Sho settles quietly at the table, he is dressed in his usual gears. He sits down and pushes his ragged ghoul-skin capelet behind him, and his long, black hair is falling down over his pauldrons. The shadow under his eyes make them look haunted, though it just makes him seem uninterested. He rubs his temple, tiredly, when Erven was rambling about how he couldn't remember if he has a brother or not, like he can't believe this is what they have to deal with now. He raises an eyebrow at Talion, and makes a short eye contact with his new raven companion. His eyes flicker to Irek and Ismark, then decided to keep his comments to himself. 

Talion grins at Erven's remark, "Hah. I like the enthusiasm. But..."

He turns to Irek and Ismark, "Is there any hope for the priest's son? Is he not already..." he looks away then back, "...you know." He watches them both closely, trying to get a sense of whether the fate of the youth bothers them.

Bertolt wakes and quickly begins to write down what he had dreamed about in his journal, being the last one to join the rest of the party. He finds a place to sit and quickly lights his pipe, smoking all of it and listening to all of what is said. "My own dream seemed to be a vision of Strahd and a horde of undead fighting a group of Knights. There was talk of a Dragon being with the Knights. After that I saw a twisted version of myself that seemed to be quite powerful."

Talion shakes his head and grins at the Bert, "So you become a great warrior, Erven finds a long-lost brother, and poor old Talion? He gets threats, and a finger chopped off. I imagine Sho just slept like a baby."

He mutters to himself, and moves to the door, and as he does so the raven disappears. "I'm ready when everyone else is." He looks to Irek and Ismark, waiting for them to move and still hoping for an answer to his question.

Talion, Sho - make an arcana check. 

Onyx - arcana 19

Quote from Ereshion >>

Talion grins at Erven's remark, "Hah. I like the enthusiasm. But..."

He turns to Irek and Ismark, "Is there any hope for the priest's son? Is he not already..." he looks away then back, "...you know." He watches them both closely, trying to get a sense of whether the fate of the youth bothers them.

 They both look darkly at you, sadness in their eyes.  Ismark answers,   "Doru...was our friend. Donavich has been trying everything he can to restore him.  He was like a second father to us.  I know not his ultimate fate, perhaps Donavich can heal him.  He has kept him contained all this time, a testament perhaps to his strength and conviction that the Morninglord grants him.  I fear Donavich may be half mad..."

Talion grimaces, "Exactly how long has he been trying to cure him?"

Arcana: 18

Sho - arcana - 14

....5.....@Erven - While Sho stares at nothingness, seemingly lost in his own thoughts, Talion and Onyx nod at the mention of Erven's experience, and both helpfully explain that there are indeed certain magics that can partition memories and block out some that would be devastating.  It is powerful magic however and not done lightly.

Quote from Ereshion >>

Talion grimaces, "Exactly how long has he been trying to cure him?"

Arcana: 18

 Ismark and Irek look at each other.  Ismark replies, "Well, I think I explained this before but the fog of sleep still has me.  It has been several years since the failed assault on the castle.  Doru returned soon after that..."

"Years." Talion shakes his head, "Gods." He just stares at the two locals, waiting to go. No wonder the priest is off his rocker.

Erven thanks Talion and Onyx for pointing out magics unknown to him that could alter his memory.  "I had no idea.  Perhaps all will become clear with time.  Let's handle what we need to do on this difficult day."

"For now let us focus on helping with the burial of the burgomaster. Once that is done we should carefully consider where to go next." Bertolt says, cleaning his pipe while listening to the information on the troubled priest's son.

 (( Since noone has added much, I believe that we are all ready to help with the burial ))

When Talion leaves the house, he sends Osgar aloft to follow them and keep an eye on their surrounds.

[Alright - I apologize in advance for the length of this update.  Take your time, digest.  I put things in numerical order, in case you want to refer back to act on anything or try to at least].

1.           Ismark checks himself and looks at Irek.  Irek being dressed up in fighting gear, pack, and set for the road.  You notice that Onyx, too, has made a few adjustments and his armor seems to shine, the symbol of Lathandar more prominent than you remember.  The paladin exudes a confidence you have not seen in a while.  Ismark frowns, looks at his own rather pedestrian attire (for his position) and promptly changes back into his armor, his father's burgomaster pendent around his neck.  "That's better," he says, nodding.  "Ready?"

[Assuming nothing else from any of you...]

2.           The air is cold this early in the morning, the promise of rain wafts on the chill breeze.  You all exit the building. 

@Erven, you feel a tingling in you head and a slight presence.  It causes you to shiver a touch. You look around but cannot place the feeling.  It abates slightly.  Lucky Bear whines but for what reason?  You don't know.

You walk along the street and to your astonishment, several residents come out of houses holding candles.  Among them is Mary and even Bildrath, and you continue to collect them as you press forward.  Seeing so many faces after having seen hardly any at all is mildly unsettling but it is clear tradition weighs heavily here, as it does from where you come from.  That part, perhaps, gives you slight comfort.  Young and old, men and women - but all dressed in their finest clothing - have turned out for the funeral.  As you near the inn, even the 3 Vistani sisters come out, heads bowed, candles in hand.

3.          You reach the door of the church.  Those following you move around the sides of the building to the back, towards the cemetery proper.  Donavich meets you at the door, chanting with a censer in hand.  Ismark looks at you all and then to Onyx.  "You know the ritual, I assume?  Donavich will require your aid."

Onyx nods grimly, seemingly having expected as much.  "As with each sunrise, a gift," he says solemnly nodding.  Onyx turns to you all, outlining the ritual.  It is a series of prayers - since he knows it, he will answer the call of Donavich.  He asks that you help shoulder the burden.  Ismark, Irek, Bertolt, and Erven will carry it [assuming you are still amenable to that].  To Sho and Talion, he looks intently at both of you before adding, "Let the light of the Morninglord burn away doubts grown in the darkness."  Nodding, Onyx removes some items and closes his eyes for a moment, swaying slightly.   "Okay, let's go in." 

Onyx and Ismark lead the way to the back exit of the church, which leads out to the cemetery.  Before the door is the coffin, scrawled upon with various runes and verses.  Donavich takes his place at the front, with Onyx slightly behind.  Ismark and Irek take the front, Bertolt and Erven the back.  Talion and Sho stay to the rear.  At Onyx' signal, you heft the coffin up and you steady it.  You begin the slow walk to the outside, eventually stopping at the freshly dug pit.  You all set down the coffin and step to either side as Onyx and Donavich begin the prayer....

4.     
Donavich: With each sunrise, a gift anew.  Dissipating darkness, equipoise restored.
Onyx: The Shadows grow longer. What must be done?
D: Hold high my children that they might see the Sun
O:  Farewell, Illuminated one, until we meet again
D:  We carry the sun in our hearts until then
O:  Give us the strength to carry on
D:  Until the next dawn
O:  We greet your ally the Moonmaiden
D:  Her silver light guides us until then
O: There is always another dawn
D: Farewell, precious sun.  Go to the arms of the Morninglord, be in his eternal warm soothing light. We will miss your leadership, we will cherish your moments. Your legacy will continue through Ismark and Irek, through them you shall live on.
O: For in Death, Life.
D: May the Morninglord bless his passing, too long have we endured hardships, let us celebrate the life of -"

The Priest stops his sentence dead in its tracks, his voice seemingly caught in his throat. He stares at a spot in the distance beyond all of you, sheer horror encapsulating his face.
Following his line of sight, appearing through the mist, a shiny black carriage drawn by a black thoroughbred warhorse trundles down the cobblestone road towards the church.  Donavich begins to mumble a prayer, "Holy Lord God of Hosts, Heaven and earth are full of your glory. Lathander on high. Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord. Lathander on high."

5.             Many of the commoners that had followed you, come to pay their respects to the old Burgomaster, all quickly begin to murmur amongst themselves and hastily throw bits of items into the hole or on the coffin.  A few do so more slowly than others - the Vistani sisters, Mary, a rich-looking nobleman - and you note they seem more curious than terrified.  Ismark draws his longsword and brusquely shoves Irek behind his back.  "Stay quiet brother!" Ismark directs him sternly.  

As the carriage draws closer to the cemetery, a shrill, alien scream sounds from the mist above, followed by another. Looking to the sky, 3 black winged beasts dive from the above. Large bat-like wings sprout from their arms, their bodies covered in coarse black fur.  These hideous monstrosities begin to circle overhead above the black carriage, letting out the occasional bone chilling screech.  You instinctively recoil from the sight and sound.

The carriage is driven by a truly horrific sight. A small, pudgy hump-backed deformity holds the reigns to the horse. The left side of its face is covered with lizard scales, he has the drooping ears of a bat, his left foot hanging limply over the wheel appears to be like that of a webbed ducks foot and his arms have patches of black dog fur. His mouth is open in obvious enjoyment, his tongue lolling about like a panting dog.  The creature seems part imp and 2 or 3 parts something else.

As the carriage comes to a stop, this deformed lump of a man looks at you all, licking its lips nervously.   It jumps, startled, as the largest of bat-like monstrosities lands with a heavy thud on the carriage behind him.    Unfurling its slick and leathery wings, the beast stands up straight and emits a series of guttural clicking noises with its tongue. Its large ears perk in your direction as it turns its terrifying face down to your party.  Bearing pointed teeth, its face is a horrid combination of human and bat-like features.  Milky white eyes stare hungrily at your group as the other two fly overhead, terrorizing the feeling Barovians.

6.
Unknown Voice - "Txxq, Cyrus.  You hear a deep unknown voice roll from the darkness of the carriage.  "Excellent beasts, but they can be quite difficult to control when they're hungry."
As you've stood watching the Bat-like creatures, the dumpy looking mutant creature has waddled over to the door and opened it. From the dark interior emerges a leather calf high boot, followed by two pale hands on the door frame.

Unknown Voice - "Greetings, my sincerest apologies for our tardiness, Cyrus is not the most competent driver."
You hear Father Donavich let out a squeak - both from his mouth and ass.  Ismark's posture stiffens - seems he might recognize this person.  "What business do you have intruding here, fiend?"

The elegant humanoid feigns insult, responding, "Intruding? My poor simple boy, your late father can add your appalling manners to his long list of failures."   Ismark snarls and his rage boils, but he stays put.  A tall, well dressed Dusk-Elf steps forward, an expression of smug amusement on his face as he surveys the funeral procession. Rain begins to fall lazily down as he snaps two slender fingers together and the remaining two bat-creatures fly down next to the carriage.  "Amazing creatures don't you think? I assisted our Lord with their design myself. Genetic splicing is a tricky and painful process, but the results? Pure brilliance. It took several Barovians to perfect the process," he waves his hand as if it is a trifle of a thing.  "But now here we have them. The Khikokra, the first of their kind."  He looks proudly at the disgusting creatures.  An air of dread and unmistakable strength radiate from this being.  Onyx feels physically ill and is fixed to the spot, his rage paralyzing him.

Ismark, through clenched teeth, asks "Why are you here, Rahadin?  You are not welcome - you or your wretched mistress!"

7.              The one Ismark called Rahadin face tightens and his eyes flash.  "Impudence!" he bellows, his voice rising in a crescendo.  "I am here to pay my respects to your miserable Father you ungrateful wretch, now you will hold your tongue or I will have it removed."   Rahadin strides forward purposefully.  He walks past each of you, eyeing you with keen interest.  As he does so, horrifying sounds fill your head. The howling screams of countless men and women ring loudly in your ears, the sounds of their agony and deaths echoing off the insides of your skulls...... 

**Each roll a widom save**

When Rahadin comes within 10 feet of Donavich and Ismark, they both fall to their knees, clutching their heads in agony.  Ismark is able to stifle the worst of the screams, but Donavich is not so strong.  He screams long and hard, the voices and screams reverberate through his mind...

Rahadin stops before Ismark, peering around him to look at Irek, who is currently on the ground, holding his head and gasping. Ismark tries to pull himself up, at which Rahadin merely sneers in a mocking fashion.  His malevolent eyes however are alight with a burning desire, one which you can all recognize as the madness of one who loves to kill.  He shakes his head slightly at Ismark's sad state.  "Now now Ismark, let's not make it two funerals today. Donavich has enough to worry about without having to bury Kolyanovich's all day"

Irek pushes around Ismark, and begins to advance on Rahadin.  Ismark tries to lunge at the Dusk Elf, but Rahadin makes no move to defend himself.  You watch through clenched eyes as his face transforms into a horrific visage of death and cruelty. The howling screams escalate in volume and intensity as Ismark drops to the ground again, clutching his ears, screaming madly.  Blood begins to pour forth from his eyes, nose, and ears...

Irek falls down to his brother's side.  "Stop! Stop!  Please stop!"

8.          Rahadin's mask of a face returns to its previous state as he straightens his posture and runs a hand through his hair absentmindedly. The howling screams subside but do not disappear. Ismark groans and rolls onto his side, holding his face in his hand.  Donavich has passed out, unconscious at this point.

"What do you want, Snake?" Irek asks, tears and hatred in his eyes.  Ignoring the insult, Rahadin instead ducks into a low bow.

"Why, dear Tatian, barring any more interruptions, I wish to bestow upon you my deepest condolences for the loss of your father.  Despite his numerous shortcomings, he most certainly succeeded in raising a strong, handsome young son. My Master is desolate at her inability to attend, but alas she has a matter of utmost importance that requires her current attention. She bequeathed this to me to present to you."      Rahadin reaches into his thick winter coat and pulls out a yellowing envelope. He holds it before Irek where it stays for several long moments.  Rahadin's eyes flash dangerously before Onyx is able to  reaches up and take it stiffly. 

"You can give this to your master !" Irek replies, and spits on the ground before Rahadin, who does nothing and does not break eye contact, a humourless smile creeping onto his face. 

Rahadin answers, "Very well then, despite my honest intentions to pay my respects to your father, I can see this was a waste of time.  I did tell my Master this but she insisted. She cares for you very much Tatian - one day you will come to see it."  Rahadin turns to  the form of Donaivh, who is beginning to come around, trembling and mumbling prayers under his breath.   "Oh shut it ,will you Preist?  No one is listening.  How's that son of yours doing?  Still keeping him locked in the basement? "  Rahadin snickers.  Donavich's prayers continue as he stares at the elf, beads of sweat falling profusely from his face.  The elf continues, shaking his head sadly.  "Pathetic.  You're doing him more harm by starving him, you know.  Better to just kill him and be done with it.  Although, I do commend you for sticking to your philosophy - even I would feel remorse for putting someone through such incredible pain and torture, let alone my own son."   At this, Donavich fully breaks down and drops to his knees, blubbering like a large baby. 

9.               Rahadin turns and eyes the few commoners that remained behind.  They are around 15-20 feet away from Rahadin, seemingly unaffected by whatever plagued you, Ismark, and the priest.  "I did hear that we were expecting newcomers.  I trust you're enjoying your stay in Barovia thus far?  Bit grim, if you ask me: the food's not great and the weathers appalling but hey it's home now , right?"   Rahadin flashes an evil, toothy smile.  

He looks at each of you in turn, nodding.  "My master did say you were an interesting lot, though she doesn't expect much from you.  'Selfish, egotistical, self-absorbed, neurotic' - her words, not mine!" He puts his hands up innocently, laughing slightly.  He looks at you again, "Ahh, yes.  I see.  I can smell the stains on each of you.  Very interesting, indeed.  Oh, and I have to thank you for not destroying the cursed house.  The Dursts are ever so much fun but the real prize is the horror beneath.  Did you see her, by any chance?  Or did you run away like school children?  Of course you did.  Don't feel bad, no one has purged that particular evil but," he looks to Onyx, Talion, Erven, and Sho in turn, "it seems like it did the job just fine."  Rahadin gives Sho a pouty face, lip comically extended, before adding, "Well, I believe it's time we departed. Come Cyrus, the Khikokra need feeding."

With that, the Dusk Elf turns and begins walking towards the carriage. The screams of the dead fading as he leaves. Pulling himself into the carriage, he turns and holds out a hand in farewell.  "So long for now, I am sure this is not the last we'll see of one another. Till next time."

The door slams shut, and the humpback mutant Cyrus waddles his squat frame to the front of the carriage where he struggles to heave himself back into the driver's seat. This takes several painful minutes as he falls on more than one occasion. Eventually Rahadin's face emerges from the carriage window, his features once more an angered visage of death and madness.    Blubbering profusely, Cyrus finally manages to haul himself up into the driver's seat picking up the reigns and turning the horse out of the graveyard. The Khikokra take flight once more, their shrill cries echoing across the graves of the dead. The Carriage trundles down the road and disappears once more into the thick swirling mist........

As the carriage speeds off, Donavich seems to have recovered, as has Onyx.  Onyx quickly bids the others to get the coffin into the hole as quickly as possible, reading a benediction quickly and finishing what Donavich had started.  Donavich is a wreck, in no shape to do anything.  And he's got a 'thousand yard stare' in his eyes.  He may have finally cracked...  Onyx quickly falls to his knees and begins to sweep the dirt over the coffin, and he doesn't stop until the consecrated soil forms a thin layer over the top of the coffin.  He relaxes visibly.  He looks at Donavich, then at all of you.  He shakes his head sadly.   Finally, the few commoners who remain stare at all of you, seemingly shocked.  The well-dressed nobleman shakes his head out of a stupor and comes forward, with several roses in hand.  He throws them in the hole, on top of the coffin.  He bends his head in prayer, then steps back.  He begins to walk away, leaving you all to try to figure out just what the hell happened there.....

Erven wisdom save :  7 

(Of course).

Erven nearly boils over as Rahadin walks by, taunting each of them.  He manages to contain his anger but just so.  Anyone near him would notice his left hand start to tremor, he looks down with his eyes and manages to steady it on the hilt of his dagger.  His right hand instinctively goes to his right pocket, feels the antler of his first kill. He squeezes it as a reminder, to keep him grounded.  All that comes out of his gritted teeth is “Get the hell out of here!”  He kneels after Rahadin departs, refocuses on Onyx and the burgomaster, helps to hurriedly complete the burial.  

Talion wisdom save: 5

(( lol...won't bother writing anything until I hear the consequences! ))

(( Prior to step 7 ))

Talion watches with mild curiosity as the ceremony begins, but is more interested in the townsfolk: Who has come, and why? He tries to make guesses based on their manner, their expressions, and what, if anything, they say to Ismark.

His speculations come to a halt as the carriage and its entourage draw up. He quickly orders Osgar to take cover and keep watch, then focuses his attention on the newcomers. So another power come to announce itself? No, just a lieutenant. He fells mildly disappointed, but fascinated by the manner of this particular show of strength. He's seen crime lords before,  and most liked to put on a show, much like everyone else with power: Nobles, priests and crime lords all shared a liking for any ritual that said "I'm important, and you're not", at least in his experience.

He smirks at the comparison, then his mind is assailed...

Wisdom save: 8 

Wis Save: 9

Onyx wisdom save - 22   

..........as a group, you all fall to your knees clutching your head.  The exception at one end is Onyx, who sneers at Rahadin, who nods in admiration.  Onyx' eyes narrow even further before Rahadin whispers to him, a promise of violence riding on his strange accent, "You will be ended, holy man and your soul can never leave."  

Ag the other end, Talion clutches his head and falls heavily, convulsing and vomiting in agony, blood spurting from all orifices, seen and unseen.  The warlock thankfully falls unconscious.

Erven comes to his senses and sees Talion on the ground, quickly bends down and takes a knee to assess him.  He lifts his head to breathe and assesses his condition, tries to stabilize him.  

Medicine :  8