You reach the top of the stairs and enter out onto a gallery that continues towards the west of the house, running almost the length of the mansion. Framed landscape paintings line the walls, and red silk drapes cover a ten-foot-tall arched window of leaded glass.
Dashing down the gallery you find two dark shapes slumped over on the floor - the Baron's mastiffs. You are reminded of the grim fate that their namesakes, the Wachter brothers, had met; unfortunately, it would appear that these hounds faired no better.
Ahead you hear a cracking and a splintering of wood, followed by a scream from the Baron. "Wh-what is this?! Who are you!"There is panic in his voice, "What do we do Vasili?". The voice that follows, as you run towards the sound of his voice, is Vasili Von Holtz, "Fear not baron. As long as I still draw breath, I shall not let this monstrosity harm you." You hear the metallic clang of metal on metal.
Veering around the corner, into the Baron's library/study, you are confronted with the following scene; the right honourable, brave, Baron Vargas is desperately hiding behind his desk, Vasili has his rapier drawn and is, unsuccessfully, attempting to hold off a large burgundy and gold construct - the armour. The armour currently stands near the doorway, it's back towards the entrance.
((Image of the Armour))
ALL - Please roll initiative & make any Arcana checks to discern more about the armour.
The sight of the mansion stood in gruesome contrast to when Sandu had visited it last. It was a scene straight out of a horror story. The only thing missing was a woman's wail and the flash of lighting at night. The feeling of dread hung heavy in the air, increasing with every step the group took towards the mansion's entrance. Or what was left of it. Sandu followed the others into the mansion. What he saw there was possibly worse than what transpired outside. With the guardsman one could argue that violence was an occupational hazard but the maid: the maid was an innocent. It made Sandu sick to his stomach.
There was no time however to dwell on what had transpired. A yell from the upper floor drew all attention and Sandu watched both Dormark and Galqarin bolt up the stairs like demons possessed. He ran after them to the floor above where Sandu could clearly hear the Baron yelling in a panic. There was another voice as well, one Sandu recognised as von Holtz, who was in peril as well. For when Sandu finally found the two, they were engaged with a rouge armour bedecked with golden wings: the murderer they had been chasing.
It was unnerving to see how it just stood there: not living yet exuding a malicious intent coupled with a menacing presence and the cold, uncaring relentlessness of death. Sandu instinctively clasped the silver icon beneath his vest in the vain hope that it could somehow ward off the construct but knew all too well that this was going to be a fight until one side would not move anymore. He severely hoped it would not be them.
Initiative: 15 Arcana:19 (upon rereading the talisman pact feature, I can only use it when Sandu fails an ability check it's not just a blanket +1d4 to an ability check. Will keep that in mind)
It's clear to you that this is a suit of armour that has been animated by a powerful caster. You discern that it is unlikely the thing will be damaged by any lightning or poison-based attacks; the lighting would likely go straight through it and the poison has no organic matter to infect.
It's clear to you that this is a suit of armour that has been animated by a powerful caster; a slither of the caster's being is likely imbued into this automaton. You discern that it is unlikely the thing will be damaged by any lightning or poison-based attacks; the lighting would likely go straight through it and the poison has no organic matter to infect. Additionally, the armour is likely to resist any damage from cold or fire sources.
Any anti-magic abilities might be able to temporarily incapacitate it.
Burgomaster's Mansion Fight - Round #1 - Initiative Order
"Dormark! Sandu!" Vasili yells, "Impeccable timing! It appears that we may have found the culprit for all those sordid murders! Say, you wouldn't mind lending a hand, would you? Whatever this is, is proving a little obstinate!". You note that Vasili already looks fatigued as he narrowly avoids a swinging metal arm. The arm instead hits a nearby bookshelf, sending books flying everywhere, causing the Baron to squeal in fear.
"Pay it no mind Baron!" Vasili shouts above the fracas, "These able folk and I will shortly dispatch this fiend." Though Vasili puts on a brave face you can tell that he is struggling to get the better of the animated armour.
Battlemap:
Initiative Order & Symbol:
Baron Vargas - 19 - Light Grey Book
Sandu - 15 - Purple Wizard's Hat
Vasili - 13 - Brown Sword
Animated Armour- 12 - Orange Shield
Galqarin - 7 - Dark Blue 'Raven'
Ireena - 7 - Pink Heart Book
Dormark - 4 - Dark Grey 'Robot'
((As always, feel free to inform me if you would rather change the position of your token. Vasili is currently distracting the Animated Armour, allowing you all to get into position.))
Baron Vargas whimpers from behind the desk, "Oh, Sandu, Dormark, my saviours! Heeelp!". As the words come out of his mouth the Animated Armour turns and towards the cowering burgomaster, its target in sight.
((I am going to treat this as though the Baron has used the help action but from range, providing Sandu with advantage on his next attack.))
Sandu - The enemy has been briefly distracted, it is your turn to act.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Sandu took quick stock of the situation: they were in a small room with little room to manoeuvre, their enemy was a metal construct capable of ripping people apart with little effort and the Baron could be a liability as Sandu did not take him for a fighter. That meant they had to take the armour down fast and hard.
With one hand clutching his silver amulet and the other outstretched, Sandu lined up his arm and channeled a bolt of magic energy towards the armour. 'Pleacã!'
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
((Oh my word! This was supposed to be a hard fight! No windows I'm afraid, the door is the only entry/exit - the black areas are merely areas of the house you have yet to explore!))
The bolts of raw energy fly from Sandu's outstretched hand and blast into the Armour, almost knocking it off its feet. Books explode from the bookshelf behind the construct as the sheer force of the blast sends them flying. It is clear that the Armour has been dealt damage and is dented in the left shoulder from the impact of the bolts.
Vasili's Turn
Vasili steps up bravely then, spurred on by Sandu's attack, "Leave the Baron be!"he shouts at the Armour, "Over here!". The Armour whizzes around on the spot to face him. But Vasili is quicker, darting in and making two attacks in quick succession with his rapier.
Attack: 25 Damage: 10
Attack: 22 Damage: 7
Both attacks find purchase as they bypass the Armours defences. You see scuff marks where the burgundy paint has been chipped away. Vasili triumphantly roars, "Come on then, you cur! Let's see what you're made of!"
Fixated on its new target the armour lunges at Vasili, pummeling down with its gauntleted fists.
Attack: 10 Damage: 10
Attack: 12 Damage: 9
The first fist, the right, sails clear of its target as Vasili dodges the attack. However, the second attack lands with a crunch and Vasili drops to one knee, cradling his arm. You see him blink away tears as the pain shoots throughout his body, "That... that all you got!" he yells defiantly at the Armour.
Galqarin - From behind your mask, you watch as the Armour releases a ferocious series of attacks on Vasili. He has acquitted himself valiantly, but it looks like he is being overwhelmed. It falls upon you to save the day, to save the Baron. The irony of saving the man that has wished you nothing but ill for years leaves a bitter taste in your mouth; was this not the man that had legitimised Izek's brutality? That was responsible for your being outcasted from Vallaki? It is your turn, what will you do?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Raven headed staff: Attack: 20 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll. (blugeoning) Flurry of blows (1 ki point): Attack: 26 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll. (blugeoning) Hand of Healing (on Vasili, in place of 2nd FoB attack): 4
It seems to Galqarin that the mask, rather than impeding his vision, is heightening his senses and guiding his actions. A brief thought flickers through his subconscious: Could it be that something of its former owner is still present within? His words to Sandu come back to him: "Madam Eva thought best I hide face so get hung less. She said it belonged her brother. Maybe they think he monster too?"
His animosity towards the craven bully they are are in the process of saving briefly forgotten, he swings his raven-headed staff in a devastating overhead arc. Then, in a blinding flurry of movement, he strikes out at the monstrosity with a kick before lending a hand to the battered Vasili.
((Edit: Something messed up with damage rolls, re-rolled in campaign log: 12 and 7 respectively - and rather respectably!))
Galqarin is a blur as he lands attack after attack on the Construct, all his blows seemingly finding their mark. The Armour is battered and dented now, but still, it continues its attacks, unfeelingly.
Reaching down Galqarin helps Vasili to his feet. Vasili quickly dusts himself down before giving Galqarin a confused look. "Much appreciated friend,"he says as he falls back into his fighting stance. "That is a charming mask if ever I did see one. I shall have to enquire where you got it!" Vasili says jovially, before turning to face the foe.
((So many high rolls!))
Ireena's Turn
Ireena, overcoming her fear, steps forward and aims an attack at the Construct's exposed back.
Attack: 18 Damage: 6
Unfortunately, her attack pings ineffectively off of the Armour. Not to be outdone she moves further into the Armour's space and, using the pommel of the rapier, clonks it between the shoulder blades - or rather, where they would have been.
Bonus Action: Helpful (Ireena is adept at giving well-timed assistance; she can take the Help action as a bonus action - advantage on Dormark's next attack (assuming he attacks))
Dormark - You currently stand behind the Construct with Ireena next to you, she seems to have briefly distracted it. Will you seize the moment? It is your turn.
Dormark's spiritual hammer comes bearing down on the Armour from the right, as he, in turn, takes a swing from the left. Unfortunately, both attacks fail to properly connect with their target, skimming off its powerful metal frame.
Finding a tidbit of courage the Baron pokes his head over the top of the desk to survey the scene. Spotting the Armour once more advancing towards Vasili, Vargas picks up a small paperweight from the desk and hurls it at the construct; it bounces ineffectively off its shoulder, but the move has had the desired effect, the Armour whirls around and targets Vargas.
((Once more he is Helping Sandu - advantage on your next attack roll.))
Sandu - You spot that the Baron has bought you an opening, will you capitalise on the moment? It is your turn.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Everyone was laying into the armour, all keenly aware of the situation: the first one to go down, will stay down. While Galqarin was hitting the armour from different angles, Dormark had once more called forth that floating spectral weapon of his, a manifestation of his fate. While Sandu did not have the athletics to pull off the former or the faith for the latter, he did have arcane power at his fingertips and not yet enough time to learn how to wield it with finesse. How did that saying go again? He wondered. When all you have is a hammer...
We're off to a good start so Sandu will keep (trying to) pile on damage.
You reach the top of the stairs and enter out onto a gallery that continues towards the west of the house, running almost the length of the mansion. Framed landscape paintings line the walls, and red silk drapes cover a ten-foot-tall arched window of leaded glass.
Dashing down the gallery you find two dark shapes slumped over on the floor - the Baron's mastiffs. You are reminded of the grim fate that their namesakes, the Wachter brothers, had met; unfortunately, it would appear that these hounds faired no better.
Ahead you hear a cracking and a splintering of wood, followed by a scream from the Baron. "Wh-what is this?! Who are you!" There is panic in his voice, "What do we do Vasili?". The voice that follows, as you run towards the sound of his voice, is Vasili Von Holtz, "Fear not baron. As long as I still draw breath, I shall not let this monstrosity harm you." You hear the metallic clang of metal on metal.
Veering around the corner, into the Baron's library/study, you are confronted with the following scene; the right honourable, brave, Baron Vargas is desperately hiding behind his desk, Vasili has his rapier drawn and is, unsuccessfully, attempting to hold off a large burgundy and gold construct - the armour. The armour currently stands near the doorway, it's back towards the entrance.
ALL - Please roll initiative & make any Arcana checks to discern more about the armour.
DM rolls:
Armour: 12
Baron: 19
Vasili: 13
Irena: 7
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
((Galqarin initiative 7, arcana 8))
Galqarin wastes precious moments in shock and wonder that this - thing - is no ordinary man in armour.
(4 on initiative, 18 on the arcana check)
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
The sight of the mansion stood in gruesome contrast to when Sandu had visited it last. It was a scene straight out of a horror story. The only thing missing was a woman's wail and the flash of lighting at night. The feeling of dread hung heavy in the air, increasing with every step the group took towards the mansion's entrance. Or what was left of it. Sandu followed the others into the mansion. What he saw there was possibly worse than what transpired outside. With the guardsman one could argue that violence was an occupational hazard but the maid: the maid was an innocent. It made Sandu sick to his stomach.
There was no time however to dwell on what had transpired. A yell from the upper floor drew all attention and Sandu watched both Dormark and Galqarin bolt up the stairs like demons possessed. He ran after them to the floor above where Sandu could clearly hear the Baron yelling in a panic. There was another voice as well, one Sandu recognised as von Holtz, who was in peril as well. For when Sandu finally found the two, they were engaged with a rouge armour bedecked with golden wings: the murderer they had been chasing.
It was unnerving to see how it just stood there: not living yet exuding a malicious intent coupled with a menacing presence and the cold, uncaring relentlessness of death. Sandu instinctively clasped the silver icon beneath his vest in the vain hope that it could somehow ward off the construct but knew all too well that this was going to be a fight until one side would not move anymore. He severely hoped it would not be them.
Initiative: 15
Arcana: 19
(upon rereading the talisman pact feature, I can only use it when Sandu fails an ability check it's not just a blanket +1d4 to an ability check. Will keep that in mind)
Ignore the con save roll, I misclicked.
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
Galqarin's Arcana check:
It's clear to you that this is a suit of armour that has been animated by a powerful caster. You discern that it is unlikely the thing will be damaged by any lightning or poison-based attacks; the lighting would likely go straight through it and the poison has no organic matter to infect.
Dormark & Sandu's Arcana check:
It's clear to you that this is a suit of armour that has been animated by a powerful caster; a slither of the caster's being is likely imbued into this automaton. You discern that it is unlikely the thing will be damaged by any lightning or poison-based attacks; the lighting would likely go straight through it and the poison has no organic matter to infect. Additionally, the armour is likely to resist any damage from cold or fire sources.
Any anti-magic abilities might be able to temporarily incapacitate it.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Burgomaster's Mansion Fight - Round #1 - Initiative Order
"Dormark! Sandu!" Vasili yells, "Impeccable timing! It appears that we may have found the culprit for all those sordid murders! Say, you wouldn't mind lending a hand, would you? Whatever this is, is proving a little obstinate!". You note that Vasili already looks fatigued as he narrowly avoids a swinging metal arm. The arm instead hits a nearby bookshelf, sending books flying everywhere, causing the Baron to squeal in fear.
"Pay it no mind Baron!" Vasili shouts above the fracas, "These able folk and I will shortly dispatch this fiend." Though Vasili puts on a brave face you can tell that he is struggling to get the better of the animated armour.
Battlemap:
Initiative Order & Symbol:
((As always, feel free to inform me if you would rather change the position of your token. Vasili is currently distracting the Animated Armour, allowing you all to get into position.))
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
(No argument for placement from me.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Baron Vargas whimpers from behind the desk, "Oh, Sandu, Dormark, my saviours! Heeelp!". As the words come out of his mouth the Animated Armour turns and towards the cowering burgomaster, its target in sight.
((I am going to treat this as though the Baron has used the help action but from range, providing Sandu with advantage on his next attack.))
Sandu - The enemy has been briefly distracted, it is your turn to act.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Sandu took quick stock of the situation: they were in a small room with little room to manoeuvre, their enemy was a metal construct capable of ripping people apart with little effort and the Baron could be a liability as Sandu did not take him for a fighter. That meant they had to take the armour down fast and hard.
With one hand clutching his silver amulet and the other outstretched, Sandu lined up his arm and channeled a bolt of magic energy towards the armour. 'Pleacã!'
Action: Eldritch Blast Attack: 27 Damage: 17
And we're off to a good start ^^
Edit: is there a window in this room or is the door the only way in and out?
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
((Oh my word! This was supposed to be a hard fight! No windows I'm afraid, the door is the only entry/exit - the black areas are merely areas of the house you have yet to explore!))
The bolts of raw energy fly from Sandu's outstretched hand and blast into the Armour, almost knocking it off its feet. Books explode from the bookshelf behind the construct as the sheer force of the blast sends them flying. It is clear that the Armour has been dealt damage and is dented in the left shoulder from the impact of the bolts.
Vasili's Turn
Vasili steps up bravely then, spurred on by Sandu's attack, "Leave the Baron be!" he shouts at the Armour, "Over here!". The Armour whizzes around on the spot to face him. But Vasili is quicker, darting in and making two attacks in quick succession with his rapier.
Attack: 25 Damage: 10
Attack: 22 Damage: 7
Both attacks find purchase as they bypass the Armours defences. You see scuff marks where the burgundy paint has been chipped away. Vasili triumphantly roars, "Come on then, you cur! Let's see what you're made of!"
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Animated Armour's Turn
Fixated on its new target the armour lunges at Vasili, pummeling down with its gauntleted fists.
Attack: 10 Damage: 10
Attack: 12 Damage: 9
The first fist, the right, sails clear of its target as Vasili dodges the attack. However, the second attack lands with a crunch and Vasili drops to one knee, cradling his arm. You see him blink away tears as the pain shoots throughout his body, "That... that all you got!" he yells defiantly at the Armour.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Burgomaster's Mansion Fight - Round #1 - Galqarin's Turn
Galqarin - From behind your mask, you watch as the Armour releases a ferocious series of attacks on Vasili. He has acquitted himself valiantly, but it looks like he is being overwhelmed. It falls upon you to save the day, to save the Baron. The irony of saving the man that has wished you nothing but ill for years leaves a bitter taste in your mouth; was this not the man that had legitimised Izek's brutality? That was responsible for your being outcasted from Vallaki? It is your turn, what will you do?
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Raven headed staff: Attack: 20 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll. (blugeoning)
Flurry of blows (1 ki point): Attack: 26 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll. (blugeoning)
Hand of Healing (on Vasili, in place of 2nd FoB attack): 4
It seems to Galqarin that the mask, rather than impeding his vision, is heightening his senses and guiding his actions. A brief thought flickers through his subconscious: Could it be that something of its former owner is still present within? His words to Sandu come back to him: "Madam Eva thought best I hide face so get hung less. She said it belonged her brother. Maybe they think he monster too?"
His animosity towards the craven bully they are are in the process of saving briefly forgotten, he swings his raven-headed staff in a devastating overhead arc. Then, in a blinding flurry of movement, he strikes out at the monstrosity with a kick before lending a hand to the battered Vasili.
((Edit: Something messed up with damage rolls, re-rolled in campaign log: 12 and 7 respectively - and rather respectably!))
Galqarin is a blur as he lands attack after attack on the Construct, all his blows seemingly finding their mark. The Armour is battered and dented now, but still, it continues its attacks, unfeelingly.
Reaching down Galqarin helps Vasili to his feet. Vasili quickly dusts himself down before giving Galqarin a confused look. "Much appreciated friend," he says as he falls back into his fighting stance. "That is a charming mask if ever I did see one. I shall have to enquire where you got it!" Vasili says jovially, before turning to face the foe.
((So many high rolls!))
Ireena's Turn
Ireena, overcoming her fear, steps forward and aims an attack at the Construct's exposed back.
Attack: 18 Damage: 6
Unfortunately, her attack pings ineffectively off of the Armour. Not to be outdone she moves further into the Armour's space and, using the pommel of the rapier, clonks it between the shoulder blades - or rather, where they would have been.
Bonus Action: Helpful (Ireena is adept at giving well-timed assistance; she can take the Help action as a bonus action - advantage on Dormark's next attack (assuming he attacks))
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Burgomaster's Mansion Fight - Round #1 - Dormark's Turn
Dormark - You currently stand behind the Construct with Ireena next to you, she seems to have briefly distracted it. Will you seize the moment? It is your turn.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
In the unoccupied space to the left of the armor, the now familiar spiritual weapon forms attacking with advantage.
Attack: 20 Damage: 7
Dormark strikes at the other side of the armor with his mace as the spirit hammer swings at the left.
Attack: 18 Damage: 4
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Dormark's spiritual hammer comes bearing down on the Armour from the right, as he, in turn, takes a swing from the left. Unfortunately, both attacks fail to properly connect with their target, skimming off its powerful metal frame.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Burgomaster's Mansion Fight - Round #2 - Turn #1 (Baron Vargas)
Finding a tidbit of courage the Baron pokes his head over the top of the desk to survey the scene. Spotting the Armour once more advancing towards Vasili, Vargas picks up a small paperweight from the desk and hurls it at the construct; it bounces ineffectively off its shoulder, but the move has had the desired effect, the Armour whirls around and targets Vargas.
((Once more he is Helping Sandu - advantage on your next attack roll.))
Sandu - You spot that the Baron has bought you an opening, will you capitalise on the moment? It is your turn.
Battlemap:
Initiative Order & Symbol:
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Everyone was laying into the armour, all keenly aware of the situation: the first one to go down, will stay down. While Galqarin was hitting the armour from different angles, Dormark had once more called forth that floating spectral weapon of his, a manifestation of his fate. While Sandu did not have the athletics to pull off the former or the faith for the latter, he did have arcane power at his fingertips and not yet enough time to learn how to wield it with finesse. How did that saying go again? He wondered. When all you have is a hammer...
We're off to a good start so Sandu will keep (trying to) pile on damage.
Eldritch Blast Attack: 23 Damage: 12
edit: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA MARVELLOUS! XD
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
(Holy crap)
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4