OK, so we revamped the roster a bit.
Gone is the Q-Monstah (aka Lavernous Vernichtung) who has returned home to Germany, and gone is the annoying gnat Cemetery Home Outkast (aka Professor Ellis Valdemear) who got his azz booted. However, the character of Ellis Valdemear will continue to live on in the story lines, a constant reminder of Alexus' failure to finish the job.
Also, our female player is introducing a new character into the game after her old one slipped through the exit portal. Misha tha Lost is no more. Instead, allow me to introduce you to her newest character creation: Alena Nurpašhi.
For your reading pleasure here is the humble beginnings of Alena...
Alena Nurpašhi is the princess of Neblus. As such she was schooled in math, literature, fighting and especially the magical arts. The sorceress ability ran deeply through the elven house of Neblus and was an ability also shared by her twin sister. After she had finished her schooling her father took her aside and told her what he had been told when he was her age, that she would be sent out to experience the world. The theory was that only in understanding your neighbors and the world in which you reside can you truly be a good leader. After she came back her younger twin would also experience this, separate journeys to learn different things which they hoped would give them different viewpoints when they ruled together (as long as they both came back). The beginning of her journey was a frightening one (as you will soon find out) but she has a strong will and has endured... so far...
And Alena has definetly been through some very rough times since then so stay tuned..
Signing Off....
Alena Nurpašhi
Alena Nurpašhi was returning from a play at a local theatre house on the night of July 8, 736 when she became preoccupied by the clear Darkonian night sky and decided to take the long way back to her inn room. As the nighttime streets thinned out around her, she continued to catch glimpses of a mysterious long-coated gentleman following her. He followed her as the crowds spilled out of the theatre house, and he continued to follow her down the various side streets and walkways. Just as she was starting to feel extra uncomfortable, the figure disappeared along the way.
And as the streets of Martira Bay were emptying to their lonesome most, the stalker suddenly reappeared before her, his leering glare dangerously close to her face. Alena knew she was about to be attacked and she reacted appropriately. A brief struggle ensues, in which the man threatens her with a rusty sickle and attempts to force her to the ground. This gave her a chance to flex some of those new sorcerer abilities, and Alena successfully managed to evade her assaulter. But not before he was able to mimic the unsheathing of a large sword, and mouth the words "we shall meet again".
Drawn by the sounds of ruckus, three local Martira Bay constabularies quickly arrive on the scene. They find a frightened and shaken Alena Nurpašhi, but no sign of her elusive stalker. They escort her back to the constable station, where they can question her further...
When questioned about the circumstances of the attack, Destanial was purposely vague. Instead of saying the injuries were incurred during the groups midnight visit to the Many Worlds Cemetery, Destanial told the doctors the attack happened on a deserted side street. He also omitted the presence of the ordained Overseer minister and the nighthag that battled him to the brink of destruction. He neglected to mention the foreign girl Misha, who vanished with the minister into an otherworldly portal. A portal that opened only as the professor's blood soaked into the earth, and the dark incantation was spoken. And instead of admitting they were with the professor at the time of the attack, Destanial told the doctors the professor was assaulted while traveling alone.
Lord Darkangnon silently nodded in agreement, all the while hating himself for having to deceive his best friend (Remember, Destanial AND his player have NO idea Alexus was the one behind the attack: that's what happens when you miss two sessions in a row!). But even Alexus couldn't explain the overwhelming rush of anger and greed that surged through him in the cemetery. And he refused to believe the possibility the Black Razor was directing his attack, even though he could feel it guiding his hand as he plunged it into the professors back.
After one hour turned to two, Alexus was imploring Destanial and Domingo to let the doctors do their job so the three of them could return to their inn room beds. It was a long night for everybody. Destanial relented, and ended his bedside vigil. They would return to check the professor’s status tomorrow. But before they could leave the hospice, the constabulary arrived.
Ironically, as it turned out, Destanial's fabricated timeline of events just happened to fit the motive operand a in a string of recent attacks throughout the city. Destanial, Domingo and Alexus were shocked by the coincidence. Apparently, the professor wasn't the only one who was set upon by this "mysterious attacker". There have been a series of unsolved homicides the last few nights that match the circumstances of Ellis Valdemear's attack. The victim was alone when they were set upon. The killings were precise, with only one blow being needed to fell the victim. And the wounds suffered by Ellis Valdemar were similar to the killing stroke delivered to the other victims.
Destanial figured Styrix was back to her old tricks.
Alexus bought the whole series of events as an eerie coincidence.
Nobody suspected the Truth...
Captain Jovis Blackwere asked for the players help in solving this mystery, as their reputation has preceded them. They agreed to lend their support to the constabulary.
The main room of the constable station was crowded and dust-choked, with yellowed papers stacked high upon time-scarred desks.
Captain Jovis Blackwere broke down the science of the murders. Over the last week, five murders have occurred. The murders all share a similar pattern; so much so that Captain Blackwere believes it is the work of a serial artist. Each of the five killings happened at an obscure hour of the night, when most of Martira Bay was asleep. Captain Jovis said what made the killings so savage was the fact the killer liked to "gouge out the eyes of his victims, before torturing and killing them". He was a dark sadist who "seemed to consider the killings a work of art". At each of the five murder scenes the killer left a hand-scribbled note on a piece of scrap paper. Count Magorian enquired further about the notes and Captain Blackwere presented to him the "Slips of Death".
Now I don't know bout you, but I thought some of these bars were pretty hardcore for 1991. Stuff like "she had a rapturous voice. She sung her terror so beautifully..." and "his blood seemed a perfect crimson, utterly capturing the red-hot fear and agony within him". It goes on.
Five different slips at each of the five murder scenes. All in the same handwriting and each bearing the same "tainted sentiments". The notes were signed with the initials E.S, and all five of the murders happened in the Eastern District of Martira Bay.
So THAT'Z why Styrix's waterfront abductions didn't draw much attention from the constabulary. Cuz the victims were only drunks and *****s. But once somebody started messin with the wealthy folk, that's an entirely different matter. Captain Jovis Blackwere and his men have been heavily patrolling the Eastern District ever since that first night.
But in all the Captains work, his men have yet to even catch a glimpse of the offender. Until tonight. This is where the players come in.
Once the constabulary were notified of the attack on the Professor of Il Aluk (Ellis Valdemear), the striking similarities jumped out at them. Not only was the professor attacked on the outskirts of the Eastern District (at least that's what Destanial told them), he too bared a similar wound to the ones delivered to the previous victims. A single gaping wound like that of a sword thrust. But these fatal blows were clean, with little to no rip or tear. Captain Blackwere surmised there was no note left behind because the professor survived the attack.
He apologized for the unfortunate circumstances that have befallen Alexus and Destanial's "good traveling companion" (*snicker*), and promised to do all he could to end this wave of terror. In conjunction with the players help, the Captain is confident they can find the killer; for he believes the murderer is finally beginning to slip. Later the same night of the professor's attack, another victim was "randomly selected". But this victim managed to elude the murderer, and escape its clutches. This victim is the only person in the city who was able to catch a glimpse of the alleged killer. Captain Blackwere said they had the victim holed up in an inn with protective custody.
And so these are his leads:
* Interview the Captain's star witness who survived the attack and fled from the scene. This was the obvious choice, and the one I gently nudged the players to follow. It's pretty obvious who the lucky escapee is, what with our lady player Alena Nerpašhi watching on and the other two players already bearing witness to her encounter with the killer (via Player Knowledge split-screen gaming). So the first thing Alexus and Destanial (w/ Domingo) will do is question the surviving victim, therefore properly introducing Alena Nurpašhi into the game. Remember Alena Nurpašhi, for she becomes our lady player's main Player Character.
* Captain Blackwere suggests another good starting place for their independent investigation. A local spiritualist named Alisia who has helped Blackwere and his department in the past. Although Alisia has so far been unable to help them on this case, each of the players "bears a unique destiny that may hold new clues".
* They can investigate the scene of the most recent murder, while the evidence is still fresh. The victim was a blind woman, who lived by herself, but was supported by Old Money. Her name was Thea Gyntheos and her home is perched upon the rim of the sprawling marketplace. Her corpse still on the premises.
* They can investigate the scene of the second latest attack (two nights old). The home of Eron Nalwand, elderly scholar and teacher. Although his body has been transferred to the funeral home for a wake, his house (and the scene of his murder) is still open for investigation. The authorities have discovered some evidence that leads them to believe Mr. Nalwand may have dabbled in "dark magicks".
The two players and one NPC, escorted by Jovis Blackwere visit the Captain Marlbrot, where lady Alena Nurpašhi awaits introduction. After getting everybody settled in, Captain Blackwere excused himself from the room and left the PCs to themselves. The interview started slowly, as both Destanial and Alexus were intrigued by her exotic appearance. They've never seen a girl quite like this one.
The Lord and Count introduced themselves via proper title, so as to give their presentation the full effect. They questioned her about the particulars of her attack, and she described it in a hushed, scared tone. She attributed her escape to "good luck" and quick wit. They told her their goal was to catch this mysterious attacker, and make him pay for his sins.
Perhaps she was driven by a need for revenge when she asked to join them. Either way, she was able to assure the guys she could hold her own and they agreed to let her help with the investigation. The party of three has just swelled to four.
And all the while, Professor Valdemear drifts in and out of unconsciousness at a Martira Bay hospice. As soon as he becomes coherent, the Captain of the Martira Bay constabulary will have a few questions for him.
The players followed their constabulary guide closely for fear of losing him amidst the rabble and clutter of the marketplace. The place they were looking for turned out to be a rambling structure of twisted oak beams, white-plastered walls and an aggressive canopy of thatch. Their constabulary guide nodded to the big bald man who slouched on the porch. He nodded back. The guide excused himself to go back on patrol, and the four characters approached the shack. Big Carl with the lazy eye stood from his seat and stretched to his full height; a good three or four inches higher than the tallest character. He carefully sized them up and down, before asking them to shed their weapons. Only then will they be able to enter "the sanctuary". The players were skeptic at first, but proceeded with the formalities.
Big Carl with the lazy eye ushered the players into the two-room hovel where they were greeted by the smell of tobacco smoke and sizzling bacon. The siren like wail of a boiling teapot suddenly assaulted their ears. A statue-still woman arrayed comfortably upon pillows in the center of the room. Colorful silk scarves were scattered around her, and on the floor like dutiful attendants lay her tools of divination. She knew Jovis sent them, and she knew they were relatively strangers themselves. Yet still, their "fates are strong and dark" and "bound inextricably together".
The players conferred further with the demented old lady, while big bald Carl with the lazy eye watched on from the corner. She told the players the killer had a "mind of lusts". Lust for blood, sex, lust for drugs and murder. His greatest weapons are secrecy, sleep and the shadows in which he creeps.
The mystic Alisia offered the Lord of Solyss a cup of tea to "cleanse his senses", and invited the lady Alena Nurpašhi to join her on the mountain of cushions. While Alexus sipped the sweet concoction, Destanial and Domingo hovered by the door with Big Carl. The mystic Alisia agreed to perform a palm reading for the fallen Elvin princess. She told her "remain ever wary" and to "fight until your strength is gone". She explained how Alena's own inner Will was the deciding factor in her battle with the killer. As long as she is ready, she shall be safe.
The mystic questioned Count Destanial Magorian about his place in the Solyss heirarchy, and his duties as the public figure head. The newly returned Destanial (suffering beneath the yoke of his monetary punishment) espoused upon his positive virtues and personal code of Honor. Domingo dos Santos played the role of humble servant to the Count, concealing his own true identity. Because Alisia said she supported Captain Jovis in his pursuits, she would tell Destanial's future for half price.
She used small colored wooden sticks called "bones" to gain a greater insight upon the Count and his servant. Each stick was marked with a rune representing a primal aspect of man or nature. By observing the runes that land face up, and studying their position, Alisia claimed she could predict their future. For Domingo she said "suspicions hem you in like a lamb in the pen of slaughter". She told the Count of Solyss to "beware your closest friend, who may slay you at last". Destanial's player shifted an uneasy eye towards Alexus' player, who simply replied, "Watch out for Domingo".
When the Lord of Solyss was finished with his tea, the mystic Alisia examined the arrangement of the dregs that settled at the bottom. She observed the patterns and designs before chilling him with the words "Death haunts your every step: turn to look and it remains behind you". He can't escape the dark cloud that hovers over him. Negative energy begets negative energy. Alisia spoke in an ominous tone when she uttered the killer's name: Ejrik Spellbender. And he is very close to one of the players. Very close.
DM Note: The various methods of fortune-telling used by Alisia are a tip 'o the hat to the methods detailed in the original Ravenloft Black Boxed Set. Also, notice Alisia didn't point at the players and say "Ejrik Spellbender dwells within one of YOU!", as written in the Cedar Chest text. That's what they call a WWE Sledgehammer Of A Plot. I'd rather leave it inferred, not stated.
The players inquired further about this "Ejrik Spellbender", but Alisia suddenly became nervous and skittish. She refused to speak his name again, and began insisting the players leave immediately. They were confused, but complied. Just as big bald Carl with the lazy eye was escorting the players out, Alisia suddenly became stricken by guilt. Before they left, she produced a scroll and gave it the Elvin sorceress Alena Nurpašhi. She said the powers of the scroll could be used to communicate briefly with a deceased soul. Perhaps the players could use it question Ejrik's victims. But it contains only a few uses, so "use it carefully". The players thanked her and bid farewell.
They next spot they decided to hit up was the scene of the last murder, barely 24 hours old. The passed through the din and odor of the marketplace, noting that the "cacophony of buyers and sellers seemed barbaric, like the sounds of a battle". They were happy leaving the madness behind. The suburbs of the Eastern quarters seemed much safer and quieter. But it is merely an illusion, as the mysterious killer Ejrik Spellbender has been successfully prowling these streets for days. Finally they reached their destination. A two-storied structure of graying wood just outside the merchant’s quarter. In front of the house stood a weathered cart hitched to a plow horse. Several men in black overcoats emerge from the house, bearing a large wooden box between them. This is the body of Thea Gyntheos.
The players conferred with one of the constabulary standing nearby. He told them Thea Gyntheos was a blind, mute woman who lived by herself with her Seeing Eye dog. Her coffers ran deep with Old Money, and nobody knew where it came from. The players asked to be alone for a moment with the body, and their wish was granted.
Within the dark box lay the body of the once-beautiful woman. Her paper-white face had been "robbed of its eyes" and her "long and beautiful tresses of raven-black hair are fouled with dark-brown, congealed clumps of blood". The tender flesh of her throat "bears a brutal gash, and her waist shirt is deep maroon where it soaked up the flow".
Only Alena Nurpašhi the Elvin sorceress was able to understand the arcane language spelled out on the scroll, so her presence has benefited the party already. The voice of the dead woman spoke to them in a sorrowful whisper, seemingly coming from beyond the Misty veil itself. Her tale was one of tragedy and woe. In it, she name-dropped a potential witness (Sinara Doom) who was with her during the first attack. Four nights ago, while her friend Sinara Doom escorted her home, the deceased Thea Gyntheos told them a "fiendish thief fell upon me, gouged out my eyes, stole the pittance of gold I had, and left for me dead". Sinara Doom fled the scene and hasn't been seen since. Thea says she would have died that night, if it were not for Ejrik Spellbender, who happened upon her and carried her home. He cared for her. Over the next few days, she admitted to falling deeply in love with him, and she says he loved her too. "At first, he would kiss me like a ravenous beast, but over time he became less and less interested in my touch".
It all ended last night. She had "never suspected the cruelty native to his heart" until he battered her, and demanded she "plead for her life". Ejrik beat her until she screamed for mercy and begged for her life to be spared. Then, "gladdened far more than my kisses could have made him", he slit her throat and bathed his hands in the blood...
Now that's hardcore for 1991. "Gladdened far more than my kisses could have made him..." Sick.
The players were starting to get a little uneasy as they learned more about their quarry. They said a quick prayer for the deceased Thea Gyntheos (R.I.P) and tipped their hat to the constables waiting outside.
But first, they would investigate the scene of the 4th murder (out of five). The home of Eron Nalwand, elderly scholar and teacher. Although his body has been transferred to the funeral home for wake, his house (and the scene of his murder) is still open for investigation. The authorities have discovered some evidence that leads them to believe Mr. Nalwand's may have dabbled in "dark magicks".
They followed the cobblestone streets past stately homes and overgrown gardens, until they reached a modest residence of whitewashed brick, fronted by a rusty iron gate. The letter N (for Eron Nalwand) was engraved upon the wrought iron filigree.
Inside the house, they found the surroundings much shabbier than the outside would suggest, and they could smell the dust and old books. The once-impressive parlor with walnut paneling was cluttered with piles of books and manuscripts. They introduced themselves to the constabulary on guard, and asked to poke around further.
It was a moderately sized house with plenty of rooms. They even found a bedroom, which had been converted into a library and laboratory. In the bedroom, they found signs of struggle. "A pool of blood, overturned furniture and a broken window". Alena was able to confirm to the others that the deceased Eron Nalwand did indeed experiment with arcane forces. They wanted to use the scroll on him, so they excused themselves from the crime scene and traveled to the local funeral home.
Their, they were able to see the recently made-up body of Eron Nalwand. He was a tall angular man with a bony face. His "eye sockets lie empty" and his brow was still "knotted in anguish and his lips still parted from his dying scream". "Brutal, really" the undertaker muttered. "To drive a knife into a blind man's heart".
Again they asked for a moment alone with the body, and the raspy voice of Eron Nalwand soon spoke to them through "death-dry lips". Apparently, Ejrik Spellbender had forced himself upon the elderly mage and gouged his eyes out. In return for sparing his life, Ejrik Spellbender demanded the elderly mage help him with his work. He needed to "find the magical means of slaying his host". Wha-wha-what?
Ejrik grew more angry and enraged, and threatened to kill the poor mage if he didn't cooperate. Ejrik told him his magic jar went awry, and that he was trapped. He needed to break free by any means necessary. Eron Nalwand tried to flee, but there was little the blind man could do. Ejrik Spellbender fell upon him before torturing and murdering the poor soul. Eron implored the players to find the killer and avenge his death.
Now the players knew they were dealing with some kind of magical menace. They enquired further into the properties of a magic jar spell, and Alena was able to give them the basics. Apparently Ejrik Spellbender is trapped or linked to a specific item or device.
Alena Nurpašhi got to work researching the name Ejrik Spellbender, and came to a few exciting connections. The name matched an old professor from the University of Il Aluk, who mysteriously disappeared on one of his excursions. And while it was not clearly spelled out, Alena the 6th level sorceress could infer that most of Professor Spellbender's work dealt with arcane subject matter. So the magic jar spell could conceivably have been one of his projects. But the years were a bit askew. If these two Ejrik Spellbenders were one in the same, he would have to be well over 100 years old...
The directions led him to a once-grand house, but large sections appeared empty and untended. The door stood open, and beyond it Alexus could see all manner of things hanging from the ceiling: mandrake roots, chicken feet, and scrolls of paper moving listlessly in the breeze. He approached with the flower in hand, when a scratchy voice cracked the silence.
"What can an old woman do for such fine young folk?" It belonged to a bent old woman with sightless eyes-"white spheres like two eggs in her head". She too was blind.
She invited Alexus in, past all the cluttered bookshelves and dusty end tables. Sinara Doom was there the night of Thea's first attack, but managed to flee from the killer. She could sense his twisted nature within him moments before the attack, and thus she was ready. Poor Thea Gyntheos was not so lucky, and he struck her down. Sinara Doom didn't stick around to see how it ended. She deeply regrets her fleeing, but admits it was a gut instinct. Due to the deep guilt she felt, she never went back to see how Thea was doing, and now it was too late. She knew it was Ejrik Spellbender who attacked her, as she could sense his vibe.
His first bizarre killing had attracted her attention, and she wondered about a mystic connection between his methods of murder. She found no immediate mystical connection, but continues to study the case as best she can, despite her age and blindness. She was able to tell Alexus that at one time, Ejrik Spellbender had been a brilliant and demented scholar who some say learned the mechanics behind a provisional conjunction. A wha-wha-what? A rip in the fabric of reality, which might let one slip beyond the Misty border... Alexus still didn't understand, but he didn't press further. None of that mystic-mumbo-jumbo for him.
She also told him that perhaps the deceased Thea Gyntheos was closer to Ejrik Spellbender than even she knew...
After bidding Sinara Doom a fond farewell, Lord Alexus Darkangnon decided to kill a few minutes by visiting the Sunset Park Tavern just outside the marketplace. It was a long day, and Alexus decided he had done enough work to warrant a little "reward". A reward in the form of a few Nova drops that he would administer to his mug of ale. Normally these drops would be administered directly into the eyes for maximum potency, but he was just looking for a mild buzz this evening.
Little did he know how carried away he would become...
Count Destanial Magorian, Domingo dos Santos and Alena Nurpašhi had returned to their tavern rooms the night before, but without the Lord of Solyss joining them. After he had not returned in hours (and well after Destanial and Alena went over everything they had to share), they simply assumed he was out painting the town red (how deliciously appropriate). When they awoke the morning of July 10, however, the Lord was asleep in his inn room bed. He was obviously hung-over. Alena, Destanial and Domingo journeyed to the main room for a quick breakfast, but were soon interrupted by the frantic Captain Jovis Blackwere. "There's been another murder!" he exclaimed. Quickly, the three gathered up their gear, and knocked loudly on Alexus' door to wake him.
As the Lord was struggling through his daze to clothe and arm himself, he noticed a slight trickle of blood running down the blade of his Black Razor sword. He rubbed it dry and promptly forgot about it. "Another wild night" he figured.
Captain Blackwere and his men led the players back through the sprawling, cluttered marketplace. Apparently, the killer had branched out of his typical Eastern district hunting grounds. Sadly for the players, his recent victim wasn't just some nameless face. It was the poor mystic Alisia and big bald Carl with the lazy eye. The players were saddened and appalled by the murders.
The once-airy sanctuary beyond the door now wore the reeking aspects of a slaughterhouse. "Blood was spattered on everything". Upon the bloody pillows scattered about the floor, they immediately recognized Carl. "His empty eye sockets seem to be weeping ruddy tears". In his ponderous arms, cradled like a child, rest the woman he spent his life protecting: Alisia. She too is rubied in blood, sightless in death. From the bloody drag streaks across their clothing and on the floor, the players could tell Carl and Alisia had been posed in this position.
Captain Jovis Blackwere, his nose covered with a rag, muttered "Happened some time last night. He left this". It was another scrap of paper with a written message.
"Such a touching pair, these two, like father and daughter they died. But as statues, they carry that elegant pathos to the grave". It was written in the same handwriting as the others, and bared Ejrik Spellbenders initials. That sick bastard. The murder scene inspired the players to move even quicker in their pursuits.
They poked around the insides of the house, while Blackwere and his men waited outside. Alena tried to use the scroll on Carl and Alisia but it didn't work anymore. It was Alexus who found the hand-scribbled note in the mystic Alisia's death grip. Apparently, she had just finished jotting down a message when the killer struck. She still held it tightly. After prying it from her rigored hand, they read the hastily-scribbled message.
"I have rethought my resolve not to help you. Ejrik Spellbender is too evil to let him roam. I remember a clue Thea Gyntheos once told me; Ejrik had given her a message to hold. A message that he forbids anyone discover. She told me she hid it in the best place she knew, an old Cedar Chest her father had given her to protect".
DM Note: Now, for those who have access to Book of Crypts you will notice I slightly modified the scenes with Sinara Doom as well as the dead mystic Alisia's last words. They're not big, radical changes, but they reflect the direction of our own campaign and thus have been changed to suit that. I'm tying Ellis Valdemear, his deceased mentor Myles J. Witherspoon, Ejrik Spellbender, Kurvyn Asterlei and his Fraternity of Shadows all together. Just follow along...
* Former Player Character Ellis Valdemear is upgraded to stable condition. Unfortunately for the constabulary, he is not able to divulge many details of his attack. Truthfully, he too seeks to cover up the events at the Many Worlds Cemetery, so he insists he never caught a glimpse of his attacker. Which IS sorta true. Professor Valdemear the character had NO idea it was Alexus Darkagnon who blindsided and ran him through with the Black Razor. Last thing the professor remembered, he was charging the vampire Lavernous when he set upon at the rear by an unseen foe. He assumed it was either a living corpse or Styrix herself. He has NO clue his own traveling companion betrayed him. But as soon as he gets better he has vowed to help the city solve the recent murder spree.
Also, somewhere in the back of his mind, he still sub-consciously clings to the belief that his deceased mentor Myles J. Witherspoon was a just and noble man. Even after all the brainwashing by Lavernous, Tavelia and the Overseer temple, he still stubbornly refuses to believe his mentor Professor Witherspoon dabbled in the evil, dark arts. If anything, he strived to protect the world from these elements. Professor Valdemear would validate his dead mentor's name by finding that research he had referred to before his passing. The research he said was
From The Unfingered Hand
"locked securely in a chest made of cedar, hidden beneath the floors of his blind illegitimate daughters home in Martira Bay". He had warded her and her home from detection with various protection majicks. Nobody even knows of her existence".
* The three player characters (and one NPC) have begun to put the pieces of Ejrik Spellbender together. They know he was an ex-teacher at the University of Il Aluk, the same school their "companion" Professor Ellis Valdmear taught at. They knew he dabbled in dark magic, as evidenced by his research into magic jar mechanics. They knew he lusted for and devoured Thea Gyntheos, and that he had tried to extort the deceased scholar Eron Nalwand. They knew he had the mystic Alisia murdered to prevent her last message from reaching them. But they still didn't know where to find Ejrik Spellbender.
They hoped this mysterious Cedar Chest Alisia had spoken of would hold the clue.
It would.
So the players returned to the estates of Thea Gyntheos, to find the area taped off and boarded up. But they weren't gonna let that stop them. They found their way inside and started snooping around.
DM Note: Now as DM, I'm always saying how important the dice are to the Game. I could never imagine trying diceless gaming. They deliver those truly random elements. And once again, the rolls of the dice determined the entire outcome of this adventure. I went into this final encounter ready for the worst. I knew this "cedar chest" they were looking for was gonna give the answer they needed. What they chose to do with this knowledge was on them, and I was eagerly awaiting their reaction. I fully anticipated this information to fall into the right hands, and finally the dark secret would be out. But destiny, fate and luck were heavy this night. Now, the module already says the chest will be found under a rug in the kitchen, so it is where it is.
The players enter the house and start poking around. I ask them where they wanna search first, and Destanial answers the bedroom. He wants to search through Thea's personal items. Alena wants to check the main room where the murder actually occurred. She checks the ornate wooden kickboards, moldings and marble-inlaid fireplace. There are plenty of cabinets filled with china to rummage through.
Lord Alexus Darkangnon volunteers to search the kitchen.
OK then. So while Destanial is upstairs poking through the diary of the deceased Thea Gyntheos, and Alena is looking behind paintings, Alexus is in the kitchen finding the trap door under the rug.
I gave plenty of opportunities for the others (especially Alena who is only two rooms away) to hear what was going on in the kitchen. But they didn't. They were blissfully unaware Alexus was undoing the rusty latch and opening the small wooden trap door on the floor. His nose threatened to sneeze from the clouds of dust, but he held it in. He quickly scanned the room around him, but the others were busy with their own pursuits. Alexus lift out the infamous Cedar Chest and quietly closed the trap door, replacing the rug over it. He still didn't call for the others. Instead, he used his thieves picks to force open the lock and reveal its contents...(his super-high skill checks out powered the failing wizards lock cast upon the box).
He found a leather satchel monogrammed with the initials MJW, in which was contained a portfolio of documents meticulously labeled and organized. Lord Darkangnon had no idea what these papers were or what they meant. What intrigued him more was the other worthwhile discovery sharing the Cedar Chest: a human heart. The odor of rot and death was unmistakable. Alexus knew that smell very well. A "tiny, stained scroll protrudes from one of the red-brown arteries". Again Alexus glanced over both shoulders, but his comrades were nowhere to be seen.
He removed the scrap of paper, and read the hastily scribbled words. "Black Razor".
Per rule of the module, upon this revelation Alexus was forced to make a Horror check. He failed. And of all the failure possibilities, Alexus has to roll perhaps the most deadliest: obsession.
Suddenly it all made sense to him. It came rushing back to him like a dam bursting. The late night visits with the vampire Lavernous, the mysterious black-outs and haunting images of dead bodies and blood pools. The whispers in the wind that he now knew belonged to the Black Razor. Urging him on. Encouraging him. Alexus was the "host" Eron Nalwand spoke of. He now knew why Alisia had observed the black cloud of death following him. He knew he was Ejrik's unwitting pawn and suffering victim. He also knew he could tell nobody else of this...
Yes, Alexus slipped the bloody message into his pocket before calling forth the others and alerting them to his discovery. He found the Cedar Chest, and claimed all it contained was the leather satchel with the folder of papers, and a rotting human heart. What the connection or meaning was, the Lord feigned ignorance. The other players were completely stumped, in game and out of game.
See, as players they witnessed the whole scene unfolding as Alexus' player guided his character through the discovery. But when it came time for me to reveal the Black Razor revelation, I slipped the message to Alexus' player on a slip of scrap paper. The other two players never saw what it read. Therefore, their characters have no idea he found the paper, and the players have no idea what it said.
From The Unfingered Hand
Originally posted by The MadStepDad
During his prime, Professor Myles J. Witherspoon was confronted by a political conspiracy within the Universities ranks, and battled a rival professor named Ejrik Spellbender. Ejrik Spellbender was a founder of the Fraternity of Shadows in its fledgling days, and Myles could clearly see his goals were selfish and evil in nature. But in his battles with Ejrik and his undead minions, Professor Witherspoon met his own untimely demise. But perhaps it was his connection to the Grey Realms that prevented him from truly passing on. He arose as a Cold One, a living being who had survived a close brush with death. This incident spurned his ghostsight.
Eventually he was able to overcome the threat of Ejrik Spellbender and put him to the grave (of course, this being Ravenloft and all, Professor Spellbender's spirit inhabited a receptacle of his own wicked creation). Myles confiscated Spellbenders papers and research in the process, thus learning the rudimentary principles of orchestrating a provisional conjunction.
So essentially, study of these portals began with the Fraternity of Shadows. Witherspoon was the wild card vigilante that secreted away the knowledge, so as to prevent it from being used for evil. That was close to thirty years ago, and since that time he has fought to keep Spellbenders successors at bay. He works closely with other professors that share his vision, and with who he trusts his lifes work (amongst the few is Professor Zachary Kraven, foster father to young Aramil). Professor Kurvin Asterlei is simply the latest (and most efficient) of Ejrik Spellbenders eventual heirs.
The players really had no idea what the significance of the research was (as it was a side-story specifically created for Ellis Valdemear's player before his dismissal). They just knew it was somehow related to the wounded professor, and Alexus was the first to suggest they question him further. He tried to shed some distrust on the professor, in an attempt to influence the others. They too started to becoma a bit wary of the "good professor" Ellis Valdemear.
And so ends the discovery of the Cedar Chest. Lord Darkangon alone has learned the true nature of these mysterious murders, as it is his body playing host to the diabolical Ejrik Spellbender. These sudden bursts of emotion, violence and carnage drew forth the corrupted spirit of Ejrik Spellbender to inhabit Alexus' body. The same body that wields Ejrik's magic jar receptacle: the Black Razor. How long has he been exerting his Will over Alexus? Have Alexus' twisted, selfish actions actually been directed by Ejrik? Every action driven towards the goal of freeing Ejrik from his magical prison? What thoughts were his own, and which belonged to the entity inhabiting his weapon? The same weapon he was now obsessed with.
Lord Alexus Darkangnon didn't know the answer to these questions, but he did know he couldn't reveal his secret. For if he did, the very source of his power (the Black Razor) would surely by destroyed. He knew if the Count learned of the sword's history, he would take it from him. And he couldn't bear to have the sword taken from him. It was part of him. Therefore, he would need to concoct a scenario to keep the other players suspicions at bay. He needed a plan that would explain this recent murder spree, and shift focus away from his sword. He needed a patsy.
Originally posted by The MadStepDad
And so ends the discovery of the Cedar Chest. Lord Darkangon alone has learned the true nature of these mysterious murders, as it is his body playing host to the diabolical Ejrik Spellbender. These sudden bursts of emotion, violence and carnage drew forth the corrupted spirit of Ejrik Spellbender to inhabit Alexus' body. The same body that wields Ejrik's magic jar receptacle: the Black Razor. How long has he been exerting his Will over Alexus? Have Alexus' twisted, selfish actions actually been directed by Ejrik? Every action driven towards the goal of freeing Ejrik from his magical prison? What thoughts were his own, and which belonged to the entity inhabiting his weapon? The same weapon he was now obsessed with.
Lord Alexus Darkangnon didn't know the answer to these questions, but he did know he couldn't reveal his secret. For if he did, the very source of his power (the Black Razor) would surely by destroyed. He knew if the Count learned of the sword's history, he would take it from him. And he couldn't bear to have the sword taken from him. It was part of him. Therefore, he would need to concoct a scenario to keep the other players suspicions at bay. He needed a plan that would explain this recent murder spree, and shift focus away from his sword. He needed a patsy.
...But who shall be the patsy?
Originally posted by Gemathustra
...But who shall be the patsy?
mwah-ha-ha!
July 11, 736
Despite still being significantly weakened by the attack two nights ago, Professor Ellis Valdemear has checked himself out of the Martira Bay hospice. Once he received word from Count Magorian that the Witherspoon research papers had been discovered, he pepped up immediately. He asked that the Count (with his bodyguard and Alena) take him to the work right away.
But the same morning Destanial, Domingo and Alena were with Ellis Valdemear on his release; Lord Darkagnon was canvassing the busy streets of Martira Bay doing his own research. He needed a scapegoat and he put his ears to the street to find one. I let him role-play out a few encounters on the streets and in the Shoppe’s, and he rolled a few charisma and gather information checks. After a days study of the Martira Bay streets, I assigned Alexus three potential scapegoats.
* A loner vistani boy who had a reputation for being cruel and aloof. He was also known as a renowned wordsmith and master poet. Perhaps a few forgery checks later, and this kid could be the prime suspect.
* A dwarven weapon smith with a quick temper and foul tongue. He has been known to grumble threats of physical harm to some of his customers. Captain Blackwere and his men could find the "murder weapon" on his grounds.
* Or an old isolated hedge wizard with a shack full of arcane goodies. Alexus, bred of Barovian superstitions, figured he could drum up some witchcraft accusations against the guy and point the finger his way. The constabulary would find more Death Slips at his home.
But it gets better folks, wait for it...
Looking forward to seeing how Lord Darkangnon deflects suspicion away from himself... ;)
This is the same day Destanial and Alena worked with the recently-released Ellis Valdemear on the Spellbender case. They went over the details and clues of the killings, while making sure the professor wasn't too exerted (he was still weak from his wounds). But the professor's main concern was the research they had recovered from Thea Gyntheos' house. He pressed Destanial and Alena further, pumping them for as much information as he could. But they had only briefly glimpsed the documents, and had no idea what they meant. Lord Darkangnon still had the papers on his person. He said he was conducting his own "study" on the works. He would report back to their inn room headquarters later tonight. At least that's what the Lord said.
And so the professor, the Count, his bodyguard and their princess waited. And waited. And waited while the Lord prowled the streets, analyzing the angles. When he returned to the inn that night, he was immediately besieged by the professor, who begged to see the portfolio.
The documents written by Ejrik Spellbender himself and completed by Valdemear's mentor Myles J. Witherspoon. Documents that contained scientific evidence which detailed the existence of "provisional conjunctions" (referred to in the Black Box as Portals). Ellis Valdemear needed the research to validate his own beliefs about his mentor Witherspoon. He believed the professor was a Hero of Light, and that his research could be used to benefit Man. Even after the subtle brainwashing employed by Tavelia and Lavernous, Ellis still believed his mentor was assassinated for his knowledge of Truth and not for any perceived demonic trafficking.
But the Lord wouldn't let him see the papers. Even Destanial and Alena were surprised. The professor even more so. What did he mean "no"? But Lord Darkangnon calmly explained (lied through his teeth) about the papers being delivered to his contact "Weinberg". This "Weinberg" character was a learned scholar of the occult, and was researching the documents at Alexus' behest. At least this was the tale Alexus told the others. Truthfully, "Weinberg" was the lonely hedge wizard he had scoped out earlier.
He was the one Alexus had chosen to be the Mark. The patsy for the Spellbender murders.
But of course, things hardly work out as planned...
Most of the Book of Crypts pieces... are only okay as one-shots and remarkably ill-suited to putting into ongoing
EXACTLY. And that's EXACTLY why I chose to incorporate them into my Game. To prove that it CAN be done. I remember reading most of the reviews on BoC and they weren't too flattering. But this should be proof positive anything is possible (especially in Ravenloft).
Night Of July 11, 736 (continued)
So the other players sorta had an inkling of what Alexus was up to. They assumed he was involved in the Spellbender murders, they just didn't know how. But their characters had NO reason to suspect this. Alena hasn't known Alexus long enough to question him, especially with a man of Count Magorian's stature vouching for him. Destanial has known Alexus his whole life and still has an innocent naivety towards him. So we were kinda at an impasse at the Gaming Table. The players knew their characters were still searching for a killer they would never find. But they had to keep the flow going. And so their characters continued the investigation.
It was on the night of July 11, when Count Magorian (his bodyguard Domingo) and the lady Alena Nurpashi resumed their hunt by reinvestigating the dead scholar Eron Nalwand's home. Maybe there they'd find clues they overlooked the first time.
The NPC Ellis Valdemear (still weak from his wounds) stayed at the inn, promising to review the handwriting samples further. It was here, as I was describing the Professor's actions in a haughty, bossy fashion, that Lord Darkangnon chose to strike.
After the other players had left for Eron Nalwand's house, Alexus was knocking on Ellis Valdemear's door. It didn't take much convincing for Ellis to grab his new walking cane and journey with Alexus to "Weinberg's" place, where they would pick up the research. Alexus told him he should have the answers he was looking for by now, and Ellis eagerly believed him. Truth is, Alexus' player was contemplating the means of laying Professor Ellis Valdemear down for good. No mistakes this time.
So while Destanial, Domingo and Alena were poking around in the Eastern District of Martira Bay, Alexus and Ellis were across town handling theirs. Alexus had peeped this area out earlier in the day. While "Weinberg" was in town getting supplies, Alexus was in the mans house scoping it out. He knew exactly how to set the pieces up and frame the old man. But now, he was having second thoughts. He had a better plan.
"Weinberg's" home was well off the beaten path, and Alexus knew that nobody would find a body here for several days. This was the same long, winding dirt road Alexus led the unsuspecting Professor Valdemear down on the night of July 11, 736.
Finally, the two of them saw "Weinberg's" small shack, illuminated by a hanging lantern outside the door. Alexus told the Professor this was the spot. But before they went inside and reclaimed the research, there was something Alexus had to tell him...
Alexus didn't really know this Weinberg character after all. And he never really gave him the recovered research. Matter of fact, Alexus had the research papers on him (he just didn't want word getting out that they were in his possession). By now, the Professor is starting to get suspicious of Alexus.
Alexus procured the research for Ellis, and lit a torch for him to read it by (no lanterns for him). Ellis Valdemear immediately recognized the handwriting of Ejrik Spellbender, followed by Ellis' own dead mentor Myles J. Witherspoon. Suddenly, it all rushed to his head. The details of the "Secret War" Myles had once told him about. The mysterious research he stole from evil necromancer Ejrik Spellbender, who sought absolute power.
Ellis Valdemear started thinking out loud. He recalled a conversation he once shared with Myles Witherspoon, when he retold the story of his enemies defeat. He said to always be prepared for the possibility of his return. When Ellis had inquired as to how he this could be possible, his mentor Professor Witherspoon said "magic jar". And if that were true, what would Ejrik's receptacle be?
By this time, Alexus was flashing that trademark devilish smirk, and telling Ellis there were more clues he had been withholding. He gave Ellis the "tiny, stained scroll" that was protruding from one of the "red-brown arteries" of the human heart he found in the Cedar Chest. The same "tiny, stained scroll" that revealed the identity of Ejrik Spellbender's majic jar receptacle. The piece of paper that read "Black Razor".
The professor's life flashed before his eyes as he read the paper. That mighty blow that felled him in the Cemetery was no zombie, it was the vile Black Razor! Hand delivered by his own traveling companion Lord Darkangnon! The same Lord Darkagnon that was leering at him with his hand on his hilt. Ellis Valdemear gasped in horror, and Lord Darkangnon unsheathed the Black Razor.
Just then, "Weinberg's" cottage door swung open, and a small dog bounded out of the elderly mans arms. The old man was innocently letting his dog out, while right down the path Alexus was ready to run Ellis through.
Momentarily sidetracked by the distraction, Alexus hesitated and Ellis Valdemear screamed for help. Suddenly, the old man was alerted to the ruckus and his dog started barking furiously while running up the path. Rats, Alexus was foiled again. But this time he WILL finish the job.
He moved toward the Professor, and combat ensued. Unfortunately for Alexus the dice were not falling for him tonight and the weakened professor temporarily got the upper hand. All the while, that little dog is barking and nipping at their heels and "Weinberg" is at his cottage door shouting out "Who's there?! Who's there!?"
With Alexus' bad luck tonight, the fight lasted longer than he expected. The noise and ruckus (with the professor and "Weinberg" shouting and the dog barking) persisted into the night. It was drawing the attention of a constabulary patrol just outside the city limits. A patrol that quickly began approaching the scene on horse back. As Alexus struggled with the magically enforced Ellis Valdemear, he could see the constabulary lantern lights approaching. This fueled his anger further, and he could feel an extension of his rage surging through the Black Razor. And although he wanted to flee before the constabulary arrived, something forbade him. That was all Lord Darkangnon remembered. Seconds later, only "Weinberg" was still shouting. Both the dog and Professor Valdemear had been silenced.
With a look of shock and disbelief permanently etched upon his features, Professor Ellis Valdemear finally met his bloody end on the cold, dark, lonely dirt trails outside of Martira Bay.
When the constabulry arrived on the scene, they found Lord Darkagnon looming over the bloody corpse of Ellis Valdemear (and the little dog) with a dazed look on his face. His Black Razor was drawn and streaked with crimson. The constabulary grimaced at the sight, before collapsing on the Lord of Solyss and wrestling him to the ground. Alexus gave little resistance. His mind was still too cloudy to react. The elderly "Weinberg" finally shuffled to the end of the path, where he found the body of his small dog. He sank to the ground wailing and sobbing.
How can the "man with the golden smile" escape his fate THIS time?
The circus was in full effect for the murder trial of Lord Alexus Darkangnon of Solyss, Gundarak. He was charged with the slaying of University of Il Aluk professor, Ellis Valdemear.
Suffice to say, there was much role-playing goodness involved here at the Trial. Lord Darkangnon chose to represent himself (banking on his 18 Charisma to bail him out). He claimed it was entirely a matter of self-defense, and that he had damning evidence linking the now deceased Ellis Valdemear to the Spellbender murders.
The prosecution worked overtime to portray Alexus as a simple, violent savage, who earned his title of Lord through battlefield victories. They claimed the murder of Ellis Valdemear was premeditated and cold-blooded.
Back and forth the two sides went, all the while Destanial’s hair is getting whiter. Best believe he is riding for his dawg until the bitter end. He honestly believes with all his heart that the good Lord had nothing to do with the crime in which he was accused. Alena simply prays, and supports the Count as much as she can.
“Weinberg” (being the only other person near the scene of the crime) had agreed to testify as to what he saw and heard that night, but his body was found the day of his court appearance. He apparently died of old age.
Finally as the days counted down until a verdict would be delivered, the entire case was busted wide open…
From The Unfingered Hand
Originally posted by The MadStepDad
Professor Kurvyn Asterlei- NPC Professor of General Relativity and Conceptual Physics at the University of Il Aluk. Plays a small part in the intro, but this NPC becomes very important later. He too hides a dark secret…
Originally posted by The MadStepDad
There, a wizened old University professor named Myles J. Witherspoon has been researching the properties of something he calls “Provisional Conjunctions”. If Professor Witherspoon’s theories are correct, these temporal rifts are capable of ripping through the very fabric of space and time itself. Virtual black holes capable of swallowing up the surrounding landscape and any unfortunate victims that may be present. They seem to deposit them in an ever-shifting swirling vortex of mists. Where these black holes lead to, nobody knows (but King Azalin has his OWN theories about that).
This knowledge is potential Pulitzer Prize winning material in the right hands. Of course, in the WRONG hands, it could spell disaster for the multiverse. And for as much light as Professor Witherspoon hopes to shine on this topic, there are others out there that seek to hoard the knowledge for their own dark purposes.
One of those men is a colleague of Myles J. Witherspoon, and a professional rival. His name is Kurvyn Asterlei, Professor of General Relativity and Conceptual Physics. Unbeknownst to many, Professor Kurvyn Asterlei is actually a high ranking member of the Fraternity Of Shadows. He’s been following Professor Whitherspoon’s progress for quite some time, but has yet to crack the outer seal. For all the powers of intrusion at Professor Asterlei’s disposal, his rival Professor Witherspoon has equal amounts of protection power, for himself and his prized research. Suffice to say, the relationship between the two men is cold and strained. But to the naked eye, they appear to be casual business acquaintances…
Professor Kurvyn Asterlei, respected University Professor and city counsel man, traveled from Il Aluk to Martira Bay to appear for the defense! In a shocking twist to those who had been closely monitoring the frenzy, Professor Asterlei slandered the deceased Ellis Valdemear calling him (amongst other things) a “disgrace to the teaching profession”. He also took the opportunity to lob a few shots at his long-time (and now deceased) rival Myles J. Witherspoon, accusing him of witches work, demon trafficking and treason. He said his mentor Ellis Valdemear was a part of these works as well.
These revelations were shocking to the public, and it was no surprise when Lord Alexus Darkagnon was found innocent on all charges a few hours later.
Of course, there’s more to the Trial than just that. For example, the first day of Lord Darkagnon’s release, he was spotted eating lunch at a trendy Martira Bay restaurant with Professor Kurvyn Asterlei. Ya see, no money exchanged hands. But yet Professor Asterlei’s involvement in the Trial DID come at a cost...
Nobody saw Alexus slip Kurvyn the leather satchel monogrammed with the initials MJW. In it, was the original research conducted by Ejrik Spellbender and finished by Myles Witherspoon. Research on portals that had once begun with the Fraternity of Shadows, would now end with the same group. The bad guys win this round, but true Heroes of Light can never be exstinguished.
Myles J. Witherspoon is dead, his apprentice Ellis Valdemear is dead, and both their memories (as well as their lives work) have been tarnished and degraded. Lord Darkangnon is free, and Professor Asterlei has accomplished his task of recovering the long-since vanished research of Fraternity founder Ejrik Spellbender. Alls well that ends well.
The players all gave a sigh of relief, and began their return home.
Lord Darkagnon has escaped unscathed from the searing eye of the Law. His allies Count Magorian, his bodyguard Domingo and Alena are NONE the wiser. But that nasty little obsession he has with the Black Razor will continue to linger...
and gone is the annoying gnat Cemetery Home Outkast (aka Professor Ellis Valdemear) who got his azz booted.
LoL! You have got to let me know why you kicked this joker out. Because I have booted a good amount of herbs from my campaigns too.
~~~
You can read about the return, initiation and subsequent banishment of the now infamous "Cemetery Home Outkast" (government name witheld) right here in the recap of Episode #8- The Unfingered Hand.
Of course you WILL need madd time to burn cuz it's one of my longest recaps - it was such a busy session. It was also the debut episode of our female player Alena Nurpašhi whose first character Misha the Lost "escaped" the dread realms.
Check it out.
peace,
MSD