This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Alessa Insight: 15
(It was 17)
"He does hide something but I highly doubt the inn is safer. I want to say, every place is equally dangerous in this town as well as anywhere else in these lands. I noticed the priest felt uneasy when he talked about the church being the holy ground. Can it be he did not perform the rituals properly?"She looked at Sezsu and then Ed. "You would know better what makes the church - the building itself - holy. Is it something that has to be repeated from time to time? But whatever it is, it seems citizens believe in that holiness and many will be here. If we stay, we will be protected at least by their presence - with the "safety in numbers" thing. If we leave... Who knows what happens that night in other houses. I would rather stay."She said it without much conviction, though, more like thinking out loud.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Insight @ The Priest: 16
Regmiir looked to Zied as the others continued in their private chat. Slightly embarassed by the scenario he found himself in upon arriving in Barovia, he speaks in a hushed tone to avoid alerting the priest, "Well, I 'aven't any coin since coming to this place, so I can't be too picky, eh? This'll 'ave to do, unless you and t'others would be willing to put myself and the younglings up for t'night at the inn."
He hated to ask those he came to rescue for such a small favor, but the circumstances dictated his humility at this juncture. He looked to the children to also see if he could get a sense of their current mood upon seeing the throng of people approach the church.
Insight @ Freek and Myrtle to see how they're feeling: 13
Father Petrovich smiles thinly and nods his head before gesturing toward Yeska, the altar boy. Yeska busies himself lighting candles around the church. Sure enough, as the maw of night yawns wide to consume the village, about a dozen adults and half as many children crowd into the church. Some weep, some stare with wide-eyed fear at you, the newcomers, and others maintain frozen, stoic expressions, hardened by a bleak existence. Among the nightly flock, one sad, old woman weeps openly, muttering aloud. “Poor Udo… didn’t mean it…”
Yeska proceeds to close and bar the church doors.
Outside, the wind picks up.
Father Petrovich greets those in attendance with well-practiced words, offering a litany of prayers against the dark and the promise of the protection of one “Saint Andral”. In response, thunder rumbles in the distance. The congregation stirs uneasily. Villagers begin to make space for themselves in the pews and on the floor, preparing to tuck in for the night.
At length, the old priest makes his rounds through the church, offering words of comfort. The old woman clutches at his sleeve and wails. “Help him, father! You must speak with the Baron on his behalf. He will not survive long!” Father Petrovich appeases her before finding his way over to you.
“I am sorry for not offering better sleeping arrangement. We abide with what we have, yes? The Morning Lord shall provide all we need. I…” He hesitates. “... I notice that you have look of outsiders. Your skin is… it has such color. And your shields. That is shell of ankheg. I take it you are adventurers or travelers. And I, I wonder if you might be help to us?”
He glances around nervously to ensure no one else is listening, then drops his voice to a barely audible whisper.
“You see, I say that church is hallowed ground. Is safe from devil and his minions. Is true. Was true. Until…” The candles seem to falter for a moment, casting Petrovich in a ghastly pallor. “Church was protected from the devil by bones of Saint Andral. These were sealed in crypt below altar. But now… now bones are gone. Someone has stolen them a few nights ago. I was only person in town who knew this thing, except I told Yeska about them over a month ago. Yeska is fearful, you see, and I feared he would run away, so I tell him of bones. And now bones are gone. I question Yeska, of course. He tell me that he speak of bones to another person but he will not tell me who. I do not have heart to punish him, but he must tell me what he knows. Maybe you can speak with him?”
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
After hearing Father Petrovich's request, Regmiir furrows his brow, strokes his beard, and ponders the situation. The boy's one of them nervous types, he thought, not unlike Freek and Myrtle when he first met them. This sudden connection gives him an idea, and he begins to make his way over to the young man, hoping that his luck with strike twice.
Approaching cautiously, not wanting to scare the Yeska, "Excuse me. If yeh don't mind, can I give yeh a 'and in yer chores?" Reg points to the candle he's been using to light the others with. "I reckon yeh 'aven't 'ad much time to relax, judging by t'state of affairs 'ere. Sadly, I can't 'elp with that, but,"he softens his stance, sweeping both arms out wide in a surrendering posture, "maybe this can give yeh a bit of time to yerself if we can finish early, eh?"
Persuasion @ Yeska to assist him on his chores: 17
(To GM: Hope is to get him calmer and more willing to speak with the other members of the party, avoiding the topic of the bones for now while he helps with the chores)
"I don't like people. So, if we can afford in coin or trade. The Inn is my preference. Mayhap a trade in labor, or, if they so wish. I have spices for trade. Those are valued regardless of land."
But Zied leaves it as the entry way begins to clog with people and barred. Poking his short stack of a new colleague "Claim a wall, or preferably a corner. The children remain with us near a wall for the night.
(Unlless we're unable. Zied wants to claim a corner of the church. Preferably one closer to the entry way we came in. Better to handle if something comes in-or in the need for escape)
As the request comes in and the stout Regmiir seems to immediately accept without a hesistation. Zied shrugs a bit and communicates to his cohorts with a shrug that he is not opposed inherently. But the dour look his eyes portray clearly state that he isn't one to tenderly bring forth truth or lies and is likely to not have much luck.. Without being forceful.
Instead, he turns to the kids, as well as the father. "Tell, is this night just prayer and church and sleep. Or does this feature a community meal and drink? If you make soup, I can help there. Otherwise I will continue the children's education until sleep takes them."
(If there is communal food. he'll take the kids and teach them some cooking. As well as using some spice pouch uses to enhance the communal soup. If there is not (and I suspect not as fire in a church is bad with these many folks). Zied will endevour to teach them basic education as a distraction and to give them focus. LIke the lessons on the way here. Until bed time, or otherwise. While his companions either case and examine all the folks who came in. Or join in the questioning etc)
Arriving early enough to beat the crowd, Zied is able to claim a space in the corner near the front doors. As Yeska tends to the candles, Regmiir approaches with his offer of help. The boy jumps at being addressed directly, glancing toward Father Petrovich uncertainly. He nods his head quickly. "Y-yes, that would be f-f-fine." He offers a candle to the dwarf, his hand trembling slightly.
Reg takes the candle gently and gives a small nod. He begins to quickly assist in the boy's chores, lighting the candles with care and speed. As he goes through the church, he takes out a small handkerchief and wipes off bits of tarnish and grime from the once resplendent fixtures.
As he makes his way through the church, Regmiir hones in on the candles and areas furthest away from the rest of the party. Funneling Yeska in this way, he grins as he watches the young lad inch closer and closer to the crew through his duties. Once well within earshot, Reg strides across the now-crowded church and speaks in a way to draw the attention of the others in the party.
"Yeh do a fine job lad, that's for sure. And I 'ope I was able to 'elp yeh finish up right quick." He nods towards Alessa, Ed, Zied, and Sezsu. "I 'eard you don't get much in t'way of visitors, eh? With all due respects, allow me to introduce those I 'ave been traveling with." Reg quickly points out and names each of the companions, then shoots a warm smile to the other two children, "And where would I be without introducing t'two most important members of this crew." He walks towards Myrtle and Freek, steps behind them and places a gentle hand on each of their shoulders. "Not sure if you 'ad much of a chance to play with others yer age, but maybe all yeh can 'ave some time to take it easy tonight, eh?"
While Yeska's gaze is focused on the two other children, Regmiir flicks his eyes between the crew and the boy, silently trying to indicate for one of them to step in to the conversation now that he's done what he could to assuage the boy's timidness.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
That is what kept the priest nervous... Very understandable and, as Alessa suspected, made the question of where to stay this night mute. There was no safety in these lands. "You are right, father, we are true outsiders. I am not sure if we can find out the culprit or that we are allowed to deal with that person but we can try."
When Regmiir went to befriend Yeska and brought him back to the group she did give it a try. "Nice to meet you, Yeska," Alessa smiled charmingly at the young boy. "Father Petrovich said you can help us. We are new to this town and hoped you can tell us about it and the people here. Would you be so kind and do so?"
The plan was simple: let the boy talk about fellow citizens and watch which name will make him flinch. She (and hopefully others too) would help with the questions. One was about "an entertaining man with a monkey" - the reason they came here. But she began with "poor Udo", with an explanation, that the group could not bother an already upset woman about it. Then the stocks and general laws of the town. The tradition to come here to the church and what would happen to those who did not come here. Aoub Yeska's friends and people he is familiar. These sorts of questions.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As he's introduced, Sezsu gives Yeska a slight bow and a wink of his softly glowing eyes. The group knows he believes himself to be far more charming than he actually is.
"You know," he begins softly, "my friend is right to come to you to learn these things. In the temple where I grew up, the helpers and altar boys always knew what was going on better than the priests." He chuckles. "Now that I'm grown, I wish I could've stayed young and in-the-know..."
After pausing a moment and looking around at the gathered mass of villagers, he goes on. "Villaki seems well-fortified. Does everyone huddle together here at night because of the Devil that's feared everywhere in this land or is there something else? It's fortunate that you have a consecrated holy place like this to protect them. In a sense, you and Father Petrovich are kind of their heroes, you know? Your work here keeps everyone safe while they sleep."
The young priest smiles warmly and settles in with the group, waiting to see how Yeska reacts.
Persuasion(?): 10 (to get Yeska to open up a bit) Insight: 12 (to gauge his reaction to our questions)
Yeska remains quiet as a mouse as he continues his chores throughout the church. But the more that Regmiir speaks to him, the more often his eyes rise up from the ground and meet the dwarf's, and an occasional half-smile forms at the edges of his small mouth. As Freek and Myrtle are introduced, Yeska gives a little wave. "H-hi," he says softly. "I'm Yeska."
"Is that your papa?" Myrtle asks, pointing at Father Petrovich.
Yeska shakes his head. "N-no. Is 'father', b-but only because he is p-p-priest. But he take c-c-care of me. After mama die. I live here n-now."
"Must be nice," Freek says with bitterness. "My papa send me away. Myrtle too."
Yeska looks horrified, entreating the adults around them. "But you have adults to t-t-take care of you, y-yes? Or will you live in orphanage next door? Headmistress B-Belasco, um, t-takes in all children." At the mention of the orphanage, Yeska wilts a bit. "Ask the Father," he whispers.
When Regmiir went to befriend Yeska and brought him back to the group she did give it a try. "Nice to meet you, Yeska," Alessa smiled charmingly at the young boy. "Father Petrovich said you can help us. We are new to this town and hoped you can tell us about it and the people here. Would you be so kind and do so?"
"People here always are h-happy!" says Yeska, seeming to suddenly remember and plastering a huge, discordant grin on his face. "B-Baron say so. All will b-be well. Any who s-say otherwise are p-put in stocks. But Vallaki is s-safe from D-D-D--" he takes a deep breath. "Devil. But there are other things to w-worry about. Like wolves and monsters. That is why they c-come here."
He winces at Sezsu's words, looking miserable. "S-safe..." he whimpers and sniffs, wiping his nose. "B-bones keep us safe. Until--" he looks around, like Father Petrovich had done, before speaking. "Milivoj. I tell Milivoj." The boy begins to sobs, his stutter growing worse. "H-he is c-c-caretaker for orphanage. He t-t-take the bones. And now he is s-sick. Is my f-f-fault. Morninglord p-p-punishes us!"
He winces at Sezsu's words, looking miserable. "S-safe..." he whimpers and sniffs, wiping his nose. "B-bones keep us safe. Until--" he looks around, like Father Petrovich had done, before speaking. "Milivoj. I tell Milivoj." The boy begins to sobs, his stutter growing worse. "H-he is c-c-caretaker for orphanage. He t-t-take the bones. And now he is s-sick. Is my f-f-fault. Morninglord p-p-punishes us!"
Taking Yeska's chin in his hand, Sezsu gently lifts it and wipes away the tears with his thumb.
"Oh there now. The Morninglord only punishes those who are truly wicked." He glances at Ed for some sort of reassurance as he's just guessing and hoping. "Everything happens for a reason. It so happens that my large friend here and I are healers, being men of the cloth ourselves."
Smiling down at the boy, Sezsu continues. "Does Milivoj come here for shelter at night as well or does he stay at the orphanage? We can see if there's anything we can do for him if he's here. Otherwise, it's probably safest to get some rest and check on him in the morning."
"Right. Well, put on a strong face for all the folks who are looking to you and Father Petrovich for protection. You must keep performing your duties until these bones can be returned to their resting place. We'll check on Milivoj in the morning but you should get some rest."
Assuming Yeska sleeps somewhere else, once he leaves Sezsu confers with the rest of the group.
"So... Shake down this Milivoj first thing in the morning and see if we can't get these relics returned?"
As Sezsu and Yeska speak, Regmiir chews on the conversation. Something doesn't feel right, he thoughtas he gave his beard another stroke. "Yeska, Millvoj is sick and won't leave t'bed now, but 'e did leave to gather t'bones after 'e learned about them, eh?" Reg tried his best to avoid placing the blame of the disappearance directly on the lad. Pivoting quickly, he continues, "Is there something yeh could tell us about t'bones? Would they 'ave caused 'im to fall ill?"
After Sezsu confers with the group, Regmiir agrees quietly with a nod. "Yeh, seems to be a good start. Maybe before yeh all retire, it would be a good idea to ask t'Father more about those bones too, eh?"
Away from the younglings Zied will add to the conversation amoment; retaining eye contact on their youngling charges "Mm. Assuming said person remains in the orphanage over night. You should find out if its only Millvoj. Or if others remain. The commentary concerning the headmaster gives pause as well. " Pondering a moment with a shrug "Honestly I'd suggest peeking in on the orphanage. I don't suppose Grano is able to keep an eye out on them Alessa?"
Alessa pulled a lock of her hair, shaping it into a neat talisman and giving it to the little black owl. "Do you happen to know where Milivoj sleeps? And better yet, can you say how he looks?"
Following the mental command, the spirit flew out of the church to the "next door orphanage". Alessandra sat by the wall as steady as possible and followed his flight, directing it to find a window leading into the caretaker's room. Grano was ordered to leave the hair talisman as close to the sick man as possible and continue to watch out for now from a safe spot.
Ed waits for the boy to leave vefore joining in the discussion. "Desecrating the dead, and especially of one whom was donned with Sainthood for service to the Morninglord will see the perpetrator firmly into that 'truly wicked' grouo Sezsu. That scamp Yeska has done no favours to anyone with his chatter. I fear that waiting to the morning is not an course we should consider. Surely a pleasant chat with this Milivoj will provide the whereabouts of these bones. Though we would need some small ceremony to properly inter them once more, I am well enough versed in the priesthood to conduct such a ritual. Recovering the bones would ve first and foremost amongst my duties herein. Returning the protection of hallowed ground to these poor folk should bot be delayed."
Sezsu sighs dramatically as he gets to his feet and shoulders his pack.
"I was afraid you'd say that."
Looking to the others he continues. "You know there's no reasoning with him when he starts talking about 'duty' and 'foremost' and 'sainthood' and whatnot. We might as well get this over with so we can still get a decent night's sleep."
He leans in to Edlanar and whispers out of the side of his mouth, "I hope you can do the thing because I won't have it in me until I have a chance to look back over the rites and get some rest."
Yeska blanches under the direct questioning from Regmiir.
“I d-d-don’t know what he did!” he whispers. “I j-just told him about them. And then they were g-gone and now he’s s-sick! But the bones are b-blessed, they wouldn’t hurt anyone, would they?”
Yeska looks curiously at Alessa’s antics in pulling her own hair, but dutifully gives a rough explanation of the Milivoj’s appearance and location of his bedroom within the orphanage.
Grano’s observations:
The orphanage is a large, three-story building only about twenty yards from the church. Milivoj’s bedroom is easily accessible via poorly shuttered windows on the back side of the building. The bedroom is sparsely furnished. The floors are covered with dirt and an old shovel lies on the ground at the foot of the bed. A sickly young man sleeps fitfully. He is covered in sweat from fever and has blood mixed bile on his lips. His pallor is yellow tinged and deathly pale.
Alessa Insight: 15
(It was 17)
"He does hide something but I highly doubt the inn is safer. I want to say, every place is equally dangerous in this town as well as anywhere else in these lands. I noticed the priest felt uneasy when he talked about the church being the holy ground. Can it be he did not perform the rituals properly?" She looked at Sezsu and then Ed. "You would know better what makes the church - the building itself - holy. Is it something that has to be repeated from time to time? But whatever it is, it seems citizens believe in that holiness and many will be here. If we stay, we will be protected at least by their presence - with the "safety in numbers" thing. If we leave... Who knows what happens that night in other houses. I would rather stay." She said it without much conviction, though, more like thinking out loud.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Insight @ The Priest: 16
Regmiir looked to Zied as the others continued in their private chat. Slightly embarassed by the scenario he found himself in upon arriving in Barovia, he speaks in a hushed tone to avoid alerting the priest, "Well, I 'aven't any coin since coming to this place, so I can't be too picky, eh? This'll 'ave to do, unless you and t'others would be willing to put myself and the younglings up for t'night at the inn."
He hated to ask those he came to rescue for such a small favor, but the circumstances dictated his humility at this juncture. He looked to the children to also see if he could get a sense of their current mood upon seeing the throng of people approach the church.
Insight @ Freek and Myrtle to see how they're feeling: 13
Father Petrovich smiles thinly and nods his head before gesturing toward Yeska, the altar boy. Yeska busies himself lighting candles around the church. Sure enough, as the maw of night yawns wide to consume the village, about a dozen adults and half as many children crowd into the church. Some weep, some stare with wide-eyed fear at you, the newcomers, and others maintain frozen, stoic expressions, hardened by a bleak existence. Among the nightly flock, one sad, old woman weeps openly, muttering aloud. “Poor Udo… didn’t mean it…”
Yeska proceeds to close and bar the church doors.
Outside, the wind picks up.
Father Petrovich greets those in attendance with well-practiced words, offering a litany of prayers against the dark and the promise of the protection of one “Saint Andral”. In response, thunder rumbles in the distance. The congregation stirs uneasily. Villagers begin to make space for themselves in the pews and on the floor, preparing to tuck in for the night.
At length, the old priest makes his rounds through the church, offering words of comfort. The old woman clutches at his sleeve and wails. “Help him, father! You must speak with the Baron on his behalf. He will not survive long!” Father Petrovich appeases her before finding his way over to you.
“I am sorry for not offering better sleeping arrangement. We abide with what we have, yes? The Morning Lord shall provide all we need. I…” He hesitates. “... I notice that you have look of outsiders. Your skin is… it has such color. And your shields. That is shell of ankheg. I take it you are adventurers or travelers. And I, I wonder if you might be help to us?”
He glances around nervously to ensure no one else is listening, then drops his voice to a barely audible whisper.
“You see, I say that church is hallowed ground. Is safe from devil and his minions. Is true. Was true. Until…” The candles seem to falter for a moment, casting Petrovich in a ghastly pallor. “Church was protected from the devil by bones of Saint Andral. These were sealed in crypt below altar. But now… now bones are gone. Someone has stolen them a few nights ago. I was only person in town who knew this thing, except I told Yeska about them over a month ago. Yeska is fearful, you see, and I feared he would run away, so I tell him of bones. And now bones are gone. I question Yeska, of course. He tell me that he speak of bones to another person but he will not tell me who. I do not have heart to punish him, but he must tell me what he knows. Maybe you can speak with him?”
After hearing Father Petrovich's request, Regmiir furrows his brow, strokes his beard, and ponders the situation. The boy's one of them nervous types, he thought, not unlike Freek and Myrtle when he first met them. This sudden connection gives him an idea, and he begins to make his way over to the young man, hoping that his luck with strike twice.
Approaching cautiously, not wanting to scare the Yeska, "Excuse me. If yeh don't mind, can I give yeh a 'and in yer chores?" Reg points to the candle he's been using to light the others with. "I reckon yeh 'aven't 'ad much time to relax, judging by t'state of affairs 'ere. Sadly, I can't 'elp with that, but," he softens his stance, sweeping both arms out wide in a surrendering posture, "maybe this can give yeh a bit of time to yerself if we can finish early, eh?"
Persuasion @ Yeska to assist him on his chores: 17
(To GM: Hope is to get him calmer and more willing to speak with the other members of the party, avoiding the topic of the bones for now while he helps with the chores)
Insight9
"I don't like people. So, if we can afford in coin or trade. The Inn is my preference. Mayhap a trade in labor, or, if they so wish. I have spices for trade. Those are valued regardless of land."
But Zied leaves it as the entry way begins to clog with people and barred. Poking his short stack of a new colleague "Claim a wall, or preferably a corner. The children remain with us near a wall for the night.
(Unlless we're unable. Zied wants to claim a corner of the church. Preferably one closer to the entry way we came in. Better to handle if something comes in-or in the need for escape)
As the request comes in and the stout Regmiir seems to immediately accept without a hesistation. Zied shrugs a bit and communicates to his cohorts with a shrug that he is not opposed inherently. But the dour look his eyes portray clearly state that he isn't one to tenderly bring forth truth or lies and is likely to not have much luck.. Without being forceful.
Instead, he turns to the kids, as well as the father. "Tell, is this night just prayer and church and sleep. Or does this feature a community meal and drink? If you make soup, I can help there. Otherwise I will continue the children's education until sleep takes them."
(If there is communal food. he'll take the kids and teach them some cooking. As well as using some spice pouch uses to enhance the communal soup. If there is not (and I suspect not as fire in a church is bad with these many folks). Zied will endevour to teach them basic education as a distraction and to give them focus. LIke the lessons on the way here. Until bed time, or otherwise. While his companions either case and examine all the folks who came in. Or join in the questioning etc)
Arriving early enough to beat the crowd, Zied is able to claim a space in the corner near the front doors. As Yeska tends to the candles, Regmiir approaches with his offer of help. The boy jumps at being addressed directly, glancing toward Father Petrovich uncertainly. He nods his head quickly. "Y-yes, that would be f-f-fine." He offers a candle to the dwarf, his hand trembling slightly.
Reg takes the candle gently and gives a small nod. He begins to quickly assist in the boy's chores, lighting the candles with care and speed. As he goes through the church, he takes out a small handkerchief and wipes off bits of tarnish and grime from the once resplendent fixtures.
As he makes his way through the church, Regmiir hones in on the candles and areas furthest away from the rest of the party. Funneling Yeska in this way, he grins as he watches the young lad inch closer and closer to the crew through his duties. Once well within earshot, Reg strides across the now-crowded church and speaks in a way to draw the attention of the others in the party.
"Yeh do a fine job lad, that's for sure. And I 'ope I was able to 'elp yeh finish up right quick." He nods towards Alessa, Ed, Zied, and Sezsu. "I 'eard you don't get much in t'way of visitors, eh? With all due respects, allow me to introduce those I 'ave been traveling with." Reg quickly points out and names each of the companions, then shoots a warm smile to the other two children, "And where would I be without introducing t'two most important members of this crew." He walks towards Myrtle and Freek, steps behind them and places a gentle hand on each of their shoulders. "Not sure if you 'ad much of a chance to play with others yer age, but maybe all yeh can 'ave some time to take it easy tonight, eh?"
While Yeska's gaze is focused on the two other children, Regmiir flicks his eyes between the crew and the boy, silently trying to indicate for one of them to step in to the conversation now that he's done what he could to assuage the boy's timidness.
That is what kept the priest nervous... Very understandable and, as Alessa suspected, made the question of where to stay this night mute. There was no safety in these lands. "You are right, father, we are true outsiders. I am not sure if we can find out the culprit or that we are allowed to deal with that person but we can try."
When Regmiir went to befriend Yeska and brought him back to the group she did give it a try. "Nice to meet you, Yeska," Alessa smiled charmingly at the young boy. "Father Petrovich said you can help us. We are new to this town and hoped you can tell us about it and the people here. Would you be so kind and do so?"
The plan was simple: let the boy talk about fellow citizens and watch which name will make him flinch. She (and hopefully others too) would help with the questions. One was about "an entertaining man with a monkey" - the reason they came here. But she began with "poor Udo", with an explanation, that the group could not bother an already upset woman about it. Then the stocks and general laws of the town. The tradition to come here to the church and what would happen to those who did not come here. Aoub Yeska's friends and people he is familiar. These sorts of questions.
Perception: 17 , Insight: 9
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
As he's introduced, Sezsu gives Yeska a slight bow and a wink of his softly glowing eyes. The group knows he believes himself to be far more charming than he actually is.
"You know," he begins softly, "my friend is right to come to you to learn these things. In the temple where I grew up, the helpers and altar boys always knew what was going on better than the priests." He chuckles. "Now that I'm grown, I wish I could've stayed young and in-the-know..."
After pausing a moment and looking around at the gathered mass of villagers, he goes on. "Villaki seems well-fortified. Does everyone huddle together here at night because of the Devil that's feared everywhere in this land or is there something else? It's fortunate that you have a consecrated holy place like this to protect them. In a sense, you and Father Petrovich are kind of their heroes, you know? Your work here keeps everyone safe while they sleep."
The young priest smiles warmly and settles in with the group, waiting to see how Yeska reacts.
Persuasion(?): 10 (to get Yeska to open up a bit)
Insight: 12 (to gauge his reaction to our questions)
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Yeska remains quiet as a mouse as he continues his chores throughout the church. But the more that Regmiir speaks to him, the more often his eyes rise up from the ground and meet the dwarf's, and an occasional half-smile forms at the edges of his small mouth. As Freek and Myrtle are introduced, Yeska gives a little wave. "H-hi," he says softly. "I'm Yeska."
"Is that your papa?" Myrtle asks, pointing at Father Petrovich.
Yeska shakes his head. "N-no. Is 'father', b-but only because he is p-p-priest. But he take c-c-care of me. After mama die. I live here n-now."
"Must be nice," Freek says with bitterness. "My papa send me away. Myrtle too."
Yeska looks horrified, entreating the adults around them. "But you have adults to t-t-take care of you, y-yes? Or will you live in orphanage next door? Headmistress B-Belasco, um, t-takes in all children." At the mention of the orphanage, Yeska wilts a bit. "Ask the Father," he whispers.
"People here always are h-happy!" says Yeska, seeming to suddenly remember and plastering a huge, discordant grin on his face. "B-Baron say so. All will b-be well. Any who s-say otherwise are p-put in stocks. But Vallaki is s-safe from D-D-D--" he takes a deep breath. "Devil. But there are other things to w-worry about. Like wolves and monsters. That is why they c-come here."
He winces at Sezsu's words, looking miserable. "S-safe..." he whimpers and sniffs, wiping his nose. "B-bones keep us safe. Until--" he looks around, like Father Petrovich had done, before speaking. "Milivoj. I tell Milivoj." The boy begins to sobs, his stutter growing worse. "H-he is c-c-caretaker for orphanage. He t-t-take the bones. And now he is s-sick. Is my f-f-fault. Morninglord p-p-punishes us!"
Taking Yeska's chin in his hand, Sezsu gently lifts it and wipes away the tears with his thumb.
"Oh there now. The Morninglord only punishes those who are truly wicked." He glances at Ed for some sort of reassurance as he's just guessing and hoping. "Everything happens for a reason. It so happens that my large friend here and I are healers, being men of the cloth ourselves."
Smiling down at the boy, Sezsu continues. "Does Milivoj come here for shelter at night as well or does he stay at the orphanage? We can see if there's anything we can do for him if he's here. Otherwise, it's probably safest to get some rest and check on him in the morning."
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Yeska calms, sniffles. "Milivoj is at orphanage. But sick. He won't leave bed."
"Right. Well, put on a strong face for all the folks who are looking to you and Father Petrovich for protection. You must keep performing your duties until these bones can be returned to their resting place. We'll check on Milivoj in the morning but you should get some rest."
Assuming Yeska sleeps somewhere else, once he leaves Sezsu confers with the rest of the group.
"So... Shake down this Milivoj first thing in the morning and see if we can't get these relics returned?"
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As Sezsu and Yeska speak, Regmiir chews on the conversation. Something doesn't feel right, he thoughtas he gave his beard another stroke. "Yeska, Millvoj is sick and won't leave t'bed now, but 'e did leave to gather t'bones after 'e learned about them, eh?" Reg tried his best to avoid placing the blame of the disappearance directly on the lad. Pivoting quickly, he continues, "Is there something yeh could tell us about t'bones? Would they 'ave caused 'im to fall ill?"
After Sezsu confers with the group, Regmiir agrees quietly with a nod. "Yeh, seems to be a good start. Maybe before yeh all retire, it would be a good idea to ask t'Father more about those bones too, eh?"
Away from the younglings Zied will add to the conversation amoment; retaining eye contact on their youngling charges "Mm. Assuming said person remains in the orphanage over night. You should find out if its only Millvoj. Or if others remain. The commentary concerning the headmaster gives pause as well. " Pondering a moment with a shrug "Honestly I'd suggest peeking in on the orphanage. I don't suppose Grano is able to keep an eye out on them Alessa?"
Alessa pulled a lock of her hair, shaping it into a neat talisman and giving it to the little black owl. "Do you happen to know where Milivoj sleeps? And better yet, can you say how he looks?"
Following the mental command, the spirit flew out of the church to the "next door orphanage". Alessandra sat by the wall as steady as possible and followed his flight, directing it to find a window leading into the caretaker's room. Grano was ordered to leave the hair talisman as close to the sick man as possible and continue to watch out for now from a safe spot.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Ed waits for the boy to leave vefore joining in the discussion. "Desecrating the dead, and especially of one whom was donned with Sainthood for service to the Morninglord will see the perpetrator firmly into that 'truly wicked' grouo Sezsu. That scamp Yeska has done no favours to anyone with his chatter. I fear that waiting to the morning is not an course we should consider. Surely a pleasant chat with this Milivoj will provide the whereabouts of these bones. Though we would need some small ceremony to properly inter them once more, I am well enough versed in the priesthood to conduct such a ritual. Recovering the bones would ve first and foremost amongst my duties herein. Returning the protection of hallowed ground to these poor folk should bot be delayed."
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Sezsu sighs dramatically as he gets to his feet and shoulders his pack.
"I was afraid you'd say that."
Looking to the others he continues. "You know there's no reasoning with him when he starts talking about 'duty' and 'foremost' and 'sainthood' and whatnot. We might as well get this over with so we can still get a decent night's sleep."
He leans in to Edlanar and whispers out of the side of his mouth, "I hope you can do the thing because I won't have it in me until I have a chance to look back over the rites and get some rest."
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Yeska blanches under the direct questioning from Regmiir.
“I d-d-don’t know what he did!” he whispers. “I j-just told him about them. And then they were g-gone and now he’s s-sick! But the bones are b-blessed, they wouldn’t hurt anyone, would they?”
Yeska looks curiously at Alessa’s antics in pulling her own hair, but dutifully gives a rough explanation of the Milivoj’s appearance and location of his bedroom within the orphanage.
Grano’s observations:
The orphanage is a large, three-story building only about twenty yards from the church. Milivoj’s bedroom is easily accessible via poorly shuttered windows on the back side of the building. The bedroom is sparsely furnished. The floors are covered with dirt and an old shovel lies on the ground at the foot of the bed. A sickly young man sleeps fitfully. He is covered in sweat from fever and has blood mixed bile on his lips. His pallor is yellow tinged and deathly pale.