Ravenloft game thread

The slight stink of death that was permeating the house was enough to make Sindar uneasy. He'd encountered his share of undeath, with the usual smells that accompanied beasts like that, but this was a little too surreal, being in such an appointed mansion such as this.

"Let us rest while we have a safe roof over our heads comrades. I'll keep watch. Ireena, are the windows boarded up on the second level? I'll keep watch over the front street while my comrades bind their wounds."

"You fought bravely, all of you. I have never seen such valour in my life, although to be honest I have never passed the mists that surround this place. I half expected you to suffer heavy casualties from the attack. I will assist you, please wait while I find some cloth and spices".

She returns with antiseptic herbs, strange bandages, and a thick, black hot liquid, which has a bitter but fragrant aroma.

You take a short rest, so spend hit dice if necessary

Iskandil spends the hour relaxing, sharing his apple brandy, and explaining why donkeys are far more useful animals than horses.

He was never really intended as a combat mount. Or really, anything other than a nuisance.

"I have some beds down the hall, enough for three. Others could sleep in here. I do not have enough to feed you all, but at least I have bedding for your mounts. We could get grain tomorrow if you have lots of gold, or they will have to eat the grass here".

She supplies 3 rations, including crackers, cheeses, small pale cabbages and simple herbs.

"If the threat of night is close, then we have not much time to sleep. We must make preparations. Your home, while safe for now, is not adequately fortified in the case of continuous assaults. Whomsoever is master of the large beasts we put down will come looking. Those things had a glint of intelligence behind their brutality. Whomsoever needs to sleep should but after this brief reprive, I myself shall tend to the defense of this position. Any are welcome to join me."

Not to be outdone by Katerina, Grizel joins her on watch duty. "Any other entrances, exits or other weak spots we should be guarding here, Ireena?"

Seeing Alastor's discomfort, Grizel debates whether to dismiss him back to his native plane. But she is unsure whether she will get any rest tonight and may be unable to summon a new steed. "What d'ye think we're in for, Katerina? Obviously we're defendin' Ireena tonight, but when mornin' comes what then? Shouldn't we be marchin' up to this Strahd's mansion right now? I'm not afraid o' this 'vampyr' but I gotta tell ye I woan be at me best if I doan get any rest. Nor Alastor either."

Sindar is shaken from his light slumber with the sound of snarling and clawing. He instinctively goes for his crossbows, then tries to locate the source of the disturbance.

OOC: I'll give a perception, and an investigation roll, in case one of them is more appropriate

You listen at the right moment, for you hear a voice coming down the hallway where the animals are shifting about. Someone is thudding on the door.

"Ireena. Ireena! It's Ismark. You have to let me in...the wolves! There are eyes everywhere. Please let me in before they kill me!"

Grizel rushes to Ireena's side. "What's this, Ireena? Are ye sure it's yer brother and not some trap? If it's really him then we're fer helpin' him! But what's he doin' walkin' about in the middle of all this?!"

She had fallen asleep, as she looked quite drained of energy before.

"Ismark! I totally forgot! Ismark lives here, but normally stays 'til late at the Tavern. Where is he?"

Heavy thuds batter the house from the East and West. It appears that creatures are trying to smash open the boarded windows.

"Help...help me! Arrghhhh!"

Grizel rushes for the door to help Ireena let Ismark in. Grim-faced, she draws her sword.

---

OOC:
-I hope the other party members are coming to help keep the wolves at bay!
-Readied action: Channel Divinity (Abjure Enemy). Trigger: if any hostile creature comes through the door.

"Nine hells, let the man in! We can be ready to overpower him if he's been afflicted with anything."

Sindar rushes toward the door, waiting for some backup, or Ireena to open the door for Ismark on the other side.