GM Niles' Curse of Strahd (Inactive)

Game Master nilesr

Round 4
Ozgo slashes his magically powered sword through the creatures.
Malthorn attempts to smash the phantom as it pops through a wall, but he misses.
Talus blasts a Phantom as it appears.
Kassimir fires down the crowded hallway at a Phantom Warrior 1d20 ⇒ 13 hitting it as it phases through the wall to attack Ozgo.
Gail smacks the Phantom with her nonmagical hammer. She realizes it does very little damage to the Phantom Warrior.
Phantom Warriors
Blue attacks Gail Multi: 2d20 ⇒ (6, 18) = 24 +5 hitting once for 1d8 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
Red attacks Gail MultiDisAd: 4d20 ⇒ (3, 6, 14, 8) = 31+5 missing twice
Purple attacks Malthorn MultiDisAd: 4d20 ⇒ (15, 8, 5, 9) = 37+5 missing twice
LRed attacks Ozgo Multi: 2d20 ⇒ (8, 15) = 23 +5 hitting once for 1d8 + 3 - 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 - 3 = 4

Round 5
Ozgo
Malthorn
Talus
Kassimir
Gail
Phantom Warriors

Good guys are up. Sorry for the delayed response.

Kassimir tries to help out Ozgo and aims at the one next to him.

Shortbow Sharpshooter: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 101d20 + 3 ⇒ (16) + 3 = 191d6 + 14 ⇒ (4) + 14 = 18

Hold on friends, we can overcome them!

A thunderous concussion detonated when Gail was hit, blasting fragments off the undead warrior.
Reaction: Wrath of the Storm: 2d8 ⇒ (6, 7) = 13 Thunder damage, Dex DC 15 for half, 3/4 uses.

She prayed urgently once more for aid and a shimmer of super heated air washed over the undead.
Sacred Flame (radient damage): 2d8 ⇒ (5, 7) = 12 Dex save DC 15 to negate.

In the middle Malthorn continues to try and connect with the spook attacking him, all the while dodging the attacks it is launching.

Magical Quarterstaff(shillelagh): 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (12) + 7 = 19
Magical Quarterstaff(shillelagh)-Disadv: 1d20 + 7 ⇒ (10) + 7 = 17
Damage(magic): 1d8 + 4 ⇒ (4) + 4 = 8

[b]Round 5[/dice]

Talus smiles at Kassimir's optimism, continuing his mental assault on one of the spectre's attacking Ozgo...

Psionic Blast, 5psi, vs Red specter: 5d8 + 2 ⇒ (6, 8, 7, 6, 1) + 2 = 30

Ozgo again slashes at the (red) spirit before him, his holy sword glowing a pure, white light.

Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (10) + 9 = 19
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (1, 6) + 4 = 11(re-roll 1 1d6 ⇒ 2) = 12

Attack: 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (1) + 9 = 10
Damage: 2d6 + 4 ⇒ (4, 1) + 4 = 9

Dex: 1d20 ⇒ 6 Gail's Thunderous defense blows apart the phantom as it hits her.
Round 5
Ozgo slashes into a spirit.
Malthorn waits for the perfect time and strikes the Phantom.
Talus waits for the Red Phantom to appear and blasts it!
Kassimir fires his nonmagical bow into the phantom, the creature is so wounded by Ozgo's magical blade that it succumbs to Kassimir's strike.
Gail doesn't have atarget for her spell, so she holds.
Phantom Warriors disappear into the depths of the manse.

CombatOver.

The air here is still and quiet once more...

AREA Q27
This room is littered with the wreckage of ancient bunk
beds. Five dirt-caked windows allow precious little light
to enter, and between them are four empty armor stands.
Empty torch sconces line the walls.

AREA Q28
Tattered and faded drapes cover the windows of this circular
room, and empty torch sconces line the walls. Broken
bunk beds and armor stands are strewn on the floor.

The battle was over but they company was wounded. Gail told the others, "Before we venture further, gather round and I shall lead us in prayer." She took a deep breath and started praying, "Oak father, Lord Sylvanus hear us in our hour of need..."

[dice=Prayer of healing, lvl 3 slot]3d8+4[/dice] That's for everyone, takes 10 mins mind. 1/3 lvl 3 spells cast.

"Thank you Gail, beginning to feel worse for the wear, a short break would be great, but this doesn't seem to be a particularly restful place, lets finish up and remove ourselves from these vengeful ghost."

Moving quickly thru the two rooms Malthorn searches both for anything of use before moving on.

Perception(Q27): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (14) + 9 = 23
Perception(Q28): 1d20 + 9 ⇒ (5) + 9 = 14

Moving back up the hallway, Malthorn turns to his right and investigates the room there(Q18)

Gail walks with Malthorn and casts her world-weary eyes over the detritus filling the rooms. "It feels like time has forsaken this place." she muttered upon seeing wreckage, "Still I suppose there could be something of interest lost under this junk." She has passive perception 17 if applicable.

Ozgo stands back and watches the others, guarding against any other unwelcome surprises.

Talus joins Ozgo in watching over the others as they investigate the haunted mansion's environs....

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 13

Malthorn finds several small vials in one room. The labels have long since worn away.

Q18
Two stone balconies flank the main foyer. Balusters
carved to resemble knights in shining armor support
their elegantly carved stone railings. Weapons and
shields festoon the walls along each of these walkways,
while alabaster busts of handsome men flank hallways
that lead north and south away from the foyer. At the
west end of each balcony is an archway that leads to a
spiral staircase going up.

Malthorn has Identify as a ritual however the 100gp pearl requirement is far from his ability to purchase right now <sigh>

Turning to the right as he exits the short hallway, Malthorn moves to the door on that wall to investigate the room there. this was my original intent in my last post, unexplored room on the left as you look at the map

Mh i wonder why there are only busts of men. It's not my taste. Probably some knights honoring themselves.
Kassimir follows along with Malthorn to explore further.

Ozgo examines the busts, trying to see if he recognizing any of the names. He also gives the weapons and shields a good look...to see if anything there might draw his attention.

Ozgo notices that while every bust looks different, there are small similarities in them. By the time he's finished looking at them all, he's convinced that everyone of the busts is of the same person in slightly different forms.

Q29
The contents of this room are draped in cobwebs. Between
curtained windows stands a black marble hearth
with a sculpted mantelpiece, above which hangs a
framed portrait of a handsome, well-dressed man with a
wry smile and a thick mane of thistledown hair. Opposite
the fireplace is a large bed with a rotting mattress and
wooden posts carved to resemble dragons. Across from
the double doors stands a tall wardrobe, its doors hanging
open, revealing a dark and empty cavity. The only
other piece of furniture is an overstuffed leather chair
that faces the hearth.

Q26
Two beds with torn canopies stand against opposite
walls with a tattered rug lying on the floor between them.
Set into the far wall is a fireplace black with soot. A soft
hiss issues from the hearth.

Malthorn enters the bedroom Q29 of the slowly watching for any further harassment from the mansion, looking into the wardrobe, Malthorn's un-natural eyesight reveals the contents of the darkened corners.

perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (14) - 1 = 13

Shaking his head as to why someone would need so many busts made of themselves, the paladin joins Malt in the bedroom.

"Anything?", he asks the warlock.

"Lets see." Gail replied to Ozgo.

Gail followed Malthorn into the bedroom and while she didn't have supernaturally enhanced sight her eyes where plenty quick on her own as she searched the room. Passive perception 17.

Malthorn and Gail walk through the room 1d20 ⇒ 11 and find that it holds only dust and abandoned furniture.

This "dungeon" is bogging down. There's stairs going down/up in 3 locations. I'm going to unmask the entire map, just post where/how you go and I'll narrate what you find (and if we have an encounter that'll kinda reset us. Go ahead and make whatever rolls you think you might need, or I'll make em for you.

I think going up the tower is where we might want to go...so let's go that way and see what happens!!

Agreed

Finding nothing of import within the bedchamber, Malthorn nudges Gail's shoulder before going back out in the hallway. Finding the staircase at the end of the hallway he goes upward to the next floor.

perception: 1d20 - 1 ⇒ (3) - 1 = 2 Hmm with that roll the latch would have to be the size of a barn door to find

If he finds the hidden latch
Moving into the next room he'll check out the throne room/chapel area (Q36)

if the secret door remains secret
Malthorn will continue down the hall and investigate the rooms moving clockwise around the level beginning with the banquet room (Q37)

A short rest would be good if we can manage it

I'fm fine with taking a breather.

Talus works through the remains of the mansion with the others, keeping his eyes peeled for anything interesting...

Perception: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (14) + 5 = 19

Finally, he pinched the top of his nose, rubbing, "A rest might be in order..." he suggests.

Kassimir tags along and offers to heal people if needed.
He can provide some healing music if anyone is hurt.

Q33

The roof over this part of the mansion has collapsed,
creating a twenty-foot-diameter gaping hole with broken
rafters bisecting it. Dark storm clouds roll across the sky
overhead. The floor is piled with rocks, broken tiles, shattered
beams, and other debris. Beneath the rubble lie a
sagging floor and puddles of rainwater.

Just list where next, where do you want to rest. You can put area labels etc to help us push things along, especially if I'm only able to post 2-3 times a week

Gail suggests, "I doubt we're planning on staying the night, but I'd prefer to rest somewhere defensible. Perhaps one of the towers still has a serviceable bedroom?" Area Q39 looks good, assuming we can actually get to it.

Chewing her lip, Gail considers what they wanted to achieve here, "Afterwards if nothing else I'd like to see what's up at the highest point. The tower to the west looked reasonably intact from the ground. The view will likely be spectacular. I suppose we'll need to access it from the roof." Q49 - Q50 etc.

On up thru Q53, Q39 should be reachable unless the doors are locked between

"No I think the inn here should be closed, but a moments rest without spectral guards or wolves nipping at our heels would be welcome." Crossing the dining area Malthorn checks the door feeding into the tower main. Q39 Calling the others over to get some rest if clear.

After they have had a chance to catch their breath Malthorn moves down the hall checking the door leading into the room above the chapel Q35 if nothing is there then he'll start up the stairs towards the roof. Q31 "Going up?"

"Yes a short rest would be greatly welcomed... let's see if we cannot find a place in the tower!"

Up and up we go!!

Kassimir sings you some refreshing songs.

Everyone heals an additional 1d6hp.

The Heroes of Barovia open the stout wooden doors to area Q37
Through the dust and cobwebs, you see faded war banners
adorning the walls of a spacious chamber, in the
center of which stands a heavy wooden table. An iron
chandelier hangs above the table, which is surrounded
by six high-backed chairs with wood-carved dragons
perched atop them. Slumped in five of the chairs are
skeletal humans in tattered chainmail.

The creatures sit upright and turn their skeletal heads towards the intruders. One of them growls Why do the living disturb the dead?

"We have no desire to disturb the dead except to return Strahd to his true death not this state of undeath he currently exist in, and free the land from his grip."

MAlthorn apparently has lousy picks when it comes to this place, perhaps someone else should choose where we go :)

Niles what does the door to Q39 look like? Is it in good condition? I assume it's closed right?

@Gail It's the same type of door found throughout the Manse, stout wooden door. It's old but still servicable Yes its closed.

The undead regard you with cold eyeless sockets, yet do not stand or attack.

You wish to destroy the Devil Strahd? the same undead creature asks

"Indeed." replied Gail who had moved to stand next to Malthorn, "Although at times it feels like we've picked an impossible quest. Let me guess, he's responsible one way or another for your present state." She watched the skeletal warriors cautiously for any signs of aggression, they where doubtless considered as trespassers. A part of her was sickened to see the undead, a violation of the natural order. Another part pitied them for being unable to cross over.

It was Strahd who sent the army to destroy our Master. Our order opposed the Devil in life, as we continue to oppose him in death. Seek out our Seneschal Vladimir Horngaard. His Throne Room lay nearby... the creature gestures behind the party. Area Q36

Ozgo bows deeply to the skeletal warriors.

"Your lord would be proud that you continue to battle the evils of this world even beyond life. May the Raven Queen protect you!"

Ozgo touches the great holy symbol hanging from his armour as he stands and leaves with the others.

Gail nods to the skeletal warrior, "Very well we shall do so." They gave her the creeps but this one seemed honorable, so far. She follows a step behind Ozgo and whispers to him, "It might be best if you speak to their Seneschal all things considered..."

So a long time ago Strahd sent an army here? I wonder just how old that devil really is and where his origins are. But before we continue, hold a moment...
Kassimir rubs his nose after standing back during the talks with the skeleton, but eventually steps forward.
Excuse me good sir, may i inquire you to tell us more about your order, your master and the events which led to your current state? Perhaps you have some information about this devil we might not yet know? It all might help to tear him down.

"Thank you" Malthorn replies happy to find something here that didn't attack him at first sight, however he delays backing out of the room at Kasmir's question. Perhaps it would be answered.

Talus give the 'gentlemen' sitting at the table a respectful bow, then turns to seek out the Seneschal with the others, but Kassimir's boldness stops him.

He pauses to hear any answer to his question....

The Skeletal Warrior regards Kassimir with empty eye sockets.

Dusk Elf. Your kind was old when first Strahd came to this land. I know that the Master of our Order resisted Him when He came to the Vale. We fought his armies, but we were defeated. We are cursed to remain here, in our ancient home, until someone lifts our curse. It has been many years and I do not think anyone will.

That got Gail's undivided attention. Eagerly she wheeled round to face the warrior and asked, "The curse. How could it be lifted?"

The Seneschal would know more, but our Master's body was defiled. We burn with revenge for this desecration.

"Is there any way we can help you and your master?"

Turning to the rest of the group the Paladin says,

"We need to find this Seneschal and get some idea what we can do to help these poor souls!"

"Uh I think he's in there..." replies Gail as she points to the closes doors to the north west, "But yes I agree we must."

She walks over to the doors and tries to open them. Q39

MAlthorn bows his way out of the room, a slight bow not of subservience but one of respect. Following Gail towards the indicated room he speaks out if there is anyone within.

"We seek Seneschal Vladimir Horngaard, so that we may rid the land of Strahd."

It saddens me somehow. This story should be remembered and sung in great tales. Hopefully i get to sing about it someday, as well as about our own heroic tale how we free them and slay the devil!

Kassimir looks determined and begins to move towards the pointed way, throwing his cloak over his shoulder in a dramatic gesture.