Chapter 0: Summons to Bavara

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Chapter 0: Summons to Bavara

Postby Mr_Praetorian » Thu Sep 22, 2011 12:40 am

Chapter 0: Summons to Bavara.

It had not been three days before the summons bearing the seals of both the Knights Shadowbane and Knights of Solaris arrived at the Knighted Knave where you were staying. Having detained the local noble who had been experimenting with necromancy, the local people saw fit to lavish you with the finest ales, wines, and entertainment they could afford. While you would have been otherwise perfect willing to stay longer, you also no better than to keep a Knightly Order, let alone two, waiting. Thus, after three grand nights of celebration, you departed for Bavara.

The journey itself took a ten-day, and while not a terribly treacherous route, the seasonal rains ensured it was a very slow and very cold one. November has just come, and like every year, freezing rain had swept out of the mountains to drown those with the unfortunate pleasure of traveling. Still, the rains were a far better sight than the mountains of snow that would soon be left by the coming winter.

After a soggy trek, you found yourselves much relieved by the sight of Bavara’s battlements, which greeted you on the tenth day of the journey. The city had suffered much during the Plaguemarch, and many of the scars of its 23 month Khasgaran occupation had yet still to be healed. Nonetheless, it had come a long way from the blackened fields will howling ghosts, and skeletons hanging from the walls, that Northern Alliance forces were greeted with. At the very least, the fading taint of undeath had not removed its ability to shield one from the rain.

Now you find yourselves sitting in a large central room in Brightshield Keep, the formal Knights of Solaris stronghold in Bavara. With their previous garrison in the city having been torn down and defiled by the Khasgarans, the Knights apparently decided that a statement had to be made. The room, much like the rest of the brand new keep, is large, well furnished, and made to impress. The chairs are comfortable, the room is well lit, and ale is hearty. Above the dark mahogany round table is a bright emblem of a smiling sun, complete with gold trim. Even the Sun God himself would probably be impressed.

After about twenty-odd minutes of waiting, the double doors to room open, and two people walk in. The first is a young female half-elf, dressed in a fine black tunic and shirt of mithral. The symbols on her garb, and the disk pinned to her shirt, quickly reveal her to be a Knight Shadowbane. Her counter part, the Knight of Solaris, is a mountain of a man, standing nearly seven feet tall, and built like an ox. He wears gold breastplate armor, two gauntlets that look like they’re made for an ogre, and has what could very well be the God of all mustaches.

After the two Knights take their seats, the Knight of the Solaris begins.

“Welcome to Bavara, friends! I’m Hoek Armas of the Knights of Solaris, 2nd Cohort. A pleasure to meet all of you.” he roared in a hearty tone that was entirely too loud.

“And I am Ezeldra Lyone, Knight Shadowbane, 2nd Cohort. On behalf of both us, I’d like to thank you all for making the arduous trek despite the weather.” She commented, with a twinge of annoyance at her counterpart’s volume. She also seemed to be find the light in the room rather bothersome.

“Dark as it may be, the Sun always shines.” Hoek replied, with a grand smile on his face, exalting towards the sun emblem on the ceiling.

“Indeed,” Ezeldra replied, narrowly stopping her hand from reaching her forehead. “I suppose we should be on about it?”

“Right! We’ve called you here in light of what we’ve seen of your accomplishments and abilities. There is a matter of great importance that needs your attention. But first, Lady Lyone will provide you with some background information.”

“As you all should be aware, when the strange mist that now separates the realm of the living and the undead fell upon Khasgara, it also covered the lands of the Ravenlost Vale, namely the Kingdom of Barovia. When this happened, in addition to loosing contact with the people, we also lost contact with the land’s defenders, the Knights of Raven. For whatever reason, when the mists descended, the Knights vanished, and there has since been no word from them. They were, to say the least, an honorable lot, and we’ve trying for the last hundred years to find out what happened.

In general, our contact with the Kingdom of Barovia has been limited in the preceding years. There have been many, mostly unsuccessful attempts to send strike teams to Barovia, but most return either diminished, or not at all. When the wars with Khasgara began, all attempts to the pierce mists in the region were virtually ceased, as it was deemed simply too dangerous to send anyone in. However, we do know a couple of things, based on our own scouts, and information gathered from Varangar warbands that patrol the border:

1. Lately, the same elite-grade skeletal warriors that we fought during the Plague Wars have been seen along the roads to Barovia.

2. Khasgaran necromancers have been seen crossing into the Vale from the north.

3. According to the most recent scouting team to return, the city of Barovia still stands, and, interestingly, the same King who ruled before the mists descended, Lord Strahd von Zarovich, apparently still holds the throne. This is strange, since Lord Zarovich would have in his forties when we lost contact with him, thus making him nearly 170 years old by now, and as far we know, he’s human.

Whatever the case, with the Plaguemarch over, and the Khasgaran’s still recoiling, the leaders of both our Orders have deemed it time to once again safe enough to venture into Barovia.” Lady Lyone finished, staring across at you intently.

“Thats why you’ve been called. We need a trustworthy, organized, and experienced team to travel to Barovia, and figure out what exactly is going on. Based on what we’ve seen, you’re the best chance we have available to us.

So, are the heroes we’re looking for?” Lord Armas finished, with a hearty grin.
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Re: Chapter 0: Summons to Bavara

Postby Squall255 » Thu Sep 22, 2011 2:52 pm

Sharos looks around the room at his companions, locking eyes with Torgal (his Eidolon) for a half a second before smiling and stating *Assuming no one looked like they were going to object* "I believe that we are Sir Knight. Our history speaks for itself, and Athaulf here is always happy to take out some necromancers and skeletons. While we're out that way I'll have Alvar run some experiments to see if the fog is doing something to the wildlife. When we reach the city we'll send a report via Sending or Message spells."

*OOC: It was very hard not to ask for a Industrial Fan to just blow the mist away.
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Re: Chapter 0: Summons to Bavara

Postby Mr_Praetorian » Thu Sep 22, 2011 7:35 pm

“Excellent!” roars Lord Armas, as Lady Lyone flinches, startled again the volume of his voice.

“Indeed,” she comments, regaining her composure. “I shall proceed with the formal mission briefing.

Tomorrow morning you will depart from this city via coach, the cost of which will be covered, and begin traveling along the Boregev Road, formerly the primary route from Bavara to Barovia. After two days of travel, you will arrive at the Talon Inn, which sits less than an hour’s march from the Barovar Forest, and the mists. Once you feel that you are prepared to enter the woods, you will make your way first through the Barovar forest, and then to the Svalich Woods, arriving in the City of Barovia after 4-5 days.

A couple of notes about your journey, based on information we’ve gathered:

1. Don’t bother trying to take mounts into the woods, as anything less a paladin’s mount will probably flee before too long.

2. Divination magic appears to be rather dubious in its effectiveness in Barovia, and teleportation magic is right out. We will attempt to maintain contact with you via magic, but do not count on it.

3. It should go without saying that you should be wary of the mists, but it goes doubly so in the Ravenlost Vale. We’ve had reports of deep banks of mist that seem to pursue creatures, and that to stand in one for too long can leave you physically exhausted, and even weakened. As a result of this, we’ll be sending a few curative and restorative items with you.

4. Finally, you will notice several large statues of Ravens along your journey. The Knights of the Raven constructed them to mark there territory in a sense, though how you should treat them is somewhat up in the air. Some of our previous strike teams have claimed that the statues possess some magic that wards off evil creatures, while others claim the opposite; they attract evil creatures. Either way, be careful.

As for compensation: For your endeavors, you will each be granted a total sum of 10,000 - 20,000, depending on your level of success. With 5,000 to be paid up front.
Any questions?” Lady Lyone finished.
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Re: Chapter 0: Summons to Bavara

Postby TheDude51 » Fri Sep 23, 2011 1:43 pm

Athaulf grimaces a bit at the mention of money before speaking up, his calm voice a stark contrast with the other Sun Knight present.

"The light of the sun will assuredly illuminate even the darkest night. However, a more, ah, precise objective would allow us to better carry out our duty. What information, specifically, do we wish to discover? Even better, what actions does command hope to take based on the results of our mission?

"Given the presence of Khasgaran forces in Barovia, the disappearance of its knightly order, and the unnatural longevity of its ruler, the most obvious explanation is that Barovia is now a Khasgaran client state and von Zarovich is an undead abomination serving the necromancers. Are we contemplating large-scale military action agains Barovia? Should we place a priority on gathering military intelligence or on taking direct action against enemy assets in Barovia? Should we attempt to conceal our presence and our mission from the Barovians?"

[paladin no like uncertainty :/ ]
Would it not be easier
In that case for the government
To dissolve the people
And elect another?
-Bertolt Brecht

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Re: Chapter 0: Summons to Bavara

Postby Mr_Praetorian » Fri Sep 23, 2011 3:16 pm

Lord Armas considered Athaulf's questions for a bit before responding.
"As far as myself and Lady Lyone have been informed, there is currently no consideration of sending any sizable military force into Barovia. What we have been told, is that a 'clearer picture of the situation is required before any military endeavors can be planned'."

"Which means they're probably planning one as we speak." Lady Lyone said with a smirk.

"War never changes." Lord Armas added, before continuing.

"As for your goals:
Your primary objective is to make contact with the leadership of Barovia. Each of the previous strike teams have been honest with the Barovians about their missions and intentions, and have found the people to be a great help.

Your secondary objective is assess the level of influence Khasgara has over the city and nearby area.

Your third objective is to determine the status of King Strahd von Zarovich. The prospect of him being a vampire, or similar undead creature has been considered, but we lack evidence to conclude so. Its rare, but some particularly powerful arcanists have been known to live well into their 100s.

Finally, while this mission is officially about gathering information, any opportunities to disrupt or hinder Khasgaran influence, or any other nefarious forces, should be taken." Lord Armas finished, his tone far more serious on the last note.

"Anything else?" asked Lady Lyone.
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Re: Chapter 0: Summons to Bavara

Postby Mr_Praetorian » Sat Sep 24, 2011 7:30 pm

"Very well. As stated, your coach departs tomorrow morning. It will meet you near the front gate of this keep tomorrow morning at 6:00am. Thus, I suggest that you enjoy this last night as best you can, as the road ahead of you will likely be long and dangerous. Good luck, and may the Gods be with you." finished Lady Lyone. Lord Armas grinned heartily, and gave a gracious nod before exiting alongside his fellow night.

After being escorted down to the Operations Officer's quarters and given your upfront sum of 5,000 a piece, you are escorted out and given directions to your inn.

(If you have anything you'd like to buy in the city, post it below. Bavara is a large enough city that you should be able to find almost any item up to a cost of 20,000 or so. If you're interested in doing something that might require a bit more than a post or two, find me online.)
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Re: Chapter 0: Summons to Bavara

Postby TheDude51 » Mon Sep 26, 2011 9:03 pm

(Sorry for the delay, I was trying to come up with an actual coherent plan. This will have to do for now...)

Before the group departs from Bavara, Athaulf gathers everyone together for a planning session on how to approach the mission. Athaulf suggests that, because the leadership of Barovia is very likely suborned by Khasgaran influence, the mission should try to maintain as low a profile as possible, preferably concealing their presence entirely from any possible enemy agents, including the government and military of Barovia. Unfortunately, Athaulf has very little personal experience with stealth and infiltration, so he asks the rest of the group to contribute any ideas they have on how to enter and move about Barovia without drawing attention.
Would it not be easier
In that case for the government
To dissolve the people
And elect another?
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Re: Chapter 0: Summons to Bavara

Postby Zanaikin » Mon Sep 26, 2011 10:51 pm

( Satella buys a Lesser Crystal of Arrow Deflection [2,500gps] and a Ring of the Darkhidden [MIC][2,000gps] when she strolls around shopping later... and since this is a long mission, buying the ingredients for distilling another 60 shots of Absinthe [150gps] )

( and for Athaulf's question--- nope, no ideas to bring up; but as I've said, since you got a high enough sense motive mod to surpass me occasionally, Athaulf would be able to sense I don't like him very much, for whatever reason =P )
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Re: Chapter 0: Summons to Bavara

Postby Squall255 » Tue Sep 27, 2011 4:05 am

"Well with Torgal here, we might have a bit of trouble with infiltration. Unfortunately it sounds like you may need to hang out on another plane for a while buddy." Sharos says looking at his Eidolon with appologies.

"Eh, you know me. When shit hits the fan I'm just a whistle away. I'll stay with you guys until you hit the city limits though. Might find something to track in the mists that you'll need me for." Torgal replied.

"As for the infiltration, I suggest we go as two parties. One group as diplomats from the knights, to get in and make contact same as they use to. The rest of our group will arrive as either refugees or traders as the situation warrants. That will give us a chance to hear both sides. Wessel, I'd say wait a day or two and then pull a night time spying operation on their king, see what his night time routine is. You're going to want a spyglass, I'd say long range recon for the first few nights. I'd estimate staying in the city for a week." Sharos states looking around for confirmation and questions.

*item purchases will be up later this week. Gotta figure out what wands and scrolls I'll need. May buff defenses some. Trade in Cloak of Resistance for a higher powered one possibly. Is that doable, and what return rate would I get? Note to party members: I now have over 10K to spend on rods, wands, and scrolls. If there are any important or good buffs that you'd like let me know and I'll get them. My char doesn't do much in combat after round 1 or 2 but cast buffs.
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<Tal> Our chem teacher said it didn't really matter how we titled the graphs and tables in our semester prac
<Tal> but i still lost marks for having a Table of +2 Undead Slaying and Graph of Destiny :(

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Re: Chapter 0: Summons to Bavara

Postby Laharl » Tue Sep 27, 2011 4:28 am

Alvar finally bothers to pay attention, snapping himself out of the reverie he'd been in. "A fake merchant? Look no farther. Unlike the rest of you lot, I actually know what things are worth."

(I'll have my purchases up probably this weekend, it's going to be a busy week.)


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Re: Chapter 0: Summons to Bavara

Postby Zanaikin » Tue Sep 27, 2011 12:04 pm

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Re: Chapter 0: Summons to Bavara

Postby Squall255 » Tue Sep 27, 2011 1:23 pm

"That was my thinking. Wessel you get to choose your team. Play bodyguard of the merchants, or diplomat with me and Athaulf."
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Look! He's a brainless, life-sucking god of death. At sunrise he'll vanish like a bad dream. ~Jigo (Princess Mononoke)

<Tal> Our chem teacher said it didn't really matter how we titled the graphs and tables in our semester prac
<Tal> but i still lost marks for having a Table of +2 Undead Slaying and Graph of Destiny :(

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Re: Chapter 0: Summons to Bavara

Postby TheDude51 » Tue Sep 27, 2011 2:01 pm

Before Wessel can respond, Athaulf speaks up. "Actually Sharos, I'm not sure that a diplomatic team is necessary. In fact, it seems to defeat the entire purpose of trying to conceal ourselves. The diplomatic team's visibility would mean that the Barovians would be aware of our mission and on their guard for agents of the Light in their country, while separating ourselves would make both teams more vulnerable to any hostile action that might occur.

"I would suggest having everyone go in under the guise of merchants and their guards, at least at first. After all, we can always reveal ourselves later if we need to make official contact."
Would it not be easier
In that case for the government
To dissolve the people
And elect another?
-Bertolt Brecht

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Re: Chapter 0: Summons to Bavara

Postby Squall255 » Tue Sep 27, 2011 2:08 pm

"Actually I was planning a time delay before we showed up. Give the merchant team a few days to get a feel for the place and then have the diplomats arrive and see how much they squirm."
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Look! He's a brainless, life-sucking god of death. At sunrise he'll vanish like a bad dream. ~Jigo (Princess Mononoke)

<Tal> Our chem teacher said it didn't really matter how we titled the graphs and tables in our semester prac
<Tal> but i still lost marks for having a Table of +2 Undead Slaying and Graph of Destiny :(

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Re: Chapter 0: Summons to Bavara

Postby Sajuuk » Tue Sep 27, 2011 4:49 pm

(Sorry for delay, dealing with too many things right now, all of them annoying and urgent.)
(SELLING: Least Crystal of Lifekeeping - 100GP)
(BUYING: Lesser Crystal of Lifekeeping - 1000GP; Ring of Darkhidden - 2000GP; Wands of Veil of Postive Energy (APG) and Cure Light Wounds - 750GP each; Masterwork Composite Shortbow - 400GP, 20 Arrows 1GP)
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TODAY: Arodus 28, 4711
PARTY BUFFS ACTIVE: None










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