Sandu shivered. The forest was not cold but something had coiled cold tendrils around him when the rider came close. It was hard for him to put into words but he instinctively knew what it was: the chill of the grave!
As the rider approached, Sandu felt something trigger in him. His eyes flooded to become pools of black and the word 'Dezvãlui.' fell from his lips with a soft, cold whisper.
OOC: - casting Detect Magic - I'd like an Arcana check, please: 18
Baern was ready to move on from the camp and see Vallaki next, until he remembered just how terrifying the open road was here in Barovia. As the screech and the rider came he was about to shuffle quickly off of the road but saw Dormark stand his ground and thus decided to support his friend and stand with him. If the rider gets within feet of running him down, however, he'll yell at Dormark to "move!"and sidestep the rider himself.
Perception - At a glance you can tell that the rider is clearly undead but appears cognisant of it's surroundings. You manage to make out glowing eyes under it's hood.
Insight - The rider seems to be unconcerned with the group. As though it is just passing by / enroute somewhere.
Detect Magic - As soon as you cast the spell you notice an aura emanating from the rider and it's mount; strong necromantic energy covers the figures. Other than this, the Greatsword strapped to it's back has an Enchantment aura & the saddlebags of the warhorse has a faint aura of Conjuration magic.
Arcana - Based on your knowledge of magic and magical creatures. You are able to discern that this is not a mindless undead construct. Rather it is a being which has clawed it's way back from the brink of death in order to achieve a solitary purpose - revenge against that which has wronged it. It is otherwise known as a 'Revenant'. You would additionally get the idea that this being is unlikely to pose a threat to anyone that does not impede it's purpose... in fact it might even be able to be reasoned with.
Dormark's checks:
Perception - At a glance you can tell that the rider is clearly undead but appears cognisant of it's surroundings. You manage to make out glowing eyes under it's hood. Furthermore, it appears to have some form of symbol emblazoned on its armour - it is hard to make out due to years of rust, but it appears to resemble the form of a silver dragon.
Baern's checks:
Perception - At a glance you can tell that the rider is clearly undead but appears cognisant of it's surroundings. A hood obscures it's face.
The knight slows, casting an eye over the party gathered to the side of the road.
Its voice is strained and guttural,"Be you friend or be you foe?!". Drawing the Greatsword from his back, holding it with unnatural strength in one hand, he points the massive sword at Dormark."SPEAK! Whom is thine Master?! Dost thou serve the one known as Strahd!" As he says Strahd's name there is a deep hatred and malice behind his words.
The greatsword, in stark contrast to the figures armour, looks in good condition and has a faint magical glow. You can see it is engraved with a similar pattern to it's armour - silver dragon motifs run up and down the blade.
“We call Strahd many things, but master is not one of them. Tell me sir knight can you lend any aid to a group seeking to destroy Strahd? There are many things unuseful to an undead, but a great boon to the living,” says Dormark keeping his guard up.
The knight pauses and contemplates Dormark's words,"Speak thee true?! Thou meanst to oppose that which calls itself, 'Strahd'?"He sheaths his greatsword and slowly descends from his skeletal warhorse. His mighty feet strike the ground with a thud and his armour jangles.
Walking to Dormark, he looks the party over in turn."Dost thee truly believe thou canst destroy that which reigns over this realm?" Once again the knight takes a while to consider the situation. "Tell me! How doth thou seek to achieve thine goal? What doth set thee apart from those that cometh before?!"
The figure stands, awaiting your answer.
Any - Please make a Persuasion attempt, should any seek to assist with the answer then this can be made with advantage.
It was weird: the rider was clearly was undead, Sandu knew for a fact that it was undead, but somehow, it did not radiate the same aura of menace other undead did. It certainly was dangerous but it seemed to have a shimmer of its previous life. A knight perhaps. Perhaps a paladin? Aside from its undead nature, the rider came across as a knight of yore to Sandu's senses. Like one from the olden days, the ones that had stories and legends written about them. He felt compelled to step out of the shadows and into the open.
'Well met, sir knight.' Sandu raised his right hand above his head, part as a salute and part to show he was unarmed. 'My iron compatriot doth speak true.' Sandu noticed that some of the others were still in hiding. He decided not to call them out and instead scurried over to Valerie to help her up. 'Our small band of adventurers are indeed opposed to the devil Strahd and, if the gods be smiling upon us, endeavour to free the land of his shadow.'
He paused for a moment, contemplating how best to formulate his words. 'As to your other question,' Sandu spoke with more confidence. After all, anything sounds more believable when spoken with confidence. 'We are guided by providence and seek allies and artifacts to aid us on our quest.'
As Sandu and Dormark speak to the night, it becomes apparent that there is no immediate threat to the group, though that could change if the wrong thing is said. Casually, Ioben slips out of hiding, still holding his bow loosely in his hand and lean against the gallows, keeping his distance from the others but now clearly visible.
Galqarin's instinct is to remain hidden, but seeing his companions stand their ground, and the knight sheath his weapon, he cautiously emerges from hiding.
"The Devil Strahd", he muses. This is how the Burgomaster of Vallaki refers to him.Privately, he himself has no love for the Burgomaster and his henchmen; having only been exposed to the deprivations of the latter, he has yet to form an opinion of the current occupant of the seat of Ravenloft.
Being a paladin who swore to destroy undead and prevent them from harming innocences, Valerie is having a hard time believing or accepting the fact that this undead is planning to help them. However, with their current circumstance and power, they need whatever help they got if they were to oppose Stradh. Hence, she does not want to ruin the potential help.
Therefore, she gets up from the muddy ground, brushes the mud of her, and gets closer to the undead with the sword firmly gripped in her hand.
“As you see sir knight we are a crew of many different skills, faiths, and motives, but we all seek to oppose Strahd. I see the flames of hope to fight the vampire and seems it has been a bit since the last time that was the case,” says Dormark. Patting Sandu on his shoulder for the courage he displayed. Looking towards the revenant he extends his arm. “But a small flame can be easily extinguished if left unattended, so knight of yore could you provide us any aid,” asks Dormark keeping his arm extended to shake the man’s hand. (Dang Sandu good roll. All I’ll add is just some flavor text as unneeded assistance.)
The knight does not take Dormark's hand but instead nods his head in acknowledgement,"It wouldst appear thine words ring true...". He mutters to himself,"Couldst it be that more would oppose that who is Strahd?"
"If it be artefacts to defeat Strahd that thy desire, thou must visit Argynvostholt. Seek out Sir Vladimir Horngaard, he will assist thee." There is an audible creaking as the knight turns to remount his steed, "To Argynvostholt thou must go... Sir Vladimir thou must seek... I... I must be off. The devil, the Strahd, still doth inhabit these lands. The Strahd must be dispatched... by... by my blade he will be brought low." The knight seems almost distracted by his task at hand.
"To Argynvostholt... past Vallaki. Follow the road West, straight over the Luna River Crossroads... first... first left after the Crossroads. Make haste... I..." As the knight climbs on his skeletal warhorse, he looks down at the party assembled, "What is this new recruits?! Must thou dally all day?! The Order of the Silver Dragon doth not abide malingerers! Thou must report to Sir Godfrey.. or Sir Vladimir... this instance!" He seems lost in the moment, like he is living a separate timeline.
The knight sits tall on his skeletal horse, dignified inspite of his ghoulish features - a relic of a bygone age.
All - If anyone would like to make any further checks (especially History), please let me know and post the results.
Though you do not recollect the name 'Argynvostholt', it seems clear that it would be a likely meeting or dwelling place for the 'Order of the Silver Dragon'; there might be a link between the name and the order, it is unclear.
Oddly enough the name 'Argynvost' does ring-a-bell. You recall tales of a grand silver dragon that was lost to history many hundreds of years ago. Tales spoke of a benevolent creature that provided protection from those beings/entities that wished to cause evil. You surmise that a creature such as he would be diametrically opposed to the evil Strahd has wrought - potentially to the point of seeking open conflict with the Count.
From the way this knight is dressed it is not difficult to see that the Silver Dragon emblazoned on his armour and weaponry depicts 'Argynvost'. Furthermore, 'Argynvostholt' would likely be the dwelling place / name given to the seat of power of Argynvost himself; 'holt' in this case literally translating to 'house' , 'hold', 'mansion' , or other dwelling place.
Dormark - The knight nods once more in acknowledgement, "That is exactly what I mean to do. I will not rest until the Devil Strahd is defeated."
Galqarin -"What's that recruit!" the knight barks, "My name? My name?!" As he stares at you through glowing eyes it is almost as though he looks past you,"How long hast thou been with us, Danvers? It is I, Sir Osric, thy Commanding Officer!"
Sandu shivered. The forest was not cold but something had coiled cold tendrils around him when the rider came close. It was hard for him to put into words but he instinctively knew what it was: the chill of the grave!
As the rider approached, Sandu felt something trigger in him. His eyes flooded to become pools of black and the word 'Dezvãlui.' fell from his lips with a soft, cold whisper.
OOC:
- casting Detect Magic
- I'd like an Arcana check, please: 18
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
(16 on my perception roll)
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Perception: 9
Baern was ready to move on from the camp and see Vallaki next, until he remembered just how terrifying the open road was here in Barovia. As the screech and the rider came he was about to shuffle quickly off of the road but saw Dormark stand his ground and thus decided to support his friend and stand with him. If the rider gets within feet of running him down, however, he'll yell at Dormark to "move!" and sidestep the rider himself.
Ioben's checks:
Perception - At a glance you can tell that the rider is clearly undead but appears cognisant of it's surroundings. You manage to make out glowing eyes under it's hood.
Insight - The rider seems to be unconcerned with the group. As though it is just passing by / enroute somewhere.
Sandu's checks / Detect Magic
Detect Magic - As soon as you cast the spell you notice an aura emanating from the rider and it's mount; strong necromantic energy covers the figures. Other than this, the Greatsword strapped to it's back has an Enchantment aura & the saddlebags of the warhorse has a faint aura of Conjuration magic.
Arcana - Based on your knowledge of magic and magical creatures. You are able to discern that this is not a mindless undead construct. Rather it is a being which has clawed it's way back from the brink of death in order to achieve a solitary purpose - revenge against that which has wronged it. It is otherwise known as a 'Revenant'. You would additionally get the idea that this being is unlikely to pose a threat to anyone that does not impede it's purpose... in fact it might even be able to be reasoned with.
Dormark's checks:
Perception - At a glance you can tell that the rider is clearly undead but appears cognisant of it's surroundings. You manage to make out glowing eyes under it's hood. Furthermore, it appears to have some form of symbol emblazoned on its armour - it is hard to make out due to years of rust, but it appears to resemble the form of a silver dragon.
Baern's checks:
Perception - At a glance you can tell that the rider is clearly undead but appears cognisant of it's surroundings. A hood obscures it's face.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
“Hail old knight, are you still to be reasoned with, or are you a lost soul striking out at those around you,” asks Dormark to the undead.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
The knight slows, casting an eye over the party gathered to the side of the road.
Its voice is strained and guttural, "Be you friend or be you foe?!". Drawing the Greatsword from his back, holding it with unnatural strength in one hand, he points the massive sword at Dormark. "SPEAK! Whom is thine Master?! Dost thou serve the one known as Strahd!" As he says Strahd's name there is a deep hatred and malice behind his words.
Perception ((using previous roll)):
The greatsword, in stark contrast to the figures armour, looks in good condition and has a faint magical glow. You can see it is engraved with a similar pattern to it's armour - silver dragon motifs run up and down the blade.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
“We call Strahd many things, but master is not one of them. Tell me sir knight can you lend any aid to a group seeking to destroy Strahd? There are many things unuseful to an undead, but a great boon to the living,” says Dormark keeping his guard up.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
The knight pauses and contemplates Dormark's words, "Speak thee true?! Thou meanst to oppose that which calls itself, 'Strahd'?" He sheaths his greatsword and slowly descends from his skeletal warhorse. His mighty feet strike the ground with a thud and his armour jangles.
Walking to Dormark, he looks the party over in turn. "Dost thee truly believe thou canst destroy that which reigns over this realm?" Once again the knight takes a while to consider the situation. "Tell me! How doth thou seek to achieve thine goal? What doth set thee apart from those that cometh before?!"
The figure stands, awaiting your answer.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
It was weird: the rider was clearly was undead, Sandu knew for a fact that it was undead, but somehow, it did not radiate the same aura of menace other undead did. It certainly was dangerous but it seemed to have a shimmer of its previous life. A knight perhaps. Perhaps a paladin? Aside from its undead nature, the rider came across as a knight of yore to Sandu's senses. Like one from the olden days, the ones that had stories and legends written about them. He felt compelled to step out of the shadows and into the open.
'Well met, sir knight.' Sandu raised his right hand above his head, part as a salute and part to show he was unarmed. 'My iron compatriot doth speak true.' Sandu noticed that some of the others were still in hiding. He decided not to call them out and instead scurried over to Valerie to help her up. 'Our small band of adventurers are indeed opposed to the devil Strahd and, if the gods be smiling upon us, endeavour to free the land of his shadow.'
He paused for a moment, contemplating how best to formulate his words. 'As to your other question,' Sandu spoke with more confidence. After all, anything sounds more believable when spoken with confidence. 'We are guided by providence and seek allies and artifacts to aid us on our quest.'
OOC: Persuasion 23
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
As Sandu and Dormark speak to the night, it becomes apparent that there is no immediate threat to the group, though that could change if the wrong thing is said. Casually, Ioben slips out of hiding, still holding his bow loosely in his hand and lean against the gallows, keeping his distance from the others but now clearly visible.
Galqarin's instinct is to remain hidden, but seeing his companions stand their ground, and the knight sheath his weapon, he cautiously emerges from hiding.
"The Devil Strahd", he muses. This is how the Burgomaster of Vallaki refers to him. Privately, he himself has no love for the Burgomaster and his henchmen; having only been exposed to the deprivations of the latter, he has yet to form an opinion of the current occupant of the seat of Ravenloft.
Being a paladin who swore to destroy undead and prevent them from harming innocences, Valerie is having a hard time believing or accepting the fact that this undead is planning to help them. However, with their current circumstance and power, they need whatever help they got if they were to oppose Stradh. Hence, she does not want to ruin the potential help.
Therefore, she gets up from the muddy ground, brushes the mud of her, and gets closer to the undead with the sword firmly gripped in her hand.
“As you see sir knight we are a crew of many different skills, faiths, and motives, but we all seek to oppose Strahd. I see the flames of hope to fight the vampire and seems it has been a bit since the last time that was the case,” says Dormark. Patting Sandu on his shoulder for the courage he displayed. Looking towards the revenant he extends his arm. “But a small flame can be easily extinguished if left unattended, so knight of yore could you provide us any aid,” asks Dormark keeping his arm extended to shake the man’s hand.
(Dang Sandu good roll. All I’ll add is just some flavor text as unneeded assistance.)
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
The knight does not take Dormark's hand but instead nods his head in acknowledgement, "It wouldst appear thine words ring true...". He mutters to himself, "Couldst it be that more would oppose that who is Strahd?"
"If it be artefacts to defeat Strahd that thy desire, thou must visit Argynvostholt. Seek out Sir Vladimir Horngaard, he will assist thee." There is an audible creaking as the knight turns to remount his steed, "To Argynvostholt thou must go... Sir Vladimir thou must seek... I... I must be off. The devil, the Strahd, still doth inhabit these lands. The Strahd must be dispatched... by... by my blade he will be brought low." The knight seems almost distracted by his task at hand.
"To Argynvostholt... past Vallaki. Follow the road West, straight over the Luna River Crossroads... first... first left after the Crossroads. Make haste... I..." As the knight climbs on his skeletal warhorse, he looks down at the party assembled, "What is this new recruits?! Must thou dally all day?! The Order of the Silver Dragon doth not abide malingerers! Thou must report to Sir Godfrey.. or Sir Vladimir... this instance!" He seems lost in the moment, like he is living a separate timeline.
The knight sits tall on his skeletal horse, dignified inspite of his ghoulish features - a relic of a bygone age.
All - If anyone would like to make any further checks (especially History), please let me know and post the results.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
((OOC - Well since you put it that way))
As the undead knight speaks, Ioben tries to recall if any of the names or places mean anything to him. History: 7
OOC: Sandu has proficiency in History which I interpret as being a book nerd ^^
History check 20
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
Ioben's History check:
Though you do not recollect the name 'Argynvostholt', it seems clear that it would be a likely meeting or dwelling place for the 'Order of the Silver Dragon'; there might be a link between the name and the order, it is unclear.
Sandu's History check:
Oddly enough the name 'Argynvost' does ring-a-bell. You recall tales of a grand silver dragon that was lost to history many hundreds of years ago. Tales spoke of a benevolent creature that provided protection from those beings/entities that wished to cause evil. You surmise that a creature such as he would be diametrically opposed to the evil Strahd has wrought - potentially to the point of seeking open conflict with the Count.
From the way this knight is dressed it is not difficult to see that the Silver Dragon emblazoned on his armour and weaponry depicts 'Argynvost'. Furthermore, 'Argynvostholt' would likely be the dwelling place / name given to the seat of power of Argynvost himself; 'holt' in this case literally translating to 'house' , 'hold', 'mansion' , or other dwelling place.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Dormark pulls back his hand and says, “We will do that sir, but you were riding with some urgency shouldn’t you return to your mission?”
(Dormark will not make any other check, but he will say this after everyone has done what they want.)
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
((Galqarin's history: 9))
"Sir Knight", Galqarin questions respectfully, "What name do you go by?"
Dormark - The knight nods once more in acknowledgement, "That is exactly what I mean to do. I will not rest until the Devil Strahd is defeated."
Galqarin - "What's that recruit!" the knight barks, "My name? My name?!" As he stares at you through glowing eyes it is almost as though he looks past you, "How long hast thou been with us, Danvers? It is I, Sir Osric, thy Commanding Officer!"
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)