The feeling of being an animal caught in a trap grows in Soren as Ismark speaks and he has to resist baring his teeth.
"I too will help escort your sister to Vallaki. I believe I see it here," he opens up the map from the haunted manor for all to peruse, "to the west of here along the curving road through the forest, just south of Lake Zarovich. If that city keeps Strahd at bay, perhaps it will be good for us as well."
Soren pauses, thinking. "The only reason I can think of that we might not leave immediately is that we were asked to help find the missing girl my colleague Burr mentions - Gertruda. Her distraught mother said that Strahd likes the pretty ones. I hope that Gertruda has not been added to Strahd's harem. Perhaps we can plan to leave tomorrow with Ireena? That will give us time today to investigate Gertruda's disappearance."
"I have two questions for you, however Ismark. The first concerns werewolves. You say only the Vistani can pass the mists. But it seemed to us that the werewolves we hunted in our world were coming through the mists as well, and disappearing back into them. Do you have werewolves rampant here in Barovia? My second question is a simple one regarding your sister. We can escort her to Vallaki but she has to be willing. Is she?"
Zefla's ears as well perked up at the mention of 500 gold. She looked at her new friends... that would mean 125 gold each... she starts smiling. That is only for taking this girl out of Barovia to some other town that is actually safer for them as well? That worked for her.
"Sure, I'm game to accompany Miss Ireena. Oh yeah, Gertruda. We can ask around about her, but we didn't promise anything." she shrugs.
Finally she asks, "So you have never heard of any of us that have come through the mist...have been able to get back?"
"Horses? No." The way he says it suggests you may as well have asked for war elephants.
When you ask about the missing Gertruda, he raises an eyebrow at first in confusion... then something seems to dawn on him. "Oh. Mary's girl. You shouldn't get yourself wrapped up in that woman's grief. It has to be three months now since her daughter vanished. We walked the woods around the village but found nothing. It's regrettable, but the girl is gone. Mary has gone mad, I'm afraid, and wanders the streets harassing the other villagers to help her mount a hopeless search."
"I am skeptical she was taken by Strahd, though I admit it's not impossible. They say the girl was seldom seen outside the home, and may have been sickly. I fear a much more mundane fate is likely."
When Sorenbegins to spread the map out, Ismark's eyes go wide. He practically pulls it out of Soren'sgrasp and shoves it back into the druid's pack. He puts a finger to his lips... his eyes first going to the empty picture frame near the door - a frame roughly the same dimensions as your map - and then to the three Vistani women. He whispers, "I'm not sure how you came upon this, but its theft has been a sore spot among those girls for a year now. For the Morninglord's sake, don't let them catch you with that."
He continues to try to leave, as you in turn continue to question him. To Zeflahe answers, "I'm afraid I don't know. The only strangers I really had interactions with was the last group. They came through about a year ago, led by a powerful magician. They were overly ambitious - they attempted to outright overthrow Strahd. They led an army of peasants, including a handful from our village, up to the castle. As you can see, Strahd still reigns, and the villagers who attacked the castle returned... as animated skeletons to terrorize their kin and teach lessons in disobedience. So far as I know, no one ever saw the magician and his band again."
As he walks out, he says over his shoulder to Soren, "Ireena will be willing. She must." His words don't instill great confidence that he plans to take his sisters wishes into account. And then he walks briskly out, drinking a final glass of wine and setting it down on an empty table as he leaves.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
[Per a suggestion in the OOC thread, you may take a SHORT REST for your time spent in the tavern, if you like.]
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Soren allows the map to be shoved back into his pack and stares open-mouthed after the departing Ismark Kolyana, tongue almost lolling out of his mouth like that of a ruefully grinning wolf. He tilts his head laconically as he turns back to his companions.
"So Ismark says the last group of newcomers here were destroyed by this Strahd von Zarovich, including probably Raquon of Greyhawk who we found dead in the haunted house. The letter we saw described Raquon attacking Strahd with a magician associate leading a rabble. None of which bodes well for us. At least if we leave town with Ireena Kolyana, we may escape Strahd's attention if he is focused on Jaromir for murdering the Burgomaster..."
Soren sighs. "But we still do not know when we are departing with Ireena. Probably tomorrow morning? Or even if Ireena truly wishes to accompany us - I sense she may not. Ismark never answered about the werewolves either." He shrugs helplessly.
"Should we inquire at Bildrath's Mercantile to check whether we can ask the son about Gertruda? Or just lay low until we depart?"
[DM: Sorry. A lot of questions and Ismark was in a hurry to get back to his home and the scene unfolding there. He also didn't answer the question about how far it was to Vallaki. He did suggest that if you all were in agreement (it looks like you are) then you should visit him at the burgomaster manor to make arrangements.]
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Giles rolls these questions around in his mind, weighing next steps. He speaks to Soren’s question, saying “I think we should have a look at Bildrath’s Mercantile, see if there are any leads about Gertruda. But perhaps right after that head to the Burgomaster’s house. Perhaps Ismark will feel more free” he gives a quick glance at the Vistani women “to talk there, and we can get some further answers.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
"yeah, let's go check out this Bildrath's Mercantile, might have something worthwhile as well. Three months? Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's a dead end. What do you think of Ismark's remark that we might need Vistani to lead us there? Do you think we'll have trouble leaving Barovia? I mean, we didn't have trouble getting in... but no one here leaves? Or are we just going to try and see what happens? Should we try before we head to see Ismark to see if we can even leave and then we'll know if we need the Vistani or not?"
Zefla gets up from the table, glances over at the Vistani women to see if any of their conversation or possibly the introduction of the map had caught their attention. "Either way, this is way too many questions at the moment. My head hurts and this wine is not helping." and she finishes her glass, ready to head out.
"Yes I think we will have trouble leaving as everyone else has, from Ismark's words. No one is able to leave except the Vistani. All newcomers want to leave but cannot, then eventually come into conflict with Strahd and are destroyed. That is what I understood at least."
Soren shakes his head at the gloomy thought as he follows Giles to Bildrath's Mercantile. Perhaps better to be destroyed than go mad in a place like this.
"We can ask Bildrath to speak with his son, but Gertruda's bereft mother told us Bildrath would not let her speak to him, so he may not let us either. She described his heart as being 'as hard and cold as cobblestone'. Which I think means very hard and cold?"
(He mumbles the last bit, not being quite sure what cobblestone means).
Giles nods to himself as if he’s decided something and then he walks over to Bildrath’s Mercantile and opens the door, a cheery smile on his face. “Good day! My name is Giles and these are my companions, we were wondering what you have for sale in your fine store. If there are any daily specials and so forth. How is business for you in this spot, hmm?” he says in his “put your best foot forward” voice. He starts to rub his hands together and begins to look about the store for tchotchkes.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
"Meh, this girl has been missing for months. I'm sure there is nothing that we, brand new to the area and are lost a bit ourselves, can figure out that hasn't already been attempted. Let's just see what this shop may hold and not make enemies right off the bat."
Zefla follows Giles into the store and has to stop herself from laughing at his entrance. He sure knew how to make one, that's for sure, she thought to herself. She starts looking around herself, seeing if she could find something worthwhile.
Soren, genuinely puzzled as he often is at Giles mannerisms and conversational tack (due to Soren's own failure to understand typical social graces).
He follows into the store looking bemused, seeking Silvanus'Guidance to understand what is about to ensue.
He whispers to Burr: "I do not know if we should invite trouble, even if we feel we are doomed anyway. Jaromir aside, perhaps. Most of these people do not deserve more trouble. Still, maybe we need to do whatever it takes to see the son." In the end, he ends up agreeing with his companion.
The curtains of the shop are drawn tight. Entering the building, you see the interior is mercifully well lit with lanterns hung from the ceiling joists. The shop 70' by 40' with wooden floors and shelves. The interior is sparse but clean and well organized. The following items are arranged on the shelves, or in baskets and labeled with the price in dark ink. Smaller and more valuable items are kept closer to the back of the store, where the proprietor sits behind a tall counter. He is taller than most of the other villagers you have seen, thin and wearing an expensive looking set of spectacles. As he reads from a thick book, he glances up at Giles. "Prices are as marked. No sales or specials. No returns or exchanges." He flips a page in the book and continues reading. Behind him, a dark entryway leads into the rear storerooms.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Soren looks around Bildrath's Mercantile and considers whether the party might need gear such as a grappling hook, a crowbar or more rations. But he judges from the map and their short trip into the town of Barovia from the woods to the south that Vallaki cannot be more than two or three days away, likely less. And it is not as if Soren has very much gold. In fact, knowing little of such matters, he is not even sure if Bildrath will accept gold from another world. Although the Blood of (on?) the Vine tavern had. He listens while unobtrusively browsing, especially near the back.
Perception plus Guidance: 18 + 4 = 22 (attempting to hear over time whether there sounds like there is anyone else, like Bildrath's son, in the building).
Not knowing the best way to approach Bildrath with a question about his son without being rude, he hopes one of his companions will take the lead.
Burr enters and browses with a sour expression, he looks over the items but is unsure what is worth taking as he usually didn't have the opportunity to buy stuff and just made out with what he found.
Giles, undeterred, walks around the store and looking at the goods, fakes enthusiasm. “What prices! Amazing, a bargain!” He picks up a bell and tests it, ringing. Tests it for a good bit and looks to see if anyone will appear….
If that does not work, he picks up the signal whistle and puts his lips together, giving it a good blow. He looks out of the corner of his eye for any response from Bildrath and to see if he hears any other movement in the establishment.
Soren, while the back rooms are much darker than the retail floor, you can definitely hear the sound of someone walking around back there and... mopping, maybe?
The shopkeep looks down his nose, overtop of his spectacles, in irritation at Giles' antics. "Sir... I am going to have to ask you to keep your lips off of the merchandise." Pointing at the whistle, "The next item you put in your mouth, you will purchase."
The floor at the back of the shop creaks loudly, and as large young man ducks under the rear doorway. "Is everything hunkee-dorree, Uncle?" If the shopkeep is tall, this one is a titan. At least 6'6", he is broad shouldered, muscled and a little doughy in the midsection. His brown hair is shaggy and uncombed and he is wearing a soot-stained apron and a tool belt. Looking at him, you can't help but wonder if he doesn't have a little hill giant somewhere in his family tree.
"Everything is fine, lad." The shopkeep looks at all four of you, slowly, one at a time. "These honest-looking folk were just deciding on making a purchase, or leaving."
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM -(Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown *Red Dead Annihilation: ToA *Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
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The feeling of being an animal caught in a trap grows in Soren as Ismark speaks and he has to resist baring his teeth.
"I too will help escort your sister to Vallaki. I believe I see it here," he opens up the map from the haunted manor for all to peruse, "to the west of here along the curving road through the forest, just south of Lake Zarovich. If that city keeps Strahd at bay, perhaps it will be good for us as well."
Soren pauses, thinking. "The only reason I can think of that we might not leave immediately is that we were asked to help find the missing girl my colleague Burr mentions - Gertruda. Her distraught mother said that Strahd likes the pretty ones. I hope that Gertruda has not been added to Strahd's harem. Perhaps we can plan to leave tomorrow with Ireena? That will give us time today to investigate Gertruda's disappearance."
"I have two questions for you, however Ismark. The first concerns werewolves. You say only the Vistani can pass the mists. But it seemed to us that the werewolves we hunted in our world were coming through the mists as well, and disappearing back into them. Do you have werewolves rampant here in Barovia? My second question is a simple one regarding your sister. We can escort her to Vallaki but she has to be willing. Is she?"
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
Zefla's ears as well perked up at the mention of 500 gold. She looked at her new friends... that would mean 125 gold each... she starts smiling. That is only for taking this girl out of Barovia to some other town that is actually safer for them as well? That worked for her.
"Sure, I'm game to accompany Miss Ireena. Oh yeah, Gertruda. We can ask around about her, but we didn't promise anything." she shrugs.
Finally she asks, "So you have never heard of any of us that have come through the mist...have been able to get back?"
"Horses? No." The way he says it suggests you may as well have asked for war elephants.
When you ask about the missing Gertruda, he raises an eyebrow at first in confusion... then something seems to dawn on him. "Oh. Mary's girl. You shouldn't get yourself wrapped up in that woman's grief. It has to be three months now since her daughter vanished. We walked the woods around the village but found nothing. It's regrettable, but the girl is gone. Mary has gone mad, I'm afraid, and wanders the streets harassing the other villagers to help her mount a hopeless search."
"I am skeptical she was taken by Strahd, though I admit it's not impossible. They say the girl was seldom seen outside the home, and may have been sickly. I fear a much more mundane fate is likely."
When Soren begins to spread the map out, Ismark's eyes go wide. He practically pulls it out of Soren's grasp and shoves it back into the druid's pack. He puts a finger to his lips... his eyes first going to the empty picture frame near the door - a frame roughly the same dimensions as your map - and then to the three Vistani women. He whispers, "I'm not sure how you came upon this, but its theft has been a sore spot among those girls for a year now. For the Morninglord's sake, don't let them catch you with that."
He continues to try to leave, as you in turn continue to question him. To Zefla he answers, "I'm afraid I don't know. The only strangers I really had interactions with was the last group. They came through about a year ago, led by a powerful magician. They were overly ambitious - they attempted to outright overthrow Strahd. They led an army of peasants, including a handful from our village, up to the castle. As you can see, Strahd still reigns, and the villagers who attacked the castle returned... as animated skeletons to terrorize their kin and teach lessons in disobedience. So far as I know, no one ever saw the magician and his band again."
As he walks out, he says over his shoulder to Soren, "Ireena will be willing. She must." His words don't instill great confidence that he plans to take his sisters wishes into account. And then he walks briskly out, drinking a final glass of wine and setting it down on an empty table as he leaves.
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
[Per a suggestion in the OOC thread, you may take a SHORT REST for your time spent in the tavern, if you like.]
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Soren allows the map to be shoved back into his pack and stares open-mouthed after the departing Ismark Kolyana, tongue almost lolling out of his mouth like that of a ruefully grinning wolf. He tilts his head laconically as he turns back to his companions.
"So Ismark says the last group of newcomers here were destroyed by this Strahd von Zarovich, including probably Raquon of Greyhawk who we found dead in the haunted house. The letter we saw described Raquon attacking Strahd with a magician associate leading a rabble. None of which bodes well for us. At least if we leave town with Ireena Kolyana, we may escape Strahd's attention if he is focused on Jaromir for murdering the Burgomaster..."
Soren sighs. "But we still do not know when we are departing with Ireena. Probably tomorrow morning? Or even if Ireena truly wishes to accompany us - I sense she may not. Ismark never answered about the werewolves either." He shrugs helplessly.
"Should we inquire at Bildrath's Mercantile to check whether we can ask the son about Gertruda? Or just lay low until we depart?"
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
[DM: Sorry. A lot of questions and Ismark was in a hurry to get back to his home and the scene unfolding there. He also didn't answer the question about how far it was to Vallaki. He did suggest that if you all were in agreement (it looks like you are) then you should visit him at the burgomaster manor to make arrangements.]
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Giles rolls these questions around in his mind, weighing next steps. He speaks to Soren’s question, saying “I think we should have a look at Bildrath’s Mercantile, see if there are any leads about Gertruda. But perhaps right after that head to the Burgomaster’s house. Perhaps Ismark will feel more free” he gives a quick glance at the Vistani women “to talk there, and we can get some further answers.”
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Burr nods to Giles, " Sounds good."
"yeah, let's go check out this Bildrath's Mercantile, might have something worthwhile as well. Three months? Yeah, I'm pretty sure that's a dead end. What do you think of Ismark's remark that we might need Vistani to lead us there? Do you think we'll have trouble leaving Barovia? I mean, we didn't have trouble getting in... but no one here leaves? Or are we just going to try and see what happens? Should we try before we head to see Ismark to see if we can even leave and then we'll know if we need the Vistani or not?"
Zefla gets up from the table, glances over at the Vistani women to see if any of their conversation or possibly the introduction of the map had caught their attention. "Either way, this is way too many questions at the moment. My head hurts and this wine is not helping." and she finishes her glass, ready to head out.
"Yes I think we will have trouble leaving as everyone else has, from Ismark's words. No one is able to leave except the Vistani. All newcomers want to leave but cannot, then eventually come into conflict with Strahd and are destroyed. That is what I understood at least."
Soren shakes his head at the gloomy thought as he follows Giles to Bildrath's Mercantile. Perhaps better to be destroyed than go mad in a place like this.
"We can ask Bildrath to speak with his son, but Gertruda's bereft mother told us Bildrath would not let her speak to him, so he may not let us either. She described his heart as being 'as hard and cold as cobblestone'. Which I think means very hard and cold?"
(He mumbles the last bit, not being quite sure what cobblestone means).
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
" Worst comes to worst we can just fetch the son ourselves. We don't have time to indulge pettiness."
" I mean that could lead to trouble.......but I'm kinda ok with that considering our likely future."
Giles nods to himself as if he’s decided something and then he walks over to Bildrath’s Mercantile and opens the door, a cheery smile on his face. “Good day! My name is Giles and these are my companions, we were wondering what you have for sale in your fine store. If there are any daily specials and so forth. How is business for you in this spot, hmm?” he says in his “put your best foot forward” voice. He starts to rub his hands together and begins to look about the store for tchotchkes.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
"Meh, this girl has been missing for months. I'm sure there is nothing that we, brand new to the area and are lost a bit ourselves, can figure out that hasn't already been attempted. Let's just see what this shop may hold and not make enemies right off the bat."
Zefla follows Giles into the store and has to stop herself from laughing at his entrance. He sure knew how to make one, that's for sure, she thought to herself. She starts looking around herself, seeing if she could find something worthwhile.
Shrugging, Burr headed in.
Soren, genuinely puzzled as he often is at Giles mannerisms and conversational tack (due to Soren's own failure to understand typical social graces).
He follows into the store looking bemused, seeking Silvanus' Guidance to understand what is about to ensue.
He whispers to Burr: "I do not know if we should invite trouble, even if we feel we are doomed anyway. Jaromir aside, perhaps. Most of these people do not deserve more trouble. Still, maybe we need to do whatever it takes to see the son." In the end, he ends up agreeing with his companion.
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
The curtains of the shop are drawn tight. Entering the building, you see the interior is mercifully well lit with lanterns hung from the ceiling joists. The shop 70' by 40' with wooden floors and shelves. The interior is sparse but clean and well organized. The following items are arranged on the shelves, or in baskets and labeled with the price in dark ink. Smaller and more valuable items are kept closer to the back of the store, where the proprietor sits behind a tall counter. He is taller than most of the other villagers you have seen, thin and wearing an expensive looking set of spectacles. As he reads from a thick book, he glances up at Giles. "Prices are as marked. No sales or specials. No returns or exchanges." He flips a page in the book and continues reading. Behind him, a dark entryway leads into the rear storerooms.
Ammunition
Item
Cost
Weight
Arrows (20)
10 gp
1 lb.
Crossbow bolts (20)
10 gp
1 ½ lb.
Sling bullets (20)
4 sp
1 ½ lb.
Other Adventuring Gear
Item
Cost
Weight
Backpack
20 gp
5 lb.
Basket
4 gp
2 lb.
Bedroll
10 gp
7 lb.
Bell
10 gp
-
Blanket
5 gp
3 lb.
Block and tackle
10 gp
5 lb.
Book
250 gp
5 lb.
Bottle, glass
20 gp
2 lb.
Bucket
5 sp
2 lb.
Candle
1 sp
-
Case, crossbow bolt
10 gp
1 lb.
Case, map or scroll
10 gp
1 lb.
Chalk (1 piece)
1 gp
-
Clothes, common
5 gp
3 lb.
Crowbar
20 gp
5 lb.
Fishing tackle
10 gp
4 lb.
Flask or tankard
2 sp
1 lb.
Grappling hook
20 gp
4 lb.
Hammer
10 gp
3 lb.
Hammer, sledge
20 gp
10 lb.
Healer’s kit
50 gp
3 lb.
Hunting trap
50 gp
25 lb.
Ink (1 ounce bottle)
100 gp
-
Ink pen
2 sp
-
Ladder (10 foot)
5 gp
25 lb.
Lamp
5 gp
1 lb.
Lantern, bullseye
100 gp
2 lb.
Lantern, hooded
50 gp
2 lb.
Lock
100 gp
1 lb.
Manacles
20 gp
6 lb.
Mess kit
2 gp
1 lb.
Mirror, steel
50 gp
1/2 lb.
Oil (flask)
1 gp
1 lb.
Pick, miner’s
20 gp
10 lb.
Piton
5 sp
1/4 lb.
Pole (10-foot)
5 sp
7 lb.
Pot, iron
20 gp
10 lb.
Quiver
10 gp
1 lb.
Ram, portable
40 gp
35 lb.
Rations (1 day)
5 gp
2 lb.
Robes
10 gp
4 lb.
Rope, hempen (50 feet)
10 gp
10 lb.
Sack
1 sp
1/2 lb.
Shovel
20 gp
5 lb.
Signal whistle
1 gp
-
Tent, two-person
20 gp
20 lb.
Tinderbox
5 gp
1 lb.
Torch
1 sp
1 lb.
Vial
10 gp
-
Waterskin
2 gp
5 lb. (full)
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War
Soren looks around Bildrath's Mercantile and considers whether the party might need gear such as a grappling hook, a crowbar or more rations. But he judges from the map and their short trip into the town of Barovia from the woods to the south that Vallaki cannot be more than two or three days away, likely less. And it is not as if Soren has very much gold. In fact, knowing little of such matters, he is not even sure if Bildrath will accept gold from another world. Although the Blood of (on?) the Vine tavern had. He listens while unobtrusively browsing, especially near the back.
Perception plus Guidance: 18 + 4 = 22 (attempting to hear over time whether there sounds like there is anyone else, like Bildrath's son, in the building).
Not knowing the best way to approach Bildrath with a question about his son without being rude, he hopes one of his companions will take the lead.
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
Burr enters and browses with a sour expression, he looks over the items but is unsure what is worth taking as he usually didn't have the opportunity to buy stuff and just made out with what he found.
Giles, undeterred, walks around the store and looking at the goods, fakes enthusiasm. “What prices! Amazing, a bargain!” He picks up a bell and tests it, ringing. Tests it for a good bit and looks to see if anyone will appear….
If that does not work, he picks up the signal whistle and puts his lips together, giving it a good blow. He looks out of the corner of his eye for any response from Bildrath and to see if he hears any other movement in the establishment.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Soren, while the back rooms are much darker than the retail floor, you can definitely hear the sound of someone walking around back there and... mopping, maybe?
The shopkeep looks down his nose, overtop of his spectacles, in irritation at Giles' antics. "Sir... I am going to have to ask you to keep your lips off of the merchandise." Pointing at the whistle, "The next item you put in your mouth, you will purchase."
The floor at the back of the shop creaks loudly, and as large young man ducks under the rear doorway. "Is everything hunkee-dorree, Uncle?" If the shopkeep is tall, this one is a titan. At least 6'6", he is broad shouldered, muscled and a little doughy in the midsection. His brown hair is shaggy and uncombed and he is wearing a soot-stained apron and a tool belt. Looking at him, you can't help but wonder if he doesn't have a little hill giant somewhere in his family tree.
"Everything is fine, lad." The shopkeep looks at all four of you, slowly, one at a time. "These honest-looking folk were just deciding on making a purchase, or leaving."
PC - Ethel - Human - Lvl 4 Necromancer - Undying Dragons * Serge Marshblade - Human - Lvl 5 Eldritch Knight - Hoard of the Dragon Queen
DM - (Homebrew) Heroes of Bardstown * Red Dead Annihilation: ToA * Where the Cold Winds Blow : DoIP * Covetous, Dragonish Thoughts: HotDQ * Red Wine, Black Rose: CoS * Greyhawk: Tides of War