The air around Beren and Noel grows tense, though it is of their own making as Jack is singled out by the three humans. Much like the human before, for some strange reason, it seems impossible to determine if any of these people are men or women at a glance, even hard stares seem to draw no conclusions not that that matters much now. 

The humans charge into the tree's just off the road where Jack went .. more or less, though Jack thought quickly, and shrunk himself into an ant that then slid onto a tree. Perhaps it was overkill as even if this had been day, without any of the cloudcover or mist, they likely wouldn't have spotted him under these conditions. They charge past, hooting and hollering like wolves who had just found their prey and were in pursuit. They seemed not to care for any noise they were making, though whether they were always this reckless, or they thought their prey was fleeing was hard to tell.

Regardless, the sound of their 'pursuit' continues as they run deeper into the trees until eventually it faded out, leaving only the lonely, and perpetual sound of the river in its wake. You all stay like that for a while longer before deciding it's safe enough to move again (whether or not Jack remains in ant form) though it takes only moments before Beren and Jack spot what appears to be a directional signpost just on the other side of the bridge.

Beren and Jack see a weatherworn signpost next to the road, without some source of light, Noel is only able to see the shadow of the sign. The three arms of the sign point along the three branches of the road. The arm pointing north-west (The Direction you came from) reads Krezk. The arm pointing east reads Vallaki, and the road slopes up gradually in that direction. The arm pointing southwest reads The Wizard of Wines. The road slopes gently downward in that direction.

Below is a quick, snippet of what your characters have/are seeing currently. You are all JUST past the bridge currently

Beren eyes the sign, noting the names and wondering if Krezk rests beyond the wall of mist...if so, would that mean they could have passed through? Oh well, to late now, at this point they may as well continue forward. He glances at Jack, half expecting the Eladrin to simply pick a direction and start walking without considering their destination. 

Personally, he would rather head towards Vallaki. If they could reach a town they might be able to gain some information. Yet, for some reason he has a feeling that the two story tellers might decide that the Wizard of Wines sounds more interesting then a mere village. Either way, he waits on giving his thoughts. If they decide to go to the Wizard, he will follow. 

Realizing that Noel might not be able to read the signs, Beren steps closer and raises a glowing hand to shed some meager light on the words. "It appears that if we travel east we will reach a town. If southwest leads to a Wizard... perhaps we can find aid there. Perhaps not." He turns his mask to his companions, waiting to see what they decide. 

Although the temptation to prank the others by teleporting onto Beren's shoulder and reverting gnawed at Jack's sensibilities, self-preservation wins out once self-assured the wildmen were good and gone. For the moment, at the very least. A soft rustling and grunts of pain accompany the Eladrin's reverting to normal as he rejoined the group with a pained smile. "Oh, what's this now?" He said in noting the sign not long afterwards.

But while able to see it, even Jack looked thankful to Beren for the added bit of light. He also for once opts to disappoint in actually looking thoughtful over the sign, rather than choose a direction at random. "Hmm~ I do love me some wine, but I made sure to load up on plenty there. So, I suppose that just leaves Vallaki, doesn't it? And I'd wager it wouldn't be too much further away -- only a few more miles at best, I'm sure -- BUT..." He looks to Noel. "Traveling in the dark is never good even for those with the sight. So let us be onward to Vallaki for another twenty-minutes or so. And if we see no lights of the city, we rest off the road and continue on early."

Noel emerges from the foliage as the figures run off into the distance, the spell he was prepared to cast fading from his hands and the candle at his side settling down, though the flame never really had a chance to get going and Noel had been snuffing it to avoid alerting anyone to his presence. He tries his best to read the sign he can make out the shadow of as the three of them regroup, but ultimately gives up. This place is far too dark at this hour for his eyes to be of much use

Hearing Beren andJack's voices but unable to pick out their exact location through the darkness (though Beren's glow gives him a rough sense), Noel quickly responds "What did you say of wine, friend? The sign points towards wine? And a Wizard? It all certainly sounds intriguing, though I must admit, I'd much rather we not travel to far in this darkness. If we run into something like that beast that attacked us earlier, I'm not going to be of much use if I can't even see it. I certainly hope that place you speak of is close. I'm not sure how safe camping out here will be if we need to do it"

"I do not wish to camp out here is possible, but if that is something both of you would prefer, I will keep watch." He pauses, looking down the road that leads to Vallaki, "I would much rather get as close to town as possible." He looks to Noel, "If your only worry is about you inability to see in the dark, I may be able to remedy that. At least somewhat." He bends down and pulls three long stalks of grass from below the sign and twists them together to make a sort of cord. Then he ties the cord into a sort of bracelet that he thinks is about the right size for Noel. Once that is done, he casts Light on the ring, which creates a 20ft sphere of light. He offers the cord to the bard, his voice bearing little emotion as he holds it out, "It isn't much, but it is better then nothing. I have no trouble casting this spell multiple times, so if you are willing to continue for a while longer, and you find this to be enough light for you I will continue providing it. My only concern with this is that it may make us a target for oncoming dangers."

(Seems you all are going to vallaki, atleast  little farther. I will post tomorrow after work. Spentnthisnwhole weekend moving into the apartment, and then 12 hours a day either unpacking, or grabbing necessities from stores. I'm glad you were all still discussing, cause I was worried I'd been away too long)

"Hmm. Quaint. And far more luminous than what some fae I know like to produce." Jack remarks as he squinted at the ring. "But you're quite right about that, Beren. Of course some things may also avoid it as well. So, I suppose it really depends on our luck this evening." He said with a grin. "Either way, if either of you don't mind a bit of exhaustion then, then we shall keep going until we find this Vallaki, the sun rises once more, or... something sees our foray cut short! And I can't say for sure what might make for a more entertain prospect." He adds half-jokingly before turning about on a heel and once more taking point on leading the way down their chosen path. Although if Beren chooses to overtake the druid, Jack certainly doesn't complain about it! But instead uses the opportunity to walk alongside Noel in more companionable silence.

Noel takes the ring and puts it onto one of his fingers, the glow of the spell on it illuminating the space around him and finally giving him a clear view of his companions. After getting the rings situated, he says "Thank you Beren. What a marvelous little spell! This should certainly do the trick. Besides, if it makes something able to see us, at the very least I'll be able to see as well. Magic's no use if you can't even locate your target."

With that, he holds up his ring to the sign, finally getting a good look at it instead of just trying to peice together what it said from what his companions told him. He lets out a heavy chuckle before commenting "So that's what you all were talking about with that stuff about wizards and wine. There's quite literally a Wizard of Wines! I'm not sure what exactly that entails, but we will have to pay a visit. For now though, I agree, it's best we head towards Vallaki and hope to get some rest". As Jack begins to head down the path, Noel follows, sticking close enough to Beren so that Beren can continue renewing the spell he cast

Chance: 5

Thanks to Berens spell, Noel can finally see properly. Though the concern that Noel would become a lighthouse to monstrous ships found itself to be unwarranted this time.

Whatever creatures may have been within the next half hour of walking had either found themselves other prey, or simply not been close enough to notice.

The tree's once more swallow the road, funneling you down a set path as the many branching paths behind you fade. Slowly the road meanders east and south but at the end of your half hour trek you find nothing but tree's.. and dirt.. darkness and silence to meet you.

Normally you might simply chalk this up to being uneventful,  but this whole experience is isolating. Even if you're not afraid.. ultimatelynyou are in an unfamiliar land, the only people you have met seem to be insane and violent...

As it stands .. whatever "Vallaki" might be is nowhere in sight. The moon has become slightly more visible and sheds slightly more light than before but no better than dim, pale light touches the ground.

(Ooc: on phone. So I've moved you 30 minutes doen the path. You may choose to proceed or camp and rest, or explore the general area if you wish.

If you choose to rest, remember you will only get the benefits if a short rest in the wild. I need 2 people to be on watch or 1 person to take both shifts.

Regardless of whether it's 1 or 2, I will need 1 perception check each, or 2 from the same person if taking both.)

Beren nods, "The spell will last for an hour." He turns to the road, taking up the front as usual. 

As the night wears on, and they do not reach this alleged town, Beren looks back at his companions, "Do you wish to continue? Or would you rather take a rest. It does not matter to me. If we shall rest, I will keep watch." He is perfectly willing to take both watches. 

"It's fortunate then I have a couple of torches that aughta last us through the night. And as I said before, I'm fine with either or in terms of us continuing through the night or resting off to the side of the road. For we elves do not quite need as much rest nearly as much as the rest of you, as you probably well know." Jack said brightly. "Although I think I'd speak for all of us in finding a measure of more comfort in a town. So, as long as we take a break every, oh, I don't know, couple hours or so 'till either morning or we reach our destination, we should be able to bear and grin as it were."

"Such at least is my suggestion. But if not, I can take a watch as well. As many as necessary technically, though I will be at least somewhat distracted for a time during my trance."

"I would much rather rest here tonight and hope for more light in the... morning?" Noel comments, "I don't know, it's hard to tell what effect time would really have on the light here. It's never been especially easy to see at any time since we got here. I'd offer to take a watch, but I doubt I'd be of much help once Beren's spell runs out"

(I will post Saturday. Net will be on in my apt and I can give the next post it's proper due .. much better from my pc)

Oh yeah, perception check: 17

Beren is hesitant to give up watch, but if Jack insists, he won't argue. 

With an agreement being reached, Jack changes gears and focus towards finding the driest spot possible off the side of the road, or at least one closest thing too it without needing to hike full on into the woods. Then from there, he'd set about gathering a number of twigs from the tree line for a small but relatively comfortable campfire for all to rest by. Of course if any volunteer to assist to any extent, which he half expected Noel to try, the eladrin certainly doesn't dissuade them! 

(@DM: Don't know if you want a roll for setting up a simple campsite or not. But if so, I left a survival roll in the spoiler below.)

"There. It isn't much, but it aughta do. And I grabbed a few more to feed the fire over night." He said once all is said and done. "If you don't mind Beren, I'll leave first watch to you. Well, largely to you anyhow. But unless whatever secret you have hidden behind that faceplate of yours makes rest far less necessary, you best figure out some means to sleep when the time comes good sir. As I doubt either Noel or I can carry you, should you exhaust yourself overly much now." He gives Beren a wide cheshire smile, before settling atop his bedroll. After everything said and done Jack is not in much a mood that eve to share more tales, but happily his wineskin about for those wanting a warming nip before finding their rest or meditation. 

For one Jack's Watch Comes Up: 9. 

Beren keeps an even distance between him, Jack, and Noel, not wanting to stray far from either of them. He does not help with the fire, and sits just outside of whatever light it sheds once it is lit. 

When Jack addresses him, he turns his head away slightly and raises a hand as if to touch the mask, but stops midway through. The action is almost self conscious, but the only tell aside from the motion is a slight flicker from the light behind the mask. As much as it irks him, he still needs just as much sleep as any other human. Sure, he can push himself more than the average man due to his militaristic lifestyle, but that didn't mean he could last forever without sleeping. Regardless, it takes him a moment to answer--his voice is as calm as ever, "That is fine with me." He turns away from the fire so that the light doesn't interfere with his vision, and does not speak much for the rest of the night. 

When it comes his turn to rest, he is slow to find sleep. He keeps his distance from the flames, relying only on his cloak and the heat from his power to keep away the chill of the night air. Jack can tell by the light flickering on and off how long it takes for the paladin to fall asleep. When he finally does sleep, the light behind the mask dims considerably, the glow reduced to a light similar to what emits from his hands. 

The night presses on slowly. The campfire made by Jack is decent enough to keep a small area warm. Noel, after his initial commentary more or less goes quiet for the night... perhaps something is on his mind, or perhaps his age has atleast briefly caught up with him after straining to see until Beren had provided him light. 

No further sign of the barbarous humans from before, and as Jack rests his own head after nursing his wine skin a little, quickly passes into reverie or true sleep.. whichever his hims had chosen. Leaving Beren alone, a feeling he was likely used to at this point.

As the night passed on, the shrouded sky seemed to clear enough that a bright moon shone down towards the early AM. In the distance, far far away the howling of some creature could be heard, only to be responded to quickly, and a chorus rang out for several minutes before fading back into silence. 

Beren could tell that whatever it had been was too far away to be a threat, though he noticed it coincided within minutes the the moons exposure.

Bat's flitted about the night sky as Beren remained far more vigilant than even he was used to. The fire needed tending and he used the resources that Jack had provided to keep it going. The firelight stopping a few meters from the campfire itself.

Unfortunately Beren may or may not find rest this night, as near the end of his shift, the moon shone extravagantly, blanketing the world in moonlight, but simultaneously casting deep, long shadows from the trees,  like long clawing hands across the path.

His eyes watching, when he noticed the bays were no longer there. The air had stilled and the first was deathly silent. Moreno even than it had been before.

Berens eyes were looking along the path, watching a particular pair of trees... and out from behind onenof them strode a man in elegant clothing, reminiscent of a Baron, Duke, or some other noble title... but he hadn't been on the other side of the tree moments before.. Beren was sure of it. He'd been watching that area specifically...

The man passed another tree, yet did not come out the other side. Instead, the man appeared much farther along the path than he had been, once more seeming to simply exist beyond another tree. Though this time he remained in Berens vision as he casually walked ever closer.

The man's eyes locked to Berens the entire time. His slow approach continued until he reached the edge of the firelight. Stopping just where the shadow began. The one thing Beren noted about all this was that this man held no fear of Beren, or his appearance.

(I still have no net at my apt. My ISP decided to be dumb. I wanted to include pictured and some thematic music here, but I can't on the phone. I'll do my best to get net this coming week, both for this and other)

Beren was not particularly bothered by the sounds of howling. The power within him urged him to seek out those beasts to destroy them should his suspicions of lycanthrope be confirmed. But he remains still, never moving from his place of watch.

When the stranger becomes visible, Beren narrows his eyes and slowly rises to his feet. His right hand strays towards his sword, but he does not draw it just yet. His first instinct is to reach out with his Divine Sense to see if this newcomer is evil. It cannot be a coincidence that this strange person appeared here and now...the memory of the face in the mist flashes across Beren's mind. Could this be the same person? Could this be the one responsible for their current predicament? 

Part of him warned him to be wary. If this individual was powerful enough to command whatever spell had orchestrated the fog and...the disappearance of their companions, well, he was a foe to be reckoned with. Yet Beren felt no fear. Fear wasn't something he'd felt in a long time. Instead, he held the stranger's gaze unwaveringly. The light behind the mask flared as if to emphasize that he is prepared to launch himself into battle should this stranger prove to be an enemy. 

As the figure approaches, Beren moves to put himself between the man and his companions. As he did so, he gently nudges Jack and Noel with his foot, not wanting to bend down and in so doing drop his guard. "We have company," he whispers, hoping that this is enough to give his companions enough of a warning. 

When the stranger is close enough, Beren puts a hand to his sword. Regardless as to whether or not this man is evil, he says, "Who are you, traveler? What do you want?" Beren makes no attempt to apologize for such a rude welcome. Judging by this man's garb and the way he approached, he was no simple traveler seeking to share a fire for the night. They could not afford trust in this unfamiliar land. 

If he sensed evil from the figure, his tone is much harsher then if he had sensed no malevolence from the man. The light behind the mask brightens to a brilliant glow, threatening to consume him, but he tempers it as best he can not wanting to inadvertently harm his companions as well as himself. The pain is bearable, for now.

As Beren stands, the man's gaze intensifies, and the faintest of smiles curls his handsome lips. Berens senses flowing out once the man appears for the most recent time, and Beren feels the equivalent of a gut punch as the man practically bleeds an abhorrent evil aura only visible while his senses remain, to the others he would simply appear as described before.

The man's 3/4ths cape flowing behind him up to the point where he had stopped, and Beren had quite violently greeted the man. The man's grin widening, with a mixture of raw, unfiltered confidence and power, as well as a tinge of sudden curiosity.

 "Such a greeting I have not experienced in a very long time"

He says in a heavy accent, one Beren nor anyone else here had heard before. Though the words were in common, the accent would b similar to Hungarian, where the r's are heavily emphasized, among others. 

"You must be quite confident. Perhaps you vill do?" He says more to himself than Beren. "I velcome you to Barovia. The first new souls in a decade. I vonder though.. how long you vill manage."

A long pause as he looks to, but makes no move for the others before seeming to care that he had been asked a question.

"AH yes.. I forget my manners.." He says with a practiced bow that would make even the most dutiful noble blush with inferiority.

"I am Strahd von Zarovich. *Ruler* of this land you find yourself vithin. And I seek many things. Most of all, entertainment..." He smiles widely, and in that moment, Beren sees a resemblance to his dream Visage.

Beren lowers his chin slightly, the light behind the mask flaring up as the power within threatens to escape. His body goes tense as he fights to keep it contained, releasing it now would do nothing but provoke this...Strahd von Zarovich...and potentially endanger his comrades. Still, the accursed power within him screams, begging him to attack this wicked creature. Never has Beren encountered such a concentrated amount of evil. The effect is sickening, and the gut-punch quickly morphs into the feeling of a knife twisting, burying itself in his chest. 

"You welcome us?" He says through clenched teeth, "What sort of welcome is this? Creature of Darkness." For a moment he loses his composure, staggering forwards slightly before coming to a jerking halt. His hand goes to his chest, clutching at the tabard and chainmail shirt beneath before he tears it away instead placing his hand on the pommel of his sword. No, he can't show weakness. Not in front of the enemy.

As he straightens himself, the light behind the mask flairs further before leaking out as if it had a weight to it. The glow of his hands intensifies as well, and he tightens his grip on the pommel. "I am no gladiator for you to toss into the ring. I refuse to be a source of entertainment." 

A surge of power pulses from him, the light intensifying as his cloak billows behind him. In spite of the obvious gap in power here, Beren cannot stand by and simply let this man walk away. Especially not when he now knows for certain that this is the individual who whisked them away. There is little doubt in his mind that this 'ruler' is who has been watching them as well, toying with them as if they were nothing but pons on the game board. His voice echoes behind the mask as he stares down his enemy, "No. Strahd von Zarovich. You have chosen the wrong adversary. I will not be used!" 

Conquering Presence (this will probably fail lol, but Beren is angry so he wants to try :'D) its a DC 13 wisdom save or the target is frightened. 

Whether or not this works, he draws his sword and takes a protective stance between Strahd and his companions. Light creeps down the length of the great sword, an indication that he intends to strike with all the power he can muster.