As he joins them by their table, Celeste introduces her companion Thulewyn to the half-elf with a friendly smile.
"News do travel." Celeste says with a raised eyebrow as Rictavio mentions Ireena being coveted by Strahd. "You are right though..." The blonde elven maiden says with resignation, putting away the picture of Getruda. "...we travelled with her here where she hopefully will be safe from the vampire lord. I suppose his spies have informed him already of her arrival here." She add with a sad look. "So, this Von Richten, do you have any idea where we can find him if we would need some advice on vampire hunting?" She asks after a while with a charming smile.
Rodan sidles up to the table and upon hearing Thulewyn's report, he adds his own. "I've put my ears down and snagged a few leads meself. Sounds like the spark of resistance ain't quite snuffed in these parts... though it might be little more than a flicker. Word is out that there's some manor outside this here town, where some old foes of the vampire have bunkered down. Not too keen on that notion, I ain't... I'd wager they're just nobles, bitter and green-eyed about the vampire's power, itchin' to cozy up and snuggle themselves up in that yonder castle, right? On the other hand, it seems there's an underground crew goin' by the catchy name "Keepers of the Feather." Rumor has is these Feather folk are itching to take down Strahddy-boy too, though they mean do it on the down-low, keepin' their heads down and their honkers clean. Might be a tough nut to crack, though... word is they are hard to find."
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
Putting down some coins for the two men's drinks, Janek nods at the information. "I will definitely keep you in mind if we need guides. Unfortunately, I don't think we have too many destinations in mind at the moment. Some of us had hoped for a way out of these lands, but that does not seem like a path you can lead us to." He pauses, taking a small sip of his own drink. "What brings you to town now? Just the ebb and flow of your routine? I can't imagine you came for the festival?"
He keeps up the conversation, chatting and trying to get a feel if they might have any interesting information that would help the group.
Szoldar: "Easy: We live here. Good a place as any, and we like a drink at the Inn in the evenings. Best Inn is usually in the biggest town."
Yevgeni: "Yeah. We likes a drink"
You carry on chatting a bit, and gather that the two hunters know the area very well. If you need to find some location, even an obscure one from e.g. a description only, they might be able to help you. Or if you need a sneaky shortcut to avoid the main roads and remain unseen, these two would probably be likely to know. But as you don't ask them about any particular location, and as you have not paid them, you don't really get any specific or useful tips.
As he joins them by their table, Celeste introduces her companion Thulewyn to the half-elf with a friendly smile.
"News do travel." Celeste says with a raised eyebrow as Rictavio mentions Ireena being coveted by Strahd. "You are right though..." The blonde elven maiden says with resignation, putting away the picture of Getruda. "...we travelled with her here where she hopefully will be safe from the vampire lord. I suppose his spies have informed him already of her arrival here." She add with a sad look. "So, this Von Richten, do you have any idea where we can find him if we would need some advice on vampire hunting?" She asks after a while with a charming smile.
Ricatvo spreads his hands wide and shrugs his shoulders. "I'm an entertainer. I can tell you some great epic tales or adventure and fierce duels. And I've been trying to gather the local stories and folklore here. The people believe that Strahd is some form of devil. They believe that all vampires, including Strahd must rest in its coffin during the day, that they control creatures of the night such as wolves and bats - and that some of the powerful ones can even transform into such creatures. They say that a Vampire cannot enter a residence without being invited in, that running water like rivers burn them, and that sunlight causes them to burst into flame. But here's the thing..."
he leans forward and looks deep into your eyes to emphasize this point:
"... these tales are just ... well .. stories. None of the local I spoke with have ever fought, let alone seen someone defeat, Strahd. Many have never even seen him directly. And this realm seems to be somewhat unusual. So who knows what is true and what is now. If I were an adventurer like you, I would be very careful to put my faith into stories. Even if they do come from an excellent storyteller!" He smiles broadly with this last statement.
The blonde elven maiden laughs softly as Rictavio entertains her. "So you don't believe there is away to defeat Strahd then? Should we all simply succumb to the darkness he spreads over this domain?"She asks him, although still in a pleasant and not too serious tone, taking another sip of her wine.
Eventually Celeste would rejoin with the others in her company and listen to what they had gathered. "Just so we understand each other right..." She says quietly, looking around at the others. "...are we all invested in finding the means to depose Strahd before we return through the fog then? Because the longer I stay here the stronger I feel the suffering of these lands must end soon. After we have sorted out what happened to the wine delivery tomorrow I will gladly set out to seek all the allies we can find, because I sense we will need them all if we are to stand a chance against the vampire lord. Also, I believe therei is a vampire hunter called Von Richten that might prove a valuable ally."
The blonde elven maiden laughs softly as Rictavio entertains her. "So you don't believe there is away to defeat Strahd then? Should we all simply succumb to the darkness he spreads over this domain?"She asks him, although still in a pleasant and not too serious tone, taking another sip of her wine.
Rictavo: "Oh no, no one is invincible so there must be ways to beat him. There must be a way. There always is. I simply advise that you would be wise to research your enemy and to prepare thoroughly - beyond listening to a few tales from drunk locals which may not be accurate - before you confront him."
"So where then would you suggest one should turn for this research, assuming one would be so inclined?" Celeste continues in a pleasant tone.
Rictavo, with an overacted joking expression of being offended, responds, "My dear Lady, If I knew a better place than this Inn to do my own research, I'd be there myself!
Janek gives a very brief chuckle at the pair's remarks about liking a drink. As the conversation dwindles down, he tells them. "I appreciate you humoring me and sharing a drink with me. I hope I can offer you some business as guides in the future." He stands and makes his way back over to the others.
He takes a seat where the others have gathered, trying to catch up with their conversation. "If we ever need guides, those two seem very competent folk. Know the lands quite well."
(Are you discussing or doing anything else? Seemed like there was some conversation left to work out what you're doing next. Or shall I assume you just have a bit more food and drink and move to the next days?)
(Well, Celeste wouldn't have minded continuing the discussion about plans and intentions but it's okay to move on too :-)
The blonde elven maiden would continue to enjoy the evening with wine and entertainment before eventually retiring to her room at the inn, rising early the next morning, after a light morning meal ready to set out to visit the vineyard to find out what has kept the delivery of wine to the town of Vallaki.
Alcazar watches as the Vistani child disappears into the crowds, hoping she comes to no more trouble before she is reunited with her people. Once, long ago, I might have followed her to make sure of her safety. He sighs, then shrugs and turns to follow the others to the inn. The thought of a dry resting place for the evening is pleasant, and he is relieved when the others decide that any more travel should wait for the next day.
He scans the room, looking for a quiet corner to settle. The company of others is not something he has sought in a long time, but his current companions -- however unlikely a band they might seem -- represent stability in this strange land. He resolves that staying with them is probably his best option for survival.
After a time Rodan starts his song and Alcazar find his attention drawn to it. Such sentiments were the wishful thinking of peasants more than a reflection of reality, but the people of this land probably only had such far-off dreams to comfort them. The term blood-sucking was often applied to the nobility, but never so accurately. A faint smile appears on his lips.
At the end of the song he setlles back into his corner, content to watch and listen once more, planning to spend the night in his quiet corner.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Later in the evening, Rictavo entertains the locals with various famous stories, some of which you already know, but which seem to be new to the people in this isolated place. Ismark returns later and reports that he has found a suitable house to rent, but will finalise the details in the morning and move their things tomorrow.
You spend the rest of the evening enjoying your wine and food, and then get some rest in a room of the Inn which the Innkeeper has furnished simply but nicely. Ireena and Ismark stay for one night also, and will move to their new accommodation in the morning. Rictavo also stays at the Inn in another room, but other than that, it seems that no further guests are staying.
In the morning, the Innkeeper provides a simple fare of some bread and cheese to break your fast.
Ireena and Ismark move their things over to a rented house. Both are grateful, and Ismark says: "Thank you very much for your help. I feel we will be much safer here than in our father's mansion where Strahd was chasing Ireena."
Ireena: "Yes, quite. Although I do wonder ... is it be best thing to stay in one place for too long. Perhaps we should stay with this lot and keep on the move. Unless they're planning on doing something particularly dangerous and stupid?" she says, quizzically raising her eyebrows.
(Let me know if you want to try and convince them to join you on your travels. In any case, once you are ready to make your way to the Vineyard:)
After your morning meal and getting your equipment together, you set out for the Vineyard. 2
The journey is uneventful, and nothing interesting happens. You follow the road as directed, and turn left just before the bridge. Shortly after this turning, the the road becomes a muddy trail that meanders through the woods, descending gradually until the trees part, revealing a mist-shrouded meadow. The trail splits. One branch heads west into the valley, and the other leads south into dark woods. A wooden signpost at the intersection points west and reads, "Vineyard." You follow the sign. A light drizzle begins to fall. Unpainted fences blindly follow the trail, which skirts north of a sprawling vineyard before bending south toward a stately building. The fog takes on ghostly forms as it swirls between the neatly tended rows of grapevines. Here and there, you see rope-handled half-barrels used for hauling grapes. North of the trail is a large stand of trees.
A man wearing a dark cloak and cowl stands at the edge of the trees, beckoning you.
"Well, I don't think we can make any promises on that..."Celeste says in in a playful tone, glancing over at her companions. "...maybe it is safer for you to stay here for now Ireena, I'm sure you will be a part of overthrowing Strahd when that day comes." She says in warm sincere tone to the strikingly beautiful woman.
As earlier, the blonde elven maiden would sing cheerfully as she walks, hoping to keep spirits up in the gloomy valley. She lets out a sigh as the drizzle starts but then she resumes her singing. "This must be it." She says as the companions reach the sprawling vineyard. As they see the dark-cloaked man by the trees, Celeste steps closer and calls out to him. "Greetings stranger, we are sent from Vallaki. Are you with the Vineyard in any capacity?"
"Well, I don't think we can make any promises on that..."Celeste says in in a playful tone, glancing over at her companions. "...maybe it is safer for you to stay here for now Ireena, I'm sure you will be a part of overthrowing Strahd when that day comes." She says in warm sincere tone to the strikingly beautiful woman.
Ireena and Ismark stay behind in Valliki and get to the business of making the rented house safe by installing extra locks and shutters, getting a priest to bless it, strategically sprinkling some holy-water, and so on. This may take them a day or two and will keep them busy.
As earlier, the blonde elven maiden would sing cheerfully as she walks, hoping to keep spirits up in the gloomy valley. She lets out a sigh as the drizzle starts but then she resumes her singing. "This must be it." She says as the companions reach the sprawling vineyard. As they see the dark-cloaked man by the trees, Celeste steps closer and calls out to him. "Greetings stranger, we are sent from Vallaki. Are you with the Vineyard in any capacity?"
Persuasion: 13 Insight: 10 + Guidance: 4
The man is an older man, though still strong and fit, with a short beard streaked with white.
As you approach, a more men and even some women and children step out of the trees around him - making nine in total. Some bear a clear resemblance to the old man, with what appears to be two sons and one daughter - all standing with a tall woman. The other men are dressed somewhat alike, in typical Barovian garbs covered over by long dark cloaks to keep the rain off them.
"Greetings strangers. My name is Davian Matrikov, and I am the owner of this fine vineyard ... though you find us somewhat at a disadvantage and quite unable to offer you any hospitality. You see, the vineyard has been attacked by evil Druids leading a small horde of Blights. My family and our friends here have tried to evict them, but without much success. I would be most grateful if you could help us. We could surely repay your efforts with some wine or even a little gold."
"I am sure that we will..."Celeste says, glancing back at her companions in hope of affirming nods. "...we are here to make sure wine is delivered to Vallaki so if dealing with evil druids and their minions is what is needed then so be it."She says with a reassuring smile to the man with the short beard. "What more can you tell us about these druids and their blights? Do you know their numbers and where they are for instance?"
"I am sure that we will..."Celeste says, glancing back at her companions in hope of affirming nods. "...we are here to make sure wine is delivered to Vallaki so if dealing with evil druids and their minions is what is needed then so be it."She says with a reassuring smile to the man with the short beard. "What more can you tell us about these druids and their blights? Do you know their numbers and where they are for instance?"
(Did the insight roll tell Celeste anything :-)
(Insight told you about the fact that some of the group are his family, you didn't roll high enough for anything more exciting)
"Well, I reckon we saw a handful of druids, and maybe two or three dozen blights left - though most of them looks small and weak. But they are spread out across the vineyard so you may not need to take on all of them at the same time. Or maybe you could sneak in and take out the leaders? I imagine the magical blights can't exactly be here by themselves, so maybe cut the head of the snake?
We are pretty exhausted as we've been fighting and trying for days. But we might be able to stage a bit of a diversion to help."
The main building of the vineyard is layed out like below. There are.also various sheds, outbuildings, and of course several fields of vines - three to be precise, though they all look quite barren. One field looks like it died a while ago while the other two look like they started to fail more recently.
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As he joins them by their table, Celeste introduces her companion Thulewyn to the half-elf with a friendly smile.
"News do travel." Celeste says with a raised eyebrow as Rictavio mentions Ireena being coveted by Strahd. "You are right though..." The blonde elven maiden says with resignation, putting away the picture of Getruda. "...we travelled with her here where she hopefully will be safe from the vampire lord. I suppose his spies have informed him already of her arrival here." She add with a sad look. "So, this Von Richten, do you have any idea where we can find him if we would need some advice on vampire hunting?" She asks after a while with a charming smile.
Rodan sidles up to the table and upon hearing Thulewyn's report, he adds his own. "I've put my ears down and snagged a few leads meself. Sounds like the spark of resistance ain't quite snuffed in these parts... though it might be little more than a flicker. Word is out that there's some manor outside this here town, where some old foes of the vampire have bunkered down. Not too keen on that notion, I ain't... I'd wager they're just nobles, bitter and green-eyed about the vampire's power, itchin' to cozy up and snuggle themselves up in that yonder castle, right? On the other hand, it seems there's an underground crew goin' by the catchy name "Keepers of the Feather." Rumor has is these Feather folk are itching to take down Strahddy-boy too, though they mean do it on the down-low, keepin' their heads down and their honkers clean. Might be a tough nut to crack, though... word is they are hard to find."
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
Szoldar: "Easy: We live here. Good a place as any, and we like a drink at the Inn in the evenings. Best Inn is usually in the biggest town."
Yevgeni: "Yeah. We likes a drink"
You carry on chatting a bit, and gather that the two hunters know the area very well. If you need to find some location, even an obscure one from e.g. a description only, they might be able to help you. Or if you need a sneaky shortcut to avoid the main roads and remain unseen, these two would probably be likely to know. But as you don't ask them about any particular location, and as you have not paid them, you don't really get any specific or useful tips.
Ricatvo spreads his hands wide and shrugs his shoulders. "I'm an entertainer. I can tell you some great epic tales or adventure and fierce duels. And I've been trying to gather the local stories and folklore here. The people believe that Strahd is some form of devil. They believe that all vampires, including Strahd must rest in its coffin during the day, that they control creatures of the night such as wolves and bats - and that some of the powerful ones can even transform into such creatures. They say that a Vampire cannot enter a residence without being invited in, that running water like rivers burn them, and that sunlight causes them to burst into flame. But here's the thing..."
he leans forward and looks deep into your eyes to emphasize this point:
"... these tales are just ... well .. stories. None of the local I spoke with have ever fought, let alone seen someone defeat, Strahd. Many have never even seen him directly. And this realm seems to be somewhat unusual. So who knows what is true and what is now. If I were an adventurer like you, I would be very careful to put my faith into stories. Even if they do come from an excellent storyteller!" He smiles broadly with this last statement.
(Ignore the deleted post. I got confused about which PC is talking to which NPC)
The blonde elven maiden laughs softly as Rictavio entertains her. "So you don't believe there is away to defeat Strahd then? Should we all simply succumb to the darkness he spreads over this domain?" She asks him, although still in a pleasant and not too serious tone, taking another sip of her wine.
Eventually Celeste would rejoin with the others in her company and listen to what they had gathered. "Just so we understand each other right..." She says quietly, looking around at the others. "...are we all invested in finding the means to depose Strahd before we return through the fog then? Because the longer I stay here the stronger I feel the suffering of these lands must end soon. After we have sorted out what happened to the wine delivery tomorrow I will gladly set out to seek all the allies we can find, because I sense we will need them all if we are to stand a chance against the vampire lord. Also, I believe therei is a vampire hunter called Von Richten that might prove a valuable ally."
Rictavo: "Oh no, no one is invincible so there must be ways to beat him. There must be a way. There always is. I simply advise that you would be wise to research your enemy and to prepare thoroughly - beyond listening to a few tales from drunk locals which may not be accurate - before you confront him."
"So where then would you suggest one should turn for this research, assuming one would be so inclined?" Celeste continues in a pleasant tone.
Rictavo, with an overacted joking expression of being offended, responds, "My dear Lady, If I knew a better place than this Inn to do my own research, I'd be there myself!
I'm afraid I can't help you there!"
Janek gives a very brief chuckle at the pair's remarks about liking a drink. As the conversation dwindles down, he tells them. "I appreciate you humoring me and sharing a drink with me. I hope I can offer you some business as guides in the future." He stands and makes his way back over to the others.
He takes a seat where the others have gathered, trying to catch up with their conversation. "If we ever need guides, those two seem very competent folk. Know the lands quite well."
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
(Are you discussing or doing anything else? Seemed like there was some conversation left to work out what you're doing next. Or shall I assume you just have a bit more food and drink and move to the next days?)
(Well, Celeste wouldn't have minded continuing the discussion about plans and intentions but it's okay to move on too :-)
The blonde elven maiden would continue to enjoy the evening with wine and entertainment before eventually retiring to her room at the inn, rising early the next morning, after a light morning meal ready to set out to visit the vineyard to find out what has kept the delivery of wine to the town of Vallaki.
Alcazar watches as the Vistani child disappears into the crowds, hoping she comes to no more trouble before she is reunited with her people. Once, long ago, I might have followed her to make sure of her safety. He sighs, then shrugs and turns to follow the others to the inn. The thought of a dry resting place for the evening is pleasant, and he is relieved when the others decide that any more travel should wait for the next day.
He scans the room, looking for a quiet corner to settle. The company of others is not something he has sought in a long time, but his current companions -- however unlikely a band they might seem -- represent stability in this strange land. He resolves that staying with them is probably his best option for survival.
After a time Rodan starts his song and Alcazar find his attention drawn to it. Such sentiments were the wishful thinking of peasants more than a reflection of reality, but the people of this land probably only had such far-off dreams to comfort them. The term blood-sucking was often applied to the nobility, but never so accurately. A faint smile appears on his lips.
At the end of the song he setlles back into his corner, content to watch and listen once more, planning to spend the night in his quiet corner.
Later in the evening, Rictavo entertains the locals with various famous stories, some of which you already know, but which seem to be new to the people in this isolated place. Ismark returns later and reports that he has found a suitable house to rent, but will finalise the details in the morning and move their things tomorrow.
You spend the rest of the evening enjoying your wine and food, and then get some rest in a room of the Inn which the Innkeeper has furnished simply but nicely. Ireena and Ismark stay for one night also, and will move to their new accommodation in the morning. Rictavo also stays at the Inn in another room, but other than that, it seems that no further guests are staying.
In the morning, the Innkeeper provides a simple fare of some bread and cheese to break your fast.
Ireena and Ismark move their things over to a rented house. Both are grateful, and Ismark says: "Thank you very much for your help. I feel we will be much safer here than in our father's mansion where Strahd was chasing Ireena."
Ireena: "Yes, quite. Although I do wonder ... is it be best thing to stay in one place for too long. Perhaps we should stay with this lot and keep on the move. Unless they're planning on doing something particularly dangerous and stupid?" she says, quizzically raising her eyebrows.
(Let me know if you want to try and convince them to join you on your travels. In any case, once you are ready to make your way to the Vineyard:)
After your morning meal and getting your equipment together, you set out for the Vineyard. 2
The journey is uneventful, and nothing interesting happens. You follow the road as directed, and turn left just before the bridge. Shortly after this turning, the the road becomes a muddy trail that meanders through the woods, descending gradually until the trees part, revealing a mist-shrouded meadow. The trail splits. One branch heads west into the valley, and the other leads south into dark woods. A wooden signpost at the intersection points west and reads, "Vineyard." You follow the sign. A light drizzle begins to fall. Unpainted fences blindly follow the trail, which skirts north of a sprawling vineyard before bending south toward a stately building. The fog takes on ghostly forms as it swirls between the neatly tended rows of grapevines. Here and there, you see rope-handled half-barrels used for hauling grapes. North of the trail is a large stand of trees.
A man wearing a dark cloak and cowl stands at the edge of the trees, beckoning you.
"Well, I don't think we can make any promises on that..." Celeste says in in a playful tone, glancing over at her companions. "...maybe it is safer for you to stay here for now Ireena, I'm sure you will be a part of overthrowing Strahd when that day comes." She says in warm sincere tone to the strikingly beautiful woman.
As earlier, the blonde elven maiden would sing cheerfully as she walks, hoping to keep spirits up in the gloomy valley.
She lets out a sigh as the drizzle starts but then she resumes her singing.
"This must be it." She says as the companions reach the sprawling vineyard.
As they see the dark-cloaked man by the trees, Celeste steps closer and calls out to him. "Greetings stranger, we are sent from Vallaki. Are you with the Vineyard in any capacity?"
Persuasion: 22
Insight: 9 + Guidance: 2
Ireena and Ismark stay behind in Valliki and get to the business of making the rented house safe by installing extra locks and shutters, getting a priest to bless it, strategically sprinkling some holy-water, and so on. This may take them a day or two and will keep them busy.
The man is an older man, though still strong and fit, with a short beard streaked with white.
As you approach, a more men and even some women and children step out of the trees around him - making nine in total. Some bear a clear resemblance to the old man, with what appears to be two sons and one daughter - all standing with a tall woman. The other men are dressed somewhat alike, in typical Barovian garbs covered over by long dark cloaks to keep the rain off them.
"Greetings strangers. My name is Davian Matrikov, and I am the owner of this fine vineyard ... though you find us somewhat at a disadvantage and quite unable to offer you any hospitality. You see, the vineyard has been attacked by evil Druids leading a small horde of Blights. My family and our friends here have tried to evict them, but without much success. I would be most grateful if you could help us. We could surely repay your efforts with some wine or even a little gold."
"I am sure that we will..." Celeste says, glancing back at her companions in hope of affirming nods. "...we are here to make sure wine is delivered to Vallaki so if dealing with evil druids and their minions is what is needed then so be it." She says with a reassuring smile to the man with the short beard. "What more can you tell us about these druids and their blights? Do you know their numbers and where they are for instance?"
(Did the insight roll tell Celeste anything :-)
(Insight told you about the fact that some of the group are his family, you didn't roll high enough for anything more exciting)
"Well, I reckon we saw a handful of druids, and maybe two or three dozen blights left - though most of them looks small and weak. But they are spread out across the vineyard so you may not need to take on all of them at the same time. Or maybe you could sneak in and take out the leaders? I imagine the magical blights can't exactly be here by themselves, so maybe cut the head of the snake?
We are pretty exhausted as we've been fighting and trying for days. But we might be able to stage a bit of a diversion to help."
The main building of the vineyard is layed out like below. There are.also various sheds, outbuildings, and of course several fields of vines - three to be precise, though they all look quite barren. One field looks like it died a while ago while the other two look like they started to fail more recently.