"I... I can tell that he's been through a lot," Chara replies to Nadezha. "Please let him know that I didn't mean to scare him, and that I'm very sorry I did... though I'm still not sure what I did that set him off, if I'm being honest."
When Eithne says that she's sure she's seen the woman before, Chara frowns. Where could the elf... or not-elf, if Eithne was being honest earlier... have possibly seen Nadezha? And how does she know if "Nadezha" is a false name? But the she-devil decides not to comment on the exchange. She strokes Cyrus gently, scratching him behind the ears. She's a little bit relieved that Eithne offered to let the woman play with Juhowly; Cyrus has had more than enough excitement for the evening. Chara knows that Nadezha would almost certainly be more gentle than Rontic was, but she really doesn't think that it would be wise to hand the pup to another stranger right after the interaction with Rontic.
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Lucian follows Rontic with his eyes, unsure of what to make of the strange little man. Alliana didn't seem to like him, but Lucian couldn't help but feel a little bad. Much to his shame, there had been times when he had been forced to steal to survive. Sometimes there just weren't enough people willing or able to help him, so he'd been forced to do what he could for himself. However, he had quietly repaid those he'd stolen from when he could--finding more fortune when he was able to find work. Still, if Alliana didn't trust Rontic, then he didn't think he could either...not that he had anything of value anyways aside from his father's watch.
(Assuming Alliana did not take the watch) He closes his hand around it and slowly turns back to Alliana. Unsure as to whether or not she still wants to bother looking at it. Part of him wants to just put it back around his neck and tuck it safely into his shirt, but he doesn't want to come across as rude, or overly protective of the object.
Not knowing how to respond to the pale elf's comment, he just sits there waiting for someone else to speak up.
Nikolai slowly relaxes and drops his combat pose. He strokes his beard thoughtfully as he regards both Rontic and Roland. People have so many layers. One day I will learn not to judge them by their exteriors, he thinks.
Lenn's expresion turns grim as the knight speaks to him.
"You really have no idea of what you are up against... don't you?"he replies "If the Lord of this land has put his eyes on her... "he looks at the Vistani woman " She is doomed..." then it hits him. The puppets and dolls at the toymaker's shop... who was that woman. His face turns even paler when he realizes the fact that she could be involved in all this. Then the little bearded boy screams and comes to hide behind Roland.
"Is he alright? You have nothing to fear little one..." he tries to calm him, but doesn't make any move not to scare him more. Then he turns his attention back to the paladin.
"You are in real trouble. You probably have doomed us al by this random encounter. Listen to me, for it seems that no one has yet told you. The one who are hunting her is the Lord of this land. This is no mere title here in Barovia. Words have power here, be careful with them. The very land obeys the Lord's commands and the Fog swirl around the boundaries of the realm to trap everyone inside... except the strange Vistani tribe. It is said that they can travel across the fog. If that's the case that would be the only chance you have to put her away from Stradh's influence. And I do think that wouldn't be an easy task. I mean no offense, but you should reconsider that idea of going against the monster itself. It would end very bad for you. Really bad. " he ponders for a moment " There is some alternatives, though, that may buy you time. The forfitied city of Kreskz, it has a high walls and a fortified monastery, but Stradh alrteady stormed that place long time ago, and he is much more powerful now... perhaps hiding in a cave in the mountains at the north... but he will eventually find you... Have you spoke with her about this? Perhaps she has her own idea, and I do believe that your best option is to guide her across the fog... is she aware of this? what are her thoughts of this matter?" he asks Roland.
Roland listens to your advice, and then grins broadly, "I appreciate your concern, but my companions and I are quite capable of handling ourselves. Alona there is a skilled wizard and Rontic, skittish as he is, wields a knife like no other. Kreszk, eh? High walls and a monastery sound like the thing for it. She'll be safe on holy ground. Do we just follow this road?"
Eithne and. Chara
Nadezhda blushes a little and tucks a stray hair behind her ear. "I thank you for the offer. I agree that these companions are ill-tempered and ignorant. But I have seen them in battle. The knight there drove off 3 vampire spawn by himself and the others drove off a host of undead. They are quite capable and don't seem to mean any harm to me. I feel safe with them, in spite of their ill manners.
As the night continues on, your conversations die down. And most of you turn to your tents and bedrolls to get some needed rest. Eithne maintains her vigil, but all seems quiet. Dawn breaks, but between the fog and the dim light you hardly notice. All the world is swathed in a grey light. Roland and his party stir earlier than you, gather their things, eat some rations, and head north along the road without a goodbye.
When Chara awakens, Cyrus is not snuggled up with her. She looks around the campsite, no one has seen the pup. As the morning goes on and others strike camp, she continues to look for the pup to no success. She is looking over the side of the bridge, with some trepidation when she (and only she) hears a voice.
Chara
Hello there, my pretty," says Ichabod, leaning against the railing of the bridge to your left, "Are you missing something?
"And what might you know about that?" Chara whispers to the imp, barely resisting the urge to disintegrate the tiny fiend with an eldritch blast right then and there. "I'm not in the mood for your head games right now, Ichabod. And no, I'm not going to sell my soul now any more than I did the last time you tried a stunt like this... but what I will do is promise that if you've hurt Cyrus, then the next thing that happens will make the Nine Hells feel like a vacation to the Elysian Fields."
She inhales deeply, trying to calm her frayed nerves a bit.
"Look, I get that making my life miserable is kind of your job... but going after a puppy is low, even for the Nine Hells."
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When it seems that their conversation has come to a close, Lucian tucks his watch safely away and returns to his place beside Eithne and Chara. He can't help but be a little disappointed, as it seemed Nikolai was able to give Alliana answers, but neither of them got to ask any questions. He would have liked to ask her about the outside world. What made the pale elves so different from the dark elves aside from their lifestyles? What was it like, being somewhere that wasn't eternally shrouded in mist? It seemed he would have to wait on finding those answers. Oh well.
He stays up with Eithne for a while, until weariness forces him to meditate towards the end of the night.
When morning comes, he is surprised and a little disappointed that the other group had left without saying goodby. It was...a little suspicious... He hated thinking that way, but living in the streets had taught him to be cautious. He checks his watch to make sure that it was still there, relieved to find it still hanging around his neck. Turning to Eithne he asks, "Did...they say anything to you before they left?" He assumes that Eithne had stayed up all night as usual.
Scanning the camp, he begins to pack up what he can... only to notice that Cyrus is missing. When Chara asks if he's seen the pup, he shakes his head, "No..." He looks to Eithne, assuming that the savage warrior would say something if she'd noticed the pup wander off or...someone take him. "You...don't suppose..." He shakes his head again, "We'll find him, he can't have gone far."
He helps Chara look around the campsite, but quickly realizes that Cyrus is nowhere to be seen. Defeated, he walks over to where Chara is looking down over the side of the bridge. ...did she think the pup could have fallen off in the night? Surely that can't have happened. "Um...are you alright? I don't think Cyrus would have fallen off the edge." He pauses, an idea comes to him, but it isn't one he really wants to try. As much as he wants the pup to be alright, he doesn't know if it would be worth using his wolf's senses to try to find him.
Chara looks up from the fiend that she assumes is only visible to her. Lucian can likely tell that she was talking to someone... or something, but she doesn't say anything about it unless he does. Still, she does notice the look on his face, like he has an idea that he isn't quite sure he should mention...
"Do you have an idea to find him?" Chara asks Lucian, on the verge of throwing herself at him and begging him to help in whatever way he can. "Lucian... please, do whatever you need to. I can't let that little guy get hurt, not when he was under my care."
Lucian hesitates, realizing that Chara had been talking to...something... but he assumes that she was probably talking in hopes that Cyrus would hear her voice.
"Oh..um.." he ducks his head. "I..can try tracking him by scent. I just...don't know if we want to risk me transforming. I'm...not very good at using the wolf's senses, but I can try if...you want me to." He lets out a breath, seeing her desperation, he realizes that he's willing to do whatever he can to help her. At least here he could meditate to help reduce the chances of losing control. "But... everyone should be aware of what I'm trying to do before I do it."
Chara hesitates for a moment... but she decides that the risk is worth it.
"Like I've said before, I know that you're stronger than your curse," Chara says, touching Lucian's arm gently and giving him a reassuring smile. "You're not going to turn on us... though I suppose we probably should let the others know what you're about to do..."
Chara turns away and looks down at the imp, if it's still there.
"You better not have done anything to him," Chara whispers to the tiny fiend. "If you have, it would be a lot easier for both of us if you just tell me the truth now."
Lucian nods, doing his best to return Chara's smile and wishing that he had as much confidence as she did. "Okay, um... I'll make sure everyone else is alright with it.."
When she looks downwards again, he follows her gaze as she whispers. (assuming he sees nothing), he looks back up at her saying, "Are you sure you're alright? Is something down there?"
...Turning to Eithne he asks, "Did...they say anything to you before they left?" He assumes that Eithne had stayed up all night as usual.
Scanning the camp, he begins to pack up what he can... only to notice that Cyrus is missing. When Chara asks if he's seen the pup, he shakes his head, "No..." He looks to Eithne, assuming that the savage warrior would say something if she'd noticed the pup wander off or...someone take him. "You...don't suppose..." He shakes his head again, "We'll find him, he can't have gone far."
...
(OOC: @DM: Now... well... ok, Eithne might not be the best sentinel ever but... she does not need to sleep, so she kept watch the whole night, Chara was asleep not far from her, so also Cyrus must have been not far... and still... only when Chara wakes up and looks for Cyrus does Eithne suddenly realize that the puppy is missing? She did not notice him not being there anymore, at a certain time of the night?)
Eithne had accepted with a smile 'Nadezhda' decision to say no more and to confide in her current company: "It's your right to decide, whoever you are. If they are really that good, then indeed, you're safe... unless the Devil Stradh is after you, that is!" she had said it to play down, of course—why would the Devil Stradh hunt the girl? "And even then, who knows? Maybe one day he too will get what he deserves. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck. If we meet again and you change your mind, talk to me, OK?"
That capable (but snooty) warrior Roland had evidently considered himself too 'pure' to get dirty by speaking to the people with whom he had shared the camp, so he and his crew had actually walked away without a word of parting... but the savage stranger enjoys inventing a different story (after all, what's wrong with that?): "Oh, no Lucian, I was just about to tell... Of course they said goodbye before leaving! Sir Roland approached in silence, afraid to disturb, he knelt solemnly... you had to see what respect he had in his gaze! He said he was incredibly honored to have spent the night with us and profusely apologized for the appalling way he had initially treated us. He assured me that he holds us in the highest esteem, and he made me swear on my children's heads that I would tell you these words of him when you stood up. I pointed out to him that I have no children and I asked him if I had better swearing on Juhowly's head instead... but he, his eyes wet with emotion, replied that there was no need and that he knew I'd say the right thing when you woke up. Then they got ready and, after giving us one last soulful look, as if we were the noblest thing they had ever seen, they set off. That's how it went!"
But the last of the dusk elf maidens immediately loses the inclination to joke as soon as Chara starts looking for Cyrus: "What the heck..." she looks around, replying at the she-devil "I was sure he was here, crouched at your feet! I didn't see him get away! How is it possible?!"
Eithne tries to help Chara look for Cyrus, she also realizes that the she-devil seems to speak with... thin air, but chooses not to investigate ('I, after all, habitually talk in my head with a hundred thousand entities that others do not see!').
The savage stranger also tries to make Juhowly sniff around: "Can you smell him? Find Cyrus, beautiful! Cyrus! Yes, your little brother! Sniff here, where he slept... Can you smell it? Can you follow him? Can you guide us to him, Juhowly?"
Regardless of her attempt to involve Juhowly in the search, the last of the dusk elf maidens is nonetheless deeply dejected: "I give up with keeping watch... All right, I'll be good at staying awake, but what's the use? When one of us gets up and walks away" (thinking of Nikolai the day before) "I don't notice him. Someone else can easily make a hanged man come down from a tree, and even there I don't notice anything, neither someone approaching the tree, nor any kind of preparation. I don't even notice that a puppy that was sleeping a few steps away from me disappears! Not only do I not notice it disappearing, but I don't even notice when it disappears... and I realize that it's gone only when its owner starts looking for it! Next night, I'll sleep; given what use I am when on watch, we'll see no difference".
Lenn is clearly disappointed by the other knight reply and he tries to talk to the woman but he cannot find a real moment to do that.
Next morning he says to the others
“I do hope that the go to the monastery, it could buy them some time but if what Roland said was true, that the monster himself was after her… “ he shakes his head. He notices the missing pup and looks o er the edge. “I could… climb down to look for him if you want but I agree with Lucian that he couldn’t have climb to the ledge. Still if you want I can climb down…” he sits over the edge, ready to go if Chara says so.
Lucian blinks, unsure of how to respond to Eithne's story... "Hmm... okay if you say so..." His attention is quickly diverted by the missing pup...
When Eithne talks of giving up on keeping watch, he says, "I'm sure its not your fault. I was up most of the night too...and I didn't see anything." He looks downwards, "Surely there's some sort of magic at work here. I mean... none of us were able to find anything after that...strange body..." He shakes his head, "Someone or something is messing with us. Perhaps it would be better if we did let the others have turns watching...after all, I'm pretty sure you and I are the only ones here who don't know much about magic." He tries to sound reassuring, but it is difficult since he feels the same weight of failure as she does. Still, that reminds him...he still wants to know how she can stay awake all night without sleeping. Was it some sort of...training? She had said she would try to get some sleep since keeping watch doesn't seem to help with anything though, so...
Pushing those thoughts aside, Lucian turns his attention back to Chara. She seemed very worried about the pup, but...why was she whispering at the side of the bridge? When she tells him that she will explain after they find Cyrus, he nods, "Oh.. okay... well..." He looks to Lenn and Eithne, "I...uh... don't worry about climbing down Lenn...that's quite a drop... I can try... I might be able to figure out where Cyrus went by using the wolf's senses. I can see if I can pick up his scent and track him..."He trails of, letting out a breath, "I usually avoid using the wolf's senses at all costs, but I have done it on occasion. That said, I can...probably...avoid letting it...loosing control. But I don't want to take any chances." He looks around as if searching for something, "Is...there anything we can use to tie me up? We don't have any chains..." He shakes his head, realizing that he could likely get loose from mere rope. Still, it would be better then nothing.
He looks over to Nikolai and Onika, hoping that they were listening too, then turns back to Eithne, Chara, and Lenn. Not sure if he should just...do it. Or if he should wait for some sort of confirmation.
"If anyone is going over the railing it should be me," Chara tells Lenn. "Since I can actually fly... though considering the way our luck has been, I'd probably feel best if I had a lifeline that I could yank on just in case there's something nasty down there and I can't get back on my own for whatever reason."
She leans in close to the Paladin quickly and whispers quietly enough that she's fairly certain the imp won't here her.
"Use your divine sense... I don't know for sure if I'm actually a fiend or not, so you might also sense me... but I just saw an imp over the railing, and I want you to make sure he didn't bring any of his friends. Just try not to spook him; I think he knows what happened to Cyrus."
Ichabod says, “Why would I steal the little cur? I’m trying to help you, not turn you against me. Consider this a favor. I’ll tell you where to find the mutt and you do me a favor in the future. No soul selling involved. Whaddaya say?”
Chara looks at Lucian for a moment, as she clearly hears a voice that the others can't.
"Wait just a moment on that, Lucian," the she devil says. "I need a couple moments alone."
She briefly turns her attention to Lenn.
"Tell them," she mouths silently to the paladin, making a motion with her head to suggest that she wants the three of them out of earshot before Lenn explains what's going on.
As soon as everyone has cleared out, Chara cautiously approaches the tiny devil that no one else can see again.
For the DM:
"Alright, Ichabod, I'm listening," Chara says at last, sounding a bit deflated. "But I know how the Nine Hells work. I want to make sure that all terms are crystal-clear so that you or your boss can't pull any nasty surprises on me later. As much as I want my dog back, I'm not going to kill or maim a sentient being (either directly or indirectly), I will not steal from an innocent in need (and yes, my travelling companions fall under that category considering what we're up against), I will not do anything actively suicidal, likely to result in serious legal trouble, or engage in any kind of extreme self-harm, and I will not do anything that would break my pact with my patron. Finally, if you agree to all my terms, this is a one-time transaction; one favor for one favor, no add-ons allowed after I complete my end of the deal and the agreement is fulfilled. I know that limits your options for this 'favor' a bit... but I've learned from my father's mistakes. I know that you're smart, and I'm sure you can still come up with something you want out of me, even if it's not going to result in my death, eternal damnation, or imprisonment. Are you still interested?"
Chara pauses for a moment, unsure if she wants to say the next thing on her mind, but she decides that she might as well try to somewhat stay on the creature's good (or at least less-evil) side. He's annoying enough when he still seems to kind of like her. And, to be honest, she can't actually bring herself to hate the little creature. She knows all too well how badly imps are usually treated by the stronger devils.
"And I'm sorry for snapping at you when I saw you," she says at last, in a slightly gentler tone. "I'm under a lot of stress right now, as I'm sure you've noticed."
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“Chara, baby, in this business, your word is your bond. I would never lie to you; I respect you more than that. And I accept your bargain, a favor for a favor, with all caveats.” Chara feels a force bind her to the grotesque little creature. “The favor I ask is to act as your familiar. I will help and support you in your endeavors, no bargaining necessary. Other people will be able to see me and interact with me, if you choose. I can be very useful and I will always tell you the truth. This is the favor I ask. Do you agree?”
You all see Chara seemingly having a conversation with thin air. She does not seem pleased.
Chara considers the deal for a few moments... then she sighs. As much as she hates to admit it, Ichabod is right. He would be a useful familiar; she knows that a scout capable of turning invisible at will could be invaluable. Possibly even more importantly, if he serves as her familiar then he'll be bound to serve her rather than being a constant annoyance.
(Spoiler box for the DM)
"Alright Ichabod, I'll agree to your bargain," she says at last. "I guess we should probably introduce you to the party... I hope that Lenn doesn't kick my @$$ for this."
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"I... I can tell that he's been through a lot," Chara replies to Nadezha. "Please let him know that I didn't mean to scare him, and that I'm very sorry I did... though I'm still not sure what I did that set him off, if I'm being honest."
When Eithne says that she's sure she's seen the woman before, Chara frowns. Where could the elf... or not-elf, if Eithne was being honest earlier... have possibly seen Nadezha? And how does she know if "Nadezha" is a false name? But the she-devil decides not to comment on the exchange. She strokes Cyrus gently, scratching him behind the ears. She's a little bit relieved that Eithne offered to let the woman play with Juhowly; Cyrus has had more than enough excitement for the evening. Chara knows that Nadezha would almost certainly be more gentle than Rontic was, but she really doesn't think that it would be wise to hand the pup to another stranger right after the interaction with Rontic.
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Lucian follows Rontic with his eyes, unsure of what to make of the strange little man. Alliana didn't seem to like him, but Lucian couldn't help but feel a little bad. Much to his shame, there had been times when he had been forced to steal to survive. Sometimes there just weren't enough people willing or able to help him, so he'd been forced to do what he could for himself. However, he had quietly repaid those he'd stolen from when he could--finding more fortune when he was able to find work. Still, if Alliana didn't trust Rontic, then he didn't think he could either...not that he had anything of value anyways aside from his father's watch.
(Assuming Alliana did not take the watch) He closes his hand around it and slowly turns back to Alliana. Unsure as to whether or not she still wants to bother looking at it. Part of him wants to just put it back around his neck and tuck it safely into his shirt, but he doesn't want to come across as rude, or overly protective of the object.
Not knowing how to respond to the pale elf's comment, he just sits there waiting for someone else to speak up.
Nikolai slowly relaxes and drops his combat pose. He strokes his beard thoughtfully as he regards both Rontic and Roland. People have so many layers. One day I will learn not to judge them by their exteriors, he thinks.
Lenn's expresion turns grim as the knight speaks to him.
"You really have no idea of what you are up against... don't you?" he replies "If the Lord of this land has put his eyes on her... " he looks at the Vistani woman " She is doomed..." then it hits him. The puppets and dolls at the toymaker's shop... who was that woman. His face turns even paler when he realizes the fact that she could be involved in all this. Then the little bearded boy screams and comes to hide behind Roland.
"Is he alright? You have nothing to fear little one..." he tries to calm him, but doesn't make any move not to scare him more. Then he turns his attention back to the paladin.
"You are in real trouble. You probably have doomed us al by this random encounter. Listen to me, for it seems that no one has yet told you. The one who are hunting her is the Lord of this land. This is no mere title here in Barovia. Words have power here, be careful with them. The very land obeys the Lord's commands and the Fog swirl around the boundaries of the realm to trap everyone inside... except the strange Vistani tribe. It is said that they can travel across the fog. If that's the case that would be the only chance you have to put her away from Stradh's influence. And I do think that wouldn't be an easy task. I mean no offense, but you should reconsider that idea of going against the monster itself. It would end very bad for you. Really bad. " he ponders for a moment " There is some alternatives, though, that may buy you time. The forfitied city of Kreskz, it has a high walls and a fortified monastery, but Stradh alrteady stormed that place long time ago, and he is much more powerful now... perhaps hiding in a cave in the mountains at the north... but he will eventually find you... Have you spoke with her about this? Perhaps she has her own idea, and I do believe that your best option is to guide her across the fog... is she aware of this? what are her thoughts of this matter?" he asks Roland.
PbP Character: A few ;)
Roland listens to your advice, and then grins broadly, "I appreciate your concern, but my companions and I are quite capable of handling ourselves. Alona there is a skilled wizard and Rontic, skittish as he is, wields a knife like no other. Kreszk, eh? High walls and a monastery sound like the thing for it. She'll be safe on holy ground. Do we just follow this road?"
Eithne and. Chara
Nadezhda blushes a little and tucks a stray hair behind her ear. "I thank you for the offer. I agree that these companions are ill-tempered and ignorant. But I have seen them in battle. The knight there drove off 3 vampire spawn by himself and the others drove off a host of undead. They are quite capable and don't seem to mean any harm to me. I feel safe with them, in spite of their ill manners.
As the night continues on, your conversations die down. And most of you turn to your tents and bedrolls to get some needed rest. Eithne maintains her vigil, but all seems quiet. Dawn breaks, but between the fog and the dim light you hardly notice. All the world is swathed in a grey light. Roland and his party stir earlier than you, gather their things, eat some rations, and head north along the road without a goodbye.
When Chara awakens, Cyrus is not snuggled up with her. She looks around the campsite, no one has seen the pup. As the morning goes on and others strike camp, she continues to look for the pup to no success. She is looking over the side of the bridge, with some trepidation when she (and only she) hears a voice.
Chara
Hello there, my pretty," says Ichabod, leaning against the railing of the bridge to your left, "Are you missing something?
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
"And what might you know about that?" Chara whispers to the imp, barely resisting the urge to disintegrate the tiny fiend with an eldritch blast right then and there. "I'm not in the mood for your head games right now, Ichabod. And no, I'm not going to sell my soul now any more than I did the last time you tried a stunt like this... but what I will do is promise that if you've hurt Cyrus, then the next thing that happens will make the Nine Hells feel like a vacation to the Elysian Fields."
She inhales deeply, trying to calm her frayed nerves a bit.
"Look, I get that making my life miserable is kind of your job... but going after a puppy is low, even for the Nine Hells."
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When it seems that their conversation has come to a close, Lucian tucks his watch safely away and returns to his place beside Eithne and Chara. He can't help but be a little disappointed, as it seemed Nikolai was able to give Alliana answers, but neither of them got to ask any questions. He would have liked to ask her about the outside world. What made the pale elves so different from the dark elves aside from their lifestyles? What was it like, being somewhere that wasn't eternally shrouded in mist? It seemed he would have to wait on finding those answers. Oh well.
He stays up with Eithne for a while, until weariness forces him to meditate towards the end of the night.
When morning comes, he is surprised and a little disappointed that the other group had left without saying goodby. It was...a little suspicious... He hated thinking that way, but living in the streets had taught him to be cautious. He checks his watch to make sure that it was still there, relieved to find it still hanging around his neck. Turning to Eithne he asks, "Did...they say anything to you before they left?" He assumes that Eithne had stayed up all night as usual.
Scanning the camp, he begins to pack up what he can... only to notice that Cyrus is missing. When Chara asks if he's seen the pup, he shakes his head, "No..." He looks to Eithne, assuming that the savage warrior would say something if she'd noticed the pup wander off or...someone take him. "You...don't suppose..." He shakes his head again, "We'll find him, he can't have gone far."
He helps Chara look around the campsite, but quickly realizes that Cyrus is nowhere to be seen. Defeated, he walks over to where Chara is looking down over the side of the bridge. ...did she think the pup could have fallen off in the night? Surely that can't have happened. "Um...are you alright? I don't think Cyrus would have fallen off the edge." He pauses, an idea comes to him, but it isn't one he really wants to try. As much as he wants the pup to be alright, he doesn't know if it would be worth using his wolf's senses to try to find him.
Chara looks up from the fiend that she assumes is only visible to her. Lucian can likely tell that she was talking to someone... or something, but she doesn't say anything about it unless he does. Still, she does notice the look on his face, like he has an idea that he isn't quite sure he should mention...
"Do you have an idea to find him?" Chara asks Lucian, on the verge of throwing herself at him and begging him to help in whatever way he can. "Lucian... please, do whatever you need to. I can't let that little guy get hurt, not when he was under my care."
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Lucian hesitates, realizing that Chara had been talking to...something... but he assumes that she was probably talking in hopes that Cyrus would hear her voice.
"Oh..um.." he ducks his head. "I..can try tracking him by scent. I just...don't know if we want to risk me transforming. I'm...not very good at using the wolf's senses, but I can try if...you want me to." He lets out a breath, seeing her desperation, he realizes that he's willing to do whatever he can to help her. At least here he could meditate to help reduce the chances of losing control. "But... everyone should be aware of what I'm trying to do before I do it."
Chara hesitates for a moment... but she decides that the risk is worth it.
"Like I've said before, I know that you're stronger than your curse," Chara says, touching Lucian's arm gently and giving him a reassuring smile. "You're not going to turn on us... though I suppose we probably should let the others know what you're about to do..."
Chara turns away and looks down at the imp, if it's still there.
"You better not have done anything to him," Chara whispers to the tiny fiend. "If you have, it would be a lot easier for both of us if you just tell me the truth now."
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Lucian nods, doing his best to return Chara's smile and wishing that he had as much confidence as she did. "Okay, um... I'll make sure everyone else is alright with it.."
When she looks downwards again, he follows her gaze as she whispers. (assuming he sees nothing), he looks back up at her saying, "Are you sure you're alright? Is something down there?"
(OOC: @DM: Now... well... ok, Eithne might not be the best sentinel ever but... she does not need to sleep, so she kept watch the whole night, Chara was asleep not far from her, so also Cyrus must have been not far... and still... only when Chara wakes up and looks for Cyrus does Eithne suddenly realize that the puppy is missing? She did not notice him not being there anymore, at a certain time of the night?)
Eithne had accepted with a smile 'Nadezhda' decision to say no more and to confide in her current company: "It's your right to decide, whoever you are. If they are really that good, then indeed, you're safe... unless the Devil Stradh is after you, that is!" she had said it to play down, of course—why would the Devil Stradh hunt the girl? "And even then, who knows? Maybe one day he too will get what he deserves. Anyway, I wish you the best of luck. If we meet again and you change your mind, talk to me, OK?"
That capable (but snooty) warrior Roland had evidently considered himself too 'pure' to get dirty by speaking to the people with whom he had shared the camp, so he and his crew had actually walked away without a word of parting... but the savage stranger enjoys inventing a different story (after all, what's wrong with that?): "Oh, no Lucian, I was just about to tell... Of course they said goodbye before leaving! Sir Roland approached in silence, afraid to disturb, he knelt solemnly... you had to see what respect he had in his gaze! He said he was incredibly honored to have spent the night with us and profusely apologized for the appalling way he had initially treated us. He assured me that he holds us in the highest esteem, and he made me swear on my children's heads that I would tell you these words of him when you stood up. I pointed out to him that I have no children and I asked him if I had better swearing on Juhowly's head instead... but he, his eyes wet with emotion, replied that there was no need and that he knew I'd say the right thing when you woke up. Then they got ready and, after giving us one last soulful look, as if we were the noblest thing they had ever seen, they set off. That's how it went!"
But the last of the dusk elf maidens immediately loses the inclination to joke as soon as Chara starts looking for Cyrus: "What the heck..." she looks around, replying at the she-devil "I was sure he was here, crouched at your feet! I didn't see him get away! How is it possible?!"
Eithne tries to help Chara look for Cyrus, she also realizes that the she-devil seems to speak with... thin air, but chooses not to investigate ('I, after all, habitually talk in my head with a hundred thousand entities that others do not see!').
The savage stranger also tries to make Juhowly sniff around: "Can you smell him? Find Cyrus, beautiful! Cyrus! Yes, your little brother! Sniff here, where he slept... Can you smell it? Can you follow him? Can you guide us to him, Juhowly?"
Regardless of her attempt to involve Juhowly in the search, the last of the dusk elf maidens is nonetheless deeply dejected: "I give up with keeping watch... All right, I'll be good at staying awake, but what's the use? When one of us gets up and walks away" (thinking of Nikolai the day before) "I don't notice him. Someone else can easily make a hanged man come down from a tree, and even there I don't notice anything, neither someone approaching the tree, nor any kind of preparation. I don't even notice that a puppy that was sleeping a few steps away from me disappears! Not only do I not notice it disappearing, but I don't even notice when it disappears... and I realize that it's gone only when its owner starts looking for it! Next night, I'll sleep; given what use I am when on watch, we'll see no difference".
"It's nothing," Chara tells Lucian (assuming he doesn't see the tiny fiend). "Just... well, I'll tell you about it after we find Cyrus."
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Lenn is clearly disappointed by the other knight reply and he tries to talk to the woman but he cannot find a real moment to do that.
Next morning he says to the others
“I do hope that the go to the monastery, it could buy them some time but if what Roland said was true, that the monster himself was after her… “ he shakes his head.
He notices the missing pup and looks o er the edge.
“I could… climb down to look for him if you want but I agree with Lucian that he couldn’t have climb to the ledge. Still if you want I can climb down…” he sits over the edge, ready to go if Chara says so.
PbP Character: A few ;)
Lucian blinks, unsure of how to respond to Eithne's story... "Hmm... okay if you say so..." His attention is quickly diverted by the missing pup...
When Eithne talks of giving up on keeping watch, he says, "I'm sure its not your fault. I was up most of the night too...and I didn't see anything." He looks downwards, "Surely there's some sort of magic at work here. I mean... none of us were able to find anything after that...strange body..." He shakes his head, "Someone or something is messing with us. Perhaps it would be better if we did let the others have turns watching...after all, I'm pretty sure you and I are the only ones here who don't know much about magic." He tries to sound reassuring, but it is difficult since he feels the same weight of failure as she does. Still, that reminds him...he still wants to know how she can stay awake all night without sleeping. Was it some sort of...training? She had said she would try to get some sleep since keeping watch doesn't seem to help with anything though, so...
Pushing those thoughts aside, Lucian turns his attention back to Chara. She seemed very worried about the pup, but...why was she whispering at the side of the bridge? When she tells him that she will explain after they find Cyrus, he nods, "Oh.. okay... well..." He looks to Lenn and Eithne, "I...uh... don't worry about climbing down Lenn...that's quite a drop... I can try... I might be able to figure out where Cyrus went by using the wolf's senses. I can see if I can pick up his scent and track him..." He trails of, letting out a breath, "I usually avoid using the wolf's senses at all costs, but I have done it on occasion. That said, I can...probably...avoid letting it...loosing control. But I don't want to take any chances." He looks around as if searching for something, "Is...there anything we can use to tie me up? We don't have any chains..." He shakes his head, realizing that he could likely get loose from mere rope. Still, it would be better then nothing.
He looks over to Nikolai and Onika, hoping that they were listening too, then turns back to Eithne, Chara, and Lenn. Not sure if he should just...do it. Or if he should wait for some sort of confirmation.
"If anyone is going over the railing it should be me," Chara tells Lenn. "Since I can actually fly... though considering the way our luck has been, I'd probably feel best if I had a lifeline that I could yank on just in case there's something nasty down there and I can't get back on my own for whatever reason."
She leans in close to the Paladin quickly and whispers quietly enough that she's fairly certain the imp won't here her.
"Use your divine sense... I don't know for sure if I'm actually a fiend or not, so you might also sense me... but I just saw an imp over the railing, and I want you to make sure he didn't bring any of his friends. Just try not to spook him; I think he knows what happened to Cyrus."
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Chara
Ichabod says, “Why would I steal the little cur? I’m trying to help you, not turn you against me. Consider this a favor. I’ll tell you where to find the mutt and you do me a favor in the future. No soul selling involved. Whaddaya say?”
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
Chara looks at Lucian for a moment, as she clearly hears a voice that the others can't.
"Wait just a moment on that, Lucian," the she devil says. "I need a couple moments alone."
She briefly turns her attention to Lenn.
"Tell them," she mouths silently to the paladin, making a motion with her head to suggest that she wants the three of them out of earshot before Lenn explains what's going on.
As soon as everyone has cleared out, Chara cautiously approaches the tiny devil that no one else can see again.
For the DM:
"Alright, Ichabod, I'm listening," Chara says at last, sounding a bit deflated. "But I know how the Nine Hells work. I want to make sure that all terms are crystal-clear so that you or your boss can't pull any nasty surprises on me later. As much as I want my dog back, I'm not going to kill or maim a sentient being (either directly or indirectly), I will not steal from an innocent in need (and yes, my travelling companions fall under that category considering what we're up against), I will not do anything actively suicidal, likely to result in serious legal trouble, or engage in any kind of extreme self-harm, and I will not do anything that would break my pact with my patron. Finally, if you agree to all my terms, this is a one-time transaction; one favor for one favor, no add-ons allowed after I complete my end of the deal and the agreement is fulfilled. I know that limits your options for this 'favor' a bit... but I've learned from my father's mistakes. I know that you're smart, and I'm sure you can still come up with something you want out of me, even if it's not going to result in my death, eternal damnation, or imprisonment. Are you still interested?"
Chara pauses for a moment, unsure if she wants to say the next thing on her mind, but she decides that she might as well try to somewhat stay on the creature's good (or at least less-evil) side. He's annoying enough when he still seems to kind of like her. And, to be honest, she can't actually bring herself to hate the little creature. She knows all too well how badly imps are usually treated by the stronger devils.
"And I'm sorry for snapping at you when I saw you," she says at last, in a slightly gentler tone. "I'm under a lot of stress right now, as I'm sure you've noticed."
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Chara
“Chara, baby, in this business, your word is your bond. I would never lie to you; I respect you more than that. And I accept your bargain, a favor for a favor, with all caveats.” Chara feels a force bind her to the grotesque little creature. “The favor I ask is to act as your familiar. I will help and support you in your endeavors, no bargaining necessary. Other people will be able to see me and interact with me, if you choose. I can be very useful and I will always tell you the truth. This is the favor I ask. Do you agree?”
You all see Chara seemingly having a conversation with thin air. She does not seem pleased.
Tamryn - lvl 4 Wood Elf Rogue - Circle of Light Campaign || Drusilla - lvl 1 Half-Elf Ranger - Sleeping Gods || Grrzark - lvl 1 Goblin Barbarian - Danger at Darkshelf Quarry || DM - LTG - Curse of Strahd
Chara considers the deal for a few moments... then she sighs. As much as she hates to admit it, Ichabod is right. He would be a useful familiar; she knows that a scout capable of turning invisible at will could be invaluable. Possibly even more importantly, if he serves as her familiar then he'll be bound to serve her rather than being a constant annoyance.
(Spoiler box for the DM)
"Alright Ichabod, I'll agree to your bargain," she says at last. "I guess we should probably introduce you to the party... I hope that Lenn doesn't kick my @$$ for this."
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