Internally Zied cringes, "Are you alone" he asks? This man is obviously frazzled, there are quite plaintively multiple bodies standing in front of him" But it was a forgivable lapse in attention for a main in his state. Zied enters with the rest
Zied does however, wish he'd had the thought to ask the others to NOT mention the Vistani voluntold them that they were destined to kill what is likely the local ruler. Whether folks like the ruler or not, that is something that gathers bad attention. Everyone can be bribed to turn in others, or will do so of their own volition in hopes of currying favor. Yet. the cat-as it were- escaped its box.
*Edit for clarification. Zied's assumption on the word "kill" is due to Stanimir's phrasing on "put to rest" and such from the initial meeting. Considering how well known that clan is here. He rather expects most people to have heard, at least in shadows, of their request. Nothing is a secret very long nor easily.
Upon mention of the Pie. Zied retrives his, "Here. I gift this to the room. Partake of it, I'm uninterested. And you clearly need to consume more than alcohol sir." taking a moment to put his bag down, motioning to the others to not lose track of it. "If a potential conflict is a risk currnetly. You continue information gathering. I'm going to check the fortifiactions and keep an eye out. Is that fine with you sir? Do they come from all directions, front, back or?"
Zied, fully expects no arguements from Ismark. As such, Zied will check the inside of the home, finding where windows are, back door, front door. Once he obtains a general floorplan, Zied leaves small glowing pebbles, and wood scraps(up to three. magical tinkering) at the foot of stairs, and on the inside of the door leading out front, and out back-if there is one.
Once finished with his sweep of the lower floor Zied will return to the conversation, but remain near a window to keep an eye out.
“Remarkable!” Ismark mutters absently and eyes grow wide as he reaches out a hand to touch Sezsu’s. Ismark’s own hand is incredibly pale, and the purplish blue veins beneath stand out, as though traced with ink along the surface of his skin. “Through the mists, and you survived. I have heard tales, stories of people from other places, but I never thought…” He appears to reach for Sezsu’s face, then catches himself and draws back quickly.
“I am sorry. I am being rude. Some wine, then. Please, ah, follow me to the dining room.” Ismark leads you into a room with an aged but ornate table and chairs. He disappears deeper into the house, and you hear the sounds of him bumping around, and the clanking of cups. He appears again, carrying a collection of goblets and a few small plates in his hands and a dusty, dark bottle tucked beneath his arm. He sets the serving ware on the table, tipping the dusty bottle and pouring a draught of red into each.
“We’re very proud of our wines in Barovia. Our Wizard of Wines produces two wonderful vintages. The Red Dragon Crush is especially delicious. I’m afraid this one is less precious, but it is the only one left in our… my stores. Though I’m sure you will find it quite nice--Purple Grapemash No. 3.”
The wine is watery and unremarkable.
“Granny’s pie. How nice!” He accepts a helping and eagerly wolfs it down in seconds, followed with a gulp of wine. Likely the poor man hasn’t had a proper meal in days. He smiles. “Delicious, as always.”
“Ah I see. So the Vistani were involved somehow. I am not so familiar with this Stanimir and Madam Eva, though it sounds familiar. I can say that the Vistani will often camp not far from the village, near the river. You might find them there. I would advise waiting until tomorrow. The sun will set in a few hours, and you don’t want to find yourselves beyond the village walls in the dark.”
Alessa: “Only to end up here, in Barovia instead. Weaponless, clueless and only informed that the man who was trying to recruit us - Stanimir - was "owning Devil some debt" and we still have to find Madam Eva. Can it be the same Devil? You speak as if this is a name not an abstract personification of evil."
Ismark’s face grows dark. “There are many evil things that dwell in Barovia, but there is only one true Devil”. Ismark looks around nervously, leaning in close. “Strahd.” He turns and spits on the floor.
Seszu: 'Twas magic what brought us here. But now that we're here, we might as well help how we can . . . And speaking of which: May we impose upon your for lodging for the evening? We've found ourselves without weapons, armor, and coin so we're a bit at the mercy of the beneficent until we can figure things out a bit."
Zied: "If a potential conflict is a risk currnetly. You continue information gathering. I'm going to check the fortifiactions and keep an eye out. Is that fine with you sir? Do they come from all directions, front, back or?"
“Yes, by all means please take a look. They came all around the house, which is why all the windows are boarded over. We use pieces of furniture, and even pulled up the floorboards in places. Watch your step…”
“Your help would mean everything. But, as I say, no creatures have appeared at the house since father died three days ago. But, as you can see, father remains here, in the house. None will come to bear his body to the church so that he can have a proper funeral. Perhaps that is the most pressing need I have of you right now. Would you be willing to help me carry his coffin to our church? I-I can pay you…” He thinks for a moment. “Ten gold pieces to share? I am quite desperate.”
The man's obvious hunger made Alessandra to realize she is not that famished and truly can share. She still took a small piece of the sweet pie (it was indeed very delicious and with a glass of wine enough to restore some energy) but let Ismark have the rest. "Good wine." (It was only a politeness) "Yes, Ismark, we will help you. Of course we will."She left the details such as payment to others (haggling was not her strong suit, simple asking for money usually made her blush in embarrassments) but asked one more question about the job itself. "Do you plan to transport the remains to the church today, while it is still day time? How far is the church?"
Once the matter was settled, Alessa returned to the "Devil" problem. "So, that Devil, that Strahd, made Vistani to kidnap us. And you think he is capable of raising the dead. Is he a wizard then? And what would that person want with your father?"
Sezsu sits and accepts the wine. Taking a sip, he barely manages to keep his face impassive as he promptly (and covertly) spits it back out into the goblet before lowering it from his lips. He sets the cup down and smiles, hoping the drink hadn't managed to discolor his dazzlingly white teeth.
"We'd be happy to bear the casket for you. But as you say, it's getting late and it would be best for us not to be out after dark in a new and unfamiliar land, encumbered and unequipped for whatever we might find."
Alessa: "So, that Devil, that Strahd, made Vistani to kidnap us. And you think he is capable of raising the dead. Is he a wizard then? And what would that person want with your father?"
“I would venture that the Devil can do whatever he likes.” Ismark becomes visibly uncomfortable, going so far as to walk back to the entryway to look at the door. He returns and reclaims his seat. “There are stories that he is a wizard. Certainly he is not a normal man. It is said he does not age, cannot die, and yes, consorts with the dead. But I do not know what he wanted with us. Father has served as burgomaster for many years, and we have hardly every seen him. It seemed that he preferred simply to ignore us, until just these past days.” His voice drops to a whisper. “It is said he employs spies, but… what for?”
Alessa: "Do you plan to transport the remains to the church today, while it is still day time? How far is the church?"
Seszu: "We'd be happy to bear the casket for you. But as you say, it's getting late and it would be best for us not to be out after dark in a new and unfamiliar land, encumbered and unequipped for whatever we might find."
“Ah so you will help. Thank you, thank you! The church is only at the other end of this street, past the tavern, at the far northern end of town. It would not take long to carry him. I will ask the Father to perform the service on the morrow. We could be back here within an hour or two, and you may stay here. The sun will endure that long. I will pay you now, if you like.”
"Well we'd better get on with it, then. If you will accompany us, that'd be most helpful as both guide and point of contact as we don't know anyone here beyond you and Granny as of yet."
He adjusts his collar and straightens his robe and says, "After you, friend."
Certainly he is not a normal man. It is said he does not age, cannot die, and yes, consorts with the dead.
Zied briefly displays a quarter second of a face that could be interpreted as "offended" and "self reflective" before it wipes away to his standard resting face.
"That's fine then. Five of us, How many are pallbearers are required for your religion-casket? Despite the lack of visitations lately; I think we should opt for safety and keep an eye or two free to lead and follow." imlores Zied. "Ah, also. They wouldn't come help bear the body-but they won't interfer or reject it will they?"
Alessandra did not pressure more the tired and frightened man for the information about the Strahd but asked just one more question. "Who is the ruler of this place? Not the village, the country? Region? I know we are in Barovia but not so sure what Barovia is or where is it, for that matter."
She did not intend to actually carry the coffin but still could help. "Would you excuse me..."Alessa made a few steps toward another room but stopped. "I am about to call The Servant." (The Unseen Servant was something she always used and others knew that her habit well) "Not sure how it will work here but I can not think of something safer to test. If something goes wrong... Just be ready."She stepped inside the room and begun the ritual. Should it work - the party would get one more carrier for the deed.
As they entered the house, Ed took in the atmosphere. The young man was reminiscent of so many of the malnourished, poor folks that he had spent time with, yet he lived in what would have been a well-to-do house were the rugs not stripped back and varous floorboards not nailed to points of ingress in a haphazard manner. After Ismark gestures to the coffin and walks the others through towards the rear of the house, Ed takes a moment to bow his head and say a prayer for the deceased.
Joining the others he catches the tail end of the conversation as he sits at the table and partakes in the wine. Charity should never be refused, least of all when it comes from those that have little to spare. Ed wondered how Ismark had kept his wits about him considering the recent ordeal he had been through. Maybe the man had an inner strength that they had yet to glean.
Ed rises from the chair as Alessa departs, flexing his broad shoulders. Looking at the disparate heights of the group Ed speaks up, "We shall make for shabby pall bearers, perhaps there is a cart so we can convey the coffin in a more seemly manner? Unless the church is uphill that is. I am trying to fathom something, and I don't know exactly what it is. That the attacks stopped once your father passed strikes me that they were directed at him. What I am uncertain of is whether it was becase he was the burgomaster, or he was Kolyan Indirovich... You blame this Strahd character, can you tell us more about your father's relationships to him?"
"Hrm..." Sezsu strokes his chin, clearly inspired by Ed's reasoning. "That's very practical of you, Ed. We must defer to Ismark as some religions view the manual bearing of a casket as a way to honor the dead, not just a reasonable mode of transportation. But that's an excellent line of questioning regarding Strahd and makes me think of another: With your father now passed, what becomes of the title of burgomaster? Is it hereditary? Elected? Appointed?"
Zied: “Five of us, How many are pallbearers are required for your religion-casket? Despite the lack of visitations lately; I think we should opt for safety and keep an eye or two free to lead and follow. Ah, also. They wouldn't come help bear the body-but they won't interfer or reject it will they?"
“I think that the four of us, two on each side, should be able to carry the casket. That would allow Alessandra to ‘keep an eye free’, yes?” He considers the questions about the townsfolk interfering. “I… do not know. Likely they are afraid, but none have shown anger.”
Alessa: "Who is the ruler of this place? Not the village, the country? Region? I know we are in Barovia but not so sure what Barovia is or where is it, for that matter."
“You are in the village of Barovia, which lies in the country of the same name: Barovia. We are caged in on all sides by the cursed mist. Enter it at your peril, for it is deadly to all but the Vistani. Our ruler--” He emphasizes the word with a sneer. “--is the black-hearted beast whose name I have spoken more than I would like this day.”
Ed: "We shall make for shabby pall bearers, perhaps there is a cart so we can convey the coffin in a more seemly manner? Unless the church is uphill that is. I am trying to fathom something, and I don't know exactly what it is. That the attacks stopped once your father passed strikes me that they were directed at him. What I am uncertain of is whether it was becase he was the burgomaster, or he was Kolyan Indirovich... You blame this Strahd character, can you tell us more about your father's relationships to him?"
“I am sorry, but I have no cart, and I do not think Granny would be happy to put my father’s body on her pie cart.” Ismark winces at the mention of Strahd. “As the burgomaster of the town, my father worked very hard and was loved. He tried to teach me everything he knew, but I will never be half the man that he was. No one can be. The Devil appears, from time to time, and he has had discussions with my father. Matters of governance, or curiosities about the town. But he has always seemed disinterested, allowing my father, and the rest of us, to rule ourselves. I do not know of any reason why he would desire to slay my father.”
Seszu: “With your father now passed, what becomes of the title of burgomaster? Is it hereditary? Elected? Appointed?"
“Burgomaster is a title granted by a council of the town’s most important citizens, but that has not occurred for decades. Once my father was appointed, no other choice seemed as capable. I am not sure who will take his place. I have thought… Well, it’s possible that I might take his place, as I have helped him and learned from him for years. But… It is unclear.”
Alessandra steps into the next room, performing the ritual casting as she is accustomed to doing. Her unseen servant manifests, though it is accompanied by a feeling of general unease that seems to wash over Alessa, and all others in the house.
Ismark stands, looking uneasy. “What--what are you doing? Who is this servant? You are also a wizard?”
“Quiet!” Ismark whispers, holding up a hand. Indicating that you should stay put, he tiptoes toward the entryway. A few moments later, the door is opened, and a sobbing woman rushes into the home.
“Mary! What is it?” Ismark secures the door and runs in after her. He grabs her by the shoulders and spins her to face him. She continues to cry hysterically. She clutches a malformed doll with a strange leer and wearing a sackcloth dress. He shakes her. Gently. “Mary! Mary! Calm yourself!”
“Oh! Ismark! You must help me! Sweet, little Gertruda! She’s gone--gone!”
Ismark glances apologetically at you, then guides Mary to a dining chair, easing her into it. Lost in her sorrow and despondency, it takes her a moment to register your presence. Yet it seems not to matter, for she goes on.
“Please, help me find her! There’s no way she can protect herself. Why, she’s just a child! What are we to do!?”
Sezsu, brow furrowed in concern for this new development, says, "Have a drink and catch your breath. Tell us what's happened. We are capable people who can help but we need to know details."
He slides his goblet in front of her on the table. Then, thinking better of it, slides it to the other end of the table and grabs the cup in front of Zied and places it in her hands.
"Is this Gertruda your daughter? Where has she gone? How long has she been gone? Was she taken or just wandered away?"
Ed moves over to comfort the woman, sitting next to her and gently resting one hand on her shoulder. "My companion speaks the truth, we will gladly help you. Now calm yourself Mary, take nice, deep breaths " He ushers and slows his own breathing to a slow and steady rate, hoping to guide her back to calmness. "That's better, well done child. Now, the more of Sezsu's questions you can answer, the better."
"There is nothing to fear, this is a harmless spell," the spell was harmless but Alessa leaved the part "outside of Barovia" out, "and I assure you my magic is of the pure kind."The already gloomy talk was about to become even less pleasant and Alessandra felt almost relieved with the sudden banging at the door.
She did not add anything to the questions - others already asked everything needed - just offered to the sobbing woman her last fresh handkerchief, holding her hand compassionately for a moment.
"You would make a truly good ruler, Izmark, people seem to trust you and run to you for help even now."Alessa said it quietly, just a side-note for their host - the situation was truly telling and she could not help but to comment it.
Bed side manner was something he was competent at-but clearly there was more than enough of such. The timing of their arrival, plans, and her problems did give concern.When Seszu takes his untouched cup of wine, Zied takes the moment the women isn't looking at either of them to point towards his eyes, then at her. Motioning for Seszu to be cautious and that he's leaving this to them. "There's pie as well. If her stomach needs settling."
Seszu: "Have a drink and catch your breath. Tell us what's happened. We are capable people who can help but we need to know details. Is this Gertruda your daughter? Where has she gone? How long has she been gone? Was she taken or just wandered away?"
Ed: "My companion speaks the truth, we will gladly help you. Now calm yourself Mary, take nice, deep breaths. That's better, well done child. Now, the more of Sezsu's questions you can answer, the better."
“Yes, yes, my daughter!” Mary wails, thrusting the doll before her like some sacred talisman. “I tried to protect her, keep her safe! She doesn’t understand, never could, precocious child! Always trying to break the locks. I warned her. I told her, yes I did! The Devil will take if you keep climbing out the window. Listen to Mama!” She nods frantically at Ismark, searching his eyes for validation. “And now it’s happened! A week she’s been gone. There’s no telling what He’s done with her! Tell them, Ismark. Make them see!”
Ismark kneels, taking her hand. “Now Mary, I’m sure she’s alright. She’s stronger than we know. I’m sure she’s just out exploring and will return home very soon. You should do the same. After I handle a few things I will come to check in on you, alright?”
Zied: "There's pie as well. If her stomach needs settling."
Mary blinks away tears, wiping her nose. “Granny’s pie? Well, yes, that does sound nice.” If offered pie, Mary accepts.
As she eats, Ismark and Alessa continue their conversation.
Alessa: "There is nothing to fear, this is a harmless spell, and I assure you my magic is of the pure kind."
“I am sorry, Alessandra. I do not mean to be rude. It is just, after all this torment, I am fearful to trust. Indeed, I was reckless inviting you all inside. But, there was something… familiar about you. I know I have made a good decision trusting you.”
Alessa: "You would make a truly good ruler, Izmark, people seem to trust you and run to you for help even now."
“People trusted my father, and so they trust me as well. I will try to honor his memory through good deeds.”
Zied sees no one and nothing upon the empty, foggy street.
Sezsu's arm wave in the air as he yells, "Wait... How old is she? She's been gone for a week and you're only now flying into hysterics?!?"
He clamps his mouth shut and closes his eyes for a moment to calm himself.
"I'm sorry. I just assumed it was more along the lines of not seeing her since breakfast or something. I'm sure we can find her. When was the last time you saw her and does she have favorite places to hide or explore? Particular interests or activities that might give us any clue as to where she's gone? Why do you assume this Devil of yours is the culprit?"
Sezsu practically took the words right out of Alessa's mouth. She probably would not express it so directly but the notion would be the same - there are wolfs and undead (!) around but the mother was not bothered for a week and even now worries only about the ruler of that land, that Devil Strahd.
Izmark's words about familiarity of her magic she shrugged off - magic was clearly off in general in here - but Sezsu's questions needed the answers, she was all ears now.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Zied is simply uncertain how to respond to that frankly unabashidly absurd comment. Furthering his paranoia that the timing is simply too strange but he hasn't any better idea or understanding of whats going on. He instead continues to chew on his alchemical gum, and attempts to judge how Ismark feels about the length of time.. going by his words it isn't unusual here.
DM Notation
Zied is attempting to figure out if its a culture of this area to allow children to go missing so far, or if Ismark is having a reaction to it-but is simply trying to provide the woman comfort and now show his reaction or disapproval. Insight if required.7+4 if guidance is allowable
Edit i can't roll in spoilers so DM feel free to roll if its required d20 +d4 if its insight.
Internally Zied cringes, "Are you alone" he asks? This man is obviously frazzled, there are quite plaintively multiple bodies standing in front of him" But it was a forgivable lapse in attention for a main in his state. Zied enters with the rest
Zied does however, wish he'd had the thought to ask the others to NOT mention the Vistani voluntold them that they were destined to kill what is likely the local ruler. Whether folks like the ruler or not, that is something that gathers bad attention. Everyone can be bribed to turn in others, or will do so of their own volition in hopes of currying favor. Yet. the cat-as it were- escaped its box.
*Edit for clarification. Zied's assumption on the word "kill" is due to Stanimir's phrasing on "put to rest" and such from the initial meeting. Considering how well known that clan is here. He rather expects most people to have heard, at least in shadows, of their request. Nothing is a secret very long nor easily.
Upon mention of the Pie. Zied retrives his, "Here. I gift this to the room. Partake of it, I'm uninterested. And you clearly need to consume more than alcohol sir." taking a moment to put his bag down, motioning to the others to not lose track of it. "If a potential conflict is a risk currnetly. You continue information gathering. I'm going to check the fortifiactions and keep an eye out. Is that fine with you sir? Do they come from all directions, front, back or?"
Zied, fully expects no arguements from Ismark. As such, Zied will check the inside of the home, finding where windows are, back door, front door. Once he obtains a general floorplan, Zied leaves small glowing pebbles, and wood scraps(up to three. magical tinkering) at the foot of stairs, and on the inside of the door leading out front, and out back-if there is one.
Once finished with his sweep of the lower floor Zied will return to the conversation, but remain near a window to keep an eye out.
“Remarkable!” Ismark mutters absently and eyes grow wide as he reaches out a hand to touch Sezsu’s. Ismark’s own hand is incredibly pale, and the purplish blue veins beneath stand out, as though traced with ink along the surface of his skin. “Through the mists, and you survived. I have heard tales, stories of people from other places, but I never thought…” He appears to reach for Sezsu’s face, then catches himself and draws back quickly.
“I am sorry. I am being rude. Some wine, then. Please, ah, follow me to the dining room.” Ismark leads you into a room with an aged but ornate table and chairs. He disappears deeper into the house, and you hear the sounds of him bumping around, and the clanking of cups. He appears again, carrying a collection of goblets and a few small plates in his hands and a dusty, dark bottle tucked beneath his arm. He sets the serving ware on the table, tipping the dusty bottle and pouring a draught of red into each.
“We’re very proud of our wines in Barovia. Our Wizard of Wines produces two wonderful vintages. The Red Dragon Crush is especially delicious. I’m afraid this one is less precious, but it is the only one left in our… my stores. Though I’m sure you will find it quite nice--Purple Grapemash No. 3.”
The wine is watery and unremarkable.
“Granny’s pie. How nice!” He accepts a helping and eagerly wolfs it down in seconds, followed with a gulp of wine. Likely the poor man hasn’t had a proper meal in days. He smiles. “Delicious, as always.”
“Ah I see. So the Vistani were involved somehow. I am not so familiar with this Stanimir and Madam Eva, though it sounds familiar. I can say that the Vistani will often camp not far from the village, near the river. You might find them there. I would advise waiting until tomorrow. The sun will set in a few hours, and you don’t want to find yourselves beyond the village walls in the dark.”
Alessa: “Only to end up here, in Barovia instead. Weaponless, clueless and only informed that the man who was trying to recruit us - Stanimir - was "owning Devil some debt" and we still have to find Madam Eva. Can it be the same Devil? You speak as if this is a name not an abstract personification of evil."
Ismark’s face grows dark. “There are many evil things that dwell in Barovia, but there is only one true Devil”. Ismark looks around nervously, leaning in close. “Strahd.” He turns and spits on the floor.
Seszu: 'Twas magic what brought us here. But now that we're here, we might as well help how we can . . . And speaking of which: May we impose upon your for lodging for the evening? We've found ourselves without weapons, armor, and coin so we're a bit at the mercy of the beneficent until we can figure things out a bit."
Zied: "If a potential conflict is a risk currnetly. You continue information gathering. I'm going to check the fortifiactions and keep an eye out. Is that fine with you sir? Do they come from all directions, front, back or?"
“Yes, by all means please take a look. They came all around the house, which is why all the windows are boarded over. We use pieces of furniture, and even pulled up the floorboards in places. Watch your step…”
“Your help would mean everything. But, as I say, no creatures have appeared at the house since father died three days ago. But, as you can see, father remains here, in the house. None will come to bear his body to the church so that he can have a proper funeral. Perhaps that is the most pressing need I have of you right now. Would you be willing to help me carry his coffin to our church? I-I can pay you…” He thinks for a moment. “Ten gold pieces to share? I am quite desperate.”
The man's obvious hunger made Alessandra to realize she is not that famished and truly can share. She still took a small piece of the sweet pie (it was indeed very delicious and with a glass of wine enough to restore some energy) but let Ismark have the rest. "Good wine." (It was only a politeness) "Yes, Ismark, we will help you. Of course we will." She left the details such as payment to others (haggling was not her strong suit, simple asking for money usually made her blush in embarrassments) but asked one more question about the job itself. "Do you plan to transport the remains to the church today, while it is still day time? How far is the church?"
Once the matter was settled, Alessa returned to the "Devil" problem. "So, that Devil, that Strahd, made Vistani to kidnap us. And you think he is capable of raising the dead. Is he a wizard then? And what would that person want with your father?"
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Sezsu sits and accepts the wine. Taking a sip, he barely manages to keep his face impassive as he promptly (and covertly) spits it back out into the goblet before lowering it from his lips. He sets the cup down and smiles, hoping the drink hadn't managed to discolor his dazzlingly white teeth.
"We'd be happy to bear the casket for you. But as you say, it's getting late and it would be best for us not to be out after dark in a new and unfamiliar land, encumbered and unequipped for whatever we might find."
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Alessa: "So, that Devil, that Strahd, made Vistani to kidnap us. And you think he is capable of raising the dead. Is he a wizard then? And what would that person want with your father?"
“I would venture that the Devil can do whatever he likes.” Ismark becomes visibly uncomfortable, going so far as to walk back to the entryway to look at the door. He returns and reclaims his seat. “There are stories that he is a wizard. Certainly he is not a normal man. It is said he does not age, cannot die, and yes, consorts with the dead. But I do not know what he wanted with us. Father has served as burgomaster for many years, and we have hardly every seen him. It seemed that he preferred simply to ignore us, until just these past days.” His voice drops to a whisper. “It is said he employs spies, but… what for?”
Alessa: "Do you plan to transport the remains to the church today, while it is still day time? How far is the church?"
Seszu: "We'd be happy to bear the casket for you. But as you say, it's getting late and it would be best for us not to be out after dark in a new and unfamiliar land, encumbered and unequipped for whatever we might find."
“Ah so you will help. Thank you, thank you! The church is only at the other end of this street, past the tavern, at the far northern end of town. It would not take long to carry him. I will ask the Father to perform the service on the morrow. We could be back here within an hour or two, and you may stay here. The sun will endure that long. I will pay you now, if you like.”
Sezsu heaves a sigh as he stands again.
"Well we'd better get on with it, then. If you will accompany us, that'd be most helpful as both guide and point of contact as we don't know anyone here beyond you and Granny as of yet."
He adjusts his collar and straightens his robe and says, "After you, friend."
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Zied briefly displays a quarter second of a face that could be interpreted as "offended" and "self reflective" before it wipes away to his standard resting face.
"That's fine then. Five of us, How many are pallbearers are required for your religion-casket? Despite the lack of visitations lately; I think we should opt for safety and keep an eye or two free to lead and follow." imlores Zied. "Ah, also. They wouldn't come help bear the body-but they won't interfer or reject it will they?"
Alessandra did not pressure more the tired and frightened man for the information about the Strahd but asked just one more question. "Who is the ruler of this place? Not the village, the country? Region? I know we are in Barovia but not so sure what Barovia is or where is it, for that matter."
She did not intend to actually carry the coffin but still could help. "Would you excuse me..." Alessa made a few steps toward another room but stopped. "I am about to call The Servant." (The Unseen Servant was something she always used and others knew that her habit well) "Not sure how it will work here but I can not think of something safer to test. If something goes wrong... Just be ready." She stepped inside the room and begun the ritual. Should it work - the party would get one more carrier for the deed.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
As they entered the house, Ed took in the atmosphere. The young man was reminiscent of so many of the malnourished, poor folks that he had spent time with, yet he lived in what would have been a well-to-do house were the rugs not stripped back and varous floorboards not nailed to points of ingress in a haphazard manner. After Ismark gestures to the coffin and walks the others through towards the rear of the house, Ed takes a moment to bow his head and say a prayer for the deceased.
Joining the others he catches the tail end of the conversation as he sits at the table and partakes in the wine. Charity should never be refused, least of all when it comes from those that have little to spare. Ed wondered how Ismark had kept his wits about him considering the recent ordeal he had been through. Maybe the man had an inner strength that they had yet to glean.
Ed rises from the chair as Alessa departs, flexing his broad shoulders. Looking at the disparate heights of the group Ed speaks up, "We shall make for shabby pall bearers, perhaps there is a cart so we can convey the coffin in a more seemly manner? Unless the church is uphill that is. I am trying to fathom something, and I don't know exactly what it is. That the attacks stopped once your father passed strikes me that they were directed at him. What I am uncertain of is whether it was becase he was the burgomaster, or he was Kolyan Indirovich... You blame this Strahd character, can you tell us more about your father's relationships to him?"
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
"Hrm..." Sezsu strokes his chin, clearly inspired by Ed's reasoning. "That's very practical of you, Ed. We must defer to Ismark as some religions view the manual bearing of a casket as a way to honor the dead, not just a reasonable mode of transportation. But that's an excellent line of questioning regarding Strahd and makes me think of another: With your father now passed, what becomes of the title of burgomaster? Is it hereditary? Elected? Appointed?"
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Zied: “Five of us, How many are pallbearers are required for your religion-casket? Despite the lack of visitations lately; I think we should opt for safety and keep an eye or two free to lead and follow. Ah, also. They wouldn't come help bear the body-but they won't interfer or reject it will they?"
“I think that the four of us, two on each side, should be able to carry the casket. That would allow Alessandra to ‘keep an eye free’, yes?” He considers the questions about the townsfolk interfering. “I… do not know. Likely they are afraid, but none have shown anger.”
Alessa: "Who is the ruler of this place? Not the village, the country? Region? I know we are in Barovia but not so sure what Barovia is or where is it, for that matter."
“You are in the village of Barovia, which lies in the country of the same name: Barovia. We are caged in on all sides by the cursed mist. Enter it at your peril, for it is deadly to all but the Vistani. Our ruler--” He emphasizes the word with a sneer. “--is the black-hearted beast whose name I have spoken more than I would like this day.”
Ed: "We shall make for shabby pall bearers, perhaps there is a cart so we can convey the coffin in a more seemly manner? Unless the church is uphill that is. I am trying to fathom something, and I don't know exactly what it is. That the attacks stopped once your father passed strikes me that they were directed at him. What I am uncertain of is whether it was becase he was the burgomaster, or he was Kolyan Indirovich... You blame this Strahd character, can you tell us more about your father's relationships to him?"
“I am sorry, but I have no cart, and I do not think Granny would be happy to put my father’s body on her pie cart.” Ismark winces at the mention of Strahd. “As the burgomaster of the town, my father worked very hard and was loved. He tried to teach me everything he knew, but I will never be half the man that he was. No one can be. The Devil appears, from time to time, and he has had discussions with my father. Matters of governance, or curiosities about the town. But he has always seemed disinterested, allowing my father, and the rest of us, to rule ourselves. I do not know of any reason why he would desire to slay my father.”
Seszu: “With your father now passed, what becomes of the title of burgomaster? Is it hereditary? Elected? Appointed?"
“Burgomaster is a title granted by a council of the town’s most important citizens, but that has not occurred for decades. Once my father was appointed, no other choice seemed as capable. I am not sure who will take his place. I have thought… Well, it’s possible that I might take his place, as I have helped him and learned from him for years. But… It is unclear.”
Alessandra steps into the next room, performing the ritual casting as she is accustomed to doing. Her unseen servant manifests, though it is accompanied by a feeling of general unease that seems to wash over Alessa, and all others in the house.
Ismark stands, looking uneasy. “What--what are you doing? Who is this servant? You are also a wizard?”
There is a sudden pounding on the front door.
“Quiet!” Ismark whispers, holding up a hand. Indicating that you should stay put, he tiptoes toward the entryway. A few moments later, the door is opened, and a sobbing woman rushes into the home.
“Mary! What is it?” Ismark secures the door and runs in after her. He grabs her by the shoulders and spins her to face him. She continues to cry hysterically. She clutches a malformed doll with a strange leer and wearing a sackcloth dress. He shakes her. Gently. “Mary! Mary! Calm yourself!”
“Oh! Ismark! You must help me! Sweet, little Gertruda! She’s gone--gone!”
Ismark glances apologetically at you, then guides Mary to a dining chair, easing her into it. Lost in her sorrow and despondency, it takes her a moment to register your presence. Yet it seems not to matter, for she goes on.
“Please, help me find her! There’s no way she can protect herself. Why, she’s just a child! What are we to do!?”
Sezsu, brow furrowed in concern for this new development, says, "Have a drink and catch your breath. Tell us what's happened. We are capable people who can help but we need to know details."
He slides his goblet in front of her on the table. Then, thinking better of it, slides it to the other end of the table and grabs the cup in front of Zied and places it in her hands.
"Is this Gertruda your daughter? Where has she gone? How long has she been gone? Was she taken or just wandered away?"
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Ed moves over to comfort the woman, sitting next to her and gently resting one hand on her shoulder. "My companion speaks the truth, we will gladly help you. Now calm yourself Mary, take nice, deep breaths " He ushers and slows his own breathing to a slow and steady rate, hoping to guide her back to calmness. "That's better, well done child. Now, the more of Sezsu's questions you can answer, the better."
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
"There is nothing to fear, this is a harmless spell," the spell was harmless but Alessa leaved the part "outside of Barovia" out, "and I assure you my magic is of the pure kind."The already gloomy talk was about to become even less pleasant and Alessandra felt almost relieved with the sudden banging at the door.
She did not add anything to the questions - others already asked everything needed - just offered to the sobbing woman her last fresh handkerchief, holding her hand compassionately for a moment.
"You would make a truly good ruler, Izmark, people seem to trust you and run to you for help even now." Alessa said it quietly, just a side-note for their host - the situation was truly telling and she could not help but to comment it.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Bed side manner was something he was competent at-but clearly there was more than enough of such. The timing of their arrival, plans, and her problems did give concern.When Seszu takes his untouched cup of wine, Zied takes the moment the women isn't looking at either of them to point towards his eyes, then at her. Motioning for Seszu to be cautious and that he's leaving this to them. "There's pie as well. If her stomach needs settling."
Instead of heeding the conversation, Zied shifts towards the window, dipping a dot of liquid onto the tip of his finger before rubbing his eyes gently-and glancing out front where the woman came from to see if she has any company.
Perception20 + 3
Seszu: "Have a drink and catch your breath. Tell us what's happened. We are capable people who can help but we need to know details. Is this Gertruda your daughter? Where has she gone? How long has she been gone? Was she taken or just wandered away?"
Ed: "My companion speaks the truth, we will gladly help you. Now calm yourself Mary, take nice, deep breaths. That's better, well done child. Now, the more of Sezsu's questions you can answer, the better."
“Yes, yes, my daughter!” Mary wails, thrusting the doll before her like some sacred talisman. “I tried to protect her, keep her safe! She doesn’t understand, never could, precocious child! Always trying to break the locks. I warned her. I told her, yes I did! The Devil will take if you keep climbing out the window. Listen to Mama!” She nods frantically at Ismark, searching his eyes for validation. “And now it’s happened! A week she’s been gone. There’s no telling what He’s done with her! Tell them, Ismark. Make them see!”
Ismark kneels, taking her hand. “Now Mary, I’m sure she’s alright. She’s stronger than we know. I’m sure she’s just out exploring and will return home very soon. You should do the same. After I handle a few things I will come to check in on you, alright?”
Zied: "There's pie as well. If her stomach needs settling."
Mary blinks away tears, wiping her nose. “Granny’s pie? Well, yes, that does sound nice.” If offered pie, Mary accepts.
As she eats, Ismark and Alessa continue their conversation.
Alessa: "There is nothing to fear, this is a harmless spell, and I assure you my magic is of the pure kind."
“I am sorry, Alessandra. I do not mean to be rude. It is just, after all this torment, I am fearful to trust. Indeed, I was reckless inviting you all inside. But, there was something… familiar about you. I know I have made a good decision trusting you.”
Alessa: "You would make a truly good ruler, Izmark, people seem to trust you and run to you for help even now."
“People trusted my father, and so they trust me as well. I will try to honor his memory through good deeds.”
Zied sees no one and nothing upon the empty, foggy street.
Sezsu's arm wave in the air as he yells, "Wait... How old is she? She's been gone for a week and you're only now flying into hysterics?!?"
He clamps his mouth shut and closes his eyes for a moment to calm himself.
"I'm sorry. I just assumed it was more along the lines of not seeing her since breakfast or something. I'm sure we can find her. When was the last time you saw her and does she have favorite places to hide or explore? Particular interests or activities that might give us any clue as to where she's gone? Why do you assume this Devil of yours is the culprit?"
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Sezsu practically took the words right out of Alessa's mouth. She probably would not express it so directly but the notion would be the same - there are wolfs and undead (!) around but the mother was not bothered for a week and even now worries only about the ruler of that land, that Devil Strahd.
Izmark's words about familiarity of her magic she shrugged off - magic was clearly off in general in here - but Sezsu's questions needed the answers, she was all ears now.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Zied is simply uncertain how to respond to that frankly unabashidly absurd comment. Furthering his paranoia that the timing is simply too strange but he hasn't any better idea or understanding of whats going on. He instead continues to chew on his alchemical gum, and attempts to judge how Ismark feels about the length of time.. going by his words it isn't unusual here.
DM Notation
Zied is attempting to figure out if its a culture of this area to allow children to go missing so far, or if Ismark is having a reaction to it-but is simply trying to provide the woman comfort and now show his reaction or disapproval. I
nsight if required.7+4 if guidance is allowableEdit i can't roll in spoilers so DM feel free to roll if its required d20 +d4 if its insight.