Kora listens to Ming intently, what a strange place, so very different from Barovia. She wonders what notorious creature was trapped here, what this prison was made for and what that creature desired. Not that it mattered, but her mind drifts that way. She looks around for any other sign of life.. any animals within the garden area.
Taking a seat on the grass as well, she looks towards the markets when Ming mentions them, "So how are they restocked? And is this place going to be flooded with others come dawn? Do we need to be strategic about where we are? You look like you need some food." She thinks to more of what Ming said, "You said the Bell resets the spell every night, what is the spell? And what are the Jiangshi?" She worries about what the girl was alluding to, that if they were caught in this dream, they may never wake up.
"We were sent here on a mission. We need to find some artifacts and we have no idea what they are or where to look for them. I know how crazy that sounds, but that is our mission." She shakes her head a bit, "Does the exhaustion wear off or just wear you down?"
"It would be great if we could find a fortified place even if we don't sleep. We have a lot to talk about." Like what their actual plan was rebuilding this artifact seem far more dangerous than destroying it. When push came to shove, he really didn't think it was their place to enforce cosmic level justice on a bunch of 'bad people' having no idea what they'd even done to earn that label. He didn't believe in punishment without the possibility of redemption. He didn't believe in unilateral judgement hidden from the gods, but he did believe that evil could be fought on any plane. These entities might be evil, but it looked like in these 'prison domains' a bunch of people were not only punished with them, but had no way to fight them from within.
"Uh... no problem," Ming says to the strange rabbit-person. "I... don't think I caught your name."She can't help but stare at him for a moment, as it dawns on her that she's talking to what looks like a humanoid rabbit. Wow, mistwalkers are strange and... surprisingly friendly.
She turns to Kora, "There is one stall that is restocked with magic... at least, that's the best way I can describe it. And yes, there will likely be others come dawn, at least those who can find their way back without issue. Anyone who's been awake here long enough knows that this is one of the only sure locations to get food from. Sometimes people trade here too, but I've never had anything they would consider buying... not that I would be willing to trade anyways." She just nods to the comment about her needing food, and her hand once more strays towards the bag of rations. Part of her wants to eat some now, but it just doesn't feel like the right time to start stuffing her face. At the mention of the bell however, she fidgets slightly before saying, "Tsien Chiang controls this place. She made the bell and put it up in Ping'On Tower so that she can make her wishes of a perfect city come true. That's what the spell is. It's the Dream. She rings the bell each night to refresh the spell and keep everyone sleeping. Inside the dream... well, you don't have to worry about food. But, you basically work non-stop to build or maintain the city." She rubs her arm, averting her eyes for a moment before saying, "The jiangshi... are Tsien Chiang's servants. That's the best way for me to describe them. They leave sleepers alone for the most part, but will try an eat you if you are awake. I'm not really sure what else to say other than that."
"Wait so you came her on purpose?" She looks at Kora with a shocked expression, "Yeah... that does sound pretty crazy. Though I guess if you didn't know what you were getting into I can't say I don't blame you."She thinks for a moment, "Maybe the Nightingale Bell is one of the artifacts you're looking for? It would be pretty difficult to get it... I've only thought of doing it myself, but..." She trails off. If these people could help her ruin the spell, that would be a miracle. But what if they aren't here for the bell? Why would anyone come here thinking they even stand a chance at taking it? What if she convinces them to help her, only for them all to get killed or worse?
"If you are talking about the exhaustion imposed by the spell just now, it should lighten up come morning. But... well do try and get some sleep. Just be wary. If you have any means to guard yourself from the dream take them. I... don't really know how else to help you with that. Just try not to let yourself get so tired you won't be able to fight the spell. The more tired you are the harder it is to get out... or so I've heard."
She turns her attention to Anthony, "I'm not sure we have a place like that... unless something has just been built that I'm unaware of. The Jiangshi are constantly tearing down and rebuilding everything, so the streets and buildings are constantly changing. There are only a few locations that stay the same, and even they change slightly in design now and then... like this grass. It wasn't here last time I visited." She pats the greenery as if to remind herself that it's there and it's alive. "Personally, I'd like to stay here so long as there are no threats. If we can be the first people to get to the restocked stall then I can save these rations for another day. Same goes for all of you. If you have rations that won't spoil quickly I'd recommend saving them as long as you can. The stall here only has vegetables, and... they are never really fresh. So if we can get any I'd eat those first."
She glances around for a bit, "But if you want, we could see if one of the nearby buildings suits your needs..."She's not really sure what sort of fortifications Anthony would be looking for. If he just wants something where they could bottleneck enemies through a doorway and/or shoot arrows out a window, there should be plenty of options just outside of the market. The roofs too could potentially make good defensive locations, but there aren't really any structures that were made specifically for defense. Personally, the location doesn't matter for her so long as she can detect an enemy before it detects her.
She had the right idea to what he was talking about “Sorry, I just meant a place we aren’t an obvious attraction. We’re a large, well fed and well equipped group. If people are desperate, as you said, just sitting out in the open where we can be seen and surrounded, probably not be a great idea, especially if half of us try to sleep and could end up... trapped. If I can get a night’s rest, I can make sure any food we find is safe to eat. I'm good for today, though.” He looked at Kora, she might have some similar tricks.
Seeing as the party will likely camp here for the night, Akyan finds a seat and listens to Ming's explanation intently. As the girl speaks, he thumbs the scarab-shaped ring on his left hand. This dream spell or whatever it is, seems to be trapping the minds of the sleepers within a collective dream. If that's the case, then would his talisman protect against it? He's hesitant to part with it, even for a short time, but if you must be asleep before succumbing to the dream then he is basically immune to it. That said, he considers lending it to his siblings. Then they could rotate using it amongst themselves.
He glances at the tower housing the bell, then looks to his siblings, "If that thing is one of the artifacts, taking it would kill two birds with one stone. Clearly the greatest desire of this domain's dreadlord is to build a perfect city based off what she's saying."He motions to Ming, then gestures around them. "This place is definitely not perfect, so breaking this dream world would at least make the dreadlord have to start from ground zero if she wishes for a perfect city. That would gain us some time."He doesn't elaborate any more, as he has no intention of sharing everything with a stranger in their midst.
Whether they ended up finding a more secluded place to rest and talk or decided to stay where they were, the big man would sit heavily with a groan and begin to remove his chain leggings and then the leg brace underneath. He wouldn't bother taking off his chain shirt. He doubts very much they can make it through the night unmolested regardless of where they try.
He now needed a bath more than he needed a shave, and it sounded like food was as hard to come by as sleep here. He’d hold off on the rations for today since they’d been fed. He methodically massaged his leg while they discussed things. “I said before, I’ll go along with whatever the group thinks is best. Even if I disagree with what we’re trying to do, I’m not going to stamp my little feet and refuse to help. Bear with me, though. I’m not a smart guy, I need to talk some of this out.” he sighed heavily and glanced over at Ming-Yue and Ireena and Ismark. If any of them were going to double cross the siblings, there was nothing they could really do about it, was there? They couldn’t keep avoiding making decisions because there were strangers around. Winging it had put them here, which might be worse than Barovia. He scratched at the hated scruff on his chin. He could still be vague though.
“Maybe I misunderstood the seer, but I thought the artifacts were back in Barovia and are supposed to help us fight Strahd. But then the other guy is our bigger problem anyway, right? The only reason I see for fighting Strahd would be to keep him from helping rebuild and use the device. Would be nice to have some kind of prophecy to fight the other guy with. Too bad we didn’t get a riddle or two to help us with that part."Not that he thought the riddles they did have were super helpful. They sounded to him like the kind of thing that only made sense once you’d already found the thing anyway. "Either way we can’t go back to Barovia until you two have a safe place to stay.” Nodding toward the brother and sister. “The a-hole part of me wants to say we did our part getting you out and you’re on your own, but... not like this. Besides, we’re all probably better off if we stick together.” “I think what we’d be looking for here is the piece of the device and a soul fragment or whatever. Not sure how to find either of those things.” continuing to rub his leg, wincing at his fingers digging into knotted areas, as he tries to think.
To Ming-Yue he asks “That bell, has it been there as long as you know or is it new? This Tsien Chiang.. Someone from outside might be trying to help her. Is there anything that’s new or different?”
He nodded to what Akyan was saying. Maybe sabotaging would help, then again, if this lady had an army of zombies and dreamers helping her, they might not be more than a minor irritant. That bell did sound important though. Might buy them a little time to find what they were really here for if that wasn’t it. “If it’s the kind of bell I’m imagining, it’s not easy to destroy something like that, especially if it’s magic. I’m not even sure we could melt it down without some way to break the enchantment first.” Didn’t mean it was impossible though. The big man finally huffs out a laugh and treats Ming-Yue to a dimpled smile. “We might be bringing you more trouble than help. You’ve got plenty of time to run.” His eyes softened behind the smile, if she was the decent person just trying to survive that she seemed to be, she probably should.
Ming nods to Anthony, "I see. Well we can head to one of the buildings if that's what all of you want. Personally it matters little to me..."If the rest of the company wants to move indoors, she'll lead the way to the nearest standing structure. If not, she'll stay on the grass.
Next she listens curiously as Akyan and Anthony talk about... well a lot of things that confuse her. Domains? Dreadlord? Barovia? Strahd? Needless to say, it likely wouldn't matter if they spilled their whole plan to her, cause as it is she is throughly confused. She glances towards the other two who she hasn't heard the names of yet... had these people thought this city was safe? Well they certainly were in for an unwelcome surprise.
"Device and soul fragment?" she asks slowly. "Nothing you two are saying makes any sense to me..." Then Anthony asks about the bell, and Ming goes quiet for a few moments. Her eyes flicker, and her posture changes to a more... frightened position. She hunches her shoulders in an attempt to make herself small, and memories flow to her. Her words are slightly shaky as she says, "The Nightingale bell... has been here for at least a century. It was forged by Tsien Chiang herself, from the scale of a golden dragon." She shivers for a moment, then shakes her head and returns to her previous demeanor. She lets out a breath, and runs a hand through her hair as if to calm herself, then asks, "Someone's trying to help her? ...with what?" She leans back, trying to think, "There is nothing particularly new that I know of, or different for that matter. Perhaps there is in the Dream... but I wouldn't know."
She pulls her knees to her chest, seemingly falling back into a nervous state when Anthony starts talking about the bell. Part of her wants to voice the feeling that she has, but... well she doesn't know these people at all. She's surprised that she's shared so much with them already. This bit of information however... she's not really sure of it herself, so why bother sharing it yet? Perhaps she will when it becomes relevant.
As she thinks this her eyes go distant, only to snap back into focus when Anthony laughs. She gives a small smile in return, "I'll run if I feel like I have to. But... from what I understand you are interested in breaking the spell. If your goal involves...fixing this place, I want to help. I've been trying to figure out how to get to that bell for a long time now, and I just don't stand a chance on my own. No one else here that I have met has anything on their minds other than survival, they don't have the time or the will to fight. So if you are going to stand up to Tsien Chiang, I'm not going anywhere." She's not sure what the motives here are, but if these people can help her accomplish her goals, she's more than willing to take the risk. What's the point of running if she has nowhere to run to?
Kora listens to the discussion, worry etched on her face as this place was so strange, so dependent on survival that she can understand how this girl was acting the way she was. This bell must really take its toll seeing how Ming reacts when she talks about it. "How long have you been here? Where were you before?" The whole idea of these domains and how they were created to be prisons for these dreadlords.. she wondered about the inhabitants and why they were chosen to be here as well.
Kora is voting to stay where they are as long as nothing comes round, she likes the idea of getting to what they need in the morning. "So.. sleep. I know several of us are going to need sleep, how do we want to do this? Ming said now is the safetest time, should those of us that need sleep, sleep now? and you elves can keep watch then we'll watch over you while you meditate? I'm open to ideas."
He was quiet for a while, digesting what Ming-Yue had shared with them and giving the others a chance to say their pieces and ask their questions. He leaned back, eyes half-lidded as he studied the three people he didn’t know well. Ismark and Ireena were as conspiratorial as he would expect siblings to be. They might be in over their heads with this. They wanted to liberate their land from a tyrant. But that land itself was an abomination that shouldn’t exist. Something told Anthony that didn’t matter and that they’d go running back to it in the end. But maybe that was just the addict in him.
Ming-Yue seemed nervous, skittish, vaguely ashamed, none of which were really surprising under the circumstances. It sounded like she was barely getting by and having to scavenge and her alternative was living as a slave in a dream. He felt for her, even knew what it was like to lie that way, though in a wholly different, self inflicted context. Looking at the three of them solidified in his mind that these prisons weren’t any kind of justice. He wasn’t even convinced they truly contained these evils so much as hoarded them in one place. Were they really distracted or just given a chance to build strength here away from prying eyes? And who benefited in the end?
Anthony sighed to himself and scrubbed his face. This stuff was all a crazy metaphysical mess that was far, far beyond this group let alone a guy like him. There were wizards and high priests and demigods to deal with this kind of junk. They needed to crack this can of crazy open for them to deal with.
Ranking problems in order of treatability and immediacy, Azalin was the real threat, right? He wanted to take these prison domains away from.. what had Madam Eva called them? The Dark Powers or something? Didn't even really sound like he wanted to get out, just gobble up territory and be a god in prison. That would be worse than what was happening now. Even if it was kind of tempting to let these entities trying to play at being gods contend with each other. But then it wouldn’t really be the causes of the problem that suffered, just a bunch of innocent people. Big thing in their way was, they had no way to find him let alone fight him directly. They could thwart part of his plan by trying to fight his splintered bits or trying to reset these domains. They were playing catch up though, they’d have to sort out what was what in each domain and that would take time. Meanwhile he was free to keep scooping up domains.
Madam Eva had wanted them to fight Strahd and keep him from getting Ireena because somehow ‘getting’ her would set him free. That part still didn’t make a lot of sense to Anthony. What did ‘getting’ her mean exactly? He could kill her, turn her into what he was maybe, force an unwilling relationship… Looking at the determined woman in their company, he suspected she’d just kill herself to get away from him like Tatanya had. Then the trap supposedly resets if Anthony understood right. So, in theory, Azalin had a plan to stop that from happening? Maybe that's what that poison was about, though it had seemed like it was killing her...
Anthony quietly began to thud the back of his head against the ground as his mind battered itself against a puzzle with more missing pieces than the ones they had. And he could hear the others now, ‘we don’t have a choice’
In response to Kora's question, "I was conservative with magic, so I can get by resting and maybe a nap or two."
"I was born here," Ming says to Kora. She almost adds to that statement, but decides not to. Then the other woman mentions sleeping now, and Ming raises her hands. "No no no,"she says quickly, "Not now. Now would be the most dangerous in my opinion. Closer to morning is when the spell weakens. The bell renews the spell each dusk, so the spell is at its strongest right now." She lowers her hands, resting her right one on her sword again. "Well... I would assume so anyways. I'm not really sure if it makes a difference or not, but it makes sense to me."
After a moment she says, "I can keep watch if you need me to... If you trust me that is." She's had plenty of sleep, so she could probably stay up all night if needed. Often she does just that. Still, it's clear that, while she may be a little on the skinny side due to lack of food, she doesn't look like she's been lacking sleep.
I can eat something when they sleep...she thinks absently. Plus it would give her some time to think about what she's doing. Part of her warns that she shouldn't be so willing to throw her lot in with these strangers, but the other part urges her to use them to her advantage. And then there's another part of her that just wants to make sure they don't die. As well as many, many other thoughts that run through her head. She needs some time to get these thoughts and emotions bridled so she can more clearly figure out what to do.
"Sabotage would be worth thinking about as I don't think leaving Ireena in this place would count as a safe place. It seems he bell will haunt us wherever we go around this haphazard city. I suggest we stay up till near dawn then to get some rest and perhaps scout out the bell as the building housing the bell may have the fragments we seek." says Aoufie rather tiredly. He really wants to sleep, but not to become a slave to a mad person. He pinches himself occasionally to keep himself alert as he sits down on the ground.
He nods, absorbing this new place and the information as it comes.
"We can wait till dawn, if needed Akyan and I can trance now, and watch over everyone during their rest. We can decide what to do next once we're all rested and have a clearer head."
"From what I understand, it sounded like there artifacts here as well."Akyan replies to Anthony. Though after hearing Ming describe the bell, he's no longer sure if it is one of the artifacts that they were looking for.
He listens to the others plan out how resting should take place, and he nods to Zathon. "Unless there's a reason we shouldn't trance now, then that sounds like a good enough plan to me." He glances at Ming as he says this.
"I'll keep watch." He hefts himself up heavily, replacing his brace and armor to be ready for action for a shift and moving to a place he can watch their surroundings. Though everything about him seems wholly human as far as Ming-yue can tell, Anthony doesn't seem slowed down by the dark. While he's at it, he looks for a pool or fountain near by. "Is the water safe? here"
Kora joins Anthony in the watch as at least the elves take to their meditation in this strange area. She looks around the gated garden and marketplace wondering what type of people will be showing up near dawn to get their rations. Did they fight to get what they wanted or was it a stand in line and peaceful sort of situation? She was expecting the former. She can tell the woman has a lot on her mind so she decides to leave her be. She felt like they were throwing a lot at her and Kora was grateful that she was accepting of them. She smirks a bit, would be nice to have such a guide in all the domains.. would they be so lucky?
So the bell. She wonders how this will be accomplished. Maybe just send her moonbeam over it and it will come crashing down? Ha, she knows it won't be that easy. And how many of those zombie like ones would they run into? Maybe they were easy to deal with? She doubted it... the woman seemed proficient with her weapon and wanted nothing to do with them.
She gets up and walks around a bit, sticking near their circle but just trying to take in their environment.
With evening falling upon the land, the siblings and two tag-alongs fall uneasily into the restful state of unconscious that was sleep. For the elves of the group, when they enter their trance-like meditation, they feel something lingering at the edge of their awareness. It was almost like there was some kind of... barrier or film they sense in their focused state of being. This must be the spell that gripped the land in its coma-provoking grasp. You think that if you chose to do so, you pass through the barrier and enter into the dreamscape of I'Cath. Additionally, Akyan also discovers that his magical ring is protecting him from the effects of the spell. Giving it to another would also protect them from entering the dream.
For those that stay awake through the entire night or for just part of it, it passes rather uneventfully. Though devoid of any night birds calling to each other or shrill calls of nocturnal animals, you can hear the distant sounds of intensive construction throughout the city. The strikes of hammers pounding nails and wood being sawed blend together into a gentle background sound that was almost soothing in its consistency.
For those that drift off into sleep, you find but a moment of rest before you feel yourself be yanked out of the grasp of sleep. You "awake" laying down in the same position and spot you fell asleep in back in the real world's park near the market. That's where the similarities end. Whereas it is night back in the real world, the sun shines brightly overhead, warming you with its gentle rays. Puffy white clouds drift through the deep azure sky, and a warm breeze dances through the vibrant, green leaves of the trees overhead, causing them to whisper and shake joyfully. Sitting up and looking around, you notice those of your siblings that fell asleep with you also in the dream with you. The park around is much different than the one you fell asleep in. While the real one was simple and barely more than cobblestone path cutting through a patch of grass, the park here in the dream was beautiful. Trees of all sorts of colors were displayed artfully throughout the park, and flowerbeds practically overflowing the clusters of delicate flowers filled much of the park, their sweet fragrance . The cobblestone path is actually marble in this version of the world, and it almost sparkles in the sunlight with how pristine it was taken care of. There's even birds chirping and flying amongst the trees, and you also spot several fat butterflies fluttering amongst the flowerbeds.
Perhaps the most stark difference were the people. Just outside the large gateway to the park, the streets teemed with people going about their business. The buildings beyond look as equally as beautiful as the the park your in. Many of them look expertly crafted and well-taken care of, and many of them are some shade of red with green-gray shingles. The sounds of city life fill the air, people chatting with each other, cart wheels rattling along cobblestone roads, and haggling from the merchants in their stalls just on the other side of the park. Looking over at the market, you see a colorful multitude of tents and stalls full of all sorts of goods and wares. People with complexions similar to Ming wander amongst the stalls as they peruse the goods the merchants have to offer, and you even see a few people making purchases. Beyond the park and merchants, you see a majestic tower looming over the treetops. While similar to the style of buildings in the city, this tower seems more regal in its aesthetic. Perhaps it was a palace of sorts?
As he feels himself fading while trying to keep watch, Anthony gives himself a little magical boost to try to shake it off, hoping he'll be able to rest during the day like Ming-Yue suggested. Maybe it's the need or tension, but remaining alert through the night while the others sleep isn't particularly difficult tonight. He might not be able to sleep if he wanted to honestly.
"Anyone needing a little .. divine intervention to help stay on your toes." The big man held up a hand that glowed faintly with magic. He wasn't going to go around touching people without permission, but whatever he could do to help was always on offer.
Kora walks around a bit, taking in the area, but after seeing nothing of real interest or danger she finally wanders back with the rest. Seeing that Anthony was taking a watch as well as Ming, she decides to curl up near the sleeping Aoufie and take a rest herself. She hopes things look better when she wakes and just as she falls asleep she starts wondering what this Dream is all about.
Since Aoufie did sleep he surprised by the splendor he sees before him and how bustling the city is. "Damn, I am in the blasted dream." panic rises in his throat and he begins pacing about and at times he tries to go back to sleep again. It is a long 6 hours before Aoufie truly wakes.
Con Save
18 rolled in game log.
Once awake he goes to Anthony "Is this real, am I truly awake or is this a dream within a dream?"
Kora listens to Ming intently, what a strange place, so very different from Barovia. She wonders what notorious creature was trapped here, what this prison was made for and what that creature desired. Not that it mattered, but her mind drifts that way. She looks around for any other sign of life.. any animals within the garden area.
Taking a seat on the grass as well, she looks towards the markets when Ming mentions them, "So how are they restocked? And is this place going to be flooded with others come dawn? Do we need to be strategic about where we are? You look like you need some food." She thinks to more of what Ming said, "You said the Bell resets the spell every night, what is the spell? And what are the Jiangshi?" She worries about what the girl was alluding to, that if they were caught in this dream, they may never wake up.
"We were sent here on a mission. We need to find some artifacts and we have no idea what they are or where to look for them. I know how crazy that sounds, but that is our mission." She shakes her head a bit, "Does the exhaustion wear off or just wear you down?"
"It would be great if we could find a fortified place even if we don't sleep. We have a lot to talk about." Like what their actual plan was rebuilding this artifact seem far more dangerous than destroying it. When push came to shove, he really didn't think it was their place to enforce cosmic level justice on a bunch of 'bad people' having no idea what they'd even done to earn that label. He didn't believe in punishment without the possibility of redemption. He didn't believe in unilateral judgement hidden from the gods, but he did believe that evil could be fought on any plane. These entities might be evil, but it looked like in these 'prison domains' a bunch of people were not only punished with them, but had no way to fight them from within.
"Uh... no problem," Ming says to the strange rabbit-person. "I... don't think I caught your name." She can't help but stare at him for a moment, as it dawns on her that she's talking to what looks like a humanoid rabbit. Wow, mistwalkers are strange and... surprisingly friendly.
She turns to Kora, "There is one stall that is restocked with magic... at least, that's the best way I can describe it. And yes, there will likely be others come dawn, at least those who can find their way back without issue. Anyone who's been awake here long enough knows that this is one of the only sure locations to get food from. Sometimes people trade here too, but I've never had anything they would consider buying... not that I would be willing to trade anyways." She just nods to the comment about her needing food, and her hand once more strays towards the bag of rations. Part of her wants to eat some now, but it just doesn't feel like the right time to start stuffing her face. At the mention of the bell however, she fidgets slightly before saying, "Tsien Chiang controls this place. She made the bell and put it up in Ping'On Tower so that she can make her wishes of a perfect city come true. That's what the spell is. It's the Dream. She rings the bell each night to refresh the spell and keep everyone sleeping. Inside the dream... well, you don't have to worry about food. But, you basically work non-stop to build or maintain the city." She rubs her arm, averting her eyes for a moment before saying, "The jiangshi... are Tsien Chiang's servants. That's the best way for me to describe them. They leave sleepers alone for the most part, but will try an eat you if you are awake. I'm not really sure what else to say other than that."
"Wait so you came her on purpose?" She looks at Kora with a shocked expression, "Yeah... that does sound pretty crazy. Though I guess if you didn't know what you were getting into I can't say I don't blame you." She thinks for a moment, "Maybe the Nightingale Bell is one of the artifacts you're looking for? It would be pretty difficult to get it... I've only thought of doing it myself, but..." She trails off. If these people could help her ruin the spell, that would be a miracle. But what if they aren't here for the bell? Why would anyone come here thinking they even stand a chance at taking it? What if she convinces them to help her, only for them all to get killed or worse?
"If you are talking about the exhaustion imposed by the spell just now, it should lighten up come morning. But... well do try and get some sleep. Just be wary. If you have any means to guard yourself from the dream take them. I... don't really know how else to help you with that. Just try not to let yourself get so tired you won't be able to fight the spell. The more tired you are the harder it is to get out... or so I've heard."
She turns her attention to Anthony, "I'm not sure we have a place like that... unless something has just been built that I'm unaware of. The Jiangshi are constantly tearing down and rebuilding everything, so the streets and buildings are constantly changing. There are only a few locations that stay the same, and even they change slightly in design now and then... like this grass. It wasn't here last time I visited." She pats the greenery as if to remind herself that it's there and it's alive. "Personally, I'd like to stay here so long as there are no threats. If we can be the first people to get to the restocked stall then I can save these rations for another day. Same goes for all of you. If you have rations that won't spoil quickly I'd recommend saving them as long as you can. The stall here only has vegetables, and... they are never really fresh. So if we can get any I'd eat those first."
She glances around for a bit, "But if you want, we could see if one of the nearby buildings suits your needs..." She's not really sure what sort of fortifications Anthony would be looking for. If he just wants something where they could bottleneck enemies through a doorway and/or shoot arrows out a window, there should be plenty of options just outside of the market. The roofs too could potentially make good defensive locations, but there aren't really any structures that were made specifically for defense. Personally, the location doesn't matter for her so long as she can detect an enemy before it detects her.
She had the right idea to what he was talking about “Sorry, I just meant a place we aren’t an obvious attraction. We’re a large, well fed and well equipped group. If people are desperate, as you said, just sitting out in the open where we can be seen and surrounded, probably not be a great idea, especially if half of us try to sleep and could end up... trapped. If I can get a night’s rest, I can make sure any food we find is safe to eat. I'm good for today, though.” He looked at Kora, she might have some similar tricks.
Seeing as the party will likely camp here for the night, Akyan finds a seat and listens to Ming's explanation intently. As the girl speaks, he thumbs the scarab-shaped ring on his left hand. This dream spell or whatever it is, seems to be trapping the minds of the sleepers within a collective dream. If that's the case, then would his talisman protect against it? He's hesitant to part with it, even for a short time, but if you must be asleep before succumbing to the dream then he is basically immune to it. That said, he considers lending it to his siblings. Then they could rotate using it amongst themselves.
He glances at the tower housing the bell, then looks to his siblings, "If that thing is one of the artifacts, taking it would kill two birds with one stone. Clearly the greatest desire of this domain's dreadlord is to build a perfect city based off what she's saying." He motions to Ming, then gestures around them. "This place is definitely not perfect, so breaking this dream world would at least make the dreadlord have to start from ground zero if she wishes for a perfect city. That would gain us some time." He doesn't elaborate any more, as he has no intention of sharing everything with a stranger in their midst.
Whether they ended up finding a more secluded place to rest and talk or decided to stay where they were, the big man would sit heavily with a groan and begin to remove his chain leggings and then the leg brace underneath. He wouldn't bother taking off his chain shirt. He doubts very much they can make it through the night unmolested regardless of where they try.
He now needed a bath more than he needed a shave, and it sounded like food was as hard to come by as sleep here. He’d hold off on the rations for today since they’d been fed. He methodically massaged his leg while they discussed things. “I said before, I’ll go along with whatever the group thinks is best. Even if I disagree with what we’re trying to do, I’m not going to stamp my little feet and refuse to help. Bear with me, though. I’m not a smart guy, I need to talk some of this out.” he sighed heavily and glanced over at Ming-Yue and Ireena and Ismark. If any of them were going to double cross the siblings, there was nothing they could really do about it, was there? They couldn’t keep avoiding making decisions because there were strangers around. Winging it had put them here, which might be worse than Barovia. He scratched at the hated scruff on his chin. He could still be vague though.
“Maybe I misunderstood the seer, but I thought the artifacts were back in Barovia and are supposed to help us fight Strahd. But then the other guy is our bigger problem anyway, right? The only reason I see for fighting Strahd would be to keep him from helping rebuild and use the device. Would be nice to have some kind of prophecy to fight the other guy with. Too bad we didn’t get a riddle or two to help us with that part." Not that he thought the riddles they did have were super helpful. They sounded to him like the kind of thing that only made sense once you’d already found the thing anyway. "Either way we can’t go back to Barovia until you two have a safe place to stay.” Nodding toward the brother and sister. “The a-hole part of me wants to say we did our part getting you out and you’re on your own, but... not like this. Besides, we’re all probably better off if we stick together.”
“I think what we’d be looking for here is the piece of the device and a soul fragment or whatever. Not sure how to find either of those things.” continuing to rub his leg, wincing at his fingers digging into knotted areas, as he tries to think.
To Ming-Yue he asks “That bell, has it been there as long as you know or is it new? This Tsien Chiang.. Someone from outside might be trying to help her. Is there anything that’s new or different?”
He nodded to what Akyan was saying. Maybe sabotaging would help, then again, if this lady had an army of zombies and dreamers helping her, they might not be more than a minor irritant. That bell did sound important though. Might buy them a little time to find what they were really here for if that wasn’t it. “If it’s the kind of bell I’m imagining, it’s not easy to destroy something like that, especially if it’s magic. I’m not even sure we could melt it down without some way to break the enchantment first.” Didn’t mean it was impossible though.
The big man finally huffs out a laugh and treats Ming-Yue to a dimpled smile. “We might be bringing you more trouble than help. You’ve got plenty of time to run.” His eyes softened behind the smile, if she was the decent person just trying to survive that she seemed to be, she probably should.
Ming nods to Anthony, "I see. Well we can head to one of the buildings if that's what all of you want. Personally it matters little to me..." If the rest of the company wants to move indoors, she'll lead the way to the nearest standing structure. If not, she'll stay on the grass.
Next she listens curiously as Akyan and Anthony talk about... well a lot of things that confuse her. Domains? Dreadlord? Barovia? Strahd? Needless to say, it likely wouldn't matter if they spilled their whole plan to her, cause as it is she is throughly confused. She glances towards the other two who she hasn't heard the names of yet... had these people thought this city was safe? Well they certainly were in for an unwelcome surprise.
"Device and soul fragment?" she asks slowly. "Nothing you two are saying makes any sense to me..." Then Anthony asks about the bell, and Ming goes quiet for a few moments. Her eyes flicker, and her posture changes to a more... frightened position. She hunches her shoulders in an attempt to make herself small, and memories flow to her. Her words are slightly shaky as she says, "The Nightingale bell... has been here for at least a century. It was forged by Tsien Chiang herself, from the scale of a golden dragon." She shivers for a moment, then shakes her head and returns to her previous demeanor. She lets out a breath, and runs a hand through her hair as if to calm herself, then asks, "Someone's trying to help her? ...with what?" She leans back, trying to think, "There is nothing particularly new that I know of, or different for that matter. Perhaps there is in the Dream... but I wouldn't know."
She pulls her knees to her chest, seemingly falling back into a nervous state when Anthony starts talking about the bell. Part of her wants to voice the feeling that she has, but... well she doesn't know these people at all. She's surprised that she's shared so much with them already. This bit of information however... she's not really sure of it herself, so why bother sharing it yet? Perhaps she will when it becomes relevant.
As she thinks this her eyes go distant, only to snap back into focus when Anthony laughs. She gives a small smile in return, "I'll run if I feel like I have to. But... from what I understand you are interested in breaking the spell. If your goal involves...fixing this place, I want to help. I've been trying to figure out how to get to that bell for a long time now, and I just don't stand a chance on my own. No one else here that I have met has anything on their minds other than survival, they don't have the time or the will to fight. So if you are going to stand up to Tsien Chiang, I'm not going anywhere." She's not sure what the motives here are, but if these people can help her accomplish her goals, she's more than willing to take the risk. What's the point of running if she has nowhere to run to?
Kora listens to the discussion, worry etched on her face as this place was so strange, so dependent on survival that she can understand how this girl was acting the way she was. This bell must really take its toll seeing how Ming reacts when she talks about it. "How long have you been here? Where were you before?" The whole idea of these domains and how they were created to be prisons for these dreadlords.. she wondered about the inhabitants and why they were chosen to be here as well.
Kora is voting to stay where they are as long as nothing comes round, she likes the idea of getting to what they need in the morning. "So.. sleep. I know several of us are going to need sleep, how do we want to do this? Ming said now is the safetest time, should those of us that need sleep, sleep now? and you elves can keep watch then we'll watch over you while you meditate? I'm open to ideas."
He was quiet for a while, digesting what Ming-Yue had shared with them and giving the others a chance to say their pieces and ask their questions. He leaned back, eyes half-lidded as he studied the three people he didn’t know well. Ismark and Ireena were as conspiratorial as he would expect siblings to be. They might be in over their heads with this. They wanted to liberate their land from a tyrant. But that land itself was an abomination that shouldn’t exist. Something told Anthony that didn’t matter and that they’d go running back to it in the end. But maybe that was just the addict in him.
Ming-Yue seemed nervous, skittish, vaguely ashamed, none of which were really surprising under the circumstances. It sounded like she was barely getting by and having to scavenge and her alternative was living as a slave in a dream. He felt for her, even knew what it was like to lie that way, though in a wholly different, self inflicted context. Looking at the three of them solidified in his mind that these prisons weren’t any kind of justice. He wasn’t even convinced they truly contained these evils so much as hoarded them in one place. Were they really distracted or just given a chance to build strength here away from prying eyes? And who benefited in the end?
Anthony sighed to himself and scrubbed his face. This stuff was all a crazy metaphysical mess that was far, far beyond this group let alone a guy like him. There were wizards and high priests and demigods to deal with this kind of junk. They needed to crack this can of crazy open for them to deal with.
Ranking problems in order of treatability and immediacy, Azalin was the real threat, right? He wanted to take these prison domains away from.. what had Madam Eva called them? The Dark Powers or something? Didn't even really sound like he wanted to get out, just gobble up territory and be a god in prison. That would be worse than what was happening now. Even if it was kind of tempting to let these entities trying to play at being gods contend with each other. But then it wouldn’t really be the causes of the problem that suffered, just a bunch of innocent people. Big thing in their way was, they had no way to find him let alone fight him directly. They could thwart part of his plan by trying to fight his splintered bits or trying to reset these domains. They were playing catch up though, they’d have to sort out what was what in each domain and that would take time. Meanwhile he was free to keep scooping up domains.
Madam Eva had wanted them to fight Strahd and keep him from getting Ireena because somehow ‘getting’ her would set him free. That part still didn’t make a lot of sense to Anthony. What did ‘getting’ her mean exactly? He could kill her, turn her into what he was maybe, force an unwilling relationship… Looking at the determined woman in their company, he suspected she’d just kill herself to get away from him like Tatanya had. Then the trap supposedly resets if Anthony understood right. So, in theory, Azalin had a plan to stop that from happening? Maybe that's what that poison was about, though it had seemed like it was killing her...
Anthony quietly began to thud the back of his head against the ground as his mind battered itself against a puzzle with more missing pieces than the ones they had. And he could hear the others now, ‘we don’t have a choice’
In response to Kora's question, "I was conservative with magic, so I can get by resting and maybe a nap or two."
"I was born here," Ming says to Kora. She almost adds to that statement, but decides not to. Then the other woman mentions sleeping now, and Ming raises her hands. "No no no," she says quickly, "Not now. Now would be the most dangerous in my opinion. Closer to morning is when the spell weakens. The bell renews the spell each dusk, so the spell is at its strongest right now." She lowers her hands, resting her right one on her sword again. "Well... I would assume so anyways. I'm not really sure if it makes a difference or not, but it makes sense to me."
After a moment she says, "I can keep watch if you need me to... If you trust me that is." She's had plenty of sleep, so she could probably stay up all night if needed. Often she does just that. Still, it's clear that, while she may be a little on the skinny side due to lack of food, she doesn't look like she's been lacking sleep.
I can eat something when they sleep... she thinks absently. Plus it would give her some time to think about what she's doing. Part of her warns that she shouldn't be so willing to throw her lot in with these strangers, but the other part urges her to use them to her advantage. And then there's another part of her that just wants to make sure they don't die. As well as many, many other thoughts that run through her head. She needs some time to get these thoughts and emotions bridled so she can more clearly figure out what to do.
"Sabotage would be worth thinking about as I don't think leaving Ireena in this place would count as a safe place. It seems he bell will haunt us wherever we go around this haphazard city. I suggest we stay up till near dawn then to get some rest and perhaps scout out the bell as the building housing the bell may have the fragments we seek." says Aoufie rather tiredly. He really wants to sleep, but not to become a slave to a mad person. He pinches himself occasionally to keep himself alert as he sits down on the ground.
He nods, absorbing this new place and the information as it comes.
"We can wait till dawn, if needed Akyan and I can trance now, and watch over everyone during their rest. We can decide what to do next once we're all rested and have a clearer head."
"From what I understand, it sounded like there artifacts here as well." Akyan replies to Anthony. Though after hearing Ming describe the bell, he's no longer sure if it is one of the artifacts that they were looking for.
He listens to the others plan out how resting should take place, and he nods to Zathon. "Unless there's a reason we shouldn't trance now, then that sounds like a good enough plan to me." He glances at Ming as he says this.
"I'll keep watch." He hefts himself up heavily, replacing his brace and armor to be ready for action for a shift and moving to a place he can watch their surroundings. Though everything about him seems wholly human as far as Ming-yue can tell, Anthony doesn't seem slowed down by the dark. While he's at it, he looks for a pool or fountain near by. "Is the water safe? here"
Kora joins Anthony in the watch as at least the elves take to their meditation in this strange area. She looks around the gated garden and marketplace wondering what type of people will be showing up near dawn to get their rations. Did they fight to get what they wanted or was it a stand in line and peaceful sort of situation? She was expecting the former. She can tell the woman has a lot on her mind so she decides to leave her be. She felt like they were throwing a lot at her and Kora was grateful that she was accepting of them. She smirks a bit, would be nice to have such a guide in all the domains.. would they be so lucky?
So the bell. She wonders how this will be accomplished. Maybe just send her moonbeam over it and it will come crashing down? Ha, she knows it won't be that easy. And how many of those zombie like ones would they run into? Maybe they were easy to deal with? She doubted it... the woman seemed proficient with her weapon and wanted nothing to do with them.
She gets up and walks around a bit, sticking near their circle but just trying to take in their environment.
Perception: 25
Since his siblings offered to keep an eye out, he will curl up and rest after waiting for another hour or so.
With evening falling upon the land, the siblings and two tag-alongs fall uneasily into the restful state of unconscious that was sleep. For the elves of the group, when they enter their trance-like meditation, they feel something lingering at the edge of their awareness. It was almost like there was some kind of... barrier or film they sense in their focused state of being. This must be the spell that gripped the land in its coma-provoking grasp. You think that if you chose to do so, you pass through the barrier and enter into the dreamscape of I'Cath. Additionally, Akyan also discovers that his magical ring is protecting him from the effects of the spell. Giving it to another would also protect them from entering the dream.
For those that stay awake through the entire night or for just part of it, it passes rather uneventfully. Though devoid of any night birds calling to each other or shrill calls of nocturnal animals, you can hear the distant sounds of intensive construction throughout the city. The strikes of hammers pounding nails and wood being sawed blend together into a gentle background sound that was almost soothing in its consistency.
For those that drift off into sleep, you find but a moment of rest before you feel yourself be yanked out of the grasp of sleep. You "awake" laying down in the same position and spot you fell asleep in back in the real world's park near the market. That's where the similarities end. Whereas it is night back in the real world, the sun shines brightly overhead, warming you with its gentle rays. Puffy white clouds drift through the deep azure sky, and a warm breeze dances through the vibrant, green leaves of the trees overhead, causing them to whisper and shake joyfully. Sitting up and looking around, you notice those of your siblings that fell asleep with you also in the dream with you. The park around is much different than the one you fell asleep in. While the real one was simple and barely more than cobblestone path cutting through a patch of grass, the park here in the dream was beautiful. Trees of all sorts of colors were displayed artfully throughout the park, and flowerbeds practically overflowing the clusters of delicate flowers filled much of the park, their sweet fragrance . The cobblestone path is actually marble in this version of the world, and it almost sparkles in the sunlight with how pristine it was taken care of. There's even birds chirping and flying amongst the trees, and you also spot several fat butterflies fluttering amongst the flowerbeds.
Perhaps the most stark difference were the people. Just outside the large gateway to the park, the streets teemed with people going about their business. The buildings beyond look as equally as beautiful as the the park your in. Many of them look expertly crafted and well-taken care of, and many of them are some shade of red with green-gray shingles. The sounds of city life fill the air, people chatting with each other, cart wheels rattling along cobblestone roads, and haggling from the merchants in their stalls just on the other side of the park. Looking over at the market, you see a colorful multitude of tents and stalls full of all sorts of goods and wares. People with complexions similar to Ming wander amongst the stalls as they peruse the goods the merchants have to offer, and you even see a few people making purchases. Beyond the park and merchants, you see a majestic tower looming over the treetops. While similar to the style of buildings in the city, this tower seems more regal in its aesthetic. Perhaps it was a palace of sorts?
As he feels himself fading while trying to keep watch, Anthony gives himself a little magical boost to try to shake it off, hoping he'll be able to rest during the day like Ming-Yue suggested. Maybe it's the need or tension, but remaining alert through the night while the others sleep isn't particularly difficult tonight. He might not be able to sleep if he wanted to honestly.
"Anyone needing a little .. divine intervention to help stay on your toes." The big man held up a hand that glowed faintly with magic. He wasn't going to go around touching people without permission, but whatever he could do to help was always on offer.
((Con Save 24 _ 20 +4 from Resistance cantrip))
Kora walks around a bit, taking in the area, but after seeing nothing of real interest or danger she finally wanders back with the rest. Seeing that Anthony was taking a watch as well as Ming, she decides to curl up near the sleeping Aoufie and take a rest herself. She hopes things look better when she wakes and just as she falls asleep she starts wondering what this Dream is all about.
Since Aoufie did sleep he surprised by the splendor he sees before him and how bustling the city is. "Damn, I am in the blasted dream." panic rises in his throat and he begins pacing about and at times he tries to go back to sleep again. It is a long 6 hours before Aoufie truly wakes.
Con Save
18 rolled in game log.
Once awake he goes to Anthony "Is this real, am I truly awake or is this a dream within a dream?"