Act I: Welcome to Ravengro

[Orpheus]

As the funeral march proceeds up dreamwake you notice that the road of the eversleep as more people waiting for you. They stand in what seems like a large group of five men in the middle of the road. Each of them standing as tall as they could in the pouring rain. It's an odd sight especially for Kendra, for even in her moments of grief looks up and narrows her eyes. 

 

Kendra Lorrimor

---

---

"What are they doing?" she looks to Nika for answers to this unfolding situation.

 

It's apparent that they are not here for the funeral as they stand making a human wall that cuts across the road directly in front of the funeral proceeding. The other pallbearer's don't say anything but you notice the tension in the air tightening up. Something is going on. The rain pours even harder as you finally near the end of the dreamwake coming up to the crowd. A face of a man who looks older but not as old as say someone like Father Grimburrow.

 

Gibbs Hephenus

---

---

Some of you know this man as Gibbs Hephenus, the type of guy who ran kids off of his farm many of times. While holding ill-will to anyone in Ravengro was unheard of. It wasn't a secret that he didn't get along with Petros and often got into argument calling him too royal for the town. You may of heard that was a drunk at one point, but his composure in the rain suggests he is sober as all hell. He holds a hand up to you to stop. "Sorry folks, nay a step closer."

 

[X51]

  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.

---

Galena sees them despite tears, yes. Knows them not, but knows them the same - old, grumpy creatures who block paths, as if their presence should mean something. In the winter of grief, there is a spark, yes. Is lonely, bitter ember, birthed by the seething that such base vermin should stand between Petros and his rest.

 

Her fingers twitch, yes. Her mind to her wand, yes. Punish them. Rebuke them. Make them speak their sorry. But not what Petros would want. Not start, no - only finish. The bowed, frail-looking thing sniffs a mighty sniff, and then whimpers.

 

"Oh, what cruelty this be?" she calls to them. "You make Galena stand, old and frail, with dearest friend on back? No, no; find kindness for Galena. Let her take friend to rest. Then she come back, share words, yes?"

[Knave]

---

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

AttacksLight crossbow +4 ( 80/320) 1d8+2 p Dagger x 2 +4 (20/60) 1d4+2 p   | SavesStr -1 | Dex +2 | Con +4 | Wis -1 | Int +0 | Cha +5;  | CantripsFire bolt | Create Bonfire | Control flames | Prestidigitation  | 1st Level SpellsBurning hands | Shield 2/2

 

---

Tal frowns. This seems very disrespectful - the exact wrong way to go about this, whatever the grievance. But maybe there was a logical explanation. 

 

"Is the road flooded? Or do you want to help carry him? This is a sad time, I'm sure none of us want to upset the friends and family of the Professor"

Edited November 10, 2022 by Knave (see edit history)

[Rumrunner]

 

---

Katrina Volshebnika - Tabaxi Wizard 1 | AC: 16Mage Armor for 8 hours | 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.

---

 

The procession had halted, blocked by a barricade of men.  They seemed local and it seemed logical that given their resolve to stand out in the downpour that they did not want this procession to enter the Restlands.  As the others spoke, she could tell their words were falling on deaf ears, splashing down into the puddles of mud with the rain.   Katrina closed her eyes and took a breath, fiddling in her belt pouch for a scrap of cured leather.  She wanted to stalk forward defiantly, to look up at the men and shout "Depart less you feel the wrath of the bearers of Lorrimor!", to shoot sparks from her fingers and watch with amusement as the supersticious fools trembled in fear... but instead her fingers gripped white around the component, and she whispered softly. "Magus Armis"   The protective magic was soothing, at least somewhat, though the defeat in her heart was not... she was letting emotions cloud her logic.  The Professor said that emotions always bested logic, but language was the voice of the mind, so talking things through or writing them, was the path to true wisdom and strength of heart.  With that in mind she imagined penning the words instead, her eyes still closed, she spoke from behind, scribbling into the air with her voice what she sought and what she saw.

 

"You do not seem sorry good sirs, or you would be explaining or departing and not keeping us all in the rain.  We do not know, nor do we care what issue you take with the late professor Lorrimor, he has passed and is to be lane to rest along with any disputes you had with him in life.  To disrupt that necessity, disrupts the will of Kelemvor, and puts you all in a position of sacrilege.  Do you all follow your fear so much, as to forget your senses.  You four in the road, has this one man who speaks poisoned your hearts and minds to do something so contemptable as to stop a funeral procession, preventing a man's daughter from putting her father to rest.  You should be ashamed, go home to your families if you have them, love and cherish them, and we will forget this folly."

 

Mechanics

Cast Mage Armor

Then persuade them.

 

[Little_Rudo]

Nika Volkov

 

"They're begging for a beating is what they're doing." Nika's voice is a low growl as she leans over, whispering her assurance to Kendra. If not for bearing more than her share of the weight of Petros' coffin, these men before them likely would have already been subject to a beating, or at least a stern lecture. But as-is, she tries to keep the weight off her companions as they reason, glaring at the men. It does nothing to blunt her temper, though, as she fumes...

 

Then, finally, she lashes out. "Hoy! Is that Old Gibbs?" She finally snaps, her lip curling. As most in town relied on the foresters for lumber and kindling from the woods, where mist and monsters roam, she had some dealings with him and the others. It was not enough for him to know him well, but enough for her to have a sour will towards the man. "Look. We're a little busy, though I'm sure you have some experience lettin' yer friends down in life. Now, someone's going in the ground, an' if ye don't want it to be yer arse, let us finish our business and then we can have a talk." Her words sing with an annoyance that is mercifully resigned... for now.

[Orpheus]

There is an air of uncertainty as everyone begins speaking at once, Gibbs raises his hands and finds himself taken back both between the air of sincerity and the intimidation as the group of farmers huddle together closing their ranks in.

 

Gibbs Hephenus

---

---

Gibbs listens for a moment and you both read a twang of guilt on his face. "Look I hate to be the one to break it to you children, I know you had no hand in your father's activities. Now as you know we've been talking, as concerned citizens of this here town. We have decided that Lorrimor can't be buried in the restlands. You can take him upriver and bury him there if you want but he ain't goin in the ground here..." The rest of the farmer respond with a large yell, you can hardly believe that these farmers actually formed a small mob to stop this funeral.

 

 

Kendra Lorrimor

---

---

Kendra is swift to respond her voice turning from sadness to admant authority. Her voice is steady and soft: "Gibbs. What are you talking about? I arranged this already with Father Grimburrow. He's waiting for us. The graves already been dug. Are you really going to deny us our father's right?"

 

The farmers take a few beats, the lot of you breaking their spirits surely, whatever plan they had formed coming to wait for you on this road, it has flown out the window as they examine the party one by one. Still Gibbs takes a deep breathe and with a shakey breath merely replies.

 

Gibbs Hephenus

---

---

Gibbs turns beet red as he stands as tall as he can. "Your father gave up that right when he practiced necromancy in these lands."

 

 

 

 

Kendra is getting angrier and angrier by the second, because of your joint diplomatic skills you have time to interfere. 

Edited November 14, 2022 by Orpheus (see edit history)

[Knave]

---

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

AttacksLight crossbow +4 ( 80/320) 1d8+2 p Dagger x 2 +4 (20/60) 1d4+2 p   | SavesStr -1 | Dex +2 | Con +4 | Wis -1 | Int +0 | Cha +5;  | CantripsFire bolt | Create Bonfire | Control flames | Prestidigitation  | 1st Level SpellsBurning hands | Shield 2/2

 

Tal speaks under his breath to the other pallbearers, and to Kendra.

 

"Let's just walk. Walk up the road, through the crowd, and lay the coffin in the ground. They think to scare us off, but I'll wager these dirt scratchers won't jump a group of women carrying a coffin. Let's just walk. They won't do a thing. And if they do, they'll regret it soon."

 

He shuffles a step forward, trying to get the party moving in step once more.

Edited November 14, 2022 by Knave (see edit history)

[Little_Rudo]

Nika Volkov

 

The tension is clear in Nika's shoulders as Kendra speaks up, her friend's sorrow-filled anger riling her further... but before she can leap to Kendra's defense, the handsome lad speaks up. She might have scoffed at him before, but now Nika gives him an agreeable nod, grateful for the leveler head. "Stay by me." She mutters to Kendra, then follows Tal's lead, pointedly not looking at Gibbs and his friend as she lurches forward with the casket.

[X51]

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 Deception12
+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 glowers at the frightened sheep, bleating behind their blustery herder.

 

"Time you had to object," says she, her gaze falling upon the Gibbs. "Time before now. Time for Kendra to arrange. Too late, you be."

 

Under her heavy travel cloak, hidden from the herd, she retrieves a gnarled twig from her garb, her haze-filled eyes locked on the Gibbs as the procession inches ahead.

Edited November 15, 2022 by X51 (see edit history)

[Rumrunner]

 

---

Katrina Volshebnika - Tabaxi Wizard 1 | AC: 16Mage Armor for 8 hours | 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.

---

 

Necromancy, the magical art of manipulating death, unlife, and life energies, the reanimation of the dead, siphoning life were the most commonly known practices of the portfolio.  She stretched her fingers, fidgeting as she considered her own practice with the dark arts.  Would her presence jeopardize the procession, as she was quite proficient with a necrotic grasp that could wither the soul.  Looking out of her deep hood at the gathered men, she blinked slow and frowned, quickly coming to the conclusion that these bumkins wouldn't know anything about necromancy less it was a skeleton clattering through their quarters.  So Katrina decided to call their bluff.

 

"That's quite a grave accusation" As she considered the words she was speaking she could not resist the puns, there were so many options... even if it would be lost on these grumpkins.  "Where's the proof that you're willing to stake so much upon Mr. Gibbs? And what authority do you have over the Restlands, isn't that the purview of the church, and Father Grimsburrow who has already approved this procession?  Wouldn't it be best to let the dead rest."

 

Mechanics

Mage Armor Still on...

Then persuade them (no rollz)

 

[Orpheus]

The mob of farmers shuffle in place before your words cause them to look at one another, Gibbs holds up a hand turning to look at Kendra.  

 

Gibbs Hephenus

---

---

"The proof is there. Poking around Harrowstone; twas' were his body was found. Coinciding with the rest of the things people we're talking about. Rest assured I am not alone this comes from a concerned group of citizens not only what you seen here. We've already taken our case to the mayor's office, who will considering the evidence." The numerous men around him stand a little taller, the rest of the funeral procession of townsfolk shift awkwardly as if Gibbs was saying what was on everyone's mind. "The aging Father does not speak for the town of Ravengro, aye that is on her citizens. We pass today for fearing bloodshed between us simply life folk and Petros' "strange" companions. Kendra, settle your estate and tell your friends here to depart while we still are the friendly types."

 

 

Kendra Lorrimor

---

---

Kendra is silent, as if there glimmers of truth in Gibbs' words. She bites her lip resting her gaze downward. 

 

The mob stands aside allowing you to pass there eyes studying everyone of your faces, it's clear as day. The people of this town don't trust you. And if lack of trust is left unattended it soon turns to hatred. The comment of being strange was synonymous with dangerous. 

 

 

[Knave]

---

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

AttacksLight crossbow +4 ( 80/320) 1d8+2 p Dagger x 2 +4 (20/60) 1d4+2 p   | SavesStr -1 | Dex +2 | Con +4 | Wis -1 | Int +0 | Cha +5;  | CantripsFire bolt | Create Bonfire | Control flames | Prestidigitation  | 1st Level SpellsBurning hands | Shield 2/2

 

---

"Let's go. Funeral now, whatever this is can wait until later." 

 

Tal can't get them moving with strength alone, but he nudges forward and tries to use the force of his personality to keep the group moving. 

 

He steals a backwards glance at the group, trying to assess their intentions.

[X51]

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 Deception12
+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 moves with the others, still bearing the weight of her friend's death box, yes. She watches the herd, wary; a scared herd is a dangerous herd. In truth, she cares not for their accusation. Petros was always at odds, in one way or many, with the world as is. What could be, this was always Petros' concern.

 

Still, she could no more fault the herd for their fear. She has been fearful, has she not? She has seen shadows, heard echoes, thinking doom near. Indeed, Petros explorations could sometimes bring danger. Perhaps the herd is right to fear.

 

Not the time, though. Not the place. The Elflet has it right - this can wait until after.

[Little_Rudo]

Nika Volkov

 

These damned fools wouldn't know a monster walking among them if it bit them on their arses. A light growl comes from the bulky woman, but rather than lash out she hefts the weight on her shoulders, following Tal's lead to the Restlands. As they walk, though, a thought nags. The foresters knew her well, but she's all too aware of what people with her... condition... have been subject to elsewhere. Rightly so, mind, not all had the benefit of Petros' tinctures. But she knew how to survive if nothing else. "Mind these ones, everyone. It may be best to stay together while we're here." She advises her fellow pallbearers, hoping they will be able to leave soon.

 

Though, Gibbs spoke of evidence... perhaps they could improve their reputations by restoring Petros' own...

[Rumrunner]

 

---

Katrina Volshebnika - Tabaxi Wizard 1 | AC: 16Mage Armor for 8 hours | 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.

---

 

It was a wise choice, to stand aside.  Katrina wasn't particularly violent, but she had a good idea of what Tal could do, what Nika could do was fairly obvious as she seemed to be almost holding the casket on her own, and Galena.. well, if she the elf couldn't do magic then Katrina was puppy dog.  Though in all fairness, their eccentricities probably did fit the "strange" descriptor quite well.  She filed away the bit about Harrowstone, being the evidence Gibbs pointed to, there was surely something to be discussed about the circumstances of Professor Lorrimor's death.  

 

"Thank you." She said with a nod as they passed Gibbs and the men.  Later the Tabaxi added regarding the statement of sticking together: "...I agree that that would be wise Nika."

 

Mechanics

Mage Armor Still on...