Curse of Strahd dnd campaign

[SubPhil91]

Lucan laughs and swats at Quinn's hand as she pinches him. His tongue slides along hers for a moment before she pulls away and turns over to face Ireena. He runs his hands over her back lightly before massaging her shoulders. "Hey if you're going to be a little shit, I get to be one too sometimes." Ireena pulls Quinn against her as they kiss. The more they kiss the longer Ireena holds Quinn against her, not wanting to let go. "I know thats what money is for, but I feel like its a waste just spending it on silly things. I know its going to happen though. I feel a little bad, but not really." She leans in to kiss Quinn again, running her hand over Quinn's hip as she slides her tongue between Quinn's lips. Lucan starts massaging lower on Quinn's back and laughs quietly. "Well, hopefully after we steal Strahd's money we will have plenty of gold to buy you sweets with. Either way you'll definitely have some money to spend on silly things, dont worry." Ireena doesn't respond, just continues a very long, slow kiss with Quinn. Her hand moves over Quinn's body exploring every bit of skin she can reach.

 

[siobhancan99]

Quinn nestles her butt back against Lucan as she kisses ireena. she runs her fingers through the girls raven hair, then tugs at the roots at the nape of her neck, pulling her in for another long kiss "you do get to be a shit sometimes Lucan. it's fair" she nestles back against him, then lets go of Ireena to reach back with her hand and run her nails along his hip. she sighs and keeps her eyes on IReena "look a lot of what we do for a month or so is gonna be some high living. we all deserve it. I know i'm cheap as fuck but largely that's about magic items and other high ticket stuff that doesn't seem to really pay off. We adventure to live. not to have nice stuff buried with us when we die"

 

[SubPhil91]

Ireena smiles and runs her nails lightly over Quinn's arm. "A whole month of high living? Damn, sounds good to me. I'm definitely not going to say no to that, as long as I can see some sun and just relax for a while. After that I'm fine with more adventures and getting into shenanigans. Buying magic items now and then does seem somewhat beneficial though. I know we've run into a few lately but sometimes you just have to suck it up and buy some." She presses her forehead against Quinn's and runs her nose along hers slowly before leaning in for another kiss.

Lucan laughs and runs his fingers over Quinn's hand. "Oh I know its fair. At least I'm only a shit now and then, not all the time. I'm sure that would get annoying. I agree with Ireena though. Sometimes you just have to suck it up and buy a magic item here and there." He squeezes her hand before moving his hand down to her ass and just lightly caresses it. He pulls Quinn back against him lightly as he kisses her shoulder.

 

[siobhancan99]

Quinn remains convinced there's no return on magic item investment, particularly since one tended to die with them so they didn't even get passed down in an estate. she doesn't voice that though and instead just presses back against lucan and reaches to draw his arm over her and Ireena both "we can discuss it" she smiles and closes her eyes, enjoying being held and having a last night of respite. "this is nice. thank you for being here, both of you."

 

[SubPhil91]

Ireena smiles and runs her hand over Lucan's arm. She cuddles into Quinn, "Wouldnt want to be anywhere else right now. Maybe somewhere with some sunlight.. But I know thats coming so I'm more than happy being here right now. Cuddled up next to you and Lucan right here, I could stay like this forever.." She closes her eyes just laying there, enjoying the moment. Lucan laughs and looks at Quinn, "You know.. That sounds like a nice way of saying no. But I can accept that, we will just buy you things anyway.. I'm glad we are all here together, even if things are crazy everywhere else.. This feels right, and I wouldn't want to be anywhere else."

 

[siobhancan99]

Quinn laughs "oh so i'm not your first girlfriend then" she winks at him over her shoulder, then reaches back and squeezes him again. she sighs and lays there, quiet, soaking in the wamrth of her lovers and the comfort of their presence. she forces herself not to think of anything but this moment in time, so she can hold onto it even if one of them doesnt make it.

 

[SubPhil91]

Lucan laughs quietly, "What? Oh yeah, you're totally my first girlfriend! What would make you think otherwise?" He shakes his head smiling as he kisses Quinn's shoulder and runs his hand over her arm. Ireena scoots closer to Quinn, trying to get add much contract with her as she can. "I'm not going to want to leave this bed tomorrow.. im just going to want to stay in your arms all day. That would be okay, right?" She pulls Lucan and Quinn's arm against her tightly.

 

[siobhancan99]

Quinn smiles "it'll be ok if you're nestled in next to me for a while" she kisses Ireena's forehead, then closes her eyes "lets get some rest you two" she tangles her legs with Ireena and then presses her butt back against lucan, warm and relaxed "its a long day tomorrow."

 

[SubPhil91]

Ireena smiles and curls into Quinn. "Bet I'm the first one up in the morning." She closes her eyes as she starts to drift off. Lucan holds Quinn tight as he drifts off to sleep. Even in the comfort of the bed its still an uneasy nights sleep. Thoughts of the next day and whats to come pass through everyone's minds as you all sleep. Ireena is the first one awake, looking out the window at the rising sun. She sighs and presses into Quinn trying to forget her worries about the coming battle. She does her best to let the other two sleep in a little, letting them rest as much as they can before having to set off for the day.

 

[siobhancan99]

Quinn rouses herself, but doesnt move right away. she knows this is the last fleeting moment of comfort shes going to have till they are dead or Strahd is. she wraps her arm over IReena, kissing her shoulder, then presses her face to her back. she reaches back to feel the comforting solidity of Lucan, squeezing his leg. after a few minutes she finally, reluctantly, rises "well." she swallows "i guess this is it"

 

[SubPhil91]

Ireena turns as Quinn rises and pulls her back down. She squeezes Quinn tightly before letting go. She sighs she gets up putting on her armor and heading down to eat breakfast. Lucan looks up at the ceiling for a few moments. "We've got this, nothing to worry about. We've got a great team, magic items, and Hades is on our side." He squeezes Quinn's shoulder as he gets up and gets his armor on. "Let's go end this. A quick breakfast, a long carriage ride, and one last battle in the hellhole." He walks over, leaning down to kiss Quinn on the lips. Lucan walks out of the room to get breakfast. Breakfast is already made when the three emerge. Some eggs and bacon along with fruit and pancakes await the group. Erlen chats with Lucan by the fireplace, Ezmerelda and Marius are eating at the large table, and Ireena sits looking off out the window at the sun eating her breakfast.

 

[siobhancan99]

Quinn lets Ireena enjoy the sun, in case it is the last time. she distracts herself with food, thinking of all the bread and sweet rolls and other carb laden confections that awaited a month with nothing to do but relax and eat and enjoy spring weather, maybe. she honestly couldnt even remember what season it was back at home. she eats a bit, then fusses with the packs and all, letting everyone else chat and busying herself with work.

 

[SubPhil91]

Ireena pulls herself away from the window and puts her dishes away. The others all finish up their food and clean up before getting the finishing touches together. Marius and Ezmerelda head outside to ready the carriage and wagon. Erlen looks over between Ireena, Lucan, and Quinn. "Just a heads up, the rain is really coming down out there today.. Its like this place knows whats about to happen. Lightning and thunder every minute or less.. Kind of figured this would be the weather for today though." He heads outside and through the door before getting on the carriage, ready to go. Ireena sighs and looks out at the sun one last time before turning to Quinn. "Are you ready?"

 

[siobhancan99]

Quinn shrugs "are any of us?" she laughs and slips her arm around her girl, then leads her to the carriage. she climbs into the back with lucan and curls asshat up in her lap. she looks out "figures our last sure day we'd be covered in gods be damned rain" she shrugs again "fitting" then looks over to her companions "i just want you both to know, its been the best few weeks of my life. you've both made it very special and I think the world of you"

 

[SubPhil91]

Ireena smiles and sits across from Quinn. Lucan sits down next to Quinn and looks over at her. "Even with all the madness going on, these past weeks really have been pretty great. You've been the greatest part of this trip and I'm glad we ran into eachother back in Absalom. I know you said part of you wishes we hadn't come here, but I'm glad we did. This trip has had its ups and downs, but we are all in this together and it's been great."

Ireena is quiet as the carriage and wagon start to move. After a few minutes of listening to the rain and thunder she finally speaks. "These past few weeks have meant more to me than you two will ever know.. You got me out of that home that was almost a prison at times, kept me safe from Strahd, and gave me a kick in the ass when I needed it. They've been the best weeks of my life and I genuinely have loved it all.. And I love you.." She looks off out one of the windows of the carriage at the pouring rain. "Thank you both." The journey to Strahd's castle is a slow and quiet one. Eventually you start ascending a large cliff toward a large castle. You start heading toward the gate and you start to slow down. Marius looks back toward the carriage. "Stop here or should we continue on?"

 

[siobhancan99]

Quinn hmmms "maybe best to continue on foot. we dont want some sort of castle attack like from a trebuchet or something where we cant scatter" she gathers her cloak around herself and leans in to kiss Ireena "you're going to have much better weeks to come my darling. I promise you that"

 

[SubPhil91]

Ireena kisses Quinn before getting out of the carriage. You all head up the path to a large wall surrounding the castle. The walls are about fifty feet tall, the tallest part of the castle looks to be about eighty feet tall. A faint red glow comes from the tallest tower of the castle. As you head up the path you see an open gate inviting you in. Ireena freezes as you all near the gate, the realization of facing Strahd fully hitting her. She looks around at everyone nervously. "Everyone.. Is ready for this.. Right?"

 

[siobhancan99]

Quinn nods "we got this. ancient immortal with crazy powers. ominous castle? nothing to it" she hoists her bag against her back and starts walking in "i mean, he left the door open so at least we don't have to knock" feigning nonchalance that is not there at all.

 

[SubPhil91]

You all head through the gates and into the courtyard.
Thick, cold fog swirls in this courtyard. Sporadic flashes
of lightning lance the weeping clouds overhead as
thunder shakes the ground. Through the drizzle, you
see torch flames fluttering on each side of the keep's
open main doors. Warm light spills out of the entrance,
flooding the courtyard. High above the entrance is a
round window with shards of broken glass lodged in its
iron frame. The ornate outer doors of the castle hang open, flanked by fluttering torches in iron sconces. Twenty feet inside
the castle is a second set of doors .

The doors in front of you suddenly swing open, revealing
a grand hall filled with the sound of organ music.

 

[siobhancan99]

Quinn mutters "not fucking ominous at all" she tenses, wondering at the power of strahd that he has such complete control over the castle itself. she looks around, flicking her eyes this way and that in the grand ballroom. mostly she's looking for enemies, but she does pause at the door "we should check for traps though If i had to guess, he's going to want us whole so that he doesn't accidentally kill Ireena. Also he's going to want to monologue. I feel a monologue coming on".

 

[SubPhil91]

Erlen walks in looking around as he walks, "Looks clear to me, no traps around here." Quinn doesn't see anyone as you all head inside keeping on guard.

Cobwebs stretch between the columns that support the
vaulted ceiling of a great, dusty hall dimly lit by sputter-
ing torches in iron sconces. The torches cast odd shad-
ows across the faces of eight stone gargoyles squatting
motionlessly on the rim of the domed ceiling. Cracked
and faded ceiling frescoes are covered by decay.
Double doors of bronze stand closed to the east.
To the north, a wide staircase climbs into darkness. A
lit hallway to the south contains another set of bronze
doors, through which you hear sad and majestic organ tones.

An elf with brown skin and long black hair descends the
wide staircase, quiet as a cat. He wears a gray cloak over
black studded leather armor and has a polished scimitar
hanging from his belt. "My master is expecting you,"
he says.

 

[siobhancan99]

Quinn thinks "great. now we have to worry about fighting this guy too. I really didn't consdier the possibility we'd be facing a whole brood." she nods though, and gestures "why don't you lead the way? I think everyone is anxious to meet your master, and we know he is anxious to meet us. So let's be swift about it" she ignores the dust and poorly kept nature of the castle. She assumes its hard to keep clean when all of your potential servants refuse to come live with a horrible undead creature. "who is playing the organ?" wondering if there's others in the house they will have to dispatch, or if that's strahd himself.

 

[SubPhil91]

The elf walks you down a long corridore closer and closer to the music. "Oh, thats Strahd of course. He plays all the time when he's actually around. He opens a set of large double doors and gestures inside.
Three enormous crystal chandeliers brilliantly illuminate
this magnificent chamber. Pillars of stone stand against
dull white marble walls, supporting the ceiling. In the
center of the room, a long, heavy table is covered with a
fine white satin cloth. The table is laden with many delec-
table foods: roasted beast basted in a savory sauce, roots
and herbs of every taste, and sweet fruits and vegetables.
Places are set for each of you with fine, delicate china and
silver. At each place is a crystal goblet filled with an am-
ber liquid with a delicate, tantalizing fragrance.
At the center of the far west wall, between floor-to-ceil-
ing mirrors, stands a massive organ. Its pipes blare out
a thunderous melody that speaks in its tone of greatness
and despair. Seated at the organ, facing away from you, a
single caped figure pounds the keys in raptured ecstasy.
The figure suddenly stops, and as a deep silence falls
over the dining hall, it slowly turns toward you.

Strahd smiles as he looks over all of you. "Welcome, its about time you all finally came here and we got to have a chat. Though by the way you're dressed I assume this isn't a social visit."

 

[siobhancan99]

Quinn shifts her weight a bit "i can't say that that was our intention. No." she crosses her arms over her chest. "though it would be impolitic i think to jump right into things. If you've something to say we might as well hear it, though I would ask that for the duration of this parlay you direct all your comments to me as party spokesperson" the last thing she needed was him trying to charm Ireena or something though she suspected the intelligent sword might be able to prevent that or override it. still, worth the gamble.

 

[SubPhil91]

Strahd turns his attention toward Quinn. "Is there much to say though, Quinn? I mean if your mind is made up then there's nothing I can do to stop you all from attacking. I see you've kept Ireena safe, so I have no reason to kill you. Though I believe you did have a close call along the road. Shes still here though, looking as beautiful as ever." He smiles as he turns toward Ireena, his eyes glowing as she turns her head from him and closes her eyes. "However, is there anything you'd like to discuss before we begin? Like why you wish to rob this land of the peace its hard for centuries. No wars, no fighting except for when pesky adventurers or werewolves attack, no starvation. I mean, it really is quite the paradise if you're not out hunting for anything you shouldn't be."