of such ill, Cerio!" Dmitri gently reprimands. "But you surely have the truth of it. Nowt good could have been gained from accepting the Abbot's offer."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
"Not every form of resurrection is evil, but the easier ones the ones that try circumvent the natural life a person without paying a price are foul indeed. You were right to refuse his offer, baron. I think however our mission may take us against the abbot. Thank you very much Baron, we will start looking into your son's disappearance," says Dormark standing up takes his leave of the house.
Outside Dormark turns to Baern and says, "I think you have the key to your mother's book." he says holding Baern's hand with his mother's figurine in it and showing him what he sees.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Dadeveth follows the others outside. "Shall we find a place to rest for the day, or shall we move onward and see about this Abbot?" Her eyes stray up to the abby. "Unless someone has something else to look into first..." She says, sounding hopeful someone has another option instead of the abby.
Sandu watched the others get up. 'Oh, we're leaving already?' He asked but placed his knife and fork in an orderly fashion across his plate. He got up and gave his hosts a bow.
'Thank you.' Sandu eyed his companions leaving. 'For both your hospitality and your words of warning. We'll be in Krezk for a while, should you have need of us.'
With that said Sandu followed the others outside. The animated armour that had followed him from Khazan's tower stood motionless near the house waiting for him. Sandu had commanded it to follow him but did not specify to go inside. He understood that the magic animated the metal needed rather literal commands so he would have to take care just what exactly he said to it. For now it merely seemed to await further instructions.
'Considering the Burgomeister's words, I'm not too keen on visiting the Abbot at all.' Sandu came up next to Dadeveth to weigh in on the conversation. 'There's also the winery to consider. What was it: the wizards of the wine or something? If Madam Eva' and Von Richten are to be believed, we'll find allies there.' He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. 'Certain allies are better than maybe allies, if you ask me. This Abbot fellow does not sound like someone I'd tangle with. Unprepared that is.' He shrugged.
Sandu stretched his arms and scratched his back. 'Might as well do best to find some place to hunker down. Think we can make it to the winery before nightfall?'
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
> "Think we can make it to the winery before nightfall?"
“Do you think it’s worth the risk? This place is not all that it seems”, Galqarin continues guardedly, “but at least it has walls and guards.”
When he gets the opportunity to do so in private, he will pass on what he discovered in the burgomaster’s cellar.
Dallid adds to Galqarin's comments: "Not all is as it seems here. There is guilt in the air, as well as grief. And I believe we are here for Krezk, not for wine. Best not to let this issue linger. Testimony against the abbot is hardly multi-sourced, either. I would prefer to speak to the abbot, as part of an investigation independent from the burgomaster's."
Paladin - warforged - orange
'I think we've learned that walls and guards will not deter evil from getting in if they so desire.' Sandu offered as a retort. The guards in Vallaki had been little more than lambs to the slaughter when the vampires decided to make an entrance. It did make Sandu wonder: were they always planning to attack or only because they were there? If the latter than their mere presence would bring untold pain to the people of Krezk. He did not know if they were actively hunted by Strahd but would it be worth such a risk?
'We,' Sandu pointed at Dormark, himself and Galqarin, 'are looking for allies in the struggle against Strahd. Madam Eva foretold we would find alles living among the vines. Combined with what Von Richten has said, the winery is where we will find said allies.'
He looked up at the darkening sky. 'In any case we should not be out at night. I propose a swift course for the winery, though this is a group's decision. But at least let us not go knocking on the Abbot's door at night. Considering the Burgomeister's words, that would be unwise methinks.'
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 - Baern's eyes widen as you hand the piece back to him outside. He slots the figurine into the spine of the book. As it clicks into place, the latch at the front opens. "Thank y', Dormark," he says, grinning. "'opefully I'll be able t' find ou' more abou' wha' 'appen to me ma." He flicks through a few of the pages, they are beautifully written and contain many drawings; of people, places and designs.
Dadeveth - Ismark flicks his fingers. "We forgot to ask the Burgomaster where we can stay. Perhaps the guardhouse has room... or perhaps there is a spare communal house," he says as he starts to re-enter the Burgomaster's cottage.
"Dadeveth? Do you hear those voices?" Ireena asks you curiously.
Sandu - Moments after Ismark re-entered the Burgomaster's cottage, he returns holding a key. "There are no inns in the village, but there are a couple of empty cottages. The Burgomaster reckoned we could stay there whilst in Krezk - use it as a base of operations, so to speak," he explains.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
"Ain't that a relief," Cerio replies to Ismark. "Let's scope out them cottages, makin' sure there ain't no haints in 'em 'afore we put our heads down. I fer one am makin' darn sure there's a dagger 'neath my pillow. Elsewise, what should we do with the remainder o' sunlight? Head to tha winery?" His eyes glint eagerly at the prospect of scoring some wine.
Galqarin cocks his head on one side, listening to Sandu's opinion and the following exchange. "Then I shall go with you. I have no wish to be mistaken for anything I'm not, and end up in chains or worse here."
Dadeveth glances to Ireena. "What voices?" She listens and tries to hear what Ireena was speaking of... Perception is a 24.
Sandu eyed the key Ismark was holding. 'By the time we've settled in this cottage, let alone find the right one, I'd wager it be dark.' He scratched his beard and hoised his backpack a bit higher on his shoulders. 'A compromise then? We'll stay the night in the cottage, get a feel of the town and whatnot. In the morning we make for the winery and when the sun is past noon, we can visit the abby.'
He placed his hands behind his head and laced his fingers together. He awaited a response, though midly curious leaned a bit to the side to hear what Ireena and Dadeveth were talking about.
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
"I do agree that is the best compromise. Gal what did you see in the wine cellar. It looks like something burst out of it," says Dormark.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
"Not just burst out, but destroyed half the contents, what was left of it. But there's more", he continues in a hushed tone, "I found a secret room, with manacles on the wall. Whatever the ailment that has affected the burgomaster's offspring, the treatment has not been honey and herbs."
"One of the guards mentioned werewolves. You don't think..."
Dadeveth's Perception check:
You hear no whispered voices or any other sounds that Ireena may be mishearing.
However, you are certain that Ireena is not lying or joking about the whispers; her demeanour and expressions suggest sincerity. You are able to tell that she believes the voices are coming from the direction of the shrine ((coincidentally, this is close to Alana's previous resting place/grave)).
Sandu - Ismark nods. "I think you are right, Sandu. If it is alright, I think that Ireena and myself should stay in Krezk for the time being - a rest is much needed," he explains, his face the picture of fatigue.
Galqarin - If you wish, you can make a nature check to search your memory for what you may know about werewolves ((I'd also accept history as an alternative)).
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
"The way the baron and the lady were acting when it came to their son... I have an inkling of what may have happen. Once we get to the cottage, I will share my theory and your findings with the others," says Dormark.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
(Galfaen's nature check: 18)
Dadeveth looks at Ireena for a long moment. "I do not hear the sound myself, but that does not mean it is not there." She glances to the shrine. "Would you like to go to the shrine there and see what it is together?"
Dallid nods to Dadeveth and will follow to the shrine
Paladin - warforged - orange