Act III: the Face of Evil

[Ikoma]

Ireena cannot join you on your quest.  Although she wishes you success, certain factors prevent her from coming.  First, of course, is the daily task of organizing the rebuilding of Barovia.  Much work is still left to be done following the zombie plague if they are to have enough food and strong shelter to survive the coming winter.  But also, she must think of afterwords.  Stories are passed down of other adventuring groups that have come to Barovia to stop Strahd.  The stories are told in hushed whispers and always end with the wrath visited upon the villager when the adventurers fail.  And... as evidenced by Strahd's continued existence... they always fail.  If the villagers knew you intended to go after the demon of the castle, well... many might feel it their duty to try and stop you and in doing so protect their homes and families.  If Ireena, or any other Barovian, might actually participate in the attack on Strahd, he might well choose to blot out Barovia entirely.

Of course, she would help you as much as she possibly could.  Quietly, and without drawing attention, she brokered deals with Bildrath - the odious shop owner who had barricaded himself and his nephew in their store for the duration of the zombie plague.  Whatever you may think about his humanity, his business sense was uncanny.  [You can buy anything with a 2,000 gp limit.]

Ulrik, of course, is with you to the end.  If there is a chance to reclaim the castle and restore the Knights of the Raven, he is duty bound to take it.

[unkabear]

As they were gathering to prepare for the day Hassid waits until he can speak with Yemam alone.  When he has the moment to do so he approaches his friend.  "Yemam, I have been thinking, and dwelling upon the vistani blade.  As much as I desire to wield such a weapon against the Lord of this Land, I cannot set aside the blade of my Master so lightly.  After measuring everyone, I believe that you are in the most need of a weapon to strike evil with, and that you would be worthy of the blade."

[Yemam Silverman]

When Hassid meets with Yemam privately, the scout listens intently.

After Hassid is done talking, Yemam places a hand on Hassid's shoulder and smiles warmly.  "Thank you my friend...thank you for deeming me worthy of such a blade.  It is true that I have been looking for another blade against our enemies...and it is truly and honor to wield this one."

[Marius Ionescu]

Marius waited for all the group to finish their meals, "Irena no one expects you to follow where we trek, especially after all you've been through," Marius smiled hoping that it would bring her some comfort.

Marius next turned to the group, "when we're finished eating we should make our way into the village to see our good friend," Marius rolls his eyes, "and see what equipment we might be able to purchase.  I am in need on silver arrows, my supply is starting to wane."

[Adam Godson]

Adam was excited, yet nervous, as his companions spoke of entering the Castle.  Strahd would be a wiley and cunning adversary, more powerful than anything they had faced in the past.  The odds were against them, but as Adam surveyed his friends he realized these were the best odds they'd ever get at taking Strahd down.

Adam informed the party that the only thing he desires is to make his greatsword silver (180 gp).  He also reccomends that the party take blunt instruments in addition to slashing or piercing weapons.  He wants to purchase a heavy flail.  He also reccomends that the party buy healing spells, potions, and kits. 

In addition, he reminds that group that each of the tasks before them can be done at seperate times.  It would be a wise course of action to do some quick raids into the castle to perform each task and then exit to resupply and rest. 

Finally, the tactician in him reccomends that the group remove any obstacles as they go to the temple.  This would include the source of ghasts attacking Ulrik and the witches.  It could be disasterous to come out the castle in a weakened state and have to face enemies on the road back to Barovia. 

[Ikoma]

[gonna leave this open 'cause I want full party input.]

[unkabear]

Hassid gave Yemam all that he had for the blade to allow the warrior to begin to become familiar with it.  He gave him the Platinum Candlesticks and the scabbard that would allow him to carry the yet  incomplete weapon with him as they travelled.  "You shall wield it well against the dark one of this land."


As the thoughts of supplying the party came to mind, Hassid began to think upon Adams assesment of what they needed.  The thought of a blunt weapon all but drove shivers up Hassid back.  He had just given up a powerful weapon to strike at the enemy with for his Masters Sword.  To gain another...Hassid was not sure he could do it.  He could perhaps pick up a hammer or something, but he knew that he would disrespect the weapon by useing it to set camp or something like that and could not bring himself to do such a thing.

But the thought of potions entrhalled him.  To allow Ioan to focus on spells other than healing would be a great boon to the party.  Though quick excursions would be for the best.  The first to awaken the power of the sword...and measure the strength of the castle so that they would be better prepaired to awaken the power of the symbol...and find the book that would weaken Strahds hold on this land.

Hassid wanted to just storm the castle and fight the deamon Strahd...but knew that they were not yet ready for such a task. and that such an attack at this time would be the death of them all.

[Yemam Silverman]

Yemam thinks of the possible things the group needs to do.  "I agree with Adam that we should possible take care of obstacles along the way.  However, I do not think we should go out of our way for that will just tax our resources.  I think that the easiest task is to restore the sunsword since it is only on the main floor.  Afterwards, we should attempt to gain the book."

Upon thinking about supplies.  "I believe that we should gain as many potions as possible for this venture into the caste.  If Ioan can use his magic for things besides keeping us in one piece, then we will be more likely to succeed.  Finally, a good quality silver throwing axe or a good quality throwing axe will do wonders for me.  However, given its price, I shall attempt to negotiate with Bildrath after the rest of you get supplies and potions."

[Ikoma]

Ireena is able to obtain the following items for the party.

Potion of Cure Serious Wounds
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds w/ 12 charges left
5 Potions of Cure Light Wounds
40 Silvered Arrows
Heavy Flail
Masterwork Throwing Axe

And so, the group is as prepared as they ever will be.  Packing up, the group heads north, getting an early start.  The first day passes easily.  The party is traveling over familiar territory, traveling up to the crossroads where they rescued Ulrik.  No new threats materialize.  It does seem that the lycanthropes are still sticking to their bargain to leave you alone unless you enter the woods.  Passing the crossroads, the group begins to climb upwards.  You can see the road cut back and forth as it rises, leading towards the Tser falls.  The group is faced with a choice.  Camp on this side of the falls, near the rumored witches, or push across and camp on the same mountain as Castle Ravenloft sits.

[unkabear]

Hassid tried to let the tension not get to him, but he could feel StarDancer sensing his tension.  He knew what it was.  Even with a solid nights sleep, no immediate danger, the looming threat of danger...it was the fact that he had not bared his blade but in a morning routine in several days.  He did not realize how such a thing could affect him.  When he had first come to this land, there were a few fights, but quite a bit of peace.  It settled upon him well.  But as he had come to know this group, his friends, his desire to protect them growing by the day, and the desire to fight filling his heart.  He feared that it would lead him into trouble, such as following the elf into the forest.

[Marius Ionescu]

Marius thanked Irena for the supplies.  He picked up the arrows, "perfect these will do nicely."

Marius grabbed his gear and began to go over the equipment making sure all was in order.  The last thing he, or his friends needed, was his bow or anything else not working in that dreaded castle.

When all was ready he waited and followed the group ...

[Adam Godson]

Adam thanked Ireena for her help and gathered the heavy flail.  It was a crude but efficient weapon against the right types of creatures.  He aslo admired the newly silvered greatsword.  He may lose some damaging ability, but he hoped it would help him against creatures that seemed to shrug off damage from normal weapons. 

After a brief survey of the healing potions he reccomended the the following distribution within the party.

Potion of Cure Serious Wounds- Hassid as he would take the most damage
Wand of Cure Moderate Wounds w/ 12 charges left- Lorelei or Marius as they are usually postioned to best help a downed comrade
5 Potions of Cure Light Wounds- Ulrik, Marius, Ireena, Yemam, Hassid

Both Adam and Ioan had the ability to heal themselves so they would require healing potions as badly as the other members. 

Adam again emphasizes his desire to dispose the witches before progressing to the castle.  It was bad strategy to leave the path of retreat unsecured.  Additionly, it would remove another ally from Strahd's list.  He asked Ulrik what he knew about the witches including their potential location.  Adam votes to rest on the side of the falls nearer to the witches.   

 

[Yemam Silverman]

Yemam takes his new throwing axe and replaces the old one.  While not discarding the old one completely, he makes sure this newer one is within arm's reach.

Yemam waits for Sir Ulrik to answer about his knowledge of the witches before deciding on whether we should attack or not.  "Friends, I think that we should possible rest here, near the witches.  Being too close to that dreaded castle is someone less comforting."

[allornothing]

Lore wasn't much for making decisions, so when a choice became apparent.. she usually remained silent unless prodded for a suggestion. Neither spot was ideal to camp; though from what she could remember about witches.. she's rather not take her chances with them. Which was the lesser of two evils? She patiently awaited Ulrik's thoughts on the matter, her eyes ever watching their surroundings.

( Sorry for the lack of posting, RL has been dreadful. Sorry!)

[unkabear]

Hassid had tucked the potions into his robes.  He was a fast healer, but having something handy to quaff in times of crisis was never to be turned down.  Itching for a fight Hassid wanted to pitch camp on the side of the Witches...but if that was a good thing or a bad thing he still was at odds about.

He found himself following behind Lore as they rode.  Sir Ulrik was the guide as he had been to the castle before.  He had no words to offer, being a man of action...and little else.  But still, he remembered what conversation they have had.  Little as it seemed it has allowed Hassid to respect her as a friend.