"Awesome!" Lucian says--a little too loudly. Clearly he is brimming with excitement over getting to look at a book... and have a reading lesson. That excitement dies slightly as he suddenly gets nervous again when Salem says he can't wait to meet other dusk elves. Giving an awkward chuckle Lucian rubs an arm and says, "W...well... I know Kasimir will like to meet you, but the others.... They don't exactly like me that much so I can't really speak for them. S....sorry..." He averts his eyes, wrapping his arms around himself in a form of self-comfort. If Salem knows anything about Dusk elves, he'd likely realize that Lucian doesn't exactly have the traditional look about him. Yes, he is a dusk elf, but his white hair along with some other small features don't really match the description.
"B...but Kasimir is really really nice. He would have let me stay with the others in the camp if I wanted, I just didn't want them to start... uh... well... giving him trouble because of me,"he ducks his head, deciding he should probably change the subject.
When they finally go to sleep, Lucian doesn't seem worried in the least about sharing the room with Salem. Though it is clear that he's used to meditating out in the cold based on the odd postures he adopts while in bed. He actually gets tangled up in the covers a few times and nearly rolls off a couple times too. He probably did fall off once while Salem and Daestra were sleeping, but he quickly got up and pretended it didn't happen.
He wakes up before the other two--at least that's what he thought would happen. He forgot that Daestra was an elf too, since he doesn't look like a Dusk Elf... well, he kinda does a little, but not really. That said, he's not used to being around someone else who needs minimal meditation instead of a full night's sleep like the humans around here do. Upon realizing that Daestra is awake, Lucian grins and rubs the back of his head (whilst sitting in a mess of sheets...) and says, "Oh... uh... G... Good morning?"
Then he sniffs the air a couple times, eyes going wide at the overwhelming smell of food. He stands up and attempts to walk out the room only to step off his bed and fall on the floor. Then he stands up a little too quickly, tripping again due to his blanket being wrapped around one foot. "Aaahhcckk!" He says, hitting the wooden floor hard before slowly and timidly looking over to Salem who is probably not asleep anymore thanks to all the noise. "Uh....heh...heh..." He scrambles to untangle himself and get back to his feet, "S...Sorry..." He rubs the back of his head, though he appears completely unfazed by the bruises he likely acquired by smacking the floor so hard... twice.
He looks pretty embarrassed as he heads downstairs, following his nose to the source of the wonderful smell. This might be a mediocre meal for Daestra, but for Lucian anything that is prepared in a kitchen is the best thing in the entire world. He happily jumps into a chair (in which he sits crosslegged) and rocks back and forth a few times while saying, "Whatever that is smells amazing!" He grins at whoever is in the room, anticipating what will probably be the most delicious breakfast he's ever had.
Ravna would read a bit of the book before going to sleep.
Ravna exits her private room and stoically breathes in the smell of breakfast.
Descending the stairs and entering the dining room, she gives Arthur and Ireena a polite smile before taking her place at the table. "Thank you both for this meal."
(Sorry for the short post, I've had a lot going on lately and just wanted to get something up.)
Salem looked to Lucian curiously. The other elves didn't like him very much..? He felt like he should ask, but part of him was reluctant and he decided it was for the best to leave that kind of question out for now. He had no real reason why he should pry into this elf's life. Not yet. Asking questions like that requires a certain level of friendship and trust didn't it? He really didn't know. He wasn't very good at making friends. It wasn't like it was something he was doing on a daily basis. He offered a small smile.
"Well I think they are missing out. You seem like a pretty good person."
He offered a small smile. He decided to let the subject drop on the dusk elves. At least Kasimir was kind to Lucian.
Sleeping wasn't exactly easy for Salem. This was different. He had slept in a bed before, but he never stayed away from the castle this long. Usually he was back after he was done with whatever he was doing in Barovia that day. Part of him missed the dark castle and all of the people there. When he did sleep he was plagued with nightmares about becoming the monster everyone said his father was. It wasn't like he didn't have nightmares before, but he always had a place to go when he had them at home. The cold safety of his father.
In the morning he heard the crash of something or as he would find out someone was falling. He sat up and looked over to Lucian and tilted his head off to the side. He hadn't seen anything like this before. The poor thing. He gave a small chuckle. It was probably best to get up and join everyone else now.
"Good morning Lucian. Are you alright..?"
He forced himself out of bed and stretched. When Lucian left the room he of course followed after him. How strange it was to wake up in a different place, but now that he was at least awake he felt a bit better now. Though it was strange that he was in a different place there was something that felt different. It seemed more pleasant waking here compared to waking up at home.
"It's the last real meal I think we can afford for awhile but it isn't much. Mordred did save money to hire help.. For you all for taking me to Vallaki."
She offers Daestra and Mordred a nod as well as she begins to eat herself. She seems a strike between trying to eat prim and proper and eating fiercely. Mordred himself dives right in.
Mordred sits up after finishing
"Good morning everyone, we should make preparations before heading out. We can meet at Lugdana's Gnoll, the hill at the outskirts here. If you need to shop only Bildrath has a shop if he's still in town that is. Any supplies here at the manor are at you're disposal as well."
OOC I never put what was in Van Rickten's guide to vampires did I? For those who read it I can put it up here in a post.
I forget if I did lol.
This is a chance for them to prepare at all.
Mordred and Ireena would probably pay them early if they asked for it too but if they don't need to prepare at all we can timeskip to Departing as well.
As each member finishes their food and a bit of small talk. They also have time to read Van Rickten's guide to Vampires.
(The following information below is the book itself.)
In some shadowed corners of the world, the vampire reigns as a fearsome predator. Beyond mere bloodlust, these creatures are cursed with a range of abilities and weaknesses that make them as enigmatic as they are terrifying.
Their bodies are resilient to mundane weapons, shrugging off blows that would fell most mortals and regenerating even grievous wounds in a matter of moments. They move with unnatural grace, their senses sharply attuned to the whispers of the night. But it is in their supernatural abilities that their true horror lies. They can bend the will of others to their own, ensnaring friend and foe with but a gaze and a whisper. They can shift form with the ease of thought, becoming bats, wolves, or even a sinister mist that creeps beneath doorways and through cracks. And those their fangs kill become vampire spawn—ravenous creatures with a vampire's hunger for blood.
These creatures are not wholly invincible, however, possessing a tapestry of strengths woven with fatal weaknesses. Sunlight and running water can end their cursed existence, and wooden stakes through the heart will paralyze them as they sleep. They recoil from the sight of certain holy symbols, and cannot enter a residence without an invitation. They bear neither shadow nor reflection, and must return to their coffins, crypts, or graves to rest by day.
It is said that the bloodlust of these creatures is an unquenchable fire that burns within their undead hearts. The young and newly turned are slaves to this craving, often losing themselves in a frenzy at the mere scent of blood. But those who have walked the night for centuries, as well as those with indomitable focus and will, may learn to temper this fire. Those who do so possess the rare ability to conceal their monstrous nature, retracting and exposing their fangs at will—a sign that the monster within is held at bay, if only while the vampire allows.
To create a new vampire, a vampire must fully drain the blood of its victim without killing it—a torturous and careful process that can often take multiple nights. For some vampires, this process is a practical means of creating fresh and powerful thralls; for others, it presents a sadistic opportunity to slowly break their victim's will. Some vampires in the latter camp may even appear as an intermittent predator in the night, haunting their target over days or weeks before finally ending their suffering.
Ends Note
They make their way through Lugdana's Knoll outside Barovia. Mordred looks around to not find Ireena among them he lets out a soft sigh.
"Where is she...?"
On top of the Knoll.. through the sea of tall grasses north of the village, a gentle knoll rises before them when approached. Borded on the far side by the clutches of the dark Svalich Wood. Plants with white, feathery flowers and a sweet, earthy scent seem to dance amidst the grass atop the hill, their leaves rustling in a whispering wind.
A lonely tree stands atop the hill, it's gnarled branches reaching skyward like outstretched arms. Beneath its shade kneels a familiar female figure, her gaze fixated upon the ground a dug up plot and an opened small chest in front of her.
Ravna does her best to record what she read from the book within her memory. She's not sure how useful that information will be, much of it seeming familiar to her already.
She doesn't say much as the group makes it's way through the Knoll. Her face shows a slight bit of concern when Ireena seems to have disappeared, though that fades upon seeing the near the gnarled tree. Wordlessly, she makes her way over to the woman.
Ireena prays a bit as she goes over the box of belongings as her eyes perk up looking to Ravna and the others. She offers a slight wave.
"Ahh hey everyone! Sorry just picking some things up.. There's a bracelet I came here with. It can sell for at least a 100 gold, it says Tatayana may you find you're path. Odd... because that isn't my name so it doesn't mean anything to me. I want to make sure you're all accounted and paid for. I suppose with that all aside.. You guys ready to head out?"
Daestra becomes rather curious of the bracelet as Ireena is talking. “Ireena.. May I ask how you acquired that bracelet? Was it gifted to you?” He finds it odd that she would have such a valuable bracelet and not be aware of what the engraving is on it.
(Daestra is ready to head out with the rest of the group when the conversation concludes)
Lucian glances around frantically for a moment upon realizing that Ireena is not with them, then pauses, sniffing the air as the scent of wildflowers flows towards them on the breeze. Then he notices Ireena and lets out a small sigh as Ravna approaches the other woman. He cocks his head slightly when Ireena mentions the bracelet.
"ONE HUNDRED GOLD?!" he gasps, that's more money than he'd ever dreamed of. He waves his hands, "No way can I take that... I mean... how much would that be split between us...?"He frowns for a moment, likely struggling to calculate the math since... well he really hasn't had to deal with math that much so even after his lessons he'll likely always be rusty. This occupies him for a good minute, and he probably doesn't manage to figure out the answer before Daestra's question interrupts his thoughts.
He looks to Ireena, also wondering why she'd have a bracelet with someone else's name on it. The thought draws other thoughts, and his hand inadvertently moves to his pocket watch.
Salem looks around curiously not seeing the girl. He frowns and follows the others quietly. As they approach the hill he catches the sight of her and a light breath comes past his lips. He seemed relieved. He looked to the bracelet that she was holding out. The name on it. He frowned lightly. He soon looked to the rest of the group to see what they had to say on the matter. He wasn't interested in taking any valuables from her... Nor was he interested in anything with that name on it. He looked to Lucian who seemed surprised by the amount of gold it was worth and then he looked to Daestra as he asked a question. He wondered if she had an answer for that. He looked towards Ireena and seemed to wait for this answer. Other than that he was ready to head out.
"Apparently I came here.. with these belongings probably before I was adopted here. I remember very little.. But I remember my name is Ireena! So I don't understand the necklace honestly.."
Ireena giggles and looks to Lucian as he ask how that'd split.
"Not impressively I'm afraid.. 25 gold for each of you I wish it was more."
The party heads into the mist filled valley. Up ahead is a River.. Ravna and Lucian remember passing this bridge at River Ivlis. They hear a hushed whispers from the forest.
"Who goes there?" It sounded like a mans voice. Ireena and Mordred looked around. (They can call out or roll DC 16 perception. If passive perception is 16 or higher no need for a roll.)
"Twenty-five gold?!" Lucian gawks, clearly still unable to grasp the idea of that much money. The most he's ever carried on his person could only have amounted to a few coppers... well... maybe more than a few? Not much more though.
As they head through the mists, Lucian keeps a sharp eye on their surroundings. Really, all of his senses have been trained to pick up on immediate threats.
Hearing the voice, Ravna instinctively reaches for her spear, "We are mere travelers. We pose no threat to you unless you prove to be a threat to us. Identify yourself!"Ravna replies sternly to the whispers, while scanning the familiar landscape for their source.
Salem looks around at the sound of a voice. He felt uneasy. He couldn't tell where the voice had come. His hand reached instinctively towards his tome. If he was going to have to fight then that was fine. He didn't know this voice. It was unfamiliar to him. Then again if they were anyone from outside of the castle and the village of Barovia he wouldn't know them well. He only traveled so far from the castle.
Perception: 11
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
"Awesome!" Lucian says--a little too loudly. Clearly he is brimming with excitement over getting to look at a book... and have a reading lesson. That excitement dies slightly as he suddenly gets nervous again when Salem says he can't wait to meet other dusk elves. Giving an awkward chuckle Lucian rubs an arm and says, "W...well... I know Kasimir will like to meet you, but the others.... They don't exactly like me that much so I can't really speak for them. S....sorry..." He averts his eyes, wrapping his arms around himself in a form of self-comfort. If Salem knows anything about Dusk elves, he'd likely realize that Lucian doesn't exactly have the traditional look about him. Yes, he is a dusk elf, but his white hair along with some other small features don't really match the description.
"B...but Kasimir is really really nice. He would have let me stay with the others in the camp if I wanted, I just didn't want them to start... uh... well... giving him trouble because of me," he ducks his head, deciding he should probably change the subject.
When they finally go to sleep, Lucian doesn't seem worried in the least about sharing the room with Salem. Though it is clear that he's used to meditating out in the cold based on the odd postures he adopts while in bed. He actually gets tangled up in the covers a few times and nearly rolls off a couple times too. He probably did fall off once while Salem and Daestra were sleeping, but he quickly got up and pretended it didn't happen.
He wakes up before the other two--at least that's what he thought would happen. He forgot that Daestra was an elf too, since he doesn't look like a Dusk Elf... well, he kinda does a little, but not really. That said, he's not used to being around someone else who needs minimal meditation instead of a full night's sleep like the humans around here do. Upon realizing that Daestra is awake, Lucian grins and rubs the back of his head (whilst sitting in a mess of sheets...) and says, "Oh... uh... G... Good morning?"
Then he sniffs the air a couple times, eyes going wide at the overwhelming smell of food. He stands up and attempts to walk out the room only to step off his bed and fall on the floor. Then he stands up a little too quickly, tripping again due to his blanket being wrapped around one foot. "Aaahhcckk!" He says, hitting the wooden floor hard before slowly and timidly looking over to Salem who is probably not asleep anymore thanks to all the noise. "Uh....heh...heh..." He scrambles to untangle himself and get back to his feet, "S...Sorry..." He rubs the back of his head, though he appears completely unfazed by the bruises he likely acquired by smacking the floor so hard... twice.
He looks pretty embarrassed as he heads downstairs, following his nose to the source of the wonderful smell. This might be a mediocre meal for Daestra, but for Lucian anything that is prepared in a kitchen is the best thing in the entire world. He happily jumps into a chair (in which he sits crosslegged) and rocks back and forth a few times while saying, "Whatever that is smells amazing!" He grins at whoever is in the room, anticipating what will probably be the most delicious breakfast he's ever had.
Ravna would read a bit of the book before going to sleep.
Ravna exits her private room and stoically breathes in the smell of breakfast.
Descending the stairs and entering the dining room, she gives Arthur and Ireena a polite smile before taking her place at the table. "Thank you both for this meal."
(Sorry for the short post, I've had a lot going on lately and just wanted to get something up.)
Salem looked to Lucian curiously. The other elves didn't like him very much..? He felt like he should ask, but part of him was reluctant and he decided it was for the best to leave that kind of question out for now. He had no real reason why he should pry into this elf's life. Not yet. Asking questions like that requires a certain level of friendship and trust didn't it? He really didn't know. He wasn't very good at making friends. It wasn't like it was something he was doing on a daily basis. He offered a small smile.
"Well I think they are missing out. You seem like a pretty good person."
He offered a small smile. He decided to let the subject drop on the dusk elves. At least Kasimir was kind to Lucian.
Sleeping wasn't exactly easy for Salem. This was different. He had slept in a bed before, but he never stayed away from the castle this long. Usually he was back after he was done with whatever he was doing in Barovia that day. Part of him missed the dark castle and all of the people there. When he did sleep he was plagued with nightmares about becoming the monster everyone said his father was. It wasn't like he didn't have nightmares before, but he always had a place to go when he had them at home. The cold safety of his father.
In the morning he heard the crash of something or as he would find out someone was falling. He sat up and looked over to Lucian and tilted his head off to the side. He hadn't seen anything like this before. The poor thing. He gave a small chuckle. It was probably best to get up and join everyone else now.
"Good morning Lucian. Are you alright..?"
He forced himself out of bed and stretched. When Lucian left the room he of course followed after him. How strange it was to wake up in a different place, but now that he was at least awake he felt a bit better now. Though it was strange that he was in a different place there was something that felt different. It seemed more pleasant waking here compared to waking up at home.
Ireena looks to Lucian and offers a warm smile
"It's the last real meal I think we can afford for awhile but it isn't much. Mordred did save money to hire help.. For you all for taking me to Vallaki."
She offers Daestra and Mordred a nod as well as she begins to eat herself. She seems a strike between trying to eat prim and proper and eating fiercely. Mordred himself dives right in.
Mordred sits up after finishing
"Good morning everyone, we should make preparations before heading out. We can meet at Lugdana's Gnoll, the hill at the outskirts here. If you need to shop only Bildrath has a shop if he's still in town that is. Any supplies here at the manor are at you're disposal as well."
OOC
I never put what was in Van Rickten's guide to vampires did I?
For those who read it I can put it up here in a post.
I forget if I did lol.
This is a chance for them to prepare at all.
Mordred and Ireena would probably pay them early if they asked for it too but if they don't need to prepare at all we can timeskip to Departing as well.
OOC
I think Daestra is as prepared as he can be haha, but yep all good with a timeskip. Don’t want to slow anyone else up
OOC: Same goes for Lucian!
OOC
Salem is ready for timeskip to leave town!
Just wanna make sure Ravna doesn't have any prep she wants to do first.
Sorry for the wait. I’m good with a time skip)
As each member finishes their food and a bit of small talk. They also have time to read Van Rickten's guide to Vampires.
(The following information below is the book itself.)
In some shadowed corners of the world, the vampire reigns as a fearsome predator. Beyond mere bloodlust, these creatures are cursed with a range of abilities and weaknesses that make them as enigmatic as they are terrifying.
Their bodies are resilient to mundane weapons, shrugging off blows that would fell most mortals and regenerating even grievous wounds in a matter of moments. They move with unnatural grace, their senses sharply attuned to the whispers of the night. But it is in their supernatural abilities that their true horror lies. They can bend the will of others to their own, ensnaring friend and foe with but a gaze and a whisper. They can shift form with the ease of thought, becoming bats, wolves, or even a sinister mist that creeps beneath doorways and through cracks. And those their fangs kill become vampire spawn—ravenous creatures with a vampire's hunger for blood.
These creatures are not wholly invincible, however, possessing a tapestry of strengths woven with fatal weaknesses. Sunlight and running water can end their cursed existence, and wooden stakes through the heart will paralyze them as they sleep. They recoil from the sight of certain holy symbols, and cannot enter a residence without an invitation. They bear neither shadow nor reflection, and must return to their coffins, crypts, or graves to rest by day.
It is said that the bloodlust of these creatures is an unquenchable fire that burns within their undead hearts. The young and newly turned are slaves to this craving, often losing themselves in a frenzy at the mere scent of blood. But those who have walked the night for centuries, as well as those with indomitable focus and will, may learn to temper this fire. Those who do so possess the rare ability to conceal their monstrous nature, retracting and exposing their fangs at will—a sign that the monster within is held at bay, if only while the vampire allows.
To create a new vampire, a vampire must fully drain the blood of its victim without killing it—a torturous and careful process that can often take multiple nights. For some vampires, this process is a practical means of creating fresh and powerful thralls; for others, it presents a sadistic opportunity to slowly break their victim's will. Some vampires in the latter camp may even appear as an intermittent predator in the night, haunting their target over days or weeks before finally ending their suffering.
Ends Note
They make their way through Lugdana's Knoll outside Barovia. Mordred looks around to not find Ireena among them he lets out a soft sigh.
"Where is she...?"
On top of the Knoll.. through the sea of tall grasses north of the village, a gentle knoll rises before them when approached. Borded on the far side by the clutches of the dark Svalich Wood. Plants with white, feathery flowers and a sweet, earthy scent seem to dance amidst the grass atop the hill, their leaves rustling in a whispering wind.
A lonely tree stands atop the hill, it's gnarled branches reaching skyward like outstretched arms. Beneath its shade kneels a familiar female figure, her gaze fixated upon the ground a dug up plot and an opened small chest in front of her.
OOC
Hey guys o.o
Ravna does her best to record what she read from the book within her memory. She's not sure how useful that information will be, much of it seeming familiar to her already.
She doesn't say much as the group makes it's way through the Knoll. Her face shows a slight bit of concern when Ireena seems to have disappeared, though that fades upon seeing the near the gnarled tree. Wordlessly, she makes her way over to the woman.
Ireena prays a bit as she goes over the box of belongings as her eyes perk up looking to Ravna and the others. She offers a slight wave.
"Ahh hey everyone! Sorry just picking some things up.. There's a bracelet I came here with. It can sell for at least a 100 gold, it says Tatayana may you find you're path. Odd... because that isn't my name so it doesn't mean anything to me. I want to make sure you're all accounted and paid for. I suppose with that all aside.. You guys ready to head out?"
Daestra becomes rather curious of the bracelet as Ireena is talking. “Ireena.. May I ask how you acquired that bracelet? Was it gifted to you?” He finds it odd that she would have such a valuable bracelet and not be aware of what the engraving is on it.
(Daestra is ready to head out with the rest of the group when the conversation concludes)
Lucian glances around frantically for a moment upon realizing that Ireena is not with them, then pauses, sniffing the air as the scent of wildflowers flows towards them on the breeze. Then he notices Ireena and lets out a small sigh as Ravna approaches the other woman. He cocks his head slightly when Ireena mentions the bracelet.
"ONE HUNDRED GOLD?!" he gasps, that's more money than he'd ever dreamed of. He waves his hands, "No way can I take that... I mean... how much would that be split between us...?" He frowns for a moment, likely struggling to calculate the math since... well he really hasn't had to deal with math that much so even after his lessons he'll likely always be rusty. This occupies him for a good minute, and he probably doesn't manage to figure out the answer before Daestra's question interrupts his thoughts.
He looks to Ireena, also wondering why she'd have a bracelet with someone else's name on it. The thought draws other thoughts, and his hand inadvertently moves to his pocket watch.
Salem looks around curiously not seeing the girl. He frowns and follows the others quietly. As they approach the hill he catches the sight of her and a light breath comes past his lips. He seemed relieved. He looked to the bracelet that she was holding out. The name on it. He frowned lightly. He soon looked to the rest of the group to see what they had to say on the matter. He wasn't interested in taking any valuables from her... Nor was he interested in anything with that name on it. He looked to Lucian who seemed surprised by the amount of gold it was worth and then he looked to Daestra as he asked a question. He wondered if she had an answer for that. He looked towards Ireena and seemed to wait for this answer. Other than that he was ready to head out.
[OOC: Sorry for the wait guys.]
Ireena looks to Daestra and nods
"Apparently I came here.. with these belongings probably before I was adopted here. I remember very little.. But I remember my name is Ireena! So I don't understand the necklace honestly.."
Ireena giggles and looks to Lucian as he ask how that'd split.
"Not impressively I'm afraid.. 25 gold for each of you I wish it was more."
The party heads into the mist filled valley. Up ahead is a River.. Ravna and Lucian remember passing this bridge at River Ivlis. They hear a hushed whispers from the forest.
"Who goes there?"
It sounded like a mans voice. Ireena and Mordred looked around. (They can call out or roll DC 16 perception. If passive perception is 16 or higher no need for a roll.)
Daestra quickly whips his head around when he suddenly hears the whispers “where are you?!” He yells out.
Perception: 9
"Twenty-five gold?!" Lucian gawks, clearly still unable to grasp the idea of that much money. The most he's ever carried on his person could only have amounted to a few coppers... well... maybe more than a few? Not much more though.
As they head through the mists, Lucian keeps a sharp eye on their surroundings. Really, all of his senses have been trained to pick up on immediate threats.
(Perception 17)
He stiffens at the sound of an unfamiliar voice.
(Sorry for the wait)
Hearing the voice, Ravna instinctively reaches for her spear, "We are mere travelers. We pose no threat to you unless you prove to be a threat to us. Identify yourself!" Ravna replies sternly to the whispers, while scanning the familiar landscape for their source.
Perception: nat 20! so 21
Salem looks around at the sound of a voice. He felt uneasy. He couldn't tell where the voice had come. His hand reached instinctively towards his tome. If he was going to have to fight then that was fine. He didn't know this voice. It was unfamiliar to him. Then again if they were anyone from outside of the castle and the village of Barovia he wouldn't know them well. He only traveled so far from the castle.
Perception: 11