2. Welcome to Borovia

[Computer +1]

Tumbler helps with the burial in relative silence. The events of last night have him worried that without magic or faith he is in for a rough ride.

When the others stay to speak to the human priest he travels back with the human siblings to see how the others are doing. He also plans on having a stiff drink or three.

[Grognardsw]

Vorkath / church

"Father Donavich, bless your efforts at maintaining the faith in these dark times. We would help bring the Light to Borovia by vanquishing Strahd. Please tell us what you know of the vampyr."

[Eulalios]

After wakening, Tibbius bids a good morning to the burial party, then unfolds his drink-stained scroll of arcane notations. He studies it for a while, then turning to Iluq: "I can cast spells of protection on several of us. As many as four, perhaps more. What else might be of aid?"

[NJWilliam]

Iluq

"I imagine some damage dealing spells will be needed. I doubt Strahd is without numerous minions."

[Zhym]

Date: Nouluna 3, 1221
Time: 11:30 AM
Weather: Foggy, overcast
Moon: Waxing gibbous
Location: The Burgomaster's Home
**************************************

"Please tell us what you know of the vampyr," asks Vorkath.

“Not enough,” answers the priest in a low, hoarse voice. “And too much.”

“You have heard the usual rumors about ways to kill a vampire—sunlight, water, a stake in the heart. These are just that: rumors. But there is a book in the library of Ravenloft that may help you. It is well known from ancient times that Strahd kept meticulous notes on all he did or said. Perhaps some weakness could be found there.

"I will tell you one other thing, since you came here in the company of the Burgomaster’s family: Ireena Kolyana is not the natural daughter of Kolyan Indirovich. She does not know this, but old Kolyan found her one day at the edge of the Svalich woods near the Pillarstone of Ravenloft. She was but a girl then, and had no memory of her past. Old Kolyan adopted her as his own and loved her dearly. Perhaps this information will be of use to you.”

He struggles to stand, then leads you to the door. “If you will please excuse me, I must rest.”

You reach the Burgomaster’s home just after noon.

Status: Robert: 37/37, Iluq: 39/39, Vokath: 40/40, Tibbius: 22/22, Randolph: 4/4, Tumbler: 39/39, Agrippo: 42/52

[Bouv]

Robert rubs his chin on the party's way back, "Hm, so the only way to really defeat him is to head to his home and find the answer there. Nothing is ever easy for us, is it?

[Stirling]

Perhaps the cleric may also enlighten us upon the holy symbol that was taken from the home...does it have any properties or powers that will aid Borovia's cause? It withheld this Strahd so can we find it, any description what it looks like?

"Did get the impression that the cleric may know more than he told us, perhaps an excursion for a late night 'prayer meeting' will not go amiss. Though we must be carefull not to tell Vorkath, he'll disapprove of us searching 'holy ground'"Agrippo will share
with the others...

[Zhym]

Because I posted the update before you had a chance to check in (and because it won't affect continuity), I'll treat the question as having happened when you were talking to Father Donavich.

Father Donavich shakes his head. "I do not know. Perhaps Ismark knows more about his family's holy symbol."

When you return to the Burgomaster's house, you ask Ismark about it. "The symbol is a platinum medallion in the shape of a sun with a large crystal in its center." he tells you. You recognize the sun as a lawful good holy symbol. "Various holy symbols of light and truth are arranged around the crystal. Against vampires, it shines with the light of the sun—but only once per week. Strahd feared it and strongly avoided it more than any other holy symbol."

[Grognardsw]

Vorkath nods his head knowlingly at the description of the holy symbol. "Such a crystal would be valuable in our efforts. Perhaps our cleric or mage can somehow Locate this Object when we are in the castle."

After the magic-users are done with their study and prayers, Vorkath will suggest lunch and discussion of tomorrow's vampire hunt.

"Whittle more brooms Tiby, we shall sweep the evil from Castle Strahd!" jokes the paladin, trying to keep up levity in what he privately believes may be a fatal quest.

[Stirling]

After the morning burial Agrippo will decide to go to the tavern not wanting to rely on the grace of Ismark and Ireena for food."Might be good to stock up with goodies from the shop too, so after a beer or two I'll intend to get a few supplies form the traders, anyone coming with me?"

[Computer +1]

Tumbler likes Agrippo's idea. Aye, I'll come along with ya.

[Zhym]

Three quick things:

• Those of you who haven't posted what you're doing for the day, please do so. I'll post an update later this afternoon. I'll assume based on what's been posted so far that anyone who hasn't said otherwise will head to the Blood of the Vine for lunch then shopping.
• Although character setup assumed you had acquired any normal equipment you wanted, your characters shouldn't have unlimited funds. I'd like you all to assume you have 250 gp of "traveling money" in whatever coinage you want. All your other wealth is stashed somewhere. That should let you buy all the ale or wine you want but place a limit on spending. Please let me know in the OOC thread if you think this is too restricting, completely unfair, a great idea, etc.
• I loaded all the castle maps into MapTool yesterday, so I'm ready for a castle expedition when you are. Muahahahaha.

Thanks!

[Zhym]

Date: Nouluna 3, 1221
Time: 12:30 PM
Weather: Foggy, overcast
Moon: Waxing gibbous
Location: The Burgomaster's Home
**************************************

The vampyr can wait until tomorrow. You go to the Blood on the Vine tavern for lunch. On the way there, you pass the House of Sobbing. It's a little quieter today. Or maybe it's just weaker.

Yuri, Boris, and the other gypsy are there again today. When Yuri sees Agrippo, he calls out to you. “Pozdravi! It’s my friend with the huge kurazh!” He turns to the bartender. “Arik! Give these men some drinks on the house!”

“Yes, sir,” replies the bartender in the same dead tone you heard yesterday. Soon, you each have a weak drink in front of you.

If you expected fine dining, you’re sorely disappointed. The Blood’s “menu” offers cold cuts, bread, and some cheese that you can only hope was intended to be blue.

Yuri lumbers over to your table. "Don't forget to seek out Madam Eva," he tells you. "She knows much. Can help you."

Status: Robert: 37/37, Iluq: 39/39, Vokath: 40/40, Tibbius: 22/22, Randolph: 4/4, Tumbler: 39/39, Agrippo: 42/52

[Grognardsw]

Vorkath / tavern

"Let us drink and be merry, for tomorrow we may die!" toasts Vorkath to the adventurers in the tavern for lunch.

The paladin tries to be in a good mood. His back stings a bit from the flagellation he performed on himself last night before sleep, a devotion he practices when he feels he did not reach the perfection the True God requires. In this case, getting to the battle in the drawing room late.

"Agrippo, it has been some while since we tested strength!" bellows Vorkath, rolling up his sleeve and taking glove off."Elbow down, Spartan, and arm wrestle!"

[Bouv]

After visiting the church, Robert will take some time to venture out into the forest to commune with nature a bit to see if he can detect anything else amiss. If possible, he will also try to "Speak with Animals" with any small critters he might come across to see if they know anything.

[Stirling]

"Agrippo, it has been some while since we tested strength!" bellows Vorkath, rolling up his sleeve and taking glove off."Elbow down, Spartan, and arm wrestle!"

Agrippo will guffaw loudly, down his ale in one and take on the challenge, using all his extra 3 inches, 10lbs in weight and 14+ years of experience to attempt to out-muscle his opponent."Come lets' show these gypsie boys what men are made of. Best me and I'll clean your horses excrement until we leave town, lose and you'll be flagellating an extra 10 tonight!"



cue grunting and groaning....

[Grognardsw]

"Agrippo, it has been some while since we tested strength!" bellows Vorkath, rolling up his sleeve and taking glove off."Elbow down, Spartan, and arm wrestle!"

Agrippo will guffaw loudly, down his ale in one and take on the challenge, using all his extra 3 inches, 10lbs in weight and 14+ years of experience to attempt to out-muscle his opponent."Come lets' show these gypsie boys what men are made of. Best me and I'll clean your horses excrement until we leave town, lose and you'll be flagellating an extra 10 tonight!"
cue grunting and groaning....

Not sure what's needed to win, but here are some rolls... Arm Wrestling [1d20] = 12, [1d100] = 24

[Zhym]

Arm wrestling rules, suggested by Stirling:

put in an arm wrestling encounter in a previous campaign, thought the following idea played out well if you want:

picture both players gripped and ready to go at a 12 o'clock position.

rolld20 add strength bonus or penalty, winner moves his opponent to 5 to 12 position or 1/3 way down to table. Loser now at -1 penalty.

Roll d20 for next round, players add strength mod and 'position' penalty, winner pushing player to either 10 to 12 positon or back to upright 12 o'clock. In second position loser now at -2 penalty for next round.

roll d20 add modifiers, go to next clock position, either quarter to the hour and game over or more to and fro on the table.

Natural 20 is a crit and gives +2, if one player crits and the other fumbles on a 1, then Arm break for the loser and game over. 400-1 chance..

believe or not puny 1/2ling on 8 strength took out my 18+ dwarf miner....had to buy many beers in shame that day!!

The back-and-forth would take too long if rolled individually, so Stirling and Grognardsw, please roll six d20s individually and post them here. I'll narrate the arm wrestling.

Anyone else have anything they want to do in the tavern before you go shopping?

[Stirling]

18300 Agrippo Ravenloft 1d20+1] = 19+1 = 20
18299 Agrippo Ravenloft [1d20+1] = 17+1 = 18
18298 Agrippo Ravenloft [1d20+1] = 16+1 = 17
18297 Agrippo Ravenloft [1d20+1] = 4+1 = 5
18296 Agrippo Ravenloft [1d20+1] = 6+1 = 7
18295 Agrippo Ravenloft [1d20+1] = 10+1 = 11


Agrippo grunts and sweats profusely hoping he can power himself to victory after a shaky start...???

(thinking he might have to flagelate himself a bit to get him in fighting condition....it was the wolves who drained him, damn it!)


shopping list would consist of topping up basics like oil, spikes, extra lantern, garlic wreath and a lotion of 'Pirates full bloom hairand beard colouring' to cover those grey roots showing through!!

[Grognardsw]

18318 Vorkath Tsaridian - The Faith Hunter, Guardian of the Truth, The Sword of the True God Ravenloft [1d20] = 20 11/6/2013 5:06:40 PM
18317 Vorkath Tsaridian - The Faith Hunter, Guardian of the Truth, The Sword of the True God Ravenloft [1d20] = 9 11/6/2013 5:06:32 PM
18316 Vorkath Tsaridian - The Faith Hunter, Guardian of the Truth, The Sword of the True God Ravenloft [1d20] = 4 11/6/2013 5:06:25 PM
18315 Vorkath Tsaridian - The Faith Hunter, Guardian of the Truth, The Sword of the True God Ravenloft [1d20] = 17 11/6/2013 5:06:19 PM
18314 Vorkath Tsaridian - The Faith Hunter, Guardian of the Truth, The Sword of the True God Ravenloft [1d20] = 7 11/6/2013 5:06:13 PM
18313 Vorkath Tsaridian - The Faith Hunter, Guardian of the Truth, The Sword of the True God Ravenloft [1d20] = 15 11/6/2013 5:06:01 PM