Session #35: Underground Shrine

[istainion]

 Day: 6, Time of day: Afternoon
Location: catacomb, Church, Vallaki
Side Note: Room discovered inside the monastery with a summoning circle for the Demon prince of the undead, Orcus. Letter has been found on the desk "progress is going well." Yshvara found a set of leather boots (pristine condition), short sword (Good condition), Cloak (Good condition), Father Lucian speaks of the old Deity, Jergal and said he has "changed" and not for the better, he is no longer "listening".

(Remarks marked by * are written in abyssal, remarks marked by - are written in celestial, the rest of the entry is written in common)

<Battle start>

Our battle started against the four spectral reapers, in the room with only some stairs leading to the stone wall. Surrounded by each of them, I considered it a perfect opportunity to try to scare them off with my channel divinity. Two of them were affected and it seemed for the time being, that they were retreating and disappeared through the floor, leaving only the other two behind for us to fight. Excellent, I thought at that moment until one of them used a strange ability that seems to affect one of their targets and their surrounding members. Much like a severe headache, nothing unusual for me but I didn't expect to see images flash by of someone's memory once it was repeated again on a target near me, Tibirin. I saw images of him, caged in a type of prison, an audience and a ringmaster yielding a whip of some sort. It was enough for me to sum each of these and make sense of it, Tibirin was probably some kind of circus attraction, a prisoner, similar to Arvirin but for entertainment. The damage wasn't terrible ... We managed well, even when the other two returned, one by one. We noticed how their life essence is flowing in the direction of the door, as if something there is absorbing it. Whatever it is, something is happening to the stone door. But with the final reaper down, the door was still shut.

<Battle end>

Our attention was aimed at the door again. My attention went to the others but other than some complaints, nothing happened, *no lecturing. I take it that they are all stressed with what is coming and I won't blame them. Saves the need for me to shrug it off. Yshvara came up with an idea, there is a pressure plate located on the top row of the stairs, she told us all to move back for her to cast her ability. It was difficult to see, standing right behind the tall woman but I swear I could detect a glimpse of magic pushing down onto the stairs. Then informed us that it would take more for it to be pushed down but Tibirin was quick to assist her attempt and together, they made the door respond. It pushed itself down, like a wall and a new room was revealed to us.

A rather ominous room if you ask me but that might just be caused by the state it is in. I detected necrotic energy from each of the four pillars surrounding a coffin with a specific design. Cautious as we were, we stepped inside, one by one and looked around. The blue flames lit the room and some candles were spread on the corners of the coffin. To me this looked like a place of worship. I might not be familiar with Barovia's religion but the design of the coffin is similar to what I saw on the church altar. St. Markovia. When the others forcefully opened up the coffin, we detected some text written inside, other than that, it was entirely empty. No magic tricks, nothing. None of us were able to read the text inside and neither could our tricks help us out this time. Due to the shared insecurities, we had a small discussion whether or not risking to place the relic inside, for who knows what will happen. I told them to simply give it a try. Given the signs, this is more than clear the space for a holy relic to be held and what better space than for bones to rest inside a coffin? Shevat transformed into a dog but he ... He grew rather excited about his new role. He, too, could not help us here with his ability to smell. More of them started to take my side and advised me to try it.

To ensure that this wouldn't just be another trap, Pyre suggested we step outside, for she will be able to pass through the surface by her ability. Arvirin and Tibirin at first refused to let her be on her own but the others managed to convince the large tiger while I managed to get Arvirin out there. *Foolish boy ...

Once the relic was positioned, the coffin responded and started to shut itself while a bright light escaped and passed past us, rushing it's way around us with its warm touch. This radiant energy, it felt great ... The relic is in place again, our mission has been successful ... Thank the Gods ... The door was slowly slowing, almost as expected, but Pyre was fast enough to escape through it and was with us on the other side of the room. We left the room and continued to explore the western side of the monastery and the southern part, where the well is positioned.

We first went south. I checked if I could detect any necrotic energy from the left and right of the well again but now it is gone and the place is safe to explore. I told the Yshvara and Pyre that stood near me, Yshvara walked past me and checked the well. With an attempt to draw water, the pulled the container up and found some remains in it and some special leather armor. She assumes that it carries some magical energy to it and given the perfect state it is in, I could just believe it as well. I told her to keep it, it's leather armor and she might just put it to better use, *at least have her carry it, I thought. I'm not going to carry any pointless luggage. They can fight over whoever gets it, in case they are willing. It was used by one of our undead enemies, no doubt. Never, shall I carry it.

When the two of us returned, Tibirin was staring at a wall nearby. He pointed out that it looks clearly different from the rest and once he said that, at least most of us recognized it as well. Our sweet new dog, Shevat, noticed that there was a breeze of air coming from underneath this strange wall. It didn't take long for Tibirin to choose brute violence to try tearing down the wall when we mostly agreed for him to give it a go. Once it was down by some assistance of brutal force, a new passageway was shown and would lead to a cave. Before we decided to go farther in, we decided to explore the remaining chambers. With the activation of the relic's powers, this monastery should be safe for us to explore.

We had to keep moving on, Father is waiting for us. With little hesitation, we traveled to the western section of the monastery and found a door leading inside a chamber with coffins standing around. Four larger ones, two smaller ones and a collection of crates and barrels in two of the corners. I confess, I was curious to see what cursed origin would be hidden inside, but knowing that each and every thing that I touch reacts with the connection of the dead spirits, I refrained myself from it. Even with Shevat as a dog, I didn't think he'd lecture me, at most, he would bark. Though, given as happy he is, I don't believe that he'd notice it either way. It was like a real dog, true to its instinct and he clearly felt loyal to Tibirin for who knows what reason. Our eyes rested on the door that is connected to the room we are in. It was locked.

I saw Pyre reach for her bag and grab some familiar tools from there to pry the lock. *I do not know what purpose she serves that allows her to break the law but I didn't say a word. I observed and kept an eye on her, to see how long she would take to break in. It wasn't long. She is either a skilled thief or nothing but a lucky woman. The lock might be old and fragile. She stepped inside and I followed her inside, the others stood where they were. We saw a large summoning circle drawn on the floor. There was some information written out inside the circle, a certain name that would repeat in a language only I speak. Again, Abyssal. Orcus, the demon prince of the undead. Pyre found a note on the desk saying that "Progress is going well".


We didn't know what to think of it, it could be the doing of different people. Since Orcus is a demon prince, it might as well have been the work of the remains of the underground cult of the Wachter's family or it could be the work of that Stasia lady. If not, then there might be a third enemy lurking around that we are unaware of. Whatever it is, it won't take long for us to find that out. In this moment, we can be certain that whoever enters the underground momentary, will have a difficult time passing the barrier that the relic offers. If they are able to pass, it couldn't have been any of the count's minions, at least those of undead origin.

With that information being processed in mind, Pyre and I returned to the previous room. To ensure that nobody will be able to enter the room as easily, she broke the lock and eventually turned it unusable with the heat coming from her body. It is strange to imagine creatures like her come to existence, able to control the element like she does. It was quite an impressive sight ...

Yshvara was in the second room and called the others for assistance. She mentioned that she obtained some things from that room. There were traces of blood, signs of violence in the other room she had said. And a number of items were scattered around. The blood stains are dried, she said, but it hasn't been long since both rooms were put in use.

My attention was directed at Arvirin who's been acting a little absent but he told me not to worry, he's merely exhausted from the fight even when I repeated myself to ensure that the boy isn't hiding anything. The look on his face is sincere and that's where it was for me. I haven't seen the room myself, I believe I can leave some of the work to the others. They are capable men and women. They haven't discovered a lot more than the information that have been shared. Yshvara obtained some of the armor that she had found in that room.

At this point, everything has been explored, at least from what I have seen. It was time for us to return to the passageway that had been cleared.

We followed it all the way to the end and found a bright light. A pound with golden fish. The water was crystal clear, almost magical ... We assume that this is the shrine of the water spirit. Where the gem is, we do not know, other than that those people have lost it near the lake  Zarovich. It was a beautiful sight, I enjoyed this moment of tranquility. It is so different from the land above. If only we could stay and enjoy our time a little longer but we simply can't keep the man upstairs waiting any longer nor should we let the enemies have any time to cause more harm than we can restore.

We left the pond and walked back toward the dark surroundings and made our way back up the surface. We're back at the graveyard again, where Father Lucian Petrovich is standing with a smile. The surroundings are a lot brighter than they were before. Arvirin rushed past us from the stairs and jumped toward the man for a tight embrace. The man was a little disorientated, not knowing what he had done to deserve it. Arvirin claims to just be happy to see the man. He stroked through his hair and calmed him down. He looked over to the rest of us and concluded his suspicions about our success. The surroundings have returned to their natural state.
Yshvara quickly pointed out the bad news of our finds, with her lack of information for not having seen the environment, Pyre and I filled the man in on the rest. The room with the summoning circle to call forth the demon prince of the undead, the note about the progress and the fact that it has been used not long ago. The demon hasn't been summoned at least, according to Father Lucian, he hasn't seen any but I believe we would notice it sooner or later if a demon prince were to be added to our to-kill list. What ever could be necessary to call forth a demon? ... I doubt that any library would just offer us this information. If we have a way to form an obstacle to this ritual, we must put it to good use.

I can imagine that the unexplored basement of the Wachter's may hold some information about demon summoning rituals if it hasn't been taken away already. It will be worth the effort, I can imagine. We might not be secured against the undying outside the church grounds but we have given the people a place to find safety for when things were to make a turn for the worse. Yshvara also pointed out the cult to the man. He admitted that he has heard from them via the baron. They are just normal men and women that would sometimes come and visit the church. He doesn't seem to think of them as evil and believes that most of them have died during the attack. There may have been survivors, no doubt. I don't believe that the baron's wife is entirely innocent either. Who knows what that writing on her mirror could have been ... She could have used it to communicate.

Why would she not be present at the festival, standing near her proud husband? Instead, would it disappear? She may know a thing or two or she may have been taken as a prisoner. It is a shame that I have no options to get in contact with her but Yshvara must have met her before. I recall her making contact with other people as well via her spell. When we can afford it, I'll definitely point it out.

When Yshvara asked about the attack which took place near the church, Father Lucian Petrovich pointed out a specific lady that matches the description of Stasia, she was in charge of a few vampire units. Hopefully she won't be able to access that room now that the relic is in place. The man promises to keep it safe. I trust him, the reason why it was stolen has been succeeded by manipulation of an innocent, foolish child that was likely struggling to survive with the little income he has. Disgusting how some gold coins give a noble so much control. Father Lucian gave us a final smile when he thanked us and wished us good luck on our journey.

"May the Lord be with you and may his light shine on you."
We're probably going to need a lot of divine luck if you ask me.


Time: Late Afternoon
Location: Blue water inn, Vallaki
Side Note: Stella Wachter can be recovered by the use of a flower that is growing inside a subterranean cave of Lake Zarovich or by a powerful healing spell (Greater restoration), Gorepaw is located North-East of Vallaki, we're warned about the Lord of the Lake and it's intimidating size, matching the size of the island positioned in the center of the lake. Shevat enjoys being a dog and receiving "belly rubs".

Since the Blue water inn would be on our way back to our assigned estate, I told them that I prefer making a stop there. I did promise Arvirin that he would get to taste liquor and honestly, I believe after all the fighting, we could all use some break. I'm off duty, I carry no other responsibility than to keep these people to their tasks and safe. That has been my job given by the temporary burgomeister after all. I wonder what will become of it afterwards ...

We entered the inn after some traveling and the others seemed to be fine with the idea of taking a break here. Shevat wasn't really in the position to talk, he has been too enthusiastic about being a dog for some reason. It was almost difficult to imagine that there is a human hidden underneath that animal skin. He's been energetic this whole time. We would need to inform Urwin that the dog isn't just a dog. Upon entering, we noticed that the surroundings have been improved a little bit. The tables are positioned as you'd expect them to see when you enter a place like this, unlike my first visit. It looked like it was in an emergency state, almost like a first aid center, now it actually has the looks of a tavern.

They had a few visitors and Urwin was standing behind the counter. He's busy writing something until his gaze meets us. He briefly cheers and greets us as his friends but then asks us what we would like from him. Again, Arvirin rushes past us again but instead of going for an embrace this time, he jumps on top of the counter and repeats "Liquor, liquor, liquor!" in an excited manner. We all complained but I couldn't bear the sight of his insolent behavior any longer and made my way toward the boy to drag him down from there. The innkeeper begins to summarize a number of familiar types of liquor but none of them are familiar to the younger elf. Tibirin informed him of that and the man made quick work of that information while I managed to get the boy standing with his feet on the ground instead of the counter.

He reaches for something that looks like a wine bottle and places it down in front of Arvirin. The first thing that he did was to smell it, much like a wild animal would to check what it is. Soon afterwards he actually stuck his tongue in it, like he said in advance that he would! I can't believe my eyes ... What have they done to him while he was held captive? From behind, I tried to call out to him but clearly, his attention was elsewhere, caught in some kind of trance. Urwin looked over to us with an awkward expression and suggested we teach him how to drink. Tibirin told the boy to sit down and that he did. Well, we're getting somewhere to teach him how to behave like a commoner.

I requested Urwin for something like a glass for the boy to drink from but he handed me a full one. Well, that works, too. I handed it to him, but again, he couldn't resist having it like a wild animal. It's not a surprise that both he and Arvirin get along so well. Maybe they are distant relatives ... I suggested that Tibirin could teach him a thing or two, considering that he makes himself look like a father figure already. It was difficult to contain my laughter in that given moment but neither could I let the opportunity slip to make him take care of it instead. Of course it upset him but it didn't hold him from actually taking the job.

I told him that I have read things about him but I didn't imagine him to get upset over it. He made some murderous comments about Ellamin but he said "that ELF" in a rather rude manner. I had to let him know who he's speaking to, he happens to be yet another ELF. He told me that if I read the journal, I would know why I speak of him like that. There haven't been a lot of mean comments about him, instead, Ellamin seems to like the guy now that I see the journal again. He returned the threat because I did read it, and told me to watch MY tongue. I simply rolled my eyes at it and turned my back on the large tiger who's finally teaching Arvirin how to drink. Took him long enough ...

Yshvara asked the innkeeper if anything had changed. Urwin could tell us that there have been no more attacks from any vampire spawn lately, so things have been calming down a lot. Progress is progress. Our presence seems to make a difference. I noticed the dog moving to Arvirin and sat there with excitement to watch him. Yeah, they get along awfully well, don't they ...

It was a perfect moment for me to get a glass of liquor as well. Urwin assumed that I'd get the same thing but honestly, after all this ... I need something far stronger. We discussed the strength a little, for now, I thought, a little above average would do the trick. He took out a bottle with their family crest on it and it certainly did look promising (Purple Dragon Crush). When I wanted to pay for it, he assumed I would pay for everything that had been handed to Arvirin. Honestly, I don't mind paying for others but we never discussed this! That was when the boy tossed over his bag of coins. What a fool ... He really hasn't learned anything from that last experience, has he? He cannot just blindly trust anyone with that value he keeps inside ...!

I took it from the counter and said I'd pay for everything instead. I assumed it's much easier in this case. (-3 silver) Once that was taken care of, I took my spot at the table and focused on my drink when Urwin noticed Shevat near Arvirin. He urged us to answer him who the dog belongs to but the rest were quick to fill him in that it was just Shevat, himself. Just ... "Being" himself. The man approached the dog and gave him a pat on the head to which Shevat ran in a few circles of excitement. He's really getting into his role, is he not ... He asks the dog if he has eaten any birds or not. Strange man ... Of all things he could ask ... I couldn't help myself from letting it slip that he's probably a vegetarian, given the type of treehugger he is that is against the abuse of nature. Even convincing Shevat of beating down a murderous, corrupted bear is too much to ask for.

We stayed for dinner. It was a pretty nice stew, it's nice for a change from all the bland food I've been eating those past years. Preparing meals certainly isn't among my interests nor skills but I can tell that his wife is absolutely skilled at it. Pyre and Urwin met, he seems to have heard of her kind but he hasn't seen one, himself. So they truly do have people who cross the borders of mist ... I hope that the merchant has been properly informed and is safe ... One of these days, I must contact him and ask if he has made it to his destination. That will allow me to relax, even just a little. If only it wouldn't take so much of my energy that could be used to help the people in need, just to contact a poor man that I was forced to leave on his own.

In the meanwhile, I heard Urwin's voice again, speaking to Shevat and mentioning something about belly rubs? A soft smack was heard and I noticed the dog laying on his back excitedly. Is that really a human or did we exchange the man for an actual dog? Because I failed to discover the difference ... Urwin told us that normally with a transformation like that, one would keep his intelligence but Shevat ... He seems to ... Be ... Different. So it's a Shevat-thing, is that it? I'm getting less and less surprised. And then he started ... To actually rub the boy's belly. I can't tell whether or not I am ashamed of this man but honestly, I cannot bother with it anyway. I don't think I'll ever be taking this man seriously ever again.

There was a loud "Who is a good boy?!" coming from the tall, bearded man. They both seem to be into this ...

After dinner, Shevat finally returned back to being a human. I could not resist asking him about the experience and how much he enjoyed being on the ground, barking and playing with people. He apologized, looked embarrassed about himself and added that it's sometimes difficult to forget about your true form when you take that of another. I admitted that I would have mistaken him for an actual dog if I didn't know it was him. Shevat blames the deal he makes with the spirits of nature to be the cause for his disorientated experience while shapeshifting. He either cannot carry blame or he's actually speaking the truth. *If he ever comes up with the idea to transform me into any of his weird animal shapes, I'll let him feel how I think about it. It won't feel nice, I promise.

We discussed our plans a little, how we'll deal with Gorepaw and the task that is awaiting us at the Vineyard of Urwin's father. It was also the moment where I pointed out that Shevat is still keeping information from us, not willing to make us wait any longer, the druid stands up from the ground near the wall where he decided would be a good spot to meditate at and approached us at the dining table to share what the spirits that have guided him, revealed to him. He spoke of Stella Wachter, the daughter of the noble and head of the underground cult, her condition.

I only read some vague lines about it from the journal, I haven't seen her, myself. It seems like Shevat has revealed something of a flower that grows underwater inside a type of cave. It is located in the Lake Zarovich in between the shore and island that they seemed to have visited to free Arabel from some drunkard. This flower will help her but Urwin said something about the Lord of the Sea. There is danger involved with this task and how are we able to simply explore the bottom of the lake? Maybe if I focus hard enough, I might find an alternative to the spell to cross the water but if I can get to it in time ... I wonder. If I twist some of the spell here and there ... I can't believe that such wonders actually happen but Barovia is an interesting place. It almost sounds like some urban legend of a flower that grows in  water. Inside a type of cave.

I knew I would be expecting some kind of sea monster. That Sea Lord is likely a corrupted version of the gem. And if it is not, well ... We'll see. I am not up for a game of drowning in all honesty. Besides! I haven't been assigned a task like that by the Burgomeister either! She is in charge of me, after all ... At least during my stay here. While we were at it, I also asked the exact location for Urwin to point out where the Mad Mage is hiding on the map of Barovia. He is seen around the borders of the opposite side of Lake Zarovich, going all the way toward the mountain, Mt. Baratok. We do not need to be concerned about him for a while.



Another option for him to heal her is through an advanced healing spell. I have heard of it but clearly, that spell is beyond my ability. I hadn't thought that such an innocent spell of such a low power could inflict this much harm to a person ... I hope her restoration will be of value. To her, to everyone. I do not doubt that the child needs a savior but people may be dying during our absence. We do need to keep our priorities straight ...

Time: Evening
Location: Headquarters, Vallaki

Evening came when we decided to return home. We had a little chat on our way there, until everyone fell silent at the mysterious figure standing at our doorstep and awaiting our arrival. The others seemed to recognize this strange, well dressed noble man. Soon, I, too, learned that this is our main enemy. Forced to hold my position, I tried to suppress each and every urge that washed over me. He's asking for permission to enter the house . . .

I hope it was cold outside, that it took a very long time until we arrived. I can't believe we're facing this vampire so soon and that in the worst condition ever. He said that he has no interests in a fight, it's just a chat that he desires. When ever did evil request a mere chat? This is merely him, playing with his immense power with an attempt to cause fear in our hearts.

He truly mistakes us for fools for standing so close? -I fear nothing but the wellbeing of my allies. It shall not be caused by my words, again, that they must suffer. I must contain myself, the best that I manage *but I can only fantasize about inflicting severe pain on that handsome face of his. How about I make it a little ... Less handsome?