Grateful for what seems to be a genuine invitation, Miralen fully enters the room, introducing herself and Rhykal. She begins to explain, "We were with a group. All of us seem to have ended up in the woods nearby, unexpectedly, and have been lost. We were seeking shelter from the rain when we found this house. Thank you for inviting us in." Miralen glances at the contents of the table, reminded of the wooden artifact she still carries in her bag. "Can you tell us where we are?"
"Oh, why should I not exist, you ask?" the last of the Dusk Elf maidens assumes an enigmatic expression - only to put her hands to her temples soon after, apparently suffering from a pang.
Meanwhile, the Voices in her head are unleashed: "Don't tell him, Svetlana!" "You could talk to someone about it!" "If the Devil Stradh hears about you and begins hunting you..." "Would you believe me if I assure you that I care as much or more about staying alive than you do?" Svetlana manages to assert herself "Leave me alone for a moment, damn it!"
Quickly recovering, the Savage Wanderer resumes speaking as if nothing had happened: "It's because Devil Stradh long ago decided to kill all those like me. I still exist only thanks to a singular combination of circumstances - and the fact that he doesn't know about me. A story for another time, anyway - don't ask more now. But the point is that if even a seemingly inescapable fate like a death sentence from the Devil Stradh can be postponed and evaded, then I would say that yes, there is hope for anyone in fighting against fate".
"Ah here!" Svetlana finally spots traces of Rhykal's passage "Then they weren't swallowed up by the ground. They passed through here. And yes, you're right Rufus, the fact that they didn't scream should give us hope".
The last of the Dusk Elf maidens continues to lead the group in the direction to reunite with the other two...
Rufus listens to Svetlana's story. "Then you've lost all of your loved ones, your friends and family? I'm very sorry. Truly, this Devil Count is deserving of his name. Perhaps when we find our way out of this place you, too, will be able to escape his reach." He follows as she leads them on the path to reunite with Rykal and Miralen.
"A story for another time, Rufus, as I said..." the last of the Dusk Elf maidens manages to maintain a remarkable distance, despite it being clear that the tragedy must have been terrible "But thank you for your words. In fact, it's as if I were the last exemplar of an exterminated species... On the one hand, alive, but on the other having become almost alien to my context... as if it were no longer mine, as if there was no longer any place for me. I would be happy to follow you out of Barovia. If it were possible to leave Barovia, that is".
Refocusing on the present, Svetlana considers Radallion's suggestion for a moment. "Scream?" she shrugs "And why not? The only drawback is that we might attract predators... but we're prisoners of this haunted place... so maybe the top predator already knows we're here".
The Savage Wanderer tries to call out to Miralen and Rhykal as she continues to head in the direction they should be. She makes some attempts. If they don't respond, she gives up and mutters: "Either they can't hear, or they can't respond. I just hope that this condition of theirs isn't permanent".
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
The sight of this man does nothing to calm her nerves, only amplifies the surrealness of the entire strange experience, however much he advises them not to fear; for a moment, she instinctually reaches for the blade at her side, though she releases the hilt after a moment. In contrast to Miralen, Rhykal continues to linger near the door, holding it slightly open, every muscle in her body tense; she knows she can't do this forever, but it allows her some form of control she's frantically grappling to find, and if the others make their way here, at least she'll know. Or, well -- nothing's ever a sure thing, out here, but at least she'll have a chance. From her position, she watches the the man, listening without contributing; it may make a bad guest of her, but she'll accept that, given the nature of everything this day has been.
(If possible, Rhykal’s going to try to Insight check him: 15)
Ansur taking up the rear as they finally find the tracks to their allies. He scoffs at the idea of screaming as he continues his stoic, cold demeanor. He could relate to losing everyone, a chord all too familiar to the song of his life but it’s not for him to share, not now at least “they could just be out of earshot and there are surely could also be other predators not just the one who trapped us. A hound master always has his pack after all. Follow the trail a bit longer then we can bust out the noise again.”
Almost all at once, after Ansurs response, the green light of Rufus' apparatus begins to fade. as the light grows dimmer, a light in the distance through the brush and wilderness can be seen. as each of you begin to acclimate to the darkness, a long groaning can be heard from the paths behind you. it appears that you arenot alone after all, within these mists...
"A groaning from behind... A light in the distance, ahead..." the last of the Dusk Elf maidens muses aloud "Trap though it may be, we must probably hope that our two missing ones are in the light, rather than in the growling darkness. Come on, let's continue in that direction".
Svetlana leads the group towards the light, with greater conviction than before.
Ansur clutches his maul and gestures the others to get into a defensive position. “Shittt…The predator found his damn prey huh? I’m always down for a scrap but that light might be where the others are. But I agree we should book it!”
‘Wait she wants to go toward the eerie light in the middle of an eerie foggy forest! Yeah I’m not sure that’s a good idea’ Radallion remains still not heading to the sound or the light but not running away either “Are you sure we should be going towards the light? It could quite possibly be made by something trying to kill us just like the noise. I suggest we keep our distance from both”
"It's a hypothesis that I've also considered, Radallion..." Svetlana shrugs "But it could also be Miralen and Rhykal who have found a safe place to camp. We must at least check. If the light doesn't convince us, we can always return to wander around in the dark, in the rain, among the growls of wild beasts".
“And mind you, I'm wary too,” the Savage Wanderer admits. "But I'm not sure we were left with a real choice. The one who is toying with us may well have made it impossible (or very difficult) to survive other than by going where they want us for their sick amusement".
As you traverse somewhat blindly through the dead woods of this dark domain, the only thing that guides your company is the promise of a hazy light that cracks though the vines and dense bushes. The groaning continues behind you, but a look backwards is once again only met with darkness. Closer, closer to the light and gradually the haze and brush give way, revealing a bald hilltop. There stands a grim black tower, the last defiant turret of a long-crumbled fortress. Attached to this tower is a three-story manor house, weather beaten and veined with ivy. A porch girds the house, its sagging roof sheltering a stout front door that stands open and emits a flickering light.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
“Well I guess we found shelter… but I’m not sure how sheltered it will be, it looks… haunted. Perhaps the ghosts will be hospitable? At any rate I would much prefer to be out of this dreadful rain my fingers are starting to prune”
Radallion will walk onto the porch to escape the weather and look through a window to see inside
"Haunted, you say?" the last of the Dusk Elf maidens examines the appearance with a critical eye "Considering that it is in the midst of this haunted mist that prevents anyone from wandering away... Among predators that growl in the dark, probably to drive victims to seek refuge here ... Ruined as if it were in a state of abandonment, but with the light on... And, last but not least, with the door open, I mean... open! Who would keep the door open, in a place like that, if not someone more dangerous (and probably no better intentioned) than what is lurking outside? Yes, given all this, I agree with you, Radallion. It's official - it's haunted".
"However, we have not yet found Miralen and Rhykal..." Svetlana sighs "...who therefore probably sought refuge in here. And considering that they did not come back to warn us that they had found this 'refuge', they are probably in trouble..."
"If not dead, Svetlana!" they begin to comment on her Voices in her head. "It seems to me the most probable hypothesis." "And it is therefore useless to enter a haunted house to meet their same fate..."
With a visible effort of will, which does not fail to cause her a slight headache, the Savage Wanderer manages to regain control of her thoughts - and her words - and continues as if nothing had happened: "...So, considering that the Mist doesn't let us leave the vicinity of the house, we can stay here, under the porch, partially sheltered from the rain, and face any predators, when they arrive here... and the owner of the house, if he gets tired of waiting for us inside... Or we can go in, close the door and, if we can find our two companions in misfortune, face the horrors inside together".
"Personally, I'm not sure which is better..." Svetlana admits "But I'm inclined to enter, for two reasons. The first: I wouldn't want to leave Miralen and Rhykal in there alone. The second: having experienced first-hand that it's not possible to leave, I fear that to do so we will have to face the owner of the house. I fear that it is it's will that keeps us here. And that we will not be able to leave without dealing with it, whoever or whatever it is".
“Stay outside and we face the natural elements and whatever that growling was…” Ansur paused with uncertainty. “Into the creepy house and we’re likely still screwed but warm and dry hehe. What a situation eh? I say we go in and maybe find the others. Kill whatever might be in our way while movin forward is better than running from what’s behind.”
Rufus and Radallion, as you approach the porch and peer into the window you see a dark, unlit room; the majority of which is covered with drapes. Beyond the fabric and cobwebs, not much is entirely distinguishable.
As you all step up on the porch, the rotting wood creaks beneath you and dust falls from the balcony above. The front door swings open, light illuminating from it. a voice grows from a distant mumble to an audible voice as the party cautiously peaks in from the porch... The voice of an aged man, whose dialect is unknown to you all as you catch the tail end of a conversation: "... to our progress. Perhaps I can use this spirit board to communicate with the spirits in this house. Perhaps they can offer us some answers.". as you peek into the house, you are met with a sizable foyer room. Peeling wallpaper and a musty scent cling to the walls of this spacious foyer. A curving staircase rises from the cracked tile floor to a balcony above, keeping its distance from a darkened chandelier. Doors lead in every direction. At the room's center, a bronze sculpture of an antlered eagle perches atop a marble pedestal. in the distance, a door to a parlor has been left open, and within, you see the owner of this mysterious voice. a sophisticated looking gentlemen with white hair and glasses. as you look around, Dozens of faded portraits cover this parlor's walls, and a wide mirror hangs over a tall fireplace set in the north wall. The man sits at a circular table that bears an ornate spirit board. across from him, are Miralen and Rhykal who along with the stranger are all sipping tea from ceramic cups and saucers. All at once, they turn to look at you. The man ushers you in, and speaks up. "Ah, timely as expected. It appears I have just finished my tea. Very well then. I shall begin preparations, if you don't mind providing me with your planchette, little one. In ze mean time, perhaps as a group, you all can investigate ze rest of za house. I will announce when I am ready, and we can perform ze seance together". The man dismisses Miralen and Rhykal, stands up from the table leaving his teacup, but grabbing the book he had been studying, and walks back to the wall where Miralen and Rhykal had found him. He appears to have quickly dived back into research of some kind.
The last of the Dusk Elf maidens, already intending to enter, was convinced by Ansur's arguments and is therefore now inside. She is perplexed to see Miralen and Rhykal simply having tea with the host... if they had found hospitality, why not go back to call the others, while the tea was being prepared? While she was worrying about their fate... were they perhaps indifferent to the fate of her and of the other companions in misfortune?
"We told you to consider them as pawns, Svetlana..." the Voices in her head point out. “They also look at you the same way!” "That's the way of the world, young Svetlana" "If I have to continue to want to live" Svetlana replies "I need to believe that the world has different ways too" and with her gaze she briefly searches for Rugus, Radallion, Ansur... Each of them has been by her side, sometimes even offering her understanding and empathy... "Perhaps Miralen and Rhykal were haunted, unable to think of anything else while they were here".
The Savage Wanderer, however, is still perfectly capable of thinking about other things, such as the predators outside, so she proceeds to close the door. That way, at least, those predators are one less worry. She then begins to carefully examine the dozens of faded portraits cover this parlor's walls... She tries to figure out if it is a famous family from Barovia and which one. Maybe a family with a name or history connected to an eagle, considering the antlered eagle perches atop the marble pedestal? (Although the eagle could obviously be a simple ornament or trophy).
Grateful for what seems to be a genuine invitation, Miralen fully enters the room, introducing herself and Rhykal. She begins to explain, "We were with a group. All of us seem to have ended up in the woods nearby, unexpectedly, and have been lost. We were seeking shelter from the rain when we found this house. Thank you for inviting us in." Miralen glances at the contents of the table, reminded of the wooden artifact she still carries in her bag. "Can you tell us where we are?"
Insight 16
"Oh, why should I not exist, you ask?" the last of the Dusk Elf maidens assumes an enigmatic expression - only to put her hands to her temples soon after, apparently suffering from a pang.
Meanwhile, the Voices in her head are unleashed:
"Don't tell him, Svetlana!"
"You could talk to someone about it!"
"If the Devil Stradh hears about you and begins hunting you..."
"Would you believe me if I assure you that I care as much or more about staying alive than you do?" Svetlana manages to assert herself "Leave me alone for a moment, damn it!"
Quickly recovering, the Savage Wanderer resumes speaking as if nothing had happened: "It's because Devil Stradh long ago decided to kill all those like me. I still exist only thanks to a singular combination of circumstances - and the fact that he doesn't know about me. A story for another time, anyway - don't ask more now. But the point is that if even a seemingly inescapable fate like a death sentence from the Devil Stradh can be postponed and evaded, then I would say that yes, there is hope for anyone in fighting against fate".
"Ah here!" Svetlana finally spots traces of Rhykal's passage "Then they weren't swallowed up by the ground. They passed through here. And yes, you're right Rufus, the fact that they didn't scream should give us hope".
The last of the Dusk Elf maidens continues to lead the group in the direction to reunite with the other two...
Rufus listens to Svetlana's story. "Then you've lost all of your loved ones, your friends and family? I'm very sorry. Truly, this Devil Count is deserving of his name. Perhaps when we find our way out of this place you, too, will be able to escape his reach." He follows as she leads them on the path to reunite with Rykal and Miralen.
“Maybe if we shout very loud they will hear us and we can reunite faster?”
"A story for another time, Rufus, as I said..." the last of the Dusk Elf maidens manages to maintain a remarkable distance, despite it being clear that the tragedy must have been terrible "But thank you for your words. In fact, it's as if I were the last exemplar of an exterminated species... On the one hand, alive, but on the other having become almost alien to my context... as if it were no longer mine, as if there was no longer any place for me. I would be happy to follow you out of Barovia. If it were possible to leave Barovia, that is".
Refocusing on the present, Svetlana considers Radallion's suggestion for a moment. "Scream?" she shrugs "And why not? The only drawback is that we might attract predators... but we're prisoners of this haunted place... so maybe the top predator already knows we're here".
The Savage Wanderer tries to call out to Miralen and Rhykal as she continues to head in the direction they should be. She makes some attempts. If they don't respond, she gives up and mutters: "Either they can't hear, or they can't respond. I just hope that this condition of theirs isn't permanent".
The sight of this man does nothing to calm her nerves, only amplifies the surrealness of the entire strange experience, however much he advises them not to fear; for a moment, she instinctually reaches for the blade at her side, though she releases the hilt after a moment. In contrast to Miralen, Rhykal continues to linger near the door, holding it slightly open, every muscle in her body tense; she knows she can't do this forever, but it allows her some form of control she's frantically grappling to find, and if the others make their way here, at least she'll know. Or, well -- nothing's ever a sure thing, out here, but at least she'll have a chance. From her position, she watches the the man, listening without contributing; it may make a bad guest of her, but she'll accept that, given the nature of everything this day has been.
(If possible, Rhykal’s going to try to Insight check him: 15)
Ansur taking up the rear as they finally find the tracks to their allies. He scoffs at the idea of screaming as he continues his stoic, cold demeanor. He could relate to losing everyone, a chord all too familiar to the song of his life but it’s not for him to share, not now at least “they could just be out of earshot and there are surely could also be other predators not just the one who trapped us. A hound master always has his pack after all. Follow the trail a bit longer then we can bust out the noise again.”
Ansur, Rufus, Svetlana, Radallion:
Almost all at once, after Ansurs response, the green light of Rufus' apparatus begins to fade. as the light grows dimmer, a light in the distance through the brush and wilderness can be seen. as each of you begin to acclimate to the darkness, a long groaning can be heard from the paths behind you. it appears that you are not alone after all, within these mists...
"A groaning from behind... A light in the distance, ahead..." the last of the Dusk Elf maidens muses aloud "Trap though it may be, we must probably hope that our two missing ones are in the light, rather than in the growling darkness. Come on, let's continue in that direction".
Svetlana leads the group towards the light, with greater conviction than before.
Ansur clutches his maul and gestures the others to get into a defensive position. “Shittt…The predator found his damn prey huh? I’m always down for a scrap but that light might be where the others are. But I agree we should book it!”
‘Wait she wants to go toward the eerie light in the middle of an eerie foggy forest! Yeah I’m not sure that’s a good idea’ Radallion remains still not heading to the sound or the light but not running away either “Are you sure we should be going towards the light? It could quite possibly be made by something trying to kill us just like the noise. I suggest we keep our distance from both”
"It's a hypothesis that I've also considered, Radallion..." Svetlana shrugs "But it could also be Miralen and Rhykal who have found a safe place to camp. We must at least check. If the light doesn't convince us, we can always return to wander around in the dark, in the rain, among the growls of wild beasts".
“And mind you, I'm wary too,” the Savage Wanderer admits. "But I'm not sure we were left with a real choice. The one who is toying with us may well have made it impossible (or very difficult) to survive other than by going where they want us for their sick amusement".
"I choose light over whatever that was," Rufus adds, referring to the groaning noise behind them.
Rufus, Radallion, Svetlana, Ansur:
As you traverse somewhat blindly through the dead woods of this dark domain, the only thing that guides your company is the promise of a hazy light that cracks though the vines and dense bushes. The groaning continues behind you, but a look backwards is once again only met with darkness. Closer, closer to the light and gradually the haze and brush give way, revealing a bald hilltop. There stands a grim black tower, the last defiant turret of a long-crumbled fortress. Attached to this tower is a three-story manor house, weather beaten and veined with ivy. A porch girds the house, its sagging roof sheltering a stout front door that stands open and emits a flickering light.
“Well I guess we found shelter… but I’m not sure how sheltered it will be, it looks… haunted. Perhaps the ghosts will be hospitable? At any rate I would much prefer to be out of this dreadful rain my fingers are starting to prune”
Radallion will walk onto the porch to escape the weather and look through a window to see inside
perception 14
A manor more worn than my own. Home, sweet home.
Rufus nods to Svetlana and Ansur, then follows Radallion onto the. porch area and peers through the window.
Perception: 16
"Haunted, you say?" the last of the Dusk Elf maidens examines the appearance with a critical eye "Considering that it is in the midst of this haunted mist that prevents anyone from wandering away... Among predators that growl in the dark, probably to drive victims to seek refuge here ... Ruined as if it were in a state of abandonment, but with the light on... And, last but not least, with the door open, I mean... open! Who would keep the door open, in a place like that, if not someone more dangerous (and probably no better intentioned) than what is lurking outside? Yes, given all this, I agree with you, Radallion. It's official - it's haunted".
"However, we have not yet found Miralen and Rhykal..." Svetlana sighs "...who therefore probably sought refuge in here. And considering that they did not come back to warn us that they had found this 'refuge', they are probably in trouble..."
"If not dead, Svetlana!" they begin to comment on her Voices in her head.
"It seems to me the most probable hypothesis."
"And it is therefore useless to enter a haunted house to meet their same fate..."
With a visible effort of will, which does not fail to cause her a slight headache, the Savage Wanderer manages to regain control of her thoughts - and her words - and continues as if nothing had happened: "...So, considering that the Mist doesn't let us leave the vicinity of the house, we can stay here, under the porch, partially sheltered from the rain, and face any predators, when they arrive here... and the owner of the house, if he gets tired of waiting for us inside... Or we can go in, close the door and, if we can find our two companions in misfortune, face the horrors inside together".
"Personally, I'm not sure which is better..." Svetlana admits "But I'm inclined to enter, for two reasons. The first: I wouldn't want to leave Miralen and Rhykal in there alone. The second: having experienced first-hand that it's not possible to leave, I fear that to do so we will have to face the owner of the house. I fear that it is it's will that keeps us here. And that we will not be able to leave without dealing with it, whoever or whatever it is".
“Stay outside and we face the natural elements and whatever that growling was…” Ansur paused with uncertainty. “Into the creepy house and we’re likely still screwed but warm and dry hehe. What a situation eh? I say we go in and maybe find the others. Kill whatever might be in our way while movin forward is better than running from what’s behind.”
Rufus and Radallion, as you approach the porch and peer into the window you see a dark, unlit room; the majority of which is covered with drapes. Beyond the fabric and cobwebs, not much is entirely distinguishable.
As you all step up on the porch, the rotting wood creaks beneath you and dust falls from the balcony above. The front door swings open, light illuminating from it. a voice grows from a distant mumble to an audible voice as the party cautiously peaks in from the porch... The voice of an aged man, whose dialect is unknown to you all as you catch the tail end of a conversation: "... to our progress. Perhaps I can use this spirit board to communicate with the spirits in this house. Perhaps they can offer us some answers.". as you peek into the house, you are met with a sizable foyer room. Peeling wallpaper and a musty scent cling to the walls of this spacious foyer. A curving staircase rises from the cracked tile floor to a balcony above, keeping its distance from a darkened chandelier. Doors lead in every direction. At the room's center, a bronze sculpture of an antlered eagle perches atop a marble pedestal. in the distance, a door to a parlor has been left open, and within, you see the owner of this mysterious voice. a sophisticated looking gentlemen with white hair and glasses. as you look around, Dozens of faded portraits cover this parlor's walls, and a wide mirror hangs over a tall fireplace set in the north wall. The man sits at a circular table that bears an ornate spirit board. across from him, are Miralen and Rhykal who along with the stranger are all sipping tea from ceramic cups and saucers. All at once, they turn to look at you. The man ushers you in, and speaks up. "Ah, timely as expected. It appears I have just finished my tea. Very well then. I shall begin preparations, if you don't mind providing me with your planchette, little one. In ze mean time, perhaps as a group, you all can investigate ze rest of za house. I will announce when I am ready, and we can perform ze seance together". The man dismisses Miralen and Rhykal, stands up from the table leaving his teacup, but grabbing the book he had been studying, and walks back to the wall where Miralen and Rhykal had found him. He appears to have quickly dived back into research of some kind.
The last of the Dusk Elf maidens, already intending to enter, was convinced by Ansur's arguments and is therefore now inside. She is perplexed to see Miralen and Rhykal simply having tea with the host... if they had found hospitality, why not go back to call the others, while the tea was being prepared? While she was worrying about their fate... were they perhaps indifferent to the fate of her and of the other companions in misfortune?
"We told you to consider them as pawns, Svetlana..." the Voices in her head point out.
“They also look at you the same way!”
"That's the way of the world, young Svetlana"
"If I have to continue to want to live" Svetlana replies "I need to believe that the world has different ways too" and with her gaze she briefly searches for Rugus, Radallion, Ansur... Each of them has been by her side, sometimes even offering her understanding and empathy... "Perhaps Miralen and Rhykal were haunted, unable to think of anything else while they were here".
The Savage Wanderer, however, is still perfectly capable of thinking about other things, such as the predators outside, so she proceeds to close the door. That way, at least, those predators are one less worry. She then begins to carefully examine the dozens of faded portraits cover this parlor's walls... She tries to figure out if it is a famous family from Barovia and which one. Maybe a family with a name or history connected to an eagle, considering the antlered eagle perches atop the marble pedestal? (Although the eagle could obviously be a simple ornament or trophy).