Rhun's I6: Ravenloft - IC Thread

[Rhun]

You say your farewells to Ismark and Ireena, and then depart for Castle Ravenloft. Again, you take the southwestern road, and leave the town proper over the old wooden bridge that spans the fast, ice blue waters of the River Ivlis. You continue on along the road, through the thick forest and after a short time arrive at the split in the road. Knowing that the north fork heads to the gypsy camp, you take the south fork this time, and make your way deeper into the forbidding Svalich Woods. The dark mist creeps in about you as you travel, obscuring your vision and deadening the sounds of the forest.

 

[s@squ@tch]

"Keep your wits about you."

 

[kinem]

Ryan had been hoping that Xavian would take the hint he'd dropped yesterday and stay in the manor, but didn't press the point. There was danger either way, even for the adults, and the young man had the right to choose his fate. Perhaps he might even be useful.

The woods seem foreboding, and Ryan tries to keep an eye out for the possibility of ambush.

 

[industrygothica]

Xavian's instinct is to run, and he consciously battles his feet to keep from doing just that. Instead, he tightens his grip on his crossbow and plods on through the fog, intent on staying his course and proving himself finally.

 

[Rhun]

The road begins to rise rather steeply in a series of wide switchbacks, and the terrain about you becomes more rocky as you begin to ascend into the Balinok mountains. The dense woods all about still climb high above your heads to either side of the road, ignorant of the stony ground, though the dark mountain peaks to either side climb much, much higher.

After perhaps a half hour's travel, you find yourselves standing at one end of a long, graceful stone bridge. Perhaps seven or eight hundred feet below, the River Ivlis rushes by beneath you. To your left (the east), you can observe the cold majesty of the Tser Falls, as the river streams out of a narrow gorge in the mountains, and tumbles downward hundreds of feet into a pool below.

Across the bridge, the road continues further into the mountains.

 

[Rhun]

A cold wind blows down from the higher peaks, and carries the mist from the falls further down the river gorge.

 

[Strahd_Von_Zarovich]

Ares

Before they cross the bridge, Ares conjures up an invisible armor around himself for the upcoming hours. (mage armor)
Beware, the count’s agents probably noticed us. I suggest to arrow every raven and vulture and slice any rat or wolf on sight.

 

[Rhun]

With his words of warning, Ares begins to lead the way across the high stone bridge. Despite its apparent age, the structure seems solid, and soon enough you have crossed to the other side. The road continues into the mountains, still sloping upward, although at a reduced rate than what had led to the bridge.

 

[Rhun]

Dead leaves crackle underfoot as you continue to traverse the fog-shrouded road, working your way through several more wide, swooping switchbacks between mountains. A bolt of lightning splits the overcast sky for a moment, illuminating the area...there is a fork in the road just ahead.

The dirt road continues on to the northwest, while a wide road leads east into the dense forest. Patches of cobblestone can be seen along the eastern path, indicating that it must have once been a great and important road.

Just to the right of the fork, a score of yards down the eastern path, stands a large carriage and two horses. Both horses are as black as pitch, to match the gleaming black wood from which the carriage is crafted. The horses snort at your approach, sending violent puffs of steamy breath into the chill air.

The carriage door swings silently open.

 

[kinem]

Ryan steps forward - not far, but enough to make himself a more likely target than the others if attack is soon to come - but resists the temptation to draw his sword - yet. We have plenty of enemies, but little information. I would rather gain more of the latter if there is a chance for that.

"Show yourself" he says.