As Sova focuses his senses, the figure up ahead registers as undead. The figure approaches and asks "Are you Friend of Foe of the master of these lands?" he asks with a certain authority.
Sova lowers his bow and hails Ebur. He says, "I have sensed that this creature is undead, and I have sworn, by Artemis, to slay all undead that cross my path. Why do you wish to stay my hand?"
(OOC: I would like to Join your campaign if you'll have me,
I'd be bringing Quilrith Evergreen to Join you a Halfing Rogue, with an eye for shiny things and a fascination with complicated locks and traps. Although he won't shy away from the front lines, he'll probably hide behind the big guy and wait for the best moment to strike. A cheerful fellow he's not at home in Barovia but overheard you talking in the Tavern and is determined to follow you down the dark road)
Vrak reigns in his horse as the creature stands in the middle of the road. He levels his lance. When Ebur steps out and speaks he holds for a moment and listens.
When the creature asks his question he answers,
"We are not his foes so I suppose we are friends though I have never met the man so I cannot say for certain. Who are you and why do you ask?"
Roselina was thankful for the sleepm waking up the next morning, ready to go. She was surprised and glad to find out that someone else would be joining her and Vrakvroth, knowing how dangerous this would be just the two of them. So they walked until they had seen the figure in rusty armor and a longsword, ready to fight. She was about to try to smooth talk them before hearing not to harm it. That's when they saw a figure coming from the trees, wearing a skeletal-like beak mask and a moldy green cloak, holding a spear while telling them not to harm it but to reveal their purpose. She listened as they introduced themselves as Ebur, talking about the trees heralding their coming and something about The Great Wheel, that the figure has lost its place so they shouldn't harm it. Roselina scrunched up her nose as he smelled and looked utterly disgusting, the nastiest thing she has ever seen in her life. Does he not know what hygiene is?! Then she heard the figure ask if they are friend or foe of the master of these lands, wondering if he is referring to Strahd. "At the moment, we are neither friend nor foe. But we would like to be his friends if at all possible." she then would also said back to the figure after Vrakvroth with a friendly smile and a curtsy.
Quilrith woke with a start, he looked around the common room of the tavern with bleary eyes it had been a long night listening to those adventurers talking about haunted houses, strange beasts and the loss of friends, perhaps for once he should have drunk a bit less. As his sight adjusted to the dim light it suddenly dawned on him that he was alone I the common room.
he jumped up quickly gathering his things, oh dash it all, I've been waiting forever for something interesting to happen and now you've slept in! Pulling in his boots he threw a few coppers to the inn keeper and made his way after the strangers from the night before.
by the time he caught up with them they were talking to a strange man in a mask and what looked to be a knight that had missed more than his last few meals. Quilrith stopped, hands on his knees, panting at the exertion and a grin on his face.
"H...Hello, I hope I'm... not intruding, but is that fellow alright?... He doesn't look like he's eaten in weeks!"
Ebur briefly contemplates Sova's words, then shrugs and says: Do what you must. By your oath you strive to bring balance to the Great Wheel, as do I. But slaying this one will not restore it to the Wheel. The dead are victims of the curse on this land, just as much as the living.
Hearing Vrak, Rosalina and Qilrith speak, he asks Sova: You guard your master well, but how is it that his herald and page speak after him?
Sova responds, "I have no master but Artemis, however I came upon this group at the previous town. The gentleman driving this cart bade me to accompany them, stating that a Madam Eva told him that another would join them. He assumed it was me."
Sova begins to speak with Ebur about his life before coming to Barovia. "I grew up in a land far from this dark place. I lived on a bit of land situated between a vast sea and a dense forest. I used to hunt all the time. I shared my catch with my family and the village I lived in. One day, while out hunting at night, a group of, what we call Vrykolakas, attacked our village. I heard the screams from deep within the forest. I called on Artemis to hasten my return. However, when I got back to the village it was too late. Everyone in the village was slaughtered, including my wife and daughter. I cried, and prayed for help. Artemis shone her light into the village and revealed one of these creatures who lingered behind. I grabbed my bow and fired. Blessed by the moonlight, the arrow pierced the creatures heart and it fell down, dead. From that moment on, I swore by Artemis ro seek out the undead who pray on the living, and send them to the Underworld. While tailing some werewolves one night who were stalking a village I was near, I followed them and this fog rolled in from nowhere. I then found myself in this land and made my way to the nearest town. The rest is as I have told you. My only wish is to one day rid the world of those that have deprived me of mine. What about you my friend?"
Ebur replies to Sova: I have known no other land than Barovia. The conclave of druids in which I was raised turned from the Old Faith long ago to worship Strahd, the ruler of this land, who has mastery over earth and sky. I sought to return us to the natural order, but was driven out. Now I follow my own path, fostering the natural decay that this land needs. As long as Strahd endures, the Great Wheel of Life and Death turns askew, and the land is as unchanging as a stagnant pond. Only in his downfall can it return to its natural cycle. But I have learned that his power stems from a darker source still, and it is that which I ultimately seek.
As for these undead which you hunt: there are many in Barovia. Some are mere flesh or bone given a semblance of life - with these I have no quarrel, for they have their place on the Wheel. Others are beings who violate the Wheel, who seek to defy life and death, perhaps like those Vryk- ... those that destroyed your village. Of such is Strahd, and may Artemis guide your hunt for them.
Turning to the newly-arrived out-of-breath figure he says: If you also speak for yourself, whom do you serve, if not that mighty one [gesturing to the knight on the horse].
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Quilrith looks around a confused look on his face.
"Who do I serve?... Oh goodness, I don't have a master,so I suppose I don't serve anyone not any more at any rate!" Quilrith takes a deep breaths trying to catch his wind, when his face turns a green shade, "Oh my, what is that smell... " Realising the smell is Ebur, he blushes a nd tries to stammer out an apology.
"Erm I didn't mean offense, it just a rather strong musk you have. I'm Quilrith by the way, I'm not really from around these parts, I set out from my old home after a bit of a misunderstanding, trying to find a life of adventure away from the squalor of the Luskan back streets only to run into a thick fog off the morning tide. The next thing I know I'm wandering lost on a moor it took me several days to find that tavern and I've been resting there ever since. These fellows tale seemed exciting so I followed them this morning."
He stops reaching long enough to grin and offer his hand,
Ebur stares expectantly at Quilrith's extended hand for a few moments ... then says:
Yes, the fog is also Strahd's doing. If exposed to it for too long you too may fall under his thrall. I do not wish to become contaminated by it, hence I wear this [pointing to his mask]. Perhaps I could fashion one for each of you ...?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Quilrith slowly lowers his hand, a little confused, before his face brightens again, looking at the strangers mask
"Ooo that does give you an ominous look, although perhaps a little conspicous for my tastes, it doesn't make you smell does it?"
Realising he is excitedly chattering away Quilrith looks down rather sheepishly, and looks towards the pale figure, "Say, do you know this knight, it sounds like you don't like his master Strahd is it?"
Ebur replies to Quilrith: Strahd is truly the master of these lands. But this knight serves another lord.
Then turning to Sova: Fulfil your oath if you must, but you will not bring him the redemption he seeks. I exhort you, stay your hand until you have heard him, then do as you judge best.
With that Ebur sqauts down in the road, lifts his cloak around his knees, and casually voids his bowels.
The figure looks to you each as you begin conversing in front of him. Eventually, he says "I... was a knight of the Order of the Silver Dragon. Our order was attacked by Strahd more than four centuries ago. Ever since, I fight the wolves that Strahd controls, and his other minions. And any time I am killed, I just come back, becoming even more vengeful towards his armies, and all those who attacked so long ago," he relaxes a bit as he tells his story. "Try and kill me, if you must - but I cannot be destroyed, only the death of my quarry can end this cursed existence." he sighs.
Vrak looks down at Stanimir. "This Strahd, is this the man who has fallen under a curse? Is this the same noble prince, turning from the kind man he was into a tyrant? Is this Strahd the one whom you wish for us to end the dread lord's curse and put his troubled soul to rest? Speak man, tell me if these are one and the same?"
"I do hope you don't mind me tagging along, wow who's the pretty lady? So is Strahd cursed or is he a master of these lands? Do you want to destroy him or date him? when's Breakfast?"
Quilrith slowly realising that he has had yet another bout of verbal diarroeh, shuffles nervously and goe to look at the Caravan Horses.
The figure looks at you with empty eyes and says "I have not met any of you before this day, but the devil Strahd is the master of the lands, and the fogs that consume it. He is cursed himself, but also the source of the curse of these lands. He was once a just ruler, now he has become a tyrant that won't let go of his power. My mission is to continue to deal with his minions and wolf spies, but... if you are planning on killing Strahd, then I urge you to visit Argynvostholt, you'll find it to the northwest, across the Lima river, though it would be safer to take the long way around and stick to the roads. Speak to Vladimir Horngaard, his the leader of our order. He may be able to help you in that endeavor. I cannot enter Strahd's castle without orders from him to do so," the figure says as it gripshis sword when talking about his orders.
The Vistani you are traveling with says "He is right that it would be safer to stick to the roads, Madam Eva is just to the north of here, next to the Tsar Pool along the Isla river, the one we crossed on the way here."
Roselina saw as yet another person, a Halfing joined them before everyone started talking all of a sudden about themselves and about Strahd, everyone after him too it seems. The figure told them that he was a knight of an order before they were attacked by Strahd and how now he comes back even after being killed. She agreed with Vrakvroth as he questioned if the Strahd they're talking about matched what they knew from the mission the Vistani had given them. Then she was surprised when she heard Quilrith say that she was a pretty lady, smiling. "Thank you. I am Lady Roselina Pridebloom, daughter of the Pridebloom family and heiress to the throne." Roselina had said back to him with a smile and a curtsy. Then she listened as the knight told them that Strahd is the master of all this, cursed but the source of the curse on the lands and having become a tyrant. He said that they should visit Argynvostholt and to speak to Vladimir Horngaard the leader of their order who may be able to help them. She heard the Vistani confirm sticking to the roads and how Madam Eva is just north of here. "Alright, so we have our plan then. We can go visit Madam Eva and Vladimir to discuss about how best to take care of Strahd, though I imagine if we can get rid of the curse on him then the curse on the lands should go away as well." Roselina had then said, looking around at her new companions along with Vrakvroth. With this many people, their journey should hopefully go a lot more easier but wondered if Ebur will smell like this the whole time.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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As Sova focuses his senses, the figure up ahead registers as undead. The figure approaches and asks "Are you Friend of Foe of the master of these lands?" he asks with a certain authority.
Sova lowers his bow and hails Ebur. He says, "I have sensed that this creature is undead, and I have sworn, by Artemis, to slay all undead that cross my path. Why do you wish to stay my hand?"
Insight: 4
(OOC: I would like to Join your campaign if you'll have me,
I'd be bringing Quilrith Evergreen to Join you a Halfing Rogue, with an eye for shiny things and a fascination with complicated locks and traps. Although he won't shy away from the front lines, he'll probably hide behind the big guy and wait for the best moment to strike. A cheerful fellow he's not at home in Barovia but overheard you talking in the Tavern and is determined to follow you down the dark road)
Vrak reigns in his horse as the creature stands in the middle of the road. He levels his lance. When Ebur steps out and speaks he holds for a moment and listens.
When the creature asks his question he answers,
"We are not his foes so I suppose we are friends though I have never met the man so I cannot say for certain. Who are you and why do you ask?"
Roselina was thankful for the sleepm waking up the next morning, ready to go. She was surprised and glad to find out that someone else would be joining her and Vrakvroth, knowing how dangerous this would be just the two of them. So they walked until they had seen the figure in rusty armor and a longsword, ready to fight. She was about to try to smooth talk them before hearing not to harm it. That's when they saw a figure coming from the trees, wearing a skeletal-like beak mask and a moldy green cloak, holding a spear while telling them not to harm it but to reveal their purpose. She listened as they introduced themselves as Ebur, talking about the trees heralding their coming and something about The Great Wheel, that the figure has lost its place so they shouldn't harm it. Roselina scrunched up her nose as he smelled and looked utterly disgusting, the nastiest thing she has ever seen in her life. Does he not know what hygiene is?! Then she heard the figure ask if they are friend or foe of the master of these lands, wondering if he is referring to Strahd. "At the moment, we are neither friend nor foe. But we would like to be his friends if at all possible." she then would also said back to the figure after Vrakvroth with a friendly smile and a curtsy.
Quilrith woke with a start, he looked around the common room of the tavern with bleary eyes it had been a long night listening to those adventurers talking about haunted houses, strange beasts and the loss of friends, perhaps for once he should have drunk a bit less. As his sight adjusted to the dim light it suddenly dawned on him that he was alone I the common room.
he jumped up quickly gathering his things, oh dash it all, I've been waiting forever for something interesting to happen and now you've slept in! Pulling in his boots he threw a few coppers to the inn keeper and made his way after the strangers from the night before.
by the time he caught up with them they were talking to a strange man in a mask and what looked to be a knight that had missed more than his last few meals. Quilrith stopped, hands on his knees, panting at the exertion and a grin on his face.
"H...Hello, I hope I'm... not intruding, but is that fellow alright?... He doesn't look like he's eaten in weeks!"
Ebur briefly contemplates Sova's words, then shrugs and says: Do what you must. By your oath you strive to bring balance to the Great Wheel, as do I. But slaying this one will not restore it to the Wheel. The dead are victims of the curse on this land, just as much as the living.
Hearing Vrak, Rosalina and Qilrith speak, he asks Sova: You guard your master well, but how is it that his herald and page speak after him?
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Sova responds, "I have no master but Artemis, however I came upon this group at the previous town. The gentleman driving this cart bade me to accompany them, stating that a Madam Eva told him that another would join them. He assumed it was me."
Religion: 20
Ebur replies: Artemis is not known in these lands. The gods of Barovia have forsaken it, but are still remembered here. By what means came you hence?
(OOC: Just a bit of new-character banter while waiting for the plot to advance :) )
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Sova begins to speak with Ebur about his life before coming to Barovia. "I grew up in a land far from this dark place. I lived on a bit of land situated between a vast sea and a dense forest. I used to hunt all the time. I shared my catch with my family and the village I lived in. One day, while out hunting at night, a group of, what we call Vrykolakas, attacked our village. I heard the screams from deep within the forest. I called on Artemis to hasten my return. However, when I got back to the village it was too late. Everyone in the village was slaughtered, including my wife and daughter. I cried, and prayed for help. Artemis shone her light into the village and revealed one of these creatures who lingered behind. I grabbed my bow and fired. Blessed by the moonlight, the arrow pierced the creatures heart and it fell down, dead. From that moment on, I swore by Artemis ro seek out the undead who pray on the living, and send them to the Underworld. While tailing some werewolves one night who were stalking a village I was near, I followed them and this fog rolled in from nowhere. I then found myself in this land and made my way to the nearest town. The rest is as I have told you. My only wish is to one day rid the world of those that have deprived me of mine. What about you my friend?"
Ebur replies to Sova:
I have known no other land than Barovia. The conclave of druids in which I was raised turned from the Old Faith long ago to worship Strahd, the ruler of this land, who has mastery over earth and sky. I sought to return us to the natural order, but was driven out. Now I follow my own path, fostering the natural decay that this land needs. As long as Strahd endures, the Great Wheel of Life and Death turns askew, and the land is as unchanging as a stagnant pond. Only in his downfall can it return to its natural cycle. But I have learned that his power stems from a darker source still, and it is that which I ultimately seek.
As for these undead which you hunt: there are many in Barovia. Some are mere flesh or bone given a semblance of life - with these I have no quarrel, for they have their place on the Wheel. Others are beings who violate the Wheel, who seek to defy life and death, perhaps like those Vryk- ... those that destroyed your village. Of such is Strahd, and may Artemis guide your hunt for them.
Turning to the newly-arrived out-of-breath figure he says:
If you also speak for yourself, whom do you serve, if not that mighty one [gesturing to the knight on the horse].
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Quilrith looks around a confused look on his face.
"Who do I serve?... Oh goodness, I don't have a master,so I suppose I don't serve anyone not any more at any rate!" Quilrith takes a deep breaths trying to catch his wind, when his face turns a green shade, "Oh my, what is that smell... " Realising the smell is Ebur, he blushes a nd tries to stammer out an apology.
"Erm I didn't mean offense, it just a rather strong musk you have. I'm Quilrith by the way, I'm not really from around these parts, I set out from my old home after a bit of a misunderstanding, trying to find a life of adventure away from the squalor of the Luskan back streets only to run into a thick fog off the morning tide. The next thing I know I'm wandering lost on a moor it took me several days to find that tavern and I've been resting there ever since. These fellows tale seemed exciting so I followed them this morning."
He stops reaching long enough to grin and offer his hand,
Ebur stares expectantly at Quilrith's extended hand for a few moments ... then says:
Yes, the fog is also Strahd's doing. If exposed to it for too long you too may fall under his thrall. I do not wish to become contaminated by it, hence I wear this [pointing to his mask]. Perhaps I could fashion one for each of you ...?
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Quilrith slowly lowers his hand, a little confused, before his face brightens again, looking at the strangers mask
"Ooo that does give you an ominous look, although perhaps a little conspicous for my tastes, it doesn't make you smell does it?"
Realising he is excitedly chattering away Quilrith looks down rather sheepishly, and looks towards the pale figure, "Say, do you know this knight, it sounds like you don't like his master Strahd is it?"
Ebur replies to Quilrith: Strahd is truly the master of these lands. But this knight serves another lord.
Then turning to Sova: Fulfil your oath if you must, but you will not bring him the redemption he seeks. I exhort you, stay your hand until you have heard him, then do as you judge best.
With that Ebur sqauts down in the road, lifts his cloak around his knees, and casually voids his bowels.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
The figure looks to you each as you begin conversing in front of him. Eventually, he says "I... was a knight of the Order of the Silver Dragon. Our order was attacked by Strahd more than four centuries ago. Ever since, I fight the wolves that Strahd controls, and his other minions. And any time I am killed, I just come back, becoming even more vengeful towards his armies, and all those who attacked so long ago," he relaxes a bit as he tells his story. "Try and kill me, if you must - but I cannot be destroyed, only the death of my quarry can end this cursed existence." he sighs.
Vrak looks down at Stanimir. "This Strahd, is this the man who has fallen under a curse? Is this the same noble prince, turning from the kind man he was into a tyrant? Is this Strahd the one whom you wish for us to end the dread lord's curse and put his troubled soul to rest? Speak man, tell me if these are one and the same?"
"I do hope you don't mind me tagging along, wow who's the pretty lady? So is Strahd cursed or is he a master of these lands? Do you want to destroy him or date him? when's Breakfast?"
Quilrith slowly realising that he has had yet another bout of verbal diarroeh, shuffles nervously and goe to look at the Caravan Horses.
The figure looks at you with empty eyes and says "I have not met any of you before this day, but the devil Strahd is the master of the lands, and the fogs that consume it. He is cursed himself, but also the source of the curse of these lands. He was once a just ruler, now he has become a tyrant that won't let go of his power. My mission is to continue to deal with his minions and wolf spies, but... if you are planning on killing Strahd, then I urge you to visit Argynvostholt, you'll find it to the northwest, across the Lima river, though it would be safer to take the long way around and stick to the roads. Speak to Vladimir Horngaard, his the leader of our order. He may be able to help you in that endeavor. I cannot enter Strahd's castle without orders from him to do so," the figure says as it gripshis sword when talking about his orders.
The Vistani you are traveling with says "He is right that it would be safer to stick to the roads, Madam Eva is just to the north of here, next to the Tsar Pool along the Isla river, the one we crossed on the way here."
Roselina saw as yet another person, a Halfing joined them before everyone started talking all of a sudden about themselves and about Strahd, everyone after him too it seems. The figure told them that he was a knight of an order before they were attacked by Strahd and how now he comes back even after being killed. She agreed with Vrakvroth as he questioned if the Strahd they're talking about matched what they knew from the mission the Vistani had given them. Then she was surprised when she heard Quilrith say that she was a pretty lady, smiling. "Thank you. I am Lady Roselina Pridebloom, daughter of the Pridebloom family and heiress to the throne." Roselina had said back to him with a smile and a curtsy. Then she listened as the knight told them that Strahd is the master of all this, cursed but the source of the curse on the lands and having become a tyrant. He said that they should visit Argynvostholt and to speak to Vladimir Horngaard the leader of their order who may be able to help them. She heard the Vistani confirm sticking to the roads and how Madam Eva is just north of here. "Alright, so we have our plan then. We can go visit Madam Eva and Vladimir to discuss about how best to take care of Strahd, though I imagine if we can get rid of the curse on him then the curse on the lands should go away as well." Roselina had then said, looking around at her new companions along with Vrakvroth. With this many people, their journey should hopefully go a lot more easier but wondered if Ebur will smell like this the whole time.