JudyMacs Curse of Strahd

DM

Melly comes running after you. The undertakers is in the merchant district, you can tell which house by the iron gates and stable next to it, she gasps out.

Lorelei Dawnwarden

"Thanks."  The young blonde priestess says with a brief but warm smile, the following the girl's directions.

You stroll back to the Merchants district keeping an eye open for Milivoj. The festivities are in full swing and the air is filled with music and clapping. You can smell the roast pig on the breeze. You finally see the undertakers an ornate gate and black feathers above.

Melly ran down an alley with a pan in her hands following the rich scent. For the poor at least the festivities held some meaning, even if it was only good food to eat.

Crisaryn Melkial

Crisaryn watches as Melly eagerly runs off in search of food from the festival. But her attention soon moves back to the gate marking the undertaker's location. "Shall we head in?" she asks as she keeps an eye out for Milivoj. (Perception: 15) "Where do you suppose the boy might be working?" 

Lorelei Dawnwarden

"Perhaps there is a garden in the back."  The young blonde priestess suggests and looks for a bell or similar to get the attention of the residents.

DM

The gates are secured by a standard latch, you see that there is no bell apart from outside the main door. You see an adjacent small building and can hear the sound of horses from there. The cobbled front drive leads off beyond the small stables suggesting that his vegetable patch is at the back. 

Illmirth 

Illmirth steps forward and opens the gate. He steps aside, holding it open for the party.  "After you," he says with a graceful bow.

Crisaryn Melkial

Crisaryn steps through the gate as Illmirth holds it open. "To the back?" she says, looking at Lorelei. "Sounded like the garden would be his usual spot if he's here." 

Lorelei Dawnwarden

"Yes, to the back."  The young blonde priestess says and starts moving that way, seeming quite focused on the investigation now.

Alerya

All business, she follows the others.

Illmirth

The bard closes the gate quietly behind the group and follows the team around to the garden.  If there is a window nearby, the curious bard would be compelled to sneak a peak inside to see if perhaps the boy was indoors.  

***Perception 17  ***

DM

You hear a thumping sound from the garden, a shovel on heavy earth. The black horses lean forward over their gate for a quick pet or a nice apple.

As you turn the corner you see a very tall cadaverous man with a goatee beard, he is well dressed in a black ensemble. He looks out of place with a shovel that is too small for him. Maybe it was Milivojs shovel. You see nothing of the boy, but the evidence of a good gardener shows all around you, well kept roses on a trellis, and rows of vegetables, not a weed to be seen.

The man drops the shovel next to the earth he'd been tamping down. You here to see old man Wavochich? Give us a hour then come back, we're cleaning him at the moment then we'll rest him in his chosen coffin. Families due later tonight to set up the wake at the tavern tomorrow. Don't know where they are going to get more wine from, none from the vineyard yet. This festival has run them dry, just cider and mead left.

Illmirth catches the twitch of a curtain and a thin womans face staring at you all. She is middle aged with long braided brown hair. From what he can see of the clothes, she is richly dressed in an abundance of embroidery. 

Lorelei Dawnwarden

"Actually we are trying to find your gardener Milivoj. You wouldn't know where he is?"  The young blonde priestess says with a polite smile, deciding to not bring up the reason for doing so since it might possibly be the undertaker that would have some reason to pay for the stolen bones.

Illmirth 

***Insight check:  17. To see if he is being completely honest : To clarify, honesty with his regards to Lorelei's question  ***

Alerya

No...she is SURE that they are not looking for an old man. A boy. NOT an old man.

Crisaryn Melkial

Crisaryn follows Lorelei and stops and listens as the man speaks. She looks around a bit though as they talk, mainly looking to see if there's any signs of Milivoj having been about. Or perhaps anyone else lurking about.  (Perception: 14) 

DM

You hear clearer now, an out of tune whistle of song in the back of the house and a strong smell of alcohol and lavender.

Boys in back cleaning the dead, I recommend that you wait for him to finish before talking to him. I don't want him to make a mistake with the embalming fluid, expensive stuff, we make our own, and sell it to other villages and towns big enough for a proper undertakers. I'm Artur, this is my house and workplace. Why do you want to talk to the lad? Maybe I can help you more than the boy, new here aren't you?

Lorelei Dawnwarden

"I see, so you are the Undertaker then Artur? It seems Father Lucien is missing something from the chapel and wondered if Milivoj would know if it was simply misplaced."  The young blonde priestess asks calmly, still smiling politely but giving the man a scrutinizing look to see if he would have things to hide.

(Insight: nat 1 for 8 Use heroic inspiration, mostly because embarrased about the roll: 15)

Illmirth

The bard offers Arthur a friendly smile.  "Greetings, friend.  Your work is both necessary and thankless."  He bows gracefully to the man.  "Gratitude to you, good sir.  Your labor offers some measure of peace to the living left behind."  Other than a friendly greeting, the oft chatty Drow remains silent.  He watches the man very closely, measuring his every movement and facial expression.  

DM

Artur

Misplaced? Never known the boy to misplace things. He turned up this morning with his shovel ready to work regardless of it being a festival. His eyes slid downward towards the small mound he had tamped down, when he looked back up he avoided your eyes. It's good to hear that you appreciate the role of an Undertaker. Few do. He stuck the shovels blade into the soil and left it standing upright, then walked towards you. Will you have some coffee or tea while you are waiting? No need to stand when you can sit in a comfortable chair.

He gestures towards the backdoor of his house.

My wife Isolde is recovering from illness, the doctor said she would feel like her old self very soon. We have a refreshing herbal tea made from elderflower blossom. Come in and be welcome. My mortuary is at the back. Milivoj will come through when he is finished.