D&D 5e Curse of Strahd

Game Master Benjen Harris

Del will move up towards the left set of doors after inspecting the suit of armor.

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (15) + 6 = 21

Glad you are back safe Jon. Did you see any wildlife? Sounds beautiful but cold. I missed gencon and origins both this year. Craig and I attended a glass cannon live show at gencon so it was fun to see a few people dressed up and do a bit of people watching. Just there for an afternoon so just a taste. Maybe we can all prioritize a con for next year….hopefully

That sounds sort of miserable weather-wise Jon...hope you can make it down to the lower 48 next year! For a Con or just a visit. Have you seen the new D&D adventure Wild Beyond the Witchlight. I bet your girls would like it as it takes place in the Feywild and you can play as Faries and rabbitfolk. Also 100% of the encounters can be solved with roleplaying and don't require combat (although you can fight it you want). Looks very cool.

Splitz joins Del on the landing and calls out again. Hello anyone here?

As you approach the black armor it suddenly animates and swings at Del twice but Del is able to dodge out of the way.

Animated Armor Initiative: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (20) + 0 = 20
Del Initiative: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6
Ash Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (14) + 3 = 17
Splitz Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (9) + 1 = 10
Diaz Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (19) + 1 = 20

Initiative Order Round 1
Diaz
Animated Armor
Ash
Splitz
Del

Diaz you're up!

Bad weather is the absolute worst, sorry to hear the trip didn't go well. Hope to see you down this way soon Jon!

Convenient natty 20 for the armor...almost like it was waiting for me to poke my head in and look around....thought I saw some shifty eyes in the helm ;)

sorry for the delay. getting caught up at work, getting 2 students going and a ton of COVID test. ( only a few positives, seeing 60% of our positives are vaccinated, 40% unvac and yet to see a prior infected person get it again btw. )
hoping to get down next year. have to see how things pan out. aiming for gencon but will have to see. miss you guys.

Diaz runs behind the baron, risking an attack of opportunity, and uses Eldritch blast on the knight.
eldritch blast: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (9) + 5 = 141d10 + 3 ⇒ (9) + 3 = 12

If I hit and throw him back do I get an aoo?

Hope to see you then Jon!

Diaz tries to blast the armor with an eldritch blast but misses blasting one of the nearby walls with arcane energy. And no you would not get an AOO as forced movement does not provoke attacks of oppurtunity.

After Diaz misses his blast the animated armor once again tries to slam into Del twice. The animated armor misses the first slam but delivers a perfect blow to Del's head Critical Hit! 11 Damage.

Ash, Splitz, and Del you guys are up in round 1. Diaz you can act in round 2.

As the Animated Armor smashes hard into Del, Del look out! He yells as he raises up his shield and pulls his blade from it's sheathe.

Over here you empty can! He tries to taunt.

Then he takes a swing.

Longsword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (3) + 6 = 9
slashing damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Action Surge!

Full of adrenaline he strikes again.

Longsword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7
slashing damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (5) + 6 = 11

Come on! okay Lucky on the 2nd attack

Longsword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (10) + 6 = 16

heavy armor master reduce damage by 3 I think.

Del is seeing stars and blindly swings out in the direction of the armor.

mace attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (5) + 5 = 101d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

I previously posted that Ash was protectively trailing Del but didn't move my figure since I was on my phone and we weren't in initiative. If DM will allow Ash to be standing adjacent to Del, Ash will do one thing, if not, he'll do another. In either case, I'd like to know if this is an undead creature or something else (like a construct).

Int(Arcana): 1d20 + 2 ⇒ (7) + 2 = 9
Int(Religion): 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (5) + 0 = 5

Unfortunately Splitz is unable to land either of his attacks and the same is true for Del's attack. Ash is unable to recall any information about the automaton before him. Having been next to Del the whole time he is able to land a strike on the animated armor searing it with radiant energy.

You'll need to keep reminding me of that reduce 3 from non magic attacks Matt because I will definitely forget lol.

Initiative Order Round 2
Diaz
Animated Armor (12 Damage)
Ash
Splitz
Del (8 Damage)

Diaz you're up!

eld blast: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (20) + 5 = 251d10 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5
crit: 1d10 ⇒ 7

Nice crit Jon.

Diaz fires an eldritch blast at the armor causing one of the pauldrons of the construct to go flying but it doesn't take down the armor.

The animated armor tries to slam into Ash after the solid hit but can't land either strikes.

Everyone can go!

Ash shifts over to provide cover to both Del and Splitz and again, his scimitar flashes from the sheath to strike the armor before immediately returning to the scabbard, this time, the holy light of Eldath does not light the blade afire.

Scimitar: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (2) + 5 = 7
Damage: 1d6 + 3 ⇒ (4) + 3 = 7

Flavor resheathing. :) Also, for his reaction, Ash will attempt to protect Del on the first attack against him. If the armor attacks Splitz, then Ash will attempt to block on the 2nd attack since he's waiting to ensure the armor doesn't use its 2nd attack on Del.

Diaz's eldritch blast whizzes' by his head and thunders into the Animated Armor. Splitz raises his sword hand and quickly checks the back of his head to make sure Diaz's blast didn't also get a piece of him. When he's sure he's intact he calls back, Nice one Diaz!

He then brings the sword around in attack.

Longsword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (14) + 6 = 20
slashing damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (1) + 6 = 7

Del is feeling pinned down. He swings wildly, putting all his strength into defending himself from the unnatural armor.

mace attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 131d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Diaz drops to 1 knee and points his whip between the baron legs and fires again
eld blast: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (18) + 5 = 231d10 + 3 ⇒ (3) + 3 = 6

As the Eldritch blast goes between his legs, Splitz's eyes go wide and he sneaks a look at his crotch!

I think thats a good way to do that Craig, announcing protection before I go.

Ash is unable to hit with scimitar sheathing the weapon before readying his shield to defend his allies. Splitz is able to land a strike with his sword knocking off part of the face guard of the armors helmet. Del's strike is unable to damage the armor. Then finally after landing critical hit Diaz fires another blast through Splitz's legs. We see a slow motion shot of the as the blast nearly grazes the baron's privates before hitting armor square in the chest causes the whole construct to explode into several chinks of now broken armor.

We are out of initiative.

Diaz starts hyperventilating with a panic attack

It's okay Diaz, I'm intact, I think!? The Baron checks again to be sure.

That is something new, Armor that attacks on it's own, this is a strange place. Better remain on guard, let's stick close together. Splitz councils.

Splitz leans down and inspects what's left of the armor.

Del will listen at the doors around him as he tries to control his breathing.

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (13) + 6 = 19

Is Del able to heal up?

Yes, I couldn't remember if Craig had little heals he could do. Mine is only bigger heals so meant to see if he had any lay on hands type of heals. But yes, I need to heal 8 hp.

Seeing Del panic, Ash lays a comforting hand on his shoulder. Stillness brother. Let Eldath bring you along the path of peace and don’t stray into the wilderness of violence. Even when unrelenting evil confronts us, Eldath’s tranquil ways will guide us.

Lay on hands to heal Del 8hp. Ash will also help the Baron look around the room.

If Del does not hear anything, the open the door to the north.

Del hears nothing. Dusty shelves line the walls of this room. A few of the shelves have folded sheets, blankets, and old bars of soap on them and cobweb-covered broom leans against the far wall

Splitz walks in and looks at the linens, he picks up a bar of soap and smells it. He then turns around and heads into the next room.

As you enter the closet the broom in the corner very quickly flies and whacks you in the face 7 Damage.

Broom of Animated Attack Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (17) + 3 = 20
Del Initiative: 1d20 + 0 ⇒ (6) + 0 = 6
Ash Initiative: 1d20 + 3 ⇒ (15) + 3 = 18
Splitz Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (4) + 1 = 5
Diaz Initiative: 1d20 + 1 ⇒ (17) + 1 = 18

Initiative Order Round 1

Broom of Animated Attack
Ash
Diaz
Del
Splitz (7 Damage)

The broom swings twice again at Splitz landing one blow 5 Damage.

Everyone can go!

Del always calms down when his brother heals him, but he is a little annoyed at how he doesn't get flustered by nearly anything. Some day I'll be able to be as peaceful as you, brother. Until then I just need to pray to Eldath for patience. May I not need to attack anything else today!

Then he quickly hears bashes and yells from the tight closet and reflexively his mace raises to wack whatever comes out of the closet knowing their is no room for him inside the small room.

readied attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (17) + 5 = 221d6 + 3 ⇒ (2) + 3 = 5

Diaz gasp looks at the broom oh that’s creative, maybe we can tame it as an ally? Nice broom, do you want to be friends? [ dice=diplomacy] d20 + 3 [/dice]

for the last month I have been telling my patients I have not seen a single person reinfected with covid and the freaking day I am supposed to fly out for a class I test positive for the second time in a year I test positive. Down right embarrassing!

Oh no Jon...hope you get better soon. I have heard of several people getting it twice. '

Ahh! The Baron squeals as he back pedals away from homicidal broom, back onto the landing.

Disengage and move

Big bummer Jon! Hope you're feeling OK though. My son tested positive, but was vaccinated, so only had some coughing at night. Still an annoyance since he had to isolate at home.

Ash's shoulders sag as he sees another non-sentient creature attack the party. What is this house of horrors? We don't find any parents, but are attacked by the very things of the house! Hearing Diaz try to parlay with the broom, Ash's frown deepens as he rebukes himself. [Yes friend Diaz! You have already begun to see with Eldath's eyes and I am your pupil.[/b]
Ash stands his ground, but reaches out with his unarmed hand to the broom. How can we help you? We do not wish to fight, only to understand.

Persuasion: 1d20 + 4 ⇒ (3) + 4 = 7
Dodge, persuade (bonus). Default protection plan - impose disadvantage to first attack on Del, or 2nd attack of anyone in party

Sorry to hear that Jon! That really sucks, hopefully you've only got minor symptoms.

Ah yes the Broom of Animated Attack's weakness is persuasion... it flies forward toward Del getting struck by the cleric. It then tries to slam into Del twice. It surprisingly still hits on the first attack despite Ash protecting Del but misses the second 5 Bludgeoning Damage.

Aaah! Stupid broom! Stop talking to it and break it!

Minus three for that attack so I think I’m down two total.

Alas, we tried. Submit or we will sweep the floor with you
With that Diaz ducks down and shoots off another eldritch bolt
eldritch blast: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (8) + 5 = 131d10 + 3 ⇒ (7) + 3 = 10

Del looks around, feeling boxed in next to the crazy broom that is trying to bludgeon him to death. With nothing else to do he swings wildly at the nimble broom, never imagining this would ever be something he would do.

attack: 1d20 + 5 ⇒ (15) + 5 = 201d6 + 3 ⇒ (5) + 3 = 8

Yes, not sure brooms can understand reason! Maybe? They certainly seem to understand killing!

Splitz takes a swing at the bristles.

Longsword: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23
slashing damage: 1d8 + 6 ⇒ (8) + 6 = 14

With all of those attack you are able to bring down the broom.

Ash shakes his head at the splinters and straw remains of the broom. How odd this is! We come looking to find parents and are attacked by the items within the house. Yet, no one to be found! I hope we can find someone soon before we perish.

With that, he lays his hand on both Del's and Splitz's shoulders and heals them.

Last 7hp of Lay on Hands: 2 for Del and 5 to Splitz. I'm out of healing for the day.

Diaz picks up pieces of the broom. mayhaps we can figure out what is going on if we examine these later. Should we continue? I think we can agree this is not what we bargained for. I would say we leave now.

We've come this far, I say we try and go a bit further. I don't want to have to come back for something we may have missed and have to fight the dust bunnies that have since animated! Some curse is raising these items and maybe we can put it to an end.

I vote for open the western door

fair enough. Lead on

Del opens the western door, mace and shield at the ready.

No more stairs going up so lets see if we can finish this odd home and maybe give those kids peace....maybe.

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (17) + 6 = 23 before opening the door.

Is the door stuck? It seems like it is taking forever to open?

Benj and I were at GameHoleCon this week. Now Matt and Craig are in the Dominican Republic on a mission trip...we will likely be slow till they are back.

Splitz waits as Del opens the door.

Ash pushes his way to the front to stand by Del, shield at the ready to defend his brother, regardless of his own safety…or that of his allies.

Finished with our busy week at the clinic/school. Today is relaxation day at the beach! Flying back tomorrow.

Back in one piece!

Del hands Diaz his crowbar and says, Maybe this will help? :)

Finally the door opens. Dust and cobwebs shroud an elegantly appointed bedroom. The bedroom contains a large bed, two end tables, and an empty wardrobe. Mounted on the wall next to the wardrobe is a full-length mirror with an ornate wooden frame carved to look like ivy and berries.

If the room looks empty I'll make my way around the room listening to the 3 doors leading from the room.

Do you want a perception for each room?

perception: 1d20 + 6 ⇒ (16) + 6 = 22

Splitz follows the brothers in and takes a look at the mirror.

Next thing you know this mirror will attack us. He says cavalierly after only moments ago running away from a broomstick.

Investigate on the mirror: 1d20 ⇒ 17