After admiring the interior of the House of the Moon for some time Ubly begins to meander about. Seeing someone (Estelle) looking over papers Ubly cannot resist learning more. As they step forward they smile and ask, "What is it you are looking at?"
As Ubly approaches they see a young, human girl with long blue hair. She's dressed in robes with motifs of stars and constellations and ink smears on her hands. Despite the late hour, she is wide awake and fervently studying maps and making notes. She has a steaming cup of something caffeinated at her side that she is nursing. Surprised out of her studying by Ubly, she almost upends her inkpot. "Oh! Hello! I, um. I'm looking at navigational charts...specifically ones that cover the outer reaches of the Trackless Sea." She studies the newcomers face with interest, eventually smiling back. "My, um...my brother disappeared at sea eight months ago under mysterious circumstances. I've been looking for him or information that might lead me to him. I'm Estelle. What's your name?"
Before Ubly can respond, the mists take them. Estelle looks around, slightly panicked to have been torn from valuable research, but relieved to see her notes clutched in her hand (though greatly aggrieved that her caffeinated beverage is gone).
She watches Ubly introduce herself but sits quietly, shock and suspicion keeping her muted. She's relieved to see that her gear came with her - a shield with seven stars circling a pair of eyes, a golden mace with a glowing blue orb encased at the end, swirling with cloudy stars, a simple crossbow slung across her hip with a sash, and her pack. Under her scholarly robes is a set of leather armor. That makes her feel better...but where in Selune's name could they be?
Amelia’s thinking of a way to respond to the man’s question without getting into the whole devil-deal thing when the attention is taken off her by new arrivals. She approaches the group forming, but says nothing.
Bral considers the rest of the group that seems to be forming. Bral decides that Amelia seems to be a good ally if she really has any experience in killing creatures. Whereas this Ulby and Estelle seem a little too cheerful for his liking and possibly a little too naive.
He then turns to the others that have yet to announce themselvs.
"So that just leaves you two."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
Estelle notices Bral eyeing her and Ubly. "My name is Estelle. I'm a cleric of the goddess Selune. I was in Waterdeep at the House of the Moon until moments ago. In fact, I only just met Ubly, here when a mist rolled in and....took us. Why am I here? Who are you people?"
Estelle's tries to put on a brave face, but her lower lip trembles as the reality of her situation hits her full force.
Baudric nods his head politely, "I am Baudric Holystalker, formerly of the Falkovnian military. I assume we are all new to Barovia?" Turning to the vistani, "Did you bring us here? Or simply know we were coming? And why this particular assortment of strangers?"
As everyone stands around, Stanimir spits some wine into the fire. "Come, let me tell you a story."
A shape appears in the bonfire’s core and takes the form of a man being knocked from his horse, a spear piercing his side.
Stanimir continues. “One night, a wounded soldier staggered into our camp and collapsed. We nursed his terrible injury and quenched his thirst with wine. He survived. When we asked him who he was, he wouldn’t say. All he wanted was to return home, but we were deep in the land of his enemies. We took him as one of our own and followed him back toward his homeland. His enemies hunted him. They said he was a prince, yet we didn’t give him up, even when their assassins fell upon us like wolves.”
Deep in the bonfire, you see the dark figure standing with sword drawn, fighting off a host of shadowy shapes.
“This man of royal blood fought to protect us, as we protected him. We bore him safely to his home, and he thanked us. He said, ‘I owe you my life. Stay as long as you wish, leave when you choose, and know that you will always be safe here.’”
The figure in the dancing fire vanquishes its final foe, then disperses in a cloud of smoke and embers.
Stanimir’s face becomes a somber mask. “A curse has befallen our noble prince, turning him into a tyrant. We alone have the power to leave his domain. We’ve traveled far and wide to find heroes such as yourselves to end our dread lord’s curse and put his troubled soul to rest. Our leader, Madam Eva, is in that wagon over there and wishes to speak to you."
Rose and Thorn say nothing and those who make a comparison realize that they are different from the Vistani. "Unlike the Vistani, we can't travel without Mist Talismans," Rose begins. "The man Stanimir spoke of in the story controls the Mists and likely brought you here for his little game."
"Madam Eva can tell you more," Thorn adds before grabbing a bottle of wine.
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I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Bral listens to Stanimir's words as he tells the story of the Vistani and the noble prince, "And how did he come to be afflicted with this curse?" Bral's grip on the hilt of his sword tightens. "I have met and slayed accursed creatures before, and at times I have had to fight those loyal to these creatures. The master of this realm may intend to play games, but I have no interest in playing them."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
Ubly sits listening to the story, delighted by the figure in the fire.
“I would be very interested in learning more about this curse, how can we speak to this Madam Eva?” Ubly pulls a tome out and sets it on their lap, opening it up. “And these Mist Talismans,” Ubly looks over at Rose and Thorn, eyeing them for these talismans, “Where did you acquire them?”
"Heroes?" Estelle whispers, almost to herself. "I'm no hero...I've never even left Waterdeep. And I'm already on a quest..." She sits down heavily beside Ubly and begins biting the skin around her nails.
Stanimir listens to each one who speaks and nods. "I don't know the exact details of how our lord became a tyrant, but it's likely he made a deal with the dark powers."
Rose and Thorn exchange looks. Thorn says "We've been collecting Mist talismans for years. Since we were children. The Vistani taught us about them. We have a whole case back at our mansion in Barovia Village."
He isn't quite sure how to answer Amelia and Estelle's questions. He turns to Ubly and points to the nearby wagon. "Madam Eva is in that wagon."
Just as Stanimir finishes speaking, the door opens. A woman with short blond hair wearing leathers and a jerkin eyes each one of you. "So you're latest group? Come on in, you've waited long enough."
If everyone would like, they can proceed into the wagon.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Mia listens carefully to the Vistani. "This noble prince of yours reminds me of someone from my home, another one of these domains. If there is a way to save him, perhaps there is a way to save her and my homeland as well." She stands up and bows slightly before turning towards the wagon and waiting for the others to follow.
Bral thinks for a moment and realises that Stanimir is not going to offer any more information. But perhaps this Madam Eva would provide the answers he seeks. However, for now, he intends not to reveal the nature of his mission.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
Estelle reluctantly stands. She wishes no part in this strange situation, but the need for more information compels her forward. As she makes her way to the wagon, she is struck by a thought - the mist that engulfed her and Ubly at the House of the Moon spirited them away in a matter of moments to a completely different location. Her brother's ship disappeared under similar circumstances, if witnesses could be believed. Perhaps she would find some answers here.
As everyone goes toward Madam Eva's wagon, Stanimir looks at Mia. "There seems to be a commonality with dreadlords and their domains. They become obsessed or do something that draws them and their world into the Mists. I wish I could save our prince, but I fear he's too gone."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Amelia’s ear twitches at the lack of a response, but she says nothing. This mission could be the key to her freedom and her family’s survival, and that’s worth any amount of unanswered questions. So she goes to the wagon.
Once everyone is inside of Madam Eva's wagon, you notice it's bigger on the inside. There's enough room for everyone to have a seat. There's a shelf full of various bottles as well as two trays of meats, cheeses and crackers.
"Would you like a drink? Perhaps some brandy?" she begins. "They aren't the same as what you'd find in Falkovia or Kalakeri. All of you came here under different circumstances or reasons."
She stares at Baudric and Mia. "Some sought to escape their former home." She turns her attention to Bral and Amelia," Others are on the behest their mentor or master to complete a task."
Her eyes rest on Ubly and Estelle. "Others were merely swept in the mists, unsure of why they were brought here. Yet I think if you spend enough time here, you'll find what you're looking for."
I know Stanimir gave you some of the story about the Vistani's 'prince.' The prince is question is Strahd Von Zarovich, the ruler of this land. He seeks to continue the dangerous cycle of trying to reclaim his lost love." You notice she's using air quotes. "Years ago, Strahd sought the love of the woman Tatyana. She loved his younger brother Sergei. Strahd, who'd make a dark pact with the Dark Powers, drank Sergei's blood and killed him. Stricken with grief, Tatyana threw herself out of the window. You might be thinking 'who cares, she's dead," but Strahd hopes to find the soul of Tatyana and claim her as his own. A horrible fate for anyone."
"I realize this is a lot for you. Do you have any questions before I continue?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
As Ubly approaches they see a young, human girl with long blue hair. She's dressed in robes with motifs of stars and constellations and ink smears on her hands. Despite the late hour, she is wide awake and fervently studying maps and making notes. She has a steaming cup of something caffeinated at her side that she is nursing. Surprised out of her studying by Ubly, she almost upends her inkpot. "Oh! Hello! I, um. I'm looking at navigational charts...specifically ones that cover the outer reaches of the Trackless Sea." She studies the newcomers face with interest, eventually smiling back. "My, um...my brother disappeared at sea eight months ago under mysterious circumstances. I've been looking for him or information that might lead me to him. I'm Estelle. What's your name?"
Before Ubly can respond, the mists take them. Estelle looks around, slightly panicked to have been torn from valuable research, but relieved to see her notes clutched in her hand (though greatly aggrieved that her caffeinated beverage is gone).
She watches Ubly introduce herself but sits quietly, shock and suspicion keeping her muted. She's relieved to see that her gear came with her - a shield with seven stars circling a pair of eyes, a golden mace with a glowing blue orb encased at the end, swirling with cloudy stars, a simple crossbow slung across her hip with a sash, and her pack. Under her scholarly robes is a set of leather armor. That makes her feel better...but where in Selune's name could they be?
Amelia’s thinking of a way to respond to the man’s question without getting into the whole devil-deal thing when the attention is taken off her by new arrivals. She approaches the group forming, but says nothing.
Bral considers the rest of the group that seems to be forming. Bral decides that Amelia seems to be a good ally if she really has any experience in killing creatures. Whereas this Ulby and Estelle seem a little too cheerful for his liking and possibly a little too naive.
He then turns to the others that have yet to announce themselvs.
"So that just leaves you two."
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
Estelle notices Bral eyeing her and Ubly. "My name is Estelle. I'm a cleric of the goddess Selune. I was in Waterdeep at the House of the Moon until moments ago. In fact, I only just met Ubly, here when a mist rolled in and....took us. Why am I here? Who are you people?"
Estelle's tries to put on a brave face, but her lower lip trembles as the reality of her situation hits her full force.
Baudric nods his head politely, "I am Baudric Holystalker, formerly of the Falkovnian military. I assume we are all new to Barovia?" Turning to the vistani, "Did you bring us here? Or simply know we were coming? And why this particular assortment of strangers?"
Bral keeps quite about his identify for the moment, but he decides that Baurdic's military background would also make him a useful ally.
"That's what I would like to know."
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
As everyone stands around, Stanimir spits some wine into the fire. "Come, let me tell you a story."
A shape appears in the bonfire’s core and takes the form of a man being knocked from his horse, a spear piercing his side.
Stanimir continues. “One night, a wounded soldier staggered into our camp and collapsed. We nursed his terrible injury and quenched his thirst with wine. He survived. When we asked him who he was, he wouldn’t say. All he wanted was to return home, but we were deep in the land of his enemies. We took him as one of our own and followed him back toward his homeland. His enemies hunted him. They said he was a prince, yet we didn’t give him up, even when their assassins fell upon us like wolves.”
Deep in the bonfire, you see the dark figure standing with sword drawn, fighting off a host of shadowy shapes.
“This man of royal blood fought to protect us, as we protected him. We bore him safely to his home, and he thanked us. He said, ‘I owe you my life. Stay as long as you wish, leave when you choose, and know that you will always be safe here.’”
The figure in the dancing fire vanquishes its final foe, then disperses in a cloud of smoke and embers.
Stanimir’s face becomes a somber mask. “A curse has befallen our noble prince, turning him into a tyrant. We alone have the power to leave his domain. We’ve traveled far and wide to find heroes such as yourselves to end our dread lord’s curse and put his troubled soul to rest. Our leader, Madam Eva, is in that wagon over there and wishes to speak to you."
Rose and Thorn say nothing and those who make a comparison realize that they are different from the Vistani. "Unlike the Vistani, we can't travel without Mist Talismans," Rose begins. "The man Stanimir spoke of in the story controls the Mists and likely brought you here for his little game."
"Madam Eva can tell you more," Thorn adds before grabbing a bottle of wine.
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Bral listens to Stanimir's words as he tells the story of the Vistani and the noble prince, "And how did he come to be afflicted with this curse?" Bral's grip on the hilt of his sword tightens. "I have met and slayed accursed creatures before, and at times I have had to fight those loyal to these creatures. The master of this realm may intend to play games, but I have no interest in playing them."
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
Ubly sits listening to the story, delighted by the figure in the fire.
“I would be very interested in learning more about this curse, how can we speak to this Madam Eva?” Ubly pulls a tome out and sets it on their lap, opening it up. “And these Mist Talismans,” Ubly looks over at Rose and Thorn, eyeing them for these talismans, “Where did you acquire them?”
"Heroes?" Estelle whispers, almost to herself. "I'm no hero...I've never even left Waterdeep. And I'm already on a quest..." She sits down heavily beside Ubly and begins biting the skin around her nails.
Amelia frowns. “Why us in particular?” she questions, crossing her arms.
Stanimir listens to each one who speaks and nods. "I don't know the exact details of how our lord became a tyrant, but it's likely he made a deal with the dark powers."
Rose and Thorn exchange looks. Thorn says "We've been collecting Mist talismans for years. Since we were children. The Vistani taught us about them. We have a whole case back at our mansion in Barovia Village."
He isn't quite sure how to answer Amelia and Estelle's questions. He turns to Ubly and points to the nearby wagon. "Madam Eva is in that wagon."
Just as Stanimir finishes speaking, the door opens. A woman with short blond hair wearing leathers and a jerkin eyes each one of you. "So you're latest group? Come on in, you've waited long enough."
If everyone would like, they can proceed into the wagon.
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Mia listens carefully to the Vistani. "This noble prince of yours reminds me of someone from my home, another one of these domains. If there is a way to save him, perhaps there is a way to save her and my homeland as well." She stands up and bows slightly before turning towards the wagon and waiting for the others to follow.
Bral thinks for a moment and realises that Stanimir is not going to offer any more information. But perhaps this Madam Eva would provide the answers he seeks. However, for now, he intends not to reveal the nature of his mission.
“The secret we should never let the gamemasters know is that they don't need any rules.” ― Gary Gygax
Estelle reluctantly stands. She wishes no part in this strange situation, but the need for more information compels her forward. As she makes her way to the wagon, she is struck by a thought - the mist that engulfed her and Ubly at the House of the Moon spirited them away in a matter of moments to a completely different location. Her brother's ship disappeared under similar circumstances, if witnesses could be believed. Perhaps she would find some answers here.
As everyone goes toward Madam Eva's wagon, Stanimir looks at Mia. "There seems to be a commonality with dreadlords and their domains. They become obsessed or do something that draws them and their world into the Mists. I wish I could save our prince, but I fear he's too gone."
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Amelia’s ear twitches at the lack of a response, but she says nothing. This mission could be the key to her freedom and her family’s survival, and that’s worth any amount of unanswered questions. So she goes to the wagon.
Once everyone is inside of Madam Eva's wagon, you notice it's bigger on the inside. There's enough room for everyone to have a seat. There's a shelf full of various bottles as well as two trays of meats, cheeses and crackers.
"Would you like a drink? Perhaps some brandy?" she begins. "They aren't the same as what you'd find in Falkovia or Kalakeri. All of you came here under different circumstances or reasons."
She stares at Baudric and Mia. "Some sought to escape their former home." She turns her attention to Bral and Amelia," Others are on the behest their mentor or master to complete a task."
Her eyes rest on Ubly and Estelle. "Others were merely swept in the mists, unsure of why they were brought here. Yet I think if you spend enough time here, you'll find what you're looking for."
I know Stanimir gave you some of the story about the Vistani's 'prince.' The prince is question is Strahd Von Zarovich, the ruler of this land. He seeks to continue the dangerous cycle of trying to reclaim his lost love." You notice she's using air quotes. "Years ago, Strahd sought the love of the woman Tatyana. She loved his younger brother Sergei. Strahd, who'd make a dark pact with the Dark Powers, drank Sergei's blood and killed him. Stricken with grief, Tatyana threw herself out of the window. You might be thinking 'who cares, she's dead," but Strahd hopes to find the soul of Tatyana and claim her as his own. A horrible fate for anyone."
"I realize this is a lot for you. Do you have any questions before I continue?"
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
"Just one," Estelle answered, somewhat shakily. "Have you any coffee?"