Act I: An Inauspicious Start

[allornothing]

As the group encounters the town as heroes, and rightfully so, Lorelei merely smiles and tagsalong. Silently she surveys the crowd, seeking out a single mother with her children, or an obvious mother mourning the death of a child. Either way.. she separates herself from her comrades long enough to donate a small bag of gold to the woman. "It's not much.. but perhaps this'll help you get back on your feet." The bag contains 200gp. Lorelei wasn't rolling in the dough, but she felt the townswoman could use it more than she.

(She did take the potion, as she definitely could use it in the future. )

[Yemam Silverman]

Yemam doesn't step onto the wagon with his friends.  The center stage was never for him.  He slips a bag of 150 gp to Marius and whispers, "Donate this as well...150 coin."

Yemam then moves away from the wagon, moving through the crowds.  He comforts the villagers who obviously need it (those who lost friends and family in the undead plague).  He remembers the day many years ago that was Locke's last.  He remembers the feelings he felt, and does all he can to reassure those he talks to that life will move on.

[Adam Godson]

From the wagon Adam watched and smiled as his good friends donated money to help raise a conscecrated chapel within the community.  He noticed Yemam and Lorelei mingling with the crowd to provide a kind word or note of encouragement.  He felt in his heart that the town would survive and prosper. 

He waved the group back to the Inn and asked them to gather around a table with Insmark and Ireena to lay out their longer term plans.  Turnin to the brother and sister Adam begin to speak. 

"If my companions agree we will remain in the village another couple of days.  This evening we will heal, rest and revitalize our spells.  Tomorrow Ioan will provide food for the village.  We will then search the town to deal with any remaining undead and provide safe passage to outlying areas to access crops and animals.  If I can gain nothing from reading Danoviches journal Ioan and I will have to take some other actions."

Wiping his brow at that unpleasant thought Adam continues. 

"The following day we will continue to provide food and protection as the village begins again its regular rythm.  After that I believe we need to visit the Vistani.  There are several questions they may be able to answer including who would have drawn us here and information on the Sun blade and the Holy Symbol of Ravenskind."

Adam saw both Ireena and Insmark's head jerk as he mentioned their family heirloom.  "From my perspective the work in this village isn't done until that amulet has been returned."

Next he took the donated gold pieces and relics from the chapel and pushed them to Insmark.  "As the Burgomaster I now release these to your care.  The Father will judge you on your care and steward of these great blessings.  You have been granted a second chance to lead this village.  Don't squnder it in drink and self loathing.  Serve these people as your father did and look to your sister for help and guidance when things get difficult."

After staring directly at Insmare for several moments he turns to his companions "What say ye friends?  Does anyone want to add to the plan?"

As everyone was leaving the table Adam suddenly remember something about their recent adventures.  "Ireena, Insmark what can you tell me about the mad woman in the house near your manor.  I believe her name was Mary and she keep mentioning her daughter, Gertruda.  I'm sure you know her as she mentioned that an Irena cares for her."

OOC- Adam cast a cure light wounds on himself.  He will cast a cure moderate wounds on any person that asks.  Before retiring to bed he will read Danovich's journal in an attempt to understand why the man did what he did. 

[Ikoma]

The next few days go well.  The best you have had in a while.  The community rallies to begin the process of rebuilding.  No more zombies are found... though many bodies are recovered.  You do have to chase a few carrion eaters... both animal and undead... but they are merely feeding on the bountiful feast that has been laid out but Danovich.  Most building have only suffered cosmetic damage.  Windows and doors broken, blood on the floors and walls, broken knick-knacks and furniture.  Families move back into their homes.  Farmers return to the fields.  The zombies had no interest in grain though many farm animals suffered cruel fates.  And many wild animals took advantage of the disappearance of humans to help themselves to the crops.  But all in all, the town will survive.

Ireena is able to add only a little to the story of crazy Mary.  Crazy Mary had a daughter, Gertruda, who ran away from home about three years ago.  Mary did not take it well.  No one knows for sure where Gertruda went.  Some think she is dead - killed by one of the many horrible things that dwell in the dark in this land - even now.  Others believe she was seduced by the Man of the Castle, Strahd and the she lives their to this day, serving him.  They always shudder when they say 'serving'.  It's creepy.  Others believe she ran off with a convincing young vistani Casanova and believed his promises.  Maybe he even kept them.  More likely, if she ran off with a vistani, she's been abandoned in some other village and is earning her keep as a woman who works... if she's lucky, she works with her hands.  Mary is old and harmless.  She sits in that chair, in that room, remembering days long gone by, her mind shattered.  Over time, Gertruda has grown younger in Crazy Mary's mind so that she now only remembers her daughter as a child rather than as a young woman.

As far as reading the journal of Danovich goes, the first half contains only sparse notations, spanning months or even years in some cases with hardly an entry.  The last half details a decent into madness with long rambling rationalizations for his subsequent decision to read the accursed manuscript and raise his son from the dead.  He makes no mention of how the fragment of the book fell into his hands.  One day, he just speaks of the possibility of having Doru back again.  Anyone who reads the journal must make a WILL save.  A pair of entries are very interesting.

There is a book, the Tome of Strahd, that might shed light on the steps necessary to destroy the monter of the castle.  It is well known that Strahd kept meticulous notes from ancient times on all he did or said.  Perhaps some weakness of his could be found there.  This tome was once located in Ravenloft's library, but now I am not sure where it is.  I asked Madam Eva about it, and she mumbled something indecipherable.  Why do seers also speak in riddles?

Ireena Kolyana is not the natural daughter of Kolyan Indirovich.  Ireena never knew, but old Kolyan found her one day at the edge of the Svalich Woods near the very foot of Ravenloft's crag.  She was but a child then and no memory of her past.  Kolyan adopted her as though she were his own and loved her deeply.

[unkabear]

Hassid cared little of the book, his mind mainly on the remaining horses and eventually the rebuilding.  Hassid went out with the farmers to tend to the fields, scaring away and killing that which needed to be taken care of, checking the houses to ensure that they were safe. 

Hassid went about rebuilding.  He spent a little more time with the two boys than he really had right to, but they had lost their father early on, though many people lost many things, and they needed someone to show them that it was alright to be brave.  That they could take pride in their work.  Hassid did what he could to show them that it was alright.

Though if one watched carefully and knew Hassid well, they could see something else.  Hassid was tending to the children for another reason.  Deep in his heart he knew these children, or a pair much like them that did not see the spring, and he did not act to give them the chance.

He showed the boys horses and attempted to instill in them his love of the fine creature.  How they could tell a good horse from a bad horse by sight, how you can treat them so that they would serve you always out of love.  How most of the horses they knew were broken, and what that did to them, how you can train a horse that is not broken like StarDancer, but it took time, patience, and love.

Hassid did what he could to rebuild, it was strange, and there were calluses.

[Yemam Silverman]

Yemam stayed away from the book, as his skill with such religious text is minimal.

Instead, Yemam goes out into the village and helps the poorer families rebuild.  He tries to ensure that the population will return to the times of old, before the undead plague.  Yemam plays the role that he once dreamed off.  The hero to the poor, the one who comes in and helps others for no other reason then to help, the one who would have saved Yemam from a lifetime of problems.

(OOC: I'm guessing that over the few days we all get cured up to full?)

[Marius Ionescu]

Marius does his best to help the townsfolk rebuild.  He knows Adam and Ioan will be much better at the reading, leaving that to the experts.

[Adam Godson]

Adam wept as he traced Danovich's decent into madness and depravity.  It was sobering to realize the unbridled power of love and the depths people would descend to in order to always have it in their life.  If only Danovich's love for his God was as strong.  However, a key component was missing; where did he get the text.  This source had to be identified and eliminated before other such blasphemy fell into the hands of unprepared souls. 

He speaks with Ioan and if he is willing they will speak with Danovich's corpse to determine the source of the Libre Blaspheme.  This will be done during the second day within the village.  Adam lets the other party member know what is going to happen.  He lets them know they can attend, but reccomends against it.  He makes sure that any who attend have a Protection from Evil spell cast on them. 

During the couple of days that they stay in the village Adam will convert all his remaining spells to healing spells to help bring his companions back to full health.  He smiles as he sees them helping the villagers put their lives back together.  The circumstances were different than their normal interactions and he came away for the experience with more love and respect for them than a hundred years of battle together could have brought.  He had indeed chosen good friends. 

On the final night before they left Adam approach Ireena and asked her to accompany them to see the Vistani.  He tells her that he has learned something about her in Danovich's journal and that he wanted the Vistani seer to confirm or deny it.  He hands her a sealed envelope with the journal entry from Danovich's journal.  He explains to her that it contains the information from Danovich's journal and ask her to not read it until the seer has a chance to speak with her.

He says his final prayers and falls asleep listening to the sounds of a town.     

Will Check (1d20+9=27)

[Ikoma]

((Some nice posts!  I'm awarding Hassid a check for Redemption.  Which fills that up.  You need only more check for Innocence and you'll complete the Matrix.  Yemam gets a check for Innocence on his post.  Which completes his Matrix!  As a 7th level PC, that means you gain 3,500 XP and hit 8th level.  Plus, as a look ahead, I can see several other members of the group should be leveling up at the end of the month.  Which is good.  Danovich and Doru are a taste of combats to come!  Also, yes, you will all heal up to full over the few days you help the rebuild begin.))

The conversation with the corpse of Danovich is... unpleasant.  His body stinks and you can see decay is beginning.  It is as if the necromantic energies he channeled have sped up the natural process.  But Ioan's spell works.  Unfortunately, you cannot learn much.  Danovich found the fragment of the unholy book.  After the death of his son, he took regular trips to the Svalich Falls - the site of Doru's death - to try and deal with the personal tragedy.  It turns out his wife had died at the same location when Doru had been a young child.  During one of those trips, he found a pack by the side of the road.  In this pack was a scroll of Circle of Death (the spell Danovich failed to cast when you first entered the church and thereby got lucky ) and the pages of the book.  He did not share the discovery with anyone in the village.

The next day, the group sets out to visit the Vistani.  Setting out along the main road through Barovia.  On either side of the road, many farmers stop to wave and great you.  You are thanked over and over.  Of ahead, you can see the Ivlis River winding its way South.  Ireena tells you the river flows into the Ivlis Marsh, an unpleasant place.  Across the Ivlis Bridge, you'll skirt the Svalish Woods as the road turns North 'til you reach the Crossroads.  There, you will turn right and come near the Tser Pool, a wide spot, small lake on the river where the vistani are camped.  You will be able to reach the vistani encampment within the day.

[unkabear]

Hassid gathered everyone and prepared the horses, He knew the ride would not be uneventful and wanted the creatures ready.  Hassid knew little of these lands, but perhaps crossroads here were like those told of the Sorshef, that crossroads were a place of potential, of change and where the most danger lay.

Hassid guided StarDancer with his knees enjoying how the mare pranced about filled with excitement to leave the city and move into the less tame places of the land.  Hassid did what he could to keep her from running rings around the other horses.

The news that came from the book and the corpse of Danovich chilled Hassid, but he of all people he knew the call of the darkness, Hassid wondered...why didn't the man turn to others in his time of need.  But he knew the answer to that as well.  Depression was a dreadful thing, and one that Hassid would watch for in his friends.  For if they were to drift away great darkness could claim them too, and they had proven to the dark gods of this land that they could put up a great fight.  Oh how terrible that fight could be when the innocent are not spared.  Hassid would keep his friends on track.

"Come on friends, saddle sores be damned there is much to do." Hassid said with what cheer that he could draw from StarDancer, and what hope he could draw from the rising sun.

[Marius Ionescu]

Marius took out his tools and his bow - it would soon be needed again and he wanted it in top condition.  He oiled the string and checked the shape and strength of the wood.  Marius took a couple of practice pulls to make sure all was in place.  He laid out the arrows he had collected and began to straighten the feathers and resharpen the arrow heads - nothing was left unchecked.  His arrows would fly true.

When finished, Marius looks around the room to the elders of the village.  He stands up and collects some extra blankets and pillows and brings it over.  "Here you go, the nights though free, are still cold.  This will ease your aching bones.  Your wisdom will be needed to, as long as the others listen.  I'm sure you have much to contribute."  Marius helps with the blankets and pillows and tries to boost their comfort and spirits.

[Adam Godson]

Adam relaxes into the saddle as he rides with his friends to meet the Vistani.  The air is crisp, clean and refreshing.  All his friends are healed, the village is safe, and they are on the road again looking to move forward the cause of good. 

As he was admiring the the wild landscape and conversing with Ireena a small glade appeared at the side of the road with golden sunlight filtering down through the trees into the lush grass and blooming wild flowers.  Adam was gripped with a sudden desire to pray.  It was an undeniable urging from the Father that He had something to communicate with Adam.  These events didn't happen often, but when they did Adam knew immediately to follow the spiritual urging. 

"My friends, I apologize, but I must leave the road for a minute.''  Looking skyward he continues.  "The Father has asked for my communion and I'd be foolish not to follow these urging.  I need a few moments alone.  I thank you for your understanding."

Adam canters his horse ahead into the glade out of the view of the party, dismounts and begins to pray. 

"Father, I've felt thy call.  I know you have a reason for me to be here.  Please give me a moment to listen to Your spirit and understand your desires." 

Times like these were the hardest in Adam's life.  Swinging a sword, killing monster or resolving a civil dispute was child's play compared to the task of fathoming the Father's will.  This wasn't a task that required brawn, brains or charisma.  It required faith, patience and wisdom to hear what the Father was whispering to your soul. 

Adam closed his eyes, breathed deeply and expanded his spirit in an attempt to communicate with the Father.  As he concentrated more fully he began to sense feeling of love, concern, and gratitude.  Within those currents he also felt a sense of joy and excitement.  It reminded him much of the birthdays of his nieces and nephews when he brought them a special treat or exotic treasure.  The excitement of giving something special to someone you loved.   

The Father had something special for Adam.  What is was he didn't know, but he felt that he needed to ask the Father before it would be given to him.  It was something he truly needed or the Father wouldn't have sent such an overwhelming summoning.  Adam thought deeply about his greatest needs and briefly brushed against his mount.

That was it!!!!  Adam needed a mount able to endure the treacherous and evil road ahead.  The path was more than a mortal steed could handle.  Stories of the famous knights and their brave mounts flooded his minds.  A peaceful feeling flooded his spirit that signaled he understood the Father's message.  He then uttered words to complete the blessing.

"Father,  I recommit myself to your cause and that of Good.  I know the road ahead is treacherous and evil.  Help me to be as the knights of old to fight for your cause with truth and righteous, never fearing the evil that I confront.  In this quest bless me with a mount that will stand at my side during the fight that will never flee or be afraid.  Help me to be humble and deserving of such a mount.  In the name of The One. 

Adam remained kneeling and basked in the loving, warm embrace of the Father.       

[Yemam Silverman]

Yemam smiled as Adam asked to talk to the Father.  He himself never understood the complete trust of a deity, but he knew that Adam and everyone else would benefit from Adam's talk with his god.

Yemam himself felt slightly better after the fighting and the subsequent rebuilding of the village.  He felt his own abilities became stronger.  He felt as if his close call with death might have even given some of Locke's abilities to him.

To the others, Yemam is quiet as usual, but for the first time since joining this group, he seems generally and completely happy.

[Marius Ionescu]

Marius watched Adam as he made his prayer, and smiled - in Drakon everyone was forced to believed in one deity, it was for their own good.  It seemed warm to know that others existed and their faith wasn't forced.  He approached slightly to keep an eye on his friend, but gave Adam the space he needed.  His eyes focused and scanned the surrounding area to protected his friend during his prayer.

[Ikoma]

And this concludes Act I: An Inauspicious Start.  Look for a new thread for Act II: Ill Fortunes to begin soon.