Chapter Text
[RedLikeRoses has entered the chat]
[Yangtastic has entered the chat]
[IceQueenSchnee has entered the chat]
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful has entered the chat]
[BlackCatBeastie has entered the chat]
[RedLikeRoses]
Hey you guys!
[Yangtastic]
Wazzup!
[IceQueenSchnee]
Evening, all.
[BlackCatBeastie]
Hey guys
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Hey guys. So Ruby, how’s it feel being in the DM’s chair?
[RedLikeRoses]
It feels weird, I’m not going to lie
[Yangtastic]
You got this sis
[IceQueenSchnee]
I’ve heard good things about this Strahd adventure.
[RedLikeRoses]
No pressure then
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
You’ll do great.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay
So, shall we get started?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Yes
[BlackCatBeastie]
Sure
[IceQueenSchnee]
Yes. Let’s.
[Yangtastic]
LET IT BEGIN!!!!
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay.
“Werewolves in the mist!” For days now you have heard these dreaded words spoken again and again by farmers, merchants and adventurers alike throughout Daggerford. Hamlets to the east have fallen prey to a pack of werewolves that spill from the Misty Forest on nights of the full moon, cloaked in a crawling mist that seems to follow wherever they roam. The beasts spread death and mayhem, slaughtering adults and stealing children back into the woods. Others have tried to combat the werewolf menace, but none have prevailed.
And that, dear adventurers, is where you come in.
Our story begins 30 miles east of Daggerford in a campsite just off the side of the road that leads through the Misty Forest. Four men and women rest around a burning campfire. An unlikely alliance united by the werewolf threat.
We’ll first begin with the spearhead of this alliance: Solana.
Weiss, can you describe your character?
[Yangtastic]
Oh boy
[IceQueenSchnee]
Certainly.
Sitting by the fire is a woman with elven features. A Shadar-kai, she has pale features and ashen hair with pale grey eyes. She is clad in studded leather garb weathered from countless fights. Her scarred face and arms bely a dangerous lifestyle, and the severe way she carries herself tells much of her personality. She’s currently fiddling with one of her daggers.
[RedLikeRoses]
Yes. Solana Azar. Hunter and investigator, hired by the Lord’s Alliance to locate the lair of the werewolves and destroy it. You know from their sources that the werewolves use some kind of magic to travel from the misty forest to their lair and vice versa. But more than that, you do not know.
But you needed a team; and so, you turned to other agents and other factions, and found, at first, a pair of Harpers.
Moxie, let’s say hi to you first.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Okay.
On the other side of the campfire is a small forest gnome, using magic to make different colours appear in the fire. He has a tan complexion and dark hair, dressed in basic shirt and slacks, complete with suspenders. He seems content playing around with magic, but every now and then he’ll turn and crack wise with his fellow Harper.
[RedLikeRoses]
Yes, you and Morrigan have been sworn to the Harpers for years. Harper agents are sworn to fight corruption and defend the people, so when Solana approached you with a mission to save Daggerford, needless to say that you both jumped at the chance. It was your Harper contacts that outfitted you all with silver weapons.
Speaking of Morrigan, what does she look like?
[BlackCatBeastie]
Morrigan is a human woman, maybe mid-twenties, with fair skin, blue eyes, and long black hair that goes to mid-back. She’s wearing a black dress that’s I guess you could describe as a kind of witchcore goth look, with lots of rings and necklaces. She’s sitting a ways off from the fire, cuddled up with Kenni, with a large black cat curled up in her lap.
[RedLikeRoses]
And who is Kenni, Yang?
[Yangtastic]
Kenni is a lizardfolk. You know the Godzilla from the 98 movie?
[RedLikeRoses]
You mean Zilla?
[Yangtastic]
Weeb. But yes, that Godzilla. Imagine that but 6 and a half feet tall, dressed in chainmail with a big shield and hammer sitting at his side. That’s Kenni. One of the Order of the Gauntlet.
[RedLikeRoses]
And the Order of the Gauntlet are a faction of holy warriors dedicated to saving the land from evil forces. Your superior gave you orders to find the werewolf’s lair, and thanks to your close ties with Morrigan, it didn’t take much convincing for Solana to take you on her team.
And so, the four sit around the fire, in a dark corner of the Misty Forest and the sun starting to set. A thin mist descends as the evening comes, and the fire sputters intermittently.
What’s everyone’s Passive Perception?
[Yangtastic]
Shit. Already?
[IceQueenSchnee]
13.
[BlackCatBeastie]
13
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
11
[Yangtastic]
14
[RedLikeRoses]
Okie-doke.
Kenni, you hear ever so slightly the sound of something moving in the brush behind you.
[Yangtastic]
I immediately tense up and reach for my hammer.
[BlackCatBeastie]
I stop my rambling and ask “Kenni, what is it?”
[Yangtastic]
“We’re not alone out here” I motion for Morri to move.
[BlackCatBeastie]
I quickly get to my feet. Sabrina disappearing from my lap.
[RedLikeRoses]
The pair of you barely have time to stand before a humanoid shape comes barrelling from the bushes.
Roll Initiative. Oscar, Weiss, disadvantage.
[Yangtastic]
Woo! It begins
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Startin early, aren’t we?
[IceQueenSchnee]
Why?
[BlackCatBeastie]
11
[RedLikeRoses]
You weren’t warned in time
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
16
[Yangtastic]
4. Shit
[IceQueenSchnee]
19.
[RedLikeRoses]
19 at disadvantage?
[IceQueenSchnee]
I rolled a 19 and a 17.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay…
Solana, you’re going first. There’s a werewolf on the edge of the clearing about 35ft out from you. What are you doing?
[IceQueenSchnee]
That’s not in range, but I have this Blessing of the Raven Queen ability that lets me teleport 30ft as a bonus action. So, I’ll do that.
[Yangtastic]
Cool
[RedLikeRoses]
Shadows seem to form around you as you disappear and reappear 30ft closer to the werewolf, now standing on your feet.
You using an action?
[IceQueenSchnee]
I will move in and attack with my silver dagger.
12.
[RedLikeRoses]
That just hits
[IceQueenSchnee]
5 piercing damage.
[RedLikeRoses]
Cool
[IceQueenSchnee]
I also have resistance to all damage until the start of my next turn.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay then.
Next up is Moxie. Werewolf is 25ft from you
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Ray of Frost
13
[RedLikeRoses]
Hit
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
4 cold damage, and its movement is reduced by 10ft until my next turn.
I’ll end my turn there
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. Morri, you are 15ft away from the werewolf.
[BlackCatBeastie]
Eldritch Blast
[Yangtastic]
Woo!
[BlackCatBeastie]
22
[RedLikeRoses]
That’ll definitely hit
[BlackCatBeastie]
10 force damage. Max damage
[Yangtastic]
Eldritch Blast go brr!
[BlackCatBeastie]
That’s all I got
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay.
Bang. Bang. Bang. Three solid hits on the werewolf. Roaring, it lunges towards the closest person: Solana.
That’s a 19 on the bite attack.
[IceQueenSchnee]
My AC is 14, so it’ll hit.
[RedLikeRoses]
10 piercing damage. I need a Constitution save from you.
[IceQueenSchnee]
Halved to 5 due to the Blessing.
14 on the save.
[RedLikeRoses]
That’s a pass
18 on its claw attack
5 slashing damage, halved to 3.
Kenni, you’re up.
[Yangtastic]
Hammer time. Can I flank?
[RedLikeRoses]
yup
[Yangtastic]
Hammer time…
18
[RedLikeRoses]
Hit
[Yangtastic]
7 Bludgeoning with a silver warhammer
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. Back to you, Weiss.
[IceQueenSchnee]
15
[RedLikeRoses]
That’ll hit
[IceQueenSchnee]
3 piercing damage. That was poor.
I only have the one silver dagger so that’ll end my turn. I also have lost the blessing resistance.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. Back to Moxie.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
It’s only the one werewolf, so I think I’m just going to keep using cantrips. Ray of Frost
Another 13
[RedLikeRoses]
Another hit
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
2 cold + the 10ft penalty
[RedLikeRoses]
Got it.
Back to you, Morri
[BlackCatBeastie]
Eldritch Blast worked, so I’ll just keep doing that.
16
[RedLikeRoses]
Yup
[BlackCatBeastie]
9 force damage
[RedLikeRoses]
Oof, this boy is hurt
[BlackCatBeastie]
I’ll end my turn.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. So the werewolf’s just taken a beating, its ambush failed, so it’s going to Disengage and try to run.
It spends the rest of the turn running.
Kenni, what are you doing? It’s 30ft away and running.
[Yangtastic]
I look to Solana and say “We need to follow it to its lair”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“Agreed”.
[Yangtastic]
I’ll just give chase.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. What about everyone else?
[IceQueenSchnee]
We chase
[BlackCatBeastie]
Same
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I only move 25ft. I’ll start falling behind.
[Yangtastic]
Try and keep up little man. I’m gone
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Okay. I will dash my hardest.
[RedLikeRoses]
Chasing after the werewolf, you manage to keep pace with for a while. Moxie, you’re struggling to keep pace with the others as the mist grows thicker and thicker.
I want everyone to roll a Constitution saving throw
[IceQueenSchnee]
17.
[BlackCatBeastie]
9
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
14
[Yangtastic]
11
[RedLikeRoses]
You all keep running as the fog gets thicker and thicker and thicker, until it feels like it’s everywhere and thick enough to choke. You all start feel short of breath, tired. The werewolf is nowhere in sight.
Everyone gets a point of exhaustion. Disadvantage on ability checks
[Yangtastic]
Wuh-oh
[IceQueenSchnee]
What?
[BlackCatBeastie]
That’s not good
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
ha
[RedLikeRoses]
Eventually, the fog starts to thin, and you all find yourselves on a lonely dirt road that you definitely weren’t on before. The trees around you are dense, and what little of the starry sky you had seen earlier all but gone.
Moxie, you’re a bit behind. Can I get another Con save?
[Yangtastic]
oh shit
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
That’s a 5.
[RedLikeRoses]
That’s another point of exhaustion as you finally emerge from the fog. Speed halved.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Fantastic. My movement is now 12.5
[RedLikeRoses]
We’ll say 13
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I immediately fall to my hands and knees
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Moxie!” I immediately move to help you back up
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“I’m fine. I’m just exhausted”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“I think we’re all feeling off from whatever happened”.
[Yangtastic]
I look back at the fog. Is it moving at all?
[RedLikeRoses]
Roll Survival
[Yangtastic]
Ooh…
15
[RedLikeRoses]
You see the fog blowing with the wind, except you concentrate and realise that there is no breeze. The fog is blowing across the road and through the trees, not receding, not advancing, but moving still.
[Yangtastic]
“That’s no normal fog”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“There were theories of a gateway that the werewolves were using to traverse to Daggerford and back. It might be that we’ve crossed some kind of threshold”.
[BlackCatBeastie]
Would I recognise a magic gateway?
[RedLikeRoses]
You could roll Arcana
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I’ll roll as well
[BlackCatBeastie]
10
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
7
[RedLikeRoses]
No idea. Seems as good a theory as any
[Yangtastic]
“So if we’ve passed through a gate, then where are we?”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“I suppose we find out” I gesture to the road before us
[IceQueenSchnee]
“I don’t like it. Everyone be on your guard”.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“Can we perhaps rest before we go anywhere? I don’t think I’ll be moving very fast in the state I’m in”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“Moxie, with respect, we are in enemy territory. We need to find somewhere defensible before we can think to stop and rest”.
[Yangtastic]
How much do you weigh, Oscar? Your character, I mean.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Plus my gear, I’d say roughly 100lbs
[Yangtastic]
I’d be pushing the edge of my carry limit, but I could carry you.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
That cool with you DM?
[RedLikeRoses]
If Kenni can carry an extra 100lbs, then sure
[Yangtastic]
I move my pack to my front and gesture to Moxie “Climb up, little one”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“You’re serious?”
[Yangtastic]
“Azar is right. We cannot afford to stay here. If you cannot keep pace, then I will carry you”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“Okay” I will climb up onto your back
[Yangtastic]
I have dorsal spines. Easy handholds
[IceQueenSchnee]
Very well then. I suppose we’ll follow the road.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. As we’re walking along the road, can everyone roll a d20 for me?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
2
[BlackCatBeastie]
4
[Yangtastic]
5
[IceQueenSchnee]
17.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. Can I get someone to roll a 5th d20?
[IceQueenSchnee]
I’ll do it.
15.
[RedLikeRoses]
Alrighty…
It’s been a few hours, maybe longer, since you passed through the fog. No matter how long you seem to walk for, every time you look back the fog is there, swallowing up the road behind you.
Ahead, jutting from the impenetrable woods on both sides of the road, are high stone buttresses looming gray in the fog. Huge iron gates hang on the stonework. Dew clings with cold tenacity to the rusted bars. Two headless statues of armed guardians flank the gate, their heads now lying among the weeds at their feet. They greet you only with silence.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“Well, that’s impressive-looking”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“The statues look ancient. Where are we?”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Could I make a roll. See if don’t recognise the architecture?
[RedLikeRoses]
You can make a History check
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
8
[RedLikeRoses]
You have no idea
[Yangtastic]
Do I recognise the visage of the guardians? Are they religious icons, or is it more basic than that?
[RedLikeRoses]
You can roll Religion if you want
[Yangtastic]
Also 8
[RedLikeRoses]
Nope
[IceQueenSchnee]
Then I suppose all’s left to do is approach and investigate ourselves. I assume that these gates block the road?
[RedLikeRoses]
They do.
[IceQueenSchnee]
Then forward.
[RedLikeRoses]
The four of you approach the gates, when suddenly, there’s a loud screech as the gates slowly open, rust and exposure making it a very noisy opening.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“Well, that’s not ominous at all”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Hello!” I call out as we approach
[IceQueenSchnee]
I immediately turn and practically hiss “What are you doing? What happened to being on our guard?”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“You think the werewolves would open the gates for us?”
[IceQueenSchnee]
I don’t have a rebuttal to that.
[Yangtastic]
“Peace, Solana. Eyes and ears beyond us. Not at each other”
[RedLikeRoses]
You pass through the gates. You find no one manning them, and as the last of you pass through, there’s another screeching as the gates close behind you with a solid clunk.
[IceQueenSchnee]
I move back to test the gate.
[RedLikeRoses]
It does not open.
[BlackCatBeastie]
“That’s a bad sign”
[Yangtastic]
I look to the sides. Is there any way back around?
[RedLikeRoses]
The statues and walls that the gates connect to stretch on into the woods around you. Anywhere you look, where there isn’t stone, there’s trees, and above all there’s the fog. Now more solid-looking than ever.
[Yangtastic]
“I get the impression that we’re here to stay for now”
[IceQueenSchnee]
I try and force the gates to open.
[BlackCatBeastie]
Seriously?
[Yangtastic]
I can respect that
[RedLikeRoses]
Roll Strength, I guess
[IceQueenSchnee]
Why I am trying to do this…
12.
[RedLikeRoses]
Yeah, that’s not budging.
[IceQueenSchnee]
I sigh, straighten up, run my hands through my hair and say, “Let’s keep moving”.
[Yangtastic]
“Lead the way”
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. You leave the gates and travel along the road.
It’s dark. It’s still a few hours until morning. Towering trees, whose tops are lost in more heavy grey mist, block out all but a death-grey light. The tree trunks stand unnaturally close to one another, and the woods have the silence of a forgotten grave, yet exude the feeling of an unvoiced scream.
[BlackCatBeastie]
That’s…descriptive
[RedLikeRoses]
I’m just reading the book
[Yangtastic]
Attagirl
[RedLikeRoses]
You guys have been walking for most of the night without food or rest. Can I get Constitution checks
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Check, not save?
[RedLikeRoses]
Check
[IceQueenSchnee]
11.
[BlackCatBeastie]
16
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
15
[Yangtastic]
Natural 20! Woot-woot
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. Everybody’s fine.
Kenni, you guys have been walking for about an hour when you catch something on the wind. The scent of death.
[Yangtastic]
Uh-oh. Can I tell from where?
[RedLikeRoses]
You pause for a sec, and you can tell the smell is coming from the woods. Just off the road on your right-hand side.
[Yangtastic]
I kinda wanna push the red button
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I notice Kenni stop since I’m on his back “What’s up, buddy?”
[Yangtastic]
“You smell that?”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Can I?
[RedLikeRoses]
You can. It’s pretty bad.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“Kind of wish I didn’t, buddy”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Guys? What’s up?”
[Yangtastic]
“I smell death in the woods” I shake my back a little to try and dislodge Moxie “Stay here. I’m going to check it out”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Are you crazy. There’s no way I’m leaving you alone” I move to follow you
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I slip off his back and just take a seat in the road.
[Yangtastic]
I try and follow the scent
[BlackCatBeastie]
I follow
[IceQueenSchnee]
“What are you doing?” I’m a little slow to notice since I was in the lead.
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Kenni smelled a smell and we’re checking it out. Be right back” I say really quickly.
[Yangtastic]
I’m already gone
[IceQueenSchnee]
I move to follow, then I notice Moxie on the ground “What are you doing?”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“I’m waiting here. I’m not going anywhere in the state I’m in”
[IceQueenSchnee]
I give an annoyed grunt and stay with Moxie.
[RedLikeRoses]
The pair delve off the road and into the woods, it doesn’t take you long to find the source of the smell.
The foul scent leads you to a human corpse half-buried in the underbrush about fifteen feet from the road. The young man appears to be a commoner. His muddy clothes are torn and raked with claw marks. Crows have been at the body, which is surrounded by paw prints. The man has obviously been dead for several days. He holds a crumpled envelope in one hand.
[BlackCatBeastie]
Morrigan’s definitely taking that. What does it say?
[RedLikeRoses]
You open it up…
Hail thee of might and valour,
I, the Burgomaster of Barovia, send you honour – with despair.
My adopted daughter, the fair Ireena Kolyana, has been these past nights bitten by a vampyr. For over four hundred years, this creature has drained the life blood of my people. Now, my dear Ireena Kolyana languishes and dies from an unholy wound caused by this vile beast. He has become too powerful to conquer.
So I say to you, give us up for dead and encircle this land with the symbols of good. Let holy men call upon their power that the devil may be contained within the walls of weeping Barovia. Leave our sorrows to our graves, and save the world from this evil fate of ours.
There is much wealth entrapped in this community. Return for your reward after we are all departed for a better life.
Kolyan Indirovich
Burgomaster
[BlackCatBeastie]
I look to Kenni “Looks like this place has got way more problems than werewolves”
[Yangtastic]
“I’ve never faced a vampire before. This burgomaster was asking for holy power?”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Seems so. Seems like beasts got to this messenger before he got out”
[Yangtastic]
Can I try and identify the tracks in the dirt around the body?
[BlackCatBeastie]
Why don’t you help me? I have a bonus for this
[Yangtastic]
Oh okay
[RedLikeRoses]
That would just make it a normal roll, remember. You had disadvantage.
[BlackCatBeastie]
I still get a d4 bonus on Nature checks though, right?
[RedLikeRoses]
Yeah
[BlackCatBeastie]
18 total
[RedLikeRoses]
You look at the tracks. First thought: wolves. Second thought: way too big to be wolves. Probably dire wolves. Or maybe even the werewolves.
It’s at this point you hear a distant howling.
[BlackCatBeastie]
Wolf?
[RedLikeRoses]
Sounds like it
[Yangtastic]
“Morrigan. We should head back to the others”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Yep”
[RedLikeRoses]
You head back to the road, Solana and Moxie waiting for you
[Yangtastic]
“Think it’s best to keep to the roads”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“We found a body. Wolves got him. He had this on him. It looks like werewolves are the least of this place’s problems” I wave the letter.
[IceQueenSchnee]
“Let me see”.
[BlackCatBeastie]
I hand it over
[IceQueenSchnee]
I give it a read. “A vampire has been plaguing these lands for 400 years?”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“Well, shit”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“How could we not have heard anything about this?”
[Yangtastic]
“You forget about that fog? We’re not in Daggerford anymore”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“We might not even be on our own plane of reality anymore”.
[IceQueenSchnee]
“That…is a disturbing thought”.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“So what now? We still have no idea how far the next town is”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Sorry Moxie, but I don’t think we want to stay out here in the woods. Those were some big wolf tracks out there. I love my beasties, but I don’t really want to deal with a pack”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“I say we walk for another hour. If there’s still no sight of civilisation, then we make camp. Rest for as long as we can, as close to the road as we can”
[Yangtastic]
“Agreed” I go to help Moxie back on my back
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I climb on
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Okay, but if have to play diplomat with a pack of dire wolves I’m blaming you guys”
[Yangtastic]
“You can pout while we walk” I say with a smile
[BlackCatBeastie]
I smile back
[IceQueenSchnee]
“Come then” I lead the way
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. Can I get another d20 roll, please
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I’ve got it
14.
[RedLikeRoses]
No promblemo.
You walk for another hour, the trees eventually thinning out as you come into what looks like a small valley. To your left, a large river flows, clear as a blue winter sky.
Despite the lack of tree cover, the day is still dim. The sky is full of clouds with the early morning shining barely any light. Despite that, you spy on the far side of the clearing, maybe a few miles out, you see the vague shape of buildings on the horizon.
[IceQueenSchnee]
How long would you say it would take to reach it?
[RedLikeRoses]
Maybe an hour. But you have been walking the entire night, so you’re going to have to roll some more.
[IceQueenSchnee]
What does everyone think?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I’ve already got 2 points of exhaustion. If it’s safer out of the woods, we could camp.
[Yangtastic]
If we take more exhaustion, it’ll just take us longer to get there anyway. I say camp
[BlackCatBeastie]
Agreed.
[IceQueenSchnee]
Very well. What say we move towards the river and set up camp there?
[Yangtastic]
Cool
[BlackCatBeastie]
Okay
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Sounds good
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. It’ll take another hour to get you by the riverside.
[IceQueenSchnee]
Fine.
[RedLikeRoses]
Someone roll a d20 please
[BlackCatBeastie]
I’ve got it
8
[RedLikeRoses]
You make it to the river. It’s roughly 50ft wide, and flowing at speed. You have good vision around you, very little obstructions. It does mean that there’s very little hiding your campsite.
[IceQueenSchnee]
That’s fine. We can establish watch. I’ll go first.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. Roll Perception. To get rid of exhaustion, everyone’s going to need to eat something on their rest. So mark off a ration.
[IceQueenSchnee]
12.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay.
You munch on your food as you keep watch. Day is starting to break, but the clouds block out any shine from the sun. You don’t see much, but you could just be tired.
Who’s next?
[IceQueenSchnee]
I’ll get Kenni.
[RedLikeRoses]
Roll Perception Yang
[Yangtastic]
9
[RedLikeRoses]
Seems clear. Who’s next
[Yangtastic]
Morri
[BlackCatBeastie]
I give Kenni a kiss on the nose as we trade, and I’ll summon Sabrina to keep me company
[Yangtastic]
Ha. Dork
[RedLikeRoses]
If your familiar’s helping you, you can roll straight
[BlackCatBeastie]
Thanks
13
[RedLikeRoses]
As it comes closer to midday, You notice what looks like a convoy of carts emerge from the woods and make their way into the valley towards the town that you saw last night. It’s a bit too far to make out any details
[BlackCatBeastie]
“What do you think that is, Sabrina?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“I dunno’. People, probably?”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Thank you, for that sparkling insight” I say a dryly as possible
[RedLikeRoses]
“Hey, I’m just a cat. Your fault for not giving me better eyes”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Nah. You make a good cat. Plus, changing your form’s expensive”
[RedLikeRoses]
“Cheap bitch”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Okay. Timeout” I dismiss her and go to wake up Moxie. I’ll tell him about the carts I saw
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I’ll take my watch
[RedLikeRoses]
Perception
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
19
[RedLikeRoses]
Your watch goes by without issue. And so with your long rest over, everyone loses an exhaustion point
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I’ve still got one, but at least I can walk properly again.
[IceQueenSchnee]
So then, we walk to town?
[BlackCatBeastie]
I’m interested to see who travelled in here after us
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Alright. Let’s go
[RedLikeRoses]
It takes you an hour to get back to the road, and a few more to make it through the valley, but eventually tall shapes loom out of the dense fog that surrounds everything. The muddy ground underfoot gives way to slick, wet cobblestones. The tall shapes become recognisable as village dwellings. The windows of each house stare out from pools of blackness. No sound cuts the silence except for mournful sobbing that echoes through the streets from a distance.
[IceQueenSchnee]
“Do you hear that?”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“Crying? Yeah”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“People might need help”
[Yangtastic]
Let’s go find them
[IceQueenSchnee]
I have advantage on Survival checks if I’m tracking humans. Does this apply, DM?
[RedLikeRoses]
Sure
[IceQueenSchnee]
Natural 20.
[Yangtastic]
Whoop-whoop
[RedLikeRoses]
The sounds of crying echo throughout the town, but you’re able to quickly zero in on the source. You pass by a tavern, a shop, before eventually coming to a two-storey townhouse just south of the centre of town. The crying comes from within.
[IceQueenSchnee]
Is it a man or a woman?
[RedLikeRoses]
Woman
[IceQueenSchnee]
I knock “Ma’am. Can you hear me?”
[RedLikeRoses]
The crying goes uninterrupted.
[Yangtastic]
I try the door.
[RedLikeRoses]
It’s locked
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Is there any way in?
[RedLikeRoses]
Door’s locked, and it looks like all the windows have been boarded up from the inside.
[BlackCatBeastie]
I summon Sabrina “Think you can find a way to squeeze in?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“I can try”
[Yangtastic]
“I could try and break the door in”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“She may have locked herself in for a reason. We shouldn’t risk ourselves until we know otherwise”.
[BlackCatBeastie]
“That’s what I was thinking” I’ll send Sabrina to look for any gaps that she can squeeze into.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. Roll an Investigation check for Sabrina then.
[Yangtastic]
I’ll give it Guidance. Extra d4 to the roll
[BlackCatBeastie]
Okay. Is that just an Intelligence check
[RedLikeRoses]
If there’s no bonus, yeah
[BlackCatBeastie]
Can I help my familiar find a place. Her Intelligence is -4
[Yangtastic]
Oof.
[RedLikeRoses]
Why don’t you just roll and have the cat help you?
[BlackCatBeastie]
That’s…a better idea
[Yangtastic]
Guidance
[BlackCatBeastie]
Thank you.
13
[RedLikeRoses]
You find a gap in the boards that Sabrina could possibly squeeze through.
[BlackCatBeastie]
Do you need me to roll anything?
[RedLikeRoses]
Dex check for the cat?
[BlackCatBeastie]
14
[RedLikeRoses]
The cat manages to squeeze in.
[BlackCatBeastie]
I’ll hold my hand out to Kenni as I begin to look through my familiar’s senses “Going dark”
[Yangtastic]
I’ve seen this enough times, and I take her hand.
[RedLikeRoses]
The house inside is pretty dirty; dust everywhere, damp wooden furniture and damp and mould lies in every corner. You hear the crying coming from upstairs
[BlackCatBeastie]
I’ll direct Sabrina to investigate.
[RedLikeRoses]
It takes a minute for her to get upstairs. You find the crying coming a bedroom. Inside is a woman, dressed in a patchy brown dress, and headscarf. She’s slumped on the floor against a bedpost, clutching some kind of doll as she weeps.
[BlackCatBeastie]
I tell the others what I see
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“So what’s the plan?”
[Yangtastic]
“She may be able to tell us what’s going on in this place”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“She’s barricaded herself inside. We’d have to break in to talk to her. Instead, we could go to the tavern that we passed and find things out from there”.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“I don’t like leaving her like this”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“We don’t know what “this” is. Better to find more intel before we start inserting ourselves in strangers’ affairs”.
[Yangtastic]
“I don’t like it. But I partly agree with Azar. Something is clearly wrong here, and if we misstep, we may only make things worse”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“Okay. We head to the tavern for answers. And if we can, we’re coming back here”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“Fine”.
[Yangtastic]
I’ll give Morri’s hand a squeeze and get her attention.
[BlackCatBeastie]
Has the woman done anything in the meantime before I disconnect from Sabrina?
[RedLikeRoses]
Nothing’s changed. She’s still just sitting and crying
[BlackCatBeastie]
“What’s up?” I ask Kenni “She’s still just sitting there”
[Yangtastic]
“We’re heading to the tavern for answers. There’s nothing we can do here”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Really? But she needs help, obviously”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“Until we have a better understanding of what’s going on here, we can’t help anyone”.
[BlackCatBeastie]
I look to the others “You’re okay with this?”
[Yangtastic]
“Unfortunately, yes”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“She might have locked herself in for a reason. If we go breaking down her door, who knows what kind of damage we could do”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“…Fine. We go find answers, then we come back”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“Deal”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“If it’s in our best interest”.
[RedLikeRoses]
So you’re heading up to the tavern?
[Yangtastic]
Yeah
[RedLikeRoses]
A single shaft of lights thrusts illumination into the main square, its brightness looking like a solid pillar in the heavy fog. Above the gaping doorway, a sign hangs precariously askew, proclaiming this to be the Blood on the Vine tavern.
You go inside?
[IceQueenSchnee]
We do.
[RedLikeRoses]
The inside of the tavern appears pretty shoddy. A half-dozen tables sit around the space, with a large fireplace giving a tiny bit of warmth to those inside. Around the place, you see a trio of colourfully dressed human women circled around a table, a human man sitting on his own in the corner, and another human man tending the bar.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I’ll go talk with the bartender
[BlackCatBeastie]
I’ll check out the women’s table
[Yangtastic]
I’ll come back you up
[IceQueenSchnee]
Can I roll Insight on the lone man’s mood before I go talk to him?
[RedLikeRoses]
Sure
[IceQueenSchnee]
8.
[RedLikeRoses]
Guy’s hard to read
[IceQueenSchnee]
Nothing ventured… I’ll go talk to him.
[RedLikeRoses]
We’ll start with Moxie and the bartender. You find this guy cleaning glasses. He doesn’t react to your approach.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I’ll hop on a stool and say “Hey there”
[RedLikeRoses]
The man gives you a look and goes back to cleaning his glass “Welcome to the Blood on the Vine. Glass of wine’s a copper, pitcher’s a silver”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“Actually, I was hoping to ask some questions?”
[RedLikeRoses]
The barkeep gives you blank look “Glass of wine’s a copper, pitcher’s a silver”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I see how it is. I put a gold on the bar “Just a glass for now”
[RedLikeRoses]
He takes the coin and pours you a glass of wine.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“Name’s Moxie. What’s your name?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“Arik” he goes back to cleaning glasses
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“Nice to meet you, Arik. I’m new in town. Anything worth saying about the area?”
[RedLikeRoses]
He doesn’t respond. Just keeps cleaning glasses
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“I’m with a team. We were looking to track down a pack of werewolves that have been attacking settlements beyond your borders. Anything you know about that?”
[RedLikeRoses]
No response
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“How about these stories I’ve heard about a vampire?”
[RedLikeRoses]
He pauses, then says “Would you like another glass?”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Can I roll Insight? I want to figure out his deal
[RedLikeRoses]
Roll away
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Dangit, so close.
7
[RedLikeRoses]
You have no idea was this guy’s deal is
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I’ll just finish my glass “Can I just get my change?”
[RedLikeRoses]
Arik nods and hands you your change. 9 silver and 9 copper.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I’ll thank him and see how the others are doing
[RedLikeRoses]
Then let’s jump over to Morrigan and Kenni. You approach the women. They appear to be playing a card game. A pile of coin sits in the centre of the table.
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Hi there! Room for one more?”
[RedLikeRoses]
The three women turn to look at you, then at Kenni behind you “What the hell is that?” one of them, paler with braided brown hair, asks.
[BlackCatBeastie]
It takes me a moment to realise what they’re asking about “Oh, Kenni? He’s a sweetheart”
[Yangtastic]
“I take it there’s not been many lizardfolk in these lands”
[RedLikeRoses]
“It can talk?” another one of the women, dark skin and shaggy black hair cut short, exclaims.
[BlackCatBeastie]
““It” is a “he”, and his name is Kenni. He’s also my friend” I take a seat, arms crossed.
[RedLikeRoses]
The women share a look before the one directly across from you (tanned, her hair in long loose curls) “Meant no offence, miss. Just never met kind like your friend before”
[Yangtastic]
I pull up a chair to their table “No harm done”
[RedLikeRoses]
The women share another look before the tanned one speaks “My name’s Alenka” she gestures to the woman with short hair “That’s Mirabel” and then to the paler woman “That’s Sorvia. This is our tavern”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“You run this place? Then you should know a bit about what’s going on around here?”
[RedLikeRoses]
They share another look “Depends on what you mean “going on”” Mirabel says
[Yangtastic]
“This may be obvious, but we’re not local. We came hunting werewolves, but we’ve heard these lands have had more trouble than that”
[RedLikeRoses]
“Well that’s an understatement” Sorvia mutters
“We don’t travel beyond Barovia, sir” Alenka says, “While some of our kin pass through, we don’t know anything far beyond this town’s borders”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“You know anything about werewolves in the area?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“More likely to find dire wolves than werewolves in these woods” Mirabel says “I know there are werewolves, but I think they nest of the far side of the valley, somewhere between Vallaki and Krezk”
[Yangtastic]
“And where would that be?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“The Svalich Road goes straight through Barovia. If you keep to it, you’ll eventually hit the other towns” Mirabel explains.
“Just keep away from the windmill on the way to Vallaki” Alenka warns
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Why?”
[RedLikeRoses]
They share another look “Just keep away” Alenka repeats
[BlackCatBeastie]
Insight
[Yangtastic]
Insight as well
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay
[BlackCatBeastie]
15
[Yangtastic]
12
[RedLikeRoses]
You’re not getting an exact vibe, Kenni, but you know that they know more than what they’re saying.
Morrigan, they’re spooked. Whatever they’re not saying has them spooked.
[BlackCatBeastie]
Curious
[Yangtastic]
“One more thing. What’s this we hear about a vampire?”
[RedLikeRoses]
That gets their attention.
“I’d keep your voice down about that, friend” Mirabel says in a hushed voice
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Why’s that?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“The vampire is the lord of these lands” Alenka explains “Strahd. And he has spies everywhere”
“His minions have been coming into town for weeks now, trying to attack the burgomaster’s house. No one’s been brave enough to leave their homes since” Sorvia says
[Yangtastic]
“And where can we find the burgomaster?”
[RedLikeRoses]
Alenka gestures to the man sitting in the corner “Talk with his son, Ismark the Lesser. He’d know more than we do”
[BlackCatBeastie]
I’ll add a gold coin to their pile “Thank you for your time”
[RedLikeRoses]
The women’s eyes light up at the sight of gold “Please, enjoy your time in the Blood on the Vine” Alenka smiles
[BlackCatBeastie]
I return the smile “We sure will”. I’ll then move over to this Ismark’s table
[Yangtastic]
I follow
[RedLikeRoses]
And while that’s all been going down, we’ll rewind back to Solana, approaching the lone man.
[IceQueenSchnee]
“Evening” I say once I’m at his table.
[RedLikeRoses]
The man smiles warmly “A good evening to you as well. Ismark Kolyanovich. Come, have a seat. It is rare to meet newcomers”
[IceQueenSchnee]
I will take a seat “I take it we stand out then?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“I’m afraid so” he shrugs “Barovia has its elves, but none have your features. No women among them either. Not to mention your little friend and that walking beast that followed you in”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“That “walking beast” is Kenni Sobek, a holy warrior from the Order of the Gauntlet” I correct him.
[RedLikeRoses]
“I apologise. I am not familiar with this “Order of the Gauntlet”, but if you say that he is a holy warrior, then he is welcome at my table. I take it you received my father’s message?”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“Your father?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“Kolyan Indirovich. Once the burgomaster of Barovia. He sent a messenger to the gates about a week ago. He never returned, so we feared the worst”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“I’m afraid that we were not brought by your father’s message. We came tracking werewolves through the mist. We found your runner’s body on our way into town. I’m afraid he was lost to the forest”.
[RedLikeRoses]
“A shame” he gives a tired sigh “Alrick was a good man. You say you came to hunt werewolves?”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“We were organised by the people of Daggerford. Werewolves have been attacked hamlets, killing men and women and stealing their children. We followed them back to these lands”.
[RedLikeRoses]
“Stealing children? God forbid. My heart bleeds for the families lost, but I am afraid that there is little I could do to help you at this time. Unless…”
[IceQueenSchnee]
I lean back in my chair “You want something”.
[RedLikeRoses]
“My father, the burgomaster, is dead. His last wish was that I take my sister from Barovia, to somewhere safer. If your journey takes you through the valley, I would ask for your aid”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“The message we found mentioned your sister. Ireena, was it? She was attacked by the vampire?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“The Strahd is obsessed with her” Ismark all but snarls “His forces have laid siege to our home for weeks now. My father died because of him. While I would love nothing more than to tear that monster’s blackened heart from its chest and plant it on a spike, my sister’s safety comes first”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“While I would need the team’s approval, I believe we could accommodate you. Any local knowledge of the land would also be deeply appreciated”.
[RedLikeRoses]
“Of course, what would you ask of me?”
I would say at this point is where the others approach the table
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“Guys, I could not get anything out of the bartender. There’s something weird about that guy”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Ismark the Lesser, I assume?”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“The Lesser?”
[RedLikeRoses]
Ismark sighs “A name the people have given me, given that I have spent most of my life in my father’s shadow. Ismark Kolyanovich, at your service”
[IceQueenSchnee]
I quickly give introductions and give everyone a synopsis of what we had just been discussing.
[Yangtastic]
“You would leave your home unprotected. Are you not the burgomaster now?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“Barovia is dead” Ismark says sadly “Most of my people are dead, those who remain are shells that would rather starve in their homes than risk the outside world. Bildrath’s Mercantile is all but ready to abandon the town and with the tavern’s supply of wine drying up, it is only a matter of time before the vistani that run it leave to reunite with their kin in the woods”
[Yangtastic]
“What’s a vistani?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“A group of peoples within Barovia. They alone can come and go through the mists. They have communities dotted throughout the valley”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“How come they can leave?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“Because they serve Strahd, or at least enough of them do to curry his favour”.
[BlackCatBeastie]
“If you’re wanting help through the valley, I hope you have a horse and cart or something. I’m not sure I could take walking the whole way”
[RedLikeRoses]
“I have transportation. Do not worry”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“Then I believe we have a deal”. I offer my hand to shake.
[RedLikeRoses]
“Excellent” he shakes it “If you seek any equipment, Bildrath’s Mercantile lies across from the square. The man is a miser, but his wares are good. My home on the southernmost edge of the town. Meet me there. You cannot miss it”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“See you there”
[RedLikeRoses]
He nods and leaves, stopping only to leave coin at the bar.
[IceQueenSchnee]
I guess we should check out the shop, then.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Okay.
[RedLikeRoses]
As you’re leaving, Kenni, you notice Sorvia moving to follow you.
[Yangtastic]
“Can I help you?”
[RedLikeRoses]
She flinches as you turn to her “Forgive me, I just…What do you intend to do now? Where will you go?”
[Yangtastic]
“The burgomaster’s son has asked that we escort someone. I’m sure you can imagine who”
[RedLikeRoses]
“His sister” she says, realisation on her face “You realise that so long as you are with her, Strahd’s eyes will be upon you”
[Yangtastic]
“It is not in my nature to leave someone innocent at the mercy the undead. If Strahd names us foes, we will do what we must”
[RedLikeRoses]
“If opposing Strahd is your goal…” she closes the distance and speaks in a whisper “When you come to the crossroads at River Ivlis, take the road to Tser Pool. There’s a vistani camp there. Ask for Madam Eva, she should help you”
[Yangtastic]
I say, “I will remember that” and then I walk away and follow the others to the shop.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay.
The sparse light from this building spills out from behind drawn heavy curtains. A sign over the door, creaking on its hinges, reads “Bildrath’s Mercantile”.
Inside is a large spacious building with rows of shelves and hooks. All kinds of things in boxes, in bags, just a lot of stuff.
By the counter, napping on a chair, is a humanoid with a cloak over his head.
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Hello?”
[RedLikeRoses]
The person jerks awake as the cloak drops to reveal a stick-thin human man with a stupidly large mustache.
“Hello there! New faces, wonderful. Thought I’d found myself in a dead end. Welcome to Bildrath’s Mercantile, what can I do for you?”
[IceQueenSchnee]
If I’m buying anything, I’ll need something else to carry it in. My pack is full.
“What kind of containers to do stock?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“Well if you’re talking bags and the like, I have little leather pouches, burlap sacks, backpacks, chests. What are you needing?”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“How much for a sack?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“10 copper”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Do you have any dried rations?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“I do. 50 silver apiece”.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“Hold on. Wanting a silver for a brown sack is one thing, but you’re wanting 5 golds worth for a dried ration?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“My shop. I set the prices”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“It’s practically theft!”
[RedLikeRoses]
“If you want it badly enough, you’ll pay for it. Otherwise, we have no business here”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“What about 30 silver for rations?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“I don’t haggle. If you don’t want to pay the price, we’re done here”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Are you sure I can’t get you to reconsider?” I want to try and cast Charm Person
[IceQueenSchnee]
Seriously?
[RedLikeRoses]
That’s a wisdom save, right?
[BlackCatBeastie]
Yeah. The DC is 13
[RedLikeRoses]
He rolled a 5.
[BlackCatBeastie]
Yes
[RedLikeRoses]
There’s a moment’s pause as the spell takes hold, and his face relaxes as he says “Sure. What do you need?”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“A sack”
[Yangtastic]
“Let’s say a sack for each of us, and some rations”
[RedLikeRoses]
Bildrath yelps a little at the sight of Kenni, but quickly goes about grabbing things out of boxes and off of shelves. Eventually, he rests a total of 4 sacks and 16 rations on the counter
“Anything else I can get you?”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“Oil and a tinderbox”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“I’ll take some vials”.
[RedLikeRoses]
He runs off and comes back with a flask of oil, a tinderbox, and 3 empty glass vials.
[BlackCatBeastie]
“How about a grappling hook?”
[Yangtastic]
“A set of iron spikes?”
[RedLikeRoses]
Again he runs off, this time coming back with a grappling hook and ten iron spikes.
[RedLikeRoses]
“Will that be all?”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“How much is all that together?"
[RedLikeRoses]
“Well…the sacks are…then when you add the oil…plus all those spikes…about 146 gold and 4 silver pieces
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Yikes
[BlackCatBeastie]
“And how much for a friend?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“How much do you have, my friend?”
[BlackCatBeastie]
I have 7 gold. How about everyone else?
[IceQueenSchnee]
10.
[Yangtastic]
10
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
9 gold, 9 silver, and 9 copper
[BlackCatBeastie]
“How does 20 gold sound?”
[RedLikeRoses]
I’m going to need a Persuasion check for a price that low. You can have advantage thanks to the charm.
[BlackCatBeastie]
17
[RedLikeRoses]
“Sure. 20 gold it is”
[BlackCatBeastie]
Everyone give 5 gold
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
We just robbed this man
[BlackCatBeastie]
He was trying to rob us
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Fair enough
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay, you guys know what you want so just split it up. Everyone should get 4 rations each.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Cool
[Yangtastic]
Done
[BlackCatBeastie]
Okay
[IceQueenSchnee]
Understood.
So, on towards the burgomaster’s house? Ismark gave us the directions.
[BlackCatBeastie]
Just so we’re all aware, since he’ll know I charmed him once the spell wears off we probably won’t be going back to that shop
[Yangtastic]
Worth it
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. As you’re making your way south to the burgomaster’s house, you hear the sound of small, wooden wheels rolling across damp cobbles. You trace the lonely sound to a hunched figure bundled in rags, pushing a rickety wooden cart through the fog.
Can everyone roll Perception?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
7
[BlackCatBeastie]
15
[Yangtastic]
18
[IceQueenSchnee]
22.
[RedLikeRoses]
Moxie, you don’t notice anything weird.
Morrigan, Kenni, you notice a sack in the cart moving, like there was something alive inside.
Solana, you hear the muffled sounds of a child crying. There’s a kid in that bag.
[IceQueenSchnee]
I immediately have my daggers drawn. “Hey! You! Stop the cart!”
[RedLikeRoses]
The cart stops as a hunched old lady turns to you “Oh hello there! New faces. Always a nice surprise. Would you like some pastries, sweet things? Homemade dream pastries, only 1 gold”
[IceQueenSchnee]
I close the distance “The child in the bag. Release them”.
[BlackCatBeastie]
The minute I hear that, I’m backing her up. Dagger out, readying an Eldritch Blast
[Yangtastic]
I got my hammer
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I’m not sure what’s going on, but I’m with you guys
[RedLikeRoses]
“The child?” the woman looks almost confused for a sec “Oh no no no, I can’t give you the child, no. The child is payment, girl. Have a pastry instead, much better value”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“What do you mean payment?” I snarl.
[RedLikeRoses]
“These barovians, they always want Morgantha’s pastries, but they never have the money, never have the gold. Foolish barovians. But I’m reasonable, people can always pay in other ways. This boy, he’s a crier, he has value. His parents offer him, of course Morgantha will accept payment”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“You sound like a hag. What could you possibly want with a child?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“You know hags, little girl?” the woman tilts her head at you “You don’t look like one, but you have that fey smell”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“I’ve had an interesting upbringing” Is this woman a fey, Ruby?
[RedLikeRoses]
Roll Insight
[BlackCatBeastie]
Natural 20.
[RedLikeRoses]
Morri, you know fey, you’ve known hags. This lady’s definitely a hag of some kind, but you don’t the sense that she’s fey. She’s not got that glimmer in her eye. There’re very few hags that aren’t fey. This is a Night Hag.
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Guys, this woman’s a night hag. We can’t let her have the child”
[Yangtastic]
“Understood”
[IceQueenSchnee]
I move to attack.
[RedLikeRoses]
The night hag quickly backs up “Now now now, let’s not be silly. Morgantha got the boy fair and square, nothing wrong with a deal”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“Here is my deal. You will release the child, unharmed, and we will repay you with your life”.
[RedLikeRoses]
Ooh, roll Intimidation
[IceQueenSchnee]
Oh god. My charisma’s terrible.
[Yangtastic]
I look extra scary behind her to try and back her up
[RedLikeRoses]
You can have advantage. You are a group
[IceQueenSchnee]
Thank you.
18.
[RedLikeRoses]
The hag looks at you, and the leans to look at the others behind you “Bah, fine. You can have the boy. Silly girls” She grabs the sack and with seemingly little effort, lifts it off the cart and drops it on to the cobblestones. The sack lands with a thud and another cry.
[IceQueenSchnee]
“Hey! Watch it!”.
[RedLikeRoses]
“Boy is fine, silly girl. They’re barovians, they’re strong stuff. Morgantha will come back another time, sell her pastries again. Town’s clearly not in the mood today”
[Yangtastic]
“How about you don’t come back?” I growl.
[RedLikeRoses]
“That wasn’t the deal, silly boy. Morgantha gives you child, and you let Morgantha go. Deal done, you have the boy”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Of course” I say with gritted teeth “A deal is a deal”
[IceQueenSchnee]
I look at Morrigan with something resembling disbelief.
[RedLikeRoses]
“Smart girl. Knows her deals, knows her hags. Maybe Morgantha will see you again, eh? Come by Old Bonegrinder. Lovely pastries, lovely wares” She grabs her cart and starts to wheel away, back up towards the northern edge of town
[IceQueenSchnee]
“Morrigan, what are you thinking? Are we seriously considering letting her go?”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Hags take their deals seriously. If we attack her now, she’ll only be more dangerous. If we let her go, she’ll be more agreeable the next time we have to deal with her”
[Yangtastic]
“We could have just killed her. Would have been easy to do so”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“And risk the life of a kid? No, Morri made a good call there”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Plus, no fight with a hag is easy. There’s no way we would be coming out of that fight looking pretty”
[IceQueenSchnee]
I still look like I’m fuming, but I will go to the sack and assist the child.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. You open the loose tie on the sack, and out crawls a boy, maybe 7 years old. Really short dark hair, big blue eyes, pale skin that already has a bruise forming on the cheek.
[IceQueenSchnee]
I will attempt to be as gentle as I can “Are you alright, child?”.
[RedLikeRoses]
The boy sniffs, wiping his nose with his sleeve “Mm-hm. I wanna’ go home”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“It’s okay. Do you know how to get home?”
[RedLikeRoses]
He looks around before giving you a shaky nod
[IceQueenSchnee]
I give him a smile “Off you run then. Your parents are probably worried sick”.
[RedLikeRoses]
He takes a few shaky steps, then runs off
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“You sure one of us shouldn’t follow him. Make sure he gets home?”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“Kolyanovich is expecting us” I say, “We need to move”.
[Yangtastic]
Alrighty then “Lead on”
[IceQueenSchnee]
While we’re walking, I address Morrigan “What did she mean that you smelled of fey?”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Like I said, I had an interesting upbringing”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“But what does that mean?”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“I’m a warlock. Where did you think I got my powers? I was raised by fey”
[IceQueenSchnee]
Processing that…
“Did you…know your real parents?”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Solly, respectfully, we’re not that close. Let’s just keep moving”
[IceQueenSchnee]
Fair enough.
[RedLikeRoses]
A few minutes later, you approach a weary-looking mansion squatting behind a rusting iron fence. The iron gates are twisted and torn. The right gate lies cast aside, while the left gate swings lazily in the wind. The stuttering squeal and clang of the gate repeats with mindless precision. Weeds chole the grounds and press with menace upon the house itself. Yet, against the walls, the growth has been tramped down to create a path all about the domain. Heavy claw markings have stripped the once-beautiful finish of the walls. Great black marks tell of the fires that have assailed the mansion. Not a pane nor a shard of glass stands in any window. All the windows are barred with planks, each one marked with stains of evil omen.
Roll Perception everybody
[IceQueenSchnee]
21.
[Yangtastic]
9
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
17
[BlackCatBeastie]
14
[RedLikeRoses]
Everyone but Kenni notices all the footprints and paw prints on the dirt path and among all the trampled plants. There was a lot of something around here.
[IceQueenSchnee]
Can we tell how long ago?
[RedLikeRoses]
Make a Survival check
[IceQueenSchnee]
11.
[RedLikeRoses]
Its kind of hard to tell. Some look older than others, but there’s so many that they muck up anything that tells you what’s new and what’s old.
[IceQueenSchnee]
Is Ismark anywhere to be seen?
[RedLikeRoses]
Nope
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“This is the house he was talking about, right?”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Why don’t we find the door and knock?” I go looking for the front door
[RedLikeRoses]
You don’t have to look very far. It’s right there.
[BlackCatBeastie]
I knock
[RedLikeRoses]
You hear a woman’s voice call from inside “Who goes there?”, before Ismark’s voice speaks up “Hello there. Would you be one of those I spoke with earlier?”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“That’s us. Morrigan Fairchild, at your service. Might we come in?”
[RedLikeRoses]
There’s a heavy sounding sound of something heavy moving and soon the door opens and Ismark is there saying “My friends. Please, come inside”.
He stands to the side and ushers you in
[BlackCatBeastie]
We’ll head inside.
[RedLikeRoses]
The interior of the mansion is well furnished, yet the fixtures show signs of great wear. Noticeable oddities are the boarded-up windows and the presence of holy symbols in every room. In a drawing room to your right lies a simple wooden coffin with a man inside, surrounded by the wilting flowers and a faint odour of decay.
[IceQueenSchnee]
“The burgomaster I assume?” I gesture to the body.
[RedLikeRoses]
“Indeed” Ismark nods gravely.
He looks to a woman by his side and says “My manners. My friends, this is my sister, Ireena”
The woman he gestures to is a strikingly beautiful young woman, a human in her maybe mid-twenties. She is dressed in a dull breastplate over a deep red tunic. Her long auburn hair lies unkempt and greasy, and her complexion, naturally dark, looks pale and gaunt.
[Yangtastic]
Can I sus whats up with her?
[RedLikeRoses]
Roll Medicine
[Yangtastic]
Hows 15?
[RedLikeRoses]
15’s good. Her stance is solid, and she grips a sword with the look of someone who knows how to use it, but her eyes are sunken. This is a woman that has barely slept in a long time.
[Yangtastic]
“Are you well, ma’am?”
[RedLikeRoses]
Her eyes widen a bit at the sight of you “Brother, what is this?”
“Peace, sister. Its name is Kenni Sobek. A creature of the gods”
[BlackCatBeastie]
““It” is a “he”” I grit my teeth as I smile
[RedLikeRoses]
“Of course” Ismark bows his head “My mistake”
Ireena takes stock of Kenni’s armour and weapons “You…are a holy warrior?”
[Yangtastic]
“I am. Kenni Sobek, of the Order of the Gauntlet. Servant of the Stormbringer. At your service” I bow my head in a greeting.
[RedLikeRoses]
She slowly nods her head in return “Well met. I am Ireena Kolyana. You’ve met my brother Ismark”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“Your brother was saying that he was needing help getting you somewhere safe?”
[RedLikeRoses]
She makes a grimace as she puts her sword away “I’m afraid so. Barovia is no longer safe. For weeks now, Strahd’s monsters have been attacking our home. Our father’s heart couldn’t take it”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“I’m sorry for your loss”
[RedLikeRoses]
She nods in gratitude “I refuse to leave Barovia until our father is given the proper rites. Unfortunately, no one has been willing to help Ismark take his body to church”
[IceQueenSchnee]
I give the burgomaster’s body a look. Can I tell how long he’s been dead?
[RedLikeRoses]
Roll Investigation I guess
[IceQueenSchnee]
18.
[RedLikeRoses]
By your guess, a few days.
[IceQueenSchnee]
Would he be difficult to carry?
[RedLikeRoses]
It’s not a one-man job for sure, but a few people working together could do it.
[Yangtastic]
“It shall be done. Where lies your church?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“On the northern edge of town” Ismark answers
[IceQueenSchnee]
And we’re on the other side of town?
[RedLikeRoses]
Yep
[IceQueenSchnee]
Fantastic.
[Yangtastic]
I’ll lay a hand on Solly’s shoulder and give her Guidance “Help me with this”
I go to help Ismark lift the coffin
[IceQueenSchnee]
I guess I shall help as well.
[RedLikeRoses]
Anyone else?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I’m 3ft shorter than everyone else and I’m exhausted. I’m kind of useless.
[BlackCatBeastie]
My strength’s not great, but I guess I can try.
[RedLikeRoses]
Okay. I want a group Strength check
[Yangtastic]
21
[IceQueenSchnee]
15 total.
[BlackCatBeastie]
18. That’s really good for me
[RedLikeRoses]
Ismark rolled real good too. You take a corner each and haul the box out of the house. It takes time to get it through town, but eventually you make it to the gates of the churchyard, with Ireena and Moxie following behind you.
Atop a slight rise, against the roots of the pillar stone that supports Castle Ravenloft, stands a gray, sagging edifice of stone and wood. This church has obviously weathered the assaults of evil for centuries on end and is worn and weary. A bell tower rises toward the back, and flickering light shines through holes in the shingled roof. The rafters strain feebly against their load.
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Are we sure anyone’s home?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“Donavich has not left the church in days. He will be there”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“Will he be alive, though? This building seems to have taken just as much punishment as your home has”.
[RedLikeRoses]
“He will be there” is all Ireena says in response, making her way to the doors of the church.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“We’ll get the doors for you guys” I move ahead to get the doors open for the pallbearers.
[RedLikeRoses]
You get the doors open, the heavy wood covered in claw marks and scarred by fire, revealing a 10ft wide, 20ft long hall leading to a brightly lit chapel. The hall is unlit and reeks of mildew. Four doors, two on each side of the hall, lead to adjacent chambers.
You can see that the chapel is strewn with debris, and you hear a soft voice from within reciting a prayer. Suddenly, the prayer is blotted out by an inhuman scream that rises up from the beneath the wooden floor.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“What the hell was that?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“There is a reason no one wanted to help us” Ismark comments grimly.
[IceQueenSchnee]
Can I try and discern what the source of the scream was?
[RedLikeRoses]
I guess you could roll Perception I guess.
[IceQueenSchnee]
14.
[RedLikeRoses]
The scream sounds like a man, but there’s an unearthly tone to the scream, as if it wasn’t quite human. It also definitely came from below.
[Yangtastic]
“What has happened here?” I ask Ismark directly
[RedLikeRoses]
Ismark sighs a weary sigh “The priest’s son, Doru, lives below. Little more than a year ago, a wizard came to Barovia and attempted an uprising against the Strahd. He failed. Doru survived, but forever changed. Donavich has kept him in the undercroft ever since”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“Changed how?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“He has become a monster. A vampire spawn, hungry for blood” Ireena says, “Donavich prays for him, but no one has the ability, nor the nerve, to grant him the final mercy”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“There’s nothing that can be done?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“I wish there was” Ireen absentmindedly rubs her neck “But once you’ve been risen as one of Strahd’s spawn, there is nothing that can save you. Only death”
[IceQueenSchnee]
Is that actually true, Ruby? Could I roll Arcana and see if I know anything that can be done?
[RedLikeRoses]
Roll ahead
[IceQueenSchnee]
8.
[RedLikeRoses]
You can’t think of anything.
[IceQueenSchnee]
Curses.
[Yangtastic]
We could probably kill him.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
How about we get the priest’s help before we talk about killing his son?
[Yangtastic]
Good point. I guess we go towards the praying?
[IceQueenSchnee]
I move to lay down the burgomaster’s body and say “Then let us find this priest. Donavich, was it?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“Indeed” Ismark nods and walks towards the chapel. Do you follow?
[IceQueenSchnee]
We do.
[RedLikeRoses]
The chapel is a shambles, with overturned and broken pews littering the dusty floor. Dozens of candles mounted in candlesticks and candelabras light every dusty corner in a fervent attempt to rid the chapel of shadows. At the far end of the church sits a claw-scarred altar, behind which kneels a priest in soiled vestments. Next to him hangs a long, thick rope that stretches up into the bell tower.
From beneath the chapel floor, you hear a young man’s voice cry out, “Father! I’m starving!”
[Yangtastic]
Well, that’s disturbing.
[RedLikeRoses]
“Donavich, might we speak?” Ireena calls out to the man
The priest rises and turns, his sunken eyes taking a minute to focus on the group “Kolyana, good evening to you. And to you, young Kolyanovich” His eyes widen slightly upon seeing the rest of your group “I…I’m afraid we’ve not met before…”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Morrigan Fairchild” I step forward “We’re from out of town. This is Moxie, Kenni, and Solly”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“Solana” I correct her, offering my hand Donavich “We’ve come to help put the late burgomaster to rest”.
[RedLikeRoses]
“The late…” there’s a moment of confusion until a horrified realisation shows on his face “Indirovich has perished? How? What has happened?”
“Our father died of a heart attack three days ago, Donavich. Our home has been under siege from Strahd’s forces for days” Ismark explains.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“Are you…okay, sir?” I ask Donavich.
[RedLikeRoses]
“I…” the priest holds a hand to his head, as if nursing a headache “I have been…praying. I must have lost track of time”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“For days?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“I…I must pray. My son, he…he needs the gods’ help”
Another cry from below echoes through the chamber “Father!” Donavich flinches from the sound.
[Yangtastic]
“Your son…they said his name was Doru. He has been corrupted by Strahd?”
[RedLikeRoses]
Donavich breathes shakily “Yes, he is not the boy I once knew. My son is not well, he needs the gods’ help”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“He is vampire spawn. He may be beyond help” I try and say as gently as I can.
[RedLikeRoses]
“He is my son” he responds, his voice as firm as he can muster “I will not give up faith”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Okay” I hold up my hands, trying to give an aura of peace “In the meantime, the burgomaster needs to be given his rites and put to rest. That is why we’re here, remember?” I look pointedly at the rest of the group
[IceQueenSchnee]
I narrow my eyes in response but say “Of course”.
[Yangtastic]
I bow my head, not saying anything, but conceding.
[RedLikeRoses]
“Of course,” Donavich nods “Where is his body, I will need to give him his rites before we bury him”
“We’ve brought his body” Ireena gestures for him to follow her back into the hallway. The priest follows her out of the chapel towards where the burgomaster’s body lies.
[Yangtastic]
I’ll follow them, see if there’s anything I can help with.
[IceQueenSchnee]
I’ll hang back and whisper to the others “Does anyone else think that the priest has lost it? Doesn’t he realise his son is beyond help?”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“I mean, we haven’t met his son. He might not be beyond all help”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“If that were the case, he wouldn’t be locked below the church”.
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Well what do you want us to do about it? Kill him? Try explaining that to the priest, or the burgomaster’s kids”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“I’m just saying. This Donavich is clearly burning himself out on this fool’s errand. He’d be better off in the long run just mourning his son”
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“I don’t think that’s our call to make, Solana”
[IceQueenSchnee]
I grit my teeth and sigh “Fine. I’ll leave it alone”.
[RedLikeRoses]
Are you guys going to do anything else, or are you joining up with the other guys?
[BlackCatBeastie]
We’ll just meet up with the others.
[Yangtastic]
“Is there anything I can do to help with the proceedings” I will ask the priest
[RedLikeRoses]
He jumps a little at the sound of your voice “You…are familiar with funeral rites?”
[Yangtastic]
“To an extent. I follow the teachings of the Stormbringer, but we recognise the value of other faiths”
[RedLikeRoses]
“I am afraid I’m not familiar with this Stormbringer. We good barovians stand in the light of the Morninglord”
[Yangtastic]
Do I know that name, Rubes?
[RedLikeRoses]
Roll Religion
[Yangtastic]
17
[RedLikeRoses]
Yeah, you know the Morninglord. He’s seen as a positive god of light and the daytime. He’s often compared to his female counterpart Mother Night, a goddess of the nighttime, dawn, and dusk. The two tend to conflict with each other but aren’t necessarily opposites of one another.
[Yangtastic]
“I am familiar with the Morninglord. If you’d like, I can help you prepare the body”
[RedLikeRoses]
“Thank you, but the body only requires that I pray for him. All that will be left afterwards is to bury him in the church’s soil”
[Yangtastic]
I bow my head “Then I shall help to prepare a grave” I look to one of the Kolyan kids “Could one of you show me to the graveyard?”
[RedLikeRoses]
The siblings share a look “I’ll show you”. He looks to Donavich “Where do you keep your shovels, Donavich?”
“In the cabinet, in my office” he says, before kneeling down by the burgomaster’s head and beginning to mutter his prayers.
[Yangtastic]
I look to Ismark “Lead the way”
[RedLikeRoses]
He leads you into one of the rooms on the right-hand side of the hall. An old desk and chair stand against the south wall, a wooden holy symbol mounted above them – a sunburst; a symbol of the Morninglord. A 10ft long iron rod attached to the north wall stands bare, suggesting a tapestry once hung there. Against the far wall stands a wooden cabinet with four tall doors. A wooden poor box sits on the seat of the chair.
[Yangtastic]
I’ll check out the cabinet for shovels.
[RedLikeRoses]
For its size, the wooden cabinet contains very little. Inside is a tinderbox, a few wooden boxes full of candles a pair of well-used books, and a single rusty-looking shovel.
[Yangtastic]
I was expecting more than one. I take the shovel. “Lead me to the graveyard”
[RedLikeRoses]
As Ismark leads you out into the graveyard; we cut back to Solana, Moxie and Morrigan, who have met back up with Donavich and Ireena. Donavich is just finishing up giving the burgomaster’s body its rites.
“He is ready” he says, his voice hoarse.
Ireena nods a “Thank you” and looks to you guys.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
“I’m not sure I’ll be much help carrying him” I shrug my shoulders “Are either you or Donavich capable of helping carry him?”
[RedLikeRoses]
“Of course” Ireena nods
“I will try” Donavich answers
Everyone who’s lifting roll Strength
[BlackCatBeastie]
12
[IceQueenSchnee]
13
[RedLikeRoses]
It takes a moment to adjust the weight, Ireena struggles a bit and it’s slower moving than when you guys were moving him the first time, but you eventually get the man out of the church and into the graveyard. Kenni and Ismark have made a start at digging a hole as you approach.
It’ll take some time but working together you all manage to dig a grave for the burgomaster and lay him to rest. By the time you’re all done any semblance of daytime has gone, and night had fallen.
You guys have Light spells right?
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
I would have cast Light if it had gotten too dark to see
[RedLikeRoses]
Cool.
It’s nighttime by the time you’re done. On the far reaches, beyond the boundaries of the town, you can hear wolves howling in the distance.
“It will be dangerous to travel at night” Ismark says, “I invite you all to stay at our home for tonight, then we will ride out at first light”
“You seek to leave Barovia?” Donavich asks
“Barovia is no longer safe for us” Ismark answers “With the Strahd after Ireena, we must seek stronger walls”
“If you seek to get as far away from Ravenloft as possible, then you must go to Krezk” the priest says “The abbey will protect you there”
“Travelling to Krezk would take too long” Ismark argues “Vallaki is closer”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“Why not ask what Ireena wants” I speak up.
[RedLikeRoses]
“I wish to be as far away from Strahd as possible” Ireena says “Krezk lies as far away from Ravenloft as possible without going beyond the fog. I say we go there. If the Abbey of Saint Markovia still stands, then there is no safer place”
[BlackCatBeastie]
“Then that settles it” I stand with my hands on my hips “Come morning, we leave for Krezk”
[RedLikeRoses]
Ismark nods, then moves to take the priest’s hands in his “Thank you for what you’ve done tonight. Take care of yourself”
The priest nods “May you walk in the Morninglord’s light. May you all walk in the light”
Ireena nods in gratitude and begins to walk away “Come. We should not linger outside. We shall be safer behind closed doors”
[IceQueenSchnee]
As we walk away, I turn to Donavich and say, “I hope you know what you’re doing with your son”.
[RedLikeRoses]
The priest stands firm, gripping his shovel with whitened knuckles “He is unwell. The gods will see. The gods will answer. I will not lose him again”
[IceQueenSchnee]
“I pray that you’re right”. And I walk away.
[RedLikeRoses]
And so, we’ll say that as you all head back to the burgomaster’s house and prepare for tomorrows journey, we’ll finish up for tonight.
[Yangtastic]
Woo! This is going to be fun
[IceQueenSchnee]
Well done Ruby.
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
So how was your first DM session?
[RedLikeRoses]
Honestly not that bad. This is fun
[BlackCatBeastie]
You were great, Ruby
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
And it’s only just beginning.
[RedLikeRoses]
Oh before I forget, you guys level up for next time
[Yangtastic]
Woohoo
[IceQueenSchnee]
Got it.
[RedLikeRoses]
Right. Goodnight everyone
[Yangtastic]
Night guys
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful]
Night guys
[BlackCatBeastie]
Goodnight
[IceQueenSchnee]
Goodnight all.
[Yangtastic has left the chat]
[BlackCatBeastie has left the chat]
[IceQueenSchnee has left the chat]
[OzzytheGreatnPowerful has left the chat]
[RedLikeRoses has left the chat]