[IC] Expedition to Castle Ravenloft

[Dr.Samurai]

Asha Astral Elf Armorer Artificer 10 AC: 23 | HP: 96/103 | THP: 10/10 | Initiative: +2 Str: +1 | Dex: +2 | Con: +7 | Int: +9 | Wis: +2 | Cha: -1 PPer: 16 | PInv: 19 | PIns: 12 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/4 | 2nd: 1/3 | 3rd: 2/2 Flash of Genius: 4/5 Active Effects: Breathe any Environ, Adv vs Harmful Gases/Vapors Conditions: -- Repulsion Shield: 4/4 Spell-Refueling Ring: 0/1 Defensive Field: 0/4

Asha stands guard as Zinro performs the ritual, Was that a spell Strahd was using to come in and out of the walls the way he did? That has an effect on our strategy against him. He turns to Zinro, Will he be able to move through this shelter you're creating?

[The Commander]

Lord Zinro Varanash

Asha stands guard as Zinro performs the ritual, Was that a spell Strahd was using to come in and out of the walls the way he did? That has an effect on our strategy against him. He turns to Zinro, Will he be able to move through this shelter you're creating?

"It must have been a spell. We didn't see him use it before when we fought him, even though it would have greatly aided him; so it stands to reason that he simply didn't prepare or have time to cast it before. Now that we know he can use such a spell, I can attempt to dispel the effect, if and when we next encounter him using it. He should still be barred from entering the shelter - it blocks creatures and spells."

[dangelo]

To the west:
Red satin curtains hang in archways at both ends of the south wall in this dark room. Between them, in the center of the chamber, stands a large, ornate iron tub with clawed feet. The tub is full of blood.

To the north:
A blazing hearth fire fills this room with rolling waves of red and amber light. The walls are lined with ancient books and tomes, their leather covers well oiled and preserved through careful use. All is in order here. The stone floor is concealed beneath a thick, luxurious rug. In the center of the room is a large, low table, waxed and polished to a mirrored finish. Even the poker in its stand next to the blazing fireplace is polished. Large, overstuffed divans and couches are arranged about the room. Two chairs of burgundy-colored wood with padded leather seats and back cushions face the hearth. A huge painting hangs over the mantelpiece in a heavy, gilded frame. The rolling firelight illuminates the carefully rendered portrait.

Spoiler

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[Dr.Samurai]

Asha Astral Elf Armorer Artificer 10 AC: 23 | HP: 96/103 | THP: 10/10 | Initiative: +2 Str: +1 | Dex: +2 | Con: +7 | Int: +9 | Wis: +2 | Cha: -1 PPer: 16 | PInv: 19 | PIns: 12 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/4 | 2nd: 1/3 | 3rd: 2/2 Flash of Genius: 4/5 Active Effects: Breathe any Environ, Adv vs Harmful Gases/Vapors Conditions: -- Repulsion Shield: 4/4 Spell-Refueling Ring: 0/1 Defensive Field: 0/4

As Asha takes in their surroundings, he realizes they may not be alone, Hold on, there may be others here. He glances into the room with the hearth, and seeing no one, he moves to the westward room. Spotting the tub of blood, he doesn't enter further in. He returns to the others and says, I'm not sure these chambers are clear of enemies.

[TaiLiu]

“Let’s rest up before exploring further then,” Yikkol says. She offers to keep an eye and an ear out for possible dangers while they wait for Zinro to finish the ritual.

• Perception if needed: (1d20+10)[11].

EDIT: The Fates have decided that we shall be ambushed once more. 😂

[dangelo]

The real treasure here were Strahd's collection of books—over one thousand unique tomes in all. It contained biographies on lost kings and queens, advanced alchemy textbooks, poetry anthologies, theological texts, epic romances... One could lose centuries browsing through each of these books.

When investigating the portrait of Tatyana Federovna - purple dress and auburn hair, just like the bride figurine on the wedding cake - the fellowship found a hidden mechanism that made the painting open up like a door. Behind it lay the only part of the castle that not even Strahd knew about: A crude container carved into the thick walls of the Study, slightly smaller than the painting itself.

An inscription had been carved in the crude stone:

"I am Sergei von Zarovich. My brother and I grow apart every day, and I fear for his soul. He secludes himself to his chambers and dedicates his entire life to the arcane arts - I ask him if he has tapped into Necromancy, and he lies to me. The wedding is near, and he has declined to attend. Tatyana has been desolate - they were always close trusted friends.

The Morninglord inspired me to take precautions: I have stolen my brother's spellbook and personal diary, his most valuable treasure. In it, I found the most foul of curses: the Second Return. If my brother ever loses himself, I beg you, burn this book after destroying his body. That will be the only way to prevent him from coming back over and over."

But the Tome of Strahd wasn't there. Instead, a simple note on a piece of parchment had been placed in the secret safe:

"Count Strahd von Zarovich, I am coming for you."

Signed: "Rudolph van Richten"

[The Commander]

Lord Zinro Varanash

Once the party were rested inside the Tiny Hut, there was no reason to keep it active and so Zinro moved outside of it and let it disappear. The time spent resting was most welcome, and Zinro felt refreshed for it.

As the party discovered the fact that Strahd's spellbook had not only been stolen, but had to be destroyed to keep him dead, Zinro cursed deeply in Drow. Strahd was clearly a mage of significant power, with powers even Zinro himself was not privy too. How he longed to study the spells and lore and knowledge contained within Strahd's personal tome. But alas, Zinro was, if nothing else, pragmatic. Strahd needed to be destroyed, even if that meant losing out on the knowledge and power contained within the book.

"We better hope this man knows what he's doing." He grumbled.

[J-H]

Herbert
"Indeed." Herbert puts a finger over his lips in a shushing motion, then points at the walls around and cups his ear, indicating that Strahd might be listening, and that they should not talk about the note they found. "We should move on."

[TaiLiu]

"Right away, your holiness!"

Then, whispering to Herbert: "Should we... take the note?"

[Dr.Samurai]

Asha Astral Elf Armorer Artificer 10 AC: 23 | HP: 96/103 | THP: 10/10 | Initiative: +2 Str: +1 | Dex: +2 | Con: +7 | Int: +9 | Wis: +2 | Cha: -1 PPer: 16 | PInv: 19 | PIns: 12 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/4 | 2nd: 1/3 | 3rd: 2/2 Flash of Genius: 4/5 Active Effects: Breathe any Environ, Adv vs Harmful Gases/Vapors Conditions: -- Repulsion Shield: 4/4 Spell-Refueling Ring: 0/1 Defensive Field: 0/4

Asha reads the note, Dammit! Knowing that Strahd has been keeping tabs on them throughout the castle, he takes the note and slips it into his bag of holding; no need to let Strahd know what van Richten has done.

He turns to the others, We have a couple of loose ends to follow. He closes the portrait and gazes up at the bride, She doesn't look like the other ones...

[The Commander]

Lord Zinro Varanash

He closes the portrait and gazes up at the bride, She doesn't look like the other ones...

"I believe the wedding cake and this portrait are dedicated to Sergei and his bride; or at least bride to be; rather than one of Strahd's brides. No doubt she was also killed when he turned into his current form." Zinro looks over to the decaying wedding cake. "Weddings can be such an emotional time for the brother of the groom. Maybe he was supposed to be his brother's best man? Maybe he attempted to propose to another on this joyous day and was declined?"

[The Commander]

Lord Zinro Varanash

(Yes, double post, my apologies, but need to make an IC post based on OOC discussion)

In the interest of making sure they had discovered everything of value, Zinro entered in the bathroom. He didn't approach the bathtub of blood, but instead stayed by the door and began reciting the ritual words to be able to perceive magical auras.

(Ritual Cast Detect Magic at the threshold of the bathroom; I believe the radius should cover the entire bathroom, but if not I'll tentatively move into the room to scan)

[dangelo]

[tw;su1c1d3]

A blood-drenched creature explodes out of the tub and attaches to the ceiling, cackling maniacally. Blood pours off its pale flesh, bony limbs, and stringy hair as it scuttles away. After a few moments, it becomes clear the creature isn't corporeal, and neither is the blood. Both are ethereal manifestations of a spirit who couldn't let go and lingered in the Material Plane, forever in pain.

Under the spell of revelation cast by Zinro, however, the spirit assumed a different form. The whole Bath Chamber shifted in faerie fire and a real-time illusion became a window to the past:

A girl - woman grown, but still young - burst into the bath chamber and shut the door behind her. He eyes darted across the room, panic filled her heart. Her pupils shrunk when the voice of Strahd was heard through the walls: "Varushka, my love, your lord is hungry..." He wandered the corridors of Castle Ravenloft looking for her. "You have always been my favorite. And you are certainly the most delicious."

What could have happened to the handsome Count Strahd the young maid had known? The good Strahd von Zarovich, brother of the legendary paladin Sergei, who kept the people of Barovia safe and happy. Varushka had loved him with all her heart; loved him as a ruler, loved him as father, loved him as a man; Even when he grew bitter with envy, obsessed with Tatyana, Varushka still saw good in his heart.

But now Strahd had died and returned as a vampire, a horrible creature who drank blood to survive - her blood, the very essence of her soul. She couldn't bare it. "Morning forgive me, for yours is the right to give or take life." She cried in the bathtub.

That night, Varushka ended her own life, and successfully rid her soul from the eternal torment that would be becoming his first bride: Forever hypnotized and mind-controlled, forced to worship Strahd and supply him with blood. The Mist had already severed Barovia from the rest of the world, enveloping it in its own demiplane, so Varushka's soul was forever trapped in the castle. Only the destruction of Strahd would truly free her spirit.

The vision faded, and the bath chamber returned to normal, except there was no more blood anywhere.

[The Commander]

Lord Zinro Varanash

Zinro didn't say anything, but his face betrayed a deep inner pain. He was no stranger to family politics, and had suffered at the hands of a sibling. On more than one occasion, especially after the tragic death of his friend, Zinro's mental health had been surely pressed. Perhaps his situation was not as bad as Varushka's, but, on some level, he understood her pain and her desire for control of her own destiny; final as it was. Zinro himself had left the Underdark in search of control of his own life. He was privileged enough that he had some measure of power to affect his destiny. He felt pity for poor Varushka, perhaps one of the few people Zinro would ever pity.

"I believe we have seen all there is to see here. We should continue downwards to move towards the access stairway for the uppermost tower."

[dangelo]

Investigating the Study:

The corridor to the north leads to two places: A. Hall of Heroes and B. Heart of the Castle.

Hall of Heroes:
Dark alcoves line the walls of this long hall. The ceiling has fallen here, leaving rubble strewn across the floor. Overhead, the beams of Ravenloft's roof are exposed. Lightning from the dark clouds above sporadically illuminates the hall, lighting the faces of life-sized human statues in the alcoves. Each visage is frozen in terror.
The Hall of Heroes ends in a staircase that descents into the lower levels of the castle.

Spoiler: Investigation/Arcana

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There are actual souls of heroes trapped in these statues, adventurers who assaulted Castle Ravenloft and perished in their crusade.

Behind the double doors on the western wall of the Study is 3. King's Bedchamber:
Sweet smells waft from this delicately lit room. A great arched window along the west wall is covered by heavy red draperies, their golden tassels glinting in the light of three candelabras sitting atop small tables about the room. Tall white candles burn with bright, steady light. A large bed, canopied by silk curtains, sits with its headboard against the north wall.

The Bed Chamber is connected to the Bath Chamber through similar double doors.

A 4. nondescript staircase leads out of the Study. It's narrow, silent, and a quick scout ahead reveals it plunges deep into the castle.

5. There's a secret passage behind the fireplace. If the fire is extinguished, a medium creature can crawl through it.

It will make more sense when you visualize: Owlbear battlemap

[J-H]

Herbert

Herbert lingers in the Hall of Heroes, praying to Pelor. How might these be freed?

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Religion (1d20+4)[14]

Deleted due to area description being corrected

[TaiLiu]

"A secret entrance! Perhaps additional treasures lie ahead."

Yikkol finds some materials to put out the fire. When it's cool enough, she heads in first through the fireplace entrance.

[dangelo]

Resting on the floor of this smoke-filled room is a closed chest surrounded by piles of gold, silver, and copper coins. The fittings and clawed feet on the chest are evidence of great workmanship.

Attached to the east wall are two torch sconces. The southernmost one holds a torch with an intricate metal base. The other is empty. A skeleton in broken plate armor lies against the wall. The skeleton's right hand is on its throat, and its left hand holds the matching torch from the empty sconce.

The coins scattered around the chest total 50 gp, 100 sp, and 2,000 cp. The chest weighs 40 pounds and is unlocked.

After further investigation:

Yikkol finds a another secret passage on the opposite side of this secret passage. But there's no clear switch, no mechanism to moved, nothing but a slightly uneven tiled floor.

[J-H]

Herbert finds this suspicious, especially a skeleton that appears to have strangled itself...or been clutching at its throat, unable to breathe. He looks over the room carefully.

Perception at +8, investigation at +0

[Dr.Samurai]

Asha Astral Elf Armorer Artificer 10 AC: 23 | HP: 96/103 | THP: 10/10 | Initiative: +2 Str: +1 | Dex: +2 | Con: +7 | Int: +9 | Wis: +2 | Cha: -1 PPer: 16 | PInv: 19 | PIns: 12 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/4 | 2nd: 1/3 | 3rd: 2/2 Flash of Genius: 4/5 Active Effects: Breathe any Environ, Adv vs Harmful Gases/Vapors Conditions: -- Repulsion Shield: 4/4 Spell-Refueling Ring: 0/1 Defensive Field: 0/4

Asha investigates the room for signs of how to open the other secret entrance, and for any traps that might explain how the corpse died.

Spoiler: OOC

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Looks like Herbert has Perception covered so Asha will use Investigation. He also has proficiency in Thieves' Tools if applicable.

Investigation - (1d20+9)[22] + Guidance - (1d4)[3]

[The Commander]

Lord Zinro Varanash

Zinro didn't enter the crawlspace to get inside the secret room just yet. Instead he merely said: "If you need me to manipulate something from afar, I can use Mage Hand to do so."

[dangelo]

By shaking the chest lightly, one could hear the faint chuckle of delicate metal parts, indicating there was possibly a hidden mechanism inside it. There's no way to disarm it from the outside.

[Dr.Samurai]

Asha Astral Elf Armorer Artificer 10 AC: 23 | HP: 96/103 | THP: 10/10 | Initiative: +2 Str: +1 | Dex: +2 | Con: +7 | Int: +9 | Wis: +2 | Cha: -1 PPer: 16 | PInv: 19 | PIns: 12 Spell Slots: 1st: 3/4 | 2nd: 1/3 | 3rd: 2/2 Flash of Genius: 4/5 Active Effects: Breathe any Environ, Adv vs Harmful Gases/Vapors Conditions: -- Repulsion Shield: 4/4 Spell-Refueling Ring: 0/1 Defensive Field: 0/4

Asha kneels down, There's some sort of mechanism inside, but I'll have to open it to disarm it. Let's see what it is. Asha opens the chest.

[TaiLiu]

Resting on the floor of this smoke-filled room is a closed chest surrounded by piles of gold, silver, and copper coins. The fittings and clawed feet on the chest are evidence of great workmanship.

Attached to the east wall are two torch sconces. The southernmost one holds a torch with an intricate metal base. The other is empty. A skeleton in broken plate armor lies against the wall. The skeleton's right hand is on its throat, and its left hand holds the matching torch from the empty sconce.

The coins scattered around the chest total 50 gp, 100 sp, and 2,000 cp. The chest weighs 40 pounds and is unlocked.

After further investigation:

Yikkol finds a another secret passage on the opposite side of this secret passage. But there's no clear switch, no mechanism to moved, nothing but a slightly uneven tiled floor.

Herbert finds this suspicious, especially a skeleton that appears to have strangled itself...or been clutching at its throat, unable to breathe. He looks over the room carefully.

Yikkol nods knowingly as Herbert looked around the room. This room was awful strange. Where's the smoke coming from? How are these torches lit? Why is a skeleton struggling to breath?

Just in case, she soaks a rag and ties it around her mouth. No reason to risk smoke inhalation.

"Your holiness?" She sounds muffled. "The skeleton must be an undead servant of Strahd. There's no way those torches would have stayed lit during the time it takes a body to decompose."

[The Commander]

Lord Zinro Varanash

"Your holiness?" She sounds muffled. "The skeleton must be an undead servant of Strahd. There's no way those torches would have stayed lit during the time it takes a body to decompose."

"They might be torches with a continual flame enchantment placed upon them. They produce light permanently, but they also produce no heat. See if the torches feel warm as you place your hand near them. If not, I daresay the torches are magical."

[TaiLiu]

"They might be torches with a continual flame enchantment placed upon them. They produce light permanently, but they also produce no heat. See if the torches feel warm as you place your hand near them. If not, I daresay the torches are magical."

Yikkol reaches for the torch still attached to the sconce. She pulls it out and feels it for heat.

[TaiLiu]

It feels cool to the touch—but then she realizes that the torches are unlit. She pulls other torch from the skeleton and tries a number of activities with the torches to see if it’ll unlock the secret door: both in, both out, only one on the right.

If nothing happens there, she’ll light them and put them out, trying to exhaust the possible sequences of lit and unlit.

[dangelo]

Multiple things happen almost at the same time:

When Yikkol places both torches on their rightful places, a secret door opens up between the sconces. The stone wall is actually divided in two pieces that fold open like double doors, revealing a dark corridor overtaken by spider webs.

When Asha opens the unlocked chest, the hidden mechanism inside releases a cloud of purple smoke that rapidly fills the room. The smell is sweet and quite strong, sharp and pungent like ether. Those who fail a Constitution save DC 18 will become paralyzed for 4 hours. The smoke becomes harmless as it spreads through both secret passages.

The laugh of the seven barovian witches can be heard as their trap is set off.

Spoiler: OOC

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Since Waistcoatwill is busy atm, I'll be nice and assume Bori was positioned just outside the fireplace, so his Aura still reaches some of you. I won't place him -inside- the room tho, cause it would be unfair if he failed the save without ever moving his own character into the room himself.

Herbert (1d20+6)[11]
Asha (1d20+11)[21]
Yikkol (1d20+2)[17]

[dangelo]

Follow-up:

Another spell was triggered by the trap: As Zinro could notice, from a vantage point and being well versed in the arcane, a simple alarm spell had went off and warned someone, somewhere, of what just happened.

Almost immediately, a magic portal appeared out of thin air, right in the middle of the study, and from it emerged a human figure. He was old, certainly over 60, but seemed sturdy and somewhat physically capable, although he limped heavily on a metal cane. Flasks of holy water hung from his belt, ready to be tossed, and the flasks were exactly the same as the ones Ezmerelda had given the fellowship.

Spoiler

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The old man raised his free hand, making an arcane sigil with his fingers, and a powerful lightning bolt threatened to materialize in his palm. "Give up now, o, creatures of the night! You surely didn't expect your trap would be turned against you!" A cocky smile crossed his old face, but then he noticed the fellowship didn't look like creatures of the night, and the smile was replaced by suspicion. "Who... What are you? Doppelgangers? Ghosts possessing bodies? Witches in disguise? Answer me, now!" The lightning sparks in his hand intensified as he raised his voice.

[The Commander]

Lord Zinro Varanash

Zinro had been about to rush to his companion's aid, when the magical portal had opened and a man had stepped out. Zinro momentarily prepared for conflict, but then saw the disposition and appearance of the man, as well as his equipment. He remembered the phrase Ezmerelda had taught them, and spoke the challenge to the newcomer:

"In the shadows, where moonlight fears to tread..."