Upon receiving the invitation to meet Madam Eva, Vaelar is quick to respond. He still takes his customary place toward the fringes of the group, but the intensity of his gaze is focused on the interior of Madam Eva's vardo and eventually the elder woman herself. He offers her a wordless, respectful greeting with a deep nod of his head.
Come in, come in. Please sit it is too crowded to stand. The party squeeze themselves around the table and sit down. Madam Eva looks at them then smiles. She wears the red of an Elder richly embroidered with tiny garnets, and a long necklace of black pearls.
I am glad that I asked you here, such a mixture in your party, Annaletta has told me about you. Hunters of Loup Garou and undead, a bard that plays like the best Vistani, a dhampir who can rival the twins, a compassionate cleric, a paladin who fears aging but still fights for his God, a woman with the golden scales of a dragon.
I asked you here so that I could guide you on your journey, paths split before you. Tell me what worries you the most, and what good you have seen.
"Thank you for seeing us." The young blonde priestess says with a polite bow. "In these dark lands I must admit there is much to worry about and few good things to be seen so far." She continues with a weak smile. "I must say Strahd, and his plans for Ireena is what would worry me the most. At the same time Ireena and her brother would be some of the little good we've seen. There is also another cleric, of the raven queen I believe that opposes the evil of Strahd." She finishes, glancing at the others to see what they had to add.
Illmirth nods his agreement with Lorelei. "We have seen what was once good defiled in the church and its former priest, yet we have been a part of of its cleansing. I see the union of different people working together to fight the darkness shining like a beacon of hope. The Devil Strahd looms like a dark cloud above all that transpires here, and there we will find our greatest obstacle. If he is as powerful as it seems, how can he possibly be defeated?"
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“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Yes Strahd does get fixated on a woman from time to time and young Ireena looks very like the portrait of Tatyana. You saved her from the curse did you not?
You have met a Conspiracy of Ravens then. The cleric in charge of the one you met is Rhianne, she sets the dead to rest, she is friendly with our dhampir, they often find themselves working together. Ravenkind will help you on your journey, they oppose Strahd. If you would know more about them visit Vallaki.
I do not know how Strahd can be defeated, but we have the same path, to lay his soul to rest, it is in tatters and it shows. He will watch you on your travels and test you to see if one of you is worthy of ruling in his stead. Found wanting he will turn you into Vampyr spawn. Strahd and the land are one, nowhere is safe.
"Indeed, our compassionate cleric," he said, a look of inner turmoil flashed across his delicate features replaced just as quickly with a warm smile to Lorelei and nod of acknowledgment to Murdock, "was able to cleanse the taint of the vampyr's bite and release her." Illmirth had not forgotten his own weakness in the face of her plight, his past had crept from the dark corners of his mind to challenge his resolve. Despite his own failure, the group had succeeded. His pride in their accomplishments was evident by the warmth in his eyes when he looked upon them. He was beginning to understand that these people were bound together, by fate or fortune; where one may stumble, the others would be there to offer a hand.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
"Madam Eva, thank you for speaking with us. I'd hoped you would have more direct insight on how to overcome Strahd," Crisaryn says."I mean, if that is what's required to bring this land to a better state. But do you mean to tell us that one of us would become ruler here? Surely the people here have leaders that would be a better choice."
The young blonde priestess blushes slightly at the warm smile from the drow. Her mentor had often talked about the importance of compassion, to not let their grim work harden their hearts and souls beyond sympathy, even with a devil like Strahd. The thought of Strahd looking for a worthy successor was an indication he was not beyond redemption in some sense. She could only nod in agreement with the sound and direct Crisaryn, surely there must be better rulers of the land locally. She knew ruling could be a burden for many, a sacrifice even, but perhaps that was the sacrifice needed to bring back the light to these domain of dread.
There might be better rulers here but they are afraid to act, Strahd can be merciless, whole families have been slaughtered before. He looks for someone like he was, fighter and wizard with an iron will. There are not many of those around.
You are right young Crisaryn you want more tangible help, and the cards will provide.
She shuffled the cards, all the time chanting their woes in Vistani. Five cards flew out of the deck, and Madam Eva set them down gently for a reading. She began to speak, her eyes clouded over, something was speaking through her.
Evas hands hovered over the cards as if she didn't need to turn them.
(OOC the reading is a long one and will be a separate post with photos)
Her voice changed again as she magically lifts each card into the air and commences to turn them over before falling back into place on the table.
There are three artifacts that will aid you against Strahd, The Tome of Strahd himself, The Holy Symbol of Ravenkind and The Sunsword. I will show you the way.
The Tome of Strahd. This card tells of history. Knowledge of the ancient will help you better understand your enemy. 3 of swords soldier. Go to the mountains. Climb the white tower guarded by golden knights.
The Holy Symbol of Ravenkind. This card tells of a powerful force for good and protection, a holy symbol of great hope. 6 of coins beggar. A wounded elf has what you seek. He will part with the treasure to see his dark dreams fulfilled.
The Sunsword. This is a card of power and strength. It tells of a weapon of vengeance: a sword of sunlight. 1 of coins swashbuckler. I see the skeleton of a deadly warrior, lying on a bed of stone flanked by gargoyles.
Strahds Enemy. This card sheds light on one who will help you greatly in the battle against darkness. Artifact. Look for an entertaining man with a monkey. This man is more than he seems.
Strahds location in the castle. Your enemy is a creature of darkness, whose powers are beyond mortality. This card will lead you to him!. Darklord. He lurks in the depths of darkness, in the one place to which he must return, his tomb.
Vaelar watches with intense curiosity as Madam Eva conducted her insightful foretelling. His dark eyes intently follow the cards as they land on the table in front of them, his mind trying to piece the puzzles of the strange enigma together. When they come to rest on the sun sword, he flinches instinctively.
"What are these three artifacts? How will they help us against the dark lord?"
Her eyes still clouded over, she says, All three are weapons against evil, which Strahd himself seeks.
In the book find his word and strategies of old, it was written when he was still human, he fights in the same manner today.
The Conspiracy of Ravens have been seeking their lost symbol for nearly a century, only a good character may wear it in battle, and sadly High Cleric Rebecca died in combat with Strahd, he left her symbol alone. Looters of the body made away with it, but its enchantments did not work for them. Rhianne can tell you how to use it.
The Sunsword is a sentient weapon, its blade damaged, you will have to seek a new one to remake it. The Sunsword's special purpose is to destroy Strahd, not so much because it wants to free the land of Barovia from evil but because it wants revenge for the loss of its crystal blade. The weapon secretly fears its own destruction.
"Elves of any sort seem to be in short supply here. Where should we begin our search for one both wounded and bearing a holy symbol?" For some reason he didn't fully understand, he felt a push in that direction. Perhaps my fondness for Fredrik pushes a symbol holy to ravens to the forefront of my mind, he thinks silently.
The drow listens with rapt attention to the old woman's words. He would remember to tread carefully when the time came to talk with Kasimir.
"The sword must be hidden away in a crypt. Where in Barovia would a deadly warrior be laid to final rest?" he wonders aloud. "Perhaps the mausoleum of a noble family?" He makes a mental note to ask Ismark and Ireena their thoughts later.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Crisaryn watched Madam Eva turn the cards and give them her guidance. 'Arifacts to defeat the dark lord,' she thinks. 'Interesting.' She just hopes that this woman's powers are true. At first, she is a little dismayed at the vague descriptions, especially here in a land she did not know at all. But then when Madam Eva is able to clearly point them to this Kasimirin outside Vallaki, she starts to feel a bit more encouraged. Illmark wonders about the sword location, so she then asks, "Not being familiar with these lands, is there a well-known white tower with golden knights?"
She also wonders a bit about the ravenkind artifact. "Who is to say who is good or not? That seems like such a subjective thing." She glances around at her companions that had traveled into this land with her. "Are we to assume that our fair-haired priestess is good because she claims alliance with her god? Or Murdock? Or any one of us?"
The young blonde priestess listens attentively as Madam Eva interprets her cards for the companions. While her guidance certainly was vague, Lorelei now felt a new resolve within herself. At Crisaryn's questions she speaks calmly. "I do not expect to be judged on my beliefs, but I hope my actions will in time earn your trust Crisaryn that I am who I claim to be. While I agree goodness can be subjective to a point, I would not hesitate to call Strahd and what he has done evil. That does not mean that I'm convinced he is beyond redemption. Regarding the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind I can only assume we will find out who is good enough to make use of it's power."She finishes with a calm smile.
The white tower is in the Tsolenka Pass. There amongst the knights you will find the Tome.
Deep in the crypt of the Endorovich you will find the Sunsword languishing, waiting for a new wielder.
Two sets of cards rise into the air, both major and minor arcana. The cards on the table rise up to join them. Each set shuffles itself, then shines blue and lands back in Madam Evas card box.
With a gasp Madam Eva is back, her eyes dark and lucid, whatever helps her second sight becomes dormant.
I hope that helps you all. As for good and evil, it is subjective with many greys. The symbol just won't work in evil hands, Rhianne, The High Cleric and the Grand Warlock will help, then after you face Strahd you can decide what to do with it.
You are welcome to travel and stay with the Vistani if trade routes coincide with your quests, else ask Sorvia to rent you or even buy her ponies, Victor your friend, also trades in horses. Barovia is not a place to walk through.
"Your wisdom and guidance are most appreciated, Madam Eva," Illmirth says. Turning to address the group (to the extent that space allows) he pauses, thoughtful for a moment before continuing. "In my experience, the difference is free will and concent. Evil takes without asking, for selfish motives. That which is good gives, or offers something to the benefit of others. The "good" gods seek to enlighten, their followers offering aid in their travels. The "evil" gods promise power, but at the expense of others. When Strahd makes a spawn, he creates a slave that must bend to his will, free will is taken away. In my mind that is evil." Illmirth pauses, glancing down at his own dark grayish skin, once the ebony typical of his kin. "I have also found that the world is rarely black and white. In all of us, indeed in all sentient beings, lies the capacity for both good and evil; shades of gray if you will."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
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Crisaryn Melkial
Crisaryn nods her head in silence to Margratte's response, then follows. She moves with the others to step inside.
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
Upon receiving the invitation to meet Madam Eva, Vaelar is quick to respond. He still takes his customary place toward the fringes of the group, but the intensity of his gaze is focused on the interior of Madam Eva's vardo and eventually the elder woman herself. He offers her a wordless, respectful greeting with a deep nod of his head.
Come in, come in. Please sit it is too crowded to stand. The party squeeze themselves around the table and sit down. Madam Eva looks at them then smiles. She wears the red of an Elder richly embroidered with tiny garnets, and a long necklace of black pearls.
I am glad that I asked you here, such a mixture in your party, Annaletta has told me about you. Hunters of Loup Garou and undead, a bard that plays like the best Vistani, a dhampir who can rival the twins, a compassionate cleric, a paladin who fears aging but still fights for his God, a woman with the golden scales of a dragon.
I asked you here so that I could guide you on your journey, paths split before you. Tell me what worries you the most, and what good you have seen.
Lorelei Dawnwarden
"Thank you for seeing us." The young blonde priestess says with a polite bow. "In these dark lands I must admit there is much to worry about and few good things to be seen so far." She continues with a weak smile. "I must say Strahd, and his plans for Ireena is what would worry me the most. At the same time Ireena and her brother would be some of the little good we've seen. There is also another cleric, of the raven queen I believe that opposes the evil of Strahd." She finishes, glancing at the others to see what they had to add.
Illmirth
Illmirth nods his agreement with Lorelei. "We have seen what was once good defiled in the church and its former priest, yet we have been a part of of its cleansing. I see the union of different people working together to fight the darkness shining like a beacon of hope. The Devil Strahd looms like a dark cloud above all that transpires here, and there we will find our greatest obstacle. If he is as powerful as it seems, how can he possibly be defeated?"
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
DM
Madam Eva
Yes Strahd does get fixated on a woman from time to time and young Ireena looks very like the portrait of Tatyana. You saved her from the curse did you not?
You have met a Conspiracy of Ravens then. The cleric in charge of the one you met is Rhianne, she sets the dead to rest, she is friendly with our dhampir, they often find themselves working together. Ravenkind will help you on your journey, they oppose Strahd. If you would know more about them visit Vallaki.
I do not know how Strahd can be defeated, but we have the same path, to lay his soul to rest, it is in tatters and it shows. He will watch you on your travels and test you to see if one of you is worthy of ruling in his stead. Found wanting he will turn you into Vampyr spawn. Strahd and the land are one, nowhere is safe.
Illmirth
"Indeed, our compassionate cleric," he said, a look of inner turmoil flashed across his delicate features replaced just as quickly with a warm smile to Lorelei and nod of acknowledgment to Murdock, "was able to cleanse the taint of the vampyr's bite and release her." Illmirth had not forgotten his own weakness in the face of her plight, his past had crept from the dark corners of his mind to challenge his resolve. Despite his own failure, the group had succeeded. His pride in their accomplishments was evident by the warmth in his eyes when he looked upon them. He was beginning to understand that these people were bound together, by fate or fortune; where one may stumble, the others would be there to offer a hand.
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Crisaryn Melkial
"Madam Eva, thank you for speaking with us. I'd hoped you would have more direct insight on how to overcome Strahd," Crisaryn says. "I mean, if that is what's required to bring this land to a better state. But do you mean to tell us that one of us would become ruler here? Surely the people here have leaders that would be a better choice."
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
Lorelei Dawnwarden
The young blonde priestess blushes slightly at the warm smile from the drow. Her mentor had often talked about the importance of compassion, to not let their grim work harden their hearts and souls beyond sympathy, even with a devil like Strahd. The thought of Strahd looking for a worthy successor was an indication he was not beyond redemption in some sense. She could only nod in agreement with the sound and direct Crisaryn, surely there must be better rulers of the land locally. She knew ruling could be a burden for many, a sacrifice even, but perhaps that was the sacrifice needed to bring back the light to these domain of dread.
DM
Madam Eva
There might be better rulers here but they are afraid to act, Strahd can be merciless, whole families have been slaughtered before. He looks for someone like he was, fighter and wizard with an iron will. There are not many of those around.
You are right young Crisaryn you want more tangible help, and the cards will provide.
She shuffled the cards, all the time chanting their woes in Vistani. Five cards flew out of the deck, and Madam Eva set them down gently for a reading. She began to speak, her eyes clouded over, something was speaking through her.
Evas hands hovered over the cards as if she didn't need to turn them.
(OOC the reading is a long one and will be a separate post with photos)
Her voice changed again as she magically lifts each card into the air and commences to turn them over before falling back into place on the table.
There are three artifacts that will aid you against Strahd, The Tome of Strahd himself, The Holy Symbol of Ravenkind and The Sunsword. I will show you the way.
The Tome of Strahd. This card tells of history. Knowledge of the ancient will help you better understand your enemy. 3 of swords soldier. Go to the mountains. Climb the white tower guarded by golden knights.
The Holy Symbol of Ravenkind. This card tells of a powerful force for good and protection, a holy symbol of great hope. 6 of coins beggar. A wounded elf has what you seek. He will part with the treasure to see his dark dreams fulfilled.
The Sunsword. This is a card of power and strength. It tells of a weapon of vengeance: a sword of sunlight. 1 of coins swashbuckler. I see the skeleton of a deadly warrior, lying on a bed of stone flanked by gargoyles.
Strahds Enemy. This card sheds light on one who will help you greatly in the battle against darkness. Artifact. Look for an entertaining man with a monkey. This man is more than he seems.
Strahds location in the castle. Your enemy is a creature of darkness, whose powers are beyond mortality. This card will lead you to him!. Darklord. He lurks in the depths of darkness, in the one place to which he must return, his tomb.
Ask your questions!
Vaelar
Vaelar watches with intense curiosity as Madam Eva conducted her insightful foretelling. His dark eyes intently follow the cards as they land on the table in front of them, his mind trying to piece the puzzles of the strange enigma together. When they come to rest on the sun sword, he flinches instinctively.
"What are these three artifacts? How will they help us against the dark lord?"
DM
Madam Eva
Her eyes still clouded over, she says, All three are weapons against evil, which Strahd himself seeks.
In the book find his word and strategies of old, it was written when he was still human, he fights in the same manner today.
The Conspiracy of Ravens have been seeking their lost symbol for nearly a century, only a good character may wear it in battle, and sadly High Cleric Rebecca died in combat with Strahd, he left her symbol alone. Looters of the body made away with it, but its enchantments did not work for them. Rhianne can tell you how to use it.
The Sunsword is a sentient weapon, its blade damaged, you will have to seek a new one to remake it. The Sunsword's special purpose is to destroy Strahd, not so much because it wants to free the land of Barovia from evil but because it wants revenge for the loss of its crystal blade. The weapon secretly fears its own destruction.
Illmirth
"Elves of any sort seem to be in short supply here. Where should we begin our search for one both wounded and bearing a holy symbol?" For some reason he didn't fully understand, he felt a push in that direction. Perhaps my fondness for Fredrik pushes a symbol holy to ravens to the forefront of my mind, he thinks silently.
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
DM
Madam Eva
You must find Kasimirs home. It is near the Vistani camp outside Vallaki. Be wary, he has a volatile temper.
Illmirth
The drow listens with rapt attention to the old woman's words. He would remember to tread carefully when the time came to talk with Kasimir.
"The sword must be hidden away in a crypt. Where in Barovia would a deadly warrior be laid to final rest?" he wonders aloud. "Perhaps the mausoleum of a noble family?" He makes a mental note to ask Ismark and Ireena their thoughts later.
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond
Crisaryn Melkial
Crisaryn watched Madam Eva turn the cards and give them her guidance. 'Arifacts to defeat the dark lord,' she thinks. 'Interesting.' She just hopes that this woman's powers are true. At first, she is a little dismayed at the vague descriptions, especially here in a land she did not know at all. But then when Madam Eva is able to clearly point them to this Kasimir in outside Vallaki, she starts to feel a bit more encouraged. Illmark wonders about the sword location, so she then asks, "Not being familiar with these lands, is there a well-known white tower with golden knights?"
She also wonders a bit about the ravenkind artifact. "Who is to say who is good or not? That seems like such a subjective thing." She glances around at her companions that had traveled into this land with her. "Are we to assume that our fair-haired priestess is good because she claims alliance with her god? Or Murdock? Or any one of us?"
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
Lorelei Dawnwarden
The young blonde priestess listens attentively as Madam Eva interprets her cards for the companions. While her guidance certainly was vague, Lorelei now felt a new resolve within herself. At Crisaryn's questions she speaks calmly. "I do not expect to be judged on my beliefs, but I hope my actions will in time earn your trust Crisaryn that I am who I claim to be. While I agree goodness can be subjective to a point, I would not hesitate to call Strahd and what he has done evil. That does not mean that I'm convinced he is beyond redemption. Regarding the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind I can only assume we will find out who is good enough to make use of it's power." She finishes with a calm smile.
The white tower is in the Tsolenka Pass. There amongst the knights you will find the Tome.
Deep in the crypt of the Endorovich you will find the Sunsword languishing, waiting for a new wielder.
Two sets of cards rise into the air, both major and minor arcana. The cards on the table rise up to join them. Each set shuffles itself, then shines blue and lands back in Madam Evas card box.
With a gasp Madam Eva is back, her eyes dark and lucid, whatever helps her second sight becomes dormant.
I hope that helps you all. As for good and evil, it is subjective with many greys. The symbol just won't work in evil hands, Rhianne, The High Cleric and the Grand Warlock will help, then after you face Strahd you can decide what to do with it.
You are welcome to travel and stay with the Vistani if trade routes coincide with your quests, else ask Sorvia to rent you or even buy her ponies, Victor your friend, also trades in horses. Barovia is not a place to walk through.
Illmirth
"Your wisdom and guidance are most appreciated, Madam Eva," Illmirth says. Turning to address the group (to the extent that space allows) he pauses, thoughtful for a moment before continuing. "In my experience, the difference is free will and concent. Evil takes without asking, for selfish motives. That which is good gives, or offers something to the benefit of others. The "good" gods seek to enlighten, their followers offering aid in their travels. The "evil" gods promise power, but at the expense of others. When Strahd makes a spawn, he creates a slave that must bend to his will, free will is taken away. In my mind that is evil." Illmirth pauses, glancing down at his own dark grayish skin, once the ebony typical of his kin. "I have also found that the world is rarely black and white. In all of us, indeed in all sentient beings, lies the capacity for both good and evil; shades of gray if you will."
“Let him not vow to walk in the dark, who has not seen the nightfall.” — Elrond