Chapter Text
[RedLikeRoses has entered the chat]
[IceQueenSchnee has entered the chat]
[Yangtastic has entered the chat]
[BlackCatBeastie has entered the chat]
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful has entered the chat]
[RedLikeRoses]
Hey guys!
[Yangtastic]
Hi guys
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Hey guys
How is everyone doing?
[BlackCatBeastie]
Hi guys
Can’t complain
[IceQueenSchnee]
I’m fine. Thank you for asking.
[RedLikeRoses]
So who wants to jump right in?
[Yangtastic]
Let’s fucking go!
[RedLikeRoses]
Alright!
Last time on the Curse of Strahd: Our heroes; Moxie Pinewood, Morrigan Fairchild, Kenni Sobek, and Solana Azar, left the village of Barovia to escort Ismark and his sister Ireena to a safe haven beyond the reach of the vampire lord Strahd. Along their travel, they met with Madam Eva of the Vistani, who set to them the task of gathering tools, weapons and allies for their fight against Strahd. Reaching the town of Vallaki, the team was recruited into a mission to reclaim the bones of St. Andral, stolen from the crypt of the church (and with it, the church’s divine protection). Our heroes found the bones in the hands of the local coffin maker, who had been blackmailed by the vampire lord into stealing them. Now, our heroes stand in the shop’s storage room, staring down six vampire spawn.
Can we all roll initiative.
[Yangtastic]
LET IT BEGIN
[BlackCatBeastie]
Oh brother, here we go…
[IceQueenSchnee]
23.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
16
[Yangtastic]
15
[BlackCatBeastie]
2. Shit
[RedLikeRoses]
Solana, you’re up first. What are you doing?
[IceQueenSchnee]
First things first. Would I know whether or not vampire spawn are immune to non-silver, like werewolves?
[RedLikeRoses]
What was your Favoured Enemy again?
[IceQueenSchnee]
Humanoids. Specifically humans and werewolves.
[RedLikeRoses]
Roll Arcana
[IceQueenSchnee]
15.
[RedLikeRoses]
You don’t remember reading anything about vampire spawn being immune to non-silver weapons. You just remember them being harder to kill without the use of magic
[IceQueenSchnee]
So a non-silvered weapon can still hurt them?
[RedLikeRoses]
You don’t remember learning otherwise.
[IceQueenSchnee]
Then I will draw my daggers and say to the others “Back up to the door. We can’t let these things surround us”.
I’ll use my action to Dodge.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay.
Moxie?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I’m going to listen to Solana. I’m going to Disengage and move back towards the door. Then I’ll leave a Spiritual Weapon where I was, which is going to attack the vampire spawn directly in front.
Does a 15 hit?
[RedLikeRoses]
Yup
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
5 force damage, and my turn ends.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay.
Kenni?
[Yangtastic]
I don’t have much ranged-wise, so for now I’m going to cast Shield of Faith on Morri and use my action to Dodge.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. What’s Shield of Faith do again?
[Yangtastic]
+2 AC so long as I don’t lose concentration.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay
[BlackCatBeastie]
Noted
[RedLikeRoses]
It’s time for the vampire spawn to go
This one on the far left is going to charge at Kenni…
That’s a 13 and 15
[Yangtastic]
Both miss
[RedLikeRoses]
The next vampire spawn is also going for you…
12 and 14
[Yangtastic]
Miss
[RedLikeRoses]
okay.
Third spawn is going for Solly…
Does a 16 hit?
[IceQueenSchnee]
Yes.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay.
You take 8 slashing damage as the vampire spawn swipes you with a claw.
The other one’s an 11 so miss.
The next guy will attack Kenni.
That’s an 18.
[Yangtastic]
Hit
[RedLikeRoses]
Instead of dealing damage, this guy wraps its arms around you in a grapple. You are now grappled.
It’s going to use its second attack to bite you…
17?
[Yangtastic]
Miss! Haha!
[RedLikeRoses]
Its can’t quite get through your skin it seems
The next vampire will attack…
Morrigan
That’s a 21 to hit
[BlackCatBeastie]
Yep
[RedLikeRoses]
You take 6 slashing damage
Next ones a 17
[BlackCatBeastie]
That’ll hit
[RedLikeRoses]
Another 10 slashing damage
[BlackCatBeastie]
Ow
[RedLikeRoses]
The last spawn can’t shoulder his way through his buddies, so he’s going to climb up the wall and try and make his way that way.
He doesn’t get super far but he does get in range of you Solana.
That’s a 12 and an 18
[IceQueenSchnee]
The 18 will hit.
[RedLikeRoses]
You’re grappled now
[IceQueenSchnee]
Remind me what that means again.
[RedLikeRoses]
Means you can’t move
Morrigan, your go.
[BlackCatBeastie]
I’ll cast Armor of Agathys. 15 temporary HP to me, and anyone that attacks me is going to take cold damage.
That will end my turn though.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay
Next up is Solly
[IceQueenSchnee]
Being grappled doesn’t impose any penalties for attacking, correct?
[RedLikeRoses]
Nope. You just can’t move.
[IceQueenSchnee]
Then I shall attack the vampire spawn grappling me.
15.
[RedLikeRoses]
15 hits
[IceQueenSchnee]
6 piercing damage, followed by a second attack…
16
[RedLikeRoses]
Hit
[IceQueenSchnee]
5 piercing damage
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. Moxie?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Fire Bolt on the one directly in front of me.
10?
[RedLikeRoses]
Miss
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Spiritual Weapon…
9 so miss
[RedLikeRoses]
yup.
Kenni?
[Yangtastic]
Channel Divinity: Destroy Undead.
The challenge rating of these guys isn’t 1/2 is it?
[RedLikeRoses]
Nope.
[Yangtastic]
Okay. I need Wisdom saves from all these guys. DC is 13
[RedLikeRoses]
Vampire Spawn A fails
Spawn B fails
C succeeds
D passes
E fails
F fails.
[Yangtastic]
Okay, the ones that failed have to run away, they have to dash or dodge if they can’t move. It’ll only last for a minute though, or until they take damage. No reactions either.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. Anything for a bonus action?
[Yangtastic]
The one that grappled me and tried to bite me passed. Hungry Jaws. I’ll bite him back.
17
[RedLikeRoses]
Hit
[Yangtastic]
8 piercing, plus 3 temp HP for me
[IceQueenSchnee]
You can bite as a bonus action?
[Yangtastic]
I can only do it a couple times before a long rest
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay, unless they’re attacked, these vampire spawn are just going to run away.
A gets out of the door and is gone.
B runs up the wall and is cowering in the top left corner.
C attacks Solly
20 and a nat 20. Oof
[IceQueenSchnee]
Let’s see.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Uh oh
[RedLikeRoses]
You take a total of 21 slashing damage
[IceQueenSchnee]
I’m still okay.
[RedLikeRoses]
D attacks Kenni…
13 and 22
[Yangtastic]
22 hits
[RedLikeRoses]
You’re still grappled?
[Yangtastic]
Yeah
[RedLikeRoses]
You take 8 piercing damage and 9 necrotic damage as the vampire spawn bites you. You max HP is reduced by 9 until your next long rest.
Make a concentration check
[Yangtastic]
Holy shit
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Don’t get bit guys
[Yangtastic]
So I need to beat a 10?
[RedLikeRoses]
Or half the damage you took. Whatever’s higher
[IceQueenSchnee]
So a 10 in this case.
[Yangtastic]
14 so I pass
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay
E runs to the right most corner and cowers there.
F lets Solly go and also makes a break for the door, but he won’t quite get away this turn.
Morri. Go
[BlackCatBeastie]
I’ll Eldritch Blast the one attacking Kenni
20 and 11
[RedLikeRoses]
20 hits. 11 doesn’t
[BlackCatBeastie]
3 force damage. I guess I’ll draw my dagger too
[RedLikeRoses]
Is that your turn?
[BlackCatBeastie]
yes
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. Back to Solly.
[IceQueenSchnee]
I will try and keep fighting this vampire spawn.
11 and 12. Never mind.
[RedLikeRoses]
Unlucky.
Moxie?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Ignoring the spawn running past me, I’ll move up a bit to get next to Morrigan, I’ll move my Spiritual Weapon and make it attack the spawn attacking Kenni…
21
[RedLikeRoses]
Hit
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
11 force damage, and I’ll try Fire Bolt again
19
[RedLikeRoses]
Hit
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
3 fire damage. I rolled a 2 and a 1
[RedLikeRoses]
Ow
Kenni, back to you
[Yangtastic]
Is it an action to break out of a grapple?
[RedLikeRoses]
Yep. Athletics or Acrobatics
[Yangtastic]
I rolled an 8
[RedLikeRoses]
Nope
[Yangtastic]
Okay. Since I don’t have to concentrate on it, I cast my own Spiritual Weapon. One big hammer coming for the guy grappling me
18
[RedLikeRoses]
Hit
[Yangtastic]
4 force
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay.
A is gone.
B is still cowering
C attacks Solly
24 and 11
[IceQueenSchnee]
First one will hit.
[RedLikeRoses]
9 slashing
Spawn D attacks Kenni…
Rolls a 15 and 10 so no
E is in the corner and F is now gone.
Back to Morrigan.
[BlackCatBeastie]
I will move into line of sight with the spawn attacking Solly and cast Vicious Mockery:
“Learn to take a hint, asshole!”
Wisdom save. DC 14
[RedLikeRoses]
He rolled 11
[BlackCatBeastie]
Ha. 8 psychic damage and disadvantage on its next attack
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. Back to you Solly
[IceQueenSchnee]
First things first, Second Wind.
Second, dagger attack.
14.
[RedLikeRoses]
miss
[IceQueenSchnee]
Drat.
[RedLikeRoses]
Moxie?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I’ll plant a 2nd level Cure Wounds on Solana, then I’ll tell my Spiritual Weapon to attack the spawn she’s fighting
That’s 8HP and an 11 on the weapon, so it misses
[IceQueenSchnee]
Thank you.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. Kenni?
[Yangtastic]
That’s a 15 to get out the grapple.
[RedLikeRoses]
That passes
[Yangtastic]
Okay. Follow up with spirit hammer…
16
[RedLikeRoses]
hit
[Yangtastic]
4 force
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. Back to the vampire spawn.
B still cowering.
C attacks Solly.
[BlackCatBeastie]
Disadvantage, remember.
[RedLikeRoses]
yep
10 and 17
[IceQueenSchnee]
17 will hit.
[RedLikeRoses]
8 slashing
D attacks Kenni again.
9 and 16
[Yangtastic]
Both miss
[RedLikeRoses]
Morri?
[BlackCatBeastie]
Vicious Mockery again on the same spawn.
“Try harder tough guy!”
[RedLikeRoses]
That’s a 22
[BlackCatBeastie]
That’ll pass. Oops
[RedLikeRoses]
Solly?
[IceQueenSchnee]
I’ll use Blessing of the Raven Queen to teleport in a flanking position opposite Morrigan, then I’ll attack Vampire Spawn D.
Natural 20!
[Yangtastic]
Go Weiss!
[RedLikeRoses]
Good job. Roll damage
[BlackCatBeastie]
7 piercing damage total, and I’ll Action Surge to attack again.
That’s another natural 20!
[BlackCatBeastie]
Hell yeah
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Go Weiss
[Yangtastic]
Fuck yeah
[IceQueenSchnee]
5 piercing. I rolled two ones.
[RedLikeRoses]
Unlucky
Moxie?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I get the feeling I’m going to be in melee soon, so I’ll use Alter Self to give myself some claws. I’ll then use my Spiritual Weapon to attack the spawn on the right.
Natural 20.
[RedLikeRoses]
What’s with the nat 20s all of a sudden?
[Yangtastic]
Who cares?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
9 force damage
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. Kenni?
[Yangtastic]
Hammer time.
21
[RedLikeRoses]
Hit
[Yangtastic]
Fuck. Only 4 bludgeoning
Spirit Weapon…
20
[RedLikeRoses]
Hit
[Yangtastic]
5 force
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay
Vampire Spawn C attacks Moxie…
That’s a 21 and a nat 20
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I’ll Silvery Barbs the nat 20
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay.
Basic 20
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
At least its not a nat 20
[RedLikeRoses]
You take 18 slashing damage altogether
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Oh jeez, I should not be in melee
[IceQueenSchnee]
How bad?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Already single digits.
[Yangtastic]
Fucking what?
[IceQueenSchnee]
How?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
My constitution’s only 10. I have no modifier.
[RedLikeRoses]
The other spawn’s going to attack Solly.
17 and 14
[IceQueenSchnee]
The 17 will hit, but I have resistance to all damage thanks to the Blessing.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay.
That’s 10 slashing halved to 5
[IceQueenSchnee]
Understood.
[RedLikeRoses]
Morrigan?
[BlackCatBeastie]
Vicious Mockery on the spawn that attacked Moxie.
“Eyes on me, numbnut!”
[RedLikeRoses]
22 on the save
[BlackCatBeastie]
I need to try something else.
[RedLikeRoses]
Solly. Back to you.
[IceQueenSchnee]
Attack, attack.
23 and 18
[RedLikeRoses]
Both hit
[IceQueenSchnee]
That’s a total of 11 piercing.
[RedLikeRoses]
Moxie?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I’ll quicken a Cure Wounds, then attack the vampire spawn with my claws.
That’s a 19 to hit
[RedLikeRoses]
Hit
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
That’s 6 points of magical slashing damage.
[RedLikeRoses]
Got it
Kenni?
[Yangtastic]
Another hammer whack
18
[RedLikeRoses]
Hit
[Yangtastic]
8 damage
[RedLikeRoses]
You strike it across the face, but you start to realise that while your blows are hurting, they’re not reacting like someone should do from getting hit with weapons.
Roll a quick Medicine check please
[Yangtastic]
Medicine? Okay…
14?
[RedLikeRoses]
It takes a second to realise it, but the vampire spawn are healing, sometimes faster than you can hurt them. You’ve been going a few rounds now, but these spawn don’t even look like they’re slightly banged up.
[Yangtastic]
Shit
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
We may need to run guys
[BlackCatBeastie]
Agreed.
[IceQueenSchnee]
Damn it all.
[Yangtastic]
Who needs healing?
[IceQueenSchnee]
I do.
[BlackCatBeastie]
A little
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I got most of my health back with my last heal. Worry about the others
[Yangtastic]
I’ll throw Solly a Healing Word as I say “Prepare to withdraw”
Fucky, 4HP.
[IceQueenSchnee]
Solana grits her teeth and nods in response.
[RedLikeRoses]
Vampire Spawn C attacks Morri…
8 and 19.
[BlackCatBeastie]
Second one hits
[RedLikeRoses]
You take 7 slashing damage
[BlackCatBeastie]
And he takes 15 cold
[RedLikeRoses]
Oh yeah, you had Agathys up
The other one’s going for Kenni…
Nat 20 and 17
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Silvery Barbs. No nat 20
[RedLikeRoses]
That’s a 12. Both miss.
Morrigan?
[BlackCatBeastie]
We’re running?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Yeah
[Yangtastic]
Sadly yes
[IceQueenSchnee]
That’s the plan.
[BlackCatBeastie]
I cast Invisibility at 3rd level on me and Moxie, then run for the door.
I can’t quite get to the door this round, but I’m close.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. Solana?
[IceQueenSchnee]
I quickly bring out a torch and tinderbox and light a torch for my action, then I’ll drop it by the scrap wood beside me. Does it catch fire?
[RedLikeRoses]
It starts to yeah
[IceQueenSchnee]
Do I still have my bonus action? I know I just used rummaged a lot of items around there.
[RedLikeRoses]
I’ll let it slide this time.
[IceQueenSchnee]
Okay. Then I’ll use Blessing of the Raven Queen again to move towards the door.
[RedLikeRoses]
Moxie?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Full Dash, I’m out the door. I’ll use Quicken Spell to cast Fire Bolt as a bonus action. Just to light another fire on the way out in the bottom right corner.
[RedLikeRoses]
That’ll take away the invisibility.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I’m not in the room anymore.
[RedLikeRoses]
Fair enough.
Kenni?
[Yangtastic]
Disengage and run just far enough to hold the line with Solly. Then use my Spiritual Weapon for one last fuck you.
22 on spawn D
[RedLikeRoses]
Hit
[Yangtastic]
8 force damage
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. The spawn will pursue.
C goes for Solly
23 to hit
[IceQueenSchnee]
You are grappled.
The vampire spawn hisses “Where do you think you’re going?” as it tries to bite you.
That’s a 17
[IceQueenSchnee]
Hit.
[RedLikeRoses]
You take 8 piercing halved to 4, and 6 necrotic halved to 3. Your max HP is reduced by 3
[IceQueenSchnee]
Lovely.
[RedLikeRoses]
The other vampire spawn tries to do the same to Kenni…
That’s an 8 and 12 so nope.
Morri?
[BlackCatBeastie]
I’m running out down the stairs, full 30ft movement, the I’ll use Prestidigitation to light a torch from my pack. I’ll drop it on my next turn.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. Solly?
[IceQueenSchnee]
I’ll use my last Blessing of the Raven Queen to teleport out of the grapple towards the door, then I’ll use my action to dash out.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. You get juuust short of the front door.
Moxie?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Full Dash out of the building.
[RedLikeRoses]
You’re just behind Solana, you’ll get out on your next turn.
Kenni?
[Yangtastic]
Gust of Wind. A 60ft long 10ft wide blast of wind comes out from me. Any creature that starts its turn in the gust needs to pass a strength save or be sent flying 15ft. It does mean that Shield of Faith is gone.
[BlackCatBeastie]
Got it
[Yangtastic]
Hopefully that gives us some distance. I’ll run away now.
[RedLikeRoses]
They’re both going to get opportunity attacks off on you
[Yangtastic]
Okay
[RedLikeRoses]
19 and 21
[Yangtastic]
They’ll hit
[RedLikeRoses]
8 and 9. 17 slashing total. Roll concentration for the gust.
[Yangtastic]
14 and 10
[RedLikeRoses]
The Gust of Wind just stays up
[Yangtastic]
Phew
[RedLikeRoses]
What was the save DC?
[Yangtastic]
13
[RedLikeRoses]
They both passed. Sorry.
[Yangtastic]
It’s still double movement while they’re in the gust.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay.
They make it to the top of the stairs.
Morri?
[BlackCatBeastie]
I call up the stairs “Kenni?”
[Yangtastic]
“They’re right behind us! Just run!”
[BlackCatBeastie]
I drop my lit torch on the nearest coffin and Dash for the door.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. You get outside.
Solana?
[IceQueenSchnee]
I don’t need to dash to get out, do I?
[RedLikeRoses]
No. You and Moxie are close enough that you can just run out now when it gets to your turn.
[IceQueenSchnee]
Okay. I will light another torch and leave it on one of the workbenches before I run out the door.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. Moxie?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I’m out. I’ll also throw my oil flask over the door on the way out.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. Kenni? You’re the last one in a building that’s quickly going up in flames.
[Yangtastic]
I’m dashing out, and I’m going to quickly throw up a Shield of Faith on myself for good measure.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. You’ll get out on your next turn.
The vampire spawn dash to catch up.
Is anyone doing anything or can we skip straight to Kenni?
[IceQueenSchnee]
Just hurry it up.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay, Kenni?
[Yangtastic]
Out the door and slam it shut. I’ll even Call Lightning just to add to the fire.
[RedLikeRoses]
You raise a hand as a giant storm cloud forms over the building. You point to the door, and there’s a cracking BOOM as lightning strikes the door, immediately splintering the wood and igniting the oil Moxie laid down. The vampire spawn scream from within as smoke and flames start to pool from the windows. The building is now very much on fire.
“Hold!” a voice calls from behind you “What is…What is this?”
You turn around, and behind you is a group of town guards. Leading the bunch is this big guy with dark skin and a bald head. Wrapped in studded leather, he holds a battleaxe as he stares you down.
[BlackCatBeastie]
Damage control. “Hi there, I’m Morrigan. We were helping the coffin maker get rid of his infestation”
[RedLikeRoses]
“Infestation?” the man with the battleaxe, looking like the leader, raises his weapon “Explain yourself”
[Yangtastic]
“Vampire spawn. Some have fled, but the rest are still inside”
[RedLikeRoses]
“Vampire spawn?” His eyes widen for a sec before they narrow at you, Kenni. He raises his axe at you “You lie. Strahd’s beasts wouldn’t dare attack Vallaki”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“It’s true” I’ll back up Kenni, “Strahd smuggled spawn in crates, and he threatened the coffin maker into compliance”.
[RedLikeRoses]
Kenni, roll Persuasion with advantage.
[Yangtastic]
12?
[RedLikeRoses]
His axe doesn’t drop, but he doesn’t look like he’s about to start swinging “Vallaki is supposed to be a safe space. A haven from the forces of the night”
It’s at this point that the vampire spawn break out of the building, their burning forms sprinting away in the alleyways.
“Gods above! After them!” The man roars and his fellow guards run off in pursuit.
He turns to the group, planting his axe on the ground and leaning on it like a stick “Now, explain yourselves. Who are you, and why are you in Vallaki?”
Roll Perception guys
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
14
[IceQueenSchnee]
15.
[Yangtastic]
14
[BlackCatBeastie]
16
[RedLikeRoses]
Everybody notices that this guys right hand is not normal looking. His finger and nails are longer, almost clawlike, and the back of the hand has almost little spinelike barbs coming out of it.
[Yangtastic]
Noticed
[IceQueenSchnee]
I’m immediately on my guard. I’m mirroring his body language.
[BlackCatBeastie]
Can I Insight him? See whether or not he’s going to attack us?”
[RedLikeRoses]
Sure. Roll
[BlackCatBeastie]
15
[RedLikeRoses]
He’s weighing up his options. He doesn’t look like he’ll attack you, but he’s definitely thought about it.
[BlackCatBeastie]
“We’re not your enemy” I say “We were trying to slay the spawn when we forced to retreat. We’d hoped the fire would subdue them”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“We’ve made a bad introduction. Please,” I step forward and offer a hand to shake “I’m Moxie, and this is Morrigan, Solana, and Kenni. We came to these lands to hunt werewolves. Now we’re just trying to help the kingdom wherever we can”
[RedLikeRoses]
Roll Persuasion
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
8. Uh oh
[RedLikeRoses]
He sneers at your hand “I would keep your distance, little man. Strangers rarely stay in Vallaki. Your kind tend to bring trouble with you”
[Yangtastic]
“In our defence, the spawns were here before us. We’ve barely been here a couple of hours, and we have just prevented an attack on your church”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
His sneer turns to you “The church is sacred ground, beast, the forces of Strahd have no power there”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“His name is Kenni, and if it weren’t for us, the vampires would have broken the protective boundaries of the church and done gods-know-what to the good people of Vallaki”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
His eyes narrow at you, Morrigan “Explain”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“The church had a relic within that granted the church’s protection. van der Voort told us Strahd himself came to him in the night, under the false identity of one Vasili von Holtz. He threatened him, forced him to steal the relic, and he left spawn in his home to ensure his compliance. I don’t know what that monster had planned, but he needed the church unprotected to do so”
[RedLikeRoses]
Roll Persuasion with advantage, Blake.
[BlackCatBeastie]
Okay…
Shit. 10
[RedLikeRoses]
At advantage?
[BlackCatBeastie]
I rolled a 4 and a nat 1
[RedLikeRoses]
The man raises his axe again, holding it in both hands. Not raised to attack, but no longer resting. “You will all come with me. The burgomaster will learn the truth from you, and decide your fate”
[BlackCatBeastie]
I’ll quickly try to contact Sabrina “Did the man make it to the church?”
[RedLikeRoses]
You get no response. You’re out of range.
[BlackCatBeastie]
Crap.
“Sir, with respect, we’d sent van der Voort to the church with the relic in hand. With the vampire spawn having fled into the streets, we should really make sure that he made it to the church safely”
[RedLikeRoses]
Roll Persuasion with disadvantage.
[BlackCatBeastie]
Oh boy…
17
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
At disadvantage?
[BlackCatBeastie]
I have a +6 to Persuasion
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
The guardsman sighs through gritted teeth and looks to Moxie “You. Little man. You may go to the church. The rest of you are coming with me to the burgomaster. I won’t say again”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Okay then. I give everyone a nod and give Morrigan a little side-hug “Stay safe. If all goes well, we’ll meet back at the inn”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“Be careful, Pinewood”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Stay safe, Mox”
[Yangtastic]
“Stay safe, little one”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I give a friendly salute, and head off towards the church.
[RedLikeRoses]
The guard doesn’t say anything, but just tilts his head in a gesture to follow.
[IceQueenSchnee]
We follow.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay, we’ll follow Moxie for a sec. It takes some time but you get back to the church. You heading in?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Yeah. Did van der Voort make it?
[RedLikeRoses]
You head inside the chapel to see Milivoj and Yeska planting down new floorboards. To the side sits van der Voort, where Father Lucian is tending to him, handing him a cup of something, and speaking softly.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Good. Do I notice Morri’s familiar hanging around?
[RedLikeRoses]
Roll Perception
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
6
[RedLikeRoses]
You have no idea
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I’ll approach Lucian “Father Lucian, I hope all is well?”
[RedLikeRoses]
The priest looks up and you for a second, says something to van der Voort, and leaves him alone as he comes to speak with you “Ah yes, the bones have been returned to their rightful resting place, and van der Voort has fully confessed to his crime. It frightens me what the devil Strahd might have had planned, but whatever nefarious plans he had for this church have been truly thwarted. I cannot thank you and your friends enough”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“We were just happy to help sir”
[RedLikeRoses]
“Where is the rest of your number, my friend?”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“In our efforts to reclaim the bones, we may have made a poor impression on the town’s guard. The rest have been taken to the burgomaster to explain our case”
[RedLikeRoses]
“I see. Then allow me to repay your efforts. If you’re willing to wait, I will write a letter to the burgomaster’s wife to explain the matter. Lady Petrovna is family, and a pious woman. She should be able to help settle the matter”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“Thank you, Lucian”
[RedLikeRoses]
“We only survive in this world by helping each other, my friend”
It takes him some time to write a letter, but he does so, then he gives you directions to the burgomaster’s house and sends you on your way.
Let’s jump back to the rest of you guys. The guardsman leads you to a large mansion with walls of plastered stone. The walls display many scars, places where the plaster has fallen away from age and neglect. Drapes cover every window, including a large arch opening above the mansion's double entrance doors.
The guard leads you into the entrance hall. Framed portraits adorn the walls of this grand foyer, which features a wide staircase with a sculpted railing. A long, carpeted hall attached to the foyer stretches almost the length of the mansion and has several doors leading away from it, including one at the far end. Bundles of twigs are heaped against the walls.
It doesn’t take long for the guard to catch a passing servant and say “Tell the baron I have people awaiting judgement. They’ll be awaiting him in the den”
The maid freezes in place at the man’s voice, and quickly runs off with a “Yes sir, of course”
The guard waves you all along with his axe “Follow”
[IceQueenSchnee]
I’m scoping the surroundings while we walk.
[RedLikeRoses]
Perception please
[IceQueenSchnee]
19.
[RedLikeRoses]
Looking around the foyer as you walk, you don’t notice anything too out of the ordinary. The twigs look like kindling or firewood perhaps. A lot of people in the paintings look very similar to one another. Family portraits. The guard leads you into the first door on the right into a room he called the “den”. Padded chairs and couches line the walls of this cosy, carpeted room. The room reeks of pipe smoke, and mounted on the east wall is the head of an angry-looking brown bear.
[Yangtastic]
Is there anything unusual about the bear?
[RedLikeRoses]
What do you mean?
[Yangtastic]
Is it magic?
[RedLikeRoses]
Roll Arcana I guess
[Yangtastic]
18
[RedLikeRoses]
It just looks like a normal bear, mounted and stuffed.
[Yangtastic]
I curl my lip a little. “Distasteful”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“You will be seated for the baron” the guard speaks from the door “Touch nothing”
[Yangtastic]
“Touch nothing but the seats?”
[RedLikeRoses]
His eyes narrow “Do not push me, beast. You will not like the outcome”.
[Yangtastic]
I’m getting pretty tired of the “beast” comments. I growl at him
[RedLikeRoses]
He doesn't say anything. He just raises his axe in a look that says "Bring it"
[BlackCatBeastie]
I pull on Kenni’s arm to try and get him to sit beside me
[IceQueenSchnee]
“At ease, Sobek” I sit down.
[Yangtastic]
I will sit down, not taking my eyes off the guy the entire time.
[RedLikeRoses]
He meets your gaze, both hands leaning on his axe as he rests it in front of him.
[Yangtastic]
Vibe check?
[RedLikeRoses]
Roll Insight
[Yangtastic]
Nat 20 bitch
[RedLikeRoses]
He is not intimidated in the slightest. You can tell from the way his hands tense on his axe and the hardness in his stare that he’s just waiting for an excuse to try and kill you. There’s a bloodlust there, buried just beneath the surface.
[Yangtastic]
I’m not taking my eye off this guy then.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Eventually, the door opens to an older gentleman; sallow-skinned with thinning grey hair, walks in with a pair of mastiffs at his side. You catch the gleam of a breastplate on his person, and a rapier at his side.
“Now then Izek, what is this business that you’ve brought – Good gods, what is that?” The man’s eyes nearly bug out his skull when he sees Kenni.
[IceQueenSchnee]
“Please, remain calm. We mean you no harm”.
[RedLikeRoses]
“You be quiet!” the man snaps, looking to his guardsman “Izek, explain!”
“I found this group setting fire to the coffin-maker’s shop, sir” the guard, now known to you as Izek, explains “They claimed to be working on behalf of the church. I brought them here to explain their case to you”
The man grinds his teeth as he looks over the group from top to bottom. He takes a deep breath and moves to rest in an armchair across from you all. His dogs move to his sides and lay down.
“Very well. Speak then”
[BlackCatBeastie]
Shall I?
[IceQueenSchnee]
Please.
[Yangtastic]
You’re the only one with positive charisma.
[BlackCatBeastie]
Okay then.
“My lord, my name is Morrigan Fairchild, this is Solana Azar and Kenni Sobek. We came to these lands hunting werewolves that had been attacking our villages. We sought only to rest behind your walls on our journey to Krezk when we were asked by Father Lucian to investigate the matter of a relic stolen from the church. We followed the trail to the coffin-maker’s shop, where he confessed that he had stolen the relic under duress. He told us that Strahd himself appeared at his door and threatened him into compliance. He had left a horde of vampire spawn in preparation for some kind of attack. We tried to slay the vampires while van der Voort returned the relic to the church. Your guardsman saw us setting fire to the shop because we were forced to flee the fight. As far as we are aware, the spawn have fled, but we still do not know if van der Voort made it to the church with the relic”
[RedLikeRoses]
The baron sits it silence; hands clasped as he stares you down. “Strahd cannot enter Vallaki’s walls. It’s impossible. You are lying”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“I’m only repeating what I was told sir. There were vampires in the shop. Your guardsman can confirm that”
[RedLikeRoses]
“It is true, my lord” Izek nods “Vampire spawn leaped from the flames and fled from the scene. My men left to pursue them. With luck, they have already been driven beyond the walls”
“That does not explain how vampires were able to enter Vallaki at all" the burgomaster snarls, "We have rituals here; our festivals keep the creatures at bay”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“Festivals, sir?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“Yes. Every week, we host a festival to raise the spirits of our people. So long as all remains well, the collective good of Vallaki shall repel the evils beyond its walls”.
[IceQueenSchnee]
Is there any validity to that?
[RedLikeRoses]
Roll Religion or Arcana
[IceQueenSchnee]
18 for Religion.
[RedLikeRoses]
It sounds like a load of hooey.
[IceQueenSchnee]
I give Morrigan a look, and subtly shake my head.
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Regardless of how the creatures got inside Vallaki, we were only trying to help. Father Lucian didn’t want to cause a panic, so he enlisted us to try and investigate discreetly. And while we may not have succeeded in the discreet aspect, we have done a service to your people. All that we ask is that we allowed to move on once our party have rested. We do not want to trouble Vallaki any more than we already have”
[RedLikeRoses]
Everyone roll Persuasion.
[IceQueenSchnee]
18.
[Yangtastic]
5
[BlackCatBeastie]
16
[RedLikeRoses]
The baron is quiet for what feels like a long time before he says “I assume that you were resting at the Blue Water Inn?”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“That is right, sir”
[RedLikeRoses]
“I will speak with Father Lucian, he is a godly man, and I will only accept his words from his own mouth. In the meantime, Izek will escort you back to the inn, where you shall stay until further notice. Is that clear?”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“You are very gracious sir” I bow my head
[RedLikeRoses]
“I am. Aren’t I?” the baron smiles, before snapping his fingers “Izek, you heard me. You will take them to the inn. I want two guards posted at the inn in the meantime, just to avoid any…trouble. Is that clear?”
“Understood, sir” he lifts his axe again as he moves to the door “Follow”
[BlackCatBeastie]
I guess we follow
[RedLikeRoses]
Izek leads your group back out the front door, just as a familiar-looking gnome comes running up to the mansion.
Moxie, welcome to the Burgomaster’s mansion.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“Hey guys. Sorry I’m late. Lucian was writing a letter for us”
[RedLikeRoses]
“What is this letter?” Izek demands
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“It was meant for the baroness”
[RedLikeRoses]
“You will remain here” Izek quickly goes back inside and returns with the baron.
“You have a letter for my wife little…boy?” the baron seems taken aback by your height.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“You must be the burgomaster” I do a formal bow “Moxie Pinewood, sir, at your service. I have a letter addressed to the lady Petrovna from Father Lucian”
[RedLikeRoses]
“I would read this letter” the baron sticks out his hand
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“With respect, sir, the letter is meant for the baroness”
[RedLikeRoses]
“The baroness is my wife, and I am burgomaster of Vallaki. You will give it to me”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I look at the others. I’m fishing for support
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Just give it to him, Mox. It’s fine”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I will gingerly give him the letter.
[RedLikeRoses]
The burgomaster is quick to open and read, a half-amused chuff escapes him as he reads “This is written in his hand…Well, it seems then that I won’t have to summon the priest after all. Sly of him to curry favour with his sister before me” He folds up the paper and addresses the group “It seems that Father Lucian takes full responsibility for your actions this day. You are free to go. However, I will say this: Your actions have still brought disorder to Vallaki. I would have you leave before sundown, lest I be forced to make you leave. Understood”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Of course, sir. We thank you for your generosity” I bow
[RedLikeRoses]
The baron waves a dismissive hand and moves to head back inside “Return to your duties, Izek”
Izek waits until the burgomaster is out of sight before saying “I’d heed the burgomaster’s words. Be gone by sundown” He then goes away as well
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“Well, that went well”
Are we just going to head back to the inn?
[BlackCatBeastie]
The others are back there now, right?
[IceQueenSchnee]
That’s where they said they were going.
[Yangtastic]
Then lets go eat and get a rest in at last.
[RedLikeRoses]
Alright, you head back to the Blue Water Inn. By the time you get there, the inn is properly open, the lady Danika is waiting tables as the man Urwin works behind the bar. You spy Ireena and Ismark seated at a table in the far corner, a pair of drinks between them.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
We’ll go sit with them.
[BlackCatBeastie]
Can I look out for any birds?
[RedLikeRoses]
Roll Perception.
[BlackCatBeastie]
9
[RedLikeRoses]
You don’t see any birds.
Ismark smiles as he sees you approach “My friends. I trust that all is well”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“There was a little trouble, but all should be fine so long as we’re gone by the end of the day”
[RedLikeRoses]
“Good” Ireena says “That was always the plan”
If you guys want, you can have a Short Rest.
[Yangtastic]
What about a Long Rest?
[RedLikeRoses]
It’ll be dark by the time a Long Rest passes. You can do it, but there might be consequences.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
How about we take a Short Rest now, then we take everyone and the cart outside Vallaki and take a Long Rest on the other side of the wall. We technically won’t be in Vallaki, but we’ll be close enough that we’re not too out of the open.
[Yangtastic]
I like that idea.
[IceQueenSchnee]
There’s no guarantee that the people of Vallaki would help us if there was trouble.
[BlackCatBeastie]
As long as they don’t give us any trouble.
[IceQueenSchnee]
Fine then.
[RedLikeRoses]
So Short Rest now, immediately followed by a Long Rest. Am I getting that right?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
More or less.
[RedLikeRoses]
You spend an hour at the inn, drinking and eating, before you collect your horse and cart and move to leave Vallaki.
Roll your hit dice if you want.
[Yangtastic]
Done
[BlackCatBeastie]
All good
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
That’ll do
[IceQueenSchnee]
Close enough.
[RedLikeRoses]
The innkeepers wish you well as you leave, and the guards at the gate are all too happy to let you leave. They do raise eyebrows when you pull up no more than a few paces from the gates.
“What is this? Be on your way”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“The burgomaster asked that be out of the town by sundown. We still require rest before we leave properly, but we acknowledge his wishes by taking our rest beyond the walls”
The guards just share a look and shrug. It’s not their problem unless you start something.
Take your Long Rest.
[Yangtastic]
Thank god
[RedLikeRoses]
As you rally from your rest, the sun has set, and the road stretches on. Do you dare to drive through the night?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
What does everyone think?
[Yangtastic]
I think I’m a cleric that’s had their sleep. I think we can manage.
[IceQueenSchnee]
It beats sitting around all night on Vallaki’s doorstep.
[BlackCatBeastie]
Then let’s do it.
[RedLikeRoses]
Ismark gives a nod and spurs the horse onward.
The road grows dark as the torchlight of Vallaki fades, leaving only the natural light of a cloudy sky to guide your way.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I’ll cast Light.
[RedLikeRoses]
That’s slightly better.
Can someone roll a d12 and a d8 please
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I can do that
10 and a 4
[RedLikeRoses]
14
After maybe 15 minutes of travelling in the low light…
Perception checks everyone.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
9
[BlackCatBeastie]
9
[Yangtastic]
18
[IceQueenSchnee]
18.
[RedLikeRoses]
Kenni, Solana. You see a group of humanoids making their way towards you down the road. The way they’re grouped, they’re blocking the road on their approach.
[IceQueenSchnee]
“Halt!” I say to Ismark. What do they look like?
[RedLikeRoses]
As Ismark pulls the horse to a stop, you get a better look as the figures move closer to the light.
You see a group of six elvish looking figures approach in a shambling manner. It’s not until they get closer that you see their forms are naked and sexless, their bodies coloured brown and mottled green, covered in spikes and bristles. These are not elves at all, but Blights.
There’s a pause in their shambling, then one of them lets out a hellish screech and they begin to charge.
Roll Initiative.
[IceQueenSchnee]
23
[Yangtastic]
7
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
15
[BlackCatBeastie]
21
[RedLikeRoses]
2 nat 20s for initiative. Dang
[IceQueenSchnee]
I know. Such as waste.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay, Solly, you’re first. The blights are about 30ft out from the cart. Keep in mind that you only have bright light going 20ft out from the cart.
[IceQueenSchnee]
Shadar-Kai have darkvision. I’ll be fine. I will draw my weapons, get off and move as far forward as I can. I will ready an attack for the first blight that gets in range.
[RedLikeRoses]
Morrigan?
[BlackCatBeastie]
I’m going to stay where I am, and ready an Eldritch Blast for any blight that comes into the light. Specifically, only if Solly can’t hit them first.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. Got it.
Moxie?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I don’t want to get down to the cart, so I’ll clamber on to the back of the horse to get closer
[RedLikeRoses]
Can I get a quick Animal Handling check?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
9
[RedLikeRoses]
You give the horse a fright, so it’ll be squirming this round. It’ll calm by the next round, but anything you do this round will have disadvantage.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Worth it.
Fire Bolt on the one closest.
8
[RedLikeRoses]
Miss
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I’ll summon a Spiritual Weapon in front of him then.
Nat 1
[RedLikeRoses]
Nope
Unlucky
Time for the blights.
The first one charges towards Moxie and the horse
[BlackCatBeastie]
Eldritch Blast goes off.
19 and 24
[RedLikeRoses]
Both hit
[BlackCatBeastie]
10 force damage total
I rolled a 1 on one of the blasts
[RedLikeRoses]
You almost got it in one
It’s going to attack the horse.
Which hits with a 14
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Silvery Barbs. Roll again
[RedLikeRoses]
7. Miss
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
No one hurts the horse
[RedLikeRoses]
Second Blight is going for a needle attack on you, Moxie…
That’s a 15 to hit
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
that hits
[RedLikeRoses]
You take 11 piercing damage as you are hit with a flurry of dart-like pine needle
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
holy crap
Half my health in one
[Yangtastic]
Why are you so squishy
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
My constitution is 10
[Yangtastic]
Why?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Because I wanted other stats higher more, sue me.
[RedLikeRoses]
Blight 3 charges forward towards the horse
[IceQueenSchnee]
It moved within range of me.
21 to hit.
[RedLikeRoses]
hit
[IceQueenSchnee]
That’s 7 piercing damage with a silver dagger.
[RedLikeRoses]
Noted. These guys don’t have anything special with silver, fyi
[IceQueenSchnee]
Noted.
[RedLikeRoses]
The blight rolls a nat 1 to attack the horse.
Blight 4 attacks Solly.
That’s a 5 so miss
Blight 5 attacks Solly…
10 so miss
The last blight is also going to attack Solana…
That’s a 20 to hit
[IceQueenSchnee]
That one hits.
[RedLikeRoses]
You take 7 piercing damage as its claws hit you
Kenni. What are you doing?
[Yangtastic]
I’m getting off. Moving up and attacking the blight on my right
[RedLikeRoses]
Blight A. Roll away
[Yangtastic]
17
[RedLikeRoses]
Hit
[Yangtastic]
5 damage
[RedLikeRoses]
And it’s gone. Bonus action?
[Yangtastic]
Shield of Faith on the horse. +2 for his AC
[RedLikeRoses]
Got it
Ismark whips out a crossbow and takes a shot at blight B…
Scores…
And does 5 piercing damage.
Ireena doesn’t have anything ranged, so she’s just going to draw a rapier and wait. Taking the dodge action
Back to the top: Solana. What’s up?
[IceQueenSchnee]
I’m going to attack the blight that struck me.
11 to hit?
[RedLikeRoses]
Just misses
[IceQueenSchnee]
Attacking with the offhand…
24.
[RedLikeRoses]
hit
[IceQueenSchnee]
4 piercing.
[RedLikeRoses]
Got it.
Morri?
[BlackCatBeastie]
Eldritch Blast on the blight furthest to the left of us.
16 and 12
[RedLikeRoses]
Both hit
[BlackCatBeastie]
8 force damage total.
[RedLikeRoses]
Aaaand he’s out. Got anything else?
[BlackCatBeastie]
I’ll move to the other side of the cart and end my turn.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay.
Moxie?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Would you say I was flanking this blight with Solana?
[RedLikeRoses]
I’d say yes
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
dagger.
22 to hit
[RedLikeRoses]
Hit
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
7 piercing damage
[RedLikeRoses]
Dead.
Bonus action?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Spiritual Weapon will attack the closest blight
[RedLikeRoses]
Blight D
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
25 to hit
[RedLikeRoses]
yep
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
10 force damage
[RedLikeRoses]
Ouch. Still standing
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
My turns up
[RedLikeRoses]
Blights’ turn.
They’re all going to gang up on Solana.
[IceQueenSchnee]
Lucky me.
[RedLikeRoses]
That is…
20, 5, and 10
[IceQueenSchnee]
Only one hits.
[RedLikeRoses]
5 piercing
Kenni?
[Yangtastic]
I’m going to flank this blight with Solly
25
[RedLikeRoses]
Hit
[Yangtastic]
6 damage
[RedLikeRoses]
Dead. Bonus action?
[Yangtastic]
I’ll throw Moxie a Healing Word “Brace yourself, little one!”
6HP
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
thanks
[RedLikeRoses]
Ismark manages to land another shot with his crossbow.
Ireena stays in the cart.
Back to you, Solly.
[IceQueenSchnee]
I’ll follow up on the one that Ismark shot.
16 to hit.
[RedLikeRoses]
yep
[IceQueenSchnee]
7 piercing.
[RedLikeRoses]
It’s down.
[IceQueenSchnee]
Offhand on the last one.
11. Miss.
[RedLikeRoses]
Morrigan?
[BlackCatBeastie]
Eldritch Blast
Nat 1 and 19
[RedLikeRoses]
One hit
[BlackCatBeastie]
6 force damage.
[RedLikeRoses]
It’s almost dead
Moxie?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Fire Bolt
Nope. 9.
[RedLikeRoses]
Miss
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Spirit Weapon.
Nat 20
[RedLikeRoses]
Finish this guy
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
My Spiritual Weapon looks like a dagger, so it’s just going to fly like a missile and blast a hole straight through the blight.
[RedLikeRoses]
Awesome. And as the final blight falls, combat is over.
[Yangtastic]
“How is everyone doing?”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“Nothing I can’t walk away from”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“I took a knock but I’ll be okay”
[RedLikeRoses]
It’s at this point that you hear a clapping noise ahead of you.
“Bravo. An excellent show, truly”
Morrigan, you’re closest to Ireena, so you hear her whisper a quiet “No”
Emerging from the shadows ahead, is man slowly applauding. His skin pale as moonlight, his hair dark and long. His features sharp, like a statue, pulled into the thinnest imitation of a smile. He walks slowly, without fear. You see the finery of his robes, the glint of his eye in the low light.
This is a vampire, unlike any other you have seen. This is Strahd.
[Yangtastic]
Holy shit.
[RedLikeRoses]
“It isn’t every day that Barovia receives new guests. Even rarer that those guests are capable of entertaining me. Truly, I thank you for this performance. I hope to see even grander displays of valour in the coming days”
[Yangtastic]
“You mean you intend to let us walk away?”
[BlackCatBeastie]
Don’t jinx it
[RedLikeRoses]
“Why would I end the fun so soon? No, killing you now wouldn’t cost me anything. It would be…too easy. You’d die and then I’d have to wait gods know how long for the next would-be heroes to stumble into my realm. No, you are here to stay. And I intend to savour this time for all that is worth”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“You think we fear you? We’ve dealt with your kind before”.
[RedLikeRoses]
“My dear,” he laughs “You've faced my spawn, the cheapest imitations of my power. And as I recall, you ran from that fight. Make no mistake: you survived, and for that I applaud you. But do not delude yourself. You have never met a man like me before”
[BlackCatBeastie]
I give Ireena and Ismark a look. How are they doing?
[RedLikeRoses]
Roll Insight
[BlackCatBeastie]
Crap. 6
[RedLikeRoses]
You’re a little distracted at the moment, but you can tell they’re scared.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“So what happens now? What becomes of us when we walk away?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“You are permitted to run around Barovia to your heart’s content. Plot your schemes, enact your silly plans. Entertain me. You would not want to see me bored”.
[IceQueenSchnee]
“And what will you do?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“I will watch. Your time in Barovia has not gone unnoticed, Solana Azar, make no mistake. I have eyes everywhere, ears everywhere else. I am the land, I am Barovia. Everything that happens in this realm happens only because I allow it. You will live because I permit it, and when the time comes, when you cease to be a diverting distraction from the monotony of my rule, you will die because I will it so”.
[Yangtastic]
How does he know your name?
[IceQueenSchnee]
Because he likely has been watching us.
[RedLikeRoses]
So, what’s everyone thinking about?
[IceQueenSchnee]
Solana does not like being on the back foot. She is off-kilter, and she’s angry about it.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I think Moxie’s panicking a little bit on the inside, and he’s just trying to calm himself down.
[Yangtastic]
Kenni’s not impressed. He just wants to tear Strahd’s head off
[BlackCatBeastie]
Morrigan can feel the power and charisma that Strahd’s showing off, and it is terrifying her.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay.
Strahd looks to you all, as if gauging the mettle of each of you one at a time, and has a quiet chuckle to himself, laughing to a joke only he seemed privy to. He gives a small bow “Until we meet again”. Then he transforms into a bat and disappears into the night sky.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“What the fuck was that?”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“That is an enemy we have clearly been underestimating. From now on, we can assume that anything we know, Strahd will eventually know”
[Yangtastic]
“Nothing is truly immortal. We could kill him”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Kenni, I love you, but we wouldn’t stand a chance with the power we have now. Madam Eva gave us clues to where we could find weapons and tools to fight him. We need to go find them”
[RedLikeRoses]
“The Vistani also said that I was destined to help you” Ismark notes “But I refuse to go hunting for trinkets while Ireena is within the Strahd’s grasp”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“With respect, Ismark, Krezk may not be any safer than anywhere else in Barovia”
[RedLikeRoses]
“I will not abandon hope until I see Krezk with my own eyes”
[Yangtastic]
“I respect his conviction. We will not be able to do this without him. It would be unwise to separate. I say we still go to Krezk”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Me too”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“And you, Moxie. What do you think?”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“I think that wherever we go, we go together”
[IceQueenSchnee]
I sigh “Fine. I guess we’re still going to Krezk then. Let’s be off then. Ismark, I expect you to trade seats with someone before the night is done”.
[RedLikeRoses]
“Krezk should only take us a few hours, but very well”.
And so, Ismark spurs the horse on, and the cart once again goes off into the night. You travel now, still unsettled by the environment, but now with the a very real sense that you’re no longer alone. Eyes look to birds, bats, shadows. Just how much is under Strahd’s control?
And that’s where we’ll end it tonight.
[Yangtastic]
WHAT?
[IceQueenSchnee]
You’re kidding me.
[RedLikeRoses]
Sorry. But I was going to end it after Strahd anyway. I didn’t expect you guys to go through Vallaki so fast.
[Yangtastic]
You kicked us out!
[RedLikeRoses]
You set a building on fire within an hour of arriving!
[Yangtastic]
…Touché
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Alright guys. If that’s time, then I’m going to log off.
[RedLikeRoses]
Wait! You’ve all levelled up, before I forget
[Yangtastic]
Woo!
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. Bye guys
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful has left the chat]
[IceQueenSchnee]
Goodnight, all.
[Yangtastic]
Bye guys
[BlackCatBeastie]
Goodnight.
[IceQueenSchnee has left the chat]
[Yangtastic has left the chat]
[BlackCatBeastie has left the chat]
[RedLikeRoses has left the chat]