Beren follows Nivi in silence, sparing but a glance towards the souless and completely ignoring the church. When Jack suggests they visit the church later, the light behind the mask flickers for a moment as if he would object, but then he simply says, "If that is what you wish to do." At this he glances towards the building and at the graves, taking note of the mist but not lingering on it.
As they approach the camp, he briefly wonders where the dusk elves went, but then pushes the thought aside. Perhaps they went out hunting--wouldn't explain all of them missing but... well if they aren't allowed inside the village then where do they get their food? He then notices the Vistani, and then turns to Nivi when she addresses him. He lets out a breath, clearly not thrilled with talking to this man in spite of potentially gaining whatever this treasure is supposed to be, and then nods before heading towards the fellow.
Approaching the Vistani, Beren says, "Greetings. I am here for the Treasure of Ant Urgan." And he leaves it at that.
The Vistani man standing by the wagon seems to be looking around as the group approaches. He's clearly taken note of you all, easily enough from his hilltop but he clearly didn't register you as threats as his gaze only lingered in the semi-sunless sky for long enough to take note of your groups presence. It seems word enough had spread through town that Beren was no longer a lighthouse level curiosity and a group of non-dusk elves aside from Moira (from *most* of the towns view as it seemed the existence of 'drow' wasn't a known thing here)
The wind howls solemnly through the tree's, and the ever present clouds and fog roil as if in reaction to it but this had been going on all morning. The day itself seemed depressed yet faintly excited? Beren approaches and greets the man, and he gives Beren a stern look for a few moments before lightening up. Ah you're the ones I was expecting? I should have guessed. his tone didn't indicate annoyance as he patted his fist into his palm but rather had an 'ah, of course it'd be you.' vibe - utterly neutral, despite his otherwise cheery demeanor that all Vistani seemed to have.
He soon pulled open the back of the wagon. As he does this it seems there are other vistani wagons nearby but they are likely at the festival or elsewhere.. forcing this lone vistani to stay away from the festivities. He pulls out two keys, and begins fiddling with a rather large chest. Luvash told me you may each take a single item of your choice from the Vistani's treasures. After that, Luvash told me to tell you to hurry back to the festival. Beren will be needed soon. At the latest.. high noon. Since you're outsiders you probably can't tell the time but that gives you at most another two hours of leeway.
He said the fish he promised would be at the festival. If you choose money, I was told to limit it to at most a hundred fifty of the coins with Strahds mark each. Or a maximum of five hundred of the gold total.
Looking inside the chest, you all see;
The wagon contains the following items:
A wooden chest containing 1,200 ep each coin stamped with the profiled visage of Strahd
An iron chest containing 650 gp
An onyx jewelry box with gold filigree containing six pieces of cheap jewelry and a potion of poison in an unlabeled crystal vial.
A wooden throne with gold inlay and decorative stones
A rolled-up 10-foot-square rug with an exquisite unicorn motif
A small wooden box containing twelve strange, swirling potions in stoppered gourds
Some of these items seem valuable enough on their own even to an untrained eye.
Beren at first gives no reaction to the Vistani's words, but briefly clenches his fists slightly when hearing that he will 'be needed'. He'd agreed to this stupid showing already so it would be dishonorable to back out now... as if honor really means much. Pushing all thoughts of the festival aside for now, he focuses on the 'treasure'. Fortunately, his mask hides his disappointment, giving only a brief flicker when he realizes that most of these objects will be useless aside from their worth in gold--and the gold all has the accursed vampire's face on it. Sure, that's what the currency would look like of course, but that doesn't make him want to carry it around any more.
Sighing, he looks to the others, "Make your choices. It matters little to me what I end up with." If no one takes the box of unlabeled potions, he will take those. Perhaps he can have them identified somewhere if he can't identify them himself, and hopefully at least a few of them will be useful. Hopefully whatever the other item Luvash promised him will be more useful than anything here.
Jack furrows bushy brows at the last couple sentences. But after glancing towards the overcast heavens, even he couldn't help but give a small, but accepting nod alongside a smirk. He'd then rubs his hands together in what could be construed as a gleeful, if not eager motion. Although in truth, the the Eladrin had simply wished to warm chilled hands, as what wind danced below the boughs had been enough even to get to him!
But be that as it may, and to the surprise of some, when it came time to make a selection, the Eladrin doesn't ask for a share of the coin to be done with things. Rather, he'd look over the various chest, potions, and so on, only to have his gaze lingering on the carpet with the unicorn motif. "I don't know when, I don't know why, and I doubt I'll be able to carry it for all that long. But~ I think... yes, I do think sometimes, ha ha, funny -- But I do think I'll take the rug!" Jack then proceeds to try and throw the thing onto a shoulder, if it should already be rolled up. And if not, h'ed drag it out uttering apologies for anything shifted out of the place in the process, and not seeming to mind if it got a little dirty in the process, proceed to then roll it up before doing the shoulder carry thing.
No matter the order of operations, if left to carry all too likely hefty acquisition, he'd do so without complaint, but legs that shook beneath the weight from time to time.
To her own astonishment, Nivi shares Beren's apparent aversion to taking coin marked with Strahd's visage on it. Gold is gold but... that bastard doesn't own me. I'll not carry his coin like some simpering lackey as I wander about his cursed, fog-shrouded land.
She smirks at the Vistani man's implication that Lu-Lu is going to make good on his promise of fish as well, which Nivi had almost forgotten about, having received her asked-for smile already from the burgomaster. She nods thoughtfully as Jack chooses the carpet.
"My bard of a sister sang verse after verse one time about some princely hero who would fly around on his magic carpet. Got a little huffy when I laughed in her face and even my brother chuckled. Lord parents weren't laughing, though. Acted like it was real. Might be on to something, Shorty."
Sensing that Beren might lean towards the box of twelve potions (passive Insight15) and guessing Olamoira would likely shun worldly gifts, Nivi considers her other options. She figures that this land does not have much superior or magical gear on sale, so even the unmarked gold might do little good. She inspects the potion of poison to check whether it might be a contact toxin she could apply onto her blades, but finding it instead to be an imbibed venom, gives it a pass. So by process of elimination, she chooses the wooden throne with gold inlay and decorative stones, hoping wryly that it is not cursed.
"So who or what is Aht Urgan anyway? Thought we should know if we're carrying his gear around like we just pulled off a solid second-story job."
(Nivi won't insist on the answer and is fine returning to the town for the festival if time is short. She is just curious.)
Olamoira quietly follows the others on the trek to the dusk elf camp, making little comment. Though her demeanor is little changed and she still sticks close to Beren, she seems to be making an effort to walk at his side instead of trailing behind him.
As Beren greets the Vistani man and he unveils his wagon of treasures with a generous gesture, Ola makes no move to take any treasures or money, eschewing, as Nivi suspected, worldly gifts. But she does smile at her companions' choices. "This must be why Luvash wanted us to come here first, before the festival," she says. "I am sure he wanted the Avatar of the Sun to make his appearance with the aid of such princely accouterment." Still with a light-hearted smirk, she looks at Nivi. "I'll help you carry that back, if you like."
The Vistani man smiles as he holds the curtain aside and you all choose your items. He does seem a little hurt though when Beren or anyone else seems to express disappointment. Jack ultimately choosing the rug with the unicorns horn. It was hefty but not overly so. And it had been neatly bundled with silk rope holding it in a neat cylinder. The horn itself was the real deal, it felt like it weighed nothing and yet felt harder than diamond.
The vistani seems to note the groups hesitation on the coin and says The Gold doesn't possess the mark of Strahd. It is from Toril. Only these coins possess his visage. he says pointing at the EP It was minted thousands of years ago, and is from his personal treasury from back when Electrum was the primary currency of the land. he finished with a nod, hoping that might belay some issues. In his words a faint hint for the clever.
Nivi choosing the Throne. It was as heavy as a thick wooden chair would be, but not unwieldly enough not to carry. Perhaps it could be strapped to someone's backpack by rope? or other arrangements could be made. Eh? he asked when Nivi asked her question. Ah its some far off mythical land where beastmen rule. Doesn't actually exist. Just something we use to make sure that no one can figure it out. It's a vistani legend. And we don't generally tell it to outsiders. So don't worry about it too much. he says waiving his hand nonchalantly. Sorry if you were hoping for more. He says, shrugging.
Oh and the cloudly potions .. eh... I wouldn't suggest takin em. They.. uh.. they don't work.
Beren can't help but wonder why Jack would select the rug of all things, but at least his personality seems to have shifted back to a lighter one--if not completely back to his old one. He stays silent, waiting for Nivi to make her choice and watching with disapproval as she shows interest for the thrown (unless Tybard chooses to retcon this!). Why choose such a useless object?
His mask tilts slightly towards Olamoira as she mentions the festival, and he nearly grimaces at the thought of including the thrown and the rug at whatever showing he has him do. The light behind the mask flickers and he shakes his head.
Turning his attention back to the Vistani his demeanor shifts even further towards disappointment at the mention of the potions 'not working'. "Why bother keeping them then?" he asks gruffly, reassessing his options. He still doesn't like the idea of carrying the electrum, but in the grand scheme of things he realizes that they will eventually need money anyways--all of which will be minted with the same visage. Perhaps he had been too hasty in declining Luvash's reward the day prior.
He sighs, then glances at Olamoira, considering trying to encourage her to choose something. Then he looks back at the remaining treasures and eyes the box with the potion and...cheap jewelry. The potion could be useful, but how much would it be worth here should they need to sell it? And what of the jewelry. If he could sell it, then he would simply be trading it for more gold marked with Strahd's face, and it might not even compare in worth to the amount gold and electrum they were offered.
Reaching into the iron chest, he picks up one of the gold coins and looks at it as if ensuring it really doesn't have Strahd's visage on it. Then he picks up the potion of poison and looks to the Vistani, "I have no use for the jewelry or this box, but this," he holds up the potion of poison, "could potentially be useful. If I take this, how much of the gold would you be willing to give to both me and Olamoira?" He nods her direction, knowing that she doesn't want anything but hoping that he can collect her reward for her. If he can, he'll ask her to take it later, knowing that she doesn't have any money right now.
Jack softly grinned in response to Nivi's words, and gently began petting the rug as if it were some lovely beast. But following the admission and Beren's subsequent questioning, he quickly stopped all that to regard the Vistani.
"I will confess to being curious as well. Not to doubt your intentions or that of your people, especially after freely coming clean. But with an imagination as boundless mines regardless of what 'season' I am in, I cannot help but be most intrigued by the answer." Jack admits in the wake of Beren's question, absentmindedly shifting his bundled just enough to ease the burden, if only a little and for a brief few moments. Honestly, were it not for wanting to keep the secret of his transformative abilities for a little while longer, he might've done so then and there after bidding someone load him up. But as things stood at present, he instead standing patiently and looking with rapt attention in anticipation of an answer.
Then afterwards, if a moment presents itself, he'd look to Nivi and asks, "By the way, am I take it that you took the throne because of those same stories of your sister? Not that I doubt her claims given my previous place of... long ago employ. But color my curious and a bit concerned for your safety."
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Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Nivi grins at Olamoira in genuine appreciation of her light-hearted remark about helping carry the throne. "You offering, Prophet? Here you go."
She moves as if to hand the drow the large chair and walk away, taking undue advantage of the offer to assist, but then smiles respectfully, making it clear she is doing no such thing. In fact, sensing Beren's apparent disapproval regarding her choice of treasure, Nivi reconsiders. The throne was far bigger and heavier than she had thought at first. And she has no particular plans to sit on it. She shakes her head at Jack's question.
"Nah, never cared for sister's tall tales, and she's never needed a throne to act the queen. Chair's a favor to Urwin, I'm thinking. Little something for his Inn. Stay on his good side. That one's got friends up above, yeah? Not the kind Prophet would pray to. The ones with black wings and sharp eyes, more like." (Shiv perks up at this, seeming almost to nod solemnly from Nivi's shoulder). "But we're taking care of his little supply problem already, so..."
Nivi shrugs, realizing that the throne would also make Beren look quite impressive during the Festival of the Sun, but that the glowing paladin would likely never agree to sit on it in that capacity. She returns the chair to the pile of Vistani treasure, taking her share of familiar Toril gold in its stead.
"Back to town, aye? Wouldn't want to miss the Festival." Nivi's enthusiasm is clearly feigned and she gives Beren a rare, sincere look of empathy.
To Beren and Jacks question, the Vistani man chuckles awkwardly, putting his hand behind his head and rufflign his own scalp like a child caught in a lie. Well, I'm sure he won't mind me telling you. And if he does I'll say you forced me... Its not that the potions don't work, it's that they don't work because they're not real. Look... he says gruffly, giving everyone there a serious expression. I don't know if you know or not but the Vistani are the only ones who can leave Barovia without Strahd's permission. All vistani work for Strahd in some way but i'm sure you all have experienced people in your own lines of work that despite doign the same job don't agree on the best way to do so. So some are his true servants, others work for him in more enigmatic ways, and some want to help Strahd without being a servant. I can't really explain it well.
But you outsiders come here fairly often. And all of you die.. eventually. Some are weak and die minutes after coming here, whether due to bad luck or being weak. Others make it near Strahd only for him to show them why he rules this land. He's far stronger than you think. But almost all of you outsiders want out eventually. So why not make a little profit before you die anyway? You can't get through the fog but some of you are stubborn and believe there must be some way. So we sell these potions, telling you they will allow you safe passage just like us. And its easy enough to fool you... we take a sip, and we walk through the fog, and come back none the worse for wear. he clears his throat as he lets the flap of the cart fall down.
Afterall, you're going to die anyway. You don't have the vistani's protection, or Strahds blessings. And its easier to get your gold that way than to find you at the bottom of a riverbed after the werewolves tear you apart, or after Strahds fire melts your gold.... Just business. Plus odds are pretty low that the vistani that sells the potion will ever see that outsider again so... he shrugs, nonchalantly.
I know how it sounds, but there has never been an outsider who's come to this realm that has ever left. Living or dead.
Beren then asking to choose one for Moira the Vistani shakes his head. I don't care if you choose for her, but I can only let you all take one thing. So if you take the poison, that's your share. If you want to choose for her, i believe since no one else took any... you can take the entire five hundred for her. He only wanted it partitioned so that no one felt like they got cheated but as no one else wants it... and that would count as her choice.
After whatever discussions occur there, and however the handling of 'carrying' goes with the throne and Rug (the rug easily tied to a backpack) and after a half hour they were back in town. The soulless were still mostly in the same places they had been before, though some were eating food or drinking ale or water - it seems the souless weren't mindless husks but they lacked in enthusiasm, or life in the way someone who had given up on life might. Again there may be more to the soulless but such questions were for later. Music was audible from the center of town, and initially, there were no decorations. This festival was rushed after all. However, as the party neared it they began to see streamers in the color of dull yellow, hanging from cheap ropes or torn, tied together clothing, or other makeshift decorations. The streamers were obviously meant to look like a 'drawn' suns flames.
Luvash was at the center of a round stage that was medium in size, large enough for himself and a few others, with a simple staircase leading up to it. There were a few soulless in the area, though whether they came to participate or happened to just be here was anyone's guess, but they were partaking of the food and drink, even if some of them, including the more colorful citizens, giving Luvash dirty looks, and whispering. Pointless... waste of time but at-least there's food... he thinks this will make any difference? and other similar sentiment whispered among even some of the colorfully clothed individuals (who are not vistani) while others, exclusively those wearing bright robes and sashes seemed to be getting into the festival, dancing or singing soft songs, holding paper mache suns, and other similar trinkets. A bard singing a festive song in the center about how the long gone sun will return some day, and that that day was not so far away.
Luvash, Spotting Beren perks up, even as the smell of oil fried fish permeates the air.
(OOC: I considered having luvash start things but I didnt want to take away too much of your character volition, so respond to whatever you wish, discuss amongst yourselves IC, etc however you wish. And I'll have Luvash 'spot the avatar' in my next post!)
(OOC: Oh, I thought the box with the poison and the jewelry was one item lol. Otherwise Beren wouldn't have asked.)
Beren listens in silence as the Vistani explains why he has potions that don't work. The light behind the mask gradually increases as his irritation grows, but his posture doesn't give away his emotions. So these Vistani are taking advantage of the fact that 'outsiders' don't last long? Granted, it makes sense, but the Vistani seem to live fine lives for being bound to this accursed land. He might not agree with them, but he can't fault them either. Still, telling them that they were all doomed to die was a little much.
After a while he says, "I'll wager many before me have said this, but I have no intention of dying here. I reject whatever path fate has placed before me. Yet if it is unavoidable, I will deal as much damage to that accursed vampire as I can and go down fighting. If my soul cannot find escape, then I will continue fighting even after death. I refuse to let such evil hold me here."
He tucks the poison away, growing tiered of trying to decide on a reward. Then he takes the gold that would be Olamoira's reward (splitting it since Nivi had decided to take gold rather than the throne) and nods to Nivi, "Indeed. Let's get this over with." He doesn't really give an outwards reaction to her empathy, but he does wonder why she would feel that way.
Pausing for a moment as if realizing he forgot something, he turns to the Vistani and says, "Thank you for the information, and the rewards."Then without waiting for a response he leads the way back to town. As much as he wants to simply turn and walk the other direction, he forces himself to make haste into town. However, he allows himself to slow down, not really wanting to show up exactly as the festival starts. Really, he'd rather show up right as it is ending in hopes that he can leave faster.
As they near the makeshift streamers Beren finds himself growing more and more irritated with the entire situation. The Vistani who gave them their rewards was so sure that they would all die. As much as Beren would like to object, he can't simply push aside whomever came before them and say he'll be the one to survive and find a way out. So, if it really is their destiny to die horrible deaths in this land, then wasn't it cruel for Luvash to use him as some sort of symbol of hope? As much as Beren wants to believe that he can be something more than false hope...even though he'd rather not be a symbol at all, he can't help but wonder what will happen after this if he dies. Will the people of this village stop believing whatever rumors are set about by their Burgomaster? Or will they continue to grasp for whatever shreds of hope they can find?
(Just to be clear, I believe I've stated but COULD be wrong, so i mat be meta giving unlearned info away.. lol but the vistani can actually leave when they want, only barovians cannot leave)
Jack for the most part appeared unsurprised by the Vistani's ultimate answer. While not exactly the most goodly approach to life, and under most circumstances would've warranted a stern talking to at bare minimum, his thoughts drifted back to the vision from the morning. At which point the cannot help but look to away grim faced from the others... for a moment. But after hearing Beren's peiece, he'd look again again with with a crooked grin as he side-eyed the man.
"... Guess I better make the most of it this time." He mutters, take a deep breathe, and then look to the Vistani with an almost bright smile as he clapped his hands together once. "Well that was all very enlightening, to say the least. Many thanks our informative friend, and a friend I shall call you regardless of your standing with lord of these lands! I... I don't think I quite caught your name, and would love to hear it once. And you may in turn call me Jack. A meaningless name to you for now, mmmn~... perhaps! But, should we meet our end, the name will be tied to a good story, if nothing else I hope! Though then again-..." He gestures offhandedly to the rest of the group. "-the others are bound to take center stage in any retelling, so I would fault not anyone for misremembering this one."
On that note and with others appearing more ready to go, he lingers for a bit to see if the Vistani might give a name, before with a flamboyant bow, turn afterwards to deparat with the party with his rug being secured over his backpack before long.
As the party later grew near their next destination on the appointed hour(or as close to the time as was expected of them), Jack took in the change to both the town and citizens in stride or as much as he could. Although the more soulless ones he saw, the more his heart ached a little. If he had but the time, a small bakery, and a kitchen to make use of, he might've rushed off to try his hand at trying to recreate some feywild delicacies guaranteed to put pep in one's step! Alas, the knowledge of lacking in all three, not that he was a skilled chef anyhow, but it pained him to the point of rubbing at his chest and making a small show of sighing dramatically at the thought.
"... You know what my friends? I've decided. If an opportunity presents itself to do so in secret, then I shall become a most magnificent and golden furred Clydsdale for Beren to ride in on for the celebrations." He declared just loud enough for the party to hear. But while more than willing to hear out counter arguments or comments to his claims, his own follow up would be inevitably delayed as the party enters the square and spy Luvash. "Ah, there he is! Perfect." He gives a gentle wave to Luvash, and picks up the pace, eager to hear as much as he was to greet the man with a proper "Good Day", and a more a subdued but still present smile.
Nivi listens, head tilted, as the Vistani man goes on at length about all working for Strahd in different ways and how all outlanders die so might as well take their gold, the fake potions, everything... Scam with the potions doesn't bother me. Seen it once, seen it a million. But... can't say I've heard the reasoning for a scam laid out and copped to in detail like that. How and why they fool outlanders. Why the big reveal and coming clean to us, I wonder?
As she replaces the throne and takes her share of the Toril gold, she listens for the man's name, in case he answers Jack's question to that effect.
"Outlanders all die, yeah? That's all right. My line of work's got no knack for longevity anyways. Crews I've run in, there's a few old... 'agents'. And loads of bold agents, like me. Not a lot of old, bold agents, though. I know the score. Dying soon anyway, me. Got to make the days count."
As the party departs the Vistani camp and she gives Beren a look of empathy, her gaze lingers. Stoic as always. Can't blame a man for not liking being used. Least my family never did that to me, for all their fake overtures of virtue. Their virtue was real enough, I suppose, but the show wasn't. Like Lu-lu's fake festival here. That's one thing you got to hand to the Prophet. Nothing fake about her zealotry. Believes what she says.
Arriving near the festival location, Nivi's crowd sense (passive Insight15) immediately picks up on the division. Between those who hold the Festival of the Sun in reverence and enthusiasm, and those who hold it in cynical disdain, as she does (well, at least the cynical part, if not the disdain).
Nivi sees Luvash and shoots him a wink and grin, then glances at the singing bard, trying to discern anything noteworthy about singer (passive Perception17). She pushes back her natural distaste for bards, well earned from dealing with her own sister, and tries to observe this one's demeanor.
To the others, she drawls quietly, "hope old Lu-lu knows what he's doing here. Town is split, no mistake. Even without the soulless."
She pauses a moment before continuing in a low, somber voice. "Should visit the church when this is over." It sounds strange, coming from Nivi. "Enemy of my enemy is my friend and all that. Strahd's fog kept trying to get in, but no dice. Invisible bouncer at the door."
Olamoira acquiesces to Beren wishing to take her share. All that I have is at his service, even if I would refuse it for myself. And she only smiles a little when Nivi decides not to take the throne. Doubtless we will find a better accompaniment for the Avatar of the Sun, hope of the realm.
As the Vastani regales the group with the fate of death for outsiders, she gazes at him, unmoved. Even a little surprised, herself, that she doesn't believe a word of it. "You are in such thrall of Strahd's power," she says, when he finishes, "I would not expect you to believe any differently. But we represent a power that will outlast Strahd, and it is that power that will decide our fate, not him."
Following her companions back to town with their gold and carpet in tow, Ola finds herself studying the soulless more closely. Of course it was ridiculous to claim that living beings had no souls. It was ontologically impossible, because it is only the soul that animates the dead matter of the body. They are inseparable apart from death. That is why it is such a crime to kill the innocent... to forcibly separate soul and body is to take into your own mortal hand the domain and jurisdiction of the gods. But... souls can be sold. Once separated from the body, a soul has to choose its own eternal path. Doubtless this is another trick of Strahd's, another means by which he exerts his power over those in his realm. But it is just that---a trick. He can suppress them, but they are not dead... not yet.
The party begins to approach the center stage, and Luvash sees them. Olamoira steps closer to Jack and lays a hand on his arm. "I think that is an excellent idea, if you would," she says, in response to his decision to become a golden Clydesdale. "Pageantry and ritual command the mind and senses, and while many may use them to foster illusion, they can be used just as well in the service of truth and hope." She removes her hand from his arm and smiles, now including Beren and Nivi in her gaze as well. "I hope none of you are too concerned about the Vistani's glum predictions. Strahd tells only lies here, even to his servants. Our hope is not false, and our Avatar, as they have named him..." she bows her head slightly to Beren, "...has a mission in this realm. Strahd's sway will not last forever, and Beren will be his undoing."
She looks at Nivi curiously when she suggests visiting the church. "I think that is wise," she says. "Perhaps the church is blessed by the same power that protects our mission here." She looks at Nivi's clothes. "I could wish you were dressed a little better for a play... how shall we stand as acolytes of the Avatar? But the Sun does shine on all, the good and evil alike, does it not? So if we may complement one another a bit strongly, I do not think it will be too out of place."
(OOC: Just double checking before I add items to my inventory... Beren was able to take the 500 gold and split it evenly between himself and Nivi right? So 250 for each of them? He fully intends to convince Olamoira to take at least part of it since it's technically hers and he wants to make sure she has enough money to fend for herself.)
"No," Beren growls in response to the idea of a golden clydesdale. As Olamoira further pushes the whole Avatar and hope of the realm idea, Beren lets out a long breath and puts a hand to his mask, covering the eye slats as if covering his eyes. Then, letting his hand drop he turns his gaze to Jack and Olamoira and says firmly, "I agreed to make an appearance, not put on a show."
He turns to Nivi, "It seems all three of you wish to visit the Church, so I am not opposed to doing so once this... nonsense is all over."
Noticing Luvash, Beren sets his jaw and the light flickers just slightly as he waits for whatever the Burgomaster asks of him.
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Beren follows Nivi in silence, sparing but a glance towards the souless and completely ignoring the church. When Jack suggests they visit the church later, the light behind the mask flickers for a moment as if he would object, but then he simply says, "If that is what you wish to do." At this he glances towards the building and at the graves, taking note of the mist but not lingering on it.
As they approach the camp, he briefly wonders where the dusk elves went, but then pushes the thought aside. Perhaps they went out hunting--wouldn't explain all of them missing but... well if they aren't allowed inside the village then where do they get their food? He then notices the Vistani, and then turns to Nivi when she addresses him. He lets out a breath, clearly not thrilled with talking to this man in spite of potentially gaining whatever this treasure is supposed to be, and then nods before heading towards the fellow.
Approaching the Vistani, Beren says, "Greetings. I am here for the Treasure of Ant Urgan." And he leaves it at that.
The Vistani man standing by the wagon seems to be looking around as the group approaches. He's clearly taken note of you all, easily enough from his hilltop but he clearly didn't register you as threats as his gaze only lingered in the semi-sunless sky for long enough to take note of your groups presence. It seems word enough had spread through town that Beren was no longer a lighthouse level curiosity and a group of non-dusk elves aside from Moira (from *most* of the towns view as it seemed the existence of 'drow' wasn't a known thing here)
The wind howls solemnly through the tree's, and the ever present clouds and fog roil as if in reaction to it but this had been going on all morning. The day itself seemed depressed yet faintly excited? Beren approaches and greets the man, and he gives Beren a stern look for a few moments before lightening up. Ah you're the ones I was expecting? I should have guessed. his tone didn't indicate annoyance as he patted his fist into his palm but rather had an 'ah, of course it'd be you.' vibe - utterly neutral, despite his otherwise cheery demeanor that all Vistani seemed to have.
He soon pulled open the back of the wagon. As he does this it seems there are other vistani wagons nearby but they are likely at the festival or elsewhere.. forcing this lone vistani to stay away from the festivities. He pulls out two keys, and begins fiddling with a rather large chest. Luvash told me you may each take a single item of your choice from the Vistani's treasures. After that, Luvash told me to tell you to hurry back to the festival. Beren will be needed soon. At the latest.. high noon. Since you're outsiders you probably can't tell the time but that gives you at most another two hours of leeway.
He said the fish he promised would be at the festival. If you choose money, I was told to limit it to at most a hundred fifty of the coins with Strahds mark each. Or a maximum of five hundred of the gold total.
Looking inside the chest, you all see;
The wagon contains the following items:
Some of these items seem valuable enough on their own even to an untrained eye.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Beren at first gives no reaction to the Vistani's words, but briefly clenches his fists slightly when hearing that he will 'be needed'. He'd agreed to this stupid showing already so it would be dishonorable to back out now... as if honor really means much. Pushing all thoughts of the festival aside for now, he focuses on the 'treasure'. Fortunately, his mask hides his disappointment, giving only a brief flicker when he realizes that most of these objects will be useless aside from their worth in gold--and the gold all has the accursed vampire's face on it. Sure, that's what the currency would look like of course, but that doesn't make him want to carry it around any more.
Sighing, he looks to the others, "Make your choices. It matters little to me what I end up with." If no one takes the box of unlabeled potions, he will take those. Perhaps he can have them identified somewhere if he can't identify them himself, and hopefully at least a few of them will be useful. Hopefully whatever the other item Luvash promised him will be more useful than anything here.
(will wait on the others)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Jack furrows bushy brows at the last couple sentences. But after glancing towards the overcast heavens, even he couldn't help but give a small, but accepting nod alongside a smirk. He'd then rubs his hands together in what could be construed as a gleeful, if not eager motion. Although in truth, the the Eladrin had simply wished to warm chilled hands, as what wind danced below the boughs had been enough even to get to him!
But be that as it may, and to the surprise of some, when it came time to make a selection, the Eladrin doesn't ask for a share of the coin to be done with things. Rather, he'd look over the various chest, potions, and so on, only to have his gaze lingering on the carpet with the unicorn motif. "I don't know when, I don't know why, and I doubt I'll be able to carry it for all that long. But~ I think... yes, I do think sometimes, ha ha, funny -- But I do think I'll take the rug!" Jack then proceeds to try and throw the thing onto a shoulder, if it should already be rolled up. And if not, h'ed drag it out uttering apologies for anything shifted out of the place in the process, and not seeming to mind if it got a little dirty in the process, proceed to then roll it up before doing the shoulder carry thing.
No matter the order of operations, if left to carry all too likely hefty acquisition, he'd do so without complaint, but legs that shook beneath the weight from time to time.
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
To her own astonishment, Nivi shares Beren's apparent aversion to taking coin marked with Strahd's visage on it. Gold is gold but... that bastard doesn't own me. I'll not carry his coin like some simpering lackey as I wander about his cursed, fog-shrouded land.
She smirks at the Vistani man's implication that Lu-Lu is going to make good on his promise of fish as well, which Nivi had almost forgotten about, having received her asked-for smile already from the burgomaster. She nods thoughtfully as Jack chooses the carpet.
"My bard of a sister sang verse after verse one time about some princely hero who would fly around on his magic carpet. Got a little huffy when I laughed in her face and even my brother chuckled. Lord parents weren't laughing, though. Acted like it was real. Might be on to something, Shorty."
Sensing that Beren might lean towards the box of twelve potions (passive Insight 15) and guessing Olamoira would likely shun worldly gifts, Nivi considers her other options. She figures that this land does not have much superior or magical gear on sale, so even the unmarked gold might do little good. She inspects the potion of poison to check whether it might be a contact toxin she could apply onto her blades, but finding it instead to be an imbibed venom, gives it a pass. So by process of elimination, she chooses the wooden throne with gold inlay and decorative stones, hoping wryly that it is not cursed.
"So who or what is Aht Urgan anyway? Thought we should know if we're carrying his gear around like we just pulled off a solid second-story job."
(Nivi won't insist on the answer and is fine returning to the town for the festival if time is short. She is just curious.)
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
Olamoira quietly follows the others on the trek to the dusk elf camp, making little comment. Though her demeanor is little changed and she still sticks close to Beren, she seems to be making an effort to walk at his side instead of trailing behind him.
As Beren greets the Vistani man and he unveils his wagon of treasures with a generous gesture, Ola makes no move to take any treasures or money, eschewing, as Nivi suspected, worldly gifts. But she does smile at her companions' choices. "This must be why Luvash wanted us to come here first, before the festival," she says. "I am sure he wanted the Avatar of the Sun to make his appearance with the aid of such princely accouterment." Still with a light-hearted smirk, she looks at Nivi. "I'll help you carry that back, if you like."
(I will also give Nivi her perception for the church, i forgot when typing up! sorry)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
The Vistani man smiles as he holds the curtain aside and you all choose your items. He does seem a little hurt though when Beren or anyone else seems to express disappointment. Jack ultimately choosing the rug with the unicorns horn. It was hefty but not overly so. And it had been neatly bundled with silk rope holding it in a neat cylinder. The horn itself was the real deal, it felt like it weighed nothing and yet felt harder than diamond.
The vistani seems to note the groups hesitation on the coin and says The Gold doesn't possess the mark of Strahd. It is from Toril. Only these coins possess his visage. he says pointing at the EP It was minted thousands of years ago, and is from his personal treasury from back when Electrum was the primary currency of the land. he finished with a nod, hoping that might belay some issues. In his words a faint hint for the clever.
Nivi choosing the Throne. It was as heavy as a thick wooden chair would be, but not unwieldly enough not to carry. Perhaps it could be strapped to someone's backpack by rope? or other arrangements could be made. Eh? he asked when Nivi asked her question. Ah its some far off mythical land where beastmen rule. Doesn't actually exist. Just something we use to make sure that no one can figure it out. It's a vistani legend. And we don't generally tell it to outsiders. So don't worry about it too much. he says waiving his hand nonchalantly. Sorry if you were hoping for more. He says, shrugging.
Oh and the cloudly potions .. eh... I wouldn't suggest takin em. They.. uh.. they don't work.
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Beren can't help but wonder why Jack would select the rug of all things, but at least his personality seems to have shifted back to a lighter one--if not completely back to his old one. He stays silent, waiting for Nivi to make her choice and watching with disapproval as she shows interest for the thrown (unless Tybard chooses to retcon this!). Why choose such a useless object?
His mask tilts slightly towards Olamoira as she mentions the festival, and he nearly grimaces at the thought of including the thrown and the rug at whatever showing he has him do. The light behind the mask flickers and he shakes his head.
Turning his attention back to the Vistani his demeanor shifts even further towards disappointment at the mention of the potions 'not working'. "Why bother keeping them then?" he asks gruffly, reassessing his options. He still doesn't like the idea of carrying the electrum, but in the grand scheme of things he realizes that they will eventually need money anyways--all of which will be minted with the same visage. Perhaps he had been too hasty in declining Luvash's reward the day prior.
He sighs, then glances at Olamoira, considering trying to encourage her to choose something. Then he looks back at the remaining treasures and eyes the box with the potion and...cheap jewelry. The potion could be useful, but how much would it be worth here should they need to sell it? And what of the jewelry. If he could sell it, then he would simply be trading it for more gold marked with Strahd's face, and it might not even compare in worth to the amount gold and electrum they were offered.
Reaching into the iron chest, he picks up one of the gold coins and looks at it as if ensuring it really doesn't have Strahd's visage on it. Then he picks up the potion of poison and looks to the Vistani, "I have no use for the jewelry or this box, but this," he holds up the potion of poison, "could potentially be useful. If I take this, how much of the gold would you be willing to give to both me and Olamoira?" He nods her direction, knowing that she doesn't want anything but hoping that he can collect her reward for her. If he can, he'll ask her to take it later, knowing that she doesn't have any money right now.
Jack softly grinned in response to Nivi's words, and gently began petting the rug as if it were some lovely beast. But following the admission and Beren's subsequent questioning, he quickly stopped all that to regard the Vistani.
"I will confess to being curious as well. Not to doubt your intentions or that of your people, especially after freely coming clean. But with an imagination as boundless mines regardless of what 'season' I am in, I cannot help but be most intrigued by the answer." Jack admits in the wake of Beren's question, absentmindedly shifting his bundled just enough to ease the burden, if only a little and for a brief few moments. Honestly, were it not for wanting to keep the secret of his transformative abilities for a little while longer, he might've done so then and there after bidding someone load him up. But as things stood at present, he instead standing patiently and looking with rapt attention in anticipation of an answer.
Then afterwards, if a moment presents itself, he'd look to Nivi and asks, "By the way, am I take it that you took the throne because of those same stories of your sister? Not that I doubt her claims given my previous place of... long ago employ. But color my curious and a bit concerned for your safety."
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Nivi grins at Olamoira in genuine appreciation of her light-hearted remark about helping carry the throne. "You offering, Prophet? Here you go."
She moves as if to hand the drow the large chair and walk away, taking undue advantage of the offer to assist, but then smiles respectfully, making it clear she is doing no such thing. In fact, sensing Beren's apparent disapproval regarding her choice of treasure, Nivi reconsiders. The throne was far bigger and heavier than she had thought at first. And she has no particular plans to sit on it. She shakes her head at Jack's question.
"Nah, never cared for sister's tall tales, and she's never needed a throne to act the queen. Chair's a favor to Urwin, I'm thinking. Little something for his Inn. Stay on his good side. That one's got friends up above, yeah? Not the kind Prophet would pray to. The ones with black wings and sharp eyes, more like." (Shiv perks up at this, seeming almost to nod solemnly from Nivi's shoulder). "But we're taking care of his little supply problem already, so..."
Nivi shrugs, realizing that the throne would also make Beren look quite impressive during the Festival of the Sun, but that the glowing paladin would likely never agree to sit on it in that capacity. She returns the chair to the pile of Vistani treasure, taking her share of familiar Toril gold in its stead.
"Back to town, aye? Wouldn't want to miss the Festival." Nivi's enthusiasm is clearly feigned and she gives Beren a rare, sincere look of empathy.
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
To Beren and Jacks question, the Vistani man chuckles awkwardly, putting his hand behind his head and rufflign his own scalp like a child caught in a lie. Well, I'm sure he won't mind me telling you. And if he does I'll say you forced me... Its not that the potions don't work, it's that they don't work because they're not real. Look... he says gruffly, giving everyone there a serious expression. I don't know if you know or not but the Vistani are the only ones who can leave Barovia without Strahd's permission. All vistani work for Strahd in some way but i'm sure you all have experienced people in your own lines of work that despite doign the same job don't agree on the best way to do so. So some are his true servants, others work for him in more enigmatic ways, and some want to help Strahd without being a servant. I can't really explain it well.
But you outsiders come here fairly often. And all of you die.. eventually. Some are weak and die minutes after coming here, whether due to bad luck or being weak. Others make it near Strahd only for him to show them why he rules this land. He's far stronger than you think. But almost all of you outsiders want out eventually. So why not make a little profit before you die anyway? You can't get through the fog but some of you are stubborn and believe there must be some way. So we sell these potions, telling you they will allow you safe passage just like us. And its easy enough to fool you... we take a sip, and we walk through the fog, and come back none the worse for wear. he clears his throat as he lets the flap of the cart fall down.
Afterall, you're going to die anyway. You don't have the vistani's protection, or Strahds blessings. And its easier to get your gold that way than to find you at the bottom of a riverbed after the werewolves tear you apart, or after Strahds fire melts your gold.... Just business. Plus odds are pretty low that the vistani that sells the potion will ever see that outsider again so... he shrugs, nonchalantly.
I know how it sounds, but there has never been an outsider who's come to this realm that has ever left. Living or dead.
Beren then asking to choose one for Moira the Vistani shakes his head. I don't care if you choose for her, but I can only let you all take one thing. So if you take the poison, that's your share. If you want to choose for her, i believe since no one else took any... you can take the entire five hundred for her. He only wanted it partitioned so that no one felt like they got cheated but as no one else wants it... and that would count as her choice.
After whatever discussions occur there, and however the handling of 'carrying' goes with the throne and Rug (the rug easily tied to a backpack) and after a half hour they were back in town. The soulless were still mostly in the same places they had been before, though some were eating food or drinking ale or water - it seems the souless weren't mindless husks but they lacked in enthusiasm, or life in the way someone who had given up on life might. Again there may be more to the soulless but such questions were for later. Music was audible from the center of town, and initially, there were no decorations. This festival was rushed after all. However, as the party neared it they began to see streamers in the color of dull yellow, hanging from cheap ropes or torn, tied together clothing, or other makeshift decorations. The streamers were obviously meant to look like a 'drawn' suns flames.
Luvash was at the center of a round stage that was medium in size, large enough for himself and a few others, with a simple staircase leading up to it. There were a few soulless in the area, though whether they came to participate or happened to just be here was anyone's guess, but they were partaking of the food and drink, even if some of them, including the more colorful citizens, giving Luvash dirty looks, and whispering. Pointless... waste of time but at-least there's food... he thinks this will make any difference? and other similar sentiment whispered among even some of the colorfully clothed individuals (who are not vistani) while others, exclusively those wearing bright robes and sashes seemed to be getting into the festival, dancing or singing soft songs, holding paper mache suns, and other similar trinkets. A bard singing a festive song in the center about how the long gone sun will return some day, and that that day was not so far away.
Luvash, Spotting Beren perks up, even as the smell of oil fried fish permeates the air.
(OOC: I considered having luvash start things but I didnt want to take away too much of your character volition, so respond to whatever you wish, discuss amongst yourselves IC, etc however you wish. And I'll have Luvash 'spot the avatar' in my next post!)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
(OOC: Oh, I thought the box with the poison and the jewelry was one item lol. Otherwise Beren wouldn't have asked.)
Beren listens in silence as the Vistani explains why he has potions that don't work. The light behind the mask gradually increases as his irritation grows, but his posture doesn't give away his emotions. So these Vistani are taking advantage of the fact that 'outsiders' don't last long? Granted, it makes sense, but the Vistani seem to live fine lives for being bound to this accursed land. He might not agree with them, but he can't fault them either. Still, telling them that they were all doomed to die was a little much.
After a while he says, "I'll wager many before me have said this, but I have no intention of dying here. I reject whatever path fate has placed before me. Yet if it is unavoidable, I will deal as much damage to that accursed vampire as I can and go down fighting. If my soul cannot find escape, then I will continue fighting even after death. I refuse to let such evil hold me here."
He tucks the poison away, growing tiered of trying to decide on a reward. Then he takes the gold that would be Olamoira's reward (splitting it since Nivi had decided to take gold rather than the throne) and nods to Nivi, "Indeed. Let's get this over with." He doesn't really give an outwards reaction to her empathy, but he does wonder why she would feel that way.
Pausing for a moment as if realizing he forgot something, he turns to the Vistani and says, "Thank you for the information, and the rewards." Then without waiting for a response he leads the way back to town. As much as he wants to simply turn and walk the other direction, he forces himself to make haste into town. However, he allows himself to slow down, not really wanting to show up exactly as the festival starts. Really, he'd rather show up right as it is ending in hopes that he can leave faster.
As they near the makeshift streamers Beren finds himself growing more and more irritated with the entire situation. The Vistani who gave them their rewards was so sure that they would all die. As much as Beren would like to object, he can't simply push aside whomever came before them and say he'll be the one to survive and find a way out. So, if it really is their destiny to die horrible deaths in this land, then wasn't it cruel for Luvash to use him as some sort of symbol of hope? As much as Beren wants to believe that he can be something more than false hope...even though he'd rather not be a symbol at all, he can't help but wonder what will happen after this if he dies. Will the people of this village stop believing whatever rumors are set about by their Burgomaster? Or will they continue to grasp for whatever shreds of hope they can find?
(Just to be clear, I believe I've stated but COULD be wrong, so i mat be meta giving unlearned info away.. lol but the vistani can actually leave when they want, only barovians cannot leave)
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Jack for the most part appeared unsurprised by the Vistani's ultimate answer. While not exactly the most goodly approach to life, and under most circumstances would've warranted a stern talking to at bare minimum, his thoughts drifted back to the vision from the morning. At which point the cannot help but look to away grim faced from the others... for a moment. But after hearing Beren's peiece, he'd look again again with with a crooked grin as he side-eyed the man.
"... Guess I better make the most of it this time." He mutters, take a deep breathe, and then look to the Vistani with an almost bright smile as he clapped his hands together once. "Well that was all very enlightening, to say the least. Many thanks our informative friend, and a friend I shall call you regardless of your standing with lord of these lands! I... I don't think I quite caught your name, and would love to hear it once. And you may in turn call me Jack. A meaningless name to you for now, mmmn~... perhaps! But, should we meet our end, the name will be tied to a good story, if nothing else I hope! Though then again-..." He gestures offhandedly to the rest of the group. "-the others are bound to take center stage in any retelling, so I would fault not anyone for misremembering this one."
On that note and with others appearing more ready to go, he lingers for a bit to see if the Vistani might give a name, before with a flamboyant bow, turn afterwards to deparat with the party with his rug being secured over his backpack before long.
As the party later grew near their next destination on the appointed hour(or as close to the time as was expected of them), Jack took in the change to both the town and citizens in stride or as much as he could. Although the more soulless ones he saw, the more his heart ached a little. If he had but the time, a small bakery, and a kitchen to make use of, he might've rushed off to try his hand at trying to recreate some feywild delicacies guaranteed to put pep in one's step! Alas, the knowledge of lacking in all three, not that he was a skilled chef anyhow, but it pained him to the point of rubbing at his chest and making a small show of sighing dramatically at the thought.
"... You know what my friends? I've decided. If an opportunity presents itself to do so in secret, then I shall become a most magnificent and golden furred Clydsdale for Beren to ride in on for the celebrations." He declared just loud enough for the party to hear. But while more than willing to hear out counter arguments or comments to his claims, his own follow up would be inevitably delayed as the party enters the square and spy Luvash. "Ah, there he is! Perfect." He gives a gentle wave to Luvash, and picks up the pace, eager to hear as much as he was to greet the man with a proper "Good Day", and a more a subdued but still present smile.
Goyo - [Tortle]Druid/Warlock - Circle of Sea/Celestial (Libretalia)
Vogan - [Goliath-Hill]Bard - ???(A Dungeon-Delving Campaign Group C)
Jack Vicvan - [Eladrin]Warlock - Archfey
Nivi listens, head tilted, as the Vistani man goes on at length about all working for Strahd in different ways and how all outlanders die so might as well take their gold, the fake potions, everything... Scam with the potions doesn't bother me. Seen it once, seen it a million. But... can't say I've heard the reasoning for a scam laid out and copped to in detail like that. How and why they fool outlanders. Why the big reveal and coming clean to us, I wonder?
As she replaces the throne and takes her share of the Toril gold, she listens for the man's name, in case he answers Jack's question to that effect.
"Outlanders all die, yeah? That's all right. My line of work's got no knack for longevity anyways. Crews I've run in, there's a few old... 'agents'. And loads of bold agents, like me. Not a lot of old, bold agents, though. I know the score. Dying soon anyway, me. Got to make the days count."
As the party departs the Vistani camp and she gives Beren a look of empathy, her gaze lingers. Stoic as always. Can't blame a man for not liking being used. Least my family never did that to me, for all their fake overtures of virtue. Their virtue was real enough, I suppose, but the show wasn't. Like Lu-lu's fake festival here. That's one thing you got to hand to the Prophet. Nothing fake about her zealotry. Believes what she says.
Arriving near the festival location, Nivi's crowd sense (passive Insight 15) immediately picks up on the division. Between those who hold the Festival of the Sun in reverence and enthusiasm, and those who hold it in cynical disdain, as she does (well, at least the cynical part, if not the disdain).
Nivi sees Luvash and shoots him a wink and grin, then glances at the singing bard, trying to discern anything noteworthy about singer (passive Perception 17). She pushes back her natural distaste for bards, well earned from dealing with her own sister, and tries to observe this one's demeanor.
To the others, she drawls quietly, "hope old Lu-lu knows what he's doing here. Town is split, no mistake. Even without the soulless."
She pauses a moment before continuing in a low, somber voice. "Should visit the church when this is over." It sounds strange, coming from Nivi. "Enemy of my enemy is my friend and all that. Strahd's fog kept trying to get in, but no dice. Invisible bouncer at the door."
Tanis(Ranger1): Shiverquill's Tempest City | Xarian(Fighter2): NioNSwiper's Tyranny of Dragons
Dyson/Eleo(TwilightCleric4): Vos' Beyond the Veil | Soren(ShepherdDruid5): Bartjeebus' Ravenloft | Ophelia(WildMagicSorcerer4): Ashen_Age's Risen from the Sands
Joren(EchoKnightFighter6): NotDrizzt's Simple Request | Sabetha(MercyMonk3): Bedlymn's Murder Court | Seri(NatureCleric3/DivineSoulSorcerer1): Bartjeebus' Greyhawk
I will give moira's player some time to respond but i will continue sometime today or tomorrow.)))))
Occassional Dungeon Master.
Olamoira acquiesces to Beren wishing to take her share. All that I have is at his service, even if I would refuse it for myself. And she only smiles a little when Nivi decides not to take the throne. Doubtless we will find a better accompaniment for the Avatar of the Sun, hope of the realm.
As the Vastani regales the group with the fate of death for outsiders, she gazes at him, unmoved. Even a little surprised, herself, that she doesn't believe a word of it. "You are in such thrall of Strahd's power," she says, when he finishes, "I would not expect you to believe any differently. But we represent a power that will outlast Strahd, and it is that power that will decide our fate, not him."
Following her companions back to town with their gold and carpet in tow, Ola finds herself studying the soulless more closely. Of course it was ridiculous to claim that living beings had no souls. It was ontologically impossible, because it is only the soul that animates the dead matter of the body. They are inseparable apart from death. That is why it is such a crime to kill the innocent... to forcibly separate soul and body is to take into your own mortal hand the domain and jurisdiction of the gods. But... souls can be sold. Once separated from the body, a soul has to choose its own eternal path. Doubtless this is another trick of Strahd's, another means by which he exerts his power over those in his realm. But it is just that---a trick. He can suppress them, but they are not dead... not yet.
The party begins to approach the center stage, and Luvash sees them. Olamoira steps closer to Jack and lays a hand on his arm. "I think that is an excellent idea, if you would," she says, in response to his decision to become a golden Clydesdale. "Pageantry and ritual command the mind and senses, and while many may use them to foster illusion, they can be used just as well in the service of truth and hope." She removes her hand from his arm and smiles, now including Beren and Nivi in her gaze as well. "I hope none of you are too concerned about the Vistani's glum predictions. Strahd tells only lies here, even to his servants. Our hope is not false, and our Avatar, as they have named him..." she bows her head slightly to Beren, "...has a mission in this realm. Strahd's sway will not last forever, and Beren will be his undoing."
She looks at Nivi curiously when she suggests visiting the church. "I think that is wise," she says. "Perhaps the church is blessed by the same power that protects our mission here." She looks at Nivi's clothes. "I could wish you were dressed a little better for a play... how shall we stand as acolytes of the Avatar? But the Sun does shine on all, the good and evil alike, does it not? So if we may complement one another a bit strongly, I do not think it will be too out of place."
(OOC: Just double checking before I add items to my inventory... Beren was able to take the 500 gold and split it evenly between himself and Nivi right? So 250 for each of them? He fully intends to convince Olamoira to take at least part of it since it's technically hers and he wants to make sure she has enough money to fend for herself.)
"No," Beren growls in response to the idea of a golden clydesdale. As Olamoira further pushes the whole Avatar and hope of the realm idea, Beren lets out a long breath and puts a hand to his mask, covering the eye slats as if covering his eyes. Then, letting his hand drop he turns his gaze to Jack and Olamoira and says firmly, "I agreed to make an appearance, not put on a show."
He turns to Nivi, "It seems all three of you wish to visit the Church, so I am not opposed to doing so once this... nonsense is all over."
Noticing Luvash, Beren sets his jaw and the light flickers just slightly as he waits for whatever the Burgomaster asks of him.