((Geez! This could well be a quicker fight than I envisioned!))
Blasting forth from Sandu's hand is a beam of such intensity that it crackles through the air before crashing into the Animated Armour. Perhaps surprisingly, is the fact that the beam is not a pure purple colour but rather has a greenish tinge to it. The Armour stands smoking from the impact, a black scorch mark in its chest region.
Vasili's Turn
"What was that?!" Vasili says in bewilderment before pressing the attack. He darts in and attempts to strike at the centre of the Construct, targetting the area struck by Sandu's Eldritch Blast.
Attack: 17 Damage: 9
Attack: 18 Damage: 7
Unfortunately, possibly distracted by the intensity of the moment, Vasili's attacks both fail to make a mark.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Animated Armour's Turn
The Animated Armour's gauntleted fist touches at the mark in its chest; possibly a residual effect of the personality of the caster that animated it. Turning towards Sandu, it stretches out its hand and unleashes Shocking Bolts.
Attack: 18 Damage: 5
Attack: 15 Damage: 9
However, the bolts go whizzing over Sandu's head. Clearly a desperate attempt from the Armour.
Galqarin - You feel as though the recent attack by Sandu has really changed the battle in your favour. The Armour stands in front of you looking battered, dented, scratched and scorched. It is your turn to act.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Raven headed staff: 26 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll. Flurry of Blows #1: 23 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll. Flurry of Blows #2: 18 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll. 2/4 ki points ramaining
> "That is a charming mask if ever I did see one. I shall have to enquire where you got it!" Vasili says jovially
A little alarm bell rings inside Galqarin's head. He must be careful what he reveals. But no time for that now.
Galqarin unleashes another assault on the metal foe whilst imagining himself unleashing fury upon his nemesis, Izek.
((Not sure why it won't parse the damage rolls :-/. The first FoB was a crit too! Assuming the staff is a miss, the FoB damage rolls from the campaign log, including the extra d4 from the crit, are 9 and 5 respectively))
Picturing Izek when unleashing his fury seems to have worked for Galqarin. After his first staff attack sails well wide of the mark and almost catches Vasili square in the chest, his follow up attacks both go crunching into the Armour.
It is at this point that you become increasingly aware that if there was a person within the suit of armour it would be likely that their chest would currently be crushed in. So battered and dented is the chest piece that it is more concave than convex.
Ireena's Turn
Determined not to be 'shown-up', Ireena quickly darts in and attempts to poke the Construct with her rapier;
Attack: 6 Damage: 9
Unfortunately, her attack completely misses its target and she instead skewers one of the books sitting on a shelf behind the Armour; the book was no great loss, entitled Tavern Management In Rural Areas, the Baron had long given up on his dream of retiring to the peaceful Barovian countryside.
Instead, spotting a potential weapon, Ireena hurls the great tome at the Construct, momentarily sending it off balance.
Bonus Action: As before, Ireena uses Helpful (Ireena is adept at giving well-timed assistance; she can take the Help action as a bonus action), meaning that Dormark gains advantage on his next attack.
Dormark - Ireena has momentarily knocked the Animated Armour off balance. It is highly damaged and you wonder how it is still able to function. Will you send it back to the scrap yard? It is your turn to act.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Dormark says, "Enough of this." Dormark puts his mace on his belt and walks towards Sandu allowing the armor an opportunity attack on him. As soon as he puts a 5ft space between him and the armor. Dormark turns around with the hammer appearing in his grip he throws it at the armor.
Dormark casts a 2nd level [spell]guiding bolt[spell] at the armor.
Attack: 23 Damage: 18
The larger spiritual hammer swings at the armor after the bolt is released.
The Armour swipes out at Dormark as he moves away;
Attack: 15 Damage: 12
Thankfully, the attack fails to penetrate Dormark's defences, ineffectively striking against the Warforged heavy metal frame.
Filled with a wave of righteous anger, Dormark fires off a guiding bolt towards the battered Construct. Unfortunately, at the last moment, it sidesteps the blast, which crashes into the wall behind it - sending forth a shower of paper and wood.
((Unlucky, got very close - but didn't quite meet its AC))
The follow-ups from Dormark's spiritual hammer also fail to cause any real damage to the Animated Armour.
Spotting the Dormark lumbering away from the Animated Armour, Baron Vargas lets out a shriek and runs behind the Warforged, attempting to hide behind him. As before, as soon as Vargas comes into sight, the Construct attention focuses on him.
"How is this possible?!"he complains from behind his new hiding spot.
((Once more he is Helping Sandu - advantage on your next attack roll.))
Sandu - Once more you see that the Armour is drawn to the Baron, likely the will of whoever animated the Construct. As your enemy struggles to turn you notice that it is unlikely to survive more than a couple more blasts. It is your turn.
Sandu could hardly believe what was happening but the tide of battle had indeed shifted in their favour. What he found even more unbelievable was what he had conjured forth. The first magical bolt he had thrown at the armour had been powerful but the second one, that one was of an entirely different magnitude all together. Sandu did not know where that kind of power came from. Was it a lack of experience? An uncontrollable outburst of latent power? Or was it fear powering him? Fear for his life, fear of the enemy before him, fear of never being able to escape this place, fear of Strahd? Whatever it was, it was fuel for power and that was something they could use more of. The last blast had singed off the hairs on the back of his hand and the lower half of his forearm but at the words of the Baron, Sandu once more lined up his hand with the armour and let loose. 'Pleacã!'
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The beam of Sandu's Eldritch Blast once more penetrates the armour's defences. You notice as its movement starts becoming more and more laboured, as though the magics behind its animation are wearing thin. Not long now.
Vasili's Turn
"Nice one Sandu!" Vasili cries as he springs forward, "Couldn't have done better myself." The accountant has barely broken a sweat since initially being struck by the Armour, he steps forward and boldly lashes out with his rapier.
Attack: 29 Damage: 17
Attack: 18 Damage: 8
"Die, foul beast!" Vasili shouts as he expertly bypasses the Constructs defences and lands the final blow.
Staggering forward the armour begins to twist and turn before imploding in on itself; a tearing metallic sound can be heard as it scrunches up and lands on the floor at everyone's feet.
"Is... is it dead?" The Baron asks from behind Dormark. Vasili turns around and drops to one knee, "Heroes! You have saved both mine and the Baron's lives!"
Vargas looks a sickly green colour as he walks over to the now-deceased Armour and tentatively pokes at it with his foot. "By the Morninglord!" he declares, "You've done it. Vallaki can rest easy!"
Baron Vargas goes to each of you in turn and vigorously shakes your hands; waffling on about how fantastic the fight was and how great you all were.
Vasili simply smiles, paying particular attention to Sandu, "Well done. I can see that you are all truly capable fighters."
"Sadly Baron this is not over... we found the murder weapon not the murderer," says Dormark walking towards the armor. Finally able to recognize the armor, Dormark turns back to the baron and says, "Call a guard to arrest merchant Radu, he had this armor in his merchandise he brought into town. Also, have another one call back Izek. I heard a group passing me by in the woods, I assume he was out there when he should have been here... Baron not to be rude, but Izek has had more time than us to solve this issue and he failed miserably to a point to have your life put into danger. Not to mention his hard enforcement policy has not made him and you popular with Vallaki, I would find yourself a more popular captain of your guard at this point, for the sake of you reputation. Vasili wouldn't be bad; he is fairly popular with the people, and he was here to defend you."
Dormark is maintaining a respectful tone with the Baron though this conversation, but Dormark knows that this matter was going to put the Baron in dire straits with his people. Dormark is laying out the pathway for the Baron to make Izek is scapegoat for the anger of the people and allowing the Baron to change is laws to be more lenient to Vallaki's people.
"Also respectfully, may I ask for the pearl that was to be one of our rewards? I may be able to use it to learn more about the armor, but I don't know until I try. May I also ask to be able take what is left of the armor away, once we finish with this matter? I plan to melt it down and use what is left either personally or for my store. If you wish, you can watch the process so that you know that this thing will never bother you again," says Dormark
Galqarin takes the Baron's proffered hand gingerly, hoping that the Baron is still in too much of a state of shock to notice anything unusual. He then retires, as much as he is able, into the background.
(Since Dormark was planning on doing this he will ask a little guidance from Moradin getting a 11 and a plus 4 on the check for a persuasion of 15, not a bad roll for no proficiency, and the Mayor’s current mood on the group being fairly positive.)
The Baron draws himself up. "Izek has proven himself to be a more than able servant to Vallaki over the years. But..."he pauses and looks contemplative, "you do raise a good point. Izek has become a liability of sorts. Many times I have overlooked his episodes and where has it got me? Was he the man here to protect my life when it was most under threat? No."
He looks over to Vasili and narrows his eyes, "Did you put them up to this? I know there is no love lost between you and Izek."
"Not at all my dear Baron," Vasili starts, "this is the first I have heard of this suggestion. But, I would have no issue with assuming the role - on a temporary basis. Maybe until a more suitable replacement is found."
"Good,"Vargas says with finality, "then it is decided. I do, however, envision a little problem with your solution Dormark." The Baron chooses his next words carefully, "We all know the type of man Izek is and how he may 'deal' with this news and the demotion. Sure, Vasili is a capable man - a man of the people no less. But if Izek should turn, no offence Vasili,"Vargas looks apologetically at Vasili.
"None taken,"Vasili says with a smile.
"Well, it's just that. Izek will need apprehending and Vasili may require some assistance. I trust he can count on you all?" Vargas grovels.
"Once Izek has been subdued we can see to arresting Radu; he always did come across as a slippery fellow. In the meantime, I believe this belongs to you Dormark." Baron Vargas goes to his desk and withdraws a necklace from it. "Lydia will be upset, but she will understand,"he says by way of explanation as he pries a large pearl from the necklace and hands it to the Warforged, "I believe you wanted one."
Dormark - You receive a pearl, you believe it to be close to 300 gold pieces in value ((aka, more than enough to be used in a certain spell)).
“Thank you Baron, you have made a wise decision for both you and Vallaki. We will help with this matter to, since we know Izek’s temperament all to well,” says Dormark giving a bow to Baron.
Turning to what was left of the armor, Dormark casts identify on the armor as a ritual.
Sandu look from the fallen armour to his hands and back to the armour. He could scarcely believe it but the situation did not lie: the armour now laid motionless on the floor, beaten and battered within an inch of its former splendor. Sandu gingerly prodded it with his toe, muscles tensed to jump behind whatever was closest the moment the armour would move. But it did not. Sandu let loose his breath he did not realise he was holding in. His heart was still beating rapidly from the adrenaline rush so he focused a couple of moments on slowing his breathing. The situation was under control. The fear was gone. However-
'Can you be certain that you still have a handle on Izek?' Sandu added in on the conversation. 'Are you aware that he is leading a lynch mob through the town as we speak? Woe befalls the poor soul they vent their anger on.'
He ran a hand through his dishevelled hair and continued. 'There is merit to Dormarck's proposal: Vasili has the skills and resolve to bring this town back to its feet.'Plus it might be nice to be in good standing with the authorities for once. Sandu kept that last thought to himself. He did think of something else when the Baron deposited a rather large pearl into Dormark's hands.
'Oh right, Henry's shop.'Sandu muttered more like an afterthought than wanting to appear he was only embroiled in this situation for the reward. He politely waited until either the Baron or Vasili would pick up on it, contenting himself with watching Dormark perform some sort of ritual on the armour's remains and take the time to mentally rummage through everything that had happened in Vallaki up to now. From a safe distance of course.
Dormark - As you start undertaking the ritual on the Animated Armour, Vasili looks at you curiously. "Attempting to find out more about this heap o'junk?" he asks, jabbing his rapier deeply into the battered and scorched, smouldering remains of the Construct. "Whatever, it is or was, looks dead, but it is wise to check nonetheless."
After you have cast the spell you are able to discern that whatever magics once animated this armour is there no longer. It is a very battered and dented piece of plate armour. Possibly useful as scrap, but not a lot else.
Sandu - A look of confusion crosses the Baron's face. "You jest?" he asks incredulously. Seeing that you are incredibly serious about Izek, Vargas shakes his head. "Why on earth? I told him that he was to have no further part in the investigations. Leading a mob!"the Baron squeals with anger, "No good can come of this. He must be stopped! I... I..."
Vargas quickly regains his composure as you mention the rewards for dispatching of the Armour, "Ahh yes, Henry's shop."
"Henrik's" Vasili quickly corrects.
"Henrik's shop and all items contained within are to be handed over to your parties capable hands," Vargas says proudly, "You are now all officially Vallakians. I'm sure Vasili can get all the paperwork sorted - he is still my accountant at the end of the day."
"It would be a pleasure," Vasili says bowing, "I do think we should see to this Izek situation though, I hate to think what this mob of his might be up to."
“Yes, it is good to figure out magical effects on items. I need to check items for both Sandu and the Father, but it doesn’t hurt to see if we can learn anymore. However, this is now a regular suit of armor. It is sad that a ordinary object like this, caused all this mayhem,” says Dormark taking what is left of the suit into his arms.
(How much golds worth of material can Dormark harvest from the plate armor.)
I misspelled Henrik's name and I can't decide whether that's in character for Sandu considering the stress of the past couple of hours/days or just an honest mistake...
((Haha - I thought it was intentional as the Baron made the same mistake when he first learned of the Coffin Maker's death))
You get the sense that Baron Vargas was genuinely unaware of Izek's actions. Furthermore, you sense that he has difficulty controlling the man. Vargas is likely attempting to set up a showdown between yourselves and Izek in the hopes that one party kills the other; if you succeed, then he removes an uncompliant servant, if you fail then it may partially sate Izek's bloodlust.
All - "Hopefully if Izek is challenged to duel we may be able to avoid unnecessary bloodshed," Vasili says contemplatively. "Many of the guards that follow him do so out of fear, if we can somehow separate him from the rest of the mob..." He starts towards the door, "Either way, time would appear to be limited. We'd best get moving."
((Geez! This could well be a quicker fight than I envisioned!))
Blasting forth from Sandu's hand is a beam of such intensity that it crackles through the air before crashing into the Animated Armour. Perhaps surprisingly, is the fact that the beam is not a pure purple colour but rather has a greenish tinge to it. The Armour stands smoking from the impact, a black scorch mark in its chest region.
Vasili's Turn
"What was that?!" Vasili says in bewilderment before pressing the attack. He darts in and attempts to strike at the centre of the Construct, targetting the area struck by Sandu's Eldritch Blast.
Attack: 17 Damage: 9
Attack: 18 Damage: 7
Unfortunately, possibly distracted by the intensity of the moment, Vasili's attacks both fail to make a mark.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Animated Armour's Turn
The Animated Armour's gauntleted fist touches at the mark in its chest; possibly a residual effect of the personality of the caster that animated it. Turning towards Sandu, it stretches out its hand and unleashes Shocking Bolts.
Attack: 18 Damage: 5
Attack: 15 Damage: 9
However, the bolts go whizzing over Sandu's head. Clearly a desperate attempt from the Armour.
Galqarin - You feel as though the recent attack by Sandu has really changed the battle in your favour. The Armour stands in front of you looking battered, dented, scratched and scorched. It is your turn to act.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Raven headed staff: 26 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.
Flurry of Blows #1: 23 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.
Flurry of Blows #2: 18 Damage: Unable to parse dice roll.
2/4 ki points ramaining
> "That is a charming mask if ever I did see one. I shall have to enquire where you got it!" Vasili says jovially
A little alarm bell rings inside Galqarin's head. He must be careful what he reveals. But no time for that now.
Galqarin unleashes another assault on the metal foe whilst imagining himself unleashing fury upon his nemesis, Izek.
((Not sure why it won't parse the damage rolls :-/. The first FoB was a crit too! Assuming the staff is a miss, the FoB damage rolls from the campaign log, including the extra d4 from the crit, are 9 and 5 respectively))
Picturing Izek when unleashing his fury seems to have worked for Galqarin. After his first staff attack sails well wide of the mark and almost catches Vasili square in the chest, his follow up attacks both go crunching into the Armour.
It is at this point that you become increasingly aware that if there was a person within the suit of armour it would be likely that their chest would currently be crushed in. So battered and dented is the chest piece that it is more concave than convex.
Ireena's Turn
Determined not to be 'shown-up', Ireena quickly darts in and attempts to poke the Construct with her rapier;
Attack: 6 Damage: 9
Unfortunately, her attack completely misses its target and she instead skewers one of the books sitting on a shelf behind the Armour; the book was no great loss, entitled Tavern Management In Rural Areas, the Baron had long given up on his dream of retiring to the peaceful Barovian countryside.
Instead, spotting a potential weapon, Ireena hurls the great tome at the Construct, momentarily sending it off balance.
Bonus Action: As before, Ireena uses Helpful (Ireena is adept at giving well-timed assistance; she can take the Help action as a bonus action), meaning that Dormark gains advantage on his next attack.
Dormark - Ireena has momentarily knocked the Animated Armour off balance. It is highly damaged and you wonder how it is still able to function. Will you send it back to the scrap yard? It is your turn to act.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Dormark says, "Enough of this." Dormark puts his mace on his belt and walks towards Sandu allowing the armor an opportunity attack on him. As soon as he puts a 5ft space between him and the armor. Dormark turns around with the hammer appearing in his grip he throws it at the armor.
Dormark casts a 2nd level [spell]guiding bolt[spell] at the armor.
Attack: 23 Damage: 18
The larger spiritual hammer swings at the armor after the bolt is released.
rolling twice in case bolt hits
1 15 2 20
damage 4
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
The Armour swipes out at Dormark as he moves away;
Attack: 15 Damage: 12
Thankfully, the attack fails to penetrate Dormark's defences, ineffectively striking against the Warforged heavy metal frame.
Filled with a wave of righteous anger, Dormark fires off a guiding bolt towards the battered Construct. Unfortunately, at the last moment, it sidesteps the blast, which crashes into the wall behind it - sending forth a shower of paper and wood.
((Unlucky, got very close - but didn't quite meet its AC))
The follow-ups from Dormark's spiritual hammer also fail to cause any real damage to the Animated Armour.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Burgoomaster's Mansin Fight - Round #3 - Turn #1 (Baron Vargas)
Spotting the Dormark lumbering away from the Animated Armour, Baron Vargas lets out a shriek and runs behind the Warforged, attempting to hide behind him. As before, as soon as Vargas comes into sight, the Construct attention focuses on him.
"How is this possible?!" he complains from behind his new hiding spot.
((Once more he is Helping Sandu - advantage on your next attack roll.))
Sandu - Once more you see that the Armour is drawn to the Baron, likely the will of whoever animated the Construct. As your enemy struggles to turn you notice that it is unlikely to survive more than a couple more blasts. 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)
Sandu could hardly believe what was happening but the tide of battle had indeed shifted in their favour. What he found even more unbelievable was what he had conjured forth. The first magical bolt he had thrown at the armour had been powerful but the second one, that one was of an entirely different magnitude all together. Sandu did not know where that kind of power came from. Was it a lack of experience? An uncontrollable outburst of latent power? Or was it fear powering him? Fear for his life, fear of the enemy before him, fear of never being able to escape this place, fear of Strahd? Whatever it was, it was fuel for power and that was something they could use more of. The last blast had singed off the hairs on the back of his hand and the lower half of his forearm but at the words of the Baron, Sandu once more lined up his hand with the armour and let loose. 'Pleacã!'
Eldritch Blast Attack: 24 Damage: 10
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 beam of Sandu's Eldritch Blast once more penetrates the armour's defences. You notice as its movement starts becoming more and more laboured, as though the magics behind its animation are wearing thin. Not long now.
Vasili's Turn
"Nice one Sandu!" Vasili cries as he springs forward, "Couldn't have done better myself." The accountant has barely broken a sweat since initially being struck by the Armour, he steps forward and boldly lashes out with his rapier.
Attack: 29 Damage: 17
Attack: 18 Damage: 8
"Die, foul beast!" Vasili shouts as he expertly bypasses the Constructs defences and lands the final blow.
Staggering forward the armour begins to twist and turn before imploding in on itself; a tearing metallic sound can be heard as it scrunches up and lands on the floor at everyone's feet.
"Is... is it dead?" The Baron asks from behind Dormark. Vasili turns around and drops to one knee, "Heroes! You have saved both mine and the Baron's lives!"
Vargas looks a sickly green colour as he walks over to the now-deceased Armour and tentatively pokes at it with his foot. "By the Morninglord!" he declares, "You've done it. Vallaki can rest easy!"
Baron Vargas goes to each of you in turn and vigorously shakes your hands; waffling on about how fantastic the fight was and how great you all were.
Vasili simply smiles, paying particular attention to Sandu, "Well done. I can see that you are all truly capable fighters."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
"Sadly Baron this is not over... we found the murder weapon not the murderer," says Dormark walking towards the armor. Finally able to recognize the armor, Dormark turns back to the baron and says, "Call a guard to arrest merchant Radu, he had this armor in his merchandise he brought into town. Also, have another one call back Izek. I heard a group passing me by in the woods, I assume he was out there when he should have been here... Baron not to be rude, but Izek has had more time than us to solve this issue and he failed miserably to a point to have your life put into danger. Not to mention his hard enforcement policy has not made him and you popular with Vallaki, I would find yourself a more popular captain of your guard at this point, for the sake of you reputation. Vasili wouldn't be bad; he is fairly popular with the people, and he was here to defend you."
Dormark is maintaining a respectful tone with the Baron though this conversation, but Dormark knows that this matter was going to put the Baron in dire straits with his people. Dormark is laying out the pathway for the Baron to make Izek is scapegoat for the anger of the people and allowing the Baron to change is laws to be more lenient to Vallaki's people.
"Also respectfully, may I ask for the pearl that was to be one of our rewards? I may be able to use it to learn more about the armor, but I don't know until I try. May I also ask to be able take what is left of the armor away, once we finish with this matter? I plan to melt it down and use what is left either personally or for my store. If you wish, you can watch the process so that you know that this thing will never bother you again," says Dormark
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Galqarin takes the Baron's proffered hand gingerly, hoping that the Baron is still in too much of a state of shock to notice anything unusual. He then retires, as much as he is able, into the background.
Dormark - Please make a Persuasion or an Intimidation check, depending on the tact you wish to take.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
(Since Dormark was planning on doing this he will ask a little guidance from Moradin getting a 11 and a plus 4 on the check for a persuasion of 15, not a bad roll for no proficiency, and the Mayor’s current mood on the group being fairly positive.)
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
The Baron draws himself up. "Izek has proven himself to be a more than able servant to Vallaki over the years. But..." he pauses and looks contemplative, "you do raise a good point. Izek has become a liability of sorts. Many times I have overlooked his episodes and where has it got me? Was he the man here to protect my life when it was most under threat? No."
He looks over to Vasili and narrows his eyes, "Did you put them up to this? I know there is no love lost between you and Izek."
"Not at all my dear Baron," Vasili starts, "this is the first I have heard of this suggestion. But, I would have no issue with assuming the role - on a temporary basis. Maybe until a more suitable replacement is found."
"Good," Vargas says with finality, "then it is decided. I do, however, envision a little problem with your solution Dormark." The Baron chooses his next words carefully, "We all know the type of man Izek is and how he may 'deal' with this news and the demotion. Sure, Vasili is a capable man - a man of the people no less. But if Izek should turn, no offence Vasili," Vargas looks apologetically at Vasili.
"None taken," Vasili says with a smile.
"Well, it's just that. Izek will need apprehending and Vasili may require some assistance. I trust he can count on you all?" Vargas grovels.
"Once Izek has been subdued we can see to arresting Radu; he always did come across as a slippery fellow. In the meantime, I believe this belongs to you Dormark." Baron Vargas goes to his desk and withdraws a necklace from it. "Lydia will be upset, but she will understand," he says by way of explanation as he pries a large pearl from the necklace and hands it to the Warforged, "I believe you wanted one."
Dormark - You receive a pearl, you believe it to be close to 300 gold pieces in value ((aka, more than enough to be used in a certain spell)).
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
“Thank you Baron, you have made a wise decision for both you and Vallaki. We will help with this matter to, since we know Izek’s temperament all to well,” says Dormark giving a bow to Baron.
Turning to what was left of the armor, Dormark casts identify on the armor as a ritual.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Sandu look from the fallen armour to his hands and back to the armour. He could scarcely believe it but the situation did not lie: the armour now laid motionless on the floor, beaten and battered within an inch of its former splendor. Sandu gingerly prodded it with his toe, muscles tensed to jump behind whatever was closest the moment the armour would move. But it did not. Sandu let loose his breath he did not realise he was holding in. His heart was still beating rapidly from the adrenaline rush so he focused a couple of moments on slowing his breathing. The situation was under control. The fear was gone. However-
'Can you be certain that you still have a handle on Izek?' Sandu added in on the conversation. 'Are you aware that he is leading a lynch mob through the town as we speak? Woe befalls the poor soul they vent their anger on.'
He ran a hand through his dishevelled hair and continued. 'There is merit to Dormarck's proposal: Vasili has the skills and resolve to bring this town back to its feet.' Plus it might be nice to be in good standing with the authorities for once. Sandu kept that last thought to himself. He did think of something else when the Baron deposited a rather large pearl into Dormark's hands.
'Oh right, Henry's shop.' Sandu muttered more like an afterthought than wanting to appear he was only embroiled in this situation for the reward. He politely waited until either the Baron or Vasili would pick up on it, contenting himself with watching Dormark perform some sort of ritual on the armour's remains and take the time to mentally rummage through everything that had happened in Vallaki up to now. From a safe distance of course.
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
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
“Yes, it is good to figure out magical effects on items. I need to check items for both Sandu and the Father, but it doesn’t hurt to see if we can learn anymore. However, this is now a regular suit of armor. It is sad that a ordinary object like this, caused all this mayhem,” says Dormark taking what is left of the suit into his arms.
(How much golds worth of material can Dormark harvest from the plate armor.)
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
I misspelled Henrik's name and I can't decide whether that's in character for Sandu considering the stress of the past couple of hours/days or just an honest mistake...
Insight check 5
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Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
Dormark - "Ordinary armour?" Vargas says incredulously, "Doesn't look ordinary to me. Something that old, it looks ancient."
"I concur," Vasili offers, "besides the markings seem quite unique."
((You deem the worth of the materials to be around 10% of it's initial cost; about 150 gp))
Sandu's Insight check:
((Haha - I thought it was intentional as the Baron made the same mistake when he first learned of the Coffin Maker's death))
You get the sense that Baron Vargas was genuinely unaware of Izek's actions. Furthermore, you sense that he has difficulty controlling the man. Vargas is likely attempting to set up a showdown between yourselves and Izek in the hopes that one party kills the other; if you succeed, then he removes an uncompliant servant, if you fail then it may partially sate Izek's bloodlust.
All - "Hopefully if Izek is challenged to duel we may be able to avoid unnecessary bloodshed," Vasili says contemplatively. "Many of the guards that follow him do so out of fear, if we can somehow separate him from the rest of the mob..." He starts towards the door, "Either way, time would appear to be limited. We'd best get moving."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)