Under raging storm clouds, a lone figure stands silhouetted against the ancient walls of Castle Ravenloft. The vampire Count Strahd von Zarovich stares down a sheer cliff at the village below. A cold, bitter wind spins dead leaves about him, billowing his cape in the darkness.
Lightning splits the clouds overhead, casting stark white light across him. Strahd turns to the sky, revealing the angular muscles of his face and hands. He has a look of power—and of madness. His once handsome face is contorted by a tragedy darker than the night itself.
Rumbling thunder pounds the castle spires. The wind’s howling increases as Strahd turns his gaze back to the village. Far below, yet not beyond his ken, a party of adventurers has just entered his domain. Strahd’s face forms a twisted smile as his dark plan unfolds. He knew they were coming, and he knows why they have come—all according to his plan. He, the master of Ravenloft, will attend to them.
Another lightning flash rips through the darkness, its thunder echoing through the castle’s towers. But Strahd is gone. Only the howling of the wind—or perhaps a lone wolf—fills the midnight air. The master of Ravenloft is having guests for dinner. And you are invited.
scary!
Ash wearily lifts his head as the rain beats down. He casts a vacant look towards his brother by his side, and then returns to look upon the forbidding edifice before them. Together, they begin to trudge through the sucking mud towards the Castle Ravenloft.
"No one but a woman can help a man when he is in trouble of the heart" - Bram Stoker
The stormy skies above rain down an unholy amount of water upon a rotting and muddy unnamed village in the middle of nowhere. Only brief flickers of candle light reflecting from nearby houses give any light to muck filled street. A bolt of thunder crashes in the distance briefly illuminating two figures who trudge through the mud toward an inn with a swinging sign. Though the village has no name the tavern does, the Cackling Crow. The sign shows a black bird, mouth unhinged as if laughing.
The inside of the tavern is filthy and dower. A small fire roars in a scorched fireplace and several pots liter the floors collecting water from the leaks in shoddy roof. The owner of the inn, is a tall human woman standing at a near giants height of eight feet tall. Her teeth are yellow and if not for the dim light in the tavern you would think her eyes to be black.
As the two brothers enter the tavern besides the tavern keeper they see two other figures a tiefling, and another human man.
Race Class HP AC Passive Perception Passive Investigation Passive Insight and resistances.
Lets get this game started lads!
Marioara, another ale! Says a human already seated at a table near the fireplace, as the two brothers enter the tavern. He holds up his empty mug and waves it around. Paying the newcomers no mind. He has his feet kicked up on the table, and though his boots are dusty, there quality is apparent. He wears tight fitting trouser, with a fancy shirt, and a jacket with a broad black collar and decorative golden wings on the shoulders. I'm sure he wears the latest fashion in some far off kingdom, but he certainly looks out of place in this rundown place. But he either doesn't know or doesn't care, as he acts like he owns the place. And maybe he does he's clearly some kind of noble, no one other than a noble would dare to be so pompous. He's rugged looking, but there is some handsomeness, if you look past the tired and bloodshot eyes. He sings a tune to himself.
Well the girls from Waterdeep, will always make you weep.
But the ones from Baldur's Gate are the ones you love to hate!
The singing is average at best, but he doesn't seem to care about that either.
And the ones from Unthalass, will always make it last.
He twirls the mug around in time with his tune.
Mariora in eerie silence walks over to the baron and fills his mug with more ale, saying nothing to the lord from a far off land.
In the corner, a lone figure sits engrossed in his bowl of stew and a book. He grimaces at the nobles singing and as the new comers walk in, he glances up , then adjust his dark green cloak over his head, rubbing his cheek against the bourbon fleece of the inner layer and slumps more into the corner. His near human features, dark black hair, green eyes, contrast with the small dark red horns with purple veins that rise from his forehead.
A gust of cold air and spray of rainy mist herald the entry of the brothers. From the darkened doorway, a tall young man steps first into the room. His sallow skin and sunken eyes tell of a chronic sickly state of health. His mouth hangs slightly open as his vacant eyes scan the room, briefly pausing on the three inhabitants, but his expression not changing. The young man, 20 years-old, is dressed in what must have once been fine chainmail armor. His shield and scimitar are also of fine craftsmanship, but like the man himself, seem to have fallen on hard times. The armor and paladin regalia hang loosely on his skinny/gaunt frame belaying the fact that this man used to fill out the armor with hardened muscles. His dark green tabard is obviously newer, but of more pedestrian quality and has a golden waterfall, the holy symbol of Eldath, stitched into it. His steel shield is battered and is also painted with the waterfall emblem, however, if inspected closely, one can still make out the outline of a symbol of a coin with a woman's profile underneath the green/gold paint of Eldath.
After deciding that the scene is relatively secure, Ash turns his blank face back to the doorway and, with his head, silently motions his brother in before heading for a seat. Reaching a table, he wordlessly falls into his chair and stares blankly at rather table, making no attempt to get the server’s attention.
|
Following his brother in, trying to hide his impatience at his brother 'securing' the room before he comes in, a plain looking man in average chainmail with shield and crossbow slung across his back, stumps over to the fire first and foremost. That rain and mud is clearly not natural! I haven't been this wet in many a year, I'll say that! And cold! Speaking to no one in particular he surveys the room, noting the singing and bleary eyed noble and the tiefling in the corner. He gives that creature an extra look, noting his book and trying to see if it has a title, but then is distracted by the stew in front of it. Quickly looking around for the innkeep he's surprised by her unusual size, but his upbringing helps him cover quickly as he says, My good lady, may we trouble you for some of that stew and some ale please? We're certainly cold and tired and could do with some warming.
The inkeeper says nothing and barely acknowledges you, but to your surprise shortly after your request the large women quietly walks to your table and places stew and an ale in front of both Del and Ash. the sound of thunder cracking once again fills the quiet village with brief ear piercing sound and bright light.
As if summoned by the storm a covered wagon pulled by two very damp horses. The wagon pulls up in front of the Cackling Crow and two figures atop the wagon hop down and trudge through the mud into the tavern. To say they are garishly dressed would be an understatement. The two of them, one male one female wear bright colors and jewelry.
The man wears primarily red with a silver beaded necklace with red and orange jewels in set into each of the beads. His hair is dark brown and pulled in a ponytail and a goatee with a curled mustache.
The woman is fetching, with similar brown hair that is shoulder length. She wears a white shirt with a black leather corset and a golden head scarf. Several golden bracelets line her arms and in one of her hands she holds an ornate black box.
As the two travelers enter they glance about the room and the man whispers Four travelers, laughing bird, just as Eva said.
The woman smiles and looks cheerily at you all, she speaks with a Slavic accent and twirls the black box in her hand Travelers. It is fortuitous that on this dark and stormy night you have all found yourselves within the tavern of a laughing bird. My leader the great Madam Eva foresaw that we would find such people here. She smiles Would you sit and drink with me and my brother?
Ash’s eyes narrow almost imperceptibly as the woman invites them to talk. He turns his head and with the barest of movement, shrugs his shoulders and cocks his head at Del, as if saying “Why not?”
The tiefling starts, spilling his soup a little, which sends him scurrying to protect the book and his belonging. much over done for the few drops that hit the table.
I'm sorry. you must be mistaken. Not really a traveler. I'm from Daggerford, just had to pick up a few books for my father, a Wently Kelso first edition collections and a Rab Bitnez cookbook for mom. I don't even know why I stopped here. I shouldn't 've. No I mustn't stay. Mummy always told me not to speak with strangers. I should just go home.
He looks longingly at the door, but for some reasons doesn't move.
then murmurs
Splitz looks up Gypsies! This night just got a whole lot more interesting! Mariora a round for my new friends.
Splitz jumps up grabs his chair and mug; he spins the chair around backwards, plops down and leans forward. Holding the mug up for a refill without looking. I am the Baron Splitz von Blitz; I'm from a small barony near Damara. Now tell us what you have to say, gypsies!
He leaves his mug in the air, until the barmaiden fills it and then lowers it to his lips without even looking.
Hmm you are not a traveler? the woman asks Diazepam Well it seems like fate this day has made you travel friend. Please come sit at the table and share a drink with us.
Mariora walks over once again to Splitz and stands there staring off at nothing in particular for an uncomfortably long time before pouring the baron another drink.
The woman chuckles I am not too sure what a gypsy is Baron Blitz, we are Vistani. A traveling people from a strange land beyond a fog. Well I will tell you what we have to say as soon as everyone here sits down around the table and shares a drink.
Diaz seems shocked at the pleasantness the Vistani shows him.
Well father and mother did tell me to be friendly. I guess it would be OK. But I do not drink alcohol.
and looking at Marioara
Excuse me, miss, please, if it wouldn't be too much trouble, could I have another glass of warm milk. If you don't mind, miss. Diaz meekly ask the barmaid.
Actually, that's Baron von Blitz, but you can call me Splitz. He says as he waves the brothers over to hear what the Vistani have to say.
|
|
Seeing as eating his stew and having a quiet beer has now become nearly impossible, Del stands and motions to his brother that we should join the group around the table. He carries both bowls over and then returns for the beers, all while making introductions. My name is Del and this is my brother Ash. It's nice to meet you all on this wet night. The kindness of strangers never ceases to amaze me....travel here or there and someone is always happy to share an ale and a story. What brings us together tonight? Or maybe I should have said who brings us together? As he finishes moving the food and drink and saying hello, his gaze rests on the fetching woman.
Ash sits quietly as Del moves the bowls and then the mugs to the new table, then slowly rises and walks over to join the group. He falls into his seat and stares absently at his hands folded on the table.
Silently the large barmaid brings a glass of delicious milk over to Diaz.
My apologies Splitz. What has brought us together tonight? Fate brings us together on this stormy night. For it was foretold in the Tarokka by Madam Eva, that we would find four travelers of might in a place of a laughing bird on a stormy night such as this. Travellers of might who may be able to stop the devil Strahd. She places the small black box she carries on the table The Tarokka deck can tell the past, the present, and the future. It can tell the fates of individuals and the fate of lands. The Vistana retrieves a deck of cards from the black box and begins to rapidly shuffle the cards before setting them down.
This Tarokka reading shall tell us if you truly are the travelers of might that will save the lands of Barovia, the land from which Vistani hail from.
She flips the first card over revealing the "Mists" a card which shows a graveyard covered in a deep fog. She looks at Diaz The Mists. A card of beckoning, something within the lands seeks you out. Whether it be for good or ill.
She flips the second card revealing the "Missionary" a card which shows a bearded man holding a religious tome. She looks at Del The Missionary. A card of someone of the faith, you will be a powerful weapon of radiance.
She flips the third card revealing the "Broken One" a card which displays a man looking into a shattered mirror. She looks at Ash The Broken One. A card for someone with a hard past who might seek redemption in the lands of Barovia.
She flips the fourth card revealing the "Tax Collector" a card which displays a noble man counting coins. She looks at Splitz The Tax Collector. A card of someone who is not all what they seem who might find something lost within the lands.
And the final card the women goes to flip the card but hesitates for a brief moment before flipping it over. The fifth card revealed is the "Darklord" and as the card flips another crack of lightning sounds. The card is of an undead creature wearing a horned crown and sitting upon a throne The Darklord the card of the lord of Barovia, Strahd von Zarovich. Then it is true you are all intertwined with the fate of Barovia.
Diaz starts trembling at the word "beckoning" and stares down at the card.
So, where is this Barovia and who is this Strahd von Zarovich? Splitz leans in and asks.
Splitz has never heard of Barovia or Strahd von Zarovich. The vistani man begins to speak Its difficult to explain, Barovia is separate from all other places and it is Strahd's domain. Strahd is of a long lineage of royalty and rules over Barovia, rules over it in Castle Ravenloft.
|
|
Then how does one get to Barovia? Down the lane and left at the milking barn? I've seen parlor tricks before, how do we know the truth of what you say? My holy symbol is an easy mark for me being a man of the faith. Someone with nimble fingers could easily plant the cards in that order. A nobleman counting money is easy for this guy, forgive me fine sir, she says looking at Splitz, but I don't understand a misty card unsettling our horny new friend here. Who are you both and why have you come to tell us of a land that is not really here that we are suddenly linked with.
The woman points in the direction they came, there a fog that has crept in suddenly. Through the mists that is how you get there. The vistani man looks a little annoyed at Del but the woman puts her arm out and calms him down. I understand your reluctance to trust me, but I am no swindler. The cards, the Tarokka are an ancient tradition of the Vistani and few are granted the sight like Madam Eva. We have been truthful with who we are, we are simple Vistani travelers. And we have come to find traveller's foretold by Madam Eva who could save Barovia. She seems truthful, and you can tell that her brother took great insult to saying that the women could just be swindler.
So Barovia is just across the street there? A puzzled look crosses his face, and it's clear that the concept of through the mist confuses the noble.
I was across the street earlier and it wasn't misty then, but it didn't seem much different than here. When you first mentioned Barovia I thought we had quite a journey ahead. It's clear is eager for the challenge, whatever it is, but he is having trouble wrapping his head around it.
Upon hearing the woman say redemption, Ash's eyes jerk from his hands and up to the seer's face. Although his facial expression remains emotionless, you can see life behind his eyes for the first time. As the Baron and Del argue and talk with the Vistani, Ash impassionately stares at the woman. Then, quietly moving a hand to rest on Del's forearm, he looks at his brother and they look at each other for a few movements, some sort of silent communication passing between them. Then, after both nod at each other, Ash slowly rises to his feet and addresses the Vistani in a slow and somewhat weak and hollow voice:
My brother is of good heart and means no disrespect. We have travelled far and have met many who would do us harm on the road. I sense no evil intent in your words and know in my heart that what you say is true. If evil is about, then by our words or by our swords, the Brothers Mourningstone are at your service. Finishing his slow speech, he looks at the 2 Vistani in turn, then to the tiefling, the noble, and finally his brother before slowly lowering himself into his chair.
This seems like a story out of one of the books at home. I don't know. I would like to understand these voices and the calling but, my parents will be worried if I don't return tonight. I did promise to bring these books home... My parents have done so much for me. It would be wrong of me to leave without even telling them. All of their trust in me would be shown to be misplaced, just like everyone said.
Diaz gives a look pleading for understanding to the Vistani.
|
|
Nodding to his elder twin, Del will bow to both the Vistani. Please forgive my disrespectful tone. It was not meant personally or as a slight to either of you. You have to admit, asking random strangers to join you in saving a region that is not of this world is not something you hear every day. As my brother says, we'll attempt to aid any we can. What's the harm in starting a quest to save the world....what could go wrong?
She looks over towards Diaz as he speaks. Maybe a courier could deliver your books with a note from you. Would that work? No one will care that we are gone but if your parents will worry then you must notify them.
The women laughs It's not across the street Baron von Blitz its through the fog for many miles so I'm afraid it will be a little bit of journey.
The vistana listen intently to Ash and nod in respect Thank you Sir Ash the Vistani man says. No offense taken sir Del. And if you need something delivered master Diaz me and my sister are heading to Daggerford. We would be happy to deliver some things to your parents beofre we head back through the mists.
[b] Well, my parents have told me to try to be helpful. Let me write them a quick note then. Will we have any trouble returning? [\b]
Ah, I see many miles of walking through the mist. So near, but not so near. Splitz fakes truly understanding the journey.
Oh you won't be joining us, how will we find the way then? Adding more confusion in his mind.
Save the world? Is that what we are doing? He sits back very properly in his chair, as if a childhood of noble training in etiquette is suddenly remembered.
| 1 person marked this as a favorite. |
By dearest mother and father,
First I want you to know that I am well. I am having these good people contact you with your books, that appear to be in excellent condition by the way, and this letter to let you know what has befallen me. I know you both have undergone many sacrifices because of my unusual heritage. You both say that you would have adopted me even if you had know of my heritage has always been a comfort for me. I have strived ever to repay your goodness and make you proud. I believe I have found a way to do this. Evidentially my arrival at a certain inn at a certain hour is part of a prophecy I am told. It seems I am destined to help save the world. I really do not know if this is true. But the voice has stopped now that I have entered this path.
I hope there is some destiny I can serve to make you proud of me. If this is a sham, well I hope my absence will improve your standing in the community to its former levels.
Always with love and gratitude,
Diaz e Pam.
Diaz scribbles a few notes on a sheet of parchment he has. His manuscript is excellent and he does not try to hide his work.
He hands the letter to the old lady.
The Pam household is well known in Daggerford. You could leave the letter with Sven, the doorman, if you wish. If you tell him the message is from me, he will see you escorted to my parents who will certainly pay you for your time and feed you as well.
No you should have no trouble returning. The Vistani say taking Diaz's letter and the books he carries We will deliver these to your parents.
You will find the way once you step foot into the mists Baron von Blitz. I wouldn't say saving the world, more saving Barovia, hopefully. Anyway we must depart, I wish you luck on your journey. With that the vistana leave the inn board their wagon and head down the road.
What would you guys like to do?
Well that seems unlikely? Splitz says after the two Vistani depart. I’ve become very lost walking into mists before, never have I found a place I don’t where to go. That said shall we wander off into the unknown, at the behest of two strange gypsies we don’t even know? he says with a bit of excitement in his voice.
|
|
After the two vistani leave Del looks around the room as a cricket starts to chirp somewhere back in the kitchen :) It is odd to wonder why we’re suddenly venturing off with strangers to save a land I know nothing about. We can go a ways into the mist and see what we can see I suppose but I will admit to being a bit unsure of all of this.
Diaz, you look to be a bookish fellow like me. What makes you think walking into the mists is a good idea? The cards implied that was your destiny. Mine was to be a warrior of radiance. Not likely...but maybe
Turning to Splitz he says, Baron, you could probably just send a band of warriors to investigate this strange land of Barovia and then we’d all be done with it.
a good ideal? It’s practically insane. No doubt we are about to be set upon and robbed. I just would rather be known for trying to do some good. Shall we be about it Diaz pulls a mace from his belt and drops the shield that was on his back under his cloak to his other hand. Name is Diaz by the way. I hope my tiefling heritage is not a problem for any of you. Since you are speaking with me, I trust you are more open minded than the people in my home town.
Splitz looks at Del, My good man, I am far from home, and without any retainers; if I had some of I would send them ahead of us; but alas no.
Then turning toward Diaz, I believe you should trust the soul of a man rather than the look of him.
As crazy as it sounds, who's ready for adventure?!
Do you all head out into the mists?
|
|
Diaz, my brother and I ran afoul of a demon in our past but by the grace of Eldath, goddess of peace, we try and be open to all she places in our path, giving all the benefit of the doubt, even to our own danger. Hence my brothers desire to aid the Vistani. We know of your kind but have no reason to mistrust you. A strong arm and a fellow mace wielder is always welcome!
With that Del begins to gather his things, pausing to encourage his brother who has seemed to stare off into space for a bit. They both move back out into the storm with new found companions, looking for the deepest and scariest section of mist to venture into.
As the brothers rise and head out, Splitz also rises and gathers his things. A demon? He says under his breath.
He then walks over to Mariora and pays her several gold coins for the night's refreshment.
Well Mariora, apparently we are venturing in the mists to find Barovia, and whatever fate waits for us there. Care to join us? He asks the inn owner. He gives her a sly smile.
You see tension release from Diaz at the kind words. He holds the door open for the rest of the group as they leave the tavern
Alright you exit the tavern with no comforting words, or words at all from Mariora who simply takes the gold. You begin to walk through the mud and rain and into the thin fog that has appeared on the edge of town. You keep walking one mile, two miles, three miles you're not sure how far you walk. And soon the fog becomes so dense that it becomes hard to even see your own hands.
But you keep walking and finally the fog begins to clear a little. Black pools of water stand like dark mirrors in and around the muddy roadway. Giant trees loom on both sides of the road, their branches clawing at the mist.
The fog spills out of the forest to swallow 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.
As he moves toward the door, last to exit, Splitz looks back at the owner,
Oh sweet Mariora, so that's how it will be, farwell then, your the most efficient tavern worker I can remember in all my days. I'll miss your prompt attention and good company.
With that he ventures out with the others. When they eventually reach the iron gate, he takes in the scene.
Well hello there, lost your heads, He says to the stone guardians. Hopefully that is not an omen.
Gents, I've been around that little burg for awhile, and would most days take a long walk to preserve my constitution. I've never come across this place before?
He moves forward and gives the gate a push to see if it will budge.
In retrospect, mayhaps we should've asked a few more questions as to where and what we were to do once we got here. "here' being the optimum word. Of course, transdimensional or transplanar travel is not unheard of, but neither is transporting phenomenon. Any guesses as to which occurred?
At the tavern, Ash doesn't even seem to notice everyone rising to leave until Del taps him gently on the shoulder. Nodding, Ash hauls himself to his feet and follows the group out the door, seemingly not even caring where they are all headed. Walking through the mist, he trails behind Del, eyes downcast as though lost in thought.
At the gates, while everyone is staring up and around at the statues and whatnot, they may be surprised as Ash pushes through to the front, shield up and scimitar at the ready. He moves with cat-like grace and his eyes burn with an intensity that was obviously absent up until now. His new companions may also note that his scale mail has some minor modifications that allow Ash to move more easily than expected . As he passes to the front of the party, he whispers with conviction: I will go first.
Ash stands at the gates and looks intently up for a moment before softly whispering a prayer. Eldath, allow peace to abide in this place, but if irredeemable evil exists, show me now and guide all of us on a path that will lead to evil's destruction.
Casts: Divine Sense - detect undead/fey/fiends w/in 60' for one round.
The gates don't look connected to any sort of castle they stand alone and act as the gates to the land you assume to be Barovia. And you don't notice nything with your divine sense or perception Ash.
Diaz you're not to sure what exactly occurred to make you travel to a seemingly new dimension.
Neither Del nor the Baron know who Strahd is.
As you approach the gigantic gates they swing open as if to welcome you to Barovia. But just as soon as you pass them the gates creek shut behind you. Then the dense fog closes in around the gates as if following closely behind you.
As you travel down the road you begin to make out several figures in the middle of the road in front of you. Five of them appear to be large dogs that are very busy eating a nice pile of meat in the road. Blood and flesh being torn from some unfortunate soul who’s path was crossed by wolves of Barovia.
Behind this scene of blood and gore is a cloaked figure standing with his back facing you. Either oblivious to what is happening behind him or just cold to it. As you grow closer the wolves focus their attention on you. Beneath their growls and howls you see blood stained teeth. But before the wolves can charge the figure behind them holds up one hand, and the wolves grow silent and calm.
The cloaked figure turns toward you, and standing before you is a tall darkly handsome man with pale skin. He wears a crimson breastplate with a wolves fur mantle and a billowing blood red cape. His hair is long and dark and staring at you is a pair of very cold, very dead eyes that are darker than night. So... seems I have some guests. the figure says stepping forward I think some introductions are necessary. I am Strahd van Zarovich and this my kingdom. So you are the latest pawns in this game? A tragedy.
Greetings, Strad van Zarovich, I am the Baron Splitz von Blitz from the land of Damara. How we came to your kingdom is still a little foggy to me. And guest I prefer, pawn not so much. Is this a game? and why is it a tragedy? The baron listens closely to Strad, wondering if the Vistani knew how quickly they would meet the target of there behest. It was clear to him that Strad was powerful, he could sense it and he wonder about the strange coincidence they would meet him so quickly.
|
|
Thank you for greeting new travelers to your kingdom personally. I don’t imagine that is very common for the lord to meet everyone who comes in. Do you get many travelers? We were sent here by madame Eva, a Vistani fortune teller. With that Del sort of mumbles off, not sure what he should be saying and not liking the look he’s getting from the wolves or Strahd. ....land needing saved and all...