Act I: Welcome to Ravengro

Orpheus · November 1, 2022

Orpheus Presents

The Haunting of Harrowstone

TAL DATHRIM played by KNAVE

GALENA played by X51

KATRINA VOLSHEBNIKA played by RUMRUNNER

NIKA VOLKOV played by LITTLE_RUDO

TAYLA HARKNESS played by JUBLIANT THUNDER

Act 1: Welcome to Ravengro

The Restlands

Heavy rain cascades down on the dark country of Ravenloft, it has been raining for almost three days making the journey to Ravengro all the more tiring. The carriage you hired to bring you here sludged through enough mud coating the wheels completely before coming to a stop a few miles outside of the city. The storm was too heavy the driver told you and told you that you would need to walk rest of the way. Putting on your traveler's cloak you walked through the rain for nearly an hour before arriving at the main road that entered into Ravengro. For some it has been too long since they've been here for others it is the first. The shock of the matter was this your dear friend/mentor/guardian angel Petro Lorrimor had passed from this world. That's why you were here, to attend his funeral and pay your respects.

Entering into Ravengro, you were met by a messenger who quickly asked your surname. You responded and he quickly led you through the town that you knew albeit all so well. You were told that you arrived at just the right time as the funeral was scheduled to begin soon and that the weather couldn't be any worst. Eyeing the shops and buildings you hurriedly rushed to the cemetery so that you would not be late. Eventually you came to the area of Ravengro called the Restlands. Where they would bury most of the dead. As you arrive there is already people gathered, and one particular individual cloaked in a traveler's hood. A woman stands at the forefront dressed in black clothes of mourning as she talks with the priest who is going over the procession details with her. Some of you might know this as Kendra.

There are four others who arrived as well and you take in their faces.

X51 · November 1, 2022

Galena (Winter)

Hit PointsCurrent Total: 8/8

Hit Dice: 1d8 | Attacks/DefensesDagger: +5 vs. AC, 1d4+3 piercing, Melee OR Ranged (20/60)

Armor Class: 14

Saves: Wisdom +4, Charisma +5
>> Advantage on Saves vs. Charm, immune to magical sleep effects. | Skills+5 Deception
+5 Intimidation
+4 Perception
+5 Sleight-of-Hand
+5 Stealth | SpellsSpellcasting Ability: Charisma (+3)
Save DC: 13
Spell Attack: +5

=========
CANTRIPS
Eldritch Blast (Action, 120')
>> +5 vs. AC, deals 1d10 Force damage on a hit.

Mind Sliver (Action, 60')
>> DC 13 Int, deals 1d6 Psychic damage on a fail, and the target subtracts 1d4 from its next saving throw before end of Galena's next turn.
=========
SPELLS KNOWN
Cause Fear (Action, 60', Concentration, 1 Minute)
>> DC 13 Wis, Target becomes Frightened of Galena for the duration. Target may repeat save at the end of each of its turns, ending the spell on a success.

Faerie Fire (Action, 20' cube within 60', Concentration, 1 Minute)
>> DC 13 Dex, Targets shed dim light for 10', any attack roll against affected creatures are made at Advantage.

Hex (Bonus Action, 90', Concentration, 1 Hour)
>> Galena deals an extra 1d6 Necrotic damage whenever she hits the target with an attack.

Sleep (Action, 20' sphere within 90', 1 Minute)
>> Renders 5d8 hit points' worth of targets unconscious, in ascending order of total HP remaining. Targets remain unconscious for the duration, or until they take damage, or someone uses an Action to wake them.
========= | Other AbilitiesDarkvision 60'

Fey Presence 1/1 (Action, 10' Burst) (Per rest)
>> DC 13 Wis, Affected targets are Charmed or Frightened until the end of Galena's next turn.

Fey Step 1/1 (Bonus Action) (Per Rest)
>> Teleport up to 30' to an unoccupied space Galena can see.

The beauty of the Mistlands, dearies, is that they always tell you how they feel. When it is cold, it is cold. When it is warm, it is warm. When it is dark, it is dark. When it rains, well, it mourns.

This land, this 'Ravenloft' and she, are one, and the same is true for all, she suspects. Whether brought or born, in time, we all become of it. So many, far too many, simply accept that, simply become gray, and muted, and indistinct, but some brave few see their of-ness and realize the truth: just as we are of Ravenloft, Ravenloft is of us.

Petros - dear, sweet Petros - was one such, and so Ravenloft is right to mourn.

Ah, but see, others have come to mourn as well. This recombinant wretch sees them, tastes them. She looks not unlike the Vistani, the travelers that sometimes encamp outside of towns to tell fortunes or trade trinkets, and indeed she calls many of the Vistani 'friend,' but there is something of strangeness in her stance, her gait - a bit of Ravenloft, perhaps - that sets her apart. She gazes at them, seeing-but-not-seeing, accepting-but-dismissing; they are not why she is here.

No, Galena makes her way towards the woman in black, her spindly fingers reaching into one of her many, many pockets to produce one of her many, many trinkets, though this one is special, yes. This one is a coin of silver, old and worn, a gift from Petros upon their first meeting. He'd handed it to her without much thought, ignoring her words, but something she'd said, something she could no longer remember, had given him pause to listen. Her first friend in this place. Her dearest friend.

She approaches cautiously, having not seen Kendra since she was but a girl. People react warily to Galena's approach in general, and so she has learned to be wary in turn. Carefully, cautiously, she moves towards Kendra, and holds out the coin, letting Ravenloft cry upon it.

"Father give, once," she explains. "Now I give you. We share grief, young one."

Edited November 2, 2022 by X51 (see edit history)

Rumrunner · November 2, 2022

Katrina Volshebnika - Tabaxi Wizard 1 | AC: 13 | HP: 8/8

AttacksClaws (Melee) +1 attack, 1d6-1 slashing damage
Chill Touch (120ft) +5 attack, 1d8 Necrotic damage
Shocking Grasp(Melee) +5 attack, 1d8 Lightning damage | SavesStr -1 | Dex +3 | Con +2 | Wis +3 | Int +5 | Cha -1 | CantripsPrestidigitation, Light, Sacred Flame, Chill Touch, Shocking Grasp | 1st Level SpellsGuiding Bolt, Mage Armor, Sleep, Shield

Rituals:
Detect Magic, Find Familiar | Arcane RecoveryYou have learned to regain some of your magical energy by studying your spellbook. Once per day when you finish a short rest, you can choose expended spell slots to recover. The spell slots can have a combined level that is equal to or less than half your wizard level (rounded up), and none of the slots can be 6th level or higher.

Her top lip quivered beneath her whiskers, barely holding back the ugly caterwaul that seemed creeping from her gut and clenching her heart. Beneath her hooded oilskin poncho her claw sought the book, her belated gift to him now marked with the invitation of his internment. The irony that it was a book of undead lore was not lost on the young Tabaxi, she suspected that the late professor would have gotten a chuckle in the dark humor of it all as well. Maybe then saying something along the lines of "I finally got you to come out in the rain", for she always refused his invitations if the skies even hinted at a chance of precipitation. That humorous thought stifled her cry, but her large green eyes were still wet while deep within her hood. She almost cursed him for the invitation, for he knew full well she wouldn't have come otherwise. As much as she often seemed to care more about books than people, the truth of the matter she tended to get very very attached to those she spent time with, and in the Professor's case the attachment was such that even taking one step forward made her well up all over again. The tiny Tabaxi looked up to the sky and into the hateful rain and cursed it, curse the sky, curse the rain, curse the Restlands, and curse you Professor Lorrimor for dying to lie in them! She huffed a sigh and took a step, then another, and another.

Approaching the casket she lay a thing on top, a crisp white thing that was a stark contrast to the rest of the scene. It was a feathered quill and to explain she spoke with a so soft voice that threatened to crack at every syllable. "I brought it from the university, well I stole it... You won't tell anyone will you?... You always said the only way to stop you from writing would have been to pry the quill from your cold dead hands... now you can write on forever Professor." Quickly her feet padded backwards as tears fully soaked her cheeks. How was she ever going to get through this?

Knave · November 2, 2022

Name: Tal Dathrīm | AC: 15 | HP: 9/9 | Hit dice: 1/1d6

Tal didn't mourn as the others seemed to. It wasn't in his nature to be sentimental or to grieve; least of all for a man who had lived as long and as full a life as any could dare to hope for.

He was here in acknowledgment of his debt to the Professor, a debt long-carried that he had never found a way to repay. His eyes flicked to Kendra, speaking in hushed tones with the ill-looking Vistani. It was to her that the debt passed, he supposed.

Tal shivered. Damn cold out here. He took a short piece of string from his pocket, and lit it with a glance, coaxing it to grow into a tiny orb of flame. He held it in cupped hands and let it warm his numb fingers and face.

Edited November 2, 2022 by Knave (see edit history)

Orpheus · November 2, 2022

Kendra Lorrimor

Kendra turns to look at you Galena, as you offer her the coin. She is surprised but holds back her tears and downtrodden face for a moment to respond "Thank you."

She turns back towards the casket laying her own hand on it as the others start to trickle in before an old wizened man of a priest nudges her on the shoulder and they exchange words drowned out by the rain.

Father Grimburrow

The priest, you have people call Father Grimburrow, nods to Kendra turning to the rest of the arrivals as more people from the town come to pay their respect. "Who will carry the coffin? I need 4."

Knave · November 2, 2022

Name: Tal Dathrīm | AC: 15 | HP: 9/9 | Hit dice: 1/1d6

Tal looks around before replying in a carrying voice. "I'm sure there are many who knew him better and longer than me, so I'll step aside for anyone who wants to. But I can help, if needed."

Rumrunner · November 2, 2022

Katrina Volshebnika - Tabaxi Wizard 1 | AC: 13 | HP: 8/8

AttacksClaws (Melee) +1 attack, 1d6-1 slashing damage
Chill Touch (120ft) +5 attack, 1d8 Necrotic damage
Shocking Grasp(Melee) +5 attack, 1d8 Lightning damage | SavesStr -1 | Dex +3 | Con +2 | Wis +3 | Int +5 | Cha -1 | CantripsPrestidigitation, Light, Sacred Flame, Chill Touch, Shocking Grasp | 1st Level SpellsGuiding Bolt, Mage Armor, Sleep, Shield

Rituals:
Detect Magic, Find Familiar | Arcane RecoveryYou have learned to regain some of your magical energy by studying your spellbook. Once per day when you finish a short rest, you can choose expended spell slots to recover. The spell slots can have a combined level that is equal to or less than half your wizard level (rounded up), and none of the slots can be 6th level or higher.

Katrina looked up at Father Grimburrow, not really knowing what to say. Her whiskers twitched. She wanted to help but there was no way that she'd be able to carry a quarter the weight of the coffin, much less balance it to the height of all the tall statured folk, she'd done the math and it didn't work out. Taking a breath, she gave the priest's robe a tug and piped up, though in truth her soft voice still wasn't any louder than normal speaking volume. "I would like to help please Father. Though I don't think I'll be able to reduce the load much, I would very much like to do this for him, but you'll probably still maybe need four more..." She stepped back, standing at attention while awaiting his answer, then suddenly adding: "...but if I'll just get in the way I can follow instead."

Little_Rudo · November 2, 2022

Nika Volkov

"I will carry him."

The scarred, sturdy woman had spent the morning marching to Ravengro. A shaggy and well-patched cloak hid a head of shaggy, unbrushed fair hair and a face that had clearly been carved open and poorly healed once in her life. From beneath it, the handle of a massive axe can clearly be seen, let alone a number of smaller axes and polearms attached to her pack. Despite her fearsome demeanor, though, her amber eyes are mournful and tired as she takes in the sight. The mourners. The casket. They land on her old friend, and with all the grace and awkwardness of a wounded animal she raised her glove hand, clutching a handful of colorful thistles. Now doused in rainwater and crushed and crumpled from her travels, they're a sad and sorry sight, but Nika presents them hopefully to her dear friend Kendraas she steps forward, unsure if she should embrace her or let her have her much-needed space.

"He carried me when I was little. It's the least I can do for him now. How are you faring, Kendra?"

Edited November 2, 2022 by Little_Rudo (see edit history)

X51 · November 2, 2022

Galena (Winter)

Hit PointsCurrent Total: 8/8

Hit Dice: 1d8 | Attacks/DefensesDagger: +5 vs. AC, 1d4+3 piercing, Melee OR Ranged (20/60)

Armor Class: 14

Saves: Wisdom +4, Charisma +5
>> Advantage on Saves vs. Charm, immune to magical sleep effects. | Skills+5 Deception
+5 Intimidation
+4 Perception
+5 Sleight-of-Hand
+5 Stealth | SpellsSpellcasting Ability: Charisma (+3)
Save DC: 13
Spell Attack: +5

=========
CANTRIPS
Eldritch Blast (Action, 120')
>> +5 vs. AC, deals 1d10 Force damage on a hit.

Mind Sliver (Action, 60')
>> DC 13 Int, deals 1d6 Psychic damage on a fail, and the target subtracts 1d4 from its next saving throw before end of Galena's next turn.
=========
SPELLS KNOWN
Cause Fear (Action, 60', Concentration, 1 Minute)
>> DC 13 Wis, Target becomes Frightened of Galena for the duration. Target may repeat save at the end of each of its turns, ending the spell on a success.

Faerie Fire (Action, 20' cube within 60', Concentration, 1 Minute)
>> DC 13 Dex, Targets shed dim light for 10', any attack roll against affected creatures are made at Advantage.

Hex (Bonus Action, 90', Concentration, 1 Hour)
>> Galena deals an extra 1d6 Necrotic damage whenever she hits the target with an attack.

Sleep (Action, 20' sphere within 90', 1 Minute)
>> Renders 5d8 hit points' worth of targets unconscious, in ascending order of total HP remaining. Targets remain unconscious for the duration, or until they take damage, or someone uses an Action to wake them.
========= | Other AbilitiesDarkvision 60'

Fey Presence 1/1 (Action, 10' Burst) (Per rest)
>> DC 13 Wis, Affected targets are Charmed or Frightened until the end of Galena's next turn.

Fey Step 1/1 (Bonus Action) (Per Rest)
>> Teleport up to 30' to an unoccupied space Galena can see.

She listens to the priest, listens to the others, yes. A strange group, perhaps - the deflector, the meek kitten, the lady of war - but fitting for Petros, who loved the ill-fitting.

She herself is not strong, a frail thing; flesh had never been the source of her vim. Still...

"Galena does this," she says, no doubt in her voice. The ragged-looking waif stands just a bit taller, no longer hunched defensively.

Edited November 2, 2022 by X51 (see edit history)

Jubilant Thunder · November 6, 2022

Talya Harkness

The trappings of death and mourning were nothing new to Talya; that world had been a constant companion to the young woman through her life. But this was different today, this was the first time it had been someone close to her. The news had...agitated her. She was saddened by his passing of course, but she knew better than most that life was fleeting and that death was simply the beginning of a new journey. But how had she not known? All her life she had been drawn to the death of strangers, and yet she had felt no signs of the impending end of one of her closest friends. It vexed her.

Arriving in Ravengro she held the town at arm's length, observing the inhabitants warily. These small provincial villages were often superstitious and hostile, and her eyes quite distinctly marked her as something 'other'. She hesitated as the priest asked for assistance carrying the coffin, unsure how much help she would be. But others were stepping forward, a strange assortment of people that also appeared to be strangers to this town. She wouldn't stand out as much, and she felt drawn to help the Professor on his final adventure. Moving forward she nods to the others. "I will offer what aid I can."

Orpheus · November 7, 2022

Father Grimburrow

Father Grimburrow goes over the proper position for carry, which involves hoisting the coffin above your chest and resting it on your shoulders. "I will head to the grave area where upon the final resting place shall be. When the music starts please begin the slow march up the Dreamwake and then to the Eversleep over yonder. Kelevmor wills that today is a day of rain." He departs rather quickly as he scurries off cutting through the Restlands.

Kendra Lorrimor

Kendra regards everyone as you gather around, particularly turning to Nika as she takes the thistles. You can see tears welling up in her eyes but with a simple bow and deep breathe, the tears are no more. "Thank you, Nika. I am faring." It was a simple response but you could read between the lines, she would be strong for public appearance but there is no way she could be fine, possibly never be fine.

You all take position, each taking ahold of the coffin and with a mighty heave, you hoist the casket onto your shoulders allowing each of the pallbearer's to adjust to the weight of the casket. It's almost surreal, the man who had lived over a thousand lives no dead before you. As the funeral dirge starts a woman starts singing in the style of slow folk song followed by the snare of a drum. . The pallbearer's make a slow marching pace as the casket begins to move slowly carried by the men down the Dreamwake. The rain continues to pour heavily, but nothing slows down the march of the casket. You trudge through the mud, it's as if all of Ravengro is crying for the professor.

Edited November 7, 2022 by Orpheus (see edit history)

X51 · November 7, 2022

Galena (Winter)

Hit PointsCurrent Total: 8/8

Hit Dice: 1d8 | Attacks/DefensesDagger: +5 vs. AC, 1d4+3 piercing, Melee OR Ranged (20/60)

Armor Class: 14

Saves: Wisdom +4, Charisma +5
>> Advantage on Saves vs. Charm, immune to magical sleep effects. | Skills+5 Deception
+5 Intimidation
+4 Perception
+5 Sleight-of-Hand
+5 Stealth | SpellsSpellcasting Ability: Charisma (+3)
Save DC: 13
Spell Attack: +5

=========
CANTRIPS
Eldritch Blast (Action, 120')
>> +5 vs. AC, deals 1d10 Force damage on a hit.

Mind Sliver (Action, 60')
>> DC 13 Int, deals 1d6 Psychic damage on a fail, and the target subtracts 1d4 from its next saving throw before end of Galena's next turn.
=========
SPELLS KNOWN
Cause Fear (Action, 60', Concentration, 1 Minute)
>> DC 13 Wis, Target becomes Frightened of Galena for the duration. Target may repeat save at the end of each of its turns, ending the spell on a success.

Faerie Fire (Action, 20' cube within 60', Concentration, 1 Minute)
>> DC 13 Dex, Targets shed dim light for 10', any attack roll against affected creatures are made at Advantage.

Hex (Bonus Action, 90', Concentration, 1 Hour)
>> Galena deals an extra 1d6 Necrotic damage whenever she hits the target with an attack.

Sleep (Action, 20' sphere within 90', 1 Minute)
>> Renders 5d8 hit points' worth of targets unconscious, in ascending order of total HP remaining. Targets remain unconscious for the duration, or until they take damage, or someone uses an Action to wake them.
========= | Other AbilitiesDarkvision 60'

Fey Presence 1/1 (Action, 10' Burst) (Per rest)
>> DC 13 Wis, Affected targets are Charmed or Frightened until the end of Galena's next turn.

Fey Step 1/1 (Bonus Action) (Per Rest)
>> Teleport up to 30' to an unoccupied space Galena can see.

She silently strains under the weight of the casket, and of the grief. There are these moments when she is not lost, when she is here, and she is real, and it hurts - every time, it hurts. But, she is strong; not of flesh, but of soul, yes - a strength can only be born through breaking.

A woman sings in the distance, and Galena is more here, more real. The rain that falls, the mourning, is joined by her own, rolling down her cheeks. It is easy, she learns here and now, to accept that you will someday die. Not so easy to accept that one you love may die before you do. Many things become known, now:

Petros is lucky one, yes.
Hurts to care.
To look uncaring upon suffering is not hatred, but fear of hurt.
Petros ~~cares~~ cared anyway, so okay to hurt.

She hums, yes. Is right to do. Sings quietly in a tongueSylvan she knows, but knows not how. Gives strength to walk.

Little_Rudo · November 7, 2022

Nika Volkov

Nika frowns as she waits for a response from Kendra. Truly this day has worn on her; she doesn't respond to Nika's gift at all. "Here. We'll talk later." She assures her friend, tucking the thistles into the crook of Kendra's arm, before moving to the casket... but not without a disappointed shake of her head at Tal. No doubt the meek man was just looking for an excuse to not carry his load. Pathetic.

Rather than make a scene, though, Nika makes a point of striding to the same side of the casket as the withered fey woman. She looks old enough to be Petros' grandmother, but still she volunteered to carry. "Don't lift too hard, Nan." With a grunt, Nika hefted the casket onto her shoulder... and rather than let it rest across all four shoulders, she tries to take a greater share of weight herself, easily taking on the extra burden. Solemnly, the forester helps usher Petros along, chewing her lip, wondering the best time to broach the awkward talk with Kendra of her medicine.

Rumrunner · November 7, 2022

Katrina Volshebnika - Tabaxi Wizard 1 | AC: 13 | HP: 8/8

AttacksClaws (Melee) +1 attack, 1d6-1 slashing damage
Chill Touch (120ft) +5 attack, 1d8 Necrotic damage
Shocking Grasp(Melee) +5 attack, 1d8 Lightning damage | SavesStr -1 | Dex +3 | Con +2 | Wis +3 | Int +5 | Cha -1 | CantripsPrestidigitation, Light, Sacred Flame, Chill Touch, Shocking Grasp | 1st Level SpellsGuiding Bolt, Mage Armor, Sleep, Shield

Rituals:
Detect Magic, Find Familiar | Arcane RecoveryYou have learned to regain some of your magical energy by studying your spellbook. Once per day when you finish a short rest, you can choose expended spell slots to recover. The spell slots can have a combined level that is equal to or less than half your wizard level (rounded up), and none of the slots can be 6th level or higher.

Katrina felt a little embarrassed for asking now that she realized how the casket was to be carried. With her diminutive stature she could not even reach it now that it was on their shoulders. Did she think accommodations were going to be made for her, that for her convenience the casket would be made low and light? A thought then rang in her mind as the music began and the procession began... light. She produced a reading candle from her pouch and while she knew it would never light in the rain, she cast a spell of illumination upon it and scampered into place behind the pallbearers, clutching the glowing candle in two hands. To her it had an even more special meaning this way, with all those here to honor him, all those whose lives he touched with his light, and today his light still touches them, even if the flame had gone out. So, the little catfolk marched proudly, to the patter of rain on the casket, to the snare drum, to the melodic dirge song, and to the squelching of their boots in the muck.

Knave · November 7, 2022

Name: Tal Dathrīm | AC: 15 | HP: 9/9 | Hit dice: 1/1d6

Tal felt a bit of a fraud as he carried the coffin. The Professor had been a big part of his life - had put him on a path he hadn't thought possible - but Tal didn't kid himself that the reverse was true. Petros was a man who had touched many lives. But Tal was just an oddity, a test subject. An interesting one, no doubt, but Petros had been a man of many interests. Yet here he was, one of four carrying the old man to his final resting place. The others seemed weighed down with grief, while Tal just wanted to pay his respects. He consoled himself that he had offered to stand aside; had done so clearly and loudly. If no one else was willing, that was that. One had to be practical when something needed carried, even if that something was a coffin.

Text_1	Text_2	Text_3	Bold_1	Accent_1	Mood_1
Warm_1	Warm_2	Warm_3	Bold_2	Accent_2	Mood_2
Cool_1	Cool_2	Cool_3	Bold_3	Accent_3	Mood_3
Bright_1	Bright_2	Bright_3	Bold_4	Accent_4	Mood_4

Act I: Welcome to Ravengro

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