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  1. - Top - End - #1591
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    RangerGuy

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    Default Re: [5e] Curse of Strahd - UA playtest IC

    After about fifteen minutes of hard labor in heavy armor, Sandu breaks from his ruminations on the value of an undead workforce to wipe his brow and notices Beiro and Milosh resting in the cart.

    He takes a deep sigh then looks over his shoulder again at the strange hillock. He decides to take a break himself and go check it out.

    On the near (east) side it is a generally round top hill with jagged stone extrusions which appear to have been rounded by the wind over the centuries. The effect is medium to large boulders sticking out of a rounded hill with patches of grass and bare earth between.

    As Sandu, walks around to the west side, he gets a better sense of what the druid and his undead miniions were up to.

    Deep gouges have been tore into the hillside at its base and the trunks of the toppled trees have been crudely hefted into place upright to create the beginnings of a crude pailsade. the rough wall is only just begun, jutting no more than 20-25 feet from the West and northwest sides of the hill each, but a large pile of fallen lumber has been gathered here, almost enough to complete the project.

    Looking up the hill from between the wall fragments, Sandu can see a cave mouth about 20 feet up the slope, no more than 10 feet wide and tall. All around the cave mouth an unusually large amount of oversized fungus and mold is distinctly present. Any lay person would recognize it as unusual [no check required].

    There is a worn dirt path from the area between the wall fragments up to the cave mouth.

  2. - Top - End - #1592
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    PirateCaptain

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    Default Re: [5e] Curse of Strahd - UA playtest IC

    Uncertain of what this might be, Sandu closes his eyes and sends a quick plea to Kelemvor to strip the shadows from his sight. [OOC: casting detect magic and activating Eyes of the Grave.]

    He opens his eyes and peers into the cave.

  3. - Top - End - #1593
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    RangerGuy

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    Default Re: [5e] Curse of Strahd - UA playtest IC

    You don't sense any undead but there is an aura of transmutation magic emanating from the cave mouth, much like the magic from the druids mushrooms.

  4. - Top - End - #1594
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    PirateCaptain

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    Default Re: [5e] Curse of Strahd - UA playtest IC

    Sensing no immediate danger but still wary, Sandu casts light and proceeds into the cave to explore.

  5. - Top - End - #1595
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    RangerGuy

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    Default Re: [5e] Curse of Strahd - UA playtest IC

    You walk up to the cave mouth, a short inclined dirt path and again take note of the excessive fungi and mold spilling out of the cave mouth onto the surrounding surfaces.

    As you enter the cave you can see motes of spores floating through the air by the light of your spell.

    After about 50 feet of a 10 foot wide tunnel, leading back down under the hill (tunnel appears natural, not worked stone), you enter a chamber, roughly circular with a high natural cavern ceiling above you (about 25-30 feet with stalactites). The chamber is about 40 feet across in diameter.

    You enter from the west side, you see a small pool of water on the north side, but in the center of the room, held down by heavy chains and surrounded by a circle inscribed with arcane runes is a creature like nothing you have ever seen before.

    It is a Large, mushroom like man, it has a face that looks towards your light with an expression of distress and fear. One of its arm ends in a stump just past its shoulder and the opposite leg is missing just above the knee. It appears chunks have been cut out of him in various places all over the thing's body.

    On a ledge 5 feet high along the southern perimeter of the cave you see several piles of the mushroom man cuttings, some which seem to have grown into small mushroom man children, all dead, a few with their mushroom like heads missing. Others nearly whole lie inert and motionless, some also with appendages missing or most of their body covered in burns or strange compounds.

    On the eastern side of the chamber you see a pile of straw and thick mosslike fungal growth, a small cold fire pit and a few jars, and a single wooden chest. A table in the south east corner has alchemical and herbalism kit tools, and the remains of dozens of experiments, the legs and area under the table are thick with mold and fungal growth.

    The large creature in the middle of the room cringes away from you within the circle, rattling its heavy chains, but otherwise doesn't make a sound. The circle is about 15 feet in front of you and itself 10 feet in diameter.

    You do not see any other passages, entrances, or exits to this chamber.

    [You can make a DC 12 nature check to try to identify the creature]
    Last edited by tieren; 2019-04-01 at 06:54 AM.

  6. - Top - End - #1596
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: [5e] Curse of Strahd - UA playtest IC

    Sandu enters the chamber slowly, at once repulsed and fascinated by the strange things within. At the sight of the mushroom creature’s distress, he crouches low so as to appear less threatening.

    ”It is alright,” he says in the same low, soothing voice he would use to calm a wounded animal. “The one who hurt you is dead. He cannot do you any further harm. Can you understand me?”

    Spoiler: Nature Check
    Show

    (1d20-1)[4]
    Sorry for the posting delay; I know that’s no fun during a party split. Should be more on the ball the rest of this week.
    Last edited by Kwaj; 2019-04-02 at 06:33 PM.

  7. - Top - End - #1597
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
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    Default Re: [5e] Curse of Strahd - UA playtest IC

    Seeing the creature’s lack of understanding, Sandu weighs his options. The poor mushroom man is clearly in distress and pain, but the chains and magic circle binding it may be more than he can tackle on his own.

    Spoiler: Arcana check to examine the circle, if needed
    Show

    (1d20-1)[19]


    ”I will return soon with help,” Sandu promises, hoping his tone, if not his words, will give the creature some comfort. Perhaps Beiro might have some idea of what this thing is...

    He returns to the camp as quickly as he can, shaking Milosh and Beiro awake.

    “You will never believe what I found. Some sort of...mushroom...person. Trapped in that cave. I think that druid was...” His face twists in disgust. “...harvesting it.”

  8. - Top - End - #1598
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    Beiro
    Firbolg Samurai of The Emerald Enclave
    HP: 50/52
    Conditions: --

    Beiro makes a disgusted face at the idea of an intelligent creature harvesting another while they yet still live.

    "Let us see then." He says, not wanting to commit to freeing it until he sees it's not a threat. As for sure many things in this land have been.

    Spoiler
    Show

    Nature check once he sees it for himself: (1d20-1)[2]


  9. - Top - End - #1599
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    RangerGuy

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    Izzek remains with the wagon and continues to work on clearing the road with Beiro's undead minion.

    The three of you return to the hillock and Sandu leads into the druid's lair.

    The creature, shifts under the heavy chains, but makes no vocalizations. It is hard to tell in its restrained state but it appears to be cringing and cowering away from the cave entrance.

  10. - Top - End - #1600
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    RangerGuy

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    Default Re: [5e] Curse of Strahd - UA playtest IC

    Milosh follows along in unusual quiet contemplation. When he gets to the cave entrance he is dumbfounded as to what the creature is. It doesn't look like anything he has ever heard of in Barovia.

  11. - Top - End - #1601
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    Beiro
    Firbolg Samurai of The Emerald Enclave
    HP: 50/52
    Conditions: --

    Beiro cautiously takes a few steps forwards and tries to communicate with the creature, "Hello. We mean you no harm and have slain the one who did this to you. If we can free you, what will you do?"

    Spoiler
    Show

    Speech of Beast and Leaf: You have the ability to communicate in a limited manner with beasts and plants. They can understand the meaning of your words, though you have no special ability to understand them in return. You have advantage on all Charisma checks you make to influence them.

    Persuasion (if needed): (1d20)[16]
    advantage: (1d20)[1]


  12. - Top - End - #1602
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    RangerGuy

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    As you step closer to the circle, it responds to your words with less cowering and more relief, if it can be said to resemble that in such an alien body.

    Beiro receives mental images of pain, sorrow, and loss. An inarticulate scream watching his own offspring tortured and killed in front of him. Suffering.

    Beiro is left with the unmistakable belief that the thing longs for the release of death.

  13. - Top - End - #1603
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
    PirateCaptain

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    Default Re: [5e] Curse of Strahd - UA playtest IC

    ”Well?” Sandu asks Beiro anxiously. “Is there anything we can do to help it?”

    As he asks, he draws close enough to kneel beside the magic circle, trying to discern its purpose and if it can be circumvented.

    Spoiler: Arcana check
    Show

    (Given that previously I rolled a 20 I’d prefer to keep that, but since that’s probably not playing fair, I’m gonna spend my Inspiration on this one.)
    (1d20-1)[9]
    (1d20-1)[18]

  14. - Top - End - #1604
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    Ramsus's Avatar

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    Beiro
    Firbolg Samurai of The Emerald Enclave
    HP: 50/52
    Conditions: --

    "It has suffered greatly and seems to wish to die. I would free it from its bindings, so that it can do so as a free being." Beiro replies and waits for Sandu to finish examining the circle.

  15. - Top - End - #1605
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    RangerGuy

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    Sandu recognizes some of the symbols in the runes around the magic circle. He is certain it is some sort of abjuration magic of an arcane nature (not divine).

    However, his inspection indicates to him that the power of magic is no longer in these runes, Sandu believes them to be inert and no longer magical.

  16. - Top - End - #1606
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
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    ”Whatever magic kept this poor being trapped has faded,” Sandu says. “Perhaps there is some kind of peace we might grant it so that it does not die in terror?”

    He thinks. In some kingdoms prisoners are given a last meal, but what does a mushroom person even eat?

  17. - Top - End - #1607
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    Beiro
    Firbolg Samurai of The Emerald Enclave
    HP: 50/52
    Conditions: --

    Beiro nods at this and then walks up and begins hacking away at the chains with his axe until the creature is freed or it becomes clear he can't break the chains.

  18. - Top - End - #1608
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    RangerGuy

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    With a few swings of his axe, Beiro breaks the chains restraining the mushroom man.

    With its one good arm it pulls them off of itself, turns to look plaintively at the shelf where its offspring were experimented on, and then starts crawling towards the cave mouth.

    You all receive a mental image of the open sky, and are certain it is trying to get outside.

  19. - Top - End - #1609
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    Beiro
    Firbolg Samurai of The Emerald Enclave
    HP: 50/52
    Conditions: --

    Beiro stoops over to help it to its feet (or carry it if he has to), though he stops if it shows signs it doesn't want to be touched.

  20. - Top - End - #1610
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    RangerGuy

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    The creature accepts Beiro's help, throwing its good arm around his shoulder and hopping with the one good leg. it tilts its head toward the entrance and again you all see a mental image of sunlight breaking through clouds.

  21. - Top - End - #1611
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    RangerGuy

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    The three companions escort the poor mushroom man back up through the tunnel to the cave entrance.

    As it steps out into the diffused daylight through the ever over cast sky, you feel a sense of relief come over the creature. You all receive mental images of the suffering he has endured and witnessed.

    Suddenly he flings himself away from you and tumbles down to the bottom of the hill, lying on its back and looking up at the sky.

    It whimpers in pain and chuckles in joyous relief. You notice the edges of its extremities start to turn brown and then black and wither. You smell the distinct odor of sauteed mushrooms. His remaining limbs curl up into burnt cinders recoiling to his main stalk.

    The light is killing him, he burns. He suffers and laughs, embracing the freedom he was denied for so long, howling at the burning, and at a final small victory.

    He looks to all of you in gratitude, a final image reaches your minds, of a large dead tree on the top of a hill of graves, and you receive one short message "Destroy Gulthias".

    The creature falls limp, and moves no more other than the slow progression of the burning of the now dead mushroom man.
    Last edited by tieren; 2019-04-23 at 01:11 PM.

  22. - Top - End - #1612
    Barbarian in the Playground
     
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    Sandu watches the mushroom man’s passing with a strange mixture of grief and satisfaction. The poor creature has suffered more torment than he could possibly imagine, and he is glad to have brought it peace at last.

    He is almost proud; he has administered last rites to many of his comrades, to old soldiers and young boys alike. But never has he felt that he so fully embodied the task of Kelemvor’s priesthood as he has today.

    The line between living and dead is one that should not be crossed, he thinks. Hot anger rises in him at the mushroom man’s torment, and he silently vows the destruction of the Gulthias Tree.

  23. - Top - End - #1613
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    Beiro
    Firbolg Samurai of The Emerald Enclave
    HP: 50/52
    Conditions: --

    Beiro looks over at Sandu and gives him a nod, knowing he is thinking the same things.

  24. - Top - End - #1614
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    RangerGuy

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    Default Re: [5e] Curse of Strahd - UA playtest IC

    As Beiro, Sandu, and Milosh stand by the smoldering remains of the strange creature, they hear the sound of wagon wheels and the crack of a whip on the road to the south of them.

    Stepping outside the palisade for a moment they see Izzek rolling along the road in the wagon driving the oxen.

    There is a second wagon behind him

    _____________

    Tarquin and Tereina have been hired by Urwin Martikov, inn keeper of the Blue Water Inn to secure a shipment of wines. Martikov is upset the Burgomaster has been hoarding what supplies remain for his festival and the inn's patrons are getting upset.

    They are aware the Burgomaster sent a team out on the same mission, but Martikov doesn't trust the Burgomaster and wants to ensure his patrons are provided for as well.

    They roll up in their own wagon just as Izzek and Beiro's zombie druid are clearing enough of the plant growth area to allow the wagon to pass. They greet Izzek, who doesn't care much one way or the other, and then follow him through the cleared path and past the south side of the stony hill to where they are now.

    _________________

    Tereina carries a note, written in a Vistani cipher, she was given in town to pass on to Milosh who was known to be in this direction.
    Last edited by tieren; 2019-04-24 at 08:32 AM.

  25. - Top - End - #1615
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    ElfMonkGuy

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    Default Re: [5e] Curse of Strahd - UA playtest IC

    Tarquin
    HP 38/38
    Conditions - mildly distracted


    As the cart approaches the group in the road see a man sitting to one side, looking distracted by an owl flying over head. He wears common clothes under a great coat, all in a mixture of faded blacks and greys, the only adornment being a cheap crystal and (to the trained eye) a jeweller's glass hanging on things around his neck.

    When the wagon pulls close his attention shifts from the owl and he stares down at the others. His features are almost Elven, and he'd perhaps be described as "striking" rather than handsome. Purple-blue eyes stand out under a tangled mop of black hair.

    "Oh hey guys why's the zombie... wait...don't know names... that was a dream... must be the first time...". He pauses, coughs, and gives his head a little shake. "alright fellas. Name's Tarquin and this 'ere is Tereina. What's 'appenin?"

  26. - Top - End - #1616
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    Beiro
    Firbolg Samurai of The Emerald Enclave
    HP: 50/52
    Conditions: --

    Beiro greets the newcomers, "Greetings."

    He doesn't give the undead thing a new command as the area around the road could still be cleared further and further clearing will mean it will take longer until someone else has to clear an overgrown road. Also he's barely managed to sell himself on the idea that he had to cast the spell to make use of the item and that undoing what the druid had done was an acceptable use of it. And from casting the spell he knows it will not attack anyone or anything unless they attack it and by the next day it will go back to simply being remains.

    Having been asked a question as he was in the middle of his greeting he replies, "I am Beiro. In life this twisted druid attacked us and caused this mess on the road. While distasteful, I had the means to make his body undo at least this small part of his foul works. Thankfully I will no longer have those means." At this he indicates his Ioun stone.
    Last edited by Ramsus; 2019-04-24 at 12:35 PM.

  27. - Top - End - #1617
    Dwarf in the Playground
     
    ElfMonkGuy

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    Default Re: [5e] Curse of Strahd - UA playtest IC

    Tarquin
    HP 38/38
    Conditions - none


    An appreciative whistle slides through the Wizard's lips.
    "Don't see many o' those about. Real ones at any rate. Know a fella would pay a pretty coin or three to get 'is hands on one". There's a brief pause as the owl settles on Tarquin's shoulder.

    "'e's a scumbag tho, so I'd steer clear.
    Need an'and? We've got business this way and could 'elp you make room"

  28. - Top - End - #1618
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    Slightly behind the brash shopkeep, you see a woman bow gracefully. She waits patiently for you to finish your dialogue, and smiles a sheepish grin. Her face exudes an almost divine presence, though by her pale complexion compared to other Vistani and her pointed ears, you can tell she is not divine but rather just part Dusk-Elf. Her fire-red hair dances around her head freely, and a delicate silver necklace decorates her almost white bosom.

    Tereina bows as she is introduced to the gigantic creature and the human. I greet you too, Beiro. Who is your distracted friend over there? She dares not to ask of which race the gigantic warrior dwells from but her eyes lay inquisitive on him. Dominika! Jakub! Get your lazy behinds down here and greet Beiro. Two humans jump down from the waggon and bow similar to Tereina, the man - a rotund man in his late thirties - extends his hand to shake Beiros. Dominika however is more fearful and smiles awkwardly while staying out of the reach of the Firbolg.

    Tereina interrupts. What was your goal once this road block is removed? We are tasked to check on the winery, so we may as well help you remove the road block. Our oxen could graze on this for weeks and not remove a good chunk of it. We may need an idea, or loads of hands and small axes and blades.

  29. - Top - End - #1619
    Dwarf in the Playground
     
    ElfMonkGuy

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    Default Re: [5e] Curse of Strahd - UA playtest IC

    Tarquin

    While his companion speaks, Tarquin's eyes lazily focus on the scene in front of him and he looks at it properly for the first time. "Huh". He gives Tereina a gentle nudge as she finishes talking."Sorry Tereina, my bad. Our fella 'ere has done the job proper, look".

    He collects up the reigns of the wagon and gives beiro a nod."Suppose we can best be on our way then"

  30. - Top - End - #1620
    Ogre in the Playground
     
    RangerGuy

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    Default Re: [5e] Curse of Strahd - UA playtest IC

    Milosh recognizes Teena as a fellow Vistani and bard. He bows to her and introduces himself.

    Teena hands him the note, which he reads and his face takes on a dour expression.

    I am sorry my friends, but my wife needs me in anot her corner of Barovia. I am afraid I must take my leave from you. Until we meet again then.

    Milosh makes his farewells, suggests to Teena that Beiro and Sandu are good men that can be trusted and then strides off back in the direction of Vallaki.

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