After Roselina speaks, Ebur faces her and says: Lady, if it is your intent to lift the curse on this land, then our purpose is one. I have heard of this Madam Eva, that she is a mighty seer. I will go with you.
He then holds out a handful of mushrooms to Quilrith - they are grubby and damp - and says: If you hunger, O small man of many words, then perhaps these will sustain you.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Quilrith Stops playing with the Horses and looks up as The others talk to him, at the mention of food He saunters over, he appears to have something stuffed up his nose, but he beems a wide grin accepting the damp mushroom. "Why thank you kind sir, I normally prefer my Mushooms fried in a little butter but if this is all that's on offer It will have to do, it seems our path is clear, onward to see this Madam Eva! I hope you don't mind if I get a lift, I'm rather tired after racing after you all"
He takes a few of the offered musrooms, before climbing up onto one of the Caravans roofs and sits waiting expectantly talking about the weather, the road, Strahd, undead, paladins Gold, and many other things, Oddly he reveals little about himself prefering to ask questions rather than answer them, and often answers a question with a question deflecting attention away from himself.
Continuing on your journey towards Madam Eva, you continue following the road to the north, traveling with the rest of the Vistani. About half hour after your meeting with the revenant, the road begins to gradually disappear and is eventually replaced by a twisted, muddy path through the trees. Deep ruts in the earth are evidence of the comings and goings of the wagons that use this trail.
The canopy of mist and branches that you've been witnessing since you left the village suddenly gives way to black clouds boiling far above. There is a clearing here, next to a river that widens to form a small lake several hundred feet across. There are five colorful round tents, each measuring ten feet in diameter, that are pitched outside a ring of four barrel-topped wagons. Standing near the shore of the lake is a much larger tent, its stagging form lit from within. Near the large tent, there are eight unbridled horses that are drinking from the river.
As you approach, you hear the mournful strains of an accordion that clashes with the singing of several brightly clad figures around a bonfire. A footpath continues beyond this encampment, meandering north between the river and the forest's edge.
As the Vistani wagons pull up alongside the others, Ebur hangs back apprehensively, apparently avoiding the fire as much as the human gathering. Instead he shuffles over toward the unbridled horses near the river, and crouches down to poke around curiously among their droppings.
Animal Handling: 18 (if required to avoid spooking the horses)
Investigation: 16 (to see if he learns anything interesting from studying the horse manure, such as what parts of Barovia they have been)
If any of his companions make to enter the large tent, Ebur follows them cautiously inside, otherwise he avoids the bonfire and wanders among the tents.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Quilrith stares in wide eyed wonder and the colourful tents and people, trying not to gasp at the people dancing and singing he clamberes down from the caravan roof and follows Vrak.
Looking up the crowd of people notice you and shift uncomfortably, until they notice the Vistani traveling with you. "Ah, the ones she has been waiting for, yes, yes, and you are led over to the big tent by the river. Magic flames cast a reddish glow over the interior of this tent, revealing a low table covered in a black velvet cloth. Glints of light seem to flash from a crystal ball on the table as a hunched figure peers into its depths. As the crone speaks, her voice crackles like dry weeds. "At last, you have arrived, Ebur, Quilrith, Roselina, Sova and Vrakroth. I see Jinhazar has already completed his role in the house, I am sorry, but a sacrifice ensured your safety. His sacrifice was recieved with the gods' blessings, and was just an essential part of everything that has led the five of you here. I am Madam Eva, and as you see, I already know who you are.
All I have said is now the past, but my question to you is do you wish to hear what fortunes lie in your future?" the voice cracks as a cackling laughter bursts like mad lightning from her withered lips.
Standing cautiously just inside the tent door, Ebur shuffles uncomfortably at the sight of the magical flames.
He is impressed at the old crone's identification of him and the others by name - being accustomed to reading the portents of nature in his own simple way, but recognising in her a much mightier power of foresight. Ebur nods silently to acknowledge his willingness to hear her predictions of the future ...
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Vrak follows into the tent. As he enters his eyes sweep the room taking in what he sees.
He steps forward after the woman speaks.
"I am Vrakvroth Esstyrlynn in service to the Talons of Justice. Thank you for meeting with us. It is our goal to aid you in freeing your land of its curse. We have come seeking your guidance as we have been told you can aid us in this manner. This is a strange land with strange portents. By the power of Bahamut I have been sent on this quest and I will see it through. Tell me what fortunes lie in my future if it will aid me in the completion of this duty that has been laid upon me."
Quilrith wanders around the Vistani camp, taking in the sights and smells before making his way to the main tent, seeing madam Eva his eyes to wide, and wider still when she offers to tell the parties fortune.
"To know ones future is a powerful thing, you must be a woman of great talent. This would definitely be appreciated. So how do you do it? Bones, cards, dice , tea leaves ooo do you do that trick with the fire? "
Sova politely bows his head to Madam Eva. He asks if she is like the Oracle of Delphi from back home. He has never been to see her but has heard many tales of great seers and soothsayers heralding great and terrible events.
Roselina had heard Ebur, glad that he agrees and would go as she nodded. They continued down the road until it turned into a muddy path, continuously using Prestidigitation to keep her shoes and dress clean of this mud. They soon got to a clearing, seeing all the tents and hearing the singing before Vrakvroth told the Vistani to take them to Madam Eva if she is here, agreeing. She would follow him and the others as they are led to the big tent by the river, walking in. She was very surprised as the old woman there already knew her name, also at how Jinhazar completed his role as a sacrifice too. She introduced herself before asking if they wish to hear what fortunes lie in their future, annoyed. Really? Isn't this woman supposed to be helping them, not just doing some fake card-reading stuff? "Yes, I am Roselina Pridebloom. I also wish to hear what fortunes lie in my future, even though I already know that it will most surely be nothing short of greatness. I have been destined for it after all and blessed by life thus far, so it should continue onward." she said back to Madam Eva with a curtsy and a smile. This hag better not even think of giving her a 'fortune' that is less than good, thinking that this will just be a complete waste of time. Roselina Pridebloom has always gotten what she wants and nothing can stop that, ending the curse on Strahd and on Barovia will just be another stepping stone for her on the way to ultimate power and glory.
"I know why you are here, Knight of Tymanther," Madam Eva responds to Vrakroth with a large grin. "You come to end the curse caused by the Devil Strahd. Let's see what your fortune has to say about this matter," and she pulls out an old deck of cards, giving a quick glance to Quilrith. She takes the cards and places them in a vertical cross on the table, five cards in total. She flips over the left-hand card first, and says "This card tells of history. Knowledge of the ancient will help you better understand your enemy," she puts down the card on the table, the card of the traitor. "Look for a wealthy woman. A staunch ally of the devil, she keeps the treasure under lock and key, with the bones of an ancient enemy," she says.
She reaches over to the second card, the topmost one from her, and says "This card tells of a powrful force for good and protection, a holy symbol of great hope," she flips the card, revealing the shephard card. "Find the mother - she who gave birth to the devil. Here you wil find that symbol," she says as she places the card back down.
She then reaches for the card on her right-hand side. "This is a card of power and strength. It tells of a weapon of vengeance: a sword of sunlight. The card is that of the healer in the deck. "Look to the west. Find a pool blessed by the light of the white sun." she says, placing the card back into the position.
She goes for the card closest to her this time. "This card sheds light on one who will help you greatly in the battle against darkness," she says as she flips over the card. Placing it down, the card is the Artifact card and she says "Look for an entertaining man with a monkey. This man is more than he seems."
She places her hand finally on the central card and says "Finally, your enemy is a creature of darkness and shadow, whose powers are beyond that of mortality. This card will lead you to him!" and she flips over the final card, that reveals the tempter card. "Hmm... I see a secret place - a vault of temptation hidden behind a woman of great beauty. The evil waits atop his tower of treasure." she says and places the final card. "This is what fate has in store for you, darlings," she says as you finally notice that her eyes that had at some point during the reading changed to a black cloud, return to normal.
Ebur listens attentively to Madam Eva, eager for any hope of defeating the devil Strahd and restoring the land to its natural course. But all her clues are enigmatic and his hope is crushed. He forlornly sighs and says: I know of many pools and lakes throughout the land, but the light of the sun has not been seen in this land for many generations. All her words are a mystery to me.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
"Ah, so you went with the cards very traditional, I've never understood why fortunes have to be so cryptic, perhaps if we put our heads together we can figure out where to start"
Quilrith bites his bottom lips, and seems to be reciting what madam Eva has said even down to miming turning over cards, as though committing the whole thing to memory.
"I think we have two options try to follow the clues in order or see if we can figure out one of them and work from there, what does everyone think?"
Vrak listens quietly as the woman reveals each card and what they mean. He is not so concerned as the others over the ambiguity of the words revealed. He bows again to Madam Eva.
"I thank you and this is most helpful. You know this land, most of us are strangers here. Can you tell us of any of these places. We are now near the Tsar Pool. Is this the same pool the healing card speaks of? Or similar, are there many pools like this? What exactly are these pools? As for the others, if you have knowledge of who these people are or may be found that would aid us certainly. We've been told by another to seek Argynvostholt, across the Lima river. Do you have a map that tells us where this is?"
Vrak also looks to Ebur.
"You are from here. Do you know where these places are? What these pools are?"
Ebur scratches his belly as he ponders Vrak's questions.
Argynvostholt I know. It is a fell ruin and all avoid it, but I can guide you there. As for the pool - the madam said to look west, so I do not believe it is Tser Pool we seek. There is another west of here near a waterfall, and other pools and lakes still further west.
The people are unknown to me - I venture not into the towns and villages, and know of no woman of beauty or man with a monkey. As for the devil's ally or mother, I can only tell thee that the ruler of this land is called by some 'the devil Strahd'.
Glancing at Quilrith he adds: Perhaps the search should commence in those places where wealth and treasure are most likely to be found.
"Part of the curse of this land, means I cannot help you further. The mists surround even the future in certain aspects" Madam Eva responds. "The shining pool is to the west, and I can say that Strahd is the son of King Barov and Queen Ravenalia. The King and Queen are buried in Castle Ravenloft, where the devil Strahd makes his home." is all she says. "Stick to the Old Svalich Road, the road you followed to reach me, head south and over the bridge at the Waterfall, and from there your journey has many paths," she concludes.
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After Roselina speaks, Ebur faces her and says: Lady, if it is your intent to lift the curse on this land, then our purpose is one. I have heard of this Madam Eva, that she is a mighty seer. I will go with you.
He then holds out a handful of mushrooms to Quilrith - they are grubby and damp - and says: If you hunger, O small man of many words, then perhaps these will sustain you.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Quilrith Stops playing with the Horses and looks up as The others talk to him, at the mention of food He saunters over, he appears to have something stuffed up his nose, but he beems a wide grin accepting the damp mushroom. "Why thank you kind sir, I normally prefer my Mushooms fried in a little butter but if this is all that's on offer It will have to do, it seems our path is clear, onward to see this Madam Eva! I hope you don't mind if I get a lift, I'm rather tired after racing after you all"
He takes a few of the offered musrooms, before climbing up onto one of the Caravans roofs and sits waiting expectantly talking about the weather, the road, Strahd, undead, paladins Gold, and many other things, Oddly he reveals little about himself prefering to ask questions rather than answer them, and often answers a question with a question deflecting attention away from himself.
Continuing on your journey towards Madam Eva, you continue following the road to the north, traveling with the rest of the Vistani. About half hour after your meeting with the revenant, the road begins to gradually disappear and is eventually replaced by a twisted, muddy path through the trees. Deep ruts in the earth are evidence of the comings and goings of the wagons that use this trail.
The canopy of mist and branches that you've been witnessing since you left the village suddenly gives way to black clouds boiling far above. There is a clearing here, next to a river that widens to form a small lake several hundred feet across. There are five colorful round tents, each measuring ten feet in diameter, that are pitched outside a ring of four barrel-topped wagons. Standing near the shore of the lake is a much larger tent, its stagging form lit from within. Near the large tent, there are eight unbridled horses that are drinking from the river.
As you approach, you hear the mournful strains of an accordion that clashes with the singing of several brightly clad figures around a bonfire. A footpath continues beyond this encampment, meandering north between the river and the forest's edge.
As the Vistani wagons pull up alongside the others, Ebur hangs back apprehensively, apparently avoiding the fire as much as the human gathering. Instead he shuffles over toward the unbridled horses near the river, and crouches down to poke around curiously among their droppings.
Animal Handling: 18 (if required to avoid spooking the horses)
Investigation: 16 (to see if he learns anything interesting from studying the horse manure, such as what parts of Barovia they have been)
If any of his companions make to enter the large tent, Ebur follows them cautiously inside, otherwise he avoids the bonfire and wanders among the tents.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
As they reach the camp Vrak finds a place to tie his horse up. He eyes Ebur as the man does strange things but chooses to ignore it at the moment.
"Show us to Madam Eva if she is here." He tells the Vistani that brought them here.
Quilrith stares in wide eyed wonder and the colourful tents and people, trying not to gasp at the people dancing and singing he clamberes down from the caravan roof and follows Vrak.
Looking up the crowd of people notice you and shift uncomfortably, until they notice the Vistani traveling with you. "Ah, the ones she has been waiting for, yes, yes, and you are led over to the big tent by the river. Magic flames cast a reddish glow over the interior of this tent, revealing a low table covered in a black velvet cloth. Glints of light seem to flash from a crystal ball on the table as a hunched figure peers into its depths. As the crone speaks, her voice crackles like dry weeds. "At last, you have arrived, Ebur, Quilrith, Roselina, Sova and Vrakroth. I see Jinhazar has already completed his role in the house, I am sorry, but a sacrifice ensured your safety. His sacrifice was recieved with the gods' blessings, and was just an essential part of everything that has led the five of you here. I am Madam Eva, and as you see, I already know who you are.
All I have said is now the past, but my question to you is do you wish to hear what fortunes lie in your future?" the voice cracks as a cackling laughter bursts like mad lightning from her withered lips.
Standing cautiously just inside the tent door, Ebur shuffles uncomfortably at the sight of the magical flames.
He is impressed at the old crone's identification of him and the others by name - being accustomed to reading the portents of nature in his own simple way, but recognising in her a much mightier power of foresight. Ebur nods silently to acknowledge his willingness to hear her predictions of the future ...
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Vrak follows into the tent. As he enters his eyes sweep the room taking in what he sees.
He steps forward after the woman speaks.
"I am Vrakvroth Esstyrlynn in service to the Talons of Justice. Thank you for meeting with us. It is our goal to aid you in freeing your land of its curse. We have come seeking your guidance as we have been told you can aid us in this manner. This is a strange land with strange portents. By the power of Bahamut I have been sent on this quest and I will see it through. Tell me what fortunes lie in my future if it will aid me in the completion of this duty that has been laid upon me."
Quilrith wanders around the Vistani camp, taking in the sights and smells before making his way to the main tent, seeing madam Eva his eyes to wide, and wider still when she offers to tell the parties fortune.
"To know ones future is a powerful thing, you must be a woman of great talent. This would definitely be appreciated. So how do you do it? Bones, cards, dice , tea leaves ooo do you do that trick with the fire? "
Sova politely bows his head to Madam Eva. He asks if she is like the Oracle of Delphi from back home. He has never been to see her but has heard many tales of great seers and soothsayers heralding great and terrible events.
Roselina had heard Ebur, glad that he agrees and would go as she nodded. They continued down the road until it turned into a muddy path, continuously using Prestidigitation to keep her shoes and dress clean of this mud. They soon got to a clearing, seeing all the tents and hearing the singing before Vrakvroth told the Vistani to take them to Madam Eva if she is here, agreeing. She would follow him and the others as they are led to the big tent by the river, walking in. She was very surprised as the old woman there already knew her name, also at how Jinhazar completed his role as a sacrifice too. She introduced herself before asking if they wish to hear what fortunes lie in their future, annoyed. Really? Isn't this woman supposed to be helping them, not just doing some fake card-reading stuff? "Yes, I am Roselina Pridebloom. I also wish to hear what fortunes lie in my future, even though I already know that it will most surely be nothing short of greatness. I have been destined for it after all and blessed by life thus far, so it should continue onward." she said back to Madam Eva with a curtsy and a smile. This hag better not even think of giving her a 'fortune' that is less than good, thinking that this will just be a complete waste of time. Roselina Pridebloom has always gotten what she wants and nothing can stop that, ending the curse on Strahd and on Barovia will just be another stepping stone for her on the way to ultimate power and glory.
Sova looks over at Roselina and fears for her fortune.
"I know why you are here, Knight of Tymanther," Madam Eva responds to Vrakroth with a large grin. "You come to end the curse caused by the Devil Strahd. Let's see what your fortune has to say about this matter," and she pulls out an old deck of cards, giving a quick glance to Quilrith. She takes the cards and places them in a vertical cross on the table, five cards in total. She flips over the left-hand card first, and says "This card tells of history. Knowledge of the ancient will help you better understand your enemy," she puts down the card on the table, the card of the traitor. "Look for a wealthy woman. A staunch ally of the devil, she keeps the treasure under lock and key, with the bones of an ancient enemy," she says.
She reaches over to the second card, the topmost one from her, and says "This card tells of a powrful force for good and protection, a holy symbol of great hope," she flips the card, revealing the shephard card. "Find the mother - she who gave birth to the devil. Here you wil find that symbol," she says as she places the card back down.
She then reaches for the card on her right-hand side. "This is a card of power and strength. It tells of a weapon of vengeance: a sword of sunlight. The card is that of the healer in the deck. "Look to the west. Find a pool blessed by the light of the white sun." she says, placing the card back into the position.
She goes for the card closest to her this time. "This card sheds light on one who will help you greatly in the battle against darkness," she says as she flips over the card. Placing it down, the card is the Artifact card and she says "Look for an entertaining man with a monkey. This man is more than he seems."
She places her hand finally on the central card and says "Finally, your enemy is a creature of darkness and shadow, whose powers are beyond that of mortality. This card will lead you to him!" and she flips over the final card, that reveals the tempter card. "Hmm... I see a secret place - a vault of temptation hidden behind a woman of great beauty. The evil waits atop his tower of treasure." she says and places the final card. "This is what fate has in store for you, darlings," she says as you finally notice that her eyes that had at some point during the reading changed to a black cloud, return to normal.
Ebur listens attentively to Madam Eva, eager for any hope of defeating the devil Strahd and restoring the land to its natural course. But all her clues are enigmatic and his hope is crushed. He forlornly sighs and says: I know of many pools and lakes throughout the land, but the light of the sun has not been seen in this land for many generations. All her words are a mystery to me.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
"Ah, so you went with the cards very traditional, I've never understood why fortunes have to be so cryptic, perhaps if we put our heads together we can figure out where to start"
Quilrith bites his bottom lips, and seems to be reciting what madam Eva has said even down to miming turning over cards, as though committing the whole thing to memory.
"I think we have two options try to follow the clues in order or see if we can figure out one of them and work from there, what does everyone think?"
He looks to his new companions expectantly...
Sova comments on how sometimes oracles can be cryptic but sometimes very direct. He states that we must learn more about Strahd and his past.
Vrak listens quietly as the woman reveals each card and what they mean. He is not so concerned as the others over the ambiguity of the words revealed. He bows again to Madam Eva.
"I thank you and this is most helpful. You know this land, most of us are strangers here. Can you tell us of any of these places. We are now near the Tsar Pool. Is this the same pool the healing card speaks of? Or similar, are there many pools like this? What exactly are these pools? As for the others, if you have knowledge of who these people are or may be found that would aid us certainly. We've been told by another to seek Argynvostholt, across the Lima river. Do you have a map that tells us where this is?"
Vrak also looks to Ebur.
"You are from here. Do you know where these places are? What these pools are?"
Ebur scratches his belly as he ponders Vrak's questions.
Argynvostholt I know. It is a fell ruin and all avoid it, but I can guide you there. As for the pool - the madam said to look west, so I do not believe it is Tser Pool we seek. There is another west of here near a waterfall, and other pools and lakes still further west.
The people are unknown to me - I venture not into the towns and villages, and know of no woman of beauty or man with a monkey. As for the devil's ally or mother, I can only tell thee that the ruler of this land is called by some 'the devil Strahd'.
Glancing at Quilrith he adds: Perhaps the search should commence in those places where wealth and treasure are most likely to be found.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
"Part of the curse of this land, means I cannot help you further. The mists surround even the future in certain aspects" Madam Eva responds. "The shining pool is to the west, and I can say that Strahd is the son of King Barov and Queen Ravenalia. The King and Queen are buried in Castle Ravenloft, where the devil Strahd makes his home." is all she says. "Stick to the Old Svalich Road, the road you followed to reach me, head south and over the bridge at the Waterfall, and from there your journey has many paths," she concludes.