Ismark and Ireena smile and nod after Fae finishes speaking, relieved that she didn't just blurt out their secret in front of two strangers who literally just popped up in Barovia.
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Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
"It is obvious that divine providence has brought us together, in any case," Hadrian says. He purchases a round of ales for the group (including Ismark and Ireena, if they'll partake), and while he does, he explains, "We have all come here not entirely aware of what we were getting into, though there seems to be a clear way out for us. We hunt down this devil, Strahd, and put an end to his evil machinations. Then we'll be free to live our lives, as will the desperate people of this gods-forsaken land."
"So a case of Quid Pro Quo?"Belzo raises a brow at Fae, and then shoot Ismark and Ireena similar looks of suspicion; only to dismiss it with a brief headshake. "I am not sure I would equate the invitation of a vampire "devil" as divine providence."He said, flashing a smirk, then going back to being all serious. "And how do you propose we go about hunting, holy man? Given all that's been said, I cannot imagine they have not tried to attack him outright at least once." His frowns and gestures offhandedly. "By the gods -- they refer to him as curse upon the land itself. Exaggeration? Perhaps. But there is always a nugget of truth in every story."
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When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"We have been given a path forward that if followed will lead to our victory over Strahd. We were told that Ismark here will be key in our efforts and that there are three items we must seek out and acquire. We were planning on starting out for the first item early this morning..." Elyse gives Fae and Hadrian a distinct look of impatience at the end of this statement.
"Let's gooooooo!" Fae says with a grin, bouncing up and down. "You can hardly be mad at us for talking to the new people, Elyse. Besides, aren't we waiting on Phanuel? Or did he decide to leave too?"
Belzo still seemed dubious about the whole deal; and yet, with a heavy sigh, he gets back to his feet. "I hope this other source of information is a trustworthy one. But either way, I think I /will/ accompany you all. At the very least until I see for myself if these other 'keys' have any merit."He raises a shaky finger. "But one last question. Who is this Phanuel? And is it possible they decided to run ahead of your little group for whatever reason?"
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When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"One of our erstwhile companions. Something about this place is odd. People vanishing and appearing at random. I can only hope that defeating Strahd will set things right."
"Phanuel was a glowy guy who came with us for a while," Fae explains cheerfully. "I don't know where he went, but my brother Eni decided to do um...stuff. Elsewhere. Anyway, let's go guys!" She starts bouncing towards the door.
Doremor grins as though he was humoring some elaborate joke, "Well then, I suppose I should come with you all as well, if just to see this 'devil' of yours. Perhaps I'll be able to ask him for directions in this place. Ha!"
"I don't recall inviting either of you two along but I would welcome your help, if only because it seems we will need all the aid we can find. However, I must make a couple things clear."
As Elyse stands up she looks first to Belzo. "We have no room here for skepticism and condescension. You are not above us and if you don't learn that this land will humble you quickly." She then turns to Doremor and continues, "And you will learn quickly that there is not much room for humor here. Our mission is a grave and serious one and must be treated as such."
Fae nods, wide eyed. "Very, very secret. And stuff. And I invited them, Elyse! Cause, you know. I'm still a fully fledged member of this team and everything! So come on!"
Belzo glances to Hadrian out of the corner of his eyes, then back to Elyse, eyes narrowed and searching her own, if she dared to meet them. Even if not, there is no anger or annoyance in his posture; only thoughtfulness. Seeming to largely ignore fae's comments in the moment, he calmly folds his hands behind his back. "You'll have to forgive me, Lady Elyse. In my line of work, you do not assume anything at face value. Such things lead to fool's errands... and grave mistakes." His expression softens at those last words.
"And whatever condescension you heard was not... intended. Now, as I have already made my own point clear, shall we move on. Or do the chips on your shoulders need more sharpening?" He asked casually.
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When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Elyse meets his gaze. As you finally get a good look at her eyes, it becomes clear that they are not human or elven. If you're at all familiar, you would likely recognize them as the eyes of a tiefling. She takes a moment to think about how to respond before simply stating, "I am not a Lady so please do not address me as one." She then turns on her heel and walks toward the door.
Doremor gives Elyse a deep bow, speaking in subservience bordering on mockery, "Of course, although the excited one has been much more enjoyable company... my lady" before following her out the door.
So where are you planning on going now? Blinsky will have Hadrian's doll finished this afternoon. You have yet to explore the Coffinmaker's shop, the church, and either of the two mansions in the village.
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Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
Ismark and Ireena smile and nod after Fae finishes speaking, relieved that she didn't just blurt out their secret in front of two strangers who literally just popped up in Barovia.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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"It is obvious that divine providence has brought us together, in any case," Hadrian says. He purchases a round of ales for the group (including Ismark and Ireena, if they'll partake), and while he does, he explains, "We have all come here not entirely aware of what we were getting into, though there seems to be a clear way out for us. We hunt down this devil, Strahd, and put an end to his evil machinations. Then we'll be free to live our lives, as will the desperate people of this gods-forsaken land."
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
"So a case of Quid Pro Quo?" Belzo raises a brow at Fae, and then shoot Ismark and Ireena similar looks of suspicion; only to dismiss it with a brief headshake. "I am not sure I would equate the invitation of a vampire "devil" as divine providence." He said, flashing a smirk, then going back to being all serious. "And how do you propose we go about hunting, holy man? Given all that's been said, I cannot imagine they have not tried to attack him outright at least once." His frowns and gestures offhandedly. "By the gods -- they refer to him as curse upon the land itself. Exaggeration? Perhaps. But there is always a nugget of truth in every story."
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"We have been given a path forward that if followed will lead to our victory over Strahd. We were told that Ismark here will be key in our efforts and that there are three items we must seek out and acquire. We were planning on starting out for the first item early this morning..." Elyse gives Fae and Hadrian a distinct look of impatience at the end of this statement.
"Right you are," Hadrian stands up and downs the rest of his breakfast ale. "Ready when you are!"
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Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
"Let's gooooooo!" Fae says with a grin, bouncing up and down. "You can hardly be mad at us for talking to the new people, Elyse. Besides, aren't we waiting on Phanuel? Or did he decide to leave too?"
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Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
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When you all woke up this morning, you noticed that Phanuel was nowhere to be found.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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Belzo still seemed dubious about the whole deal; and yet, with a heavy sigh, he gets back to his feet. "I hope this other source of information is a trustworthy one. But either way, I think I /will/ accompany you all. At the very least until I see for myself if these other 'keys' have any merit." He raises a shaky finger. "But one last question. Who is this Phanuel? And is it possible they decided to run ahead of your little group for whatever reason?"
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
"One of our erstwhile companions. Something about this place is odd. People vanishing and appearing at random. I can only hope that defeating Strahd will set things right."
DM - Storm King's Thunder PbP | Yet Another Storm King's Thunder PbP
Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
"Phanuel was a glowy guy who came with us for a while," Fae explains cheerfully. "I don't know where he went, but my brother Eni decided to do um...stuff. Elsewhere. Anyway, let's go guys!" She starts bouncing towards the door.
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Doremor grins as though he was humoring some elaborate joke, "Well then, I suppose I should come with you all as well, if just to see this 'devil' of yours. Perhaps I'll be able to ask him for directions in this place. Ha!"
"I don't recall inviting either of you two along but I would welcome your help, if only because it seems we will need all the aid we can find. However, I must make a couple things clear."
As Elyse stands up she looks first to Belzo. "We have no room here for skepticism and condescension. You are not above us and if you don't learn that this land will humble you quickly." She then turns to Doremor and continues, "And you will learn quickly that there is not much room for humor here. Our mission is a grave and serious one and must be treated as such."
Hadrian quietly clears his throat, hiding a smile under his beard. He attempts to thoughtfully stroke his mustache and adopt a serious demeanor.
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Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
Fae nods, wide eyed. "Very, very secret. And stuff. And I invited them, Elyse! Cause, you know. I'm still a fully fledged member of this team and everything! So come on!"
Stella Diamant, Human Rogue 17 (Swashbuckler), The Exploits of Misfit Company
Kat, Medtech, Cyberpunk: Red
Shi, Changeling Bard 4 (College of Spirits), Tyrant's Grasp
Dani, Human Artificer 9 (Armorer), Skulls and Starships
DM, Project Point (Teams Scimitar and Longsword)
Everything Else!
Belzo glances to Hadrian out of the corner of his eyes, then back to Elyse, eyes narrowed and searching her own, if she dared to meet them. Even if not, there is no anger or annoyance in his posture; only thoughtfulness. Seeming to largely ignore fae's comments in the moment, he calmly folds his hands behind his back. "You'll have to forgive me, Lady Elyse. In my line of work, you do not assume anything at face value. Such things lead to fool's errands... and grave mistakes." His expression softens at those last words.
"And whatever condescension you heard was not... intended. Now, as I have already made my own point clear, shall we move on. Or do the chips on your shoulders need more sharpening?" He asked casually.
When you realize you're doing too much: Signature.
Hadrian moves to open the door, in order to stifle a chuckle. He will hold the door for the others if they're ready to leave.
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Current: Eogard Duramastar, Human Twilight Cleric/Star Druid | Eiren Lathrana, Shadar-Kai Eldritch Knight/Bladesinger | Arugula, Rabbitfolk Armorer
Survivor: CrispyDM's Saltmarsh as Syltra | SarcasticFury's Strahd as Hadrian Frozenspark | Forge of Fury as The DM
Elyse meets his gaze. As you finally get a good look at her eyes, it becomes clear that they are not human or elven. If you're at all familiar, you would likely recognize them as the eyes of a tiefling. She takes a moment to think about how to respond before simply stating, "I am not a Lady so please do not address me as one." She then turns on her heel and walks toward the door.
Doremor gives Elyse a deep bow, speaking in subservience bordering on mockery, "Of course, although the excited one has been much more enjoyable company... my lady" before following her out the door.
So where are you planning on going now? Blinsky will have Hadrian's doll finished this afternoon. You have yet to explore the Coffinmaker's shop, the church, and either of the two mansions in the village.
Xenophon: Topaz Dragonborn Fighter (ixi's Dragon of Icespire Peak)
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"Ismark, have you heard of the Amber Temple that Madam Eva told us is the location of the Holy Symbol?"