Chapter 35: What the Night Brings

[Inferno]

Flan Village in the Hinterlands beyond the March of Bissel, Greyhawk
Day One. Night. Saturday, January 14th, 577 CY







The old woman says gravely, "The creature's lair is said to be a day's travel into the mountains. The Old Road leads to a ruined stronghold of the ancient times. Hrad Havrovina it was once called...

"Or, in your tongue, Castle Ravenloft."

Perhaps in horror, Ingrid withdraws from the discussion and its dire implications, even as her friends discuss binding her for her own safety.

Telkis asks, "Are there any safe places to camp between here and this Ravenloft? Do you have associates in the mountains that might help us?"

The old woman answers, "No. No mortal lives on the mountain. And we have never ventured more than a half day upon the Old Road... so we may safely return to our homes by sundown. "

Telkis asks, "Do you have horses to get us there faster?"

The old woman replies, "Yes but I fear they will avail you nought. The Old Road is overgrown, treacherous and steep. And our horses are plough horses. But you are welcome to them, and to all that we have."

Faron asks the old woman, "Do you know of a way to destroy... Nosferatu?"

The old woman answers, "A wooden stake must be driven into the heart of a vampyre, lest they rise again," as she glances at Ingrid.


Replies? Actions?





PC Status:

Faron, Human Thief 6: Move: 9", AC: 4, HP: 27/27
Grey Mouser, Half-Elf Magic-User/Thief 4/5: Move: 9", AC: 5, HP: 21/21, Spells: 3/3 1st lvl, 2/2 2nd lvl
Ingrid Esthof, Human Cleric 6: Move: 6", AC: 3(1), HP: 28/28, Spells: 5/5 1st lvl, 4/5 2nd lvl, 3/3 3rd lvl
N'Rogara: Human Ranger 5: Move: 9", AC: 4, HP: 53/53
Telkis Brassfang, Gnome Fighter 5: Move: 9", AC: 0, HP: 37/37
Urdur Shimmerstone, Gnome Illusionist 5: Move: 12", AC: 4, HP: 15/15, Spells: 4/4 1st lvl, 1/2 2nd lvl, 1/1 3rd lvl

PC Magic:

None currently

Player Resources:

Tale of Terror (the story so far)
A Dark and Terrible World (maps)
Desperate Struggles (clues and player notes)

[SocraticLawyer]

Urdur ventures to speak. Have you any such wooden stakes?

The gnome also asks about other supplies: oil, holy water, rations, and the like.

At first light, he heads with the others on the Old Road towards Castle Ravenloft.

[rredmond]

The ranger keeps a weather eye on the cleric, and nods as the illusionist speaks. I believe in the old ways as much as the power of holy water and symbols of the gods, N'Rogara states grimly, do you have any mirrors, or garlic, or other talismans that your legends state are protections against such creatures? He makes a decision and becomes resolute, in the protection of these people, as well as this party, please bear in mind that we must needs destroy this creature, or we won't be returning.

[jemmus]

And a hammer for the stake, Faron says. Or a stake, if we must make some ourselves. We can leave a deposit for it's return. Because we will return...unless some more pleasurable and enjoyable adventure presents itself at the the end of this one. As is his habit sometimes, he tries some humor to make a dark situation seem a little lighter. Oh, and some stout string or twine. For making a fragrant garlic necklace.

[Inferno]

Flan Village in the Hinterlands beyond the March of Bissel, Greyhawk
Day One. Night. Saturday, January 14th, 577 CY







After midnight, in the remote vale between the Dim Forest and the Barrier Peaks, the doomed heroes lay plans to hunt a vampyre in order to save their friend's immortal soul!

Ingrid tries to sleep as her friends take stock of what supplies might be mustered in the peasant hamlet.

The old woman answers them, "At dawn, when it is safe, we can ask the other families for the things you seek. It may take time to collect.
"But it is too late for garlic. In summer, it wreathes our doors and windows."


Replies? Actions? (Plans for the rest of the night and the morning, please?)






PC Status:

Faron, Human Thief 6: Move: 9", AC: 4, HP: 27/27
Grey Mouser, Half-Elf Magic-User/Thief 4/5: Move: 9", AC: 5, HP: 21/21, Spells: 3/3 1st lvl, 2/2 2nd lvl
Ingrid Esthof, Human Cleric 6: Move: 6", AC: 3(1), HP: 28/28, Spells: 5/5 1st lvl, 4/5 2nd lvl, 3/3 3rd lvl
N'Rogara: Human Ranger 5: Move: 9", AC: 4, HP: 53/53
Telkis Brassfang, Gnome Fighter 5: Move: 9", AC: 0, HP: 37/37
Urdur Shimmerstone, Gnome Illusionist 5: Move: 12", AC: 4, HP: 15/15, Spells: 4/4 1st lvl, 1/2 2nd lvl, 1/1 3rd lvl

PC Magic:

None currently

Player Resources:

Tale of Terror (the story so far)
A Dark and Terrible World (maps)
Desperate Struggles (clues and player notes)

[jemmus]

Faron says, Thank you, madam. To the others, It sounds like waiting for stakes and a hammer could delay our departure for... who knows how long?
I'm no woodsman, but I suppose stakes could be made from sharpened sticks found along the way. Strong, dense-grained sticks, not dry and brittle ones. And a good stone could substitute for a hammer. He continues, I suppose we resume our watches that were interrupted by... the intruder. And let those off watch sleep and wake as ready as the can for tomorrow.

[ChubbyPixie]

Telkis, deep in thought, finally snaps out of it and returns his attention to the conversation.

"I have garlic, here. Been carrying it for ages. Not sure what to do with it, if I'm honest. And I have this small mirror." He shows the items to the group. "No stakes, but I have the back of my hand axe, which should do in place of a hammer in a pinch."

[rredmond]

I have a mirror as well, N'Rogara nods to the gnome, I agree with continuing the watch. I am new to this group, I want to speak plain, what are we doing with the priestess? I'm sure a follower of Trithereon would understand us being careful when evil machinations are afoot, he says bowing to Ingrid, and keeping his eyes on her.

[SocraticLawyer]

Urdur nods. Let us be off at dawn. I'd rather not waste precious daylight if we can help it.

As for Ingrid, I suppose we'll have to keep a careful watch on her. We can't risk leaving her alone, especially after sunset.

When dawn breaks, Urdur leaves with the party, headed for certain doom once again.

[Inferno]

Flan Village in the Hinterlands beyond the March of Bissel, Greyhawk
Day One. Night. Saturday, January 14th, 577 CY







The doomed heroes grimly resolve to set out at first light for the lair of Nosferatu.

With many hours until dawn, they resume the night watch and their rest. The old woman, whose name is Maleva, leaves them. "Good night, children. May Pelor watch over you."

All falls quiet in the candlelit great room of the peasant home.

An hour later, in the middle of the night, Faron and Telkis are on second watch and their friends are deep asleep.

Ingrid awakens and quietly rises from her bed. She takes two steps toward the door and whispers to them, "Nature calls."


Replies and actions, Faron, Ingrid and Telkis?






PC Status:

Faron, Human Thief 6: Move: 9", AC: 4, HP: 27/27
Grey Mouser, Half-Elf Magic-User/Thief 4/5: Move: 9", AC: 5, HP: 21/21, Spells: 3/3 1st lvl, 2/2 2nd lvl
Ingrid Esthof, Human Cleric 6: Move: 6", AC: 3(1), HP: 28/28, Spells: 5/5 1st lvl, 4/5 2nd lvl, 3/3 3rd lvl
N'Rogara: Human Ranger 5: Move: 9", AC: 4, HP: 53/53
Telkis Brassfang, Gnome Fighter 5: Move: 9", AC: 0, HP: 37/37
Urdur Shimmerstone, Gnome Illusionist 5: Move: 12", AC: 4, HP: 15/15, Spells: 4/4 1st lvl, 1/2 2nd lvl, 1/1 3rd lvl

PC Magic:

None currently

Player Resources:

Tale of Terror (the story so far)
A Dark and Terrible World (maps)
Desperate Struggles (clues and player notes)

[jemmus]

Faron says, Pardon, Ingrid, but I'll accompany you and see that you get safely to and from the outhouse. He draws his glowing sword for illumination and looks over to Telkis.

[ChubbyPixie]

Telkis looks around for a chamber pot.

"Ingrid, you've never gone to the bathroom the entire time I've known you, and you have to go now?..." – ALT universe dialog.

"Ingrid, I'm afraid we'll have to find another solution," he says. "You can't go out alone, nor do I think it's a good idea for just a few of us to go. Now more than ever we need to stick together... at all times."

[Inferno]

Flan Village in the Hinterlands beyond the March of Bissel, Greyhawk
Day One. Night. Saturday, January 14th, 577 CY







At the Flan settlement, in the dead of night, Ingrid Esthof rises from her bed.

Faron draws his sword. Telkis will not give her leave to pass.

In the quiet, candlelit room, Ingrid regards her two friends dispassionately... almost sadly. Then she begins to utter magic words of unspeakable power.


Actions, Faron, Ingrid and Telkis?!


Map:

Door to the outside is set into the southern wall. Room is 20' x 30'. PC markers are each approximately 5' x 5'.





PC Status:

Faron, Human Thief 6: Move: 9", AC: 4, HP: 27/27
Grey Mouser, Half-Elf Magic-User/Thief 4/5: Move: 9", AC: 5, HP: 21/21, Spells: 3/3 1st lvl, 2/2 2nd lvl
Ingrid Esthof, Human Cleric 6: Move: 6", AC: 3(1), HP: 28/28, Spells: 5/5 1st lvl, 4/5 2nd lvl, 3/3 3rd lvl
N'Rogara: Human Ranger 5: Move: 9", AC: 4, HP: 53/53
Telkis Brassfang, Gnome Fighter 5: Move: 9", AC: 0, HP: 37/37
Urdur Shimmerstone, Gnome Illusionist 5: Move: 12", AC: 4, HP: 15/15, Spells: 4/4 1st lvl, 1/2 2nd lvl, 1/1 3rd lvl

PC Magic:

None currently

Player Resources:

Tale of Terror (the story so far)
A Dark and Terrible World (maps)
Desperate Struggles (clues and player notes)

[jemmus]

Faron yells, Everyone, wake up! and tries to clamp his free hand over Ingrid's mouth and stifle the spell being vocalized.

Not sure if 1e allows this kind of "attack," but here's the roll.
[1d20]=9

[ChubbyPixie]

Telkis rushes up to assist Faron. He's too short to reach her mouth, so he attempts to immobilize her by bear-hugging her legs:

DEX Check (18): [1d20]=2

[Inferno]

Flan Village in the Hinterlands beyond the March of Bissel, Greyhawk
Day One. Night. Saturday, January 14th, 577 CY







At the witching hour, Ingrid Esthof voices occult words of sorcerous might!

Before she can complete her fearsome incantation, Faron cries out, awakening Mouser, N'Rogara and Urdur in their beds!

As Faron sounds the alarm, he lunges forward to clamp his hand upon Ingrid's mouth, and misses!

Telkis leaps into the fray and wraps his arms around Ingrid's legs so she can't escape! But her hands are still free and she completes her magic spell!

Invisible, etheric tentacles from beyond this world envelop Faron and Telkis to paralyze them within a prison of otherworldly flesh!



(Faron and Telkis, please Save vs Spells on 1d20-1 to act freely!)


Actions, everyone!


Map:

Door to the outside is set into the southern wall. Room is 20' x 30'. PC markers are each approximately 5' x 5'.

Behind the DM Screen:

Initiative: Party: [1d6]=5, Ingrid: [1d6]=4 Party wins.
Faron awakens his sleeping friends this round. Next round, they may act.
For Telkis' action: it doesn't take a Dex check to restrain an opponent, it takes a to hit roll...
Telkis to hit Ingrid: [1d20]=18 Telkis succeeds.

PC Status:

Faron, Human Thief 6: Move: 9", AC: 4, HP: 27/27
Grey Mouser, Half-Elf Magic-User/Thief 4/5: Move: 9", AC: 5, HP: 21/21, Spells: 3/3 1st lvl, 2/2 2nd lvl
Ingrid Esthof, Human Cleric 6: Move: 6", AC: 3(1), HP: 28/28, Spells: 5/5 1st lvl, 3/5 2nd lvl, 3/3 3rd lvl
N'Rogara: Human Ranger 5: Move: 9", AC: 4, HP: 53/53
Telkis Brassfang, Gnome Fighter 5: Move: 9", AC: 0, HP: 37/37
Urdur Shimmerstone, Gnome Illusionist 5: Move: 12", AC: 4, HP: 15/15, Spells: 4/4 1st lvl, 1/2 2nd lvl, 1/1 3rd lvl

PC Magic:

None currently

Player Resources:

Tale of Terror (the story so far)
A Dark and Terrible World (maps)
Desperate Struggles (clues and player notes)

[rredmond]

N'Rogara wakes to the scrum occuring, while his first thought is to grab his sword, he realizes the others are trying to restrain the cleric and is in position (I think!) to grab her from behind and pin her arms to her side.
Assuming the DM will let me know if I'm macro-ing this too much. The ranger won't realize about the spells, so will likely just go for the arms.
And you said a To Hit roll, so here's my d20:

[1d20]=9
Ooofa!! If it helps I get a plus NUTHIN' for STR

[jemmus]

I forgot the -1, but I don't think it makes any difference. Faron's save vs. spell is 13.

Save vs. spell [1d20]=8

[ravenn4544]

Mouser awakens and observes a strange sight! “What the he—“ and he quickly jumps up with weapons quickly in hand and readies for what dark evil is about to be unleashed!

[SocraticLawyer]

Urdur awakens from a disturbing dream to find himself in a disturbing reality. After all this group has been through, is there even a difference?

Jumping out of bed, Urdur lunges for Ingrid, hoping to grab her hands and prevent any further spellcasting.

Roll if needed:
[1d20]=19