As Dormark observes the scenery around him, a deep anger begins to boil from within loooking at how the people acted and were treated. "The Baron is no better than the devil," says Dormark under his breath. Looking for the toy store, Dormark says to Sandu, "if your going to see the priest let at least look at you, I'm just concern for your health, but due what you deem best," he walks forward, knowing that even though his face can't show his emotions that every person he now sees is the same as him.
"Who's the statue of?" asks a curious Baern aloud to no one in particular. He makes his way over to it to see if there is a name on it anywhere. If need be, he'll politely ask a local nearby.
Galqarin is able to guide Dormark and the others to the toy store. Though he has never been inside, he explains in his halting way, he has looked through the window at night. In fact most of his wanderings of the town have been when its citizens were abed, doors firmly bolted against nocturnal, hairy monsters such as he.
It is unclear who the figure is; there is no plaque on the statue and it's visage does not ring any bells. By the age and wear on the statue you can tell that whomever it depicts must have lived hundreds of years ago and may well be lost to history.
Baern - A small, plump lady returns your gaze; she wears a plain looking dress and a wide smile is pinned to her face. "Why, how wonderful, a dwarf! Welcome, welcome to Vallaki."Her face almost cracks the smile is so transfixed to her face,"The statue you say? Not sure, heard a rumour it was one of the founders of his marvellous town." Her voice is loud and full of niceties. "Say, we do not see many outsiders here, I hope you're enjoying your stay."
Baern, Dormark & Galqarin - You continue on, putting the town square behind you, Galqarin guiding the way northward. You briefly pass by a large building looming imposingly on your left, it looks like a governmental building. Galqarin, you would know this to be the 'Vallakovich Reformation Centre'; an old building which serves as a courthouse, a guard barracks, and a prison - all in one. This is where any miscreants are brought for 'reforming'.
Walking swiftly by the Reformation Centre you take a side street which leads to a rather decrepit looking storefront.
((Blinsky's Toys - "Is No Fun, Is No Blinsky!"))
This cramped shop has a dark entrance portico, above which hangs a wooden sign shaped like a rocking horse, with a “B” engraved on both sides. Flanking the entrance are two arched, lead-framed windows. Through the dirty glass, you see jumbled displays of toys and hanging placards bearing the slogan “Is No Fun, Is No Blinsky!”
The toys visible from the window are varied; rocking horses, puppets, animated statuettes - though the store looks in poor repair the toys in the window appear to have been lovingly made and kept. A number of objects instantly jump out;
Galqarin - A miniture gallows, complete with a trapdoor and a weighted "hanged man" sits in a corner. The figure looks to be humanoid and looks pretty hairy for a human.
Dormark - A small, animated, tinman stands in the window. Every so often it opens up a compartment in its chest to show what looks like a tiny heart.
Baern - A ventriloquist's dummy with dwarfish looking features - female with what looks like a little hammer in her hand.
ALL - All of your eyes are then drawn to a doll that is the spitting image of Ireena
As you enter the store you are greeted by a large man in a jester/clown's outfit with a small monkey sitting on his shoulder.
“Wyelcome, friends, to the House of Blinsky, where hyappiness and smiles can be bought at bargain prices. Perhaps you know a leetle child in need of joy? A leetle toy for a girl or boy?”The heavily accented man beams. Galqarin you know this man to be Gadof Blinsky - the town's (in)famous toy-maker. As he looks up from his shop counter his eyes instant focus on Dormark. "My gyoodness! 'ow wondyful! Syimply wondyful! What a well-made toy!" He says his voice giddy with excitement, as he walks over to Dormark and starts closely examining the warforged.
Early-Afternoon - Day 5 - St. Andral's Church Group
Ioben, Sandu & Valerie (with Ireena and Ismark) - You walk northward, away from the strange scenes at the Vallaki Town Square, a main-street of sorts intersects the road. To the West you spot a large church building. On your left as you approach the road there is a large official / governmental building. Walking on for around 600m the church comes into full view.
Ismark looks across at his sister and smiles, "Glad that we have finally made it. You'll be safe here, you'll see."
As the group make there way towards the entrance to the church they notice the it must be centuries-old; it is made of grey stone, and slouches slightly, with a bulging steeple in the back, the walls are lined with cracked, stained glass windows depicting pious saints. A fence of wrought iron encloses a garden of gravestones next to the church. A thin mist creeps among the graves. Overheard a number of ravens fly, calling to one another as they go.
((St. Andral's Church - Interior; sans Father Lucian & Parishioners))
Entering into the church you notice lines of pews, well-worn, with a large altar at the front. At the front an elderly man in priests garments appears to be comforting a woman in her fifties. Otherwise there are six other people in addition to yourselves in the church; though their heads are bowed in prayer a couple of them quietly acknowledge the party. "That must be Father Lucian" Ismark hisses quietly at Ireena, "Donavich suggested we meet with him."
Punctuating Ismarks words, a sob comes from the lady with Lucian at the front of the church, "My Udo!" she wails. Father Lucian looks in the party's direction and waves a hand in greeting. He stands, gives the woman's shoulder a squeeze, and then heads towards you.
“Yes I am very well made, but I’m not comfortable with being called a toy. We are here to purchase a gift for a child. Also, I was wondering if you came across a man who has an arm similar to mine,” he says letting Blinksy finish his inspection
"Girl", adds Galqarin, holding a hand at about his midriff level to indicate roughly the size of child in question, whilst looking alternately at the monkey on Blinky's shoulder and the interior of the shop, with the curiosity of one whose childhood was bereft of such wonders. He tries to keep his eyes from being drawn to the miniature gallows and its hairy "hanged man". Instead he points at the doll. "Pretty doll, just like...", he stops in confusion. Why would there be a doll that looks like Ireena? Was the hanged man meant to be him? And that tin man, was that Dormark?
Dormark - You catch Blinsky by surprise,"Gyoodness, it tyalks!"He is very much taken aback before turning to Baern and saying,"Cy-an 'e think? Intriguing, ye' wondyful! Hyow much for 'im?"His face is deadpan before he cracks a laugh,"I am kydding! Gadof, he likes his jokeses, yes. An arm like yours, eh?" After thinking a while he simply says,"Izek has strange arm - monstrous lookeen... nyot like your's metal friend."
Galqarin - "Of course, of course. Please, many dollies here - you pick one."Gadof leads you over to a set of shelves stacked with all sorts of dolls, teddies, stuffed toys, and the like. "D'you 'ave any ideas on whyat you're lookeen fer?" The monkey sitting on Blinsky's shoulder jumps onto the shelf and proceeds to pick-up one of the dolls and throw it towards you. "Oy, uh, pay 'im nyo mind... He's jus' tryin' to be hyelpful... Piccolo!"At hearing his name the monkey eagerly bounds back to Gadof, who in turn lets out a howl of delight. "Syuch a clever leetle boy!" he beams gently patting Piccolo on his head. ((Feel free to make a Perception check if you take the time/distraction to glimpse behind his counter)).
(accidentally hit insight but the bonus is the same so 20) Is that so, I sorry to bother you then, but if you happen to see someone like that would you let me know. He stole something that I need to get back. Yes from what I remember she said she wanted to give her a toy bear. Does that sound about right,” Dormark asks the rest of the group.
Baern looks around the shop, studying each toy. He has never seen such a place. Coming to the likings of Ireena, Dormark, etc. he mumbles "but how..."before trailing off. Then, more assertively he asks "if this one is Ireena, and this Galqarin, and maybe this one Dormark, who is this?" He gestures to the female dwarf.
Dormark face turns towards Baern and his eyes glow brighter for a bit, then turning back towards Blinsky says, "Actually been wanting to get rid of something. You have use of a furry animal I found? Incredibly it stands on 2 legs, is hairy, has dexterous hands, and is short. Almost like your little friend on your shoulder." Dormark steps back towards where Baern is looking back and says, "Maybe has something to do with you? Looks fairly Dwarivsh to me."
Ioben hadn't spent much time in churches, and never one as impressive as this. If he had needed religious enlightenment or direction a shrine or wandering priest hand always been sufficient. He didn't feel the need to gather to hear the preachings of a God who was not there with them. Surely if they had something new to say, they would come down and say it themselves. Still, others felt the need, and who was he to begrudge them their comfort.
As the Father approaches, Ioben dips his head reverentially. Even if he didn't feel the need to be in a church, he could still acknowledge the reverence given such men. "Father Lucian, thank you for your service here. I am sure you bring comfort to these people. We have been told that you might assist us in our journey."
Dormark - "Excyellent, excyellent chyoice! Piccolo - grab that preetty tyeddy bear there." As Blinsky points out the toy his obedient monkey scampers over to the shelf and grabs a toy bear, presenting it with a bow to you. "Ahh yes - a fine toy! He cy-an be yours for a mere 9 cyoppers!"Blinsky says delightedly.
As you peer behind Gadof Blinsky's store counter / makeshift work bench you note that there are more dolls, a series in fact, all in the likeness of Ireena.
Baern - "Whyo is this? Ireena, Gyalqarin, Door-mark?"Blinsky says confused."Wait, I reemember a Gyalqarin." His eyes narrow just a little,"Hyeard he hyad been chase-ed out of Vallaki... hyad a kyerfuffle with the By-urgy-master. Y'know hyim?"he says suspiciously.
He lets the question drop as he see's you gesture to the Dwarfish dummy. "Ahh yes, you like? A fine toy - very fine. A syingle silver piece and it is yours!" he declares. "Whyo is she? I reemember a nyice dee-warf lady passed through town a nyumber of years ago. Loverly lady - even rivalled 'old Blinsky' as a cyrafts-man, uhhh cyrafts-woman, cyrafts-person."he corrects himself."Great at myaking all sort of thyings. It is een her likeyness. Y'know 'er?" he asks smiling.
"Welcome to the Church of Saint Andral"the elderly priest says by the way of greeting. Though his appearance is frail, his voice is commanding and deep, a thick chain hangs around his neck which carries a tiny lantern.
((Father Lucian Petrovich))
He spends a brief moment considering what Ioben said,"This Church will always offer aid and assistance to those in need." He looks over the party, "These are trying times for us all... Please follow me and we shall talk somewhere a little more private."The father takes Ioben's hand a gives it a little squeeze before leading the group to a small room just to the right of the entrance.
Upon entering the room you note a large oak desk, well kept, and a number of shelves containing books. Ismark takes the opportunity to speak up,"Father Petrovich - I was given your name by Father Donavich. My name is Ismark Kolyan-..." The father cuts him off mid-sentence,"Ahh Donavich, yes. I heard what happened to his son." You noticed the priest seems genuinely saddened as he references Doru. "Ismark and Ireena - the children of the late Kolyan Indirovich. Donavich wrote to me explaining your plight."
"He believed I might be safe here Father, I..."Ireena speaks up nervously. The Father nods gravely,"I hate to be the bearer of bad news..."he says apologetically,"... especially given all the you have been through these last weeks. But I am afraid there has been a robbery, during which something of immeasurable value was taken." The Father's face is downcast as he delivers the news.
"The artefact!" Ismark gasps.
"Yes... Below this very church, in the crypt, lie the bones of Saint Andral... well they did so until a couple of nights ago." Father Petrovich says, shaking his head. "That was the holy artefact to which you refer. Donavich and I had believed this artefact to imbue certain protective properties over the church - for Saint Andral, in life, was known to be a fervent paladin in service to the Morninglord. With the artefact gone..." He lets the sentence trail off.
"I will help you all out in any way I can, but I am afraid that without the bones... That this church will not be able to provide the protection you seek." The Father looks around at each member of the party in turn,"If you were able to locate the bones and restore them to their resting place, however. It could be that the Church will once more become a safe haven."
Galqarin, relieved that the question surrounding him was quickly dropped, takes the bear from the unresisting metal hand of the distracted Dormark. It is, to his eyes, a cute thing, although it appears to have been stitched together from the parts of other toys. Pressing it to his own chest, it is almost as if he can feel the little bear's heart pumping. He reaches into his pocket and carefully counts out the 9 copper pieces, taking care to conceal his hands under the folds of the robe as much as he can.
'Somehow I'm not surprised we can add grave robbing to our growing list of problems. Nothing can ever be simple in Barovia, can it?'
Sandu meant it as a joke to lighten the mood but the words came out more venomous than he intended, something that even surprised himself. He punished himself by stomping his right foot on the ground, causing a jolt of pain to flare up his leg from the puncture wound where the bear trap had bitten into his flesh. An act that equally surprised him as it did not even register to him that he had lifted up his foot before it was too late.
'What I meant,'Sandu groaned through gritted teeth, 'how can we help?'
He took a deep breath and let the air resonate in the back of his throat on the way back out. 'Do you have any leads on who or why someone would want to steal some bones?'
Valerie looks at Sandu with a bit of surprise than turns to the Father. "And how long ago did it happen? Also, I don’t want to be intrusive, but can we have a look at the crypt?... And can you tell us more about the bone? You said it has some kind of protective property?... but against what?"
As Dormark observes the scenery around him, a deep anger begins to boil from within loooking at how the people acted and were treated. "The Baron is no better than the devil," says Dormark under his breath. Looking for the toy store, Dormark says to Sandu, "if your going to see the priest let at least look at you, I'm just concern for your health, but due what you deem best," he walks forward, knowing that even though his face can't show his emotions that every person he now sees is the same as him.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
"Who's the statue of?" asks a curious Baern aloud to no one in particular. He makes his way over to it to see if there is a name on it anywhere. If need be, he'll politely ask a local nearby.
Galqarin is able to guide Dormark and the others to the toy store. Though he has never been inside, he explains in his halting way, he has looked through the window at night. In fact most of his wanderings of the town have been when its citizens were abed, doors firmly bolted against nocturnal, hairy monsters such as he.
Ioben's History check:
It is unclear who the figure is; there is no plaque on the statue and it's visage does not ring any bells. By the age and wear on the statue you can tell that whomever it depicts must have lived hundreds of years ago and may well be lost to history.
Baern - A small, plump lady returns your gaze; she wears a plain looking dress and a wide smile is pinned to her face. "Why, how wonderful, a dwarf! Welcome, welcome to Vallaki." Her face almost cracks the smile is so transfixed to her face, "The statue you say? Not sure, heard a rumour it was one of the founders of his marvellous town." Her voice is loud and full of niceties. "Say, we do not see many outsiders here, I hope you're enjoying your stay."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Early-Afternoon - Day 5 - Blinsky's Toys! Group
Baern, Dormark & Galqarin - You continue on, putting the town square behind you, Galqarin guiding the way northward. You briefly pass by a large building looming imposingly on your left, it looks like a governmental building. Galqarin, you would know this to be the 'Vallakovich Reformation Centre'; an old building which serves as a courthouse, a guard barracks, and a prison - all in one. This is where any miscreants are brought for 'reforming'.
Walking swiftly by the Reformation Centre you take a side street which leads to a rather decrepit looking storefront.
This cramped shop has a dark entrance portico, above which hangs a wooden sign shaped like a rocking horse, with a “B” engraved on both sides. Flanking the entrance are two arched, lead-framed windows. Through the dirty glass, you see jumbled displays of toys and hanging placards bearing the slogan “Is No Fun, Is No Blinsky!”
The toys visible from the window are varied; rocking horses, puppets, animated statuettes - though the store looks in poor repair the toys in the window appear to have been lovingly made and kept. A number of objects instantly jump out;
As you enter the store you are greeted by a large man in a jester/clown's outfit with a small monkey sitting on his shoulder.
“Wyelcome, friends, to the House of Blinsky, where hyappiness and smiles can be bought at bargain prices. Perhaps you know a leetle child in need of joy? A leetle toy for a girl or boy?” The heavily accented man beams. Galqarin you know this man to be Gadof Blinsky - the town's (in)famous toy-maker. As he looks up from his shop counter his eyes instant focus on Dormark. "My gyoodness! 'ow wondyful! Syimply wondyful! What a well-made toy!" He says his voice giddy with excitement, as he walks over to Dormark and starts closely examining the warforged.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Early-Afternoon - Day 5 - St. Andral's Church Group
Ioben, Sandu & Valerie (with Ireena and Ismark) - You walk northward, away from the strange scenes at the Vallaki Town Square, a main-street of sorts intersects the road. To the West you spot a large church building. On your left as you approach the road there is a large official / governmental building. Walking on for around 600m the church comes into full view.
Ismark looks across at his sister and smiles, "Glad that we have finally made it. You'll be safe here, you'll see."
((St. Andral's Church - Exterior ((Animated Version))))
As the group make there way towards the entrance to the church they notice the it must be centuries-old; it is made of grey stone, and slouches slightly, with a bulging steeple in the back, the walls are lined with cracked, stained glass windows depicting pious saints. A fence of wrought iron encloses a garden of gravestones next to the church. A thin mist creeps among the graves. Overheard a number of ravens fly, calling to one another as they go.
Entering into the church you notice lines of pews, well-worn, with a large altar at the front. At the front an elderly man in priests garments appears to be comforting a woman in her fifties. Otherwise there are six other people in addition to yourselves in the church; though their heads are bowed in prayer a couple of them quietly acknowledge the party. "That must be Father Lucian" Ismark hisses quietly at Ireena, "Donavich suggested we meet with him."
Punctuating Ismarks words, a sob comes from the lady with Lucian at the front of the church, "My Udo!" she wails. Father Lucian looks in the party's direction and waves a hand in greeting. He stands, gives the woman's shoulder a squeeze, and then heads towards you.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
“Yes I am very well made, but I’m not comfortable with being called a toy. We are here to purchase a gift for a child. Also, I was wondering if you came across a man who has an arm similar to mine,” he says letting Blinksy finish his inspection
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
"Girl", adds Galqarin, holding a hand at about his midriff level to indicate roughly the size of child in question, whilst looking alternately at the monkey on Blinky's shoulder and the interior of the shop, with the curiosity of one whose childhood was bereft of such wonders. He tries to keep his eyes from being drawn to the miniature gallows and its hairy "hanged man". Instead he points at the doll. "Pretty doll, just like...", he stops in confusion. Why would there be a doll that looks like Ireena? Was the hanged man meant to be him? And that tin man, was that Dormark?
Dormark - You catch Blinsky by surprise, "Gyoodness, it tyalks!" He is very much taken aback before turning to Baern and saying, "Cy-an 'e think? Intriguing, ye' wondyful! Hyow much for 'im?" His face is deadpan before he cracks a laugh, "I am kydding! Gadof, he likes his jokeses, yes. An arm like yours, eh?" After thinking a while he simply says, "Izek has strange arm - monstrous lookeen... nyot like your's metal friend."
Galqarin - "Of course, of course. Please, many dollies here - you pick one." Gadof leads you over to a set of shelves stacked with all sorts of dolls, teddies, stuffed toys, and the like. "D'you 'ave any ideas on whyat you're lookeen fer?" The monkey sitting on Blinsky's shoulder jumps onto the shelf and proceeds to pick-up one of the dolls and throw it towards you. "Oy, uh, pay 'im nyo mind... He's jus' tryin' to be hyelpful... Piccolo!" At hearing his name the monkey eagerly bounds back to Gadof, who in turn lets out a howl of delight. "Syuch a clever leetle boy!" he beams gently patting Piccolo on his head. ((Feel free to make a Perception check if you take the time/distraction to glimpse behind his counter)).
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
(accidentally hit insight but the bonus is the same so 20) Is that so, I sorry to bother you then, but if you happen to see someone like that would you let me know. He stole something that I need to get back. Yes from what I remember she said she wanted to give her a toy bear. Does that sound about right,” Dormark asks the rest of the group.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Valerie looks around the building to find anything that could be interesting.
She gives a slight bow to the father as he approaches them.
"Sure, he's for sale" says Baern with a laugh.
Baern looks around the shop, studying each toy. He has never seen such a place. Coming to the likings of Ireena, Dormark, etc. he mumbles "but how..." before trailing off. Then, more assertively he asks "if this one is Ireena, and this Galqarin, and maybe this one Dormark, who is this?" He gestures to the female dwarf.
Dormark face turns towards Baern and his eyes glow brighter for a bit, then turning back towards Blinsky says, "Actually been wanting to get rid of something. You have use of a furry animal I found? Incredibly it stands on 2 legs, is hairy, has dexterous hands, and is short. Almost like your little friend on your shoulder." Dormark steps back towards where Baern is looking back and says, "Maybe has something to do with you? Looks fairly Dwarivsh to me."
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Ioben hadn't spent much time in churches, and never one as impressive as this. If he had needed religious enlightenment or direction a shrine or wandering priest hand always been sufficient. He didn't feel the need to gather to hear the preachings of a God who was not there with them. Surely if they had something new to say, they would come down and say it themselves. Still, others felt the need, and who was he to begrudge them their comfort.
As the Father approaches, Ioben dips his head reverentially. Even if he didn't feel the need to be in a church, he could still acknowledge the reverence given such men. "Father Lucian, thank you for your service here. I am sure you bring comfort to these people. We have been told that you might assist us in our journey."
Dormark - "Excyellent, excyellent chyoice! Piccolo - grab that preetty tyeddy bear there." As Blinsky points out the toy his obedient monkey scampers over to the shelf and grabs a toy bear, presenting it with a bow to you. "Ahh yes - a fine toy! He cy-an be yours for a mere 9 cyoppers!" Blinsky says delightedly.
Dormark's Perception check:
As you peer behind Gadof Blinsky's store counter / makeshift work bench you note that there are more dolls, a series in fact, all in the likeness of Ireena.
Baern - "Whyo is this? Ireena, Gyalqarin, Door-mark?" Blinsky says confused. "Wait, I reemember a Gyalqarin." His eyes narrow just a little, "Hyeard he hyad been chase-ed out of Vallaki... hyad a kyerfuffle with the By-urgy-master. Y'know hyim?" he says suspiciously.
He lets the question drop as he see's you gesture to the Dwarfish dummy. "Ahh yes, you like? A fine toy - very fine. A syingle silver piece and it is yours!" he declares. "Whyo is she? I reemember a nyice dee-warf lady passed through town a nyumber of years ago. Loverly lady - even rivalled 'old Blinsky' as a cyrafts-man, uhhh cyrafts-woman, cyrafts-person." he corrects himself. "Great at myaking all sort of thyings. It is een her likeyness. Y'know 'er?" he asks smiling.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
"Welcome to the Church of Saint Andral" the elderly priest says by the way of greeting. Though his appearance is frail, his voice is commanding and deep, a thick chain hangs around his neck which carries a tiny lantern.
He spends a brief moment considering what Ioben said, "This Church will always offer aid and assistance to those in need." He looks over the party, "These are trying times for us all... Please follow me and we shall talk somewhere a little more private." The father takes Ioben's hand a gives it a little squeeze before leading the group to a small room just to the right of the entrance.
Upon entering the room you note a large oak desk, well kept, and a number of shelves containing books. Ismark takes the opportunity to speak up, "Father Petrovich - I was given your name by Father Donavich. My name is Ismark Kolyan-..." The father cuts him off mid-sentence, "Ahh Donavich, yes. I heard what happened to his son." You noticed the priest seems genuinely saddened as he references Doru. "Ismark and Ireena - the children of the late Kolyan Indirovich. Donavich wrote to me explaining your plight."
"He believed I might be safe here Father, I..." Ireena speaks up nervously. The Father nods gravely, "I hate to be the bearer of bad news..." he says apologetically, "... especially given all the you have been through these last weeks. But I am afraid there has been a robbery, during which something of immeasurable value was taken." The Father's face is downcast as he delivers the news.
"The artefact!" Ismark gasps.
"Yes... Below this very church, in the crypt, lie the bones of Saint Andral... well they did so until a couple of nights ago." Father Petrovich says, shaking his head. "That was the holy artefact to which you refer. Donavich and I had believed this artefact to imbue certain protective properties over the church - for Saint Andral, in life, was known to be a fervent paladin in service to the Morninglord. With the artefact gone..." He lets the sentence trail off.
"I will help you all out in any way I can, but I am afraid that without the bones... That this church will not be able to provide the protection you seek." The Father looks around at each member of the party in turn, "If you were able to locate the bones and restore them to their resting place, however. It could be that the Church will once more become a safe haven."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Galqarin, relieved that the question surrounding him was quickly dropped, takes the bear from the unresisting metal hand of the distracted Dormark. It is, to his eyes, a cute thing, although it appears to have been stitched together from the parts of other toys. Pressing it to his own chest, it is almost as if he can feel the little bear's heart pumping. He reaches into his pocket and carefully counts out the 9 copper pieces, taking care to conceal his hands under the folds of the robe as much as he can.
'Somehow I'm not surprised we can add grave robbing to our growing list of problems. Nothing can ever be simple in Barovia, can it?'
Sandu meant it as a joke to lighten the mood but the words came out more venomous than he intended, something that even surprised himself. He punished himself by stomping his right foot on the ground, causing a jolt of pain to flare up his leg from the puncture wound where the bear trap had bitten into his flesh. An act that equally surprised him as it did not even register to him that he had lifted up his foot before it was too late.
'What I meant,' Sandu groaned through gritted teeth, 'how can we help?'
He took a deep breath and let the air resonate in the back of his throat on the way back out. 'Do you have any leads on who or why someone would want to steal some bones?'
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
Valerie looks at Sandu with a bit of surprise than turns to the Father. "And how long ago did it happen? Also, I don’t want to be intrusive, but can we have a look at the crypt?... And can you tell us more about the bone? You said it has some kind of protective property?... but against what?"
Galqarin - "A fine chyoice sir." Blinsky says as he sells you the toy. "Reemember - Is No Fun, Is No Blinsky!"
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)