This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Zied, having remained quiet, a map is grand, stories...Eh. Depends on the story and context. Zied was not fond of either in this case. Instead he counted heads and thoughts and gathered the areas where food preparations arrived.
Following up on Alessa's break from the storytelling he just follows forth with a short litany.
"7 parts root vegetable. Simmer for 9 minutes exactly.
Add in 4 parts Onion, 4 parts carrot. approximately one-quarter ladle salt in these parts.
Stew briefly for 5 more minutes.
Add in 5parts insect meat.Set it closer to the flames for a rolling boil.
Remove from the heat, and stir in the broken wheat rations, as well as a handful of pepper.
Follow with chili, cumin, ginger. Let it cool and soak. Stir well to thicken the stew. Serve.
Total cook time to meal time I'd wager ." Clasping his hand and shuffling his pockets. "about 24 minutes. "
"I'll not trade stories, but I will trade a recipe. Now. I'm going to go cook. Alessa-You should eat before rest. Also, we shouldn't wander off from each other." Zied's last sentence leaves lingering intentions from their previous nights.
15 Cooking Tools Roll. w/ Purify Food and Drink. Sadly I no longer have guidance~ Seszu does though and he may roll if his stomach decides such.
As we leveled at an odd time and one Infusion vanished.. I'm just assuming my new one (spice pouch) is valid for this~ so... they get a spiced curry for the cold night. And a little bit of revenge by Zied for their next bathroom trip in the morning from spice mixtures they probably never had)
"Well, suit yourself," Arahja calls to Alessa. Turning back to Ed, Zied, and Sezsu, he whispers. "Madame Eva must have had bad news, hey? No, don't speak it. It was for you only."
"Ha! Haha! Hahaha!" Arahja laughs at Sezsu's story, clutching his belly. He steps backward and stumbles over the log on which Rina sits, tumbling over it. He climbs to his feet. "Oh! That is good!"
"Yes, I think you earn something for that one." He trots over to a tent, moving well for a man who's had a lot of wine, and disappears within. Moments later he is returned, carrying a piece of parchment, a quill, and an ink bottle. "You want map? Map it is." He begins sketching a hasty overview of Barovia's environs. "To east is Barovia village. Very sad place. Beyond that, only gates and mist. Northeast is Castle Ravenloft, castle of Strahd. Very dangerous place for outsider. Northwest is Vallaki, big town by Lake Zarovich. Many festivals. West of there is village of Krezk. South of there is winery, where all wine in Barovia is made. Nice place, heh. Oh! and mountains and woods all around. There weare!"
More wood is brought for the fire, stacked off to the side. Zied discovers a large cauldron simmering over another fire, tended by a pair of teenaged Vistani. They are more interested in a game of arm wrestling than their chore. Zied finds it is fish stew, and is at risk of burning. A large paddle extends from the pot. Giving it a stir, Zied also slips in some of his pepper and other spices.
Soon the meal is ready and the stew is served around in simple wooden bowls with wide, flat pieces of wood carved to resemble spoons. Many compliments are expressed over the surprising taste of tonight's meal, though a few discontents are not partial to pepper. The enticing smell may even be enough to draw Alessa out from her hiding place.
Arahja sits near Ed, slurping from his bowl. "Well then, if you have no questions, we dance!" The accordion resumes, this time accompanied by a viol, drum, and tambourine, with a slow and mournful tune that slowly picks up speed. The women move around the fire, waving their skirts wide and shaking their shoulders. The men tap their boots and pat their knees. The festivities linger well into the night, a warm, glowing bastion against the looming darkness.
Oh, there were many questions, but Vistani made it clear that the simple conversation bored them and Alessandra was truly not in the mood for joyful lighthearted exchanges. The food was good, though and you sleep better with a full stomach. Alessa joined others at the "table" and was studying the map while eating. Truly, patience and pondering to quirks of others are better tools to deal with people if you need something from them. She did not regret her reproach of Arahja but was glad Sezsu found patience in him to play along.
"One city and two villages. The place is not that big." It was both good and bad. Good, because it made the places, mentioned in the prophecy (Alessa firmly believed in the truthfulness of the prediction) that much easier to find. Bad, because no matter where they go they were within the reach of Strahd. "Is there anything in that mountains? Something that can be somehow connected to some god? A shrine, maybe?" The question hung in the air - happy and ready to dance Vistani would probably ignore it, but she had to ask if only remind others about the importance of it. In the worst case, there was a true city or town in this place. Maybe they could find some answers there.
"O-ho!" Rina says coyly from her perch on the log nearby. "There are many things in mountains, but none of them very good. We Vistani stick to the roads, to the woods and rivers. The mountains are old and hard. Great beasts and things of shadow lurk there, and legends say deeds of great evil were done in their heights. They keep memories of the evils of Barovia, and claw up to sky in anger at world. From the heights of his castle perch, their peaks remind Strahd that he is prisoner in his own land. But, we only have stories, and we Vistani do not know what secrets lie on high."
"That posits a question.. "Great deads of evil were done" Such as... a wizard battling Strahd to the death? What is a great evil comapred to -per the residents of this country-the evil that is Strahd?" Zied asks. He's opted to stay near Alessa, as Ed seems to be tagging with Seszu in conversing and personable ventures. "Do you walk around the country often, singing and ehehm partying around or with the residents?" Leaning in closer for a moment and attempting the attitude of exciting-but readily failing at faking the emotion, "Have you seen the night parade of ghosts or the dead?"
"So many questions already! But since we're pouring over this map and reflecting on our day, I'll heap on a few of my own," Sezsu adds. Returning Rina's gaze, he continues. "So you don't know much of the mountains, eh? What of dragons in this land? We've heard mention of 'a dragon's house'... Perhaps the owner... Or the house itself... Was corrupted...? Any of that ring a bell?" His eyebrow raises slightly as he smirks and takes another drink of wine, eye contact never breaking.
He catches himself before spitting out his drink and almost gags before quickly recovering.
"Monkeys! That was the other thing! I've heard and read of them but never seen one in person! There's something about a man with a monkey... Are there monkeys here? I assume they'd be in a jungle somewhere. I see great stretches of forest on the map but nothing indicating an actual jungle."
Sezsu motions to Arahja and points down to the map, laid out in front of them.
"First, I'd just like to say that you have an incredible talent! I don't know that I'd be able to draw a map of the city where I grew up given a full day, much less an entire country in a few minutes! Absolutely staggering work, my friend. But I must ask," he points to several things depicted on the map that the mountain of a man didn't describe. "What are these places? There's clearly more to this land than the castle and a few villages since you took the time to draw all this. Can you give us an idea what we'd find if we were to trek all the way to these locations?"
Alessa nodded to the answer about the mountains (expected - why indeed would Vistani go to mountains?). She did not add anything, but both Sezsu and Zied asked good questions. If even one gets answered, it would be helpful.
Zied: "That posits a question.. "Great deads of evil were done" Such as... a wizard battling Strahd to the death? What is a great evil comapred to -per the residents of this country-the evil that is Strahd? . . . Do you walk around the country often, singing and ehehm partying around or with the residents? . . . Have you seen the night parade of ghosts or the dead?”
Rina pulls on a hair growing from a wart on her chin. “Nothing so specific, young man. But there are things that are restless in the mountains. The dead do not sleep well anywhere in Barovia, but there are greater dangers in mountains. We tell tales of monstrous creatures, not just undead and vampire, but things from beyond this world. But, these are stories. I have never been to mountains, so what can I tell you?” She shrugs. “Better to play safe and not go look for trouble, hey?”
“To answer question, Vistani do, in fact, travel around the country. We do not tend to stay in one place long. Here at Tser Pool there is always someone, though. Madame Eva likes it here, and so she stays, and others often come to visit and sit a while. But just as cold wind blows, and silver moon tracks across sky, Vistani are ever on move.”
“O-oh, yes, I have seen marching dead. They move from Barovia village every night at midnight. Are you looking to join them?”
Sezsu: “What of dragons in this land? We've heard mention of 'a dragon's house'... Perhaps the owner... Or the house itself... Was corrupted...? Any of that ring a bell?"
“A… dragon…” Rina muses. “Strahd has been called dragon. Perhaps it is castle? Is certainly corrupted, hehe!” She sits upright. “Or! There is Argynvostholt, the haunted ruin. It has statue of dragon. But monkeys? Ha! Is no jungle in Barovia. Maybe you mean crazy toymaker in Vallaki. He has monkey.”
Sezsu (to Arahja): “What are these places? There's clearly more to this land than the castle and a few villages since you took the time to draw all this. Can you give us an idea what we'd find if we were to trek all the way to these locations?"
“Hah, thank you my friend. There are many curiosities and dangers in this land.” Arahja points from left to right across his sketched map.
“The Wizard of Wines. Producer of all wines in Barovia.”
“Yester Hill. Worship place of forest people. Their ways are dark and primitive. Beware this place.”
“An old wizard’s tower by Baratok Pool. Has been empty for ages, but it is said is booby-trapped by old magic.”
“Berez ruins. An old village that is said Strahd destroyed and left to rot. Is also said to be place of dark magic.”
“Argynvostholt, ruined church or shine or some thing. Again, haunted.”
Sezsu laughs and clinks wine cups with the mountain of a man, nearly spilling wine onto the map.
"Well it looks like we've got our work cut out for us if we're to scour the countryside looking for a way home, eh? We should probably rest and be ready to go at first light..." He trails off for a moment. "Unless there are more STORIES! Eh, Alessandra?" He smiles obnoxiously and nudges her with an elbow.
"If you are about to share another ancient parable, I am certainly not going to stop you." The food was finished, questions answered (as much as it was possible) and another round of storytelling was a good excuse to finally retire to rest. Not far from the fire, just enough to get some sleep without the danger of being stepped on.
The sounds of chirping birds and the gentle lapping of water on the shore of Tser Pool, along with the bustle of the few Vistani awake this early, lull our peaceful dreamers from their corpse-like slumber.
"Thought you would sleep whole day away," Rima says, tending a boiling pot over the fire.
Sezsu gets up, stretches, and steps close to the fire to warm up.
"To be honest, I was hoping if I slept long enough this," he motions all around, "would all go away like a terrible dream and I'd wake up in my own bed again."
He looks down at his hands and inspects them, back and front, and feels his fingernails with his thumbs as he ponders.
"Rima... Before everyone else wakes up and I get distracted, have you ever run into werewolves? Like, personally? I've heard stories but always assumed they were myths. I don't know that there are any where we're from. But yesterday we brushed with a couple and it was terrifying. The stories we heard growing up told of how they transmit their curse through bites and whatnot. Is that true? Just how contagious is it?" He absentmindedly rubs his shoulder as he talks.
(Separate interaction. Not running out in the middle of the other conversation.)
Seeking out Arahja in the morning, Sezsu pulls the map back out and points to it.
"With the haze of wine finally cleared from my eyes, I see a path that you drew going up the base of Mt. Ghakis. Is that how you say it? GAK-is? Anyway, it doesn't look like it goes anywhere... Madame Eva said something about 'a long, winding road deep in the mountains.' That looks like it could fit the bill and I don't see any other roads going into any other mountains. Do you think that could be it?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Last night, once festivities died down. Zied and the others sorted out their sleeping arrangements. Zied opted, to retreat into his Altier as become habit here. Fearing sleep issues. He left his ring with the others; likely Alessa due to being more or less at risk given her reactions to the Door-Knock incident and the old granny storytelllings.
Over the night he spoke to his life, his love, his past and his future. He told her of their day's journey. Of the oddities of restful yet hazardous nights with the others. He sung her songs of their old favorites. He enjoyed the silence with her.
After his rest, he was struck with some inspiration. Having heard the stories, of death and doom. Zied accepted that they would be here for a while, and would likely continue to fight to live and survive. This was no time for him to be stingy with his reagents.
Zied spent the remaining hours brewing and preparing for the other's next day.
Unlike the attempt at endearing himself to the group at large from last night's cooking. Today Zied simply prepares for his allies, using some of his spices to create a simple salty gruel made of ration starches and the last of the bug creatures. He himself abstains from consuming as they would be traveling once more and supplies are paramount for his cohorts.
Alessa was the last to wake up. Or to get up, maybe. Not that the "bed" here was comfortable in any way, but it was safe and she hoped to get at least some rest after all the troubles on the road. But her sleep was not restful, and only closer to the morning, she began to breathe easier. She got up, and if Zied was not out of his safe hose yet, placed the ring on the ground for him to get out easier, then joined others by the fire.
Sezsu's question about werewolves made Alessa wince but she did not comment, only looked at Rina expectedly as if question bothered her too.
Sezsu: "Rima... Before everyone else wakes up and I get distracted, have you ever run into werewolves? Like, personally? I've heard stories but always assumed they were myths. I don't know that there are any where we're from. But yesterday we brushed with a couple and it was terrifying. The stories we heard growing up told of how they transmit their curse through bites and whatnot. Is that true? Just how contagious is it?"
“Very,” Rima says, eyeing Sezsu warily. “Well, how do you feel? Any urge for rare steak? Does Rima tempt you? Any more than usual, I mean.” She chuckles. “Vistani are well known and well-respected. Our roots run deep in Barovia, apparently far back into Strahd’s history as well. We are not often bothered by many foul things in Barovia, as Strahd makes sure. We leave him to his affairs, and he leaves us to ours.”
Momentarily, Zied presents his meager but skillfully-prepared gruel. The bug parts give it a satisfying crunch. Even so, it does little to help Ed and Sezsu, who suffer from a terrible headache.
Sezsu: "[Arahja], [w]ith the haze of wine finally cleared from my eyes, I see a path that you drew going up the base of Mt. Ghakis. Is that how you say it? GAK-is? Anyway, it doesn't look like it goes anywhere... Madame Eva said something about 'a long, winding road deep in the mountains.' That looks like it could fit the bill and I don't see any other roads going into any other mountains. Do you think that could be it?"
Arahja frowns. “Is Tsolenka Pass. Is gravel road that hugs Mount Ghakis, climbing to great heights. Road starts at the Raven River crossroads. Vistani do not travel far along this path. Mountains are too dangerous. Especially this time of year. Snow and cold make it especially deadly. Stick to villages if you want to live.”
A short time later, Arahja appears with a couple of other Vistani, who carry leather armor and weapons. His expression is serious. “Madame Eva says you should take these. It may help keep you safe. But we all know that more than leather is needed to survive in Barovia. Friends, you are welcome to stay here as long as you like. But when you are ready to leave, we wish you best. Hopefully is not last meeting for us, hey?”
(There are 3 suits of studded leather, a crossbow with 20 bolts, two wooden shields, and a warhammer.)
"Well, that is a lovely gift." and ponders to himself it almost makes up for her mouthy attitude after kidnapping us per her order as elder, "Thank you kindly."
Zied accepts some of the gear. The other seemingly uninterested in the hammer so he simply carries it. Whether he uses it or not, waste not, want note in these lands. A hammer is a fine thing to always have.
"Speaking of safe, and travels. Arahja-Where is your favorite place to visit in these lands-that is not where we stand." Zied asks with interest for a local flair. As the discussion begins in earnest.. Zied sits to listen, but takes out a small kit and several needles. Starting to dop and etch designs into his new found leathers.
"...or those you consider the safest?"added Alessa. There was a huge difference between a small group of outsiders, trapped in this world, and the big tribe of Vistani, that were allowed to come and go, but still, maybe there were places where even outsiders could feel safer.
"Thank you."Alessandra did not need any armour (or, better say, armour would impede her abilities) but truly appreciated such real material help. She glanced at Sezsu again, with the same troublesome expression, but shook it off and was again calm and collected herself. "Shall we go, then? Vallaki seemed quite far, we better move now."
"Ah, this is easy. Tser Falls. You need only follow river west. Very beautiful." Arahja points northwest off into the lake, where the body of water seems to work its way into a channel into the forest. "Towns are safest. Shelter behind walls, and under roof. Always better inside than out."
Zied, having remained quiet, a map is grand, stories...Eh. Depends on the story and context. Zied was not fond of either in this case. Instead he counted heads and thoughts and gathered the areas where food preparations arrived.
Following up on Alessa's break from the storytelling he just follows forth with a short litany.
"7 parts root vegetable. Simmer for 9 minutes exactly.
Add in 4 parts Onion, 4 parts carrot. approximately one-quarter ladle salt in these parts.
Stew briefly for 5 more minutes.
Add in 5parts insect meat.Set it closer to the flames for a rolling boil.
Remove from the heat, and stir in the broken wheat rations, as well as a handful of pepper.
Follow with chili, cumin, ginger. Let it cool and soak. Stir well to thicken the stew. Serve.
Total cook time to meal time I'd wager ." Clasping his hand and shuffling his pockets. "about 24 minutes. "
"I'll not trade stories, but I will trade a recipe. Now. I'm going to go cook. Alessa-You should eat before rest. Also, we shouldn't wander off from each other." Zied's last sentence leaves lingering intentions from their previous nights.
15 Cooking Tools Roll. w/ Purify Food and Drink. Sadly I no longer have guidance~ Seszu does though and he may roll if his stomach decides such.
As we leveled at an odd time and one Infusion vanished.. I'm just assuming my new one (spice pouch) is valid for this~ so... they get a spiced curry for the cold night. And a little bit of revenge by Zied for their next bathroom trip in the morning from spice mixtures they probably never had)
"Well, suit yourself," Arahja calls to Alessa. Turning back to Ed, Zied, and Sezsu, he whispers. "Madame Eva must have had bad news, hey? No, don't speak it. It was for you only."
"Ha! Haha! Hahaha!" Arahja laughs at Sezsu's story, clutching his belly. He steps backward and stumbles over the log on which Rina sits, tumbling over it. He climbs to his feet. "Oh! That is good!"
"Yes, I think you earn something for that one." He trots over to a tent, moving well for a man who's had a lot of wine, and disappears within. Moments later he is returned, carrying a piece of parchment, a quill, and an ink bottle. "You want map? Map it is." He begins sketching a hasty overview of Barovia's environs. "To east is Barovia village. Very sad place. Beyond that, only gates and mist. Northeast is Castle Ravenloft, castle of Strahd. Very dangerous place for outsider. Northwest is Vallaki, big town by Lake Zarovich. Many festivals. West of there is village of Krezk. South of there is winery, where all wine in Barovia is made. Nice place, heh. Oh! and mountains and woods all around. There we are!"
(See map pinned in Discord #Library).
Day 3 - 6:00 p.m.
More wood is brought for the fire, stacked off to the side. Zied discovers a large cauldron simmering over another fire, tended by a pair of teenaged Vistani. They are more interested in a game of arm wrestling than their chore. Zied finds it is fish stew, and is at risk of burning. A large paddle extends from the pot. Giving it a stir, Zied also slips in some of his pepper and other spices.
Soon the meal is ready and the stew is served around in simple wooden bowls with wide, flat pieces of wood carved to resemble spoons. Many compliments are expressed over the surprising taste of tonight's meal, though a few discontents are not partial to pepper. The enticing smell may even be enough to draw Alessa out from her hiding place.
Arahja sits near Ed, slurping from his bowl. "Well then, if you have no questions, we dance!" The accordion resumes, this time accompanied by a viol, drum, and tambourine, with a slow and mournful tune that slowly picks up speed. The women move around the fire, waving their skirts wide and shaking their shoulders. The men tap their boots and pat their knees. The festivities linger well into the night, a warm, glowing bastion against the looming darkness.
Oh, there were many questions, but Vistani made it clear that the simple conversation bored them and Alessandra was truly not in the mood for joyful lighthearted exchanges. The food was good, though and you sleep better with a full stomach. Alessa joined others at the "table" and was studying the map while eating. Truly, patience and pondering to quirks of others are better tools to deal with people if you need something from them. She did not regret her reproach of Arahja but was glad Sezsu found patience in him to play along.
"One city and two villages. The place is not that big." It was both good and bad. Good, because it made the places, mentioned in the prophecy (Alessa firmly believed in the truthfulness of the prediction) that much easier to find. Bad, because no matter where they go they were within the reach of Strahd. "Is there anything in that mountains? Something that can be somehow connected to some god? A shrine, maybe?" The question hung in the air - happy and ready to dance Vistani would probably ignore it, but she had to ask if only remind others about the importance of it. In the worst case, there was a true city or town in this place. Maybe they could find some answers there.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"O-ho!" Rina says coyly from her perch on the log nearby. "There are many things in mountains, but none of them very good. We Vistani stick to the roads, to the woods and rivers. The mountains are old and hard. Great beasts and things of shadow lurk there, and legends say deeds of great evil were done in their heights. They keep memories of the evils of Barovia, and claw up to sky in anger at world. From the heights of his castle perch, their peaks remind Strahd that he is prisoner in his own land. But, we only have stories, and we Vistani do not know what secrets lie on high."
"That posits a question.. "Great deads of evil were done" Such as... a wizard battling Strahd to the death? What is a great evil comapred to -per the residents of this country-the evil that is Strahd?" Zied asks. He's opted to stay near Alessa, as Ed seems to be tagging with Seszu in conversing and personable ventures. "Do you walk around the country often, singing and ehehm partying around or with the residents?" Leaning in closer for a moment and attempting the attitude of exciting-but readily failing at faking the emotion, "Have you seen the night parade of ghosts or the dead?"
"So many questions already! But since we're pouring over this map and reflecting on our day, I'll heap on a few of my own," Sezsu adds. Returning Rina's gaze, he continues. "So you don't know much of the mountains, eh? What of dragons in this land? We've heard mention of 'a dragon's house'... Perhaps the owner... Or the house itself... Was corrupted...? Any of that ring a bell?" His eyebrow raises slightly as he smirks and takes another drink of wine, eye contact never breaking.
He catches himself before spitting out his drink and almost gags before quickly recovering.
"Monkeys! That was the other thing! I've heard and read of them but never seen one in person! There's something about a man with a monkey... Are there monkeys here? I assume they'd be in a jungle somewhere. I see great stretches of forest on the map but nothing indicating an actual jungle."
Sezsu motions to Arahja and points down to the map, laid out in front of them.
"First, I'd just like to say that you have an incredible talent! I don't know that I'd be able to draw a map of the city where I grew up given a full day, much less an entire country in a few minutes! Absolutely staggering work, my friend. But I must ask," he points to several things depicted on the map that the mountain of a man didn't describe. "What are these places? There's clearly more to this land than the castle and a few villages since you took the time to draw all this. Can you give us an idea what we'd find if we were to trek all the way to these locations?"
(See post on Discord for circled locations.)
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Alessa nodded to the answer about the mountains (expected - why indeed would Vistani go to mountains?). She did not add anything, but both Sezsu and Zied asked good questions. If even one gets answered, it would be helpful.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Zied: "That posits a question.. "Great deads of evil were done" Such as... a wizard battling Strahd to the death? What is a great evil comapred to -per the residents of this country-the evil that is Strahd? . . . Do you walk around the country often, singing and ehehm partying around or with the residents? . . . Have you seen the night parade of ghosts or the dead?”
Rina pulls on a hair growing from a wart on her chin. “Nothing so specific, young man. But there are things that are restless in the mountains. The dead do not sleep well anywhere in Barovia, but there are greater dangers in mountains. We tell tales of monstrous creatures, not just undead and vampire, but things from beyond this world. But, these are stories. I have never been to mountains, so what can I tell you?” She shrugs. “Better to play safe and not go look for trouble, hey?”
“To answer question, Vistani do, in fact, travel around the country. We do not tend to stay in one place long. Here at Tser Pool there is always someone, though. Madame Eva likes it here, and so she stays, and others often come to visit and sit a while. But just as cold wind blows, and silver moon tracks across sky, Vistani are ever on move.”
“O-oh, yes, I have seen marching dead. They move from Barovia village every night at midnight. Are you looking to join them?”
Sezsu: “What of dragons in this land? We've heard mention of 'a dragon's house'... Perhaps the owner... Or the house itself... Was corrupted...? Any of that ring a bell?"
“A… dragon…” Rina muses. “Strahd has been called dragon. Perhaps it is castle? Is certainly corrupted, hehe!” She sits upright. “Or! There is Argynvostholt, the haunted ruin. It has statue of dragon. But monkeys? Ha! Is no jungle in Barovia. Maybe you mean crazy toymaker in Vallaki. He has monkey.”
Sezsu (to Arahja): “What are these places? There's clearly more to this land than the castle and a few villages since you took the time to draw all this. Can you give us an idea what we'd find if we were to trek all the way to these locations?"
“Hah, thank you my friend. There are many curiosities and dangers in this land.” Arahja points from left to right across his sketched map.
“The Wizard of Wines. Producer of all wines in Barovia.”
“Yester Hill. Worship place of forest people. Their ways are dark and primitive. Beware this place.”
“An old wizard’s tower by Baratok Pool. Has been empty for ages, but it is said is booby-trapped by old magic.”
“Berez ruins. An old village that is said Strahd destroyed and left to rot. Is also said to be place of dark magic.”
“Argynvostholt, ruined church or shine or some thing. Again, haunted.”
“Windmill, where old women make flour.”
“That…” Arahja’s voice grows tense. “...is just tree. Artistic embellishment! Haha!”
Sezsu laughs and clinks wine cups with the mountain of a man, nearly spilling wine onto the map.
"Well it looks like we've got our work cut out for us if we're to scour the countryside looking for a way home, eh? We should probably rest and be ready to go at first light..." He trails off for a moment. "Unless there are more STORIES! Eh, Alessandra?" He smiles obnoxiously and nudges her with an elbow.
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
"If you are about to share another ancient parable, I am certainly not going to stop you." The food was finished, questions answered (as much as it was possible) and another round of storytelling was a good excuse to finally retire to rest. Not far from the fire, just enough to get some sleep without the danger of being stepped on.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Day 4 - 7:00 a.m.
The sounds of chirping birds and the gentle lapping of water on the shore of Tser Pool, along with the bustle of the few Vistani awake this early, lull our peaceful dreamers from their corpse-like slumber.
"Thought you would sleep whole day away," Rima says, tending a boiling pot over the fire.
Sezsu gets up, stretches, and steps close to the fire to warm up.
"To be honest, I was hoping if I slept long enough this," he motions all around, "would all go away like a terrible dream and I'd wake up in my own bed again."
He looks down at his hands and inspects them, back and front, and feels his fingernails with his thumbs as he ponders.
"Rima... Before everyone else wakes up and I get distracted, have you ever run into werewolves? Like, personally? I've heard stories but always assumed they were myths. I don't know that there are any where we're from. But yesterday we brushed with a couple and it was terrifying. The stories we heard growing up told of how they transmit their curse through bites and whatnot. Is that true? Just how contagious is it?" He absentmindedly rubs his shoulder as he talks.
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
(Separate interaction. Not running out in the middle of the other conversation.)
Seeking out Arahja in the morning, Sezsu pulls the map back out and points to it.
"With the haze of wine finally cleared from my eyes, I see a path that you drew going up the base of Mt. Ghakis. Is that how you say it? GAK-is? Anyway, it doesn't look like it goes anywhere... Madame Eva said something about 'a long, winding road deep in the mountains.' That looks like it could fit the bill and I don't see any other roads going into any other mountains. Do you think that could be it?"
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Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Last night, once festivities died down. Zied and the others sorted out their sleeping arrangements. Zied opted, to retreat into his Altier as become habit here. Fearing sleep issues. He left his ring with the others; likely Alessa due to being more or less at risk given her reactions to the Door-Knock incident and the old granny storytelllings.
Over the night he spoke to his life, his love, his past and his future. He told her of their day's journey. Of the oddities of restful yet hazardous nights with the others. He sung her songs of their old favorites. He enjoyed the silence with her.
After his rest, he was struck with some inspiration. Having heard the stories, of death and doom. Zied accepted that they would be here for a while, and would likely continue to fight to live and survive. This was no time for him to be stingy with his reagents.
Zied spent the remaining hours brewing and preparing for the other's next day.
Unlike the attempt at endearing himself to the group at large from last night's cooking. Today Zied simply prepares for his allies, using some of his spices to create a simple salty gruel made of ration starches and the last of the bug creatures. He himself abstains from consuming as they would be traveling once more and supplies are paramount for his cohorts.
18 cookin
EDIT: Rolling for free elixir. 6
Alessa was the last to wake up. Or to get up, maybe. Not that the "bed" here was comfortable in any way, but it was safe and she hoped to get at least some rest after all the troubles on the road. But her sleep was not restful, and only closer to the morning, she began to breathe easier. She got up, and if Zied was not out of his safe hose yet, placed the ring on the ground for him to get out easier, then joined others by the fire.
Sezsu's question about werewolves made Alessa wince but she did not comment, only looked at Rina expectedly as if question bothered her too.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Sezsu: "Rima... Before everyone else wakes up and I get distracted, have you ever run into werewolves? Like, personally? I've heard stories but always assumed they were myths. I don't know that there are any where we're from. But yesterday we brushed with a couple and it was terrifying. The stories we heard growing up told of how they transmit their curse through bites and whatnot. Is that true? Just how contagious is it?"
“Very,” Rima says, eyeing Sezsu warily. “Well, how do you feel? Any urge for rare steak? Does Rima tempt you? Any more than usual, I mean.” She chuckles. “Vistani are well known and well-respected. Our roots run deep in Barovia, apparently far back into Strahd’s history as well. We are not often bothered by many foul things in Barovia, as Strahd makes sure. We leave him to his affairs, and he leaves us to ours.”
Momentarily, Zied presents his meager but skillfully-prepared gruel. The bug parts give it a satisfying crunch. Even so, it does little to help Ed and Sezsu, who suffer from a terrible headache.
Sezsu: "[Arahja], [w]ith the haze of wine finally cleared from my eyes, I see a path that you drew going up the base of Mt. Ghakis. Is that how you say it? GAK-is? Anyway, it doesn't look like it goes anywhere... Madame Eva said something about 'a long, winding road deep in the mountains.' That looks like it could fit the bill and I don't see any other roads going into any other mountains. Do you think that could be it?"
Arahja frowns. “Is Tsolenka Pass. Is gravel road that hugs Mount Ghakis, climbing to great heights. Road starts at the Raven River crossroads. Vistani do not travel far along this path. Mountains are too dangerous. Especially this time of year. Snow and cold make it especially deadly. Stick to villages if you want to live.”
A short time later, Arahja appears with a couple of other Vistani, who carry leather armor and weapons. His expression is serious. “Madame Eva says you should take these. It may help keep you safe. But we all know that more than leather is needed to survive in Barovia. Friends, you are welcome to stay here as long as you like. But when you are ready to leave, we wish you best. Hopefully is not last meeting for us, hey?”
(There are 3 suits of studded leather, a crossbow with 20 bolts, two wooden shields, and a warhammer.)
"Well, that is a lovely gift." and ponders to himself it almost makes up for her mouthy attitude after kidnapping us per her order as elder, "Thank you kindly."
Zied accepts some of the gear. The other seemingly uninterested in the hammer so he simply carries it. Whether he uses it or not, waste not, want note in these lands. A hammer is a fine thing to always have.
"Speaking of safe, and travels. Arahja-Where is your favorite place to visit in these lands-that is not where we stand." Zied asks with interest for a local flair. As the discussion begins in earnest.. Zied sits to listen, but takes out a small kit and several needles. Starting to dop and etch designs into his new found leathers.
"...or those you consider the safest?" added Alessa. There was a huge difference between a small group of outsiders, trapped in this world, and the big tribe of Vistani, that were allowed to come and go, but still, maybe there were places where even outsiders could feel safer.
"Thank you." Alessandra did not need any armour (or, better say, armour would impede her abilities) but truly appreciated such real material help. She glanced at Sezsu again, with the same troublesome expression, but shook it off and was again calm and collected herself. "Shall we go, then? Vallaki seemed quite far, we better move now."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"Ah, this is easy. Tser Falls. You need only follow river west. Very beautiful." Arahja points northwest off into the lake, where the body of water seems to work its way into a channel into the forest. "Towns are safest. Shelter behind walls, and under roof. Always better inside than out."