Bombadil's Ravenloft PBP

Game Master Bombadil

"Let's leave the loot huh? It is after all likely the villages anyway - and probably too much to carry. I wonder if we can manage the coffin though. At least as far as some moving water."

"And yes, the prayer beads will be a boon to the community."

He wonders if there's a nearby stream or river they can dump the dirt into. He ponders wandering around in the dark trying to do what needs to be done.

"Hrm. Maybe we should camp here tonight in the church. Head out when it's light so we can see. Or at least see what's coming at us, you know? I think that's our best course of action. The night is not our friend..."

"Now that we have the keys to this vault, we can keep the town's treasures locked within safely, can we not?" Borracho asks, happy to keep things safe either way. "But for the strand of blessings (which is much like Borracho), might be that we ask if one of us can carry the item should we need it in our fight to free the town? We can return it when we leave."

"Tural, would you be willing to carry it? Or should the very holy Borracho don the beads as a way to bring hope to the populace?" Borracho says, knowing the beads would look very nice against his hairy bare chest.

"Yes, we should get the soil to water, exaclty, Flemming, I was thinking the same thing," Borracho adds in his deep sonorous voice, turning to Flemming. "I think, if possible, we should camp where we can provide aid and service to those who might need it."

The closest moving water you can think of is the waterfall that’s just past the traveler’s camp. It would be impractical to carry the coffin full of dirt any distance in the dark, and even in the day you would use a cart for such a task. The weight of the chests stacked with ingots would also be exceedingly difficult to carry. The urns of spices may be the only thing that you could haul out this evening with relative ease. The prayer beads you all agree should not be left behind, but whether they remain with Darya or the troupe is a decision you’ll have to make. The tavern is a short distance from the church and although it is night and you’re certain there’s a vampire somewhere in the area, that vampire has already gained access to the church and the tavern may be a safer location.

Now that he knows more, Flemming suggests, "Let's lock all this up, except the prayer beads of course, and get some rest at the tavern. Tomorrow, we'll start by dealing with this coffin. Nice to have keys."

Eager to again greet those who love Borracho with all their hearts, Borracho is happy to go to the tavern for the night.

We have had a good day, and should rest well this night. He casts Prestidigitation repeatedly to get himself and his clothes clean and presentable, especially if he will be entertaining. Which can be the point of going to some taverns.

Tural glances out in the darkness. "Good point. We can move faster without the load."

With only the prayer beads in hand the troupe locks the vault and ascends back up the stairs to the main room of the church. With quick steps you exit the building and hurry through the night. Nothing harasses you along the way and it’s with relief that you throw open the door to the warm tavern and step inside. A cheer rises from the few patrons still at the tavern, Darya among them, and quickly mugs of beer and glasses of wine are thrust into your hands. ”Do you travel at night now without fear?” Darya asks and the other patrons listen closely for your answer. ”We were a bit worried when you didn’t return before the sunset.”

”Do you travel at night now without fear?”

Borracho smiles easily.

"Fear? What does Borracho know of fear? Nothing," he replies sonorously. "We encountered nothing, and it is more likely that the villains that plague this area have fear of us! Whether its Flemming's fists, or Tural's holy glow or Madam Crow's noogies, they know to avoid us, that is more likely explanation," he continues, standing heroically, with hands on hips. "Borracho does not fear the night. What is in the night fears Borracho!"

Tural shakes his head in response to the question as Borracho answers. "No. There is still fear. There is still a very powerful enemy. But we can't let fear control us.

"We returned here for safety. But also to bring word, and a powerful tool to you." He pulls out the prayer beads to show them. "This strand of Prayer beads can let an acolyte priest use a couple of healing spells well beyond normal. Not for fighting though. Just healing." He holds the beads out to Darya.

"We also found other important things, but too heavy for us to move. In the morning we will go again, to take a vampire's coffin to destroy. And to retrieve money, and spices, and everything else that was stored there."

"Yes, you might not have need of it now, but the town is rich with the wealth of the church. When all this is over, you'll at least have something to show for it!" Flemming is pleased to have some good news for the tavern.

Oh!

More importantly, he takes out the original gnomish pipe and hands it to the tavern-keeper. "Also, a gift to the pub, for I have managed another and this one is for you to share around."

"Borracho does not fear the night. What is in the night fears Borracho!”

A cheer goes up among the small group in the tavern. The bravado is met with clinking glasses and calls for a performance.

"In the morning we will go again, to take a vampire's coffin to destroy. And to retrieve money, and spices, and everything else that was stored there.”

At the mention of a vampire’s coffin all the joy seeps from the room. ”A vampire’s coffin, so it’s true then, our troubles are from the worst of the night creatures.” Quiet and frightened faces permeate the crowd, then a small voice from an elderly woman breaks the silence. ”Did you say spices? What kind of spices? I do hope there’s pepper.” Eyebrows raise and the little crowd looks to you with hope again.

"Also, a gift to the pub, for I have managed another and this one is for you to share around.”

The tavern keeper’s eyes fill with water. ”This is a splendid gift! A true treasure in these darks times. I’m indebted to you!” Arik holds up the pipe with two hands like it was an artifact, then passes it to the patrons of the tavern where it’s accepted with enthusiasm.

As the gnomish pipe smoke curls in the air, the call comes again for a performance. ”Would it be too much to ask for another story? It does lift our spirits so.”

are you giving the Prayer Beads to Darya and the village now?

I say yes. Unless the group disagrees?

I say give 'em the beads. It's of minor assistance to us, but a great boon to them!

"You should take these beads as well," Borracho says, removing the strand of beads from his hair chest. "Much like Borracho, they are full of holy power, and will serve you well."

Borracho steps back, readying a performance in his mind, but not yet done with the beads.

"And if you do not have someone who can work the beads for you, then you should call Borracho, and Borracho will bend the beads to his will, so that the it's purity will serve the town," he continues.

And, after getting some food and drink, Borracho will perform. He will orate and act, using a casting of Disguise Self to inhabit another character as needed.

He will perform Act II, Scenes 6 through 13 of Kyson's Choice, the Musical.

Darya is beyond grateful for the Prayer Beads. ”This is a gift that will save lives. You have given us so much, healing and hope are part of our village again. We will always honor you here!” Hands pat your shoulders and heartfelt thanks are offered from all in the tavern.

The small gathering settles near the warm fire as Borracho’s sonorous voice recounts Kyson’s Choice. It’s late in the evening by the time scene thirteen is finished and weariness tugs at you. The patrons say their goodnights and the troupe retires to their rooms upstairs.

Morning dawns without disturbance during the night and the troupe is refreshed and ready for a new day in Barovia.

Tural wakes to a quiet morning. The previous evening was victorious and Tural felt joy. He goes outside to face the sun and kneels, wrapping a blindfold around his eyes he turns in place over and over, slowing as he prays to Sarenrae for the magic that he felt he'd need for the day. "Sarenrae! We praise you for the divine might that we need to face the enemies here in this land. Let your divine might flow across these lands and destroy the undead infection in this land."

With his prayers complete he removes the blindfold and stares into the sunlight. They'd need strength to move the stuff in the vault.

Flemming gets up slowly, relishing his sleep. When the group is awake, he suggests, ”Do we need to move the stuff from the vault? Why not give the keys to the leaders of this community and let them handle it. After we deal with the coffin of course.”

”I suggest we deal with the coffin first, then I’m not sure what’s next. Do we want to confront the count?” He involuntarily shudders at the thought, though he knows they must do so eventually to see how involved he is in all this.

It takes all of four minutes for the Crow to nest by the fire of the tavern, and fall into a deep, deep sleep. A sleep so deep, her ears no longer hear the reassurances of Tural, the bravado of Borracho, and the beneficence of Flemming. The praise of the people, neither. The ears only hear the crackle of the burning wood, and it eases the rabbit in her mind seeking to run away from the fangs of the black night.

A nudge to retire only wakens Mimi for the quiet that will be the rest of the night. She will keep watch, she will listen, and she will report anything that tests the sanctuary that is the tavern.

...

At daybreak, Mimi nurses a small distillate of kahve, and waits for the boys to wake, so she can ready herself for the next confrontation. She checks and double checks the presence of the Vault keys. She holds one of them up, and makes it disappear from most sightlines, before allowing it to be visible to all. It works out some of the arthritis, and it works out some of the anxiety.

"Why not give the keys to the leaders of this community and let them handle it."

Mimi stops her manipulations, the key held between two knuckles. "How did the keys end up in the possession of the vampire? Stolen? Given away, willingly? We should determine that first, before we hand them off. If the vampire craves the safety of that Vault again, they'll seek the keys again..."

Tural hears Mimi's concern, but shakes his head. "If the vault is empty the keys have little value. Lets get rid of the coffin and the valuable stuff can all be brought here. A few men with a wagon should have no trouble clearing it."

"Then, we can figure out our next steps to break the curse holding everyone here."

"Sure, that works for me. Share out the wealth, and keep the keys just in case."

Flemming will ask about a cart and some fine trustworthy fellows to help them.

Mimi looks pleased, as she tucks the keys away. "I'm all for getting rid of the coffin. Vampires within the town perimeter? Despicable. I'll admit, the keys feel more like a trophy, so remind me to hand them over when the time comes."

The Crow is not above helping moving the various contents of the Vault to buildings considered more sacred and prohibitive to vampires entering. During the work, she inquires with the others.

"Supposing we travel to the Count's Castle, what's to say the gates never open when we call on him to answer? Do we approach him as performers, seeking patronage? Something less... adversarial?"

Borracho winds down his sonorous rendition of Kyson's Choice, but and is fine with the solution for the keys.

In the morning, he will ready and prepare to go after spending some time with his special book.