Morning - Day 7 - Coffin Maker's Shop

Father Lucian chuckles at Cerio's request.  "Trust me Cerio, had I any to give I would.  Alas, my stocks did run out many years ago.  Occasionally we can get the odd bottle from a Vistani merchant but otherwise, it's mostly wine available around here.  The Wizard of the Wines winery is just to the west, not far from Krezk."

The old priest addresses Sandu.  "Say, I.  I don't suppose it is much of an imposition.  But may I look at the card.  It's only that... Well in my youth we used to send secret messages to one another.  Of course, that was before I was in the priesthood, in service to the Morninglord, you understand.  Might be something more that can be gathered relating to Ioben's whereabouts.  Just a thought, that's all," Lucian says whilst rubbing his head intently.

Father Lucian proceeds to eye Dallid up and down carefully.  "I take you for a fellow scholar, sir.  That is a most curious animal you have there," he chuckles, "the way he acts... why it's almost human.  He's very well trained."

Cerio follows Dadeveth outside.  His skin is filthy and caked with blood, some of it his own.  His jaw drops open at the state of the town.  "Listen, I know what we told Lady Isolde, but this looks like it's already gettin' outta hand.  If Strahd's crew's capable of all this, and some of em like t'be blood-suckers, how in blazes is we supposed to off the guy?"

"We will find a way." Dadeveth says with a shrug. "We will need to find ways to increase our power though, as I doubt if we would even be a flea to him at this point." She shivers as she considers this and glances back to the door. "I need to get some food, but I think we have found a good crew, people who seem able to handle themselves, so I am hesitantly optimistic." She swishes her tail, then clomps back inside to huntt up something to eat.

Cerio stands outside, rubbing his shoulders against the chill in the air.  He eyes the scorched and ruined buildings, listening to the sounds of wails coming from those who mourn.  Maybe Dadeveth is right, and these others will be their salvation.  They certainly know how to dish out some pain.

He looks up into the sky, at the endless, gray clouds that blanket the world as far as the eye can see.  At least it's daylight, he thinks to himself.  Creatures of night won't like t'be out in the daylight.  Shivering, he turns and follows Dadeveth back inside, this time in search for some food.

He asks the others.  "Besides findin' some wine, what d'ya hope t' accomplish in Krezk?"

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Morning - Day 7 - Coffin Maker's Shop

 

Father Lucian proceeds to eye Dallid up and down carefully.  "I take you for a fellow scholar, sir.  That is a most curious animal you have there," he chuckles, "the way he acts... why it's almost human.  He's very well trained."

 Dallid gives Father Lucian an appraising look.

"You impress me, Father Lucian. You recognize the truth despite the... Paint. Ferelyon used to be a person. I'm not entirely positive what caused his change, except that it relates to a book from Ferelyon's library. He is almost imperceptibly animal now. I aim to learn what unseen changes mayhap be wrought on him, still."

"Ferelyon would disapprove of the addition of the enchanted collar for fear it taints the observations, but I say that we must pass through every door if we hope to learn everything."

"Ferelyon used to be person?", Galqarin is both confused and perturbed by this statement. "How... Is it curse?"

Each day with these outsiders from the land of Barovia seems to bring fresh surprises. Once again, his mind wanders to his own distant past, and what transpired on that fateful day that set him on the path to the human town of Vallaki. If only he could find the man who spared him, speak to him, understand why. Was it a whim, or was some higher power at work? Was he destined for something? Certainly, over the last few days, he had found a coalescing of some inner strength within him that he did not even begin to understand. And he had cheated death yet once more.

Dallid nods. "Yes. I am becoming quite convinced that it is an irreversible process, and not a curse as we typically understand them. He is changed. And his change is not without benefits, improvements and evolutions. He impresses me. But he has not been fully tested to his limits. We will see." 

"Fascinating, yes? As you are fascinating. And this whole place."

Galqarin is not sure what to make of being found 'fascinating'. He decides it is best to keep his own council for now; his response is an ambiguous nod.

Quote from Losman >>

Going over to Sandu Dormark says, "I forgot to do it the day before, but would you allow me to study the ring you bought from that merchant, I can tell you what it can do." Dormark will ritual cast identify on the ring if Sandu will let him.

'Oh, this thing?' Sandu put down his piece of bread and showed Dormark the ring on his finger with a smile. 'No need, I already figured it out: it seems to boost my health.' He flipped his hand to showcase the other side of the ring. 'Not so much enhance or augment one's health but more like fortify what was already there, if that makes sense. I think whoever made it did so to deal with the lack of sunlight and overall depressiveness of Barovia. Been feeling a tiny bit better since I began wearing it so I'm not complaining.'

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Morning - Day 7 - Coffin Maker's Shop

The old priest addresses Sandu.  "Say, I.  I don't suppose it is much of an imposition.  But may I look at the card.  It's only that... Well in my youth we used to send secret messages to one another.  Of course, that was before I was in the priesthood, in service to the Morninglord, you understand.  Might be something more that can be gathered relating to Ioben's whereabouts.  Just a thought, that's all," Lucian says whilst rubbing his head intently.

Sandu put down the piece of bread again and turned his attention to Father Lucian. 'Yeah, sure.' He reached into his pocket to retrieve the card. 'Sounds all cut and dry but if you think there is more to it, go ahead.' He handed the card over and picked up his buttered piece of bread once more, the corners of his mouth getting a bit wet at the though of savouring the simple meal.

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Morning - Day 7 - Coffin Maker's Shop

 

Father Lucian proceeds to eye Dallid up and down carefully.  "I take you for a fellow scholar, sir.  That is a most curious animal you have there," he chuckles, "the way he acts... why it's almost human.  He's very well trained."

 Dallid gives Father Lucian an appraising look.

"You impress me, Father Lucian. You recognize the truth despite the... Paint. Ferelyon used to be a person. I'm not entirely positive what caused his change, except that it relates to a book from Ferelyon's library. He is almost imperceptibly animal now. I aim to learn what unseen changes mayhap be wrought on him, still."

"Ferelyon would disapprove of the addition of the enchanted collar for fear it taints the observations, but I say that we must pass through every door if we hope to learn everything."

Sandu dropped his piece of bread in shock. 'He WHAT!?' His incredulousness was only augmented by the sight that his piece of bread had fallen on the ground butter side down. 

 Note to self: Barovian pastries are drugs for birds. Not entirely sure if this is an argument pro or con ^^

Morning - Day 7 - Coffin Maker's Shop

Cerio - Ismark's face looks grim at your question, he shifts uncomfortably in his chair.  "Krezk is the only place in Barovia I believe my sister will be safe," he says, despair in his voice.  "Vallaki was supposed to be a safe haven," he shoots a quick glance at Father Lucian. "Unfortunately, it looks like the Count's power reaches even here."

Ireena reaches out and comforts Ismark.  "Have faith, brother.  Did our companions not thwart Strahd's plans last night?  He may have power but it is not absolute."

Baern coughs, shifting as he eats breakfast.  "Krezk likely 'as more clues about me ma'.  She's lost in Barovia some place, I know it... found evidence of her passing through Vallaki.  Was told she went ta Krezk," he says between mouthfuls.

Dallid - Father Lucian looks surprised at your revelation.  "Morninglord!  Can it be true?" he says taken aback.  "Have you managed to communicate with Ferelyon, since his change?  Most curious.  I have heard tales of Druids being able to change shape at a whim.  Mayhaps they would know about his ailment?"

He listens contently as you explain about it being an irreversible process.

"You mean to test your friend?" Lucian says narrowing his eyes.  "You are sure he consents to this?  Fascinating?  I suppose it is."  The priest not-so-subtly looks at Dormark and smiles.  "Many fascinating people have travelled through Vallaki recently."

Galqarin - Ireena sides up to you.  "How are you doing, Galqarin?  I know that this Izek," she shudders as she says his name, "and you had history.  Do you think he knows you are alive?  Will you seek him out or will he..." She lets the sentence fizzle out, not wanting to contemplate Izek Strazni's movements.  "Do you know much about Krezk?"

Sandu - The Father smiles kindly.  "Perhaps there is nothing to it but I think Ioben had a lot of tricks up his sleeves," he says as he holds the card up delicately.  "Take these last two sentances, they seem almost rambling, like he was trying to convey something yet not quite sure how."

Lucian runs his hand over the back of the playing card.  "Some of these letters seem to have been written very heavily.  I can feel the indentation on the back of the card."  He takes out some writing materials.  "Lets see..."

A trap? It could be in some capacity.

But Strahd? I do not expect him, not one bit.

Yours, Ioben

.  P.s. Vauquelin sends his regards.

 "A-t-r-o-c-i-t-y E-x-h-i-b-i-t-i-o-n, Vauquelin.  Atrocity Exhibition?  What's that?" Father Lucian says, confused.  "Reckon it could mean something?"

"... alright Sandu if that is what you wish," says Dormark sounding almost uncertain about letting it go but is seeking to respect Sandu's opinion.

"Maybe Father, but the meaning is lost on me... You know I was hoping to start a little smithy here prepare folks to fight against the darkness of this land. But it does not look like we have the luxury of time at the moment. When we fix the bones, I spend the proper time helping Vallaki get back on its feet," says the Warforge.

"Also, I almost forgot about it do to all the fighting yesterday, but I met Rictavio yesterday on his way out of town. He gave me a map to find where is circus is currently set up," says Dormark turning around to extract the map from his secret compartment, before turning back to show it to the group.

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Morning - Day 7 - Coffin Maker's Shop

 

Dallid - Father Lucian looks surprised at your revelation.  "Morninglord!  Can it be true?" he says taken aback.  "Have you managed to communicate with Ferelyon, since his change?  Most curious.  I have heard tales of Druids being able to change shape at a whim.  Mayhaps they would know about his ailment?"

He listens contently as you explain about it being an irreversible process.

"You mean to test your friend?" Lucian says narrowing his eyes.  "You are sure he consents to this?  Fascinating?  I suppose it is."  The priest not-so-subtly looks at Dormark and smiles.  "Many fascinating people have travelled through Vallaki recently."

 

 Dallid shakes his head. "I have spoken to Ferelyon, and he obeys without any thought. I had not thought to attempt to listen to him. I have the spellcraft for such. I will try... I should've thought of that, but we've been quite busy running."

"I don't believe this would be considered an ailment, but I suppose you are right. I should try to contact these druids to put him back how he was. Perhaps we can attempt this again in more controlled conditions. Maybe." 

Dallid casts speak with animals

"Ferelyon? Do you wish to speak to me?"

Dormark - ((Just a quick correction, the map was for a tower to the west of Vallaki (Post #2160) rather than the Circus; this sits roughly halfway between Vallaki and Krezk.  Rictavio asked whether the party would be able to meet him in a more 'private setting'.))

The Father smiles kindly at you.  "You all have already done so much," he says, his voice wrought with emotion.  "Take care on your journey, I fear that St. Andral's bones will make you even more of a target."

Dallid - Father Lucian nods, a little disturbed by your lack of having communicated with Ferelyon earlier.

Ferelyon's hair bristles as he hears his friend's words clearly.  "Dallid?  My friend, we can talk?" the question was rhetorical.  "Most curious.  I was conducting an experiment, I remember.  Then something happened and I became trapped," he says, clearly confused.  "I... I feel that I am losing myself.  Is that an odd thing to say, I wonder?  This body craves meat... fresh, delicious.  I cannot control this."

The wolf's head cocks to one side, clearly struggling to comprehend the situation.  "Dallid, my friend.  I see your face.  I have memories.  Was this an experiment?  Am I an experiment?" You notice a vacant look cross the wolf's face.  "Was I a... Fe-re-ly..." he stops short, "food?  You have food?"  He bounds up to you happily, his tail wagging.  "You have food?  Food for me?  Meat?!"

You notice what remains of your friend's mind, locked inside a container it far exceeds, is struggling to maintain control over the wolf's more natural instincts.  At this point, you are unsure how much of the beast is truly Ferelyon.

"Any luck?"  Father Lucian asks.  "Seems like he's in a good mood."

Ferelyon proceeds to attempt to get at the scraps of food being left, or offered, by the other party members.  His pressing concern focused on satisfying his wolfish needs.

Dallid nods. "Indeed. Ferelyon is in there, overflowing the wolf's confines. He is also under the wolf's influence. Heavily. Hmm... It may not be ethical to keep himike this for too long."

Ismark looks at the wolf with pity, identifying with the futility of Ferelyon's predicament.  "Trapped within a prison, not just physically but mentally," he says sombrely.  "We shall try and help you with your friend, Dallid."

Ireena nods in agreement with her brother.

"Is it time to leave?" she asks the group.  "Sitting here feels like inaction.  When there are so many pressing matters to attend to."

"Rictavio, for one."  Ismark chimes in, "you mentioned a map, Dormark?"

“Yes,” says Dormark showing the piece of paper.

"Are there druids on your map?" Dallid looks over your shoulder.

After sadly poking at the remains of his buttered bread and deciding it was most definitely not worth it to eat someone off the floor in Barovia, Sandu reached for a different piece to start the whole buttering process over again. He mechanically went through the motions while he processed the latest information. A man cursed to be an animal? It was not the weirdest not worst thing he had encountered in Barovia so far. It did, potentially, explain why the wolf held its own so well in the past fight: perhaps there was still some humanity left underneath all the fur.

 "A-t-r-o-c-i-t-y E-x-h-i-b-i-t-i-o-n, Vauquelin.  Atrocity Exhibition?  What's that?" Father Lucian says, confused.  "Reckon it could mean something?"

'Does not ring any bells at the moment.' Sandu finally popped a piece of bread into his mouth. He swallowed and reached for another. 'The whole of Barovia is an exhibition of atrocities the way the past days have been. Vauquelin I have no idea. A person perchance but the name is unfamiliar.'

He watched as Dormark procured a map. Sandu quickly grabbed some more bread and stood up from the table to allow the map to be put on it so everyone could gather around it. It still felt a bit weird to be standing next the half horse-lady but weird had by now become the new normal.

'Druids?' Sandu asked after munching down his second piece of bread. 'You mean those forest dwelling wildmen that talk to trees?'

"No this is a map to where Rictavio is staying," says Dormark looking at the blue man weirdly especially learning that he was using his friend for experiments.

"I have to agree." Dadeveth says, clomping her feet as she prances in place a bit. "Staying put seems like we are wasting time." She moves over to take a look at the map. "Why do we need to get to the circus?" She asks.