"He wants to cling to his own illusions. Probably good we didn't call him 'vampire' to his face."
"We, as actors, let alone humanoids, cannot fault others for wanting to put their best selves forward. That is true of all of us," Borracho agrees, having a keen understanding the nature of the alive.
Mimi wrote:
"Shall we explore more of the first floor?"
"Excellent idea, Mimi. I was just about to suggest that myself. Much like Borracho, you have a keen mind and good ideas," he agrees.
"Hail and well met Count Strahd von Zarovich," Borracho replies and mirrors the Counts graciousness.
1d20 + 10 ⇒ (17) + 10 = 27 Perception
Borracho would not dream of eating before making his respects to the hosts, and so finds the Count's anger unsettling. He does note the same gestures that Mimi asks about, but does not yet say anything.
"I have not yet the chance to partake of the meal, Count. Perhaps you will entertain us as we eat? Tell us about yourself and the castle, and we must give our compliments to the staff that prepared this meal," Borracho offers, waiting for a pause so that he might comfortably go eat.
In the center of the room, a long, heavy table stands covered with a fine white satin cloth. The table is laden with delectable foods of every type: roasted beast basted in a savory sauce, roots and herbs of every taste, and sweet fruits and vegetables. Places are set for each of you with fine delicate dishes and silver. At each place there is a crystal goblet filled with an amber liquid.
Borracho glances over at the feast, and then bows to the Count in thanks. As a greater man, he does not feel less-than for honoring another. Celebrating others never hurts one's own standing, 'tis only lesser men who fear that.
"As I have said, I am Borracho. To whom am I, Borracho, speaking? We should know the names of our friends," Borracho asks. "And let me introduce the rest of the troupe! That is fair Mimi, who's nubs are beyond count. And thoughtful Tural, who's holiness is next to godliness, and that is Flemming, a man who seeks perfection."
Borracho steps forward, even in front of Flemming. He does not quite step on Flemming's toes, but it's clear that *someone's* toes were just stepped upon.
"It is I, Borracho, who is here. You probably have heard for me, and my companions. We are the most wonderful troupe, skilled at the arts, loved by everyone," Borracho orates sonorously. "You must tell me who sent the carriage for us, for Borracho must thank them. A true man knows how to appreciate and celebrate others, such as the one that thoughtfully got us here safely."
Borracho puts right fist on his right hip, and his left hand twirls a dark lock of hair. He stands majestically.
Borracho looks about area one, taking time to observe the things.
1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17 Perception
"Did you wish I, Borracho, to knock? It is strange that there is no welcoming party for Borracho as usually people come to show him how much they love him with all their hearts."
We're near K1, right? And if we move into the castle we'll be in K7? Just want to be sure we're all on the same maps.
Borracho thinks approaching the main door is best, but is also open to exploring the outside first. He trusts Flemmings instincts like his own, which are excellent.
I'm flex on how you do the maps, mostly I would do what is easiest for you Bomb.
Borracho has the +1 light crossbow so someone else should take the dagger. And while wants to think the best of everyone, there is more than a bit of evidence that the party is walking into danger. As such, he uses his new rod to cast a longer lasting Barkskin on himself and dons his shield. He has is crossbow nearby in case he wants to switch out, but feels ready in his shield and non-battle kilt.
"Borracho agrees with the wise idea given by Flemming as Borracho was about to suggest the same thing. It is strange that no one is here to greet us, though they have sent a carriage," he notes.
He will follow Flem, keeping his eagle-eyes eagley open.
Borracho looks out the window and startles. He points to the castle in case others have not yet seen it. "Much like Borracho, it has a startling presence, does it not? You look and you look again, for great is your awe?"
And Borracho will take from Flem's wise actions, and clad himself in similarly protective and unseen armor.
Borracho looks down at the rocks below, having no fear. "The winds and sky themselves love Borracho so much that they would protect him if he fell. Such is the love that Borracho carries from others."
Borracho is ready to cross the drawbridge and go to the main doors, wondering why there is no one there to greet him. He is, after all, Borracho.
"These are all generous gifts," Borracho says, thanking each and every contributor as he selects an easy-to-reach selection of each within his bolt quiver. "Borracho will use these to slay many enemies, and each one will be dedicated to each of you. This is the way of Borracho."
* * *
"Ah, a carriage, good. Although Borracho can walk for days, it is Borracho's friends who deserve luxury," Borracho says holding the door open for others and will enter if/when others do.
"Borracho is nothing but thoughtful in his plans," Borracho says, barely thinking at all about anything. "Surely, as you are all so wise, much like Borracho, that you know we should take time to prepare deeply before we enter the castle, especially if we cannot leave. We'll need many strong weapons to deal with dragons and spiders and go-lems, and while Borracho has defeated many foes before, it is through dedication and preparation wherein Borracho's skill for victory lie," he continues as a true, orating thespian.
"Let us get our nubs rubbed. And our water blest. And then Borracho will lead us into this castle to deal with the villainy within."
Borracho seeks to get some adamantine, cold iron, and silver blanched bolts, 10 of each.
"Act III? Of course, perhaps it will be a part of the funeral dirge for when we finally bury your bones, and the bones of your family," Borracho agrees magnanimously. "Borracho will send you to Pharasma's arms knowing theatrical delight, your soul will glow so keenly that the psychopomps will know you are Borracho's friend, and move you to the front of the line."
Borracho smiles with *such* magnanimity that one might even believe that Borracho's influence on the gods might be true.
"If there is nothing else, we should return to our rests so we can all be as strong and valiant as Borracho tomorrow."
Borracho will return to his slumbers, and in the morning, spend time wit his special book and be ready to move out.
"You have been helpful, Jakob," Borracho thanks the child and spirit. "Much like Borracho, you have the courage of your convictions and everyone loves those who are true to family." Borracho twirls one of his long dark locks of hair.
"Is there anything else Borracho, or his many friends, can offer you? We are grateful for your aid and forethought."
Borracho shrugs at the question. He’s not a noodle armed choirboy, nor a trained muscleman, but it is unclear that he could carry Tural.
”We have ropes. Might be that we bundle you up from the ground,” Borracho uses his keen mind to brainstorm. He looks to see if any of his wise friends have ideas.
"How far is the fall? I don't have anything like levitation or flying magic. But, there might be another option."
Borracho ponders this.
"The air loves Borracho as much as the ground, and Borracho must share his gifts both with the glorious earth and the heavenly airs. If you give Borracho a rope, Borracho will ascend as needed, because the sky will welcome him like a child from out playing, such is love that the sky has for Borracho in all their many clouds," Borracho offers.
Borracho stands and listens to the ghost, and the questions asked, all very similar to what he would have asked if he had bothered to think about such things at the moment. Currently, he was thinking if the ghost child would like to see him juggle, it might be a treat for the dead. He makes a note to ask later.
"Warn us? Are you sure you have not come to admire Borracho?" Borracho asks in a deep sonorous tone, knowing that he must have many fans both alive and dead.
I gotta think that we have a watch set up, right? We just haven't talked about it yet, but maybe we will after this.
Borracho rolls out of bed, immediately summoning some sweet armor to protect himself for a bit.
"Did you hear that as well? It might be one of Borracho's many womens admirers who have come to call for Borracho's touch in the night. We should be kind, as they cannot help themselves," he notes, trying to get a bead on the scratching.
1d20 + 10 ⇒ (7) + 10 = 17 Perception
He will cast Detect Undead and give his finely tuned sense of right and wrong time to hone in on the disturbance.
Tural looks off in the direction they needed to go and sighs. "Yes. Rest tonight. We've had a good day. The coffin destroyed and the vault emptied. The people have the spices and the riches from the vault. A good day."
Borracho nods, agreeing to this very good plan that was exactly(probably) along the lines of his own thinking.
"Tural, you are wise and thoughtful, much like Borracho. Tonight, we will rest and enjoy our good day, keeping time with friends and go tomorrow to see what would dare challenge Borracho."
Borracho works hard to help move the supplies, even conjuring an unseen servant to help lift or drag things as needed (20lbs lift power or 100lbs draggin'). And he will often Prestidigitate himself clean as needed as the townsfolk needed to see a perfect Borracho, as that is the only Borracho that exists.
"I, Borracho, would be happy to walk. It would be good for my many admirers to see my strolling, and providing inspiration to all," Borracho notes about walking.
"And Borracho will have no problem rising to the great cliff heights, for he is like the birds in the sky."
"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.
"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!"
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.
"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."
"Maybe sprinkle holy water above and below the area where I've drawn Sarenrae's symbol?"
Sorry, no. Borracho asked about it in Slack on 10/24, but didn't follow up.
Borracho shakes his head, having no holy water unless Shinashakti wishes to bless his urination with powers...but probably not. Great is the love of Shinashakti, but no, that is too much.
"Perhaps we should also drag the coffin and all of it to whatever sunlight we might find? I know the sun loves to smile upon Borracho, and maybe it would greet this coffin with the same joy," Borracho offers. He will help move the coffin as needed, as well as help Tural with any holy blessings.
"Ah good job, Tural and Flem! Much like Borracho, you are mighty warriors," Borracho says, taking a deep look for any more traps.
1d20 + 10 ⇒ (3) + 10 = 13 Perception
He will cast Dancing Lights as well, to give the party ample light if needed.
"Is that a coffin? Probably was hoping to hide where Borracho could not find them, but tenacious Borracho is tenacious, and of course Borracho found it," he says looking on.
He will cast Detect Magic and see if there is anything interesting as well.
Borracho takes the remaining shoes (the cat ones, he thinks), and thanks Madam Eva again. She is truly generous, much like Borracho.
"Do I hear that Mimi wants to try again at the vault? Yes, that is a good plan, one that I was about to suggest. Mimi has tenacity, much like Borracho," Borracho agrees with the plan if that is the plan.
"For Borracho!?" Borracho says, holding up the cloak. "This is a very fine gift for Borracho, worthy of Borracho's greatness. He is pleased." Borracho holds up the cloak and smiles, showing it off to everyone.
Borracho makes no claim to the blazing red and burning orange boots nor the high-soled blue boots.
"Much like Borracho, you are very generous, Madame Eva, and we have been blessed and honored to meet with you. You are much like Borracho, making friends wherever you go," he beams, looking over the shoes, but letting others take first. None of them really help Borracho that much, so others should choose first.
Borracho eats after seeing that the others are served first.
"Your wagons seems different to Borracho's eyes than when I last recall seeing them," Borracho notes to Horatio. "It is always good to change, for great men like Borracho are always trying to change and improve."
"Horatio! You could not get enough of Borracho, I see! Much like the beautiful womens, you admire Borracho and wish to break bread," Borracho says, helping himself to the repast.
Casting Detect Magic Borracho will examine the inside of the Mausoleum, and eventually settle on examining the crossbow. Sadly, it seems Borracho needs to be points into Spellcraft to really be good at it.
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (8) + 4 = 12 Spellcraft
Borracho's face fuzzles with confusion as he tries to parcel out the magics. He fails, and looks to see if anyone else can gather an understanding about it.
tomorrow's try and the day after..., as needed:
1d20 + 4 ⇒ (14) + 4 = 18 Spellcraft
Borracho ah-has! loudly in triumph.
"You can only fool Borracho once or twice, but Borracho will always catch on! Such is the way of Borracho, wise and clever by half!" Borracho says victoriously.
Borracho pushes some dancing lights (vaguely humanoid) into the mausoleum ahead of Flemming, making sure that everything within can see Borracho clearly as he follows.
Borracho unwisely bashes the font with his shield, making sure it's good and destroyed.
"The question still remains why the allip is interested in the woman, and who is controlling these undead to create that interest," Borracho says, looking to his companions. "Much like Tural, Borracho is wise, but not even Borracho's keen intellect has enough pieces to figure that out yet."
"Ah Flemming! Much like Borracho, you fight like a lion, and foes tremble when you walk," Borracho says moving into the room stand heroically with hands on his hips. "Together, whatever ails this village will soon be gone, and the beautiful womens will pay us generously."
He poses for a second all most as if he thinks the battle is over before noting the allip still alive and threatening.
"Ah, good, you have left a foe for Borracho! Borracho is feared by the undead, no doubt," he claims as he tosses not one, but two, rapid balls of fire at the allip. 5' step closer to the allip.
Borracho will wait and give Flemming the space he needs to move in, and follow after casting a spell to create fire in his hands. Then, he will follow.
"Hmm...these tracks are tricky, but one must be very tricky to fool Borracho," Borracho climbs to check out the high trail that he thinks the creature left, and points it out to the party.
"Much like Sinashakti knows the road, so does Borracho. We troupes are known for our travels, and in this, we are not fooled by such tracks."
"I've heard stories. An old, old, very old witch employed Riders, one of them Black. Suppose they all look black at night. In service to the Crone, the once humans became something more... eternal. If the stories were true, the last one was a female sellsword. Probably eternally grumpy, if she had to obey the witch..."
Borracho spits, nodding.
* * * *
The morning, Borracho takes some time with his special book to begin his morning preparations that usually take an hour. It's hard to tell if he's reading or just looking at the pictures, or admiring his own hands.
Maybe he's just memorizing poetry, as his many beautiful womens fans seem to like poetry.
And he will apply some nice smelling cologne today, he just feels he needs it to be his most Borrachoest.
"Flemming, yes, you are wise as Borracho had thought for the same plans for this day. When you and the others are ready, we should do exactly that."
"Are you sure it is not one of Borracho's many fans? He might have come to hear tales about the bravery of Borracho? Often, many swooning womens will come to see Borracho's muscles and love for life, so maybe this is also possible?" Borracho asks, but not wishing to be pushy if the fan is shy.
Borracho keeps up comforatably, his lack of armor being useful for once, and he feels so comfortable he dons his shield rather than having it slung on his back.
"I say we return to the manor. It does seem risky to travel by night, but I'm somewhat loathe to leave them unprotected."
"Indeed, Borracho does not fear danger, it is danger that fears Borracho!" Borracho offers his own opinion, in concurrence with the others. "You both, much like Borracho, have the hearts of lions."
Borracho will activate a bit of force armor for the trip back.
Oof, seems like a lot happened in that post. I know some will be working on balms, but don't have a fully perfect vision for what Borracho should be doing. He would be loathe to visit the camp w/o others, so maybe he can help rebuild the church.
"And I shall help dismantle the home to build the church. As Borracho is so blest by the gods, Borracho should give back to them," Borracho will volunteer to help. "As Borracho is as gracious as he is blest."
Borracho will go help tear down the manor to get the material to fix the church. He will, of course, Prestidigiate himself clean, as needed as people expect Borracho to be the best Borracho as that is the only Borracho.
