The lanky, dark eyed elf follows leisurely behind the rest as they walk down the lonely roads of Barovia toward the Burgomaster's manor. As the others talk with Ireena and Ismark, he circles slowly around the hall, taking in the furnishings and well-appointed decorations, pausing only to glance at the gruesome fang marks on the young woman's throat.
He traces a finger down the edge of a painting frame, a slightly sour expression on his face as he gazes to the grieving heirs.
At the funeral service, Rodan defers to the others and the priest, though he does offer one contribution. At what seems to him an opportune moment, he steps forward, shield held against his chest with both hands. He speaks in a strong, clear voice, somewhere between song and recitation. He speaks in Common and, interestingly, his accent is almost unnoticeable, as though he is precisely quoting something from memory, down to the tone and inflection.
"Lathander, Morning Lord, so divine,
With dawn's first light, your grace doth shine.
Your calming radiance, ever firm,
Protects from dangers that would harm.
In mortal's realm, your gentle hand,
Guides us through this perilous land.
With quiet voice, we revere your name,
In Lathander's light, we find our aim.
The morning's promise, a brand-new day,
Cut shadows down that block our way.
Lathander's blessings, that shining hope,
With reverence, in your light, we cope."
The poem finished he taps the shield twice and then steps back toward the rear of the group again. [Performance: 17 (rolled in game log)]
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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
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As the lanky, dark-eyed elf has given his recitation, the blonde elven maiden gives him a nod and a solemn smile of appreciation before stepping forward to the coffin, standing there in silence for a moment before starting to sing, her voice carrying through the cemetary, singing beautiful words in elvish, her gentle voice touching the hearts of those assmembled, assuring them of the passing of this good soul into the fair meadows over the seas.
Ireena is surprised and somewhat taken aback by your gruff response, but recovers quickly and gives you a smile in response. "I thought you clever, but maybe I overestimated you. Surely you know that Vampires need to drain and kill their victim to turn them. Do I look dead to you?" To emphasis her point, she steps near a window to stand in daylight and adds with a sarcastic tone of fake wonder "Hmmm. I don't seem to be burning in the daylight. I think we can safely assume I am not a Vampire."
Having made her point, she turns back and steps over to her fathers coffin and ties some flowers to the top of it so that they will remain there for the walk to the cemetery before continuing.
"I was hoping you and your friends could help us to keep me out of Strahd's grasp. But I simply will not leave our poor fathers corpse behind here to be eaten by animals, or worse - turned into some sort of undead. I beg you, please help me do this first, and then we will set off to Valliki. And on the way, we will help you find the Vistani camp that you are looking for. In this land, it surely is better to stay safe as a group."
A slight smirk crosses Thulewyn's face at the bluntness to his words. Well what did she expect, a bunch of folks new to town and willing to be help for minimal returns. Then dropping that she has been under the control of a vampire and sport bite marks. "Your meetings with the creature was severely downplayed by your brother. I find the emission more then a tad suspicious." Turning towards Ismark, "Don't be having similar scars on yer neck do ye? As I mentioned, very unfamiliar with vampires and how they work, so I rather be cautious."
Happily going g back to see Donavich so that he could ask all he knew about vampires and turning folks, he wasn't so thrilled to be carrying the casket with those a head taller then himself. Having to go the whole way holding the box above his head a sneer on his face the while way.
Looking for an opportunity to talk to Donavich after the service was done to ask his questions.
At the funeral service, Rodan defers to the others and the priest, though he does offer one contribution. At what seems to him an opportune moment, he steps forward, shield held against his chest with both hands. He speaks in a strong, clear voice, somewhere between song and recitation. He speaks in Common and, interestingly, his accent is almost unnoticeable, as though he is precisely quoting something from memory, down to the tone and inflection.
"Lathander, Morning Lord, so divine,
With dawn's first light, your grace doth shine.
Your calming radiance, ever firm,
Protects from dangers that would harm.
In mortal's realm, your gentle hand,
Guides us through this perilous land.
With quiet voice, we revere your name,
In Lathander's light, we find our aim.
The morning's promise, a brand-new day,
Cut shadows down that block our way.
Lathander's blessings, that shining hope,
With reverence, in your light, we cope."
The poem finished he taps the shield twice and then steps back toward the rear of the group again. [Performance: 17 (rolled in game log)]
As the lanky, dark-eyed elf has given his recitation, the blonde elven maiden gives him a nod and a solemn smile of appreciation before stepping forward to the coffin, standing there in silence for a moment before starting to sing, her voice carrying through the cemetary, singing beautiful words in elvish, her gentle voice touching the hearts of those assmembled, assuring them of the passing of this good soul into the fair meadows over the seas.
Ireena and Ismark are very moved by your recitations and song, with tears in their eyes. Even Donavich, who is used to funerals and misery, has to wipe the tears from his eyes. Your notice that the sound of the ceremony seems to have even brought some of the villagers out, and you see some of them peering from the distance and some even approaching and making gestures of mourning and prayer.
Ismark looks as if he is about to say some words in remembrance of their father, but Ireena - yound and headstrong as she is - takes a step forward at this point and gives a short speech, for the funeral and also for the benefit of the villagers who have appeared and are listening in:
"Here lies Kolyan Indirovich, Burgomaster of the village of Barovia, leader of men ... and my father. He tried his best to keep the darkness at bay, and to make life bearable for one and all. But in the end, Strahd - the DevilStrahd - and his minions came for us. We do not know why, but he kept coming for us, and we received little or no help from our neighbours and the village. They came again and again, until my poor father's heart gave out from the strain."
She looks across to the villagers who have appeared, and looks them in the eye as she carries on, and anger flashes in her eyes and voice
"You may think, what is it to me? Strahd came for Kolyan, and not for me. But he will keep coming for us. One after the other. It was Kolyan today, maybe your neighbour tomorrow, but eventually there is just you ... and he will come for you. So bear this in mind, when you decide how to act next time you see the darkness rise."
She then turns back, trying to keep down her anger, and calms herself again. She and Ismark both say a few more private prayers, and Donavich concludes the ceremony by blessing and interring the coffin in a grave dug especially.
(For excellent role-play, the whole party gets Inspiration. You can use it to give yourself advantage when you make an attack roll, saving throw, or ability check - but just once, until you gain Inspiration again. I have updated the character sheets with inspiration markers already)
A slight smirk crosses Thulewyn's face at the bluntness to his words. Well what did she expect, a bunch of folks new to town and willing to be help for minimal returns. Then dropping that she has been under the control of a vampire and sport bite marks. "Your meetings with the creature was severely downplayed by your brother. I find the emission more then a tad suspicious." Turning towards Ismark, "Don't be having similar scars on yer neck do ye? As I mentioned, very unfamiliar with vampires and how they work, so I rather be cautious."
Happily going g back to see Donavich so that he could ask all he knew about vampires and turning folks, he wasn't so thrilled to be carrying the casket with those a head taller then himself. Having to go the whole way holding the box above his head a sneer on his face the while way.
Looking for an opportunity to talk to Donavich after the service was done to ask his questions.
(This happens before the funeral)
Ismark speaks to you in quite tones. "Yes. I perhaps could have mentioned this. But I did not want to scare you off, and I do not know you and your group well. But I can assure you, Ireena is just as she has always been and not under the control of a Vampire or anyone else. And no, neither I nor my father were ever bitten. Strahd seems to be uniquely and obsessively interested in Ireena - and only Ireena. When he was here, he had eyes only for her and barely paid attention to us. But it's all a bit of a blur as his powers are considerable and he managed to magically charm us temporarily. That is how he got in and managed to bite Ireena. Why he did not kill her, I do not know."
(After the funeral)
You speak to Donavich about this, and he tells you the following: "Yes, Vampires are known to feed on the living without killing them. Strahd and the other Vampires regularly feed on people in the valley. Some people are bitten more than once even; but others are never touched. No one knows how they select their victims. Only very few are ever fully drained and in their death turned into Vampires. And from the experience I have gathered with Doru, my son who was turned, I am quite confident that Ireena is certainly not a vampire. Doru has no pulse, no warmth, and cannot abide sunlight." He looks up at the dark cloudy sky through which nonetheless some sunlight is visible, and then at Ireena who is standing in the open with no protection from the sun but appears to be enjoying the warmth. He then continues "Well, at least not until Strahd finds and drains her. She is young and headstrong, and may even be impolite at time. But believe me, there is much good in her. On her behalf, let me beg you: Keep her safe! From what Ismark told me, Ireena seems to somehow be a focal point, perhaps even an obssession, of Strahd."
Alcazar watches the performance. Do I look dead to you? He laughs at the question then crosses his arms and narrows his eyes. "Do these 'spawn' also fear the light?" he asks.
After the ceremony, Celeste passes the coffin and bows, then turning to offer he condolences to the siblings and thanking father Donavich for the service. She is then reday to depart for Valaki as soon as the others are. "That was very beautiful Rodan, I have never heard it before, is it yours?" The blonde elven maiden asks the lanky, dark-eyed elf with a warm smile as they start to depart, curiosity in her blue eyes.
Alcazar watches the performance. Do I look dead to you? He laughs at the question then crosses his arms and narrows his eyes. "Do these 'spawn' also fear the light?" he asks.
Donavich: "Oh yes. When Doru first arrived as as Vampire spawn - and after we managed to subdue him - I thought that daylight might assist the gods and my prayers in curing him. But it burned and nearly killed him. Although perhaps that also would have been a cure of a kind .... but not one I could contemplate for me son. No. If you excuse me, I think I must go back to my prayers and studies. I am certain that the gods will help me find a way eventually."
(Let me know if you want to do anything else at the funeral, or generally in the village. If not, I will move the narrative on the start of the journey to Valliki)
Alcazar is content to move on, but before they leave ((if it has not been done already)) he will ask Donavich and their travelling companions -- most especially Ireena who might be acquainted with her -- if they would have any insights into the likely whereabouts of the run-away that they have agreed to find.
(( if they give useful local leads, then great, otherwise, happy to move on ))
Thulewyn would also try to convince their new traveling pair to purchase some holy water for the group for the trip. He will promise not to dump any on Ireena as a means to persuade them (but only if he needs too!).
Alcazar is content to move on, but before they leave ((if it has not been done already)) he will ask Donavich and their travelling companions -- most especially Ireena who might be acquainted with her -- if they would have any insights into the likely whereabouts of the run-away that they have agreed to find.
(( if they give useful local leads, then great, otherwise, happy to move on ))
"I never met her but I heard of her. My father knew her and Mary. He tried many times to convince Mary that this was not the way to being up her daughter. Sooner or later, she would grow up - and you cannot keep people locked up in a house forever. Even if it is with good intentions.
I'm afraid the isolation made her a bit ... how to put this ... naive and stupid. She knows nothing of the outside world, except her fairy tales. And those are not exactly accurate stories. So she's probably off to find a prince in shining armor, or to kiss a frog, or something. Who knows. But maybe we'll find her on our travels."
Thulewyn would also try to convince their new traveling pair to purchase some holy water for the group for the trip. He will promise not to dump any on Ireena as a means to persuade them (but only if he needs too!).
Ismark agrees that this is a good idea, and has some coin. Donavich prepares enough to make up one flask of Holy Water for each of you.
Ireena laughs heartily at your suggestion. "It's not often that we get a good laugh in this valley!"
After the ceremony, Celeste passes the coffin and bows, then turning to offer he condolences to the siblings and thanking father Donavich for the service. She is then reday to depart for Valaki as soon as the others are. "That was very beautiful Rodan, I have never heard it before, is it yours?" The blonde elven maiden asks the lanky, dark-eyed elf with a warm smile as they start to depart, curiosity in her blue eyes.
Rodan cocks an eyebrow. "Nay, not mine, mate. Just a tiny poem for the faithful, nicked it from somewhere, I guess."
"Seems like this land could do with a spot of aid from the Morning Lord."
He adds, more quietly, "Though, if 'e can't be arsed to lend a hand to one of 'is own priests, not sure the rest of the folks 'ere should be holding their breaths, you know?"
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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
The blonde elven maiden nods in agreement with Rodan. "It is a true shame the people of the village have not come together more in this dark hour..." She quietly answers the elf. "...but I suppose it says something about the oppressive dread that Strahd has put over the village."She adds with sadness, but also resolve in her melodious voice.
The party, together with Ismark and Ireena, return to the Manor go pick up some provisions and their packs and start making their way towards Valliki. You head west out of the village, crossing the river by means of an ancient stone bridge.
Further along the road, you reach a crossroads of sorts with the main road carrying on straight while a smaller track branches off to the right and follows the river. Ismark point you down this path as leading to the Vistani camp along the river.
The road gradually disappears and is replaced by a twisted, muddy path through the trees. Deep ruts in the earth are evidence of the comings and goings of wagons. The journey has token most of the day and the sun is now low in the sky, hardly visible through the canopy and clouds.
The canopy of mist and branches suddenly gives way to black clouds boiling far above. There is a clearing here, next to a river that widens to form a small lake several hundred feet across. Five colorful round tents, each ten feet in diameter, are pitched outside a ring of four barrel-topped wagons. A much larger tent stands near the shore of the lake, its sagging form lit from within. Near this tent, eight unbridled horses drink from the river.
The mournful strains of an accordion clash with the singing of several brightly clad figures around bonfire. A footpath continues beyond this encampment, meandering north between the river and the forest's edge.
Ireena says "Ah. This must be the Vistani camp. Those are their typical tents, and the terrible music can only be them. They are usually friendly enough, but be careful as they are a hardy lot, and I have heard tales that those who steal or break the rules are not heard of again." She pauses to think for a second and adds "Although, that might just be tales. Else who would have told the story in the first place?" She shrugs and continues.
At Ireena's last comment, Rodan smiles roguishly. "You've a critical ear, Ms. Ireena. Some stories 're just feeling and memory, bent to communicate a theme or idea or pass along a bit o' wisdom."
"Other tales bend the list'ner to ask questions."
He then looks to Ismark, the smile fading. "Which reminds me of a question o' me own. T'was it exactly that let your family snag the title of burgomaster in the land right under the shadow of this darklord's castle? Did your kin enforce his rules? Collect his taxes? Keep his subjects in check? Or did the vampire-conqueror just let your family carry on leadin' the village out of the kindness of his blackened heart?"
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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
Leaving the village, the blonde elven maiden walks with the gruop with quick and graceful steps, singing softly as she goes, a wandering song in elven, seemingly making her steps lighter as her spirit seems lifted. She stops singing as the colourful tents come into sight. She frowns slightly as Ireena calls the Vistani music terrible. Admittedly it was different than what she as used to, but it held a rythm that made her want to dance, her hips faintly moving with the music as the campanions stop. She listens attentively to the response to Rodan's questions but is otherwise eager to meet with the Vistani, curious to know if they indeed are able to travel through the mysterious fog, and if so if they would be able to guide her companions back home.
"Aye it does appear to be the camp we seeked. But if memory serves, the deal was to company you folks to your destination while we looked for this place along the way. We wouldn't be good company to leave you to half way to suit our own wants. In my mind our services have been bought and paid for." He holds up the holy water and gives it a little shake. "Unless you are ready to be rid of us that is. I for one plan to see our end of the bargain fulfilled."
"Of course we will all escort you all the way to Vallaki..."The blonde elven maiden interjects with a small frown. "...but we might stop and trade news before continuing our journey. Besides, this place might even be as good a place to rest as any."She adds with a warm smile.
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The lanky, dark eyed elf follows leisurely behind the rest as they walk down the lonely roads of Barovia toward the Burgomaster's manor. As the others talk with Ireena and Ismark, he circles slowly around the hall, taking in the furnishings and well-appointed decorations, pausing only to glance at the gruesome fang marks on the young woman's throat.
He traces a finger down the edge of a painting frame, a slightly sour expression on his face as he gazes to the grieving heirs.
At the funeral service, Rodan defers to the others and the priest, though he does offer one contribution. At what seems to him an opportune moment, he steps forward, shield held against his chest with both hands. He speaks in a strong, clear voice, somewhere between song and recitation. He speaks in Common and, interestingly, his accent is almost unnoticeable, as though he is precisely quoting something from memory, down to the tone and inflection.
"Lathander, Morning Lord, so divine,
With dawn's first light, your grace doth shine.
Your calming radiance, ever firm,
Protects from dangers that would harm.
In mortal's realm, your gentle hand,
Guides us through this perilous land.
With quiet voice, we revere your name,
In Lathander's light, we find our aim.
The morning's promise, a brand-new day,
Cut shadows down that block our way.
Lathander's blessings, that shining hope,
With reverence, in your light, we cope."
The poem finished he taps the shield twice and then steps back toward the rear of the group again. [Performance: 17 (rolled in game log)]
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
As the lanky, dark-eyed elf has given his recitation, the blonde elven maiden gives him a nod and a solemn smile of appreciation before stepping forward to the coffin, standing there in silence for a moment before starting to sing, her voice carrying through the cemetary, singing beautiful words in elvish, her gentle voice touching the hearts of those assmembled, assuring them of the passing of this good soul into the fair meadows over the seas.
(16) The Passing of The Elves - LYRIC VIDEO - YouTube
Performance: 7
A slight smirk crosses Thulewyn's face at the bluntness to his words. Well what did she expect, a bunch of folks new to town and willing to be help for minimal returns. Then dropping that she has been under the control of a vampire and sport bite marks. "Your meetings with the creature was severely downplayed by your brother. I find the emission more then a tad suspicious." Turning towards Ismark, "Don't be having similar scars on yer neck do ye? As I mentioned, very unfamiliar with vampires and how they work, so I rather be cautious."
Happily going g back to see Donavich so that he could ask all he knew about vampires and turning folks, he wasn't so thrilled to be carrying the casket with those a head taller then himself. Having to go the whole way holding the box above his head a sneer on his face the while way.
Looking for an opportunity to talk to Donavich after the service was done to ask his questions.
Ireena and Ismark are very moved by your recitations and song, with tears in their eyes. Even Donavich, who is used to funerals and misery, has to wipe the tears from his eyes. Your notice that the sound of the ceremony seems to have even brought some of the villagers out, and you see some of them peering from the distance and some even approaching and making gestures of mourning and prayer.
Ismark looks as if he is about to say some words in remembrance of their father, but Ireena - yound and headstrong as she is - takes a step forward at this point and gives a short speech, for the funeral and also for the benefit of the villagers who have appeared and are listening in:
"Here lies Kolyan Indirovich, Burgomaster of the village of Barovia, leader of men ... and my father. He tried his best to keep the darkness at bay, and to make life bearable for one and all. But in the end, Strahd - the Devil Strahd - and his minions came for us. We do not know why, but he kept coming for us, and we received little or no help from our neighbours and the village. They came again and again, until my poor father's heart gave out from the strain."
She looks across to the villagers who have appeared, and looks them in the eye as she carries on, and anger flashes in her eyes and voice
"You may think, what is it to me? Strahd came for Kolyan, and not for me. But he will keep coming for us. One after the other. It was Kolyan today, maybe your neighbour tomorrow, but eventually there is just you ... and he will come for you. So bear this in mind, when you decide how to act next time you see the darkness rise."
She then turns back, trying to keep down her anger, and calms herself again. She and Ismark both say a few more private prayers, and Donavich concludes the ceremony by blessing and interring the coffin in a grave dug especially.
(For excellent role-play, the whole party gets Inspiration. You can use it to give yourself advantage when you make an attack roll, saving throw, or ability check - but just once, until you gain Inspiration again. I have updated the character sheets with inspiration markers already)
(This happens before the funeral)
Ismark speaks to you in quite tones. "Yes. I perhaps could have mentioned this. But I did not want to scare you off, and I do not know you and your group well. But I can assure you, Ireena is just as she has always been and not under the control of a Vampire or anyone else. And no, neither I nor my father were ever bitten. Strahd seems to be uniquely and obsessively interested in Ireena - and only Ireena. When he was here, he had eyes only for her and barely paid attention to us. But it's all a bit of a blur as his powers are considerable and he managed to magically charm us temporarily. That is how he got in and managed to bite Ireena. Why he did not kill her, I do not know."
(After the funeral)
You speak to Donavich about this, and he tells you the following: "Yes, Vampires are known to feed on the living without killing them. Strahd and the other Vampires regularly feed on people in the valley. Some people are bitten more than once even; but others are never touched. No one knows how they select their victims. Only very few are ever fully drained and in their death turned into Vampires. And from the experience I have gathered with Doru, my son who was turned, I am quite confident that Ireena is certainly not a vampire. Doru has no pulse, no warmth, and cannot abide sunlight." He looks up at the dark cloudy sky through which nonetheless some sunlight is visible, and then at Ireena who is standing in the open with no protection from the sun but appears to be enjoying the warmth. He then continues "Well, at least not until Strahd finds and drains her. She is young and headstrong, and may even be impolite at time. But believe me, there is much good in her. On her behalf, let me beg you: Keep her safe! From what Ismark told me, Ireena seems to somehow be a focal point, perhaps even an obssession, of Strahd."
Alcazar watches the performance. Do I look dead to you? He laughs at the question then crosses his arms and narrows his eyes. "Do these 'spawn' also fear the light?" he asks.
After the ceremony, Celeste passes the coffin and bows, then turning to offer he condolences to the siblings and thanking father Donavich for the service. She is then reday to depart for Valaki as soon as the others are. "That was very beautiful Rodan, I have never heard it before, is it yours?" The blonde elven maiden asks the lanky, dark-eyed elf with a warm smile as they start to depart, curiosity in her blue eyes.
Donavich: "Oh yes. When Doru first arrived as as Vampire spawn - and after we managed to subdue him - I thought that daylight might assist the gods and my prayers in curing him. But it burned and nearly killed him. Although perhaps that also would have been a cure of a kind .... but not one I could contemplate for me son. No. If you excuse me, I think I must go back to my prayers and studies. I am certain that the gods will help me find a way eventually."
Janek nods to Donavich as they depart. "Best of luck in your efforts."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard ||
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer || Bronnryn Hethgar, Cleric
(Let me know if you want to do anything else at the funeral, or generally in the village. If not, I will move the narrative on the start of the journey to Valliki)
Alcazar is content to move on, but before they leave ((if it has not been done already)) he will ask Donavich and their travelling companions -- most especially Ireena who might be acquainted with her -- if they would have any insights into the likely whereabouts of the run-away that they have agreed to find.
(( if they give useful local leads, then great, otherwise, happy to move on ))
Thulewyn would also try to convince their new traveling pair to purchase some holy water for the group for the trip. He will promise not to dump any on Ireena as a means to persuade them (but only if he needs too!).
"I never met her but I heard of her. My father knew her and Mary. He tried many times to convince Mary that this was not the way to being up her daughter. Sooner or later, she would grow up - and you cannot keep people locked up in a house forever. Even if it is with good intentions.
I'm afraid the isolation made her a bit ... how to put this ... naive and stupid. She knows nothing of the outside world, except her fairy tales. And those are not exactly accurate stories. So she's probably off to find a prince in shining armor, or to kiss a frog, or something. Who knows. But maybe we'll find her on our travels."
Ismark agrees that this is a good idea, and has some coin. Donavich prepares enough to make up one flask of Holy Water for each of you.
Ireena laughs heartily at your suggestion. "It's not often that we get a good laugh in this valley!"
Rodan cocks an eyebrow. "Nay, not mine, mate. Just a tiny poem for the faithful, nicked it from somewhere, I guess."
"Seems like this land could do with a spot of aid from the Morning Lord."
He adds, more quietly, "Though, if 'e can't be arsed to lend a hand to one of 'is own priests, not sure the rest of the folks 'ere should be holding their breaths, you know?"
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
The blonde elven maiden nods in agreement with Rodan. "It is a true shame the people of the village have not come together more in this dark hour..." She quietly answers the elf. "...but I suppose it says something about the oppressive dread that Strahd has put over the village." She adds with sadness, but also resolve in her melodious voice.
(I'm assuming we're done in the village then)
The party, together with Ismark and Ireena, return to the Manor go pick up some provisions and their packs and start making their way towards Valliki. You head west out of the village, crossing the river by means of an ancient stone bridge.
Further along the road, you reach a crossroads of sorts with the main road carrying on straight while a smaller track branches off to the right and follows the river. Ismark point you down this path as leading to the Vistani camp along the river.
The road gradually disappears and is replaced by a twisted, muddy path through the trees. Deep ruts in the earth are evidence of the comings and goings of wagons. The journey has token most of the day and the sun is now low in the sky, hardly visible through the canopy and clouds.
The canopy of mist and branches suddenly gives way to black clouds boiling far above. There is a clearing here, next to a river that widens to form a small lake several hundred feet across. Five colorful round tents, each ten feet in diameter, are pitched outside a ring of four barrel-topped wagons. A much larger tent stands near the shore of the lake, its sagging form lit from within. Near this tent, eight unbridled horses drink from the river.
The mournful strains of an accordion clash with the singing of several brightly clad figures around bonfire. A footpath continues beyond this encampment, meandering north between the river and the forest's edge.
Ireena says "Ah. This must be the Vistani camp. Those are their typical tents, and the terrible music can only be them. They are usually friendly enough, but be careful as they are a hardy lot, and I have heard tales that those who steal or break the rules are not heard of again." She pauses to think for a second and adds "Although, that might just be tales. Else who would have told the story in the first place?" She shrugs and continues.
(Are you just walking into the camp?)
At Ireena's last comment, Rodan smiles roguishly. "You've a critical ear, Ms. Ireena. Some stories 're just feeling and memory, bent to communicate a theme or idea or pass along a bit o' wisdom."
"Other tales bend the list'ner to ask questions."
He then looks to Ismark, the smile fading. "Which reminds me of a question o' me own. T'was it exactly that let your family snag the title of burgomaster in the land right under the shadow of this darklord's castle? Did your kin enforce his rules? Collect his taxes? Keep his subjects in check? Or did the vampire-conqueror just let your family carry on leadin' the village out of the kindness of his blackened heart?"
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
Leaving the village, the blonde elven maiden walks with the gruop with quick and graceful steps, singing softly as she goes, a wandering song in elven, seemingly making her steps lighter as her spirit seems lifted. She stops singing as the colourful tents come into sight. She frowns slightly as Ireena calls the Vistani music terrible. Admittedly it was different than what she as used to, but it held a rythm that made her want to dance, her hips faintly moving with the music as the campanions stop. She listens attentively to the response to Rodan's questions but is otherwise eager to meet with the Vistani, curious to know if they indeed are able to travel through the mysterious fog, and if so if they would be able to guide her companions back home.
"Aye it does appear to be the camp we seeked. But if memory serves, the deal was to company you folks to your destination while we looked for this place along the way. We wouldn't be good company to leave you to half way to suit our own wants. In my mind our services have been bought and paid for." He holds up the holy water and gives it a little shake. "Unless you are ready to be rid of us that is. I for one plan to see our end of the bargain fulfilled."
"Of course we will all escort you all the way to Vallaki..." The blonde elven maiden interjects with a small frown. "...but we might stop and trade news before continuing our journey. Besides, this place might even be as good a place to rest as any." She adds with a warm smile.