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After driving off the two vampires, we returned to the body of the slain man at Aylward's suggestion that I attempt to draw from its memories what transpired in life. I cast my spell and we questioned the cadaver learning only that strange things had been happening recently, and that his wife and child lived nearby. His throat had been torn open, but I used my meagre skills to sew up the wound with materials provided by one of our new compatriots, Fung. We carried the body to the house of his wife who, upon hearing of his death, was for a time almost inconsolable. Whatever this land may be there are still decent, moral folk in some parts. It occured to me that I might be able to help this woman in a way thought impossible by most, and at the same time demonstrate not only the generosity and mercy of St. Cuthbert, but his glory as well. I set the woman off to find a diamond gem that would appease St. Cuthbert, as is the bargaining price to entreat his good grace. She was successful and after the body was prepared I changed into my vestments (it has been too long) and began the ceremony that would bring life, where there was death! I prayed long to St. Cuthbert, offering my words of praise and need, and I found him almost within reach, closer than he has been for some time. Though it was arduous, my prayer worked, and Cuthbert saw fit to return the man to life! It was the first time I have ever seen such a thing done, though I have heard stories of it. Now I have done it myself, or rather, mighty Cuthbert did it through me. I am indeed grateful to be considered worthy. |
s I write these words we are huddled, the group of us, in the inn of Vallaki while the dread night continues outside.
The Travel Logs of Lucius M. Volkskull
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Our plan was to keep a watch, and to rest, but that rest was cut short when an odd creature, a dead husk of a man swathed in rags, shambled out of the night, a holy symbol glowing around his withered neck. We engaged in battle, but... I am ashamed to say I fled. I cannot say why, I have faced down worse before, but I saw this foul beast and was overcome with such fear and loathing that I could think of nothing but escape. Oh, what the others may think of me. I shall have to pray for forgiveness from St. Cuthbert. Fortunately the others managed to dispatch the creature. Aylward's new servent, Lumé, was helpful in that regard. I returned to the scene, having collected my wits, to discover what had happened. Sadly the victory over the undead was not without it's price. Aylwards other servant, the beautiful Lady Whisper, was struck down, the very essence of life sucked from her body. I have offered to help if I can. We carried the body back to the inn with us so we could regroup and rest. Now I sit at a table, a glass of whiskey before me while I write, and hope that I shall soon get some sleep without more disturbances for the night. Tomorrow we will investigate the strange happenings described by the townsfolk, and then we may be off to Castle Ravenloft. As Aylward and Balthazaar have pointed out, if we can defeat the source of the troubles, we will have defeated the troubles themselves. _________________ |
he man's name is Petruk, and he took us to see the town's mayor, Lars, and then on to the inn. We had them gather all the townsfolk (there were not too many left) and questioned them about the strange occurances. We learned much from them, and Balthazaar instructed them in the ways of defending themselves against vampires. Then we escorted them in groups to nearby homes for the night. 