Session #45: Holy encounter
Jan. 14th, 2024 06:54 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
istainionDay: 11, Time of day: Afternoon
Location: Field, close to the ruins of Berez
Note: Hag swallowed a bright glowing gem/orb and became one with her hut, obtained a new gem/orb of the Mountain (Pyre's possession?), New group member joined: Torvial, Voice was heard during appearance of Torvial, sounding oddly familiar and healed us during the struggle. (Same voice as our collective dream in Vallaki), Met new NPC: Godfrey (Everyone other than Yshvara & Shevat), obtained magic items: Staff of the forgotten Fanes (+1 Staff + Ability), Armor of the undying Sentinel (+1 Studded armor + Ability), Guardian's Stand (+1 Shield + Ability) The stolen relic hasn't been found yet, search the area? Located in the well? Shevat obtained the staff and studded armor, Yshvara obtained Shevat's necklace, I obtained the shield. Infernal Tithe (cursed) has been handed to Torvial.
(Remarks marked by *are written in abyssal, remarks marked by - are written in celestial, the rest of the entry is written in common)
All of us were now facing the hag and her hut on the stump, and each of us knew that there was no other way than to fight her. From the surroundings, I could tell that we haven't moved away too far from the ruins of Berez. And from the looks of our enemy, we aren't just going to battle against a hag, but also her hut. Now this is probably the strangest thing that has happened to me in Barovia up until now ... - May Ilmater be with us ...
The terrain is as lovely as in Berez, swamp-like, covered with pools of water. It was cold, humid and rather dark at this hour (besides Barovian standards) It wasn't too difficult to move which came as a surprise. I positioned myself at the center and readied myself before Baba Lysaga would initiate combat.
<Battle Start>
Immediately, I cast forth my spiritual weapon and readied myself to jump. Curiously awaiting the turn this battle would take for me to know the position I should be taking. The first thing I had noticed was Yshvara running away from the group to keep her distance and yelling something to Arabella. "I hope your fist is as strong as your table manners!" The dhampir smiled back at her. "We'll see!"
That's when the hut began to move. The door of the hut slammed open with the hag standing in the opening. At incredible speed, the hut came in our direction to attack the front line where Pyre and Arabella were standing, aiming for Pyre first. The large roots made an attempt to hit her, but she was quick on her feet to get away. The second pair of roots flew in Arabella's direction in an attempt to harm her. Unlike Pyre, Arabella didn't have the space to move, not to shield herself from the precision of the hut. (-22 blud. Damage) But as soon as I heard the pained noises coming from her direction, as soon as it did, a force from her pushed the hut all the way back to where it originally stood. - That was incredible ... The hag fell backwards into the house, and we could hear the sounds of pots from inside fly from one side to the other due to the impact.
But from underneath the hut, much longer roots came out, almost looking like an arm, reaching all the way to the young lady in the back, Yshvara. She, too, took a massive hit. (-22 blud. damage) It was soon becoming clearer that we're up against a very strong pair of enemies. I heard Shevat mutter some words, before the hut and hag were caught by the familiar spell and mildly lit in a green hue. His spell was successful. Excellent ...
"Well, well, well ... I can't have anyone hurting my precious son, so ..." The hag let out after she got her way up. "Don't take this personally ..." She held her hand in our direction when a small flame appeared, then she tossed in our direction, when it suddenly moved very quickly between Pyre, Arabella and me. A large fire explosion appeared. (Fireball) (-26 fire damage) I felt how it burned my skin, how my armor left burn marks from underneath. It certainly wasn't pretty. To either inflict enough damage to keep her at bay or to heal away the pain from others, I wasn't in a good spot, but the green hue of the hut and the old woman gave enough of a hint. - I won't go down without a fight ...
Pyre ran in the distance and climbed her way up the hut to reach the lady for a successful attack and the battle continued. During the struggle, our surroundings suddenly became brighter. I looked up briefly, to see where the light came from. I haven't seen light in ... Eleven days ... Specifically, above us, the clouds were parting. It was strange, yet beautiful. I welcome it, almost as if Ilmater has heard my prayer. The sun was reaching us, and it felt like everything stopped moving at this moment. Caught in the embrace of warmth.
A being of light came from above the clouds, shot all the way down to the ground right next to me. I squinted my eyes to see, the bright light didn't wear off for a long time. A man stood next to me with longer, waving hair, standing at least 6 ft tall in armor, like a warrior of light. - A message from the Gods? Was it him? They sent an angel, a warrior, to back us up? May our guest be blessed by the light.
At that moment, we heard a voice reaching us.
"Fate has not abandoned you just yet."
It was a female voice. Moments later, I felt a warmth in the cold, one that replenished all my strength and pushed away any exhaustion I experienced after the antidote. Truly, the woman is right. Fate certainly has not abandoned us just yet ... I smiled to myself, tightening the grip around my long sword and shield.
"You better not turn against us ...", I said to the man waving red hair in armor, before I made way to the hut, and made it more difficult to be hit. Then, I pointed my hand in the hag's direction and unleashed a massive amount of necrotic energy in her direction (Blight 33 DMG-50%) Then ordered my spiritual weapon to do the rest. Hopefully, she, too, will get the hint.
The battle continued, each of us took a massive amount of damage as things went on, even Shevat fell to the ground unconsciously once, even with an attempt to get him back up, the new guy decided to save him, granting him with a shield of faith to keep the man safe.
- I recognized that skill ... That was the same ability that Tibirin used to save me ... Right before he ... Disappeared. Is this a sign? A sign of hope in a forsaken place? If only Arvirin could witness this as well.
When everything seemed to take a turn for the better, the hag announced something again. "I need to end you all here ..." She said, and left the door frame for a moment to obtain something. The whole hut began to crumble and shake when she pulled something out. She returned with a green, glowing crystal, similar to the one we have obtained from the undead bear. Was it what it took to animate her hut?
Unlike expected, she held it above her mouth and swallowed it whole. The sight was disgusting. Horrific, nothing unusual here, still unpleasant. The stump on which the house is standing began to crack and crumble after this. The vines near it started to form a cocoon around the house. Pyre managed to get off just in time when the hag and hut united as one. As soon as the cocoon burst and flew to the side, a large monster appeared. It was enormous. Black blood pours from the creature made of flesh, bones and vines.
PHASE 2
It sure didn't feel right to stand right next to it. "For f*ck's sake ..." I complained, looking up to the large abomination. A high-pitched screech left it as it looked in our direction. I could feel it in my head, a pressure I had to fight. A heavy headache reached me, but I had worse than this ... (-9 psychic DMG) But Pyre ended up being frozen on the spot. (Paralyzed)
It appears that this creature enjoys dragging others close by its large hands. One of the unlucky catches was Yshvara, who was dragged right next to her before she fell unconscious by the damage to its grip. (-20 slashing DMG, -10 necrotic DMG) I made my way to her and got her back up on her feet. It was a shame that her animated short sword had to drop back down onto the ground as well in her attempt to attack. But as soon as the familiar green outline appeared, things started to look up again.
During this moment, an unfamiliar undead looking creature showed up as if he was called. When I saw his blade lit up in a familiar, radiant type of energy and charge toward the enemy, it became clear on which side he was at. For the time being, at least. Yshvara also confirmed that she was the one who called out to him (Sending) for assistance and that he is a friend, not an enemy. Truly, I had my own thoughts about that, but given the situation, none of us was given the luxury of judgment.
As the battle continued, some of us were dragged from one side to the other. But once the creature showed signs of weakness, and it looked like battle was within reach, I gave the creature its last present. With no other wish or desire, I cut through the legs of the creature and amputated it with the force of my necrotic energy. Weakening the vines and flesh to a point where it would no longer hold. They dried out, pulverized into dust and fell to the side. The remaining plant life that is attached to it died out along with it. I chuckled to myself for a moment.
<Battle end>
With the immediate threat gone, I could finally pay attention to my secondary threat. My eyes were resting on the undead creature. I pointed my blade in the direction of it, making it aware of its position. Yshvara got in between and held her hands in defense of the creature. "I... It's just a long story!" Then the creature spoke with a very deep, echoing voice. "I see you have gotten some new friends ..." it said. A man's voice.
Yshvara tried to explain to the creature that others have parted in various ways. "Where's the big half-elf?" He asked, looking with its red eyes around us. The sight of him was upsetting, but eventually I dropped my weapon as the conversation continued. "I'm afraid that he is with ... The count." The aasimar looked down on the ground with a sigh. Right, one of the traitors, is he not?
- May I release the half-elf from the eternal seeming damnation of immortality when I get to him ... Such things being applied without one's agreement are absolutely unforgivable. If he will survive that, that is ...
"When I looked into him", the creature continued. "All I see was an evil spirit." The revenant said. Oh, he's possessed, too? I'm not an expert at exorcism but that's a concern for afterwards. The spirit may be long gone now that he's ... Not entirely alive. "It didn't turn out very well, I grant that but we're doing all we can ...!" Yshvara scratched the back of her head with a flustered expression. "An evil spirit?" I asked with curiosity. Yshvara confirmed that he had indeed a spirit within him, one spirit that this undead creature is acquainted with. Now that makes things even more bizarre. I sighed out and complained. "And here I thought things couldn't get any crazier around here ... Now you're making deals with some kind of undead." Yshvara looked at me with an expression I couldn't quite catch. "Have you seen Barovia? At least this man has some knightley presence to him." I did indeed recall the blade and an ability only familiar to paladin kinds.
"Yeah, I'll ... Give you that ..." I sighed out and put my sword back into its scabbard. I looked at the undead creature. "What is your name, undead?" I saw it slowly turn to me, giving me these strange, cold shivers. His appearance wasn't very ... Comforting to look at. It's a surprise that his body is keeping up so well with the decay. "I may be undead but could you please not refer to me that way?" Yshvara nodded. "Yes, his name is Godfrey." I looked away from them, barely believing my eyes nor ears and shook my head with disbelief. "Well, I'll do my best not to refer to you as such ..." The revenant nodded, looking back at me. "Sir Godfrey."
Shevat joined the conversation when he approached us. "Thank you, Sir Godfrey, however did you know how to come here?" I looked at him with curiosity. It is indeed something I'd like to know as well. I did not speak with dead creatures to guide him near, so my fault, it was not. Then Yshvara turned to us and admitted that it was her doing. "I have gotten a message from this one here.", Sir Godfrey said, glancing at the lady to his side. "And then I ran as quickly as my undead feet could take me." Shevat smiled at both the man and Yshvara. "Quick thinking, Yshvara." She giggled in return with a proud smile. "But I see you no longer need my assistance, I shall be on my way." The undead was already about to turn away to leave until the blond woman's voice reached him. "Didn't you have any business with this hag?" He looked in the direction of the body remains. "Nothing I can ask her now, now that she is dead."
I tilted my head with curiosity and a smile. "Oh, you want to speak to the dead~? That's not an issue." The undead knight held his chin. "Hmm, I feel like that might not work on a creature like that, but you are more than welcome to try." It's not a spell I was ready to cast at the given moment, but a potential failed attempt didn't stop my interests. To derail the conversation entirely, Yshvara pointed out the crystal that she and the rest of us recalled seeing the woman swallow.
Most of them moved over to the corpse and began digging in the dried flesh. I suppose they can be thankful for my necrotic attacks in this case. This makes it mildly less disgusting, I suppose. Pyre, Yshvara and Arabella made an attempt to find it. From the distance, I picked up the sound of some humming and soon, the brightness of the gem/crystal appeared from where they were digging. Terrible job. They also found a chest, which they promptly unlocked with a copper key. Soon to reveal a red colored-wooden staff, in its very natural shape, along with it, they took out a tower shield with engravings of a Silver Dragon and some studded armor. Shevat caught the appearance of the staff and approached the investigating group with curiosity. "Arabella, can I see the staff?" She nodded and handed it over to him.
I, too, became curious. These items, their quality, the durability of the chest. It seems too much of a coincidence. I approached the group and reached for the small glasses which I borrowed from Ezmeralda. Finally, I could experience what it was like to use them. These have to be magical in any sort of way. I took a closer look at the staff to ensure that whatever it had, would not interfere nor harm Shevat. It doesn't appear to be cursed, it comes with new abilities, a thing I've never learned of before, that magic items are capable of. These will not only enhance his ability, they will also increase the overall healing abilities of the man. He gains resistance. It was incredible ...
I looked at the man and explained what it does, adding that he should hold onto it and use it. I trust that he will only do good with it. He thanked me when he accepted it in his hands. "I will make good use of it." I nodded, expecting nothing less. They reached the shield over to Godfrey, since it appears to resemble something he is or used to be a part of. "Does this look familiar to you?" Yshvara asked with a smile. The undead slowly nodded. "Yes, this is the shield that was used by the head of our order. It's a very powerful piece of equipment." That's interesting. I don't believe I have heard of such an order before. "You won't mind us using this in our quest, would you?" She asked curiously. The revenant looked back at her with a certain glance. "What is it that you want to achieve?"
Yshvara leaned back and straightened her posture. "Well! Based on all this, I suppose that it's about time that the count has a little bit of a wake up call." She seemed to convince the undead. "If you find someone that has a use for it, you should all keep it. May it keep you all safe then. I don't know the full extent of its capabilities but I know it's powerful." I was honestly surprised at the words of this man, they carry such weight to them. No matter his condition, he seems to have unusual good intentions, even through generosity. Are we truly worthy of this shield?
Yshvara then asked the man whether or not we, as a group, could count on him ever again when the battle was getting tough. She asked him permission to tell him. "You didn't need my permission to do it now, you don’t need it, then." Godfrey confirmed, revealing full willingness to assist in battle. I am ... Amazed. "I appreciate it, Sir." I said to him, the man gave me a glance, looking oddly familiar as the creatures in the darkest of dreams. There was a mild sense of dread. "Maybe next time ... Don't point your blade at me."
I looked back at him with a frown, but Yshvara shielded the man from it. "Yeah--Sorry about him." She smiled back at him, before turning back to me. "This man is fine, he's with us." The woman clarified. Clearly, I am rather convinced, seeing his faith hasn't left him, even now. Then Arabella came in. "Yes, not all undead are bad."
I looked at her, then back at Godfrey and said "I suppose it's only fair if I make an exception for this person, that I should also do it for you." I made clear that I referred to Arabella by pointing at her in between. "I don't need calling out like that, thank you very much!" The gnome complained. Godfrey looked over to the small lady. "I don't believe I have made acquaintances with you yet. You seem kind of pale." I leaned in with a smile to fill him in. "Undead, you mean~?" Arabella glared back at me again. "Viiris ..." I backed away with a soft chuckle. "Please stop stirring, Viiris ...", Yshvara complained, glancing at me. "I'll behave."
She made a small bow and stated her name. "Arabella Belmont." He was curious about her story as well. "I have some ... Business with the count." He nodded back in acknowledgement, but then said he hasn't got interest in her. Interesting guy. When he looked at Pyre's glowing blade and back to his own, he gave her a nod. "You're good." She got surprisingly excited about it before he decided to make his leave. He lets Yshvara know to message him, only when it's urgent.
My attention was caught by the other man, the holy one that came from the heavens (sky). I eyed him suspiciously. It took only a fraction of seconds for the others to notice him as well. "Who the hell are you, man who fell from the sky?" Pyre asked the unknown man curiously. Seeing how wounded the man was and Godfrey's leaving, Shevat casted his healing spirit to the land, shaped like a squirrel to grant us with the health we have lost and that of the wounded savior. (+31 HP)
"New arrival?", Yshvara added with a smile. "Yes. You probably won't believe me, but I am sent here by fate." She did agree that it was hard to believe. I am not too suspicious of that, but I wanted to know who he serves. "Originally, I serve the city of Baldur's Gate." Clearly, that's not a city you hear travelers mention very often. It's a dangerous place, no doubt, that this man is sturdy is going to be even less of a doubt, but will it be enough in these lands?
Yshvara seems familiar with the man, but only remotely. It was difficult for him to explain any more about the details of how he got here. Honestly, neither can I. Except for running into the mist, trying to chase a werewolf. This man, he came from the sky ... Yshvara explained the rough case here in Barovia to the man, referring to this place as a domain of a vampire Lord that's not the nicest man and warned him of the mist that will kill once one tries to escape. Yes, I have tried it, you'll suffocate. (Comment: Strahd: Not the nicest?! Rude!)
"My main purpose is to eradicate evil and I am sure that I will be able to do it in a place like this." The man stated. I won't deny that I do appreciate his mindset, as long as he can discern right from wrong. I guess we'll find out about that soon.
Yshvara nodded with a loud sigh. "Oh yes ... Plenty of evil." Pyre agreed. "Basically, the best place." The stranger put his hands together, and shut his eyes as if he prayed with gratitude. "Thank you, fate." Pyre gave it a shrug, looking over to the excited man. "I wouldn't get too excited. It's kinda f*cking awful here, but you know ..." Shevat looked at the man curiously again, studying his features. He extended his hand toward the man. "Thank you for saving my life, sir." He gave him an expectant look. The man took a grip around his hand and shook it gently with a nod. "Torvial Vellin is the name, nice to meet you."
"Well then, who do you serve?" I asked again. "I have already answered that question." Torvial answered. He clearly didn't answer the question I wanted him to answer, he gave his background, but not the deity he serves. "No, you have not. What deity would you serve if you were sent by fate?" All the man could answer to me is that he serves a celestial. "I serve a Celestial and that should suffice." He made himself clear. I frowned at him. Is he not a proud servant? Afraid to mention the light in his life? That's quite something. I narrowed my eyes to discover whether or not this man speaks truth, but the look in his eyes spoke of certainty. Then what is there about this celestial that he hides from us?
"I give you one warning, sir Torvial. I hate it when people keep secrets from me." Yshvara looked with an apologetic gaze in Torvial's direction. "He struggles with people. Just be patient with him." The man lifted his brows and shrugged it off. "I know this kind of people, don't worry." Pyre briefly glanced at me as well. "We haven't found out anything he actually does like, we're still trying to figure that out." She shared it with the man. "Himself?" Arabella added. "Eeeh ... I don't know." Pyre shrugged back at the gnome. I frowned at the others. "I'm right here, you know?" Clearly, they are aware. "Yeah, I know." Pyre smiled.
The man was wearing a mask and took it off briefly, explaining that it's a cultural thing for his race of aasimars. Yshvara seems unfamiliar with it. At least he admits that he is of that race, but he refuses to speak of his deity. At least the man says that he's not a fallen one, so faith is connected through him, still. Torvial revealed that the mask is common to wear during combat. He uses it in addition to fulfilling duties, so I suppose his bone mask will be on all the time. Sounds uncomfortable if you ask me.
Since he is wearing the mask, I asked of him "What is your duty now?" But he was very confident with his wording when he said "My duty is to join you in your journey. Here to eradicate evil; I want to fight evil." I admitted loudly that I do like the sound of that. To a point where Yshvara noticed how cooperative I became. "That's a very useful skill to have around here." Torvial said that he doesn't understand or know how he got the chance but he remains grateful for the opportunity. I did warn him that he is likely going to regret the words he speaks within three days, but that doesn't appear like an obstacle to him.
The man admitted to have worked in various positions related to law and crime which is also the field of expertise, however his last position is that of a torturer. Sure, that made the others uncomfortable, but I have a list of names that he is free to torture, among them, the count, himself.
I was concerned about Arvirin now, too. The maker (hag) of the contract is no longer alive. Who will send him back? Would it not automatically be broken if either of them dies? It is her soul that is tied and if her soul is no longer ... But it might be reborn somewhere in Barovia again. That thought is mildly disturbing. I'll try to contact him and stay in touch if it works.
We continued talking and it's clear what everyone's thoughts on the new companion are. They accept him wholeheartedly and think of me as the antihero, assuming that I'm an inquisitor of some sort. Now, I won't deny that they are close, but speaking of it? I shall not, for everyone's sake and that of my own. My name should suffice, my duty should suffice. They didn't appreciate that I, instead, am the one keeping things to myself as well, but it's not like each told their story and occupation out loud, besides Torvial and Pyre.
"I serve only the good." I said to them. "I don't deal with vampires, neither do I make contacts out of undead." I had my gaze resting on the blond woman, but then Shevat added some tiny detail that he had heard Arvirin refer to. "But you do summon them." That's when it got a little uncomfortable. * Truly, that werewolf deserved it after the attack of the innocent. I sighed out and complained to him not to refer to it.
Yshvara leans in and says "I think undead is a very broad category if you're talking about that. I'd say, it really depends on the intentions. Intent can matter." Honestly, she is speaking the truth and I don't entirely like it. "It also depends on the nature of the undead." It's better to keep an open mind about things she wanted to pass onto others. I am quite certain that she addressed it to me. Sure, I must see for myself.
"I just want to say that I don't accept Viiris' methods." Shevat said. Speaking of it as if necromancy is all that I ever applied. There has not been a single day that I spent in Barovia in which I have done any undead summoning. Dammit Arvirin. "... But I do understand that he is working for the good.", Shevat added.
Once that was said, they focused on the orb that is resonating. Shevat confirmed that it is one of the Greater spirit gems. The Mountain gem, green with a brown hue to it. The blue gem is lacking, still. As well as the stolen relic. There was none visible in the mess, she either keeps it elsewhere, or she is not the one who stole it, or she may have passed it on to someone else. Maybe in the well, maybe close to the coats for grass growth or ... Elsewhere.
After a short break, we made our way back to Berez.
Time of day: Evening
Location: The ruins of Berez, near the well
Note: The relic might be hidden here
In order to be prepared for what will come, we decided to take a rest nearby. We checked the well again with a rock with a light spell casted on it, no one was visible and I saw no traces of undead near the entrance. Whatever will show up there, we will fight it during the day time.
We had watches during the night, and shared them with others. Torvial and Pyre went first, Yshvara and I went afterwards, the remaining two did the last one. During my watch, Yshvara explained to me a little bit about the undead we encountered, Sir Godfrey. It was rather ... Informative.
. . .
Location: Field, close to the ruins of Berez
Note: Hag swallowed a bright glowing gem/orb and became one with her hut, obtained a new gem/orb of the Mountain (Pyre's possession?), New group member joined: Torvial, Voice was heard during appearance of Torvial, sounding oddly familiar and healed us during the struggle. (Same voice as our collective dream in Vallaki), Met new NPC: Godfrey (Everyone other than Yshvara & Shevat), obtained magic items: Staff of the forgotten Fanes (+1 Staff + Ability), Armor of the undying Sentinel (+1 Studded armor + Ability), Guardian's Stand (+1 Shield + Ability) The stolen relic hasn't been found yet, search the area? Located in the well? Shevat obtained the staff and studded armor, Yshvara obtained Shevat's necklace, I obtained the shield. Infernal Tithe (cursed) has been handed to Torvial.
(Remarks marked by *
All of us were now facing the hag and her hut on the stump, and each of us knew that there was no other way than to fight her. From the surroundings, I could tell that we haven't moved away too far from the ruins of Berez. And from the looks of our enemy, we aren't just going to battle against a hag, but also her hut. Now this is probably the strangest thing that has happened to me in Barovia up until now ... - May Ilmater be with us ...
The terrain is as lovely as in Berez, swamp-like, covered with pools of water. It was cold, humid and rather dark at this hour (besides Barovian standards) It wasn't too difficult to move which came as a surprise. I positioned myself at the center and readied myself before Baba Lysaga would initiate combat.
<Battle Start>
Immediately, I cast forth my spiritual weapon and readied myself to jump. Curiously awaiting the turn this battle would take for me to know the position I should be taking. The first thing I had noticed was Yshvara running away from the group to keep her distance and yelling something to Arabella. "I hope your fist is as strong as your table manners!" The dhampir smiled back at her. "We'll see!"
That's when the hut began to move. The door of the hut slammed open with the hag standing in the opening. At incredible speed, the hut came in our direction to attack the front line where Pyre and Arabella were standing, aiming for Pyre first. The large roots made an attempt to hit her, but she was quick on her feet to get away. The second pair of roots flew in Arabella's direction in an attempt to harm her. Unlike Pyre, Arabella didn't have the space to move, not to shield herself from the precision of the hut. (-22 blud. Damage) But as soon as I heard the pained noises coming from her direction, as soon as it did, a force from her pushed the hut all the way back to where it originally stood. - That was incredible ... The hag fell backwards into the house, and we could hear the sounds of pots from inside fly from one side to the other due to the impact.
But from underneath the hut, much longer roots came out, almost looking like an arm, reaching all the way to the young lady in the back, Yshvara. She, too, took a massive hit. (-22 blud. damage) It was soon becoming clearer that we're up against a very strong pair of enemies. I heard Shevat mutter some words, before the hut and hag were caught by the familiar spell and mildly lit in a green hue. His spell was successful. Excellent ...
"Well, well, well ... I can't have anyone hurting my precious son, so ..." The hag let out after she got her way up. "Don't take this personally ..." She held her hand in our direction when a small flame appeared, then she tossed in our direction, when it suddenly moved very quickly between Pyre, Arabella and me. A large fire explosion appeared. (Fireball) (-26 fire damage) I felt how it burned my skin, how my armor left burn marks from underneath. It certainly wasn't pretty. To either inflict enough damage to keep her at bay or to heal away the pain from others, I wasn't in a good spot, but the green hue of the hut and the old woman gave enough of a hint. - I won't go down without a fight ...
Pyre ran in the distance and climbed her way up the hut to reach the lady for a successful attack and the battle continued. During the struggle, our surroundings suddenly became brighter. I looked up briefly, to see where the light came from. I haven't seen light in ... Eleven days ... Specifically, above us, the clouds were parting. It was strange, yet beautiful. I welcome it, almost as if Ilmater has heard my prayer. The sun was reaching us, and it felt like everything stopped moving at this moment. Caught in the embrace of warmth.
A being of light came from above the clouds, shot all the way down to the ground right next to me. I squinted my eyes to see, the bright light didn't wear off for a long time. A man stood next to me with longer, waving hair, standing at least 6 ft tall in armor, like a warrior of light. - A message from the Gods? Was it him? They sent an angel, a warrior, to back us up? May our guest be blessed by the light.
At that moment, we heard a voice reaching us.
"Fate has not abandoned you just yet."
It was a female voice. Moments later, I felt a warmth in the cold, one that replenished all my strength and pushed away any exhaustion I experienced after the antidote. Truly, the woman is right. Fate certainly has not abandoned us just yet ... I smiled to myself, tightening the grip around my long sword and shield.
"You better not turn against us ...", I said to the man waving red hair in armor, before I made way to the hut, and made it more difficult to be hit. Then, I pointed my hand in the hag's direction and unleashed a massive amount of necrotic energy in her direction (Blight 33 DMG-50%) Then ordered my spiritual weapon to do the rest. Hopefully, she, too, will get the hint.
The battle continued, each of us took a massive amount of damage as things went on, even Shevat fell to the ground unconsciously once, even with an attempt to get him back up, the new guy decided to save him, granting him with a shield of faith to keep the man safe.
- I recognized that skill ... That was the same ability that Tibirin used to save me ... Right before he ... Disappeared. Is this a sign? A sign of hope in a forsaken place? If only Arvirin could witness this as well.
When everything seemed to take a turn for the better, the hag announced something again. "I need to end you all here ..." She said, and left the door frame for a moment to obtain something. The whole hut began to crumble and shake when she pulled something out. She returned with a green, glowing crystal, similar to the one we have obtained from the undead bear. Was it what it took to animate her hut?
Unlike expected, she held it above her mouth and swallowed it whole. The sight was disgusting. Horrific, nothing unusual here, still unpleasant. The stump on which the house is standing began to crack and crumble after this. The vines near it started to form a cocoon around the house. Pyre managed to get off just in time when the hag and hut united as one. As soon as the cocoon burst and flew to the side, a large monster appeared. It was enormous. Black blood pours from the creature made of flesh, bones and vines.
PHASE 2
It sure didn't feel right to stand right next to it. "For f*ck's sake ..." I complained, looking up to the large abomination. A high-pitched screech left it as it looked in our direction. I could feel it in my head, a pressure I had to fight. A heavy headache reached me, but I had worse than this ... (-9 psychic DMG) But Pyre ended up being frozen on the spot. (Paralyzed)
It appears that this creature enjoys dragging others close by its large hands. One of the unlucky catches was Yshvara, who was dragged right next to her before she fell unconscious by the damage to its grip. (-20 slashing DMG, -10 necrotic DMG) I made my way to her and got her back up on her feet. It was a shame that her animated short sword had to drop back down onto the ground as well in her attempt to attack. But as soon as the familiar green outline appeared, things started to look up again.
During this moment, an unfamiliar undead looking creature showed up as if he was called. When I saw his blade lit up in a familiar, radiant type of energy and charge toward the enemy, it became clear on which side he was at. For the time being, at least. Yshvara also confirmed that she was the one who called out to him (Sending) for assistance and that he is a friend, not an enemy. Truly, I had my own thoughts about that, but given the situation, none of us was given the luxury of judgment.
As the battle continued, some of us were dragged from one side to the other. But once the creature showed signs of weakness, and it looked like battle was within reach, I gave the creature its last present. With no other wish or desire, I cut through the legs of the creature and amputated it with the force of my necrotic energy. Weakening the vines and flesh to a point where it would no longer hold. They dried out, pulverized into dust and fell to the side. The remaining plant life that is attached to it died out along with it. I chuckled to myself for a moment.
<Battle end>
With the immediate threat gone, I could finally pay attention to my secondary threat. My eyes were resting on the undead creature. I pointed my blade in the direction of it, making it aware of its position. Yshvara got in between and held her hands in defense of the creature. "I... It's just a long story!" Then the creature spoke with a very deep, echoing voice. "I see you have gotten some new friends ..." it said. A man's voice.
Yshvara tried to explain to the creature that others have parted in various ways. "Where's the big half-elf?" He asked, looking with its red eyes around us. The sight of him was upsetting, but eventually I dropped my weapon as the conversation continued. "I'm afraid that he is with ... The count." The aasimar looked down on the ground with a sigh. Right, one of the traitors, is he not?
- May I release the half-elf from the eternal seeming damnation of immortality when I get to him ... Such things being applied without one's agreement are absolutely unforgivable. If he will survive that, that is ...
"When I looked into him", the creature continued. "All I see was an evil spirit." The revenant said. Oh, he's possessed, too? I'm not an expert at exorcism but that's a concern for afterwards. The spirit may be long gone now that he's ... Not entirely alive. "It didn't turn out very well, I grant that but we're doing all we can ...!" Yshvara scratched the back of her head with a flustered expression. "An evil spirit?" I asked with curiosity. Yshvara confirmed that he had indeed a spirit within him, one spirit that this undead creature is acquainted with. Now that makes things even more bizarre. I sighed out and complained. "And here I thought things couldn't get any crazier around here ... Now you're making deals with some kind of undead." Yshvara looked at me with an expression I couldn't quite catch. "Have you seen Barovia? At least this man has some knightley presence to him." I did indeed recall the blade and an ability only familiar to paladin kinds.
"Yeah, I'll ... Give you that ..." I sighed out and put my sword back into its scabbard. I looked at the undead creature. "What is your name, undead?" I saw it slowly turn to me, giving me these strange, cold shivers. His appearance wasn't very ... Comforting to look at. It's a surprise that his body is keeping up so well with the decay. "I may be undead but could you please not refer to me that way?" Yshvara nodded. "Yes, his name is Godfrey." I looked away from them, barely believing my eyes nor ears and shook my head with disbelief. "Well, I'll do my best not to refer to you as such ..." The revenant nodded, looking back at me. "Sir Godfrey."
Shevat joined the conversation when he approached us. "Thank you, Sir Godfrey, however did you know how to come here?" I looked at him with curiosity. It is indeed something I'd like to know as well. I did not speak with dead creatures to guide him near, so my fault, it was not. Then Yshvara turned to us and admitted that it was her doing. "I have gotten a message from this one here.", Sir Godfrey said, glancing at the lady to his side. "And then I ran as quickly as my undead feet could take me." Shevat smiled at both the man and Yshvara. "Quick thinking, Yshvara." She giggled in return with a proud smile. "But I see you no longer need my assistance, I shall be on my way." The undead was already about to turn away to leave until the blond woman's voice reached him. "Didn't you have any business with this hag?" He looked in the direction of the body remains. "Nothing I can ask her now, now that she is dead."
I tilted my head with curiosity and a smile. "Oh, you want to speak to the dead~? That's not an issue." The undead knight held his chin. "Hmm, I feel like that might not work on a creature like that, but you are more than welcome to try." It's not a spell I was ready to cast at the given moment, but a potential failed attempt didn't stop my interests. To derail the conversation entirely, Yshvara pointed out the crystal that she and the rest of us recalled seeing the woman swallow.
Most of them moved over to the corpse and began digging in the dried flesh. I suppose they can be thankful for my necrotic attacks in this case. This makes it mildly less disgusting, I suppose. Pyre, Yshvara and Arabella made an attempt to find it. From the distance, I picked up the sound of some humming and soon, the brightness of the gem/crystal appeared from where they were digging. Terrible job. They also found a chest, which they promptly unlocked with a copper key. Soon to reveal a red colored-wooden staff, in its very natural shape, along with it, they took out a tower shield with engravings of a Silver Dragon and some studded armor. Shevat caught the appearance of the staff and approached the investigating group with curiosity. "Arabella, can I see the staff?" She nodded and handed it over to him.
I, too, became curious. These items, their quality, the durability of the chest. It seems too much of a coincidence. I approached the group and reached for the small glasses which I borrowed from Ezmeralda. Finally, I could experience what it was like to use them. These have to be magical in any sort of way. I took a closer look at the staff to ensure that whatever it had, would not interfere nor harm Shevat. It doesn't appear to be cursed, it comes with new abilities, a thing I've never learned of before, that magic items are capable of. These will not only enhance his ability, they will also increase the overall healing abilities of the man. He gains resistance. It was incredible ...
I looked at the man and explained what it does, adding that he should hold onto it and use it. I trust that he will only do good with it. He thanked me when he accepted it in his hands. "I will make good use of it." I nodded, expecting nothing less. They reached the shield over to Godfrey, since it appears to resemble something he is or used to be a part of. "Does this look familiar to you?" Yshvara asked with a smile. The undead slowly nodded. "Yes, this is the shield that was used by the head of our order. It's a very powerful piece of equipment." That's interesting. I don't believe I have heard of such an order before. "You won't mind us using this in our quest, would you?" She asked curiously. The revenant looked back at her with a certain glance. "What is it that you want to achieve?"
Yshvara leaned back and straightened her posture. "Well! Based on all this, I suppose that it's about time that the count has a little bit of a wake up call." She seemed to convince the undead. "If you find someone that has a use for it, you should all keep it. May it keep you all safe then. I don't know the full extent of its capabilities but I know it's powerful." I was honestly surprised at the words of this man, they carry such weight to them. No matter his condition, he seems to have unusual good intentions, even through generosity. Are we truly worthy of this shield?
Yshvara then asked the man whether or not we, as a group, could count on him ever again when the battle was getting tough. She asked him permission to tell him. "You didn't need my permission to do it now, you don’t need it, then." Godfrey confirmed, revealing full willingness to assist in battle. I am ... Amazed. "I appreciate it, Sir." I said to him, the man gave me a glance, looking oddly familiar as the creatures in the darkest of dreams. There was a mild sense of dread. "Maybe next time ... Don't point your blade at me."
I looked back at him with a frown, but Yshvara shielded the man from it. "Yeah--Sorry about him." She smiled back at him, before turning back to me. "This man is fine, he's with us." The woman clarified. Clearly, I am rather convinced, seeing his faith hasn't left him, even now. Then Arabella came in. "Yes, not all undead are bad."
I looked at her, then back at Godfrey and said "I suppose it's only fair if I make an exception for this person, that I should also do it for you." I made clear that I referred to Arabella by pointing at her in between. "I don't need calling out like that, thank you very much!" The gnome complained. Godfrey looked over to the small lady. "I don't believe I have made acquaintances with you yet. You seem kind of pale." I leaned in with a smile to fill him in. "Undead, you mean~?" Arabella glared back at me again. "Viiris ..." I backed away with a soft chuckle. "Please stop stirring, Viiris ...", Yshvara complained, glancing at me. "I'll behave."
She made a small bow and stated her name. "Arabella Belmont." He was curious about her story as well. "I have some ... Business with the count." He nodded back in acknowledgement, but then said he hasn't got interest in her. Interesting guy. When he looked at Pyre's glowing blade and back to his own, he gave her a nod. "You're good." She got surprisingly excited about it before he decided to make his leave. He lets Yshvara know to message him, only when it's urgent.
My attention was caught by the other man, the holy one that came from the heavens (sky). I eyed him suspiciously. It took only a fraction of seconds for the others to notice him as well. "Who the hell are you, man who fell from the sky?" Pyre asked the unknown man curiously. Seeing how wounded the man was and Godfrey's leaving, Shevat casted his healing spirit to the land, shaped like a squirrel to grant us with the health we have lost and that of the wounded savior. (+31 HP)
"New arrival?", Yshvara added with a smile. "Yes. You probably won't believe me, but I am sent here by fate." She did agree that it was hard to believe. I am not too suspicious of that, but I wanted to know who he serves. "Originally, I serve the city of Baldur's Gate." Clearly, that's not a city you hear travelers mention very often. It's a dangerous place, no doubt, that this man is sturdy is going to be even less of a doubt, but will it be enough in these lands?
Yshvara seems familiar with the man, but only remotely. It was difficult for him to explain any more about the details of how he got here. Honestly, neither can I. Except for running into the mist, trying to chase a werewolf. This man, he came from the sky ... Yshvara explained the rough case here in Barovia to the man, referring to this place as a domain of a vampire Lord that's not the nicest man and warned him of the mist that will kill once one tries to escape. Yes, I have tried it, you'll suffocate. (Comment: Strahd: Not the nicest?! Rude!)
"My main purpose is to eradicate evil and I am sure that I will be able to do it in a place like this." The man stated. I won't deny that I do appreciate his mindset, as long as he can discern right from wrong. I guess we'll find out about that soon.
Yshvara nodded with a loud sigh. "Oh yes ... Plenty of evil." Pyre agreed. "Basically, the best place." The stranger put his hands together, and shut his eyes as if he prayed with gratitude. "Thank you, fate." Pyre gave it a shrug, looking over to the excited man. "I wouldn't get too excited. It's kinda f*cking awful here, but you know ..." Shevat looked at the man curiously again, studying his features. He extended his hand toward the man. "Thank you for saving my life, sir." He gave him an expectant look. The man took a grip around his hand and shook it gently with a nod. "Torvial Vellin is the name, nice to meet you."
"Well then, who do you serve?" I asked again. "I have already answered that question." Torvial answered. He clearly didn't answer the question I wanted him to answer, he gave his background, but not the deity he serves. "No, you have not. What deity would you serve if you were sent by fate?" All the man could answer to me is that he serves a celestial. "I serve a Celestial and that should suffice." He made himself clear. I frowned at him. Is he not a proud servant? Afraid to mention the light in his life? That's quite something. I narrowed my eyes to discover whether or not this man speaks truth, but the look in his eyes spoke of certainty. Then what is there about this celestial that he hides from us?
"I give you one warning, sir Torvial. I hate it when people keep secrets from me." Yshvara looked with an apologetic gaze in Torvial's direction. "He struggles with people. Just be patient with him." The man lifted his brows and shrugged it off. "I know this kind of people, don't worry." Pyre briefly glanced at me as well. "We haven't found out anything he actually does like, we're still trying to figure that out." She shared it with the man. "Himself?" Arabella added. "Eeeh ... I don't know." Pyre shrugged back at the gnome. I frowned at the others. "I'm right here, you know?" Clearly, they are aware. "Yeah, I know." Pyre smiled.
The man was wearing a mask and took it off briefly, explaining that it's a cultural thing for his race of aasimars. Yshvara seems unfamiliar with it. At least he admits that he is of that race, but he refuses to speak of his deity. At least the man says that he's not a fallen one, so faith is connected through him, still. Torvial revealed that the mask is common to wear during combat. He uses it in addition to fulfilling duties, so I suppose his bone mask will be on all the time. Sounds uncomfortable if you ask me.
Since he is wearing the mask, I asked of him "What is your duty now?" But he was very confident with his wording when he said "My duty is to join you in your journey. Here to eradicate evil; I want to fight evil." I admitted loudly that I do like the sound of that. To a point where Yshvara noticed how cooperative I became. "That's a very useful skill to have around here." Torvial said that he doesn't understand or know how he got the chance but he remains grateful for the opportunity. I did warn him that he is likely going to regret the words he speaks within three days, but that doesn't appear like an obstacle to him.
The man admitted to have worked in various positions related to law and crime which is also the field of expertise, however his last position is that of a torturer. Sure, that made the others uncomfortable, but I have a list of names that he is free to torture, among them, the count, himself.
I was concerned about Arvirin now, too. The maker (hag) of the contract is no longer alive. Who will send him back? Would it not automatically be broken if either of them dies? It is her soul that is tied and if her soul is no longer ... But it might be reborn somewhere in Barovia again. That thought is mildly disturbing. I'll try to contact him and stay in touch if it works.
We continued talking and it's clear what everyone's thoughts on the new companion are. They accept him wholeheartedly and think of me as the antihero, assuming that I'm an inquisitor of some sort. Now, I won't deny that they are close, but speaking of it? I shall not, for everyone's sake and that of my own. My name should suffice, my duty should suffice. They didn't appreciate that I, instead, am the one keeping things to myself as well, but it's not like each told their story and occupation out loud, besides Torvial and Pyre.
"I serve only the good." I said to them. "I don't deal with vampires, neither do I make contacts out of undead." I had my gaze resting on the blond woman, but then Shevat added some tiny detail that he had heard Arvirin refer to. "But you do summon them." That's when it got a little uncomfortable. * T
Yshvara leans in and says "I think undead is a very broad category if you're talking about that. I'd say, it really depends on the intentions. Intent can matter." Honestly, she is speaking the truth and I don't entirely like it. "It also depends on the nature of the undead." It's better to keep an open mind about things she wanted to pass onto others. I am quite certain that she addressed it to me. Sure, I must see for myself.
"I just want to say that I don't accept Viiris' methods." Shevat said. Speaking of it as if necromancy is all that I ever applied. There has not been a single day that I spent in Barovia in which I have done any undead summoning. Dammit Arvirin. "... But I do understand that he is working for the good.", Shevat added.
Once that was said, they focused on the orb that is resonating. Shevat confirmed that it is one of the Greater spirit gems. The Mountain gem, green with a brown hue to it. The blue gem is lacking, still. As well as the stolen relic. There was none visible in the mess, she either keeps it elsewhere, or she is not the one who stole it, or she may have passed it on to someone else. Maybe in the well, maybe close to the coats for grass growth or ... Elsewhere.
After a short break, we made our way back to Berez.
Time of day: Evening
Location: The ruins of Berez, near the well
Note: The relic might be hidden here
In order to be prepared for what will come, we decided to take a rest nearby. We checked the well again with a rock with a light spell casted on it, no one was visible and I saw no traces of undead near the entrance. Whatever will show up there, we will fight it during the day time.
We had watches during the night, and shared them with others. Torvial and Pyre went first, Yshvara and I went afterwards, the remaining two did the last one. During my watch, Yshvara explained to me a little bit about the undead we encountered, Sir Godfrey. It was rather ... Informative.
. . .
