"Do as you wish,"Alessa shook her head still somewhat disapprovingly to Regmiir's words. "Do hope, though, this town is capable to take care of two children without turning them into stray cats."
She "lent" Grano's help to Zied as well as the invisible servant, but kept away from the site of the butchering. Somehow it felt different from the open battle and quite unpleasant. She sat by Sezsu trying to ignore the sounds of work behind. "Keep that fire, Sezsu. We could not stop you or Zied, but maybe next time we meet Strahd you will be able to stop the rest of the group from offering our blood to the vampire. Or maybe we will finally find the place where he has no power."Spoken out loud, the idea did not sound remotely believable. But one can always hope.
Seeing the sullen looks on Myrtle and Freek as the cart makes its way along the path, Regmiir can't help but feel sorry for the kids. Now that he has a chance to relax since being stuffed in the crate by the hags, the situation painfully echoed his own past. He tried to bring up memories of Clan Brubreok, but time has led them to fade and blend together. Faces that once burned brightly in his mind now come up only as dim fragments of features belonging to his relatives.
As the cart meanders along the path, he looks around to see if he can find any sort of flora or blossom. (Should he find one) Reg plucks the floret and some nearby long grass. He begins to whittle the stem down of its leaves and weaves in the blades of the grass to produce a makeshift tiara with the blossom upon it's top. He purposefully (and somewhat playfully) does this weaving in front of Myrtle so as to pique her interest, and presents her with the crown once it's complete. He'll give an exaggerated bow and address her royally, "M'lady, for someone who 'olds 'erself with such grace and poise, they deserve a crown befitting their status." He places it gracefully upon her brow then gives her a mock salute, "I would also expect yeh to treat yer subjects with t'care and protection they need, eh?" He motions to her younger brother and gives a sly nod, acknowledging her status as the eldest and proffering her the confidence to continue looking after her sibling.
For the boy, Reg reaches into the pile of wolf heads and picks out one to which a pebble is lodged above its eye. He opens its jaw and gives a quick yank to the largest canine he can see, causing a loud snap. He wipes his hand and the tooth clean of coagulated blood and now-cold spittle onto his pants leg and begins to pat down his tunic. Spotting a loose leather string, he pulls it out and begins to tie it around the rounded edges. Once fastened, he begins a similar process to weave the frayed ends of the cord together so that it now becomes whole. He again does this in front of the boy so as to stoke his curiosity. He grabs the boys hand and firmly presses the necklace into it, "It was a close one, but yeh two did good today. Wolves are strongest together, never when alone. Yeh should stick with yer sister and she likewise. And when yer cornered by t'bad people of this realm," Reg gave him and his sister a sly wink, "Never go down without a fight, eh?"
"So yeah... That was... Quite a thing back there. With the wolves and the hags and the explosion... You know? So that's twice now I've seen you light up like a torch and I gotta say... It's a bit disconcerting. Is that something all of Lathander's devotees can do? It kinda hurt and I don't know how I feel about that."
"Indeed, I am hard pressed to think of a series of events that has tested us so. Still, we have reached the other side of the ordeal seemingly better off than not, which is all that truly matters. The hags we can return for another time, at least for now their dream pies shall cause no others to give up their children so... Though I am still struggling to come to terms with the morality of eating those pies myself, even though it was under false pretense and trickery. I can at least be certain that my actions did not void my Oath, and Lathander still sees me a warrior of virtue. It would appear to that Selune hath not forsaken you for your consumption either." Ed shows a little sadness at Sezsu's admission that the searing light caused him pain, "It is truly a mystery to me as well. I have not seen it happen to any others in the order before, maybe it is something Lathander has seen fit to bestow upon me in these turbulent lands."
Over the course of the journey, Ed can be seen looking fondly at Zied and Regmiir's interaction with the two children, he does however keep himself a little distant from them. Favouring the company of Alessa or Sezsu on the journey, though he does step in to pull the cart on his own, or sharing the load with Regmiir to help ease the load.
Along the road, some quality bonding occurs between the party and Freek and Myrtle. Although doubtlessly traumatized by their recent experiences, the children are curious about and drawn toward their saviors. Myrtle actually cracks a smile at Regmiir's antics on the road, and Freek shows a serious interest in helping Zied to process the wolves (Myrtle finds the whole thing rather gross). Neither blanch from the sight of blood.
At the edge of the town, you can see that a 15-foot-high wall encloses the it, its vertical logs held together with thick ropes and mortar. The top of each log has been sharpened to a point. Wooden scaffolding hugs the inside of the palisade twelve feet off the ground, enabling guards to peer over the wall there.
Two guards stand just inside the gate. Wielding pikes that must be 10 feet long, they point the business end of their weapons out between the bars of the gate. One calls out in a thick Barovian accent. "Halt! Who goes there? Is dark approaching! Vallaki does not tolerate bandits and thieves!"
"Indeed, I am hard pressed to think of a series of events that has tested us so. Still, we have reached the other side of the ordeal seemingly better off than not, which is all that truly matters. The hags we can return for another time, at least for now their dream pies shall cause no others to give up their children so... Though I am still struggling to come to terms with the morality of eating those pies myself, even though it was under false pretense and trickery. I can at least be certain that my actions did not void my Oath, and Lathander still sees me a warrior of virtue. It would appear to that Selune hath not forsaken you for your consumption either."Ed shows a little sadness at Sezsu's admission that the searing light caused him pain, "It is truly a mystery to me as well. I have not seen it happen to any others in the order before, maybe it is something Lathander has seen fit to bestow upon me in these turbulent lands."
"Selûne doesn't concern herself with the morality of decisions made in ignorance. What's done once the veil is lifted if far more important and revealing of one's nature," Sezsu responds thoughtfully.
A moment passes as he chews his lip in contemplation. "Maybe it specific to you. Maybe it's some freaky birth defect when you get pissed. Maybe you're Lathander's new avatar on the Material Plane and you just don't know it yet. Maybe your physiology reacts to the energies of this place or the color of the sun..." He looks around the sky and laughs. "Well maybe not the sun part. But whatever it is, it seems like it's something worth exploring further. Have you spent any time meditating on it or praying about it? Maybe Zied can do some of his magical mumbo jumbo with your blood and divine the truth of it."
The small cleric shrugs. "I got nothing but it seems concerning to me. If you're ok with it, I'll just let it rest and try to keep my distance when you start glowing."
Two guards stand just inside the gate. Wielding pikes that must be 10 feet long, they point the business end of their weapons out between the bars of the gate. One calls out in a thick Barovian accent. "Halt! Who goes there? Is dark approaching! Vallaki does not tolerate bandits and thieves!"
Sezsu lets out a bark of laughter and steps forward a pace from the group with his hands out and open to show he's no threat.
"Honestly, it's refreshing to hear someone else say those words in these lands! There are no bandits or thieves among us, sirs. Actually, we are two men of the cloth with our companions for whom we'd vouch with our lives. We're looking for lodging, supplies, and perhaps information. Tell me, does Vallaki have a temple of any kind? Our first order of business should be to pay our respects to whatever deity or deities watch over your town."
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Regmiir butts his way up to alongside Sezsu. Best to be respectful around guardsfolk, he mulled to himself, and real direct in answering them. He had the pleasure of getting to know many a sentry from his time in Secomber and beyond. Most are decent, honest people just looking to get back home safely each night, and typically pray for uneventful shifts on their watch.
He raises both arms to show nonhostile behavior on his behalf and speaks quickly, "Regmiir Brubrerok," he pauses and weighs his next word carefully, "Tymora."
"Sezsu Utshoza, at your service. Devotee of Our Lady of Silver, The Moonmaiden, The Night White Lady, She Who Guides, that is... Selûne. These are our wards: Freek & Myrtle. They are without their parents and under our care."
(Totally didn't have to check my character sheet for last name spelling... *cough*)
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Perception: 20
It seemed the guards only cared for the name of the "men of the cloth" - a perfectly fine arrangement. She quietly stood among the "vouched for" companions, waiting for the permission to enter the town.
The guards produce quill and parchment and make a show of recording the information. "Mmm hmm.... Tymora... Seluna... orphans, eh? Headmistress Volasko may be interested... And you?" They look expectantly at Alessa, Edlanar, and Zied.
Having done his best to keep the guards focused on the near-universally-trusted "man of the cloth" routine, Sezsu side-eyes the others, hoping they'd just stick to names and necessary information rather than cause further complications with extraneous details that may garner concern or unwanted attention.
Regmiir raises a bushy eyebrow and whispers under his breath to Sezsu after hearing his name and title in entirety, "Did yeh really 'ave to say all that?"
Alessa got the hint, especially since keeping attention from herself was her intention as well, and simply gave the guards her name. "Alessandra Tagor." She hoped that occupation (sort of) was already stated by Sezsu clear enough and did not need further explanations.
Regmiir raises a bushy eyebrow and whispers under his breath to Sezsu after hearing his name and title in entirety, "Did yeh really 'ave to say all that?"
Sezsu clears his throat uncomfortably and becomes preoccupied with a pebble he pushes around with the toe of his left boot.
The guards produce quill and parchment and make a show of recording the information. "Mmm hmm.... Tymora... Seluna... orphans, eh? Headmistress Volasko may be interested... And you?" They look expectantly at Alessa, Edlanar, and Zied.
Shruging, "Zied." .....waiting for a moment and they continue to stare. "I hunt. I cook. I don't worship."
Whereas Sezsu's bow was grandiose, Ed's greeting is militant and formal as he takes his turn to step forward to salute the guards, he stands bolt upright and raises his fist pounding it to his puffed out chest directly over his heart, his heels drawing together in a pose that is clearly ingrained into Ed though long years of use and repetitive drilling. "Edlanar Holbrook, I belong to the Knights of the Silver Sun, in service to the House of the MorningLord, a defender of Inspirations' Dawn, I pray to the Church of Lathander." He holds rigid for a few seconds, then relaxes back to his normal stance, "Our second order of business would be to have words with your commanding officer if the hour is not yet past. We have been on the road rom Barovia for some time and would offer our travels to supplement any information your patrols provide. Then finally, we would grace a respectable inn to find soft lodgings, and a good ale. Perhaps, fine sirs, there is an establishment where the guards such as yourselves frequent?"
"One thing at a time," the guard barks. "I have only one writing hand."
Despite the gruff tone, the guards are apparently satisfied with this introduction. They open the main gates and allow you to approach. "Before you enter our village, you must agree to our laws." He clears his throat before giving a clearly oft-recited litany.
"Once inside, the mention of name 'Strahd' is strictly illegal, even in written form. Know that even now as I say this name, it is the last time you will hear it within gates. Instead, if you must refer to aforementioned individual, you will refer to him simply as, 'the Devil'."
"This most noble town holds festival each week in honor of our resident's general merriment and continued support of our Burgomaster, Baron Vargas Vallakovich. As guests of Vallaki, you will not be required to aid in preparation for our festivals. However, your attendance and participation in each and every festival is absolutely mandatory for length of your stay. Failure to attend will be in strict opposition to Vallakian law. The next great Vallakian festival, the Festival of the Blazing Sun, will be held in three days time in town square."
"Failure to comply with any Vallakian law will mark you as criminals to our city and you will be punished as such in accordance to our justice system. If you have any questions, now is time to ask them."
"Erm..." Sezsu starts as his brow furrows and a thoughtful frown creases his youthful face. "I assume those aren't the only laws of Vallaki. Is everything else pretty straightforward? You know... 'Don't kill, don't steal, don't bear false witness, don't covet your neighbor's wife, etc.'? Or are there other things we should be aware of so as to avoid missteps?"
"Do as you wish," Alessa shook her head still somewhat disapprovingly to Regmiir's words. "Do hope, though, this town is capable to take care of two children without turning them into stray cats."
She "lent" Grano's help to Zied as well as the invisible servant, but kept away from the site of the butchering. Somehow it felt different from the open battle and quite unpleasant. She sat by Sezsu trying to ignore the sounds of work behind. "Keep that fire, Sezsu. We could not stop you or Zied, but maybe next time we meet Strahd you will be able to stop the rest of the group from offering our blood to the vampire. Or maybe we will finally find the place where he has no power." Spoken out loud, the idea did not sound remotely believable. But one can always hope.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
(My last segway for the road travel)
Seeing the sullen looks on Myrtle and Freek as the cart makes its way along the path, Regmiir can't help but feel sorry for the kids. Now that he has a chance to relax since being stuffed in the crate by the hags, the situation painfully echoed his own past. He tried to bring up memories of Clan Brubreok, but time has led them to fade and blend together. Faces that once burned brightly in his mind now come up only as dim fragments of features belonging to his relatives.
As the cart meanders along the path, he looks around to see if he can find any sort of flora or blossom. (Should he find one) Reg plucks the floret and some nearby long grass. He begins to whittle the stem down of its leaves and weaves in the blades of the grass to produce a makeshift tiara with the blossom upon it's top. He purposefully (and somewhat playfully) does this weaving in front of Myrtle so as to pique her interest, and presents her with the crown once it's complete. He'll give an exaggerated bow and address her royally, "M'lady, for someone who 'olds 'erself with such grace and poise, they deserve a crown befitting their status." He places it gracefully upon her brow then gives her a mock salute, "I would also expect yeh to treat yer subjects with t'care and protection they need, eh?" He motions to her younger brother and gives a sly nod, acknowledging her status as the eldest and proffering her the confidence to continue looking after her sibling.
For the boy, Reg reaches into the pile of wolf heads and picks out one to which a pebble is lodged above its eye. He opens its jaw and gives a quick yank to the largest canine he can see, causing a loud snap. He wipes his hand and the tooth clean of coagulated blood and now-cold spittle onto his pants leg and begins to pat down his tunic. Spotting a loose leather string, he pulls it out and begins to tie it around the rounded edges. Once fastened, he begins a similar process to weave the frayed ends of the cord together so that it now becomes whole. He again does this in front of the boy so as to stoke his curiosity. He grabs the boys hand and firmly presses the necklace into it, "It was a close one, but yeh two did good today. Wolves are strongest together, never when alone. Yeh should stick with yer sister and she likewise. And when yer cornered by t'bad people of this realm," Reg gave him and his sister a sly wink, "Never go down without a fight, eh?"
"Indeed, I am hard pressed to think of a series of events that has tested us so. Still, we have reached the other side of the ordeal seemingly better off than not, which is all that truly matters. The hags we can return for another time, at least for now their dream pies shall cause no others to give up their children so... Though I am still struggling to come to terms with the morality of eating those pies myself, even though it was under false pretense and trickery. I can at least be certain that my actions did not void my Oath, and Lathander still sees me a warrior of virtue. It would appear to that Selune hath not forsaken you for your consumption either." Ed shows a little sadness at Sezsu's admission that the searing light caused him pain, "It is truly a mystery to me as well. I have not seen it happen to any others in the order before, maybe it is something Lathander has seen fit to bestow upon me in these turbulent lands."
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Over the course of the journey, Ed can be seen looking fondly at Zied and Regmiir's interaction with the two children, he does however keep himself a little distant from them. Favouring the company of Alessa or Sezsu on the journey, though he does step in to pull the cart on his own, or sharing the load with Regmiir to help ease the load.
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Along the road, some quality bonding occurs between the party and Freek and Myrtle. Although doubtlessly traumatized by their recent experiences, the children are curious about and drawn toward their saviors. Myrtle actually cracks a smile at Regmiir's antics on the road, and Freek shows a serious interest in helping Zied to process the wolves (Myrtle finds the whole thing rather gross). Neither blanch from the sight of blood.
At the edge of the town, you can see that a 15-foot-high wall encloses the it, its vertical logs held together with thick ropes and mortar. The top of each log has been sharpened to a point. Wooden scaffolding hugs the inside of the palisade twelve feet off the ground, enabling guards to peer over the wall there.
Two guards stand just inside the gate. Wielding pikes that must be 10 feet long, they point the business end of their weapons out between the bars of the gate. One calls out in a thick Barovian accent. "Halt! Who goes there? Is dark approaching! Vallaki does not tolerate bandits and thieves!"
"Selûne doesn't concern herself with the morality of decisions made in ignorance. What's done once the veil is lifted if far more important and revealing of one's nature," Sezsu responds thoughtfully.
A moment passes as he chews his lip in contemplation. "Maybe it specific to you. Maybe it's some freaky birth defect when you get pissed. Maybe you're Lathander's new avatar on the Material Plane and you just don't know it yet. Maybe your physiology reacts to the energies of this place or the color of the sun..." He looks around the sky and laughs. "Well maybe not the sun part. But whatever it is, it seems like it's something worth exploring further. Have you spent any time meditating on it or praying about it? Maybe Zied can do some of his magical mumbo jumbo with your blood and divine the truth of it."
The small cleric shrugs. "I got nothing but it seems concerning to me. If you're ok with it, I'll just let it rest and try to keep my distance when you start glowing."
Sezsu lets out a bark of laughter and steps forward a pace from the group with his hands out and open to show he's no threat.
"Honestly, it's refreshing to hear someone else say those words in these lands! There are no bandits or thieves among us, sirs. Actually, we are two men of the cloth with our companions for whom we'd vouch with our lives. We're looking for lodging, supplies, and perhaps information. Tell me, does Vallaki have a temple of any kind? Our first order of business should be to pay our respects to whatever deity or deities watch over your town."
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
The two guards look over the cart loaded with wolf and the children, the party itself, then uncertainly at each other.
One shakes his head and mutters something to the other, and both adopt a stern attitude.
Perception DC 10:
"Izek will not like it."
"State your names, for record-keeping. Who or what do you worship?"
Regmiir butts his way up to alongside Sezsu. Best to be respectful around guardsfolk, he mulled to himself, and real direct in answering them. He had the pleasure of getting to know many a sentry from his time in Secomber and beyond. Most are decent, honest people just looking to get back home safely each night, and typically pray for uneventful shifts on their watch.
He raises both arms to show nonhostile behavior on his behalf and speaks quickly, "Regmiir Brubrerok," he pauses and weighs his next word carefully, "Tymora."
Perception 13
Sezsu bows with a flourish.
"Sezsu Utshoza, at your service. Devotee of Our Lady of Silver, The Moonmaiden, The Night White Lady, She Who Guides, that is... Selûne. These are our wards: Freek & Myrtle. They are without their parents and under our care."
(Totally didn't have to check my character sheet for last name spelling... *cough*)
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Perception: 19
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Perception: 20
It seemed the guards only cared for the name of the "men of the cloth" - a perfectly fine arrangement. She quietly stood among the "vouched for" companions, waiting for the permission to enter the town.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
The guards produce quill and parchment and make a show of recording the information. "Mmm hmm.... Tymora... Seluna... orphans, eh? Headmistress Volasko may be interested... And you?" They look expectantly at Alessa, Edlanar, and Zied.
Having done his best to keep the guards focused on the near-universally-trusted "man of the cloth" routine, Sezsu side-eyes the others, hoping they'd just stick to names and necessary information rather than cause further complications with extraneous details that may garner concern or unwanted attention.
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Regmiir raises a bushy eyebrow and whispers under his breath to Sezsu after hearing his name and title in entirety, "Did yeh really 'ave to say all that?"
Alessa got the hint, especially since keeping attention from herself was her intention as well, and simply gave the guards her name. "Alessandra Tagor." She hoped that occupation (sort of) was already stated by Sezsu clear enough and did not need further explanations.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Sezsu clears his throat uncomfortably and becomes preoccupied with a pebble he pushes around with the toe of his left boot.
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Shruging, "Zied." .....waiting for a moment and they continue to stare. "I hunt. I cook. I don't worship."
Whereas Sezsu's bow was grandiose, Ed's greeting is militant and formal as he takes his turn to step forward to salute the guards, he stands bolt upright and raises his fist pounding it to his puffed out chest directly over his heart, his heels drawing together in a pose that is clearly ingrained into Ed though long years of use and repetitive drilling. "Edlanar Holbrook, I belong to the Knights of the Silver Sun, in service to the House of the MorningLord, a defender of Inspirations' Dawn, I pray to the Church of Lathander." He holds rigid for a few seconds, then relaxes back to his normal stance, "Our second order of business would be to have words with your commanding officer if the hour is not yet past. We have been on the road rom Barovia for some time and would offer our travels to supplement any information your patrols provide. Then finally, we would grace a respectable inn to find soft lodgings, and a good ale. Perhaps, fine sirs, there is an establishment where the guards such as yourselves frequent?"
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
"One thing at a time," the guard barks. "I have only one writing hand."
Despite the gruff tone, the guards are apparently satisfied with this introduction. They open the main gates and allow you to approach. "Before you enter our village, you must agree to our laws." He clears his throat before giving a clearly oft-recited litany.
"Once inside, the mention of name 'Strahd' is strictly illegal, even in written form. Know that even now as I say this name, it is the last time you will hear it within gates. Instead, if you must refer to aforementioned individual, you will refer to him simply as, 'the Devil'."
"This most noble town holds festival each week in honor of our resident's general merriment and continued support of our Burgomaster, Baron Vargas Vallakovich. As guests of Vallaki, you will not be required to aid in preparation for our festivals. However, your attendance and participation in each and every festival is absolutely mandatory for length of your stay. Failure to attend will be in strict opposition to Vallakian law. The next great Vallakian festival, the Festival of the Blazing Sun, will be held in three days time in town square."
"Failure to comply with any Vallakian law will mark you as criminals to our city and you will be punished as such in accordance to our justice system. If you have any questions, now is time to ask them."
"Erm..." Sezsu starts as his brow furrows and a thoughtful frown creases his youthful face. "I assume those aren't the only laws of Vallaki. Is everything else pretty straightforward? You know... 'Don't kill, don't steal, don't bear false witness, don't covet your neighbor's wife, etc.'? Or are there other things we should be aware of so as to avoid missteps?"
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age