Illmirth needed a moment to process. His dream was not just a dream, but whispers from the goddess known by the Vistanti as Mother Night. He knew of divine magic that the priestesses used to commune with Lloth, or more specifically the Fiends that served her. If such a power had taken notice, he would be wise to heed the warning given by Stanimir.
"It was a dream, but I'm not sure if she came to me or I went to her. I was led by a raven to her palace. She bid me speak with Elder Hilde in Vallaki."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Dreams from the goddess, Hilde will help you decide what is calling you. Watch for the Ravens, they will guide you whether in dream or vision. A familiar took you to her and opened the planes that overlap. You are being watched.
Illmirth wasn't sure what to think. Some blend of flattered and frightened kept his mind racing. After thanking Stanimir for sharing his knowledge Illmirth rejoined the party.
When he could speak with them in relative privacy, he told them about the dream. "I think it was Fredrik that guided me to her, but I can't be sure," he added.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
As Crisaryn finds the others, she's a bit curious about Illmirth's questions about Elder Hilde. She eagerly eats the porridge and a small bit of meat. "If our business here is done here, we should get back to the town to see about arrangements for either some ponies or horses."
She makes a point of finding Annaletta before they go to wish her well and thank her for the wonderful evening.
He only knew a little about the Shadar-kai, mostly second hand and from songs.
They were a race of Elves who tired of the ceaseless war between Corellon and Lolth. Their Queen gathered magic around herself to become divine, but wizards sent by Lolth interrupted the spell. The Elven Queen became a goddess but was trapped in the Shadow Fell at her icy fortress. Her loyal servants followed her into exile. Skilled in shadow magic they served her cause against the undead. Orcus and Vecna being her enemies.
Shadar-kai were near-truly immortal: whenever they died, the Raven Queen drew their souls back to the Shadowfell and resurrected them. Thus, they viewed death as a temporary condition and typically cared little for whatever shell they currently inhabited.
When the Raven Queen desired the shadar-kai retrieve something for her, she sent ravens as guides; the shadar-kai trusted these cryptic birds, following them across planes to find their destination. You can walk through the mists and travel between planes.
He offers a coin for trade and Terna took down a muslin sack and filled it with different flavors of blood sausage. Are you off now she asks Vaelar, if Sorvia won't sell you ponies come back here and travel on the wagons to Vallaki with Elder Ellis
Viktor reached into his jacket and pulled out a map, here you might need this. and he presses his map into Vaelars hands.
(DM OOC the map may also be found on the Campaign thread.)
Illmirth remains unusually introspective and quiet as he packs up his gear and puts his normal traveling clothes back on. His brain worked constantly, searching for bits of knowledge about the Raven Queen and her Shadar-Kai.
Glancing down at his charcoal gray skin, so unusual for his species, he thought of the elves he saw in the dream. He was changing. The notion sent a shudder of revulsion down his spine, but it passed quickly. This was not the same as the theft of will of the vampyr or drider. She invited him to visit the Elder... His will would determine his path, the Raven Queen did not demand of him, yet... She is a goddess after all, he reminded himself.
Illmirth splashed a bit of water in his face and straightened out his mop of light gray hair. By the time he followed the scent of smoke and breakfast he was smiling and ready to start the day. Questions would be answered in Vallaki soon enough. He was not one to waste today worrying about tomorrow. He made his rounds, thanking the People once again for their hospitality and promising to visit again soon.
When the party is ready, he will head back to Barovia with them to make preparations for the road to Vallaki.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
"Thank you,"Vaelar says with honest and genuine gratitude to the twins. He continues with another, "Thank you," for Viktor, slipping the sack of blood sausages in his pack, and rolling the map up to store safely in the map scroll amongst his other cartography supplies.
"I appreciate your hospitality tonight. It was an unexpected pleasure in a dark land such as this. I'll be back, sooner or later," he promises before offering the trio a farewell bow and leaving to rejoin the party.
"We have a map," he announces to them. His is typically quiet, and his dark eyes watch the others carefully in case any of them have grown uncomfortable in his presence no knowing what he is.
Crisaryn is fine to wait until Vaelar has completed his business and returns. "Ah good, a map! That should help. What is our plan though? I'd suggest we try to secure mounts back in Barovia. And then return to see if we can and travel with Ellis to Vallaki and obtain this Holy Symbol of Ravenkind. I wonder what exactly it will be?" She tries to get a look at the map. "I see the Tsolenka Pass. But where is the Endorovich Crypt?"
As the group prepares to ride back to Barovia Illmirth finds a quiet moment to approach Vaelar. He places a delicate hand upon his shoulder and looks directly into his eyes. "We are what we are. Who we are is the result of many choices made over a lifetime. In my experience, who matters much more than what." He looks at his own dark skin; such a contrast tto Vaelar's pale complection. "We don't get to pick the skin we wear, but we do get to pick the life we live in it. Be at peace in my presense." He offers his friend a pat on the shoulder and hoped his words are well received.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
As Vaelar mentions having a map, the young priestess with her blonde rebraided hair comes closer and curiously stands beside Crisaryn as the draconic sorceress studies it, trying to get her bearings in these dark lands of dread, quickly finding the village of Barovia and Vallaki, realizing they would likely pass close to Strahd's castle to get there. She looks up between Illmirth and Vaelar as the drow assures the silent ranger, not sure what was going on there but she probably missed something. "For what it's worth, I agree with Illmirth."She says with a brief but warm smile to the other two before turning her attention back to the map.
She nods in agreement with Crisaryn. "I suppose the crypt could be nearly anywhere, even back in the village graveyard, but perhaps it is by that abbey to the northwest. Someone in Vallaki might know, seems to be the largest community in these lands so it should hold some answers for us at least." She found the map quite intriguing and it brought many questions to Lorelei's mind and she glances around for someone with the Vistani that could tell them about the places named on it.
The ride to Barovia village is short and very pleasant in the early morning sun.
Illmirth and Ismark go to the tavern to speak with Sorvia about her ponies. The rest of the party stable up their mounts and feed them a good portion of oats.
leaving so soon? Sorvia said tapping the table lightly a smile on her face. You still have a tab here for wine, bring your companions here tonight to say farewell.
Ismark negotiates for the ponies and it was settled on 4 GP each, he paid from his purse and asks about a wagon that they can put their belongings on. Alenka nods once then asked if it was a loan or purchase. She had an open wagon for hire and another Vistani could bring it back, For you 40 Gold pieces only. She says it is a sellers market.
Ismark pays the hire and sets out to take the wagon to the old burgomeisters house, Ireena joining him as they decide which goods to take with them. Which to sell with the property.
"For the son and daughter of your dearly departed Burgomeister, surely you can offer a special rate... I can play for you tonight, honoring your generosity," he adds with a smile stuck somewhere between innocent do-gooder and used horse dealer.
***OoC: persuasion for the lowest possible prices. 10***
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
She stares at Illmirth for a moment then slaps hands with him 30 Gold pieces, not a copper less. She hands the saved gold to Illmirth.
We have much to celebrate tonight, there is a new Cleric for the Chapel, she came through the mists shown the way by a raven. Morning prayers are happening again. Rhianne left Aidens bones in her altar to ensure a strong Hallows. The Conspiracy have headed for home in Vallaki.
"Most generous and gracious of you. It does indeed seem like the village has cause for celebration. In repayment for your kind consideration in our business dealings I should like to perform tonight. I look forward to meeting the new cleric, and I have a friend who will be positively thrilled," he says, taking the coins she returned.
Illmirth assured her that he would be back in the evening to make good his promise then heads out to catch up with Ismark. He offers a wide smile and hands him the gold. "Upon further consideration she offered a better deal."
Illmirth helped to get the horses stabled and settled in. When they rejoined the group he shared what he had learned. "There is to be a celebration at the tavern tonight, a new cleric has come to guide the faithful. Like us, she came through the mists. While the People brought us safely through, she was guided by a raven," he said. By a raven, he thought to himself... He quickly shook off his distraction. "I owe Alenka a song or two for cutting a good deal on the horses. When the business of the day is done our cups will run over once again!" In the bard's opinion the only thing better than a celebration was another one the next day.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
As Illmirth disappears with Ismark, Crisaryn does take her horse with the others to the stables. It takes a little bit of time to see them properly situated and fed. But once that is done she asks, "What now?"
Though Vaelar had no words for Illmirth's vow of companionship, the dhampir would offer him a smile, the broadest he's worn in some time. It said a silent, "Thank you."
Back in Borovia and gathered together once more, Vaelar suggests, "We could plan our journey. Perhaps someone in the village will know where to find the crypt."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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DM
Breakfast was freshly cooked porridge and slices of warm roast meat.
The party woke early and ate well. They had to get back to the village to renegotiate buying the ponies from Sorvia.
Ellis another Vistani Elder was taking his clan to Vallaki in two days, less if they packed well. The party had been invited to ride with him.
Vaelar had yet to negotiate some blood sausage to take with him.
Illmirth
Illmirth needed a moment to process. His dream was not just a dream, but whispers from the goddess known by the Vistanti as Mother Night. He knew of divine magic that the priestesses used to commune with Lloth, or more specifically the Fiends that served her. If such a power had taken notice, he would be wise to heed the warning given by Stanimir.
"It was a dream, but I'm not sure if she came to me or I went to her. I was led by a raven to her palace. She bid me speak with Elder Hilde in Vallaki."
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
DM
Stanimir to Illmirth
Dreams from the goddess, Hilde will help you decide what is calling you. Watch for the Ravens, they will guide you whether in dream or vision. A familiar took you to her and opened the planes that overlap. You are being watched.
Illmirth
Illmirth wasn't sure what to think. Some blend of flattered and frightened kept his mind racing. After thanking Stanimir for sharing his knowledge Illmirth rejoined the party.
When he could speak with them in relative privacy, he told them about the dream. "I think it was Fredrik that guided me to her, but I can't be sure," he added.
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Illmirth
***OoC: history 16 or religion 19 to see if he knows anything about the Shadar Kai ***
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Crisaryn Melkial
As Crisaryn finds the others, she's a bit curious about Illmirth's questions about Elder Hilde. She eagerly eats the porridge and a small bit of meat. "If our business here is done here, we should get back to the town to see about arrangements for either some ponies or horses."
She makes a point of finding Annaletta before they go to wish her well and thank her for the wonderful evening.
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Vaelar
Before they all set off for the village, Vaelar would stop by the twins' vardo and ofree gold for a handful of blood sausages.
DM
Illmirths history check
He only knew a little about the Shadar-kai, mostly second hand and from songs.
They were a race of Elves who tired of the ceaseless war between Corellon and Lolth. Their Queen gathered magic around herself to become divine, but wizards sent by Lolth interrupted the spell. The Elven Queen became a goddess but was trapped in the Shadow Fell at her icy fortress. Her loyal servants followed her into exile. Skilled in shadow magic they served her cause against the undead. Orcus and Vecna being her enemies.
Shadar-kai were near-truly immortal: whenever they died, the Raven Queen drew their souls back to the Shadowfell and resurrected them. Thus, they viewed death as a temporary condition and typically cared little for whatever shell they currently inhabited.
When the Raven Queen desired the shadar-kai retrieve something for her, she sent ravens as guides; the shadar-kai trusted these cryptic birds, following them across planes to find their destination. You can walk through the mists and travel between planes.
Vaelar finds Viktor with Ysabet and Terna
He offers a coin for trade and Terna took down a muslin sack and filled it with different flavors of blood sausage. Are you off now she asks Vaelar, if Sorvia won't sell you ponies come back here and travel on the wagons to Vallaki with Elder Ellis
Viktor reached into his jacket and pulled out a map, here you might need this. and he presses his map into Vaelars hands.
(DM OOC the map may also be found on the Campaign thread.)
Illmirth
Illmirth remains unusually introspective and quiet as he packs up his gear and puts his normal traveling clothes back on. His brain worked constantly, searching for bits of knowledge about the Raven Queen and her Shadar-Kai.
Glancing down at his charcoal gray skin, so unusual for his species, he thought of the elves he saw in the dream. He was changing. The notion sent a shudder of revulsion down his spine, but it passed quickly. This was not the same as the theft of will of the vampyr or drider. She invited him to visit the Elder... His will would determine his path, the Raven Queen did not demand of him, yet... She is a goddess after all, he reminded himself.
Illmirth splashed a bit of water in his face and straightened out his mop of light gray hair. By the time he followed the scent of smoke and breakfast he was smiling and ready to start the day. Questions would be answered in Vallaki soon enough. He was not one to waste today worrying about tomorrow. He made his rounds, thanking the People once again for their hospitality and promising to visit again soon.
When the party is ready, he will head back to Barovia with them to make preparations for the road to Vallaki.
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Vaelar
"Thank you," Vaelar says with honest and genuine gratitude to the twins. He continues with another, "Thank you," for Viktor, slipping the sack of blood sausages in his pack, and rolling the map up to store safely in the map scroll amongst his other cartography supplies.
"I appreciate your hospitality tonight. It was an unexpected pleasure in a dark land such as this. I'll be back, sooner or later," he promises before offering the trio a farewell bow and leaving to rejoin the party.
"We have a map," he announces to them. His is typically quiet, and his dark eyes watch the others carefully in case any of them have grown uncomfortable in his presence no knowing what he is.
Crisaryn Melkial
Crisaryn is fine to wait until Vaelar has completed his business and returns. "Ah good, a map! That should help. What is our plan though? I'd suggest we try to secure mounts back in Barovia. And then return to see if we can and travel with Ellis to Vallaki and obtain this Holy Symbol of Ravenkind. I wonder what exactly it will be?" She tries to get a look at the map. "I see the Tsolenka Pass. But where is the Endorovich Crypt?"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Illmirth
As the group prepares to ride back to Barovia Illmirth finds a quiet moment to approach Vaelar. He places a delicate hand upon his shoulder and looks directly into his eyes. "We are what we are. Who we are is the result of many choices made over a lifetime. In my experience, who matters much more than what." He looks at his own dark skin; such a contrast tto Vaelar's pale complection. "We don't get to pick the skin we wear, but we do get to pick the life we live in it. Be at peace in my presense." He offers his friend a pat on the shoulder and hoped his words are well received.
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Lorelei Dawnwarden
As Vaelar mentions having a map, the young priestess with her blonde rebraided hair comes closer and curiously stands beside Crisaryn as the draconic sorceress studies it, trying to get her bearings in these dark lands of dread, quickly finding the village of Barovia and Vallaki, realizing they would likely pass close to Strahd's castle to get there. She looks up between Illmirth and Vaelar as the drow assures the silent ranger, not sure what was going on there but she probably missed something. "For what it's worth, I agree with Illmirth." She says with a brief but warm smile to the other two before turning her attention back to the map.
She nods in agreement with Crisaryn. "I suppose the crypt could be nearly anywhere, even back in the village graveyard, but perhaps it is by that abbey to the northwest. Someone in Vallaki might know, seems to be the largest community in these lands so it should hold some answers for us at least." She found the map quite intriguing and it brought many questions to Lorelei's mind and she glances around for someone with the Vistani that could tell them about the places named on it.
DM
The ride to Barovia village is short and very pleasant in the early morning sun.
Illmirth and Ismark go to the tavern to speak with Sorvia about her ponies. The rest of the party stable up their mounts and feed them a good portion of oats.
leaving so soon? Sorvia said tapping the table lightly a smile on her face. You still have a tab here for wine, bring your companions here tonight to say farewell.
Ismark negotiates for the ponies and it was settled on 4 GP each, he paid from his purse and asks about a wagon that they can put their belongings on. Alenka nods once then asked if it was a loan or purchase. She had an open wagon for hire and another Vistani could bring it back, For you 40 Gold pieces only. She says it is a sellers market.
Ismark pays the hire and sets out to take the wagon to the old burgomeisters house, Ireena joining him as they decide which goods to take with them. Which to sell with the property.
Illmirth
"For the son and daughter of your dearly departed Burgomeister, surely you can offer a special rate... I can play for you tonight, honoring your generosity," he adds with a smile stuck somewhere between innocent do-gooder and used horse dealer.
***OoC: persuasion for the lowest possible prices. 10***
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Dm
Alenka
She stares at Illmirth for a moment then slaps hands with him 30 Gold pieces, not a copper less. She hands the saved gold to Illmirth.
We have much to celebrate tonight, there is a new Cleric for the Chapel, she came through the mists shown the way by a raven. Morning prayers are happening again. Rhianne left Aidens bones in her altar to ensure a strong Hallows. The Conspiracy have headed for home in Vallaki.
Illmirth
"Most generous and gracious of you. It does indeed seem like the village has cause for celebration. In repayment for your kind consideration in our business dealings I should like to perform tonight. I look forward to meeting the new cleric, and I have a friend who will be positively thrilled," he says, taking the coins she returned.
Illmirth assured her that he would be back in the evening to make good his promise then heads out to catch up with Ismark. He offers a wide smile and hands him the gold. "Upon further consideration she offered a better deal."
Illmirth helped to get the horses stabled and settled in. When they rejoined the group he shared what he had learned. "There is to be a celebration at the tavern tonight, a new cleric has come to guide the faithful. Like us, she came through the mists. While the People brought us safely through, she was guided by a raven," he said. By a raven, he thought to himself... He quickly shook off his distraction. "I owe Alenka a song or two for cutting a good deal on the horses. When the business of the day is done our cups will run over once again!" In the bard's opinion the only thing better than a celebration was another one the next day.
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Crisaryn Melkial
As Illmirth disappears with Ismark, Crisaryn does take her horse with the others to the stables. It takes a little bit of time to see them properly situated and fed. But once that is done she asks, "What now?"
Rabbit Sebrica, Sorcerer || Skarai, Monk || Lokilia Vaelphin, Druid || Liivi Orav, Barbarian || Vanizi, Warlock || Britari / Halila Talgeta / Jesa Gumovi || Neital Rhessil, Wizard
Iromae Quinaea, Cleric || Roxana Raincrest, Rogue || Meira Dheran, Rogue || Qirynna Thadri, Wizard || Crisaryn Melkial, Sorcerer
Vaelar
Though Vaelar had no words for Illmirth's vow of companionship, the dhampir would offer him a smile, the broadest he's worn in some time. It said a silent, "Thank you."
Back in Borovia and gathered together once more, Vaelar suggests, "We could plan our journey. Perhaps someone in the village will know where to find the crypt."