Sandu - The elderly priest looks up at you with the faintest of smiles. "Fungal, you say? There was me thinking it looked like some form of magical malady. But I'm sure you know best."his voice is not mocking, just more disappointed. ((Assuming you let him)) Lucian reaches out a hand and touches the side of your face, his eyes roll back in his head and he utters,"By the Morninglord's grace - be healed!"((casting Lesser Restoration))
For those watching quite the spectacle occurs. As no sooner as Father Lucian says the words than Sandu's left eye unclouds and is restored. Smiling at Sandu, Lucian admires his handiwork,"I suggest you avoid the mushrooms moving forward."
"As to the business at hand - I suppose that it might have been possible for someone to have observed me entering the crypt. I thought I was careful and only visited the bones when necessary." Lucian concedes,"If you're asking whether someone could hide... well they'd have to be small and..."his eyes narrow,"I see where this is going - you suspect Yeska?" As Father Lucian says the words his eyes drop and he shakes his head a little, "I... it is possible, he would have the opportunity and would know the church."
Ioben - "The key is on me at all times - even when I sleep. In terms of magical means I guess it is feasible - however, any malicious, or aggressive, spells were unable to be cast on account of the bones... Maybe a lockpicking spell of some variety?" Lucian muses."I am unaware of any other entrance."
Your eyes go to the area around the trapdoor - there are minor scuffs but believe these to just be the general wear and tear of the building. Nothing unusual stands out.
Your eyes go to the area around the trapdoor - specifically the floor boards, they show minor signs of scuffing and splintering. You believe that someone, with the aid of a tool (something with a thin, flat edge), might have been able to lift the floorboards - providing access regardless of whether they used the trapdoor or not. The floorboards have been laid back well and you are sure that, to the untrained eye, their disturbance would have gone unnoticed.
Dormark - As you follow Baern and Blinsky towards the back of the store your eyes look back at where you know the other Ireena dolls to be. Something catches your attention, though you cannot make out the details (they would require a closer inspection), there appears to be a sales ledger under the counter and a scrap of paper tucked between two of the dolls.
"Krezk? Krezk...." Baern ponders if he has seen that on any map and how he might get there. When invited into the back of the shop he agrees, curious to see his mother's creations.
Dormark'sPerception check ((I was going to request stealth but as your perception roll is so high and Blinsky is distracted I'll wave it)):
You subtly looking at the ledger and quickly browsing the note;
The note lists a number of positions and outfits for the Ireena dolls; mostly in different types of Vistani clothing. Though Ireena is never mentioned by name, it instead lists 'Beautiful Bespoke Doll'. Furthermore it lists the name of the purchaser of the dolls - Izek Strazni. Among the notes are a series of sketches that are the spitting image of Ireena.
Quickly scanning the purchase ledger for the name 'Izek Strazni' you find multiple payments spanning back months. It looks as though each time he orders the same thing - the 'Beautiful Bespoke Dolls'. You calculate that he must have quite the collection.
Baern - "Yes, yes - the villyage of Krezk. It's forty-fied - furthest playce from the Castle. From You-Knyow-Who." Blinsky proceeds to lead you through his workshop, orderly piles of spare toy parts sit on various benches, shelves and tables. He takes you to a small desk at the back of the workshop - it is well organised and has a small oil lamp sitting to one side. Rifling through the draws of the desk Blinsky mutters to himself - "Wheere dyd I poot it?", "Someywheere 'round 'ere", "Syuch a wondyful toy". You notice him take out a small pouch,"A-ha!"he declares happily. He unwraps a number of small, intricately carved, stone figures; it quickly dawns on you that these are representations of your family (father, siblings, etc). Each has a name carved on their base - you spot your name among them 'Baern'.
"Yes, Yes - very beauty-ful. Look, they lock togeether - very cleever." Blinsky takes the small figurines back from you and starts slotting the bases together. It strikes you that together they make a whole - a family - all pieces playing their part in the overall piece. "Simply wondyful!"Blinsky mirthfully laughs at the completed piece.
You look over the shop attempting to garner some type of hint regarding the toymaker - such a rich array of toys is a stark contrast to your upbringing. Something catches your eye - is that a toy monkey wearing a top hat? But why would a monkey wear a top hat? Was this a cleverly constructed allegory of the current political state of Vallaki? Maybe the monkey is the burgomaster - the top hat hinting at his office? Would Blinsky make such a bold symbol of defiance and then sit it pride of place in his shop?
"Simply wondyful!" Blinsky's words ring in your ears. You snap to, realising you have been staring (for quite some time) at a toy monkey wearing a top hat.
Sandu - The elderly priest looks up at you with the faintest of smiles. "Fungal, you say? There was me thinking it looked like some form of magical malady. But I'm sure you know best."his voice is not mocking, just more disappointed. ((Assuming you let him)) Lucian reaches out a hand and touches the side of your face, his eyes roll back in his head and he utters,"By the Morninglord's grace - be healed!"((casting Lesser Restoration))
For those watching quite the spectacle occurs. As no sooner as Father Lucian says the words than Sandu's left eye unclouds and is restored. Smiling at Sandu, Lucian admires his handiwork,"I suggest you avoid the mushrooms moving forward."
"As to the business at hand - I suppose that it might have been possible for someone to have observed me entering the crypt. I thought I was careful and only visited the bones when necessary." Lucian concedes,"If you're asking whether someone could hide... well they'd have to be small and..."his eyes narrow,"I see where this is going - you suspect Yeska?" As Father Lucian says the words his eyes drop and he shakes his head a little, "I... it is possible, he would have the opportunity and would know the church."
Your eyes go to the area around the trapdoor - specifically the floor boards, they show minor signs of scuffing and splintering. You believe that someone, with the aid of a tool (something with a thin, flat edge), might have been able to lift the floorboards - providing access regardless of whether they used the trapdoor or not. The floorboards have been laid back well and you are sure that, to the untrained eye, their disturbance would have gone unnoticed.
Sandu was about to say something when the good reverend reached for his face and fell silent. It was strange: he could only tell after the fact but when Lucian's hand came near his eye, Sandu's left hand clenched into a fist. Were his hand not in his pocket, he feared he might have lashed out. The man's hand was cold but the part where he touched Sandu's face burned hot. A brilliant flash of morning light pierced the mists and the fog in Sandu's eye, sight and mind lifted. He blinked a couple of times to confirm that he was indeed seeing once more out of his left eye before rubbing away the last remnants of white.
'Wha- what just happened?' Sandu asked in confusion before giving in to jubilation. 'I... you?' He composed himself.
'Thank you.' said Sandu to Lucian with a warm and earnest smile. 'Your kindness will be repaid. The bones of Saint Andral shall be returned to their rightful resting place. You have my word.'
He walked over to the trapdoor, taking deliberate joy in having proper depth perception once again. 'Starting with this.' Sandu kneeled on the floor, took out one of his daggers and jabbed the point between two of the floorboards, allowing him to lift one up with some effort.
'The thief had no need of the key: he just bypassed the lock altogether.' He noted to the others. 'Splintered and scuffed: force was used. I'm guessing a crowbar or something similar.' He dropped the floorboard and pressed it down with his foot. Had he not pointed it out, it could indeed be easily overlooked.
'Where is this Yeska you mentioned?' Sandu put the dagger away. 'We would like to ask him some questions once we surveyed the crypt.'
He gave Lucian a second look. The cleric's posture and demeanour told Sandu that he must be rather fond of the boy. 'Just talk, nothing more.' Sandu reassured the good father before lighting a torch with a snap of his finger and a casting of Prestidigitation. The crypt loomed dark before Sandu's eyes, all two of them, and he hoped the light and warmth of the open flame would deter anything hiding in the shadows from coming out. After taking a deep breath Sandu descended into the earth.
OOC: Time for CSI Barovia. Also noticed the updated campaign group page. Very useful.
Father Lucian smiles and nods at Sandu's promise to find the bones,"Thank you, thank you all. I will assist you in anyway I can."
He stands gawping as Sandu proceeds to lift the floor board - though it is a little stubborn at first the floorboards rise to show the steps down into the crypt. Shaking his head, Lucian admits,"I've been a fool, to think I believed the bones to be under lock and key all this time... Yeska will be on his way back to the Orphanage opposite - just a talk, you promise?"
Descending down the stairs you enter the ten-by-ten foot crypt, it is damp and musty inside, cobwebs cling to the walls. In the centre of the crypt is a statue depicting a fine looking man in full plate armour, the words "Here lies Saint Andral, Protector and Holy Paladin in service of the Morninglord. Defiant till the last, slain by the devil, Strahd Von Zarovich, 351BC in defence of Vallaki." A large stone slab sits askew in front of the statue.
Any party members in the crypt please feel free to make any further checks.
Dormark - You catch up to Baern and Blinsky at the back of the workshop holding the Ireena doll. Blinsky quickly takes the doll back,"No, nyot for sale. These are pryvate commy-shion." As Blinsky grabs the doll back from you, it strikes you that it is a little out of character.
Father Lucian smiles and nods at Sandu's promise to find the bones,"Thank you, thank you all. I will assist you in anyway I can."
He stands gawping as Sandu proceeds to lift the floor board - though it is a little stubborn at first the floorboards rise to show the steps down into the crypt. Shaking his head, Lucian admits,"I've been a fool, to think I believed the bones to be under lock and key all this time... Yeska will be on his way back to the Orphanage opposite - just a talk, you promise?"
Descending down the stairs you enter the ten-by-ten foot crypt, it is damp and musty inside, cobwebs cling to the walls. In the centre of the crypt is a statue depicting a fine looking man in full plate armour, the words "Here lies Saint Andral, Protector and Holy Paladin in service of the Morninglord. Defiant till the last, slain by the devil, Strahd Von Zarovich, 351BC in defence of Vallaki." A large stone slab sits askew in front of the statue.
Any party members in the crypt please feel free to make any further checks.
Sandu gave Lucian a final reassuring nod before going into the crypt. Holding his torch high to shed as much light as possible, he surveyed the area. It was small, much smaller than he thought a crypt would be. In his mind crypts were these grand buildings holding the ancient remains of noble lineages. Or were those mausoleums?
Casting semantics aside, Sandu took a closer look at what remained in the underground chamber. He lifted a sleeve to his face and covered his mouth and nose. The musty and moldy smell made his eyes water a bit, making him keen on not having to spend more time than necessary in this crypt. In the flickering light of the torch, Sandu knelt near the statue to closer inspect it and the askew stone slab. Softly the word 'Dezvãlui' fell from his lips and Sandu's eyes turned as black as the dark corners of the crypt.
OOC: Casting Detect Magic and investigating the statue and stone slab. Investigation (campaign log): 11 Using Pact of the Talisman to add 1d4 in case the check fails: 2
You can tell from Blinsky's general demeanour that he is uncomfortable talking about the Ireena dolls. Given you know who ordered the dolls (Izek), you can tell that Blinsky is likely fearful / afraid of him and attempting to avoid the topic.
Baern & Dormark - Once Dormark utters Baern's name, Blinsky looks momentarily confused. "That ees most odd - just lyke Diesa's toy."He holds up the small figurine of Baern, "Hyere, see." It slowly dawns on him what is being suggested, a look of realisation crossing his face. "You mean tyo say... but that is impossy-ble! You are the leettle boy?"he asks Baern.
You run your hands over the large stone which once housed the bones of Saint Andral. As you do so you notice a couple of things;
Scuff marks around the edge of the stone - clearly someone has levered it opened with some sort of tool.
Mud. Encrusted around the edge, where the tool would have been used you find mud/dirt. You surmise that the tool being used must have had remnants of soil on it.
Detect Magic - You get the faintest aura of Abjuration magic stemming from the, now empty, resting place. Whatever the source of the magic (aka the bones) has disappeared but left a residual / trace amount of their essence in this place.
You check over the now empty resting place of Saint Andral. Overwhelmed by the sense that this is a truly holy / consecrated place. You notice clear scuff marks around the rim of the stone; it has likely been levered to the side by some form of tool.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ioben follows Father Lucien down between the splintered floorboards into the crypt below. Being underground, and in such a confined space made him feel on edge. He wasn't quite sure why; he had never felt this way before. Maybe it was the whole atmosphere, still, the sooner he could have space around him and an open sky, the better. But they were here for a job, and that was where his attention needed to be now. With Sandu inspecting the statue, Ioben decided to take a closer look at the stairs down and the edges of the room. Maybe something had been left behind that didn't belong there.
You look over the stairs and walls of the room, but find little more than the occasional cobweb.
However, when you inspect the ceiling, where you believe the thief likely entered (based on Sandu's earlier revelations) you find what appears to be mud on the underside of the floorboards. Based on what you can see you believe that the tool used to lift-up the floorboards was likely filthy / caked in mud the time.
The Church Group - Ioben, Sandu & Valerie
For those watching quite the spectacle occurs. As no sooner as Father Lucian says the words than Sandu's left eye unclouds and is restored. Smiling at Sandu, Lucian admires his handiwork, "I suggest you avoid the mushrooms moving forward."
"As to the business at hand - I suppose that it might have been possible for someone to have observed me entering the crypt. I thought I was careful and only visited the bones when necessary." Lucian concedes, "If you're asking whether someone could hide... well they'd have to be small and..." his eyes narrow, "I see where this is going - you suspect Yeska?" As Father Lucian says the words his eyes drop and he shakes his head a little, "I... it is possible, he would have the opportunity and would know the church."
Ioben's Investigation check:
Your eyes go to the area around the trapdoor - there are minor scuffs but believe these to just be the general wear and tear of the building. Nothing unusual stands out.
Sandu's Investigation check:
Your eyes go to the area around the trapdoor - specifically the floor boards, they show minor signs of scuffing and splintering. You believe that someone, with the aid of a tool (something with a thin, flat edge), might have been able to lift the floorboards - providing access regardless of whether they used the trapdoor or not. The floorboards have been laid back well and you are sure that, to the untrained eye, their disturbance would have gone unnoticed.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Dormark - As you follow Baern and Blinsky towards the back of the store your eyes look back at where you know the other Ireena dolls to be. Something catches your attention, though you cannot make out the details (they would require a closer inspection), there appears to be a sales ledger under the counter and a scrap of paper tucked between two of the dolls.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Moving towards the note Dormark tries to perceive what it say.
(perception with guidance 23.)
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
"Krezk? Krezk...." Baern ponders if he has seen that on any map and how he might get there. When invited into the back of the shop he agrees, curious to see his mother's creations.
Whilst Gadof is distracted giving the others a tour, Galqarin gives the shop a more detailed inspection (investigation: 6).
Dormark's Perception check ((I was going to request stealth but as your perception roll is so high and Blinsky is distracted I'll wave it)):
You subtly looking at the ledger and quickly browsing the note;
Galqarin's Investigation check:
You look over the shop attempting to garner some type of hint regarding the toymaker - such a rich array of toys is a stark contrast to your upbringing. Something catches your eye - is that a toy monkey wearing a top hat? But why would a monkey wear a top hat? Was this a cleverly constructed allegory of the current political state of Vallaki? Maybe the monkey is the burgomaster - the top hat hinting at his office? Would Blinsky make such a bold symbol of defiance and then sit it pride of place in his shop?
"Simply wondyful!" Blinsky's words ring in your ears. You snap to, realising you have been staring (for quite some time) at a toy monkey wearing a top hat.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Sandu was about to say something when the good reverend reached for his face and fell silent. It was strange: he could only tell after the fact but when Lucian's hand came near his eye, Sandu's left hand clenched into a fist. Were his hand not in his pocket, he feared he might have lashed out. The man's hand was cold but the part where he touched Sandu's face burned hot. A brilliant flash of morning light pierced the mists and the fog in Sandu's eye, sight and mind lifted. He blinked a couple of times to confirm that he was indeed seeing once more out of his left eye before rubbing away the last remnants of white.
'Wha- what just happened?' Sandu asked in confusion before giving in to jubilation. 'I... you?' He composed himself.
'Thank you.' said Sandu to Lucian with a warm and earnest smile. 'Your kindness will be repaid. The bones of Saint Andral shall be returned to their rightful resting place. You have my word.'
He walked over to the trapdoor, taking deliberate joy in having proper depth perception once again. 'Starting with this.' Sandu kneeled on the floor, took out one of his daggers and jabbed the point between two of the floorboards, allowing him to lift one up with some effort.
'The thief had no need of the key: he just bypassed the lock altogether.' He noted to the others. 'Splintered and scuffed: force was used. I'm guessing a crowbar or something similar.'
He dropped the floorboard and pressed it down with his foot. Had he not pointed it out, it could indeed be easily overlooked.
'Where is this Yeska you mentioned?' Sandu put the dagger away. 'We would like to ask him some questions once we surveyed the crypt.'
He gave Lucian a second look. The cleric's posture and demeanour told Sandu that he must be rather fond of the boy. 'Just talk, nothing more.' Sandu reassured the good father before lighting a torch with a snap of his finger and a casting of Prestidigitation. The crypt loomed dark before Sandu's eyes, all two of them, and he hoped the light and warmth of the open flame would deter anything hiding in the shadows from coming out. After taking a deep breath Sandu descended into the earth.
OOC: Time for CSI Barovia.
Also noticed the updated campaign group page. Very useful.
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
"So this doll popular among the local people Blinksys," askes Dormark.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Several tears fall quietly down Baern's face when he asks "how much for them?"
The Church Group - Ioben, Sandu & Valerie
Father Lucian smiles and nods at Sandu's promise to find the bones, "Thank you, thank you all. I will assist you in anyway I can."
He stands gawping as Sandu proceeds to lift the floor board - though it is a little stubborn at first the floorboards rise to show the steps down into the crypt. Shaking his head, Lucian admits, "I've been a fool, to think I believed the bones to be under lock and key all this time... Yeska will be on his way back to the Orphanage opposite - just a talk, you promise?"
Descending down the stairs you enter the ten-by-ten foot crypt, it is damp and musty inside, cobwebs cling to the walls. In the centre of the crypt is a statue depicting a fine looking man in full plate armour, the words "Here lies Saint Andral, Protector and Holy Paladin in service of the Morninglord. Defiant till the last, slain by the devil, Strahd Von Zarovich, 351BC in defence of Vallaki." A large stone slab sits askew in front of the statue.
Any party members in the crypt please feel free to make any further checks.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Dormark - You catch up to Baern and Blinsky at the back of the workshop holding the Ireena doll. Blinsky quickly takes the doll back, "No, nyot for sale. These are pryvate commy-shion." As Blinsky grabs the doll back from you, it strikes you that it is a little out of character.
Please make an Insight check.
Baern - "These toy pryce-less. I will nyot sell." Blinsky looks at you confused, "Diesa is speycial to you?" he asks.
Persuasion check please Baern, DC will depend on what you tell Blinsky.
DM roll:
2
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
(Insight 17)
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
"Dormark, would you tell Mr. Blinsky my name?" When he does, Baern silently gestures towards the names on the bottom of the figures.
Persuasion: 3
Sandu gave Lucian a final reassuring nod before going into the crypt. Holding his torch high to shed as much light as possible, he surveyed the area. It was small, much smaller than he thought a crypt would be. In his mind crypts were these grand buildings holding the ancient remains of noble lineages. Or were those mausoleums?
Casting semantics aside, Sandu took a closer look at what remained in the underground chamber. He lifted a sleeve to his face and covered his mouth and nose. The musty and moldy smell made his eyes water a bit, making him keen on not having to spend more time than necessary in this crypt. In the flickering light of the torch, Sandu knelt near the statue to closer inspect it and the askew stone slab. Softly the word 'Dezvãlui' fell from his lips and Sandu's eyes turned as black as the dark corners of the crypt.
OOC: Casting Detect Magic and investigating the statue and stone slab.
Investigation (campaign log): 11
Using Pact of the Talisman to add 1d4 in case the check fails: 2
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
"Umm it is Baern," he says with a bit of confusion.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Valerie gets closer to the statue. She looks at the statue for a moment then salutes it.
Then she gets to the place where the bones once lied to looking for any possible clues.
Investigation: 6
Dormark's Insight check:
You can tell from Blinsky's general demeanour that he is uncomfortable talking about the Ireena dolls. Given you know who ordered the dolls (Izek), you can tell that Blinsky is likely fearful / afraid of him and attempting to avoid the topic.
Baern & Dormark - Once Dormark utters Baern's name, Blinsky looks momentarily confused. "That ees most odd - just lyke Diesa's toy." He holds up the small figurine of Baern, "Hyere, see." It slowly dawns on him what is being suggested, a look of realisation crossing his face. "You mean tyo say... but that is impossy-ble! You are the leettle boy?" he asks Baern.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
The Church Group - Ioben, Sandu & Valerie
The group sets about inspecting the small crypt. Lucian smiles as he watches Valerie respectfully salute the statue.
Sandu's Investigation check & Detect Magic:
You run your hands over the large stone which once housed the bones of Saint Andral. As you do so you notice a couple of things;
Detect Magic - You get the faintest aura of Abjuration magic stemming from the, now empty, resting place. Whatever the source of the magic (aka the bones) has disappeared but left a residual / trace amount of their essence in this place.
Valerie's Investigation check
You check over the now empty resting place of Saint Andral. Overwhelmed by the sense that this is a truly holy / consecrated place. You notice clear scuff marks around the rim of the stone; it has likely been levered to the side by some form of tool.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Ioben follows Father Lucien down between the splintered floorboards into the crypt below. Being underground, and in such a confined space made him feel on edge. He wasn't quite sure why; he had never felt this way before. Maybe it was the whole atmosphere, still, the sooner he could have space around him and an open sky, the better. But they were here for a job, and that was where his attention needed to be now. With Sandu inspecting the statue, Ioben decided to take a closer look at the stairs down and the edges of the room. Maybe something had been left behind that didn't belong there.
Investigation: 12
Perception: 6
Ioben's Investigation & Perception checks:
You look over the stairs and walls of the room, but find little more than the occasional cobweb.
However, when you inspect the ceiling, where you believe the thief likely entered (based on Sandu's earlier revelations) you find what appears to be mud on the underside of the floorboards. Based on what you can see you believe that the tool used to lift-up the floorboards was likely filthy / caked in mud the time.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)