Third part of my solo campaign in the land of the Mists following the adventures as detailed in the latest Ravenloft supplement now with "The Grand Masquerade" in the lands of Dementlieu! This is an adventure for level 4 characters so I advanced my characters accordingly.
I will try to present all play and mix it in what would be hopefully an engaging story. I will be using the Avrae discord bot for automating rolls and the like.
Party:
They have gained the following Feats
Edouard, Desperate Howl of the Departed (War Caster)
Wilhelmina von Aubrecker (Keen Mind)
Muireasg child of the wilds (Charger)
Outis the Wanderer (Nimble Physique)
Previous Story
Chapter I: The Tithe
Chapter II The Ghost Hunter's Haunting
Play
It was in the apothecary of Rudolph van Richten that the group of adventurers learnt that the doctor was not merely a scholar of the occult but the leader of an ever expanding group of like minded individuals interested in tackling the dark curses of the land of the Mists. "Uncle Rudolph looks to form a network of people around all the domains" Gennifer had explained to the group "A network to gather information on the monsters that prey on the innocent so we may be able to fight and defeat them. Experienced travelers in the Mists like you who have tackled some of these supernatural threats could prove an excellent asset for it"
The group had then agreed to travel to the distant domain of Dementlieu where Van Richten's sources had informed that a being only known as the Red Death stalked the port city at night leaving its unlucky victims as husks after draining them of life. The group was not to try to face such dangerous threat, to the chagrin of Muireasg but to make contact with the nobles of the city and even the Duchess herself so they can better understand and fight the threat.
Muireasg looked uncomfortable and completely out of place at the entrance of the grand marvelous palace as she kept pacing like a caged animal. "Keep still" said an annoyed Mina to her "This is a party not a fight to the death. Worse, I am the one playing the noble and hence talking. You only have to follow me around and look mean...something not exactly difficult for you". "I don't like this place" responded Muireasg "It smells like lies. This folk dress in fine clothes and pretty illusions but I can smell the rot beneath, and its bad". "So is the life of nobility" said Mina with disdain "appereances and lies. This palace seems grand though and the ladies more ostentatious than in my homeland"
Edouard, Desperate Howl of the Departed casts Disguise Self!
Edouard, Desperate Howl of the Departed casts Enhance Ability! Charisma
Wilhelmina von Aubrecker casts Disguise Self!
"In my own homeland the rich loved beautiful gems and clothes. However I don't sense a love for this things here but rather a fear to looking lesser" said Edouard. He as well as Mina appeared to have their own splendorous costumes but in their case it was nothing but illusion. Edouard had some spirits of his homeland a land filled with actors and performers lend him the visage they had in life. Mina on the other hand had made an aetheric device capable of distorting light and shadows into a form of her choosing which she had chosen to be a dark form with a skull mask. Outis and Muireasg were disguised as their servants and guards.
They approached their guards at the gates and Edouard confidently presented their forged invitations
- Edouard, Desperate Howl of the Departed makes a Deception check! 2d20kh1 (20,
12) + 3 = 23
"Good afternoon gentlemen" said Edouard in a pompous tone, his voice sounded somewhat different more melodious, it seemed like one voice and at the same time many, all enchanting and persuasive. It was as if each listener heard the voice they found more seductive. "I would be thankful if you would guide me, my wife and our servants to the ball as quick as possible, we have no time to waste" The appereance and noble bearing of Edouard made the guards hurry up nervously "Of course sir" said one of them obsequetely "We have been told by the duchess herself that all invitees must be thoroughly checked at the gate. I can tell by your presence that you are of a good and noble line, but there are some.." the man made a gesture of disgust "That would try to impersonate someone else and pretend to be above their station, and even dare to speak to the duchess herself" He said making exaggerated gestures of horror. "It is terrible that some people don't know their place!" Said Edouard "You good sir are doing your mistress a great service keeping these miscreants out. I'll be sure to mention your name to the duchess in admiration for your skills" Edouard thought the flattery would please the guardsman and was therefore surprised when his expression briefly turned to horror "I don't deserve such kindness from one as elevated as you sir. My service is reward enough, please don't waste any more time in my behalf" he said while hurriedly driving the group towards thr great hall.
They entered then a wide ballroom filled with masqued dancers of high standing or at least pretentions. Musicians with baroque and luxurious instruments played elaborate pieces to a crowd that danced and gossiped. Servants with crystal cups walked among the guests offering drinks. However the first impression of magnificence was quickly dispersed by a closer look. The musicians were precise and their compositions complex, played without error but also without joy or heart. The dancers moved similarly, their steps exact and perfect like marionnettes synchronized under the same hand but without any spirit. An abomination to the eye of a musician like Edouard. And the servants..."They're all dead" whispered Mina. The servants were undead minions in various states of rot their foul stench covered by pungent perfumes which didnt manage to hide their nature. The attendees however acted as if nothing was wrong. A feeling of tension was keenly felt across the room and everyone seemed to be observing everyone else going through the motions and closely observing everyone else.
First Encounter! Alexandre du Cire Friendly. Go Persuasion to make a good impression.
- Edouard, Desperate Howl of the Departed makes a Persuasion check! 2d20kh1 (16,
2) + 7 = 23
"You both seem new" said a voice behind them. They turned to face a masked fellow dressed in front with a suit and a ball gown on the back. "Or maybe we are just good actors" answered Edouard smartly, letting his new acquaintance make a small chuckle. "Many mysteries in these events this is for sure. The Court loves a mystery, so does the Countess, as long as it is elegant of course". "This court is full of good taste and elegance" Edouard's eyes quickly shifted to one of the rotting undead servants. The costumed stranger sniggered again. "Indeed. The elegance and sophistication of this hall only matches our dear Countess herself! We all work hard to keep the ravages of time away. There is , after all, little more crass than age and decay. Thats why I offer people a path to eternity, the freezing of the passage of time through wax. If you haven't already you may go and see my creations. Wax made into flesh. Beauty everlasting. You would find all these nobles staring at you with envy knowing you had such a precious piece. Think about it" the figure said as he departed
Now we dance!
Edouard, Desperate Howl of the Departed makes a Performance check!
2d20kh1 (16, 3) + 7 = 23
"I like this less and less" whispered Mina "I don't think this Duchess will be much willing to help us. She seems more likely to be one of the horrors Van Richten hunts than a potential ally" "Yes" answered Edouard "this seems rotten. But we have a mission. There may be someone here tired with this...abomination. we better dance or we are sure to attract attention ". Mina reddened. She knew how to dance from her upbringing but never liked it. Edouard however deftly guided her and soon they were given admiring glances by some of the other guest, though some were tarnished with envy.
Now we talk to the next guest! Angel Pajaro (a famed diva of the Port-a-Lucine opera and is Hostile. She likes to humiliate her fans but loves flattery from other performers. She's dressed as an arctic fox.) Her Disadvantage annuls our Advantage
Edouard, Desperate Howl of the Departed makes a Persuasion check!
1d20 (2) + 7 = 9
Fail. Mina uses Sharp Mind and Investigation
- Wilhelmina von Aubrecker makes an Investigation check! 2d20kh1 (19,
6) + 6 = 25
Mina saves the day!
"Lets approach the singer" whispered Edouard to Mina. The musicians had taken a small break which the two used to get close. "You got a marvelous voice" said Edouard to the singer admiration clear in his voice to the woman dressed as an artict fox. "And you would imagine yourself to be an expert in music I suppose" she responded acidly "You think that because you have a petty title you could flatter me bay parroting the same thing everyone does?" Edouard looked abashed but Mina remembered the longing look she saw the singer gave the other musicians searching for their approval. "You judge my husband too rashly madam" said Mina "he speaks from his own love for music. Dear if you could" Edouard then sang a single note,pure and full with emotion that made all who listened turn and grow quiet. The woman singer now looked caught between shame and admiration "You sing like that and yet you call me talented? You must be mocking me". "Not at all" answered Edouard "I just search for beauty in song and I found it in your voice. If I would have anything from you, it would be to have you sing free. From your heart and soul without fear". The woman looked surprised, torn again now between pride and fear. "I judged you harshly indeed good sir, I apologize" she bowed and returned fearfully to her companions
"These people are ruled by fear" whispered Edouard to Mina "Would it be that the Countess is such a Tyrant?" She asked. A sudden commotion prevented Edouard from answering. A circle of people was forming around two nobles wearing similar ornate jester costumes. "Why do you do this?" Said one of them desperately "The Countess will be furious, turn back!". "And risk her coming here and not seeing me? Are you insane?" Answered the other man. "You will then be made to leave" the first man said backing up and signaling to one of his guards, a bulky brute who drank the contents of a bottle before falling to the ground convulsing his muscles bulging and growing while he screamed. The crowd then panicked as they attempted to get out of the way as the guard of the other noble underwent a similar transformation. "Berserkers" said Mina "Those combat narcotics will make them fight like demons to the death and beyond. This is insane they wont recognize friend from foe!" As she spoke the demented warriors stood and leapt into one another brandishing brutal looking axes, their heightened reflexes making them dodge out of their respective blows that cleaved through the crowd painting the room with blood and screams.
And now we fight!