Of Fists and Faith - A 5th Edition D&D Quest

The moment you walk through the front door, you can see there is a lot of history here. From the furniture to the knick knacks to the pictures, you can tell that this place is full of things that could tell you a lot about Ludmila. From the older antiques, to the knick knacks, to the pictures and paintings. Especially the one painting of a young child hanging over the television.

Ivan cares for none of that, and starts making a beeline for his food dish, intent on wolfing down the food as fast as he can.

"My home is your home." Ludmila tells you, as she puts her purse on a table near the front door. "Feel free to rest while I check the backyard door and make borscht."

"Do you want me to go with you?" You ask, as you try to put your luggage in an out of the way place. You don't think there is anything nefarious about the dog being able to get out, but knowing how today's gone, it's better safe than sorry.

"No, no. You rest up. I can handle any issues." The older lady assures you, as she heads into the kitchen. And with that, you are left alone inside the living room.

A good sized living room with lots of things to look at. So of course, the first thing you got to look at is the bookshelf. Hey, you like books! Why else would you choose to become a library assistant?

Unfortunately for you, a lot of the books seem to be in Russian, judging from what's written on the spine of the books. Which means you can't read them. I wonder if they make spells that can translate things. As for the ones you can read, they're mostly just classics, such as Moby Dick and Lord of the Rings. And on the top you can see a few books with more… worldly themes to them. Books that you have never read, because reading romance novels like that would absolutely be sinful and you're blushing and you should probably stop looking at them now.

(Perception Check: 16 + 5 + 2 = 23. DC 20. Pass)

But as you look away, you see a few books tucked neatly away, almost to the point where you would have missed them. Compared to the rest, many of these look older, these look a lot newer. You look at the spine of a couple, and raise an eyebrow at how out of place it is. Goodnight Moon? Love You Forever?

What are children's books doing on the bookshelf? Maybe for the kids in her family?

Heading over to another area, it's a shelf dedicated to what looks to be military stuff.

(History: 1. Reroll: 3 + 3 + 1 = 9. Fail)

Admittedly, you've never had much of an interest in war and military stuff. You know the basics, of course. And you knew that you were always supposed to respect those in the uniform, no matter what. Your dad would have tanned your backside if you said something bad about somebody in the military.

Of course, that means you don't understand much about what you're seeing. You can see a few medals, and there are some pictures of women next to airplanes. But you have no idea what any of it really means, other than an educated guess that the photos might be from World War 2.

You continue to look around the room. A lot of photographs line the walls, many of them showing Ludmila with different people. One picture has everyone holding old Polaroids and bulky camcorders. Another is obviously a sewing club. Another is her and a few people having a toast, though to what you can't tell. The words written below the photo are in faded Russian.

There are also a couple of newspaper clippings as well, preserved in a photo frame behind glass. They tell of certain incidents involving the breakup of certain groups…

(History: 15 + 3 + 3 = 21. DC: 10/20. Pass)

Wait, you recognize one of them! The Midnight Riders of Dallas! They'd caused a small stir of panic a few years ago. wanting to warn the people of "the danger of the immigrants, the new redcoats of our time!". And by warn, it was by violently beating down anyone they suspected of helping illegal immigrants. Mainly by intimidation, violence, and arson. It'd actually been bad enough that federal agencies were getting involved.

Then suddenly one day, they'd all been arrested. You were too young to know all the details, but apparently they'd crossed the wrong group of people and things turned violent. And if you're reading this paper right, they'd crossed a bunch of Russians. Including Ludmila, who was in the picture. She's holding up a two finger salute of peace while blood ran down her nose. But she was smiling. Unlike the poor fool who had his mugshot taken. He wasn't a leader, but apparently he was willing to turn on his fellow Riders for immunity. Or so you've been told by a couple of people who'd moved from Dallas.

"Ah, I remember that time. Didn't even have Raskova yet." You turn to see Ludmila looking at the picture. "I was getting a step slower though. Would have dodged punch ten years ago." She then turns over towards the picture of the toast. "I wonder what Dimitri would think of all this. Probably would have tried to use the Portals for the fight, the brave fool." Then there is a pause, before she continues. "I wonder if they're still around. It's been a while."

You don't know who 'they' are, but obviously they were important to her. The pictures, the books, the articles, the medals. Even the furniture has history to it. You have so many questions, and you want to learn more. But then you remember why your friend went to check on the back. "Oh, did you figure out how Ivan got out?"

This gets a laugh from Ludmila. "Yes. Ivan is smarter than most dogs. He figured out a way to climb high enough to leap over the door. I'll have to be more careful."

That's good! At least that means no one tried messing with the door to get in.

(Perception: 6 + 5 + 2 = 13. DC: 10. Pass)

Once more your eyes are drawn to the painting of the young girl over the television. Without even thinking, you ask "Is that you? Or someone you know?"

Ludmila looks up, and sees the picture you're talking about. It's a bigger picture than the rest, and looks to be in a place of importance. Maybe it's a painting of her daughter?

"Ah, that was my granddaughter, Anastasia." Ludmila starts. "She was six when I had that painted. He owed me a favor, and little Ana loved to paint. Especially with the little fingerpaints. She'd show them to me, and I'd keep them in the fridge. I still have some there…"

(Insight Check (Advantage) - 13, 4. 13 + 7 = 20. DC: 10/20. Pass)

That was, not is. Loved to, not loves to. The children's books were kept almost out of sight. Add in the fact that her voice is trembling and you can see the slightest tears start to form.

You have a bad feeling about what may have happened to Anastasia, and you may have accidentally brought up bad memories within Ludmila.

–

What do you say or do?

[ ] Tell Ludmila you'd love to see the finger paintings.

[ ] Try and change the subject (This will require a Roll)

[ ] Say nothing, let Ludmila continue.

[ ] Write In (Keep it short, subject to QM Vote)

[ ] Raskova Interrupt

–

QM's Notes: Sorry for the delay. This whole section may get heavy, so bear that in mind. You get the write in option as you passed the DC: 20, even without Guidance. The Advantage was from passing the first Perception check.

Also, Raskova Interrupt wins all ties, so keep that in mind.

So, when I picked the Hurdy Gurdy for your proficiency, it was mainly just to avoid extra vote bloat. However, with what I am hearing from the new 2024 DMG, it is actually important, especially with crafting, both magical and mundane.

Which means I might have accidentally fucked you over. Sorry about that.

So, to make up for it, you have a Tool Proficiency you need to vote for. You will use this list to vote from, because otherwise it will take forever to list.

Also, remember that you already have proficiencies in the following: Herbalism Kit, Calligrapher's Supplies, Hurdy Gurdy. (You keep the Hurdy Gurdy proficiency)

[ ] Vote

"...I know, all children like to make art at her age. But she was good at it! She'd take her dolls, and pose them. Then she'd sit down and paint. She'd always try to get it just right…"

You know what? You don't need to say a thing. She's obviously sad, but at the same time happy? Like someone who is remembering the good times of a person's life. And while her voice is still trembling a bit, she seems to be powering through it well enough.

And she didn't interrupt you when you needed someone to vent, so it's only fair to let her talk about her granddaughter. She seems very proud of her. Especially her art

"...she never really liked markers or crayons. She said they never let her fix mistakes. So it was usually colored pencils. So last Christmas I bought her a 120 set of color pencils. That way she could have all the colors she wanted! And she loved that set. She… hold on I have pictures I can show you!"

You take a seat on the couch, as she opens a small cabinet below the television, and pulls out two things: A small box, and a book

The small box is quickly opened to see a lot of colored pencils.

(Investigation Check - Calligraphy Tools Advantage: 2, 18. 18 + 1 = 19. DC: 10/15. Pass)

A quick look while Ludmila sits down tells you two things: There are over a hundred colored pencils on two trays, and that some of them have been used. But only a little, their size slightly smaller and their tips not as sharp as the unused colors. The black one seems to have seen the most use compared to the rest, which makes sense to you. She probably used it to make the lines.

Obviously, she used it. But how long did she have it for?

Your attention is soon drawn away from the pencils, and brought to the book. Or more specifically, a scrapbook. And soon enough, Ludmila is engaging in many grandma's favorite activities: Showing off pictures of the family!

Ludmila is far more animated, as she tells you all about Anastasia. Or "little Ana" as Ludmila calls her. With each photo she goes over bits about what was happening. It's the happiest you've seen her. It's what you'd normally see from a young child. A birthday party with friends and family. Unwrapping presents on Christmas. There one where she's on the swing at the park, being pushed by a woman. Is that her mother?

And of course, there's a picture of Ana drawing something. You can't quite make out what it is. But she's smiling, like she's making the best thing ever.


"Ah, this one was…" There is a pause, as if she's steeling herself for what's about to come next. "two days before she died. She was… working on something new. It was supposed to be a drawing of Disney World. Her parents were going to take her there."

Ludmila starts rubbing her fingers on her locket. Almost by instinct.

(Passive Perception: 15 30)

That is Ludmila's Object. You can tell just by looking at it. It's gold, but you can't really tell much else about it unless she opens it.

"You… you believe in resurrection, correct?"

That surprises you. Ludmila had said she didn't believe in the gods. Maybe she is changing her mind? "...of course, I do." You say with conviction.

"Good." And Ludmila smiles. A genuine smile. "...because so do I."

It is then that the pendant opens, and a flash of light illuminates the scrapbook.

(??? Check. Codex uses Help Action. 9, 20. 20 + 5 = 25. DC: 25. Pass.)
(Critical reveals the rest of Otherworldly Touched - When making a Skills Test involving noticing or understanding something not normally from your universe, or something being influenced by the same, you may choose to use the Abyss Skill. You are proficient in Abyss, and it uses the highest modifier between Intelligence, Wisdom, or Charisma.)

As the light dims, you look at the scrapbook. At first, you don't see anything different. Nothing that pops out.

But then you can feel Codex's pages ruffle against your skin. You quickly look at the Entity's pages to see what he's saying.

Hey, something is up with those pictures. They are radiating with the Abyss. It's not an Object like her Pendant, but it's being heavily influenced by it.

That does make sense. And Codex is sensing something you didn't. So you look again at the scrapbook.

And this time, you see it.

You see Anastasia again, but now she's older. But you can still tell it's her though. She's with her friends, sitting on what looks to be bleachers of a football field. Ana moves, and says something to one of her friends. You can't tell what she's saying, but she seems to be in a good mood.

You feel like you should be pointing out that pictures should not be acting like videos. But as you go to tell Ludmila, you can see her gaze is locked on the pictures. She sees it, and it's bringing her happiness. She puts a finger on the edge of the Polaroid picture, looking at it lovingly

You look back at the photobook, this time looking at another picture. It is further ahead in time, to what looks to be a graduation ceremony. It's Anastasia again, wearing the cap and gown. She's on stage, and she's being given her diploma by someone who looks important. She waves to whoever is taking the photo, and she starts heading off the stage, before going back to the beginning.

The third picture is a wedding. On one side is Anastasia in a wedding gown. She is positively glowing in happiness. The other person next to her… keeps changing. Every few seconds, the features of the groom change. Height, weight, skin color, hair color, gender. It doesn't stay consistent. Like the picture cannot decide who the actual partner is.

The fourth picture is in a hospital. This time, Anastasia is laying on a bed, holding a newborn baby in her arms. Just like the wedding picture, the baby keeps changing features as well. As well, once in a while a nearby nurse changes as well. You don't see a father, so you suppose they are holding the camera. But what doesn't change is the love a mother is giving towards her child, looking down and holding them.

As you keep looking at more pictures, there are fewer constant things in the pictures. Jobs, friends, pets, houses. Little remains constant as possibilities branch out. But there is one thing that doesn't change: a living Anastasia.

There are other timelines than these.

You've known this since the portal to the Abyss opened. But this is the first time you've actually seen this. Which means in other timelines, Anastasia lives a good life, and makes it to adulthood.

"She had so much to live for." Ludmila's voice snaps you back from the pictures. "And she will live to see it."

[We will find a way to cast True Resurrection] Raskova interjects. [Even if we have to make a deal with those damn Ṁ̸͍̲ÿ̵͎́ͅt̸͈̼̾h̷̗̎i̴͍͐c̶͖͝a̵͚̣͒l̶͈͐ ̷̗̈́̿C̴̠͑r̶͓̍e̴̘̅̕a̶̢̋̌t̵̽͜u̸͌͜r̸̩̹̊e̷̟͖̽̓s̵͖̕ to do so.]

(Arcane Check: 15 + 1 + 1 = 17. DC: 10/25. DC 10 Passed)

True Resurrection? While you aren't fully versed in Faerun magic yet, it doesn't take a genius to guess that it's used to bring back the dead. In fact, the "True" part of the name feels like it's supposed to be more powerful. Though for a moment you wonder if there's a "False Resurrection"

What you don't know is whatever the Mythical Creatures are. While your mind immediately conjures up demons and deals with the Devil, this doesn't sound quite the same. No, these "Mythical Creatures" sound very wrong. Just the way Raskova's voice glitched saying that felt alien to how words are supposed to work.

"Mythical Creatures?" You ask, wanting to know more. Hey, you want to make sure your new friend doesn't make a deal with a devil or something.

[They are… I suppose the closest thing would be the Abyss version of the Fae. Fairies, in your world. I wouldn't worry though. I can handle those winged upstarts and their tricks well enough.]

(Religion Check: Natural 20 + 5 = 25. DC: Variable. Pass)

Oh shit. It's worse.

Normally, you'd chastise yourself for swearing even in your thoughts. But you have read about the fairies, from pre-Christian times to now. While you never told anyone at the church that - for very obvious reasons - you did have an interest in reading other mythologies and how they came about. So you feel like cursing is a very legitimate reaction to the idea that the Abyss can spit out flying fairies that like to play tricks at best, and cruel ends at worst.

And if these are versions from the Abyss? Raskova might be able to handle them, but can Ludmila? If they offered her a deal that seemed fair enough, would she be able to resist taking that deal? And even if these Abyss Fairies accept, how likely would it be they'd find a way to trick the two? Like say, leave a changeling with Ludmila, claiming it was Anastasia when it wasn't. And that's not even including if either of them offend them in a way they couldn't have known about

The Devil and his demons at least have an agenda you know about and can predict. Faeries? Not so much. You don't even know if the Abyss version has the same weaknesses like cold iron. Or even have any at all. And if Raskova is right about what they truly are, then the obvious solution is not to deal with them at all!

"Do not fear. I have no plans to deal with these Mythical Creatures" Ludmila says. Ah, she must have seen the panic in your face. "We'll find this True Resurrection eventually. Or something similar. We'll bring little Ana back." And with that, she closes the scrapbook. "You don't have to worry about it. This is my mission, not yours."

–

But you are worried about it. The question is: Should you do something about it?

[ ] No. As Ludmila says, this isn't your fight. You trust Ludmila not to deal with the Abyss Fae, and for Raskova to respect that choice.

[ ] Yes. You know Cleric spells. Maybe you can also learn this "True Resurrection"? Or at least something similar? This option locks you into the quest "Find a way to resurrect Anastasia Gorbunova." Once you start, you cannot stop. This will cause plenty of changes, but may have plenty of rewards.

–

QM's note: This took a bit longer than expected. But I'm feeling good about this. As for why they need True Resurrection? Will you have to deal with the "Mythical Creatures"? When will I get my hands on the new DMG?

Find out all this and more, on the next installment of Faith and Fists Z!