The quiet Vaelar is used to villagefolk hiding away from him, whispering at him from behind the safety of their shutters and curtains. He hardly notices the same happening in Barovia. He does not begrudge them their fear nor hate them for it. He understands it.
He walks onward through the village to the inn, slowing once they reach its run-down exterior. His attention goes first to the Vistani caravan, it's crimson-painted timber perhaps an omen of things to come in this dark land. He leads the way to the inn's door and pushes it open, holding it for his companions to walk through.
The room is warmly lit by a fireplace off to the side. There are a handful of tables but, hardly anyone inside. The barman continues to wash glass goblets and doesn't look up at you. Two men sit at the bar. To the the right of the door, three women sit around a table all dressed in brightly colored clothing. To the left, a man lost in thought, pondering something. He looks up at you all and stares intently. Finally a third man sits off to the right closer to the bar. As you three walk in, he stands up and makes his way to leave.
The young blonde priestess is distraught over the darkness that had befallen this village, and she knew she could not leave these lands before it was lifted. As she enters the tavern she notices the pondering, now staring, man, assuming it is Ismark, but before approaching him her eyes follow the man leaving, trying to determine if it was their appearence there that had set him off, perhaps to inform the ruler of these lands about their arrival?
A rogue like character sits to the side of the room alone. He looks at the party, stands up, and begins to leave. As he is walking out, one of the Vistani sisters hisses: "You better pay your tab Radu, or else" He tosses a few coins at them, grumbles, and leaves. Going by the chink of his coin purse, he'd about run out of money and this was not a place to have a running tab with.
The sister who'd spoken gazes at you, you are new here and one of you has a lute. 'Will you play for us after you drink your fill? She asks Illmirth. Do you know any Vistani songs?
The barmans name is Arik. Goblet of wine 1cp, jug of wine 1 sp. Your bard drinks free for a performance.
A blonde young man in leather armor pours himself another glass from the jug he has on the table. He watches you intently but gives off no bad vibes. He was just curious.
( Insight check.) Lorelei can prove nothing but she gets the impression that the rogue would sell information to the highest bidder, that would include the Lord of Ravenloft.
Illmirth remains somewhat subdued, as if the weight of this dismal place were somehow stifling his joy. His eyes light up at the sight of the Vistani women, and he flushes with some measure of excitement to learn that they wish him to play for them. He very much enjoyed traveling with and learning the customs of the colorful, nomadic people. Smiling to them he says, "It would be my pleasure to play for you. The style of the Vistani is unique, bit I will do my best to honor it." With a slight bow, he excuses himself to the bar. He places a gold coin on the bar. "Please see that my companions get their fill," he says to the bartender.
When drinks have been served Illmirth begins to dig around in his pack, eventually fishing out the vest and colorful sash that went with the Vistani style clothing that he picked up from Viktor's caravan. As his companions surveyed the scene and looked for Ireen's brother he began to flip through his repertoire for something the sisters would enjoy.
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“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Arik picks up the GP and bites it, since it is not a coin of Barovia It counts only for gold weight. He puts it away, the three Vistani sisters watching him closely. He pulls down a large jug and fills it to the brim. Then puts it on the bar with glass goblets, here that will start you off.
The sisters smile at the group. You came through the mists with Viktor didn't you? I am Alenka and these are my sisters Mirabel and Sorvia. Our clan owns this Tavern, we're just here to keep an eye on it. Viktor left a message for you, he said that you were fellow hunters with the Loup Garou, he hopes that you will go to our camp and visit Madam Eva. Be welcome here.
The Paladin is... uneasy, to say the least. Human interaction was never quite an aspect of his job before. His was hitherto always a mission of undead extermination. His training is squared on purification by divine strength, not restoration or support. He is better suited in the dark with the monsters than in the light with his charges. The shift is one he is unused to. His armor itches, his blade weighs heavy. He nods the others on, remaining standing near the entryway, but keeps a concise visual of his surroundings, silent, stolid, ready.
**using just his passive perception, does he see anything worth keeping an eye on?**
All three of the sisters have what seem to be garlands in their hair hiding small antlers. You blink in the dim light to adjust your eyes and for a second they have green skin. You recognise them as Hexbloods and Vistani, maybe kin of Madam Evas. Just something to keep an eye on as they have done nothing to offend you.
As everyone enters the tavern, Crisaryn makes her way over to the table with the Vistani women. "Good to meet you, I am Crisaryn. I apologize for being blunt, but we are here to speak with Ismark. Could you direct us to him?"
Alenka smiled at Crisaryn. You are a unique one aren't you, golden dragon bloodline sorcerer? Ismark! she calls.
The young man who'd been drinking out of a jug, placed his drink down and nodded towards the party gesturing them to join him in the corner table. Over here!
The young blonde priestess does not interfere with Radu leaving the tavern. He would likely inform the man in the high castle about their arrival but so would many others in time she suspected. She instead turns her attention to the young blonde man who indeed turns out to be Ismark, taking one of the mugs of wine Illmirth had bought them and joining Ismark by his table after giving the three sisters a friendly smile.
"Hi there, I'm Lorelei. Mind if I sit down with you for a while." She says as she takes a seat by his table and places her mug in front of her after taking a sip. "Me and the others that just came here were summoned to your village by the Burgomeister. We just were at his house and learned about his tragic passing, I'm so sorry for your loss Ismark."She says with a warm and empathic tone. "Ireena told us we could probably find you here. When we have finished our drinks we could perhaps return to her together and see what we can do about the Burgomeister's funeral and how to lift the curse that has befallen Ireena?"
You've already been to the house? Does the cursed bite still fester? He pours another glass of wine. Three days and two nights I've sat waiting for my father to rise after I've drunk in his honour here. None of the villagers will take part in the sin eating, there is just the two of us left. Would you honour his memory with me. I see that you already have a jug of wine. Your bards music will serve for his wake. Then tomorrow I'll have to approach the priest again about a funeral. He pauses Can you help if he refuses, I see that you wear the mark of the Morninglord clergy.
Ireena wants to cut his head from his shoulders to stop him becoming a Vampyr. I know that she's right but I can not in all honesty do it myself, and I am loath to let her do it alone. His eyes tear up.
Having since joined the others in conversation with this young man, the Paladin barks with his raspy tone under each word. He nevertheless wears a soft smile with his words. "Thy Lady sets redeem'd, her wound healed." He gestures to the bard and priestess, "Thanks ought be wrought upon these duo, hither. T'was their efforts which unwound her curse most foul."
A more dour glance crosses his face as he continues. "Tis true, a summons hath aligned our forces here. Yet their pleas doth contradict, with one pleading aid and the other begging ours away."He rummages about his person before remembering. "The missive is possessed upon one of ours, though I knowest not which. Mayhaps one mightst allow the lads' curiosity succor and produce his father's message, that it be laid bare afore him?"
With that, Murdock redoubles his position, holding his sheathed blade before the young man as an elder would hold a cane. "I knowest not of the others, but twould be mine honour to aid thee in bringing thy father due repose. As well do I wish to confront this priest myself. He hath forsaken his duty, and musts be sought to atone or redeem."
**Insight check (13) to watch the lads' reaction. Murdock trusts the boy, but not so much to disbelieve he may hold information back.**
Vaelar, as ever, lingers near the fringes of the group, staying out of the most direct light of the fire and candles. Though he does not speak often, he listens intently to the sisters and then to Ismark.
"As Murdock says, we will do what must be done for your father."
The blades across his back would see that the Burgomeister would not rise to undeath.
While the others show Ismark the letters, Vaelar returns to the table with the sisters.
"What can you tell me of Madam Eva, sisters?" he asks, unused to offering pleasantries.
Illmirth listens intently as the party converses with Ismark. He shakes his head ever so slightly back and forth at Murdock's kind, but misplaced words. Lorelei and light of the Morning Lord drew out the vile infection left by the Vampyr, the credit belongs to them.
"Indeed we did," he replies to the sisters. "We were honored to celebrate the life of Demetri with the People. We discovered the grim scene of his demise while traveling here with Viktor and the caravan."
Overhearing Ismark's remarks he pats down his pouch, but finding neither of the letters can offer only a shrug and slight shake of his head. "I will stand with you to honor your father. I am Illmirth Vae'Drynn, my lute is at your disposal."
When the conversation begins to wane and everyone settles in to enjoy their wine, Illmirth will perform for them. Just before getting started he puts on the vest and sash in the Vistani style. Illusion magic strikes up an uptempo melody of a stringed instrument. As he does, the entire room becomes his stage, gliding and working in short, tightly twirling spins to augment the music. Although tempo of the song is up, the lyrics are tainted by the circumstances and the overall heavy feeling in the air.
I see a red door and I want to paint it black,
No colors anymore, I want them to turn black.
I see the girl walk by, dressed in their drab gray clothes,
I have to look away as wicked darkness grows.
No more will my green sea go turn a deeper blue,
I could not forsee this thing happening to you,
If I look hard enough for the rising sun,
I may glimpse light before the darkness comes.
I see a red door and I want to paint it black,
No colors anymore, I want them to turn black.
He does his best to work in the style that he learned on the road.
"Very observant," Crisaryn remarks to Alenka. "And thank you," she adds. Quickly she fills a goblet with a bit of wineand proceeds to Ismark's table.
As she joins the table she remarks, "We had not mentioned letters, but it was letters that brought us to Barovia."
She looks around trying to recall who actually had them. "Lorelei? Do you have them? Ismark should look at them. Ireena seemed a little unsure about the handwriting being your father's."
He watches young Ismark and senses that he is keeping something from them, not out of maliciousness but simple memory lapse. It is possible that he had been charmed by Strahd when the Dark Lord struck at the Burgomeister. He sounds a little guilty that he couldn't protect his father.
You are another unique one, we have those like you amongst the Vistani. True Hunters.
Madam Eva, what can we tell you, she is the oldest Elder of the Vistani and as such is held in high regard. She is a true seer with or without her cards. Unlike many Vistani who honour the Morning Lord, she is a devotee of Mother Night, her powers are stronger at night. Madam Eva distrusts strangers unless they have proven themselves as you did. She has no children of her own and adopts waifs and strays that are of value to the clan. Perhaps it would be best for you to ask a question about her so that we can help further?
The three sisters clap in time to the music, one so enthralled that she left her seat to dance to Illmirths tune.
Ismark to Crisaryn
My father did everything by letter, even the groceries, and you say that you have two such missives? He never mentioned sending for help to me but he seemed distraught the last few weeks especially after talking to the priest. I'm not surprised that Lathander withdrew his might from the priest, he seems mad as though a rabid animal. It will be best to go to the chapel in the morning, night is drawing in now and Strahds eyes are everywhere.
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Vaelar
The quiet Vaelar is used to villagefolk hiding away from him, whispering at him from behind the safety of their shutters and curtains. He hardly notices the same happening in Barovia. He does not begrudge them their fear nor hate them for it. He understands it.
He walks onward through the village to the inn, slowing once they reach its run-down exterior. His attention goes first to the Vistani caravan, it's crimson-painted timber perhaps an omen of things to come in this dark land. He leads the way to the inn's door and pushes it open, holding it for his companions to walk through.
DM
The room is warmly lit by a fireplace off to the side. There are a handful of tables but, hardly anyone inside. The barman continues to wash glass goblets and doesn't look up at you. Two men sit at the bar. To the the right of the door, three women sit around a table all dressed in brightly colored clothing. To the left, a man lost in thought, pondering something. He looks up at you all and stares intently. Finally a third man sits off to the right closer to the bar. As you three walk in, he stands up and makes his way to leave.
Lorelei Dawnwarden
The young blonde priestess is distraught over the darkness that had befallen this village, and she knew she could not leave these lands before it was lifted. As she enters the tavern she notices the pondering, now staring, man, assuming it is Ismark, but before approaching him her eyes follow the man leaving, trying to determine if it was their appearence there that had set him off, perhaps to inform the ruler of these lands about their arrival?
Insight: 20 + Guidance: 3
DM
A rogue like character sits to the side of the room alone. He looks at the party, stands up, and begins to leave. As he is walking out, one of the Vistani sisters hisses: "You better pay your tab Radu, or else" He tosses a few coins at them, grumbles, and leaves. Going by the chink of his coin purse, he'd about run out of money and this was not a place to have a running tab with.
The sister who'd spoken gazes at you, you are new here and one of you has a lute. 'Will you play for us after you drink your fill? She asks Illmirth. Do you know any Vistani songs?
The barmans name is Arik. Goblet of wine 1cp, jug of wine 1 sp. Your bard drinks free for a performance.
A blonde young man in leather armor pours himself another glass from the jug he has on the table. He watches you intently but gives off no bad vibes. He was just curious.
DM
( Insight check.) Lorelei can prove nothing but she gets the impression that the rogue would sell information to the highest bidder, that would include the Lord of Ravenloft.
Illmirth
Illmirth remains somewhat subdued, as if the weight of this dismal place were somehow stifling his joy. His eyes light up at the sight of the Vistani women, and he flushes with some measure of excitement to learn that they wish him to play for them. He very much enjoyed traveling with and learning the customs of the colorful, nomadic people. Smiling to them he says, "It would be my pleasure to play for you. The style of the Vistani is unique, bit I will do my best to honor it." With a slight bow, he excuses himself to the bar. He places a gold coin on the bar. "Please see that my companions get their fill," he says to the bartender.
When drinks have been served Illmirth begins to dig around in his pack, eventually fishing out the vest and colorful sash that went with the Vistani style clothing that he picked up from Viktor's caravan. As his companions surveyed the scene and looked for Ireen's brother he began to flip through his repertoire for something the sisters would enjoy.
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
DM
Arik picks up the GP and bites it, since it is not a coin of Barovia It counts only for gold weight. He puts it away, the three Vistani sisters watching him closely. He pulls down a large jug and fills it to the brim. Then puts it on the bar with glass goblets, here that will start you off.
The sisters smile at the group. You came through the mists with Viktor didn't you? I am Alenka and these are my sisters Mirabel and Sorvia. Our clan owns this Tavern, we're just here to keep an eye on it. Viktor left a message for you, he said that you were fellow hunters with the Loup Garou, he hopes that you will go to our camp and visit Madam Eva. Be welcome here.
Murdock
The Paladin is... uneasy, to say the least. Human interaction was never quite an aspect of his job before. His was hitherto always a mission of undead extermination. His training is squared on purification by divine strength, not restoration or support. He is better suited in the dark with the monsters than in the light with his charges. The shift is one he is unused to. His armor itches, his blade weighs heavy. He nods the others on, remaining standing near the entryway, but keeps a concise visual of his surroundings, silent, stolid, ready.
**using just his passive perception, does he see anything worth keeping an eye on?**
DM
to Murdock
All three of the sisters have what seem to be garlands in their hair hiding small antlers. You blink in the dim light to adjust your eyes and for a second they have green skin. You recognise them as Hexbloods and Vistani, maybe kin of Madam Evas. Just something to keep an eye on as they have done nothing to offend you.
Crisaryn Melkial
As everyone enters the tavern, Crisaryn makes her way over to the table with the Vistani women. "Good to meet you, I am Crisaryn. I apologize for being blunt, but we are here to speak with Ismark. Could you direct us to him?"
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
DM
Alenka smiled at Crisaryn. You are a unique one aren't you, golden dragon bloodline sorcerer? Ismark! she calls.
The young man who'd been drinking out of a jug, placed his drink down and nodded towards the party gesturing them to join him in the corner table. Over here!
Lorelei Dawnwarden
The young blonde priestess does not interfere with Radu leaving the tavern. He would likely inform the man in the high castle about their arrival but so would many others in time she suspected. She instead turns her attention to the young blonde man who indeed turns out to be Ismark, taking one of the mugs of wine Illmirth had bought them and joining Ismark by his table after giving the three sisters a friendly smile.
"Hi there, I'm Lorelei. Mind if I sit down with you for a while." She says as she takes a seat by his table and places her mug in front of her after taking a sip. "Me and the others that just came here were summoned to your village by the Burgomeister. We just were at his house and learned about his tragic passing, I'm so sorry for your loss Ismark." She says with a warm and empathic tone. "Ireena told us we could probably find you here. When we have finished our drinks we could perhaps return to her together and see what we can do about the Burgomeister's funeral and how to lift the curse that has befallen Ireena?"
DM
Ismark
You've already been to the house? Does the cursed bite still fester? He pours another glass of wine. Three days and two nights I've sat waiting for my father to rise after I've drunk in his honour here. None of the villagers will take part in the sin eating, there is just the two of us left. Would you honour his memory with me. I see that you already have a jug of wine. Your bards music will serve for his wake. Then tomorrow I'll have to approach the priest again about a funeral. He pauses Can you help if he refuses, I see that you wear the mark of the Morninglord clergy.
Ireena wants to cut his head from his shoulders to stop him becoming a Vampyr. I know that she's right but I can not in all honesty do it myself, and I am loath to let her do it alone. His eyes tear up.
You say there were letters that brought you here?
Murdock
Having since joined the others in conversation with this young man, the Paladin barks with his raspy tone under each word. He nevertheless wears a soft smile with his words. "Thy Lady sets redeem'd, her wound healed." He gestures to the bard and priestess, "Thanks ought be wrought upon these duo, hither. T'was their efforts which unwound her curse most foul."
A more dour glance crosses his face as he continues. "Tis true, a summons hath aligned our forces here. Yet their pleas doth contradict, with one pleading aid and the other begging ours away." He rummages about his person before remembering. "The missive is possessed upon one of ours, though I knowest not which. Mayhaps one mightst allow the lads' curiosity succor and produce his father's message, that it be laid bare afore him?"
With that, Murdock redoubles his position, holding his sheathed blade before the young man as an elder would hold a cane. "I knowest not of the others, but twould be mine honour to aid thee in bringing thy father due repose. As well do I wish to confront this priest myself. He hath forsaken his duty, and musts be sought to atone or redeem."
**Insight check (13) to watch the lads' reaction. Murdock trusts the boy, but not so much to disbelieve he may hold information back.**
Vaelar
Vaelar, as ever, lingers near the fringes of the group, staying out of the most direct light of the fire and candles. Though he does not speak often, he listens intently to the sisters and then to Ismark.
"As Murdock says, we will do what must be done for your father."
The blades across his back would see that the Burgomeister would not rise to undeath.
While the others show Ismark the letters, Vaelar returns to the table with the sisters.
"What can you tell me of Madam Eva, sisters?" he asks, unused to offering pleasantries.
Illmirth
Illmirth listens intently as the party converses with Ismark. He shakes his head ever so slightly back and forth at Murdock's kind, but misplaced words. Lorelei and light of the Morning Lord drew out the vile infection left by the Vampyr, the credit belongs to them.
"Indeed we did," he replies to the sisters. "We were honored to celebrate the life of Demetri with the People. We discovered the grim scene of his demise while traveling here with Viktor and the caravan."
Overhearing Ismark's remarks he pats down his pouch, but finding neither of the letters can offer only a shrug and slight shake of his head. "I will stand with you to honor your father. I am Illmirth Vae'Drynn, my lute is at your disposal."
When the conversation begins to wane and everyone settles in to enjoy their wine, Illmirth will perform for them. Just before getting started he puts on the vest and sash in the Vistani style. Illusion magic strikes up an uptempo melody of a stringed instrument. As he does, the entire room becomes his stage, gliding and working in short, tightly twirling spins to augment the music. Although tempo of the song is up, the lyrics are tainted by the circumstances and the overall heavy feeling in the air.
I see a red door and I want to paint it black,
No colors anymore, I want them to turn black.
I see the girl walk by, dressed in their drab gray clothes,
I have to look away as wicked darkness grows.
No more will my green sea go turn a deeper blue,
I could not forsee this thing happening to you,
If I look hard enough for the rising sun,
I may glimpse light before the darkness comes.
I see a red door and I want to paint it black,
No colors anymore, I want them to turn black.
He does his best to work in the style that he learned on the road.
***OoC: performance: 15***
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Crisaryn Melkial
"Very observant," Crisaryn remarks to Alenka. "And thank you," she adds. Quickly she fills a goblet with a bit of wineand proceeds to Ismark's table.
As she joins the table she remarks, "We had not mentioned letters, but it was letters that brought us to Barovia."
She looks around trying to recall who actually had them. "Lorelei? Do you have them? Ismark should look at them. Ireena seemed a little unsure about the handwriting being your father's."
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
DM
Murdock Insight check
He watches young Ismark and senses that he is keeping something from them, not out of maliciousness but simple memory lapse. It is possible that he had been charmed by Strahd when the Dark Lord struck at the Burgomeister. He sounds a little guilty that he couldn't protect his father.
DM
Sorvia to Vaelar
You are another unique one, we have those like you amongst the Vistani. True Hunters.
Madam Eva, what can we tell you, she is the oldest Elder of the Vistani and as such is held in high regard. She is a true seer with or without her cards. Unlike many Vistani who honour the Morning Lord, she is a devotee of Mother Night, her powers are stronger at night. Madam Eva distrusts strangers unless they have proven themselves as you did. She has no children of her own and adopts waifs and strays that are of value to the clan. Perhaps it would be best for you to ask a question about her so that we can help further?
DM
The three sisters clap in time to the music, one so enthralled that she left her seat to dance to Illmirths tune.
Ismark to Crisaryn
My father did everything by letter, even the groceries, and you say that you have two such missives? He never mentioned sending for help to me but he seemed distraught the last few weeks especially after talking to the priest. I'm not surprised that Lathander withdrew his might from the priest, he seems mad as though a rabid animal. It will be best to go to the chapel in the morning, night is drawing in now and Strahds eyes are everywhere.