"Hold faith that your child will be well. Though a week is a long time for the young to be absent for, many a street urchin has survived longer. Hold onto your belief that they are alive and do not let yourself succumb to the depression of the worst possibilities." Ed's time seems a little more forced than his usually genuine optimism, his expression having flickered momentarily at Mary's claim that her child was missing for a week, and regularly played truant with her ma. "I presume you have asked about as to whether any others have seen them? Is there anything you can tell us that others have told you?"
Ed is unsure that the mother's claims are quite what they seem, something rings less than true considering the general malaise and threats in the area. Insight20
Seszu: "Wait... How old is she? She's been gone for a week and you're only now flying into hysterics?!? . . . I'm sorry. I just assumed it was more along the lines of not seeing her since breakfast or something. I'm sure we can find her. When was the last time you saw her and does she have favorite places to hide or explore? Particular interests or activities that might give us any clue as to where she's gone? Why do you assume this Devil of yours is the culprit?"
Mary wilts under the heat of the question. “B-but I have been worryin’ over her!” she mumbles, wringing her hands and tugging on the sleeves of her dress. “Since supper the day she run off. I unlocked her door and found her room empty, her window locks opened, all six of them, and the pane hanging open. She stole my key. Oooo foolish babe! She is young, far too young, and naive. She is always goin’ on about her prince charming, how she’ll be rescued by a man who’d sweep her off her feet. She was convinced she’d go to live in that blasted castle. She believes the world to be sweeter than it is, full of goodness. I warned her that only her mama can protect her. She don’t understand that we’re all doomed to become worm food. And of course it’d be the Devil. He controls everything, he sees all. In fact, he’s probably watching us right now.” Mary gasps, clamping a bone-white hand over her lips.
Ed: "Hold faith that your child will be well. Though a week is a long time for the young to be absent for, many a street urchin has survived longer. Hold onto your belief that they are alive and do not let yourself succumb to the depression of the worst possibilities. "I presume you have asked about as to whether any others have seen them? Is there anything you can tell us that others have told you?"
“Why, you sound just like little Gertruda! Yes, I’ve been to the tavern each day, and I’ve called to Father Donavich from the street, but he won’t come out from the church. I’m telling you, it’s the Devil behind it! He’ll come for us all ‘afore it’s over.”
Ed:
You can tell that Mary is not quite “all here”. You can also tell she’s reluctant to disclose the girl’s age.
"Let's not jump to conclusions Mary, though the correct answer is often the simplest, that does not always mean the most obvious source is to blame. A positive outlook never did me any harm, so let your lass dream that the world could be a better place. I must admit some confisuion though, you say she is naive and very few girls would care for a prince charming to sweep them off their feet at the ages I had imagined your daughter to be..." Ed leave the sentence hanging, looking between the distressed mother and the young host to urge one of them to clarify, adding after the pause, "Perhaps a little more detail on these fancies about the castle would be useful in case she has left quite willingly?"
Sezsu stands there for a moment with his jaw hanging open at Mary's reply.
Once he's recovered a bit he asks, "There are six locks on your daughter's window and you keep the door to her room similarly locked? How often does the girl come out of her room to play or eat or...use the privy or...see daylight?? And from what, exactly, does she feel the need to be rescued?"
Shaking his head and scowling briefly, he turns to Ismark, clearly frustrated with the lack of useful information coming from Mary.
"Can you offer any explanation or help in our understanding of the situation?"
Alessa coughed deliberately, attracting attention of her companions to show "no" and "stop" as expressively as one can with decency in mind.
"Ed, Sezsu ... I'm afraid girls begin to dream about their princes at a big younger age than you might imagine. But this is not important right now, is it? The grieving mother should not be the subject of an intent interrogation, especially when there are others to help. Mary mentioned already Father Donavich and we were going to the church anyway. Why don't we do just that? There we can learn all we need, I am sure of it, while Mary will return to her home wait for Gertruda there."
She addressed the woman with the softest calmest voice possible, to not provoke any ... unexpected reaction. "Do not give up hope, Mary. We shall try to find your daughter. Believe and wait. As soon as there are some news - you will hear them."
"Well enough. One last question however--What does the lass look like? Height, hair colour, scars, clothing last seen, unique jewlery or birthmarks?" Zied inquires lastly. "If we're to help, we must be able to identify her as her. The church is a fine place to start, we could also look at her room and search for any indications of her plans upon leaving her domicile."
Ismark interrupts. “I think--” he places his hand on Mary’s shoulder. “It’d be best if you listen to Alessandra here, Mary. We’re off to see Father Donavich right now, as a matter of fact. We’ll ask on your behalf and bring you any news, is that alright?”
Visibly relieved, Mary practically leaps up from her chair, heading for the door. “Oh yes, indeedy! Got to get the house ready for Gertruda’s return. Fool girl, she’ll be so glad to be back home with Momma.”
“And don’t wander out in the night!” Ismark calls after her as he quickly ushers her out, then shuts and bolts the door behind her.
“I’m sorry,” he offers as he returns. “Mary is known to be a bit mad, but she’s harmless, really. Her daughter, Gertruda, is a teenager, but Mary keeps her confined to their home most of the time. You must understand, things are… different here. Many children have been lost to the perils of the Svalich Wood, and even to the village streets. Especially at night. Mary is trying to protect her daughter, but no doubt they child wanted out. Poor thing, she’s likely lost to the mist.”He gives a brief description of Gertruda's appearance.
After answering what questions he can, Ismark stands. “Are you ready to carry my father to the church?”
"She sounds lovely." Politely noted Alessandra. "She is fourteen? Fifteen? A difficult age."She nodded as of thinking or remembering. "Well, I think we are ready to move." The invisible force begun to move chairs away from the path to the outside door.
Ed watches as the strange mother leave's the burgomaster's abode and joins with his companions, "Yes, let us not delay any longer, the night draws in and further distractions will do us no favours."
Taking a small sigh, and settling himself Zied stands with the rest ready to continue on their trip. "I have a feeling things are going to be exasperating."
Smiling wryly at Zied, Sezsu quietly says, "I'd have it no other way, my friend." Then he grunts and lifts his corner of the casket in unison with the others.
Ismark takes a handle of the coffin. The Kolyan Indirovich’s body is extremely heavy, and it takes a concerted effort to lift and balance the coffin.
“I must warn you…” Ismark says as you clear the front yard of the mansion and begin the trek north toward the village church. “Father Donavich… he… his son… they are not well.” Ismark’s breathing becomes strained. “As I said, things are different here. There are many dangers. Many… peculiarities to which you are likely unfamiliar, as newcomers to our land. I cannot blame him for what has happened. I do now know what I would have done...”
Atop a slight rise, against the roots of the pillar stone that supports Castle Ravenloft, stands a gray, sagging edifice of stone and wood. This church has obviously weathered the assaults of evil for centuries on end and is worn and weary. A bell tower rises toward the back, and flickering light shines through holes in the shingled roof. The rafters strain feebly against their load.
“Here we are--” Ismark says with great relief as he releases the casket. He climbs the short steps leading to the entrance.
The heavy wooden doors of the church are covered with claw marks and scarred by fire.
Alessandra just shook her head slightly to the news that Father Donavich and his son have some problem and so sever Ismark could not really talk about it. By now it felt like something natural, no apparent problem would feel more strange.
She half expected an attack from unknown forces or angry mob - there had to be a reason no one would help even for money - but the short walk to the church was uneventful. "Let me help you." Alessa made a gesture toward the doors sending the Servant to open it. She, herself, remained watchful - quiet street did not mean there was no danger at all.
At the explaination of the "not well" Zied remarks, "That seems to be a going theme here in this country. Although you seem the most in control so far. Despite the occurrances." Once the doors are open, nodding towards Alessandra, "Might want to keep that hidden and not use it as readily. Given the setting-and the association of shadows and some magics here so far. Not the best first impression perhaps." Zied is prepared to enter following their impromteu client.
"No ailment is forever Ismark, I am sure that whatever the father and son are suffering from will pass. I'd hardly count an illlness as danger, Fareun has seen it's own share of plagues and they have been weathered. Trust that the morning will come, no matter how dark the night." Ed smiles as he tries to lift Ismark's spirits, the irony of dong this whilst looking at the struggling man over the coffin of his recently passed father, whilst walking towards a run down church in a land seemingly beseeched by a dread fear, never even entered Ed's thoughts.
As the group approach the church Ed gets a better look at it, it certainly isn't the worst house of prayer he had ever frequented. Ed gently sets down his corner of the coffin and straightens his hood after it had ridden up his brow a little on the journey. When Ismark and then Alessa's servant make their way towards the door, Ed takes a moment to scan the grounds, and momentarily bows his head in prayer to the Morning Lord - whhether this is an alter to him or not, hallowed ground deserves due respect.
Ed: “Trust that the morning will come, no matter how dark the night."
Ismark looks down upon the coffin containing his father’s corpse, then out toward the muddy street and downtrodden buildings, then up to the gothic towers of the castle above. He gives a weary smile. “We have not seen a morning for some time.”
Alessa’s invisible servant slithers through the air, pushing at the door. The doors open to reveal a ten-foot-wide, twenty-foot-long hall leading to a brightly lit chapel. The hall is unlit and reeks of mildew. Four doors, two on each side of the hall, lead to adjacent chambers.
You can see that the chapel is strewn with debris, and you hear a soft voice from within reciting a prayer.
Suddenly, the prayer is blotted out by an inhuman scream that rises up from beneath the wooden floor. A young man’s voice cries out, “Father! I’m starving!”
Not knowing what to expect after Ismark's comments about the priest and his son, Sezsu quickly straightens from setting down his corner of the casket after hearing the child's exclamation. Eyes wide, his head jerks toward their guide with a "Pst...!" and a questioningly accusatory glare, clearly feeling an explanation is not only required but that the demand shouldn't even need to be voiced.
Stepping close behind Ed, he whispers, "Do *all* of these people mistreat their children?!" before advancing into the chapel to look for the source of the boy's plea.
"If food is needed, we only have meager rations but would be happy to share them with you," he calls out to any who might hear him.
Alessandra just nodded to Zied - she probably had to get rid of the habit to rely on magic for everything. The vicious scream interrupted the thought, though and startled her.
"Sezsu, wait!" As much as she was ready to pity anyone and everything, that did not sound like a child. Not a normal child. "We were told not to judge. At least let us know what is going on first. And," she looked at the coffin left outside, "we need to finish the job."
Ed returns the whisper, "This is a strange place, and stranger people still..." before Alessa interjects, and Ed feels a slight admonishment in her words. "You are of course correct, we should not pass judgement without understanding.I'm sure that everything has a reasonable explanation from the right perspective."
Standing ready to shoulder the coffin fo the last stretch before they get caught up with yet another odd scene, Ed waits for each to bear their share and then moves forwards with them to bring the coffin into the church before setting it down again and eyeing the Father's reactions to the scene.
Ed is conscious that things are not quite normal, so is actively eyeing the interactions and action of these townsfolk. Perception: 13 Insight: 12
He is also curious what religion the church appears to be following. Religion: 3
"Hold faith that your child will be well. Though a week is a long time for the young to be absent for, many a street urchin has survived longer. Hold onto your belief that they are alive and do not let yourself succumb to the depression of the worst possibilities." Ed's time seems a little more forced than his usually genuine optimism, his expression having flickered momentarily at Mary's claim that her child was missing for a week, and regularly played truant with her ma. "I presume you have asked about as to whether any others have seen them? Is there anything you can tell us that others have told you?"
Ed is unsure that the mother's claims are quite what they seem, something rings less than true considering the general malaise and threats in the area. Insight 20
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Seszu: "Wait... How old is she? She's been gone for a week and you're only now flying into hysterics?!? . . . I'm sorry. I just assumed it was more along the lines of not seeing her since breakfast or something. I'm sure we can find her. When was the last time you saw her and does she have favorite places to hide or explore? Particular interests or activities that might give us any clue as to where she's gone? Why do you assume this Devil of yours is the culprit?"
Mary wilts under the heat of the question. “B-but I have been worryin’ over her!” she mumbles, wringing her hands and tugging on the sleeves of her dress. “Since supper the day she run off. I unlocked her door and found her room empty, her window locks opened, all six of them, and the pane hanging open. She stole my key. Oooo foolish babe! She is young, far too young, and naive. She is always goin’ on about her prince charming, how she’ll be rescued by a man who’d sweep her off her feet. She was convinced she’d go to live in that blasted castle. She believes the world to be sweeter than it is, full of goodness. I warned her that only her mama can protect her. She don’t understand that we’re all doomed to become worm food. And of course it’d be the Devil. He controls everything, he sees all. In fact, he’s probably watching us right now.” Mary gasps, clamping a bone-white hand over her lips.
Ed: "Hold faith that your child will be well. Though a week is a long time for the young to be absent for, many a street urchin has survived longer. Hold onto your belief that they are alive and do not let yourself succumb to the depression of the worst possibilities. "I presume you have asked about as to whether any others have seen them? Is there anything you can tell us that others have told you?"
“Why, you sound just like little Gertruda! Yes, I’ve been to the tavern each day, and I’ve called to Father Donavich from the street, but he won’t come out from the church. I’m telling you, it’s the Devil behind it! He’ll come for us all ‘afore it’s over.”
Ed:
You can tell that Mary is not quite “all here”. You can also tell she’s reluctant to disclose the girl’s age.
"Let's not jump to conclusions Mary, though the correct answer is often the simplest, that does not always mean the most obvious source is to blame. A positive outlook never did me any harm, so let your lass dream that the world could be a better place. I must admit some confisuion though, you say she is naive and very few girls would care for a prince charming to sweep them off their feet at the ages I had imagined your daughter to be..." Ed leave the sentence hanging, looking between the distressed mother and the young host to urge one of them to clarify, adding after the pause, "Perhaps a little more detail on these fancies about the castle would be useful in case she has left quite willingly?"
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Sezsu stands there for a moment with his jaw hanging open at Mary's reply.
Once he's recovered a bit he asks, "There are six locks on your daughter's window and you keep the door to her room similarly locked? How often does the girl come out of her room to play or eat or...use the privy or...see daylight?? And from what, exactly, does she feel the need to be rescued?"
Shaking his head and scowling briefly, he turns to Ismark, clearly frustrated with the lack of useful information coming from Mary.
"Can you offer any explanation or help in our understanding of the situation?"
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Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Alessa coughed deliberately, attracting attention of her companions to show "no" and "stop" as expressively as one can with decency in mind.
"Ed, Sezsu ... I'm afraid girls begin to dream about their princes at a big younger age than you might imagine. But this is not important right now, is it? The grieving mother should not be the subject of an intent interrogation, especially when there are others to help. Mary mentioned already Father Donavich and we were going to the church anyway. Why don't we do just that? There we can learn all we need, I am sure of it, while Mary will return to her home wait for Gertruda there."
She addressed the woman with the softest calmest voice possible, to not provoke any ... unexpected reaction. "Do not give up hope, Mary. We shall try to find your daughter. Believe and wait. As soon as there are some news - you will hear them."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
"Well enough. One last question however--What does the lass look like? Height, hair colour, scars, clothing last seen, unique jewlery or birthmarks?" Zied inquires lastly. "If we're to help, we must be able to identify her as her. The church is a fine place to start, we could also look at her room and search for any indications of her plans upon leaving her domicile."
Ismark interrupts. “I think--” he places his hand on Mary’s shoulder. “It’d be best if you listen to Alessandra here, Mary. We’re off to see Father Donavich right now, as a matter of fact. We’ll ask on your behalf and bring you any news, is that alright?”
Visibly relieved, Mary practically leaps up from her chair, heading for the door. “Oh yes, indeedy! Got to get the house ready for Gertruda’s return. Fool girl, she’ll be so glad to be back home with Momma.”
“And don’t wander out in the night!” Ismark calls after her as he quickly ushers her out, then shuts and bolts the door behind her.
“I’m sorry,” he offers as he returns. “Mary is known to be a bit mad, but she’s harmless, really. Her daughter, Gertruda, is a teenager, but Mary keeps her confined to their home most of the time. You must understand, things are… different here. Many children have been lost to the perils of the Svalich Wood, and even to the village streets. Especially at night. Mary is trying to protect her daughter, but no doubt they child wanted out. Poor thing, she’s likely lost to the mist.” He gives a brief description of Gertruda's appearance.
After answering what questions he can, Ismark stands. “Are you ready to carry my father to the church?”
"She sounds lovely." Politely noted Alessandra. "She is fourteen? Fifteen? A difficult age." She nodded as of thinking or remembering. "Well, I think we are ready to move." The invisible force begun to move chairs away from the path to the outside door.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Sezsu wipes a hand over his face to allow a moment to compose himself.
"You're right, of course, Ismark. It's been quite a day and a apologize for my lack of decorum. Let's get this underway."
He walks to a corner of the coffin and prepares to lift with the others.
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Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Ed watches as the strange mother leave's the burgomaster's abode and joins with his companions, "Yes, let us not delay any longer, the night draws in and further distractions will do us no favours."
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Taking a small sigh, and settling himself Zied stands with the rest ready to continue on their trip. "I have a feeling things are going to be exasperating."
Smiling wryly at Zied, Sezsu quietly says, "I'd have it no other way, my friend." Then he grunts and lifts his corner of the casket in unison with the others.
Characters currently being ruined on this forum:
Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Ismark takes a handle of the coffin. The Kolyan Indirovich’s body is extremely heavy, and it takes a concerted effort to lift and balance the coffin.
“I must warn you…” Ismark says as you clear the front yard of the mansion and begin the trek north toward the village church. “Father Donavich… he… his son… they are not well.” Ismark’s breathing becomes strained. “As I said, things are different here. There are many dangers. Many… peculiarities to which you are likely unfamiliar, as newcomers to our land. I cannot blame him for what has happened. I do now know what I would have done...”
Atop a slight rise, against the roots of the pillar stone that supports Castle Ravenloft, stands a gray, sagging edifice of stone and wood. This church has obviously weathered the assaults of evil for centuries on end and is worn and weary. A bell tower rises toward the back, and flickering light shines through holes in the shingled roof. The rafters strain feebly against their load.
“Here we are--” Ismark says with great relief as he releases the casket. He climbs the short steps leading to the entrance.
The heavy wooden doors of the church are covered with claw marks and scarred by fire.
"Shall we?" he asks, reaching for the handles.
Alessandra just shook her head slightly to the news that Father Donavich and his son have some problem and so sever Ismark could not really talk about it. By now it felt like something natural, no apparent problem would feel more strange.
She half expected an attack from unknown forces or angry mob - there had to be a reason no one would help even for money - but the short walk to the church was uneventful. "Let me help you." Alessa made a gesture toward the doors sending the Servant to open it. She, herself, remained watchful - quiet street did not mean there was no danger at all.
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
At the explaination of the "not well" Zied remarks, "That seems to be a going theme here in this country. Although you seem the most in control so far. Despite the occurrances." Once the doors are open, nodding towards Alessandra, "Might want to keep that hidden and not use it as readily. Given the setting-and the association of shadows and some magics here so far. Not the best first impression perhaps." Zied is prepared to enter following their impromteu client.
"No ailment is forever Ismark, I am sure that whatever the father and son are suffering from will pass. I'd hardly count an illlness as danger, Fareun has seen it's own share of plagues and they have been weathered. Trust that the morning will come, no matter how dark the night." Ed smiles as he tries to lift Ismark's spirits, the irony of dong this whilst looking at the struggling man over the coffin of his recently passed father, whilst walking towards a run down church in a land seemingly beseeched by a dread fear, never even entered Ed's thoughts.
As the group approach the church Ed gets a better look at it, it certainly isn't the worst house of prayer he had ever frequented. Ed gently sets down his corner of the coffin and straightens his hood after it had ridden up his brow a little on the journey. When Ismark and then Alessa's servant make their way towards the door, Ed takes a moment to scan the grounds, and momentarily bows his head in prayer to the Morning Lord - whhether this is an alter to him or not, hallowed ground deserves due respect.
Bring out your inner chatacter class...
Ed: “Trust that the morning will come, no matter how dark the night."
Ismark looks down upon the coffin containing his father’s corpse, then out toward the muddy street and downtrodden buildings, then up to the gothic towers of the castle above. He gives a weary smile. “We have not seen a morning for some time.”
Alessa’s invisible servant slithers through the air, pushing at the door. The doors open to reveal a ten-foot-wide, twenty-foot-long hall leading to a brightly lit chapel. The hall is unlit and reeks of mildew. Four doors, two on each side of the hall, lead to adjacent chambers.
You can see that the chapel is strewn with debris, and you hear a soft voice from within reciting a prayer.
Suddenly, the prayer is blotted out by an inhuman scream that rises up from beneath the wooden floor. A young man’s voice cries out, “Father! I’m starving!”
Not knowing what to expect after Ismark's comments about the priest and his son, Sezsu quickly straightens from setting down his corner of the casket after hearing the child's exclamation. Eyes wide, his head jerks toward their guide with a "Pst...!" and a questioningly accusatory glare, clearly feeling an explanation is not only required but that the demand shouldn't even need to be voiced.
Stepping close behind Ed, he whispers, "Do *all* of these people mistreat their children?!" before advancing into the chapel to look for the source of the boy's plea.
"If food is needed, we only have meager rations but would be happy to share them with you," he calls out to any who might hear him.
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Neria Tallfellow (Halfling Rogue) - Curse of the Crimson Throne with Ashen_Age
Alessandra just nodded to Zied - she probably had to get rid of the habit to rely on magic for everything. The vicious scream interrupted the thought, though and startled her.
"Sezsu, wait!" As much as she was ready to pity anyone and everything, that did not sound like a child. Not a normal child. "We were told not to judge. At least let us know what is going on first. And," she looked at the coffin left outside, "we need to finish the job."
Meili Liang Lvl 5 Monk
Dice
Ed returns the whisper, "This is a strange place, and stranger people still..." before Alessa interjects, and Ed feels a slight admonishment in her words. "You are of course correct, we should not pass judgement without understanding. I'm sure that everything has a reasonable explanation from the right perspective."
Standing ready to shoulder the coffin fo the last stretch before they get caught up with yet another odd scene, Ed waits for each to bear their share and then moves forwards with them to bring the coffin into the church before setting it down again and eyeing the Father's reactions to the scene.
Ed is conscious that things are not quite normal, so is actively eyeing the interactions and action of these townsfolk.
Perception: 13
Insight: 12
He is also curious what religion the church appears to be following.
Religion: 3
Bring out your inner chatacter class...