Anthony scrubs a hand through his hair, glancing at Aoufie. "Oof, gonna be blunt, Ismark. I don't speak for the others, but I'm not taking your sister anywhere without her speaking for herself on the matter. No offense." His tone suggests he really doesn't care if Ismark takes offense or not, though it softens as he continues."My condolences on your father. We lost someone recently as well." He looks at the group. "I'd like to stop by the church.... If you guys want, I could prepare a ... memorial." He doesn't say for who, hoping that the others will take his hint, "But I'm happy to talk to Ireena first, if that's where the rest of you want to go."
Akyan let's the others decide on their next actions. He understands where they are all coming from, and he knows that they can't help everyone. If they find the girl, great. If not...he closes his eyes. It's better not to think about that, but it's best to just hope she found her way home.
He nods when Anthony explains that he wants to speak with Ismark's sister before committing to anything. "I agree. We can't very well escort someone who doesn't wish to be escorted."
Sounds like the group will be heading to Ismark's home. Good, he's interested in learning more about this man. From what just transpired, he seems to care about his citizens, but it could just be an act to gain their sympathy. The drow's not all that thrilled to visit a church, but if that's what the others want, he has no intention of splitting the party any more than need be. Not to mention he's does catch on to Anthony's hint about a memorial.
"It's always best to get confirmation at any rate,"Zathon muses. He gets the memorial nudge, but he sees no point in it. The most they can do to honor her memory is finish the mission she started.
Kora listens to the conversations but doesn't add anything. Her siblings seem to be picking it apart quite sufficiently. This Ismark seems to be well known in the town and probably more well to do then others and she is curious how he lives considering the squalor they have seen so far.
She also wonders about this Ireena character and how this Strahd has been visiting her, maybe they can get more insight off of Ireena about they Betrayor if that is Strahd? Kora shakes her head a bit. She likes a mystery like the best of them, but this was getting a bit foggy in her head. She lets a wry smile touch her lips as she thinks that maybe the mist is affecting her brain as well.
As they start walking, she continues her watch for ravens, a bit disappointed that she hasn't spotted any yet.
She finds the frown that Ismark gives about the Vistani a bit amusing, so she asks, "Why do you hate the Vistani so?"
Back on the street, Ismark responds to Kora, "Vistani are nothing but trouble. They take nothing seriously, don't care to help anyone who isn't Vistani, and most of all, serve the Devil. I've never met one that wasn't a self-indulgent prick."
Ismark leads you through the mist-wreathed town towards the outskirts of the wretched village ((E4)). At the end of a gloomy street, you see a large two-story house looming like a silent sentinel standing watch over Barovia. As you get nearer, you see that this house bears many more wounds than the buildings around it, many of which are fresh. A low stone wall rings the perimeter of this house, and a broken wooden gate swings back and forth on squeaky hinges in the slight breeze drifting through town. You see that the feeble lawn and flowerbeds around the house are trampled and flattened by recent foot-traffic, and you spot several patches of crimson that look suspiciously like blood around the yard. All the windows are boarded shut, and many of the sodden boards are covered in slashes. Several scorch marks blacken the house where fires appear to have taken to its wooden frame. Despite all its many wounds, it still stands proudly, a testament to the determination and grit of its inhabitants. As Ismark steps past the busted gate, he says dryly, "Welcome to our lovely home.''
He steps up to the battered, yet solid oak door and raps his knuckles against it in a distinct pattern. A few moments later, you hear footsteps approach on the other side of the door. You hear the sound of several locks disengage before the door creaks open ever so slightly. In the sliver of the gap between the door and its frame, you see a weary eye peaking out at the group. Ismark says, "It's ok Ireena, these guys are with me."
The figure on the other side of the door hesitates for a long moment before swinging the door open fully to reveal a tall, stately woman wearing gleaming metal armor. The women has long, wavy auburn that cascades past her shoulders unbound. She seems a bit pale and sickly, but you can tell she usually has a robust vigor with a darker skin tone that what you've seen so far in Barovia. A large sword hangs from her waist, and she rests a hand upon its hilt as her dark eyes move between of you distrustfully. "What are they doing here?" Ireena asks bluntly, her voice rich and smooth.
"They're outlanders," Ismark replies as he steps into the house, gesturing for all of you to enter. "Hopefully, they'll be able to help us get to Vallaki."
Looking around the house, you see that it isn't as in tatters as the outside might appear, but it is by no means lavish. Amongst the rather austere furnishings, you see a surplus of symbols and paintings resembling Tom's pendant scattered throughout the house. The air smells heavily of garlic for some reason, but you don't spot any of the bulbs.
As everyone steps into the house, Ismark casts a wary look at the town before closing the door and begins to engage the many locks festooning the door. As he does, Ireena glares at each of you with hostile curiosity.
After finishing all of latches and locks, Ismark turns to face the group, noticing the way his sister glares at each of you. There's a moment of awkward silence before Ismark clears his throat and says, "Well, this is my sister Ireena." He drapes a casual arm over her armored shoulders and pulls her in for a weak side hug as he says, "She usually a lot more jovial, but she's been through a lot recently."
Ireena stiffens at the hug and glares at Ismark, but he doesn't seem to notice as he smiles at the group.
Anthony almost laughs out loud. Definitely doesn't carry herself like a woman keen on being rescued. He can't help himself. He makes an introduction. "Fair maiden Ireena, your troubles are at an end. Your brother has told us of your horrible plight and how could we not offer aid to such a helpless and delicate creature. It would be our honor to protect yours from this Barovian Devil and deliver you safely to Vallaki, where you can be properly looked after. This monster infested village is no place for a lady." He can't get to the end of what he's saying without the telltale grin creeping onto his face, but he holds it together as long as he can.
Zathon grins at Anthony being just goofy. "As my dear brother has stated, we are at your service Lady Ireena."He gives a slight bow for the sake of it, adding to Anthony's bit.
Anthony almost laughs out loud. Definitely doesn't carry herself like a woman keen on being rescued. He can't help himself. He makes an introduction. "Fair maiden Ireena, your troubles are at an end. Your brother has told us of your horrible plight and how could we not offer aid to such a helpless and delicate creature. It would be our honor to protect yours from this Barovian Devil and deliver you safely to Vallaki, where you can be properly looked after. This monster infested village is no place for a lady." He can't get to the end of what he's saying without the telltale grin creeping onto his face, but he holds it together as long as he can.
Ireena shoots Anthony a glare frigid enough to freeze a waterfall. “Are your words always this pretty, or are you just trying to make up for that disaster of a face of yours?” she asks sarcastically.
Ismark winces at her insult and mouths, “I’m sorry,” to Anthony as he removes his arm from his sister’s shoulders. You see he actually starts blushing a bit and rubs his arm awkwardly as Zathon speaks, looking uncomfortable.
After the shader-kai finishes speaking, Ireena looks at Zathon sternly for a long moment, her iron gaze boring holes into with its intensity. Finally, she tersely asks, “What kind of “service” can you lot provide, and why would you help us?” You have a feeling she is a rather straightforward person.
Zathon seems unbothered by her intensity. "I sense you're a no nonsense type of person, and I don't blame you. From our short time here we have seen this town is in dire straits. People distrust one another, are somber, and mostly stick to themselves. Thusly, you have every right to question newcomers in your midst. I assure you however we are here merely by happenstance after we lost our mother. The trail to her murder led us here, to Barovia. We originally were seeking answers, we still are, but we also have hearts in our chests and were moved by your brothers worry over you. I for one know I would do anything for family, and I recognize that in Ismark. We will gladly help take you to Vallaki, if that is your wish. We have a variety of skills, and can stand on our own in a fight. You will be well protected, not that you need it overly so, armored as you are but it's always wise to travel in numbers."
Anthony does laugh with her reaction. Perfect. "First time anyone's ever said anything about me was pretty, so I'll call it a win. Anthony," The big man stops short of tossing her a wink and sobers quickly.
Picking up where Zathon leaves off with a slightly different spin, "It looks like we need to make our way to Vallaki regardless, but we're unfamiliar with this country. If you're really heading that way yourself... Seems like this is the kind of place where another pair of hands that can lift a sword is good to have around and someone who knows the land and its customs... " He scrubs his hair as his tone grows increasingly earnest. "We have questions." No more joking, just a hopeful look. "And we don't even know what most of them are yet."
Aoufie offers a polite wave and is impressed with Zathon's words. "We are here to help you and Ismark. We came to get your consent but will leave you be if that is what you want."
Jared narrows his eyes a bit, watching the exchange. He tells himself to have patience, the type Mum always showed him but something deep inside wants to rip her head off. Patience wins out, for now. He moves over to Kora and whispers. "Kory I need to talk to you." he tells her. "In private."
Ireena looks each of you over as if sizing you up for another long, silent moment before you see something in her expression soften. She says, her voice still stern, but missing some of its frigidness from before, "Ok then, you can come with us. Ismark and I need to see that our father is buried before we leave. Custom dictates that such burials happen in the morning. Are you able to wait to leave until then?"
Ismark seems to remember something and says, "I'll go grab that map you asked for. Be back in a moment!" With that, he scrambles up the nearby stairs in a slow jog. Ireena watches his leave, her hard expression unchanging, before she turns her attention back towards the group.
"I believe we can wait that long as we cannot get home anytime soon it seems. Would you mind if we stayed here till morning?" asks Aoufie. We are lost in strange land, and we should save as much of our coins as possible.
Kora listens to the exchange and before she gets a chance to chat with this engaging woman, Jared asks to talk to her in private. Raising an eyebrow, she nods and then to Akyan she says, "Be right back." and she heads back out the door assuming Jared will follow her. She doesn't find it right to go wandering in the house for a private conversation.
Turning to the shifter, she asks, "What's on your mind? Other than the obvious." she smirks a bit at this, knowing they must all have their heads swimming as she does.
Akyan hangs back a little to watch how his siblings handle the situation. When Ireena glares at him, he holds her glare levelly. He doesn't bother to cover his smirk at the woman's reactions to the group, especially her reaction to Anthony. He remains silent as Zathon explains the situation. Akyan himself would have been a lot more blunt about it, which may have not been the best way to handle this situation.
When Kora addresses him, he looks from her to Jared, then nods in return only slightly raising an eyebrow. After they head out, he immediately starts mentally counting the minutes they spend away from the group. If it reaches more then fifteen, he'll have to go out and check on them.
Turning his attention back to Ireena and Ismark. With the woman's attitude, he hadn't expected her to agree so quickly. Well, at least she seems like she can pull her own weight. He had been worried that she would be some sobbing girl that they would've ended up causing more trouble than she'd be worth. Her tough demeanor was a pleasant surprise.
"We can wait. We understand wanting to say goodbye to a parent properly."He responds, nodding at the request to stay here for the night. It would be beneficial and if she is being preyed on it would be wise to stick close to her in the meanwhile.
Anthony nods, mostly to himself, but easy enough for it to be interpreted as agreeing with any of the things said. His gut had been right, she responded way better to being asked for her help than an offer of rescue. He wasn’t thrilled about staying here though, she’d been charmed by a vampire and by the look of her fed on. She might well be compromised to the point of being dangerous.
The group REALLY needed to have a private conversation. People were running off making deals and speaking for each other, blabbing compromising information. They needed to get on the same page sooner rather than later.
To Zathon, he has a quick aside, “Speaking of good-byes, I know that kind of thing is important to some of the group. We could take a few to say a few words.” Adding in a pointed look, “Did you want to stop by the church with me and chat with Father Donovan was it? Make some introductions and see what we can learn about the Morning Lord here.”
He nods to Anthony,"I think it would be good for everyone to hold our own memorial.." He knows many of the others are not used to death, it would give them some solace to say a proper goodbye."A visit to the church would be a good move, I'll go with you. The sun symbol, that of this Morning Lord, was used by Aoelwyn, and by Tom. It could offer a measure of protection."
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Anthony scrubs a hand through his hair, glancing at Aoufie. "Oof, gonna be blunt, Ismark. I don't speak for the others, but I'm not taking your sister anywhere without her speaking for herself on the matter. No offense." His tone suggests he really doesn't care if Ismark takes offense or not, though it softens as he continues. "My condolences on your father. We lost someone recently as well." He looks at the group. "I'd like to stop by the church.... If you guys want, I could prepare a ... memorial." He doesn't say for who, hoping that the others will take his hint, "But I'm happy to talk to Ireena first, if that's where the rest of you want to go."
Akyan let's the others decide on their next actions. He understands where they are all coming from, and he knows that they can't help everyone. If they find the girl, great. If not...he closes his eyes. It's better not to think about that, but it's best to just hope she found her way home.
He nods when Anthony explains that he wants to speak with Ismark's sister before committing to anything. "I agree. We can't very well escort someone who doesn't wish to be escorted."
Sounds like the group will be heading to Ismark's home. Good, he's interested in learning more about this man. From what just transpired, he seems to care about his citizens, but it could just be an act to gain their sympathy. The drow's not all that thrilled to visit a church, but if that's what the others want, he has no intention of splitting the party any more than need be. Not to mention he's does catch on to Anthony's hint about a memorial.
"True as I have no intention of dragging her with us against her will. Well let's meet your sister" says Aoufie as he follows behind Ismark.
"It's always best to get confirmation at any rate," Zathon muses. He gets the memorial nudge, but he sees no point in it. The most they can do to honor her memory is finish the mission she started.
Kora listens to the conversations but doesn't add anything. Her siblings seem to be picking it apart quite sufficiently. This Ismark seems to be well known in the town and probably more well to do then others and she is curious how he lives considering the squalor they have seen so far.
She also wonders about this Ireena character and how this Strahd has been visiting her, maybe they can get more insight off of Ireena about they Betrayor if that is Strahd? Kora shakes her head a bit. She likes a mystery like the best of them, but this was getting a bit foggy in her head. She lets a wry smile touch her lips as she thinks that maybe the mist is affecting her brain as well.
As they start walking, she continues her watch for ravens, a bit disappointed that she hasn't spotted any yet.
She finds the frown that Ismark gives about the Vistani a bit amusing, so she asks, "Why do you hate the Vistani so?"
Back on the street, Ismark responds to Kora, "Vistani are nothing but trouble. They take nothing seriously, don't care to help anyone who isn't Vistani, and most of all, serve the Devil. I've never met one that wasn't a self-indulgent prick."
Ismark leads you through the mist-wreathed town towards the outskirts of the wretched village ((E4)). At the end of a gloomy street, you see a large two-story house looming like a silent sentinel standing watch over Barovia. As you get nearer, you see that this house bears many more wounds than the buildings around it, many of which are fresh. A low stone wall rings the perimeter of this house, and a broken wooden gate swings back and forth on squeaky hinges in the slight breeze drifting through town. You see that the feeble lawn and flowerbeds around the house are trampled and flattened by recent foot-traffic, and you spot several patches of crimson that look suspiciously like blood around the yard. All the windows are boarded shut, and many of the sodden boards are covered in slashes. Several scorch marks blacken the house where fires appear to have taken to its wooden frame. Despite all its many wounds, it still stands proudly, a testament to the determination and grit of its inhabitants. As Ismark steps past the busted gate, he says dryly, "Welcome to our lovely home.''
He steps up to the battered, yet solid oak door and raps his knuckles against it in a distinct pattern. A few moments later, you hear footsteps approach on the other side of the door. You hear the sound of several locks disengage before the door creaks open ever so slightly. In the sliver of the gap between the door and its frame, you see a weary eye peaking out at the group. Ismark says, "It's ok Ireena, these guys are with me."
The figure on the other side of the door hesitates for a long moment before swinging the door open fully to reveal a tall, stately woman wearing gleaming metal armor. The women has long, wavy auburn that cascades past her shoulders unbound. She seems a bit pale and sickly, but you can tell she usually has a robust vigor with a darker skin tone that what you've seen so far in Barovia. A large sword hangs from her waist, and she rests a hand upon its hilt as her dark eyes move between of you distrustfully. "What are they doing here?" Ireena asks bluntly, her voice rich and smooth.
"They're outlanders," Ismark replies as he steps into the house, gesturing for all of you to enter. "Hopefully, they'll be able to help us get to Vallaki."
Looking around the house, you see that it isn't as in tatters as the outside might appear, but it is by no means lavish. Amongst the rather austere furnishings, you see a surplus of symbols and paintings resembling Tom's pendant scattered throughout the house. The air smells heavily of garlic for some reason, but you don't spot any of the bulbs.
As everyone steps into the house, Ismark casts a wary look at the town before closing the door and begins to engage the many locks festooning the door. As he does, Ireena glares at each of you with hostile curiosity.
After finishing all of latches and locks, Ismark turns to face the group, noticing the way his sister glares at each of you. There's a moment of awkward silence before Ismark clears his throat and says, "Well, this is my sister Ireena." He drapes a casual arm over her armored shoulders and pulls her in for a weak side hug as he says, "She usually a lot more jovial, but she's been through a lot recently."
Ireena stiffens at the hug and glares at Ismark, but he doesn't seem to notice as he smiles at the group.
DM- Azalin's Doom
DM- Surviving the Unsurvivable
Anthony almost laughs out loud. Definitely doesn't carry herself like a woman keen on being rescued. He can't help himself. He makes an introduction. "Fair maiden Ireena, your troubles are at an end. Your brother has told us of your horrible plight and how could we not offer aid to such a helpless and delicate creature. It would be our honor to protect yours from this Barovian Devil and deliver you safely to Vallaki, where you can be properly looked after. This monster infested village is no place for a lady." He can't get to the end of what he's saying without the telltale grin creeping onto his face, but he holds it together as long as he can.
Zathon grins at Anthony being just goofy. "As my dear brother has stated, we are at your service Lady Ireena." He gives a slight bow for the sake of it, adding to Anthony's bit.
Ireena shoots Anthony a glare frigid enough to freeze a waterfall. “Are your words always this pretty, or are you just trying to make up for that disaster of a face of yours?” she asks sarcastically.
Ismark winces at her insult and mouths, “I’m sorry,” to Anthony as he removes his arm from his sister’s shoulders. You see he actually starts blushing a bit and rubs his arm awkwardly as Zathon speaks, looking uncomfortable.
After the shader-kai finishes speaking, Ireena looks at Zathon sternly for a long moment, her iron gaze boring holes into with its intensity. Finally, she tersely asks, “What kind of “service” can you lot provide, and why would you help us?” You have a feeling she is a rather straightforward person.
DM- Azalin's Doom
DM- Surviving the Unsurvivable
Zathon seems unbothered by her intensity. "I sense you're a no nonsense type of person, and I don't blame you. From our short time here we have seen this town is in dire straits. People distrust one another, are somber, and mostly stick to themselves. Thusly, you have every right to question newcomers in your midst. I assure you however we are here merely by happenstance after we lost our mother. The trail to her murder led us here, to Barovia. We originally were seeking answers, we still are, but we also have hearts in our chests and were moved by your brothers worry over you. I for one know I would do anything for family, and I recognize that in Ismark. We will gladly help take you to Vallaki, if that is your wish. We have a variety of skills, and can stand on our own in a fight. You will be well protected, not that you need it overly so, armored as you are but it's always wise to travel in numbers."
Anthony does laugh with her reaction. Perfect. "First time anyone's ever said anything about me was pretty, so I'll call it a win. Anthony," The big man stops short of tossing her a wink and sobers quickly.
Picking up where Zathon leaves off with a slightly different spin, "It looks like we need to make our way to Vallaki regardless, but we're unfamiliar with this country. If you're really heading that way yourself... Seems like this is the kind of place where another pair of hands that can lift a sword is good to have around and someone who knows the land and its customs... " He scrubs his hair as his tone grows increasingly earnest. "We have questions." No more joking, just a hopeful look. "And we don't even know what most of them are yet."
Aoufie offers a polite wave and is impressed with Zathon's words. "We are here to help you and Ismark. We came to get your consent but will leave you be if that is what you want."
Jared narrows his eyes a bit, watching the exchange.
He tells himself to have patience, the type Mum always showed him but something deep inside wants to rip her head off.
Patience wins out, for now.
He moves over to Kora and whispers.
"Kory I need to talk to you." he tells her. "In private."
Ireena looks each of you over as if sizing you up for another long, silent moment before you see something in her expression soften. She says, her voice still stern, but missing some of its frigidness from before, "Ok then, you can come with us. Ismark and I need to see that our father is buried before we leave. Custom dictates that such burials happen in the morning. Are you able to wait to leave until then?"
Ismark seems to remember something and says, "I'll go grab that map you asked for. Be back in a moment!" With that, he scrambles up the nearby stairs in a slow jog. Ireena watches his leave, her hard expression unchanging, before she turns her attention back towards the group.
DM- Azalin's Doom
DM- Surviving the Unsurvivable
"I believe we can wait that long as we cannot get home anytime soon it seems. Would you mind if we stayed here till morning?" asks Aoufie. We are lost in strange land, and we should save as much of our coins as possible.
Kora listens to the exchange and before she gets a chance to chat with this engaging woman, Jared asks to talk to her in private. Raising an eyebrow, she nods and then to Akyan she says, "Be right back." and she heads back out the door assuming Jared will follow her. She doesn't find it right to go wandering in the house for a private conversation.
Turning to the shifter, she asks, "What's on your mind? Other than the obvious." she smirks a bit at this, knowing they must all have their heads swimming as she does.
Akyan hangs back a little to watch how his siblings handle the situation. When Ireena glares at him, he holds her glare levelly. He doesn't bother to cover his smirk at the woman's reactions to the group, especially her reaction to Anthony. He remains silent as Zathon explains the situation. Akyan himself would have been a lot more blunt about it, which may have not been the best way to handle this situation.
When Kora addresses him, he looks from her to Jared, then nods in return only slightly raising an eyebrow. After they head out, he immediately starts mentally counting the minutes they spend away from the group. If it reaches more then fifteen, he'll have to go out and check on them.
Turning his attention back to Ireena and Ismark. With the woman's attitude, he hadn't expected her to agree so quickly. Well, at least she seems like she can pull her own weight. He had been worried that she would be some sobbing girl that they would've ended up causing more trouble than she'd be worth. Her tough demeanor was a pleasant surprise.
"We can wait. We understand wanting to say goodbye to a parent properly." He responds, nodding at the request to stay here for the night. It would be beneficial and if she is being preyed on it would be wise to stick close to her in the meanwhile.
Anthony nods, mostly to himself, but easy enough for it to be interpreted as agreeing with any of the things said. His gut had been right, she responded way better to being asked for her help than an offer of rescue. He wasn’t thrilled about staying here though, she’d been charmed by a vampire and by the look of her fed on. She might well be compromised to the point of being dangerous.
The group REALLY needed to have a private conversation. People were running off making deals and speaking for each other, blabbing compromising information. They needed to get on the same page sooner rather than later.
To Zathon, he has a quick aside, “Speaking of good-byes, I know that kind of thing is important to some of the group. We could take a few to say a few words.” Adding in a pointed look, “Did you want to stop by the church with me and chat with Father Donovan was it? Make some introductions and see what we can learn about the Morning Lord here.”
He nods to Anthony, "I think it would be good for everyone to hold our own memorial.." He knows many of the others are not used to death, it would give them some solace to say a proper goodbye. "A visit to the church would be a good move, I'll go with you. The sun symbol, that of this Morning Lord, was used by Aoelwyn, and by Tom. It could offer a measure of protection."