The Duel of Blighted Canvas - Round #1 - Initiative
Vauquelin's deranged ritual persists unabated, his mind ensnared in a dark ecstasy of creation. The grotesque figures of once-human guests litter the room, their bodies contorted and twisted into abominable forms. Five of these abominations exhibit signs of movement, their twisted limbs moving in unnatural, disjointed ways. Yet, their eyes remain vacant, their focus locked elsewhere.
Dallid - A palpable sense of unease washes over you as your eyes survey the scene before you. Deep within your being, a primal instinct whispers that something is amiss, that the very fabric of reality is twisted and distorted. The weight of the task ahead settles upon your shoulders, for you understand that it is your burden to shatter this foul curse. With determination in your heart, you know that the demonic painter and the twisted remnants of the guests will fiercely oppose your efforts, all they wait for is a trigger. It is your turn.
Dallid and Ferelyon move past the wretch, Rahadin, just into range of Vauquelin with his magical whip. Dallid lashes out twice, testing the defenses, and Ferelyon moves between Dallid and the nearby abomination
The Duel of Blighted Canvas - Round #1 - Dallid's Turn
Dallid's Turn
With an air of grim determination, Dallid surges forward, his will unyielding. He takes charge, pushing past Rahadin, his steps resolute as he strides towards the sinister figure of Vauquelin. The very air crackles with tension as Dallid unleashes his magical whip, striking out with swift and precise movements.
The first lash of the whip, however, goes astray, finding purchase only upon the strange fleshy easel that Vauquelin had utilised in his twisted artistry. But the second strike is true, a searing pain tearing through Vauquelin's form as the whip connects between his shoulder blades.
In a frenzy of anguish and rage, Vauquelin whirls around, his gaze fixated upon Dallid. His voice reverberates with maniacal fury, a tempest of madness unleashed. "How dare you, pitiful mortal, attempt to interrupt my masterpiece!"His words drip with disdain and otherworldly menace. "You will learn the meaning of true pain, once She returns!"
Dormark - Your resolve solidifies, unyielding in the face of the abomination before you. Vauquelin, once an artist of talent and vision, now stands as a twisted, demonic shell of his former self. His deranged shouts echo through the room, taunting Dallid with challenges and raving madness. There is little left of his humanity, his mind shattered beyond repair. Reasoning with such a creature is futile. The burden falls upon your shoulders, the weight of responsibility pressing down. In your hands, the power of Moradin's cleansing fire awaits, a potent force to purge this unholy place to the ground. With steely determination, you ready yourself, the flames of justice flickering in your eyes, ready to unleash the divine fury and bring an end to this wretched evil. It is your turn.
Dormark charges forward to stand before the mad painter, but instead of striking, the symbol on his head begins to glow as he says, "I'll put an end to the death and madness you have brought!" A cleansing fire pluses from him, affecting all undead within 30 ft of him.
(Dormark casts turn undead DC is 14 Wisdom. If any undead are Cr 1/2 or lower they are destroyed if they fail, otherwise normal turn undead rules apply.)
The Duel of Blighted Canvas - Round #1 - Dormark's Turn
Dormark's Turn
Vauquelin is unaffected by Turn Undead, as he is the wrong creature type.
As for the Living Dead? Wisdom Saves below (left to right):
Leftmost - 6 (Fail)
2nd from left - 3 (Fail)
Central - 2 (Fail)
2nd from right - 9 (Fail)
Rightmost - 8 (Fail)
Thanks to the DnDB dice roller for those rolls! All living dead are affected by Dormark's Turn Undead; A turned creature must spend its turns trying to move as far away from you as it can, and it can’t willingly move to a space within 30 feet of you. It also can’t take reactions. For its action, it can use only the Dash action or try to escape from an effect that prevents it from moving. If there’s nowhere to move, the creature can use the Dodge action.
Amidst the chaos and horror, Dormark ventures forth, his unwavering faith in Moradin shielding him from the encroaching darkness. The holy symbol adorning his head emits an eerie glow, a beacon of divine protection. Yet, to Dormark's astonishment, Vauquelin seems unaffected by this radiant display. The creature gazes upon him with twisted curiosity, its malevolent intent undeterred.
However, the Living Dead that infest the room react quite differently. Their decaying forms, grotesquely contorted, writhe and twist in agonized response to the sacred light. Limbs twitch and flail as if tormented by its mere presence. It becomes clear that the glowing symbol carries a profound effect on these abominations, causing them immense distress and repulsion.
Dormark - Empowered by the divine aura of Moradin, you stand resolute in the face of the encroaching darkness. The sight of the living dead recoiling and writhing in response to the sacred light fuels a surge of inspiration within you ((added Inspiration to your character sheet for the Turning all the Living Dead)).
Dallid - Ferelyon springs to attention, standing alert and ready to dodge any incoming attacks.
Sandu - As you assess the unfolding scene, a sense of satisfaction washes over you, for the pieces of the puzzle are falling into place with remarkable efficiency. To the east, Dallid has assumed a strategic position, already delivering a powerful blow to Vauquelin. Meanwhile, Dormark fearlessly engages in close combat, the radiant symbol atop his head ablaze, successfully turning the relentless mass of Living Dead. It becomes abundantly clear just how deeply Vauquelin has descended into madness, and eradicating him from Barovia's existence would bring both release from his tormented state and safeguard the realm itself.
You observe with gratitude that Dallid's timely attack has diverted the attention of the demonic entity, preventing further progress in its insidious ritual. Now, the burden rests upon your shoulders to rid this unholy menace from the land, to deliver the decisive blow that will purge the taint and restore the realm's fragile balance. It is your turn.
Fear engulfed every fiber of Sandu's being. It had just been an endless cascade of stumbling from one thing into a worse one. He could not even remember a time he was not shaken to the core at the sight of some unimaginable horror. Faced with reaching its breaking point, Sandu's brain went in full survival mode and made a rather illogical decision: upon seeing Dormark brandishing his holy symbol and causing all the undead to twist and tremble in agony, Sandu's mind just shut down all other input. Fear could come later. Trauma could come later. For now there was but one objective: survival. To do that would be to vanquish Vauquelin. To do that would be to stay close to Dormark whose radiant power kept the unnatural at bay.
Sandu's feet moved without him consciously willing them. In a leap and a bound he came up to Dormark. He extended an arm and placed his hand on Dormark's back. The steel felt remarkably warm, alive even. Blue energy poured out of Sandu's fingers and into Dormark's being, filling every joint, crevice and crack with a soft blue glow. It was reminiscent of Valerie's holy power though something else fueled Sandu's. It did not matter. What mattered was the protection it offered.
'You have my trust.'Sandu said softly as he removed his hand from Dormark's back and retreated back away from the demonic figure that stood too close for comfort, inadvertently moving closer to a different monster. 'You want to survive this as well, I take?' Sandu said to Rahadin out of the corner of his mouth.
Movement: 3 squares down, 1 diagonal to be top left of Dormark. Action: Cast Protection From Evil and Good targeting Dormark Movement: 1 square up, 1 diagonal to end movement to the left of Rahadin
Rahadin stands at your side, scimitars gleaming in his hands, his resolve mirroring your own. A grim determination etches lines upon his face as he casts disdainful glances at the abominations that surround you. With a sneer aimed at Dallid, he scoffs, his voice laden with bitter sarcasm, "What is my cruelty in relation to this?" Without hesitation, he brings down his blades upon a twisted, contorted creature that serves as a grotesque mockery of a desk, cleaving through its abhorrent form with a swift and deadly strike.
Rahadin's word's resonate deep within Galqarin's psyche. Men define monsters at a whim, yet the true monsters are the demons that seek to twist the minds of mortals. He rushes to attack the evil form of the painter, shouting as he does so.
"I1st staff attack: 5 (8 damage) am not 2nd staff attack: 21 (12 damage, spending 1 Ki to attempt a stunning strike, Con save DC14) amonster!"3rd staff attack: 14 (5 damage, ki fuelled attack)
The Duel of Blighted Canvas - Round #1 - Sandu & Galqarin's Turns
Sandu's Turn
A surge of survival instincts jolts Sandu from his contemplative state, propelling him forward with almost mechanical precision. He quietly manoeuvres towards Dormark, driven by the urge to lend aid to his stalwart companion. With a gentle touch, his hand graces the warforged's metallic frame, imbuing him with protective enchantments that resonate through his core.
Pressing onward, Sandu closes the distance to Rahadin, his mind filled with questions about the enigmatic servant's intentions in the face of this perilous ordeal. Rahadin, ever composed, raises an eyebrow in response to the inquiry. His voice carries a cool detachment, accompanied by a sigh that lingers in the air. "Naturally,"he utters, his words dripping with a mix of resignation and determination. "Whatever threat this ritual poses, its consequences could unravel the very fabric of this land. I do not mean for that to happen."
Rahadin's Turn
Rahadin's voice, barely audible, slips from his lips as he addresses Sandu. "If you'll excuse me," he murmurs, his words laced with an undercurrent of detached determination.
Like a shadow cast upon the battlefield, Strahd's formidable servant navigates with serpentine grace. His movements possess an otherworldly swiftness as if propelled by unseen forces. With an almost imperceptible speed, Rahadin's scimitar slashes forth twice, aimed at Vauquelin with deadly intent.
Effortlessly, the strikes find their mark, gliding over the demon's flesh with precise brutality. The eerie scene unfolds as Vauquelin cries out in agony, his demonically twisted form contorting from the pain inflicted by Rahadin's merciless blows. At that moment, a haunting thought pierces the party's minds like a cold knife: Who is the true demon here? Vauquelin, with his malevolent powers and monstrous transformation, or Rahadin, the enigmatic servant of Strahd, capable of inflicting such brutality with an eerie air of calmness?
Scimitar #1: Attack: 23, Damage: 11
Scimitar #2: Attack: 21, Damage: 14
Ioben's Turn
With a cry of pain echoing through the air, Ioben collapses to his knees, his strength waning under the weight of the moment. As he rises, his body trembling, he braces himself against the nearby wall for support. His right hand extends, fingers splayed, and a shimmering psychic blade materializes before him, ethereal and deadly. With great effort, Ioben unleashes the blade towards Vauquelin, its sharp point finding its mark in the demon's left side.
Summoning every ounce of his concentration, Ioben pushes himself to the limit. A surge of raw energy courses through him, and a second psychic blade forms in his left hand. With unparalleled precision, he releases the blade, the momentum carrying it straight towards Vauquelin. The blade strikes the demon's left shoulder, its impact almost staggering the grotesque creature.
Gasping for breath, Ioben's ragged inhalations fill the air, each one a stark reminder of the torment he has endured. His trembling hands clutch at his sides, seeking to steady himself against the overwhelming weight that bears down upon his mind. The scars of his recent ordeal etch themselves deep within his consciousness, a haunting reminder of the darkness he has faced.
As he fights to maintain his composure, the strain is visible upon Ioben's face, etching lines of exhaustion and pain. His eyes, once bright with vitality, now betray a weariness that runs deeper than mere physical exhaustion. It is a battle fought on the precipice of his sanity, a relentless struggle to keep hold of himself amidst the encroaching shadows that threaten to consume him. Once more he drops to his knees, mentally ruined.
Galqarin's Turn
Vauquelin Constitution Save: 26(Saves)
Galqarin's cry echoes through the chamber, a raw surge of emotion driving him forward. With his staff held high, he channels his inner strength into a fervent strike, seeking to deliver justice to the demonic menace before him. But his passion seems to betray him, and the first attack goes awry, veering off course in the heat of the moment.
Yet, undeterred, Galqarin presses on, honing his focus for the second strike. With determined precision, his staff finds its mark, connecting with Vauquelin's jaw, causing the demon to reel momentarily from the force of the blow. A brief glimmer of success graces Galqarin's eyes, knowing that he has made an impact, if only for a moment.
However, the demon proves resilient, and Galqarin's final strike falls short, failing to break through the unnaturally thick skin that protects Vauquelin. The demon's malevolent gaze fixes upon Galqarin, its dark eyes smouldering with fury as if to challenge his resolve.
Living Dead Turns
Desperation fills the air as the twisted, mutilated corpses surge toward the southern wall, their limbs contorted and wrenched by the fear of the radiant glow emitted by Dormark's holy symbol. With grotesque determination, they claw and scrape at the wooden panels, their rotting fingers leaving deep gouges in the once-opulent wallpaper.
It is a melancholic sight to behold—the remnants of what were once well-dressed guests, adorned in their finest clothes and precious jewels, now reduced to pitiful, undead husks. Their hollow eyes and slack expressions betray the tragedy of their fate, condemned to roam the halls of the Dubois Residence in an eternal nightmare.
As they scramble to escape the purifying light, a fleeting memory of the lives they once led haunts the edges of your thoughts. Each one was once a person with dreams, hopes, and aspirations, now stolen away by dark forces beyond their control.
For a moment, a deep sadness grips your heart, knowing that these creatures were once someone's friend, family member, or lover. The grandeur of the Dubois' party is now tainted by the haunting presence of the living dead, a stark reminder of the merciless grip that darkness has on Barovia.
The Duel of Blighted Canvas - Round #2 - Vauquelin's Turn
Vauquelin's Turn
Vauquelin's eyes burn with an intensity bordering on madness as he fixes his gaze upon the intruders, his countenance seething with contempt. "Such beauty I have seen,"he roars, the words dripping with scorn. "And you have the audacity to deny Barovia this beauty?"His voice trembles with disdain, unable to contain the disgust he feels towards them. "I stand on the brink of achieving something... magnificent."He shakes his head, a bitter sneer twisting his features. "What's the point? If all you offer is hatred, then hatred you shall receive!"
A tempest of anger and frustration washes over the party, their very purpose within the Dubois' residence called into question. Were they mistaken to mistrust Jeze'baal and Vauquelin? Why had they knowingly allied with the treacherous Rahadin?
With a savage motion, Vauquelin lashes out, his large claw-like hands aiming to strike both Dormark and Galqarin.
Vauquelin's powerful strikes find their marks, sending shuddering waves of agony through Dormark and Galqarin. Something about the demon's presence is deeply unsettling, a feeling impossible to put into words, yet it penetrates their very souls, leaving them shaken to the core.
But Vauquelin's thirst for destruction is far from quenched. He whirls around, fixing his gaze upon Rahadin with a mix of recognition and fear in his eyes. "I know who you are," he snarls, anger and trepidation blending into his demonic features. Rahadin, however, meets the accusation with a mocking smile, undeterred by Vauquelin's terrifying maw opening wide, attempting to sink its grotesque teeth into the dusk elf.
Bite: Attack: 13(miss)
Vauquelin's snapping jaws miss their mark as Rahadin deftly sidesteps the attack. The dusk elf's eyes gleam with a mix of confidence and contempt as he taunts the demonic entity before him. "Whatever foul power you have aligned yourself with will not be enough," Rahadin sneers, his voice dripping with disdain.
Dallid - Your heart pounds in your chest as you witness the unfolding horror. Vauquelin, wounded and furious, has turned his wrath on Dormark and Galqarin. His focus seems to waver, torn between the two and Rahadin. An opportunity presents itself, a chance to act, but a haunting voice echoes in your mind, questioning the wisdom of striking the demonic menace. Doubt gnaws at your resolve as you grapple with the weight of your decision. It is your turn to act. ((Please make a Wisdom Saving Throw and then feel free to take your turn))
Battlemap:
Initiative:
Vauquelin - ??? - Pink Paint Brush
Dallid - 23 -Dark Green Bow & Ferelyon - Small Dark Green Shield
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Dallid wisdom save (at adv for vedalken?) 23
Dallid will swirl Bellringer overhead and lash out again at Vauquelin, as he can't help but wonder if his initial assessment that the hand in his bag belonged to the artist... Was wrong... Then whose is it?? Questions for later.
Attack: 18 Damage: 6
Attack: 14 Damage: 9
Ferelyon watches his back, on guard to defend itself
The Duel of Blighted Canvas - Round #2 - Dallid & Dormark's Turns
Dallid's Turn
Dallid's mind swirls in a disorienting whirlpool of thoughts. Amidst pondering the severed hand in his backpack, an unsettling realisation takes hold of him. The cacophony of unease and wrongness emanating from Vauquelin reaches a crescendo, and a chilling truth seeps into his consciousness like a creeping mist. He doesn't belong here, in this twisted picture of horror and malevolence.
This battle is a wrong turn, a path leading to darkness with no glimmer of light. Every fibre of his being screams to retreat, to seek sanctuary from this nightmarish dance, but the shadows around him weave a tapestry of uncertainty, testing his resolve to its limits. The world distorts around him, and for a moment, he questions the very reality of his existence within this grim theatre. Is he truly part of this malevolent drama, or a pawn in a more cosmic enigma? Doubts consume him as he grapples with the unsettling knowledge that the path ahead may lead to unfathomable consequences.
Dalid - You are now affected by Vauquelin's Aura of Mind Erosion (see spoiler below):
Aura of Mind Erosion. Any creature that starts its turn within 30 feet of Vauquelin must make a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw. On a successful save, the creature is immune to this aura for the next 24 hours. On a failed save, the creature has disadvantage for 1 minute on Wisdom and Charisma checks and on Wisdom and Charisma saves.
At the start of each of its turns, Vauquelin can suppress this aura until the start of his next turn.
Dallid's resolve strengthens as he channels his inner fury into his attacks. The whip, bellringer, crackles with arcane energy as he wields it with preternatural accuracy. With each strike, the whip lashes out, snaking its way through the air like a living serpent, seeking its target with relentless determination. The blows find their mark with gruesome precision, tearing away what little remained of Vauquelin's human guise, exposing the monstrous being that lurked beneath.
Vauquelin's response is disdainful as if swatting away an insignificant annoyance. But beneath that veneer of arrogance, there lies a flicker of uncertainty.
Dormark's Turn
((Well assumed, Dormark would have had to make a Wisdom Saving Throw at the start of his turn!))
Dormark's mind, usually an unwavering bastion of resolve, feels the unsettling influence of Vauquelin's malevolence. The demon's presence worms its way into the warforged's thoughts, planting seeds of doubt and futility. Memories of past battles and hardships intertwine with haunting visions of a future shrouded in darkness. Dormark's thoughts falter for a fleeting moment, questioning the purpose of their struggle, the endless cycle of bloodshed and horror that has become their reality.
Dormark - You are also affected by Vauquelin's Aura of Mind Erosion (see spoiler above).
Pushing through the haze of doubts. Dormark's mace whistles through the air, aimed at Vauquelin with unyielding determination. Yet, the infernal demon proves nimble, effortlessly sidestepping the attack, leaving Dormark's blow to strike nothing but empty air.
((Unfortunately, the attack misses, however, searing smite will persist until your next successful hit.))
Sandu - Vauquelin's form now bears the marks of your relentless strikes, his once haughty demeanour wavering with each blow you land upon him. Amidst the certainty that you can make a difference, a peculiar sense of dislocation begins to seep into your mind. As if the eyes you gaze through are borrowed, you question your presence in this moment. Glancing at your hands and clothes, a feeling arises that you are a mere observer in another's life, a passenger in a bewildering journey.
Amidst the tumultuous storm of doubt, a sudden surge of lucidity surges within you. At that moment, a profound realisation takes hold: Vauquelin is the enemy, and he must be vanquished without question. An inner calm embraces your soul as you rediscover your true purpose and unyielding resolve. No longer burdened by uncertainty, you know your path and duty with absolute clarity. The time for hesitation has passed, and now, with newfound determination, you must take decisive action. It is your turn. ((You needn't make a Wisdom Saving Throw))
Vauquelin's eyes burn with an intensity bordering on madness as he fixes his gaze upon the intruders, his countenance seething with contempt. "Such beauty I have seen," he roars, the words dripping with scorn. "And you have the audacity to deny Barovia this beauty?" His voice trembles with disdain, unable to contain the disgust he feels towards them. "I stand on the brink of achieving something... magnificent." He shakes his head, a bitter sneer twisting his features. "What's the point? If all you offer is hatred, then hatred you shall receive!"
'Barovia is many a horrid thing.'Sandu replied defiantly, even if he was taking some steps back. 'But even this cursed land does not deserve one as you!' He stopped next to Ioben. From this vantage point Sandu could still press the attack while also keeping an eye on Ioben. The poor lad had gone through too much. With one wary eye on his companion Sandu raised both his hands and channelled his magic into the centre of his palms. 'Pleacã!' He yelled and two orbs of purple energy manifested themselves before his fingertips for a moment before blasting off towards Vauquelin.
Movement Up until beside Ioben Action - Cast Eldritch Blast 1st beam: 12to hit, 12force damage 2nd beam: natural 1
The Duel of Blighted Canvas - Round #2 - Sandu's Turn
Sandu's Turn
((Oof, those rolls!))
With a defiant shout, Sandu summons eldritch energy, channeling it into two colossal blasts. But amid the chaos unfolding before him, his focus wavers, and the immense purple beams veer astray, sizzling the air around them. A twisted grin stretches across Vauquelin's face, a sinister dance of malevolence and madness in his eyes. "She'll protect me!" he exclaims, mania echoing in his voice. "The ritual shall be completed, and you shall serve as the first sacrifice!"
"No," he mutters to himself, his mind caught in a maddening trance as he glares at Sandu. "Not a sacrifice... a trophy, perhaps? Something She can mould and manipulate to her liking.Oh, yes, She'll open your eyes, just as She has opened mine!" The insanity in Vauquelin's words hangs heavy in the air, a chilling prelude to the horrors that lie ahead should the ritual be finished.
Sandu hastily retreats to stand near Ioben. His companion gently sobs to himself, the echoes of a plucky gambler he once knew, fading into nothing more than a mere shadow of his former self. The weight of the harrowing events has taken its toll, leaving behind a shattered spirit and fragile resolve.
Sandu - Ioben's muttering fills your ears, his voice tinged with regret as he chastises himself for succumbing to Jeze'baal's lure. His hands crackle with newfound eldritch energies, a power that seems to both intrigue and overwhelm him. Turning to you, his voice barely above a whisper, he poses the haunting question, "What has happened to me, Sandu? What have I become?"
Rahadin's Turn
Paying little heed to the back and forth between Vauquelin and the party, Rahadin moves with silent grace, positioning himself at the demon's back. His cold, calculating eyes lock onto his target, and without a word, he unleashes a series of delicate yet deadly slashes: precise and merciless.
Scimitar #1: Attack: 18, Damage: 13
Scimitar #2: Attack: 26, Damage: 14
Vauquelin's anguished cry pierces the air, echoing through the macabre chamber as the wicked blade slices deep into his back. Blood spurts in gruesome arcs, splattering across the floor in a morbid display of crimson. The pained demon staggers forward, his twisted form writhing in agony as the wounds continue to ooze dark, viscous fluid.
Ioben's Turn
Inconsolable, Ioben's eyes remain fixed on the crackling energies dancing wildly around his trembling hands. His inner turmoil spills over into the physical realm as he slams his charged palms defiantly into the wall, the impact echoing through the room. Yet, it does little to quell the surging eldritch power coursing through him, a maelstrom of emotions he struggles to control. His cries of pain resonate with the torment tearing at his mind, a haunting lament that echoes through the eerie chamber, lost amidst the chaos and dread of the unfolding battle.
Galqarin - Standing toe-to-toe with Vauquelin, you sense the tides of battle gradually turning in the party's favour. The demon's form seems weakened, a testament to your collective efforts. Yet, amidst the chaos, your attention is drawn to Rahadin's cold and callous demeanour. His actions exude an eerie calmness, as if inflicting pain is nothing more than a routine task to him. The glint in his eye reveals a hardened resolve, leaving you with a lingering sense of wariness. If the enigmatic dusk elf were to turn against the party, you doubt you could easily overcome his calculating prowess. As you ponder the situation, you notice Vauquelin's focus waver for a brief moment, giving you a chance to strike. It is your turn.
Yet, amidst the chaos, your attention is drawn to Rahadin's cold and callous demeanour. His actions exude an eerie calmness, as if inflicting pain is nothing more than a routine task to him.
Suddenly, Galqarin is reminded of Izek. He too enjoyed inflicting pain routinely. We are but allies of convenience to this servant of Strahd. But the immediate threat is the demonic painter before him, on whom he focusses his wrath.
The Duel of Blighted Canvas - Round #2 - Galqarin's Turn
Galqarin's Turn
Filled with memories of the torment he endured at the hands of Izek in his youth, Galqarin's attacks are fueled by a mix of hatred and anger. With each strike of his staff, the echoes reverberate through the air, a testament to the force behind his blows. Unleashing a flurry of staff and unarmed attacks, Galqarin shows no mercy to the jeering Vauquelin. His staff strikes find their mark, causing visible harm to the demonic creature. Unfortunately, his unarmed strike fails to penetrate Vauquelin's defences.
Living Dead's Turn
The living dead, still under the sway of Dormark's divine aura, continue their desperate struggle against the walls of the exhibition hall. Their frenzied strikes leave their hands bloodied, and their decaying bodies reveal bones poking through their torn flesh. Once adorned in finery as guests at the Dubois' party, they are now pitiful and grotesque, a sad testament to the lives they once lived.
The pitiful spectacle of the living dead serves as a grim reminder of the fate that may befall Barovia if Jeze'baal's dark designs are allowed to come to fruition.
The Duel of Blighted Canvas - Round #3 - Vauquelin's Turn
Vauquelin's Turn
Amidst defiant roars, Vauquelin casts his malevolent gaze upon the assembled group. In a twisted tongue, he utters dark incantations that weave a web of confusion and torment in the minds of Dallid, Dormark, Ferelyon, and Galqarin.
Dallid, Dormark, and Galqarin - As illusions of Jeze'baal's hellish domain dance before your eyes, they torment your senses and distort your reality. From the shadows, malevolent apparitions emerge, conjured forth by Vauquelin's sinister power. A sense of foreboding fills the air, leaving you to wonder if the demon's ritual has indeed borne its twisted fruits. The boundaries between reality and illusion blur, and you find yourself questioning what is real and what is mere trickery.
Casting Confusion between Galqarin and Dallid (see picture below)
Dallid, Dormark, Ferelyon, and Galqarin - Please make Wisdom Saving Throws (DC 18)
Initiative:
Vauquelin - ??? - Pink Paint Brush
Dallid - 23 -Dark Green Bow & Ferelyon - Small Dark Green Shield
20 in log
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
The Duel of Blighted Canvas - Round #1 - Initiative
Vauquelin's deranged ritual persists unabated, his mind ensnared in a dark ecstasy of creation. The grotesque figures of once-human guests litter the room, their bodies contorted and twisted into abominable forms. Five of these abominations exhibit signs of movement, their twisted limbs moving in unnatural, disjointed ways. Yet, their eyes remain vacant, their focus locked elsewhere.
Dallid - A palpable sense of unease washes over you as your eyes survey the scene before you. Deep within your being, a primal instinct whispers that something is amiss, that the very fabric of reality is twisted and distorted. The weight of the task ahead settles upon your shoulders, for you understand that it is your burden to shatter this foul curse. With determination in your heart, you know that the demonic painter and the twisted remnants of the guests will fiercely oppose your efforts, all they wait for is a trigger. It is your turn.
Battlemap:
Initiative:
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Dallid and Ferelyon move past the wretch, Rahadin, just into range of Vauquelin with his magical whip. Dallid lashes out twice, testing the defenses, and Ferelyon moves between Dallid and the nearby abomination
Attack: 9 Damage: 9
Attack: 14 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.
Paladin - warforged - orange
The Duel of Blighted Canvas - Round #1 - Dallid's Turn
Dallid's Turn
With an air of grim determination, Dallid surges forward, his will unyielding. He takes charge, pushing past Rahadin, his steps resolute as he strides towards the sinister figure of Vauquelin. The very air crackles with tension as Dallid unleashes his magical whip, striking out with swift and precise movements.
The first lash of the whip, however, goes astray, finding purchase only upon the strange fleshy easel that Vauquelin had utilised in his twisted artistry. But the second strike is true, a searing pain tearing through Vauquelin's form as the whip connects between his shoulder blades.
In a frenzy of anguish and rage, Vauquelin whirls around, his gaze fixated upon Dallid. His voice reverberates with maniacal fury, a tempest of madness unleashed. "How dare you, pitiful mortal, attempt to interrupt my masterpiece!" His words drip with disdain and otherworldly menace. "You will learn the meaning of true pain, once She returns!"
Dormark - Your resolve solidifies, unyielding in the face of the abomination before you. Vauquelin, once an artist of talent and vision, now stands as a twisted, demonic shell of his former self. His deranged shouts echo through the room, taunting Dallid with challenges and raving madness. There is little left of his humanity, his mind shattered beyond repair. Reasoning with such a creature is futile. The burden falls upon your shoulders, the weight of responsibility pressing down. In your hands, the power of Moradin's cleansing fire awaits, a potent force to purge this unholy place to the ground. With steely determination, you ready yourself, the flames of justice flickering in your eyes, ready to unleash the divine fury and bring an end to this wretched evil. It is your turn.
Battlemap:
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Dormark charges forward to stand before the mad painter, but instead of striking, the symbol on his head begins to glow as he says, "I'll put an end to the death and madness you have brought!" A cleansing fire pluses from him, affecting all undead within 30 ft of him.
(Dormark casts turn undead DC is 14 Wisdom. If any undead are Cr 1/2 or lower they are destroyed if they fail, otherwise normal turn undead rules apply.)
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
(sorry to interrupt, just wanted to make sure I put it out there that because I issued no command to Ferelyon, he takes the dodge action, thank you)
Paladin - warforged - orange
The Duel of Blighted Canvas - Round #1 - Dormark's Turn
Dormark's Turn
Amidst the chaos and horror, Dormark ventures forth, his unwavering faith in Moradin shielding him from the encroaching darkness. The holy symbol adorning his head emits an eerie glow, a beacon of divine protection. Yet, to Dormark's astonishment, Vauquelin seems unaffected by this radiant display. The creature gazes upon him with twisted curiosity, its malevolent intent undeterred.
However, the Living Dead that infest the room react quite differently. Their decaying forms, grotesquely contorted, writhe and twist in agonized response to the sacred light. Limbs twitch and flail as if tormented by its mere presence. It becomes clear that the glowing symbol carries a profound effect on these abominations, causing them immense distress and repulsion.
Dormark - Empowered by the divine aura of Moradin, you stand resolute in the face of the encroaching darkness. The sight of the living dead recoiling and writhing in response to the sacred light fuels a surge of inspiration within you ((added Inspiration to your character sheet for the Turning all the Living Dead)).
Dallid - Ferelyon springs to attention, standing alert and ready to dodge any incoming attacks.
Sandu - As you assess the unfolding scene, a sense of satisfaction washes over you, for the pieces of the puzzle are falling into place with remarkable efficiency. To the east, Dallid has assumed a strategic position, already delivering a powerful blow to Vauquelin. Meanwhile, Dormark fearlessly engages in close combat, the radiant symbol atop his head ablaze, successfully turning the relentless mass of Living Dead. It becomes abundantly clear just how deeply Vauquelin has descended into madness, and eradicating him from Barovia's existence would bring both release from his tormented state and safeguard the realm itself.
You observe with gratitude that Dallid's timely attack has diverted the attention of the demonic entity, preventing further progress in its insidious ritual. Now, the burden rests upon your shoulders to rid this unholy menace from the land, to deliver the decisive blow that will purge the taint and restore the realm's fragile balance. It is your turn.
Battlemap:
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Fear engulfed every fiber of Sandu's being. It had just been an endless cascade of stumbling from one thing into a worse one. He could not even remember a time he was not shaken to the core at the sight of some unimaginable horror. Faced with reaching its breaking point, Sandu's brain went in full survival mode and made a rather illogical decision: upon seeing Dormark brandishing his holy symbol and causing all the undead to twist and tremble in agony, Sandu's mind just shut down all other input. Fear could come later. Trauma could come later. For now there was but one objective: survival. To do that would be to vanquish Vauquelin. To do that would be to stay close to Dormark whose radiant power kept the unnatural at bay.
Sandu's feet moved without him consciously willing them. In a leap and a bound he came up to Dormark. He extended an arm and placed his hand on Dormark's back. The steel felt remarkably warm, alive even. Blue energy poured out of Sandu's fingers and into Dormark's being, filling every joint, crevice and crack with a soft blue glow. It was reminiscent of Valerie's holy power though something else fueled Sandu's. It did not matter. What mattered was the protection it offered.
'You have my trust.' Sandu said softly as he removed his hand from Dormark's back and retreated back away from the demonic figure that stood too close for comfort, inadvertently moving closer to a different monster. 'You want to survive this as well, I take?' Sandu said to Rahadin out of the corner of his mouth.
Movement:
3 squares down, 1 diagonal to be top left of Dormark.
Action:
Cast Protection From Evil and Good targeting Dormark
Movement:
1 square up, 1 diagonal to end movement to the left of Rahadin
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
Rahadin's word's resonate deep within Galqarin's psyche. Men define monsters at a whim, yet the true monsters are the demons that seek to twist the minds of mortals. He rushes to attack the evil form of the painter, shouting as he does so.
"I 1st staff attack: 5 (8 damage)
am not 2nd staff attack: 21 (12 damage, spending 1 Ki to attempt a stunning strike, Con save DC14)
a monster!" 3rd staff attack: 14 (5 damage, ki fuelled attack)
The Duel of Blighted Canvas - Round #1 - Sandu & Galqarin's Turns
Sandu's Turn
A surge of survival instincts jolts Sandu from his contemplative state, propelling him forward with almost mechanical precision. He quietly manoeuvres towards Dormark, driven by the urge to lend aid to his stalwart companion. With a gentle touch, his hand graces the warforged's metallic frame, imbuing him with protective enchantments that resonate through his core.
Pressing onward, Sandu closes the distance to Rahadin, his mind filled with questions about the enigmatic servant's intentions in the face of this perilous ordeal. Rahadin, ever composed, raises an eyebrow in response to the inquiry. His voice carries a cool detachment, accompanied by a sigh that lingers in the air. "Naturally," he utters, his words dripping with a mix of resignation and determination. "Whatever threat this ritual poses, its consequences could unravel the very fabric of this land. I do not mean for that to happen."
Rahadin's Turn
Rahadin's voice, barely audible, slips from his lips as he addresses Sandu. "If you'll excuse me," he murmurs, his words laced with an undercurrent of detached determination.
Like a shadow cast upon the battlefield, Strahd's formidable servant navigates with serpentine grace. His movements possess an otherworldly swiftness as if propelled by unseen forces. With an almost imperceptible speed, Rahadin's scimitar slashes forth twice, aimed at Vauquelin with deadly intent.
Effortlessly, the strikes find their mark, gliding over the demon's flesh with precise brutality. The eerie scene unfolds as Vauquelin cries out in agony, his demonically twisted form contorting from the pain inflicted by Rahadin's merciless blows. At that moment, a haunting thought pierces the party's minds like a cold knife: Who is the true demon here? Vauquelin, with his malevolent powers and monstrous transformation, or Rahadin, the enigmatic servant of Strahd, capable of inflicting such brutality with an eerie air of calmness?
Ioben's Turn
With a cry of pain echoing through the air, Ioben collapses to his knees, his strength waning under the weight of the moment. As he rises, his body trembling, he braces himself against the nearby wall for support. His right hand extends, fingers splayed, and a shimmering psychic blade materializes before him, ethereal and deadly. With great effort, Ioben unleashes the blade towards Vauquelin, its sharp point finding its mark in the demon's left side.
Summoning every ounce of his concentration, Ioben pushes himself to the limit. A surge of raw energy courses through him, and a second psychic blade forms in his left hand. With unparalleled precision, he releases the blade, the momentum carrying it straight towards Vauquelin. The blade strikes the demon's left shoulder, its impact almost staggering the grotesque creature.
Gasping for breath, Ioben's ragged inhalations fill the air, each one a stark reminder of the torment he has endured. His trembling hands clutch at his sides, seeking to steady himself against the overwhelming weight that bears down upon his mind. The scars of his recent ordeal etch themselves deep within his consciousness, a haunting reminder of the darkness he has faced.
As he fights to maintain his composure, the strain is visible upon Ioben's face, etching lines of exhaustion and pain. His eyes, once bright with vitality, now betray a weariness that runs deeper than mere physical exhaustion. It is a battle fought on the precipice of his sanity, a relentless struggle to keep hold of himself amidst the encroaching shadows that threaten to consume him. Once more he drops to his knees, mentally ruined.
Galqarin's Turn
Galqarin's cry echoes through the chamber, a raw surge of emotion driving him forward. With his staff held high, he channels his inner strength into a fervent strike, seeking to deliver justice to the demonic menace before him. But his passion seems to betray him, and the first attack goes awry, veering off course in the heat of the moment.
Yet, undeterred, Galqarin presses on, honing his focus for the second strike. With determined precision, his staff finds its mark, connecting with Vauquelin's jaw, causing the demon to reel momentarily from the force of the blow. A brief glimmer of success graces Galqarin's eyes, knowing that he has made an impact, if only for a moment.
However, the demon proves resilient, and Galqarin's final strike falls short, failing to break through the unnaturally thick skin that protects Vauquelin. The demon's malevolent gaze fixes upon Galqarin, its dark eyes smouldering with fury as if to challenge his resolve.
Living Dead Turns
Desperation fills the air as the twisted, mutilated corpses surge toward the southern wall, their limbs contorted and wrenched by the fear of the radiant glow emitted by Dormark's holy symbol. With grotesque determination, they claw and scrape at the wooden panels, their rotting fingers leaving deep gouges in the once-opulent wallpaper.
It is a melancholic sight to behold—the remnants of what were once well-dressed guests, adorned in their finest clothes and precious jewels, now reduced to pitiful, undead husks. Their hollow eyes and slack expressions betray the tragedy of their fate, condemned to roam the halls of the Dubois Residence in an eternal nightmare.
As they scramble to escape the purifying light, a fleeting memory of the lives they once led haunts the edges of your thoughts. Each one was once a person with dreams, hopes, and aspirations, now stolen away by dark forces beyond their control.
For a moment, a deep sadness grips your heart, knowing that these creatures were once someone's friend, family member, or lover. The grandeur of the Dubois' party is now tainted by the haunting presence of the living dead, a stark reminder of the merciless grip that darkness has on Barovia.
Battlemap:
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
The Duel of Blighted Canvas - Round #2 - Vauquelin's Turn
Vauquelin's Turn
Vauquelin's eyes burn with an intensity bordering on madness as he fixes his gaze upon the intruders, his countenance seething with contempt. "Such beauty I have seen," he roars, the words dripping with scorn. "And you have the audacity to deny Barovia this beauty?" His voice trembles with disdain, unable to contain the disgust he feels towards them. "I stand on the brink of achieving something... magnificent." He shakes his head, a bitter sneer twisting his features. "What's the point? If all you offer is hatred, then hatred you shall receive!"
A tempest of anger and frustration washes over the party, their very purpose within the Dubois' residence called into question. Were they mistaken to mistrust Jeze'baal and Vauquelin? Why had they knowingly allied with the treacherous Rahadin?
With a savage motion, Vauquelin lashes out, his large claw-like hands aiming to strike both Dormark and Galqarin.
2923, Damage: 13 (slashing) + 4 (psychic)Vauquelin's powerful strikes find their marks, sending shuddering waves of agony through Dormark and Galqarin. Something about the demon's presence is deeply unsettling, a feeling impossible to put into words, yet it penetrates their very souls, leaving them shaken to the core.
But Vauquelin's thirst for destruction is far from quenched. He whirls around, fixing his gaze upon Rahadin with a mix of recognition and fear in his eyes. "I know who you are," he snarls, anger and trepidation blending into his demonic features. Rahadin, however, meets the accusation with a mocking smile, undeterred by Vauquelin's terrifying maw opening wide, attempting to sink its grotesque teeth into the dusk elf.
Vauquelin's snapping jaws miss their mark as Rahadin deftly sidesteps the attack. The dusk elf's eyes gleam with a mix of confidence and contempt as he taunts the demonic entity before him. "Whatever foul power you have aligned yourself with will not be enough," Rahadin sneers, his voice dripping with disdain.
Dallid - Your heart pounds in your chest as you witness the unfolding horror. Vauquelin, wounded and furious, has turned his wrath on Dormark and Galqarin. His focus seems to waver, torn between the two and Rahadin. An opportunity presents itself, a chance to act, but a haunting voice echoes in your mind, questioning the wisdom of striking the demonic menace. Doubt gnaws at your resolve as you grapple with the weight of your decision. It is your turn to act. ((Please make a Wisdom Saving Throw and then feel free to take your turn))
Battlemap:
Initiative:
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Dallid wisdom save (at adv for vedalken?) 23
Dallid will swirl Bellringer overhead and lash out again at Vauquelin, as he can't help but wonder if his initial assessment that the hand in his bag belonged to the artist... Was wrong... Then whose is it?? Questions for later.
Attack: 18 Damage: 6
Attack: 14 Damage: 9
Ferelyon watches his back, on guard to defend itself
Paladin - warforged - orange
(For the interest of keeping things moving. I'll assume that Dormark will need to make a similar Wisdom Roll)
Wisdom: 13
"I'll not trade one evil for another," roars back Dormark. The head of the mace glowing red hot as he takes a swing at the demon using {searing smite.
Attack: 14 Damage: 8 Radiant: 12 Fire:
3
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
(Using inspiration to reroll the attack. I think I screwed up the coding for the radiant damage so I going to reroll that for clarity. )
Attack: 18 Radiant: Unable to parse dice roll.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
The Duel of Blighted Canvas - Round #2 - Dallid & Dormark's Turns
Dallid's Turn
Dallid's mind swirls in a disorienting whirlpool of thoughts. Amidst pondering the severed hand in his backpack, an unsettling realisation takes hold of him. The cacophony of unease and wrongness emanating from Vauquelin reaches a crescendo, and a chilling truth seeps into his consciousness like a creeping mist. He doesn't belong here, in this twisted picture of horror and malevolence.
This battle is a wrong turn, a path leading to darkness with no glimmer of light. Every fibre of his being screams to retreat, to seek sanctuary from this nightmarish dance, but the shadows around him weave a tapestry of uncertainty, testing his resolve to its limits. The world distorts around him, and for a moment, he questions the very reality of his existence within this grim theatre. Is he truly part of this malevolent drama, or a pawn in a more cosmic enigma? Doubts consume him as he grapples with the unsettling knowledge that the path ahead may lead to unfathomable consequences.
Dalid - You are now affected by Vauquelin's Aura of Mind Erosion (see spoiler below):
Aura of Mind Erosion. Any creature that starts its turn within 30 feet of Vauquelin must make a DC 18 Wisdom saving throw. On a successful save, the creature is immune to this aura for the next 24 hours. On a failed save, the creature has disadvantage for 1 minute on Wisdom and Charisma checks and on Wisdom and Charisma saves.
At the start of each of its turns, Vauquelin can suppress this aura until the start of his next turn.
Dallid's resolve strengthens as he channels his inner fury into his attacks. The whip, bellringer, crackles with arcane energy as he wields it with preternatural accuracy. With each strike, the whip lashes out, snaking its way through the air like a living serpent, seeking its target with relentless determination. The blows find their mark with gruesome precision, tearing away what little remained of Vauquelin's human guise, exposing the monstrous being that lurked beneath.
Vauquelin's response is disdainful as if swatting away an insignificant annoyance. But beneath that veneer of arrogance, there lies a flicker of uncertainty.
Dormark's Turn
((Well assumed, Dormark would have had to make a Wisdom Saving Throw at the start of his turn!))
Dormark's mind, usually an unwavering bastion of resolve, feels the unsettling influence of Vauquelin's malevolence. The demon's presence worms its way into the warforged's thoughts, planting seeds of doubt and futility. Memories of past battles and hardships intertwine with haunting visions of a future shrouded in darkness. Dormark's thoughts falter for a fleeting moment, questioning the purpose of their struggle, the endless cycle of bloodshed and horror that has become their reality.
Dormark - You are also affected by Vauquelin's Aura of Mind Erosion (see spoiler above).
Pushing through the haze of doubts. Dormark's mace whistles through the air, aimed at Vauquelin with unyielding determination. Yet, the infernal demon proves nimble, effortlessly sidestepping the attack, leaving Dormark's blow to strike nothing but empty air.
((Unfortunately, the attack misses, however, searing smite will persist until your next successful hit.))
Sandu - Vauquelin's form now bears the marks of your relentless strikes, his once haughty demeanour wavering with each blow you land upon him. Amidst the certainty that you can make a difference, a peculiar sense of dislocation begins to seep into your mind. As if the eyes you gaze through are borrowed, you question your presence in this moment. Glancing at your hands and clothes, a feeling arises that you are a mere observer in another's life, a passenger in a bewildering journey.
Amidst the tumultuous storm of doubt, a sudden surge of lucidity surges within you. At that moment, a profound realisation takes hold: Vauquelin is the enemy, and he must be vanquished without question. An inner calm embraces your soul as you rediscover your true purpose and unyielding resolve. No longer burdened by uncertainty, you know your path and duty with absolute clarity. The time for hesitation has passed, and now, with newfound determination, you must take decisive action. It is your turn. ((You needn't make a Wisdom Saving Throw))
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
'Barovia is many a horrid thing.' Sandu replied defiantly, even if he was taking some steps back. 'But even this cursed land does not deserve one as you!' He stopped next to Ioben. From this vantage point Sandu could still press the attack while also keeping an eye on Ioben. The poor lad had gone through too much. With one wary eye on his companion Sandu raised both his hands and channelled his magic into the centre of his palms. 'Pleacã!' He yelled and two orbs of purple energy manifested themselves before his fingertips for a moment before blasting off towards Vauquelin.
Movement
Up until beside Ioben
Action
- Cast Eldritch Blast
1st beam: 12 to hit, 12 force damage
2nd beam: natural 1
Sadness all around :(
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
The Duel of Blighted Canvas - Round #2 - Sandu's Turn
Sandu's Turn
((Oof, those rolls!))
With a defiant shout, Sandu summons eldritch energy, channeling it into two colossal blasts. But amid the chaos unfolding before him, his focus wavers, and the immense purple beams veer astray, sizzling the air around them. A twisted grin stretches across Vauquelin's face, a sinister dance of malevolence and madness in his eyes. "She'll protect me!" he exclaims, mania echoing in his voice. "The ritual shall be completed, and you shall serve as the first sacrifice!"
"No," he mutters to himself, his mind caught in a maddening trance as he glares at Sandu. "Not a sacrifice... a trophy, perhaps? Something She can mould and manipulate to her liking. Oh, yes, She'll open your eyes, just as She has opened mine!" The insanity in Vauquelin's words hangs heavy in the air, a chilling prelude to the horrors that lie ahead should the ritual be finished.
Sandu hastily retreats to stand near Ioben. His companion gently sobs to himself, the echoes of a plucky gambler he once knew, fading into nothing more than a mere shadow of his former self. The weight of the harrowing events has taken its toll, leaving behind a shattered spirit and fragile resolve.
Sandu - Ioben's muttering fills your ears, his voice tinged with regret as he chastises himself for succumbing to Jeze'baal's lure. His hands crackle with newfound eldritch energies, a power that seems to both intrigue and overwhelm him. Turning to you, his voice barely above a whisper, he poses the haunting question, "What has happened to me, Sandu? What have I become?"
Rahadin's Turn
Paying little heed to the back and forth between Vauquelin and the party, Rahadin moves with silent grace, positioning himself at the demon's back. His cold, calculating eyes lock onto his target, and without a word, he unleashes a series of delicate yet deadly slashes: precise and merciless.
Vauquelin's anguished cry pierces the air, echoing through the macabre chamber as the wicked blade slices deep into his back. Blood spurts in gruesome arcs, splattering across the floor in a morbid display of crimson. The pained demon staggers forward, his twisted form writhing in agony as the wounds continue to ooze dark, viscous fluid.
Ioben's Turn
Inconsolable, Ioben's eyes remain fixed on the crackling energies dancing wildly around his trembling hands. His inner turmoil spills over into the physical realm as he slams his charged palms defiantly into the wall, the impact echoing through the room. Yet, it does little to quell the surging eldritch power coursing through him, a maelstrom of emotions he struggles to control. His cries of pain resonate with the torment tearing at his mind, a haunting lament that echoes through the eerie chamber, lost amidst the chaos and dread of the unfolding battle.
Galqarin - Standing toe-to-toe with Vauquelin, you sense the tides of battle gradually turning in the party's favour. The demon's form seems weakened, a testament to your collective efforts. Yet, amidst the chaos, your attention is drawn to Rahadin's cold and callous demeanour. His actions exude an eerie calmness, as if inflicting pain is nothing more than a routine task to him. The glint in his eye reveals a hardened resolve, leaving you with a lingering sense of wariness. If the enigmatic dusk elf were to turn against the party, you doubt you could easily overcome his calculating prowess. As you ponder the situation, you notice Vauquelin's focus waver for a brief moment, giving you a chance to strike. It is your turn.
Battlemap:
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Suddenly, Galqarin is reminded of Izek. He too enjoyed inflicting pain routinely. We are but allies of convenience to this servant of Strahd. But the immediate threat is the demonic painter before him, on whom he focusses his wrath.
1st staff attack: 19 (11 damage)
2nd staff attack: 26 (12 damage)
Unarmed strike: 15 (6 damage)
The Duel of Blighted Canvas - Round #2 - Galqarin's Turn
Galqarin's Turn
Filled with memories of the torment he endured at the hands of Izek in his youth, Galqarin's attacks are fueled by a mix of hatred and anger. With each strike of his staff, the echoes reverberate through the air, a testament to the force behind his blows. Unleashing a flurry of staff and unarmed attacks, Galqarin shows no mercy to the jeering Vauquelin. His staff strikes find their mark, causing visible harm to the demonic creature. Unfortunately, his unarmed strike fails to penetrate Vauquelin's defences.
Living Dead's Turn
The living dead, still under the sway of Dormark's divine aura, continue their desperate struggle against the walls of the exhibition hall. Their frenzied strikes leave their hands bloodied, and their decaying bodies reveal bones poking through their torn flesh. Once adorned in finery as guests at the Dubois' party, they are now pitiful and grotesque, a sad testament to the lives they once lived.
The pitiful spectacle of the living dead serves as a grim reminder of the fate that may befall Barovia if Jeze'baal's dark designs are allowed to come to fruition.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
The Duel of Blighted Canvas - Round #3 - Vauquelin's Turn
Vauquelin's Turn
Amidst defiant roars, Vauquelin casts his malevolent gaze upon the assembled group. In a twisted tongue, he utters dark incantations that weave a web of confusion and torment in the minds of Dallid, Dormark, Ferelyon, and Galqarin.
Dallid, Dormark, and Galqarin - As illusions of Jeze'baal's hellish domain dance before your eyes, they torment your senses and distort your reality. From the shadows, malevolent apparitions emerge, conjured forth by Vauquelin's sinister power. A sense of foreboding fills the air, leaving you to wonder if the demon's ritual has indeed borne its twisted fruits. The boundaries between reality and illusion blur, and you find yourself questioning what is real and what is mere trickery.
Initiative:
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)