stonegod's Expedition to Castle Ravenloft: Ch. I [IC]

[GwydapLlew]

Sir Khensu will spend the evening discussing the Lightbringers with Ashlynn and Jarrith. In the end, as it does not conflict with the vows of his Order, he will accept her tutelage and swear a vow to tithe to the guild upon his return from this cursed village.

Once the rest of the party had picked through Selase's gear, Sir Khensu will offer any remaining gear or weaponry to the villagers. His hope is that they will take heart and attempt an effort to defend themselves. If the villagers have a scrap of paper, he will write a brief letter to Mateush Ochem detailing the situation in Barovia. The letter will request that Ochem respond with his intentions and send Luminous back to Khensu - and also request that if the caravan decides to remain outside of Barovia for the nonce, that supplies could be sent by way of Luminous as well.

In the morning, after his morning prayers, Sir Khensu will then call his mount and send his steed back to the gates they entered only a day ago.

 

[DEFCON 1]

As Jarrith, Khensu and Ashlyn talk while on watch, Jarrith sees the Lightbringers to be an organization very much in league with the Order of Illumination. It is no coincidence that they both are influenced by the power of the light. "I concur with my Lumin Brother, Lady Ashlyn. The darkness needs to be lifted for all men and women to live peacefully and without fear. I welcome the chance to fight alongside you, and would gladly take any training or knowledge you might have that would aid us in these upcoming fights against the dead."

When Jarrith's shift is over, he unfurls his bedroll out here in the barricaded area and curls up to get some needed sleep. He knows that he needs his rest if he is to properly pray to the Voice in the morning, and thus he hopes that the night passes without incident. When he subsequently wakes up the next morning refreshed, his thanks for a proper night's sleep is accounted for in his blessings to the Voice.

"May the Flame bless me and fill me with it's light. May the Flame remove my sins and cleanse my soul. May the Flame protect me as I walk in it's teachings. May the Flame drive me to shower others in it's blessings, and bring the devout closer to it's light. In the Keeper of the Silver Flame's name, I speak to the Voice and listen to it's response."

Jarrith then gets up and sets about preparing for the day's travel ahead to Madam Eva's camp, as well as listening to the teachings of Lady Ashlyn and the Lightbringers.

**********

OOC: I will take the following three substitution level abilities: Destroy Undead (replacing my Turn Undead ability), True Daylight (replacing my Good domain ability), and Penetrating Strike (replacing Trap Sense). Do these occur immediately (as part of the move up to 7th level that's just occured) or do I have to wait until we reach 8th level before these changes can take effect?

 

[stonegod]

The remaining Thaloist Six finish their morning preparations: Luminous is sent beyond the barricade, in hopes of reaching the Expedition caravan unmolested, Jarrith continues his training by Lady Ashlyn, Daellin checks the readiness of their gear, Marot broods silently in a corner in thought, and Janis completes the morning preparation for her arcane magics. A meal, if watered down broth with three day old bread and dried meat of unknown origin can be called that, is prepared for the crowded numb residents of the Blood on the Vine, and the sun moves ever westward.

It is an hour since Luminous' departure when the Five begin their preparations for making it to Madame Eva's camp. They are all outside when a sound can be heard from the east---the sound of hoofbeats! Ashlyn looks on with determination, her hand gripping her longsword when over the barricade can be heard "Ho! Thaliost Six! We come the caravan! Let us in, quick!"

The voice is not familiar.

 

[DEFCON 1]

As Jarrith hears the voice that comes from the far side of the barricade, he whispers to Sir Khensu. "That voice is not a familiar one. This must be checked out."

He immediately slides down the barricade for a few lengths, then silently (+13) hoists himself up onto it to get a hidden view (+13) of who it is on the other side, and what (if any) dangers are currently befalling this person that he needs to be let into the encampment so quickly.

 

[stonegod]

Jarrith slides easily into a vantage near the building where the large man came out of yesterday to get a good vantage. What he can see are three people on horseback---well, one is on ponyback---who are looking intently at the barricades. It appears to be two swordsmen and a halfling. While the swordsman does not appear to be familiar, Jarrith recognizes the halfling as one of the scholars of the Twelve that held conference with Mateusz. While he does not know this halfling personally, he, at least, is part of the expedition.

The street behind the party quickly disappears into the mists. While the Stalker does not see any current danger, he knows the thick fog obscures such signs.

 

[GwydapLlew]

Sir Khensu Feral

At the sound of voices, Khensu takes position behind the barricade, longbow at the ready in case of attack. He calls out softly to Jarrith, "Who is it, Brother?

 

[DEFCON 1]

"One of the scholars with Mateusz... halfling fellow... plus two of his bodyguards it appears. No other manner of creature or beast in the area that I can see. Lady Ashlyn... I think it is all right to allow them entrance."

Jarrith climbs down from his vantage point and moves over to where the barricade can be opened so that he can assist as needed.

 

[GwydapLlew]

"'Ware the barricade." Sir Khensu waits for the others to move into position - in case any undead lunge out of the mists - and then starts to move aside the barricade to allow entrance.

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

Maraat moves to the other side and a bit further back, his hands clasped in front of him, ready to deliver a nasty jolt to any undead... or treacherous creature that attempted the barricade.

 

[Stormwind]

Ashlyn nods in response to Jarrith's words and then moves to stand just behind Sir Khensu, her shield strapped to her arm as she stands, tense and ready. If it looks like Khensu needs help with the barricades, then she will step forward and assist. If not, then she will stand ready to come to his aid should it prove necessary.