Allen shakes his head in disappointment as Rumble spears the lycan in the throat. “Did you have to be so ruthless. I understand if you are stressed Rumble but we can’t let this plane twist our being.” Allen will take the lycanthrope closing his eyes and crosses his arm. Finding large stone he takes a minute to build a burial of sorts for him. 

“Though his action were irredeemable, I believe this plane had a hand it his misfortune. I pray to the Raven Queen to look after his lost soul, guide him to his next life and may he find what he wished for.” 

Finishing Allen turns to the group “I think we should drop this little one off first before heading to Vallaki. Let us make haste we spent to long on the shores.” Allen will gather his things and sit in the wagon ready to move on this tragic moment. 

The group shores up, Ismark and Ireena saying nothing solemnly. Ismark takes the reins in hand with Ireena on the bench up front. Arabella, lead by Ireena, also sits up front with legs swinging joyfully to and fro. The mists swirl and play about as the group makes way along the old and worn road. Before too long, Arabella points out your destination in glee.

The woods part to reveal an expansive clearing: a small, grass-covered hill with low houses built into its sides. Fog obscures the details, but you can see that these buildings feature elegantly carved woodwork and have decorative lanterns hanging from their sculpted eaves. Atop the hill, above the fog, is a ring of barrel-topped wagons that surround a large tent with a column of smoke pouring out through a hole in the top. The tent is brightly lit from within. Even at this distance, you can smell the odors of wine and horses that emanate from this central area.

Allen will keep his hood up as they approach the encampment, “Well, Arabella how about you introduce us.”  Allen will hop off the wagon waiting for Arabella to lead.

"Ah! A town! Well something more than a few large tents thrown together. Its been a few days for me. I dont know about you all, but im ready for a wash."

Ben lifts an arm to smell under, this is just symbolic though because of the armor.

"This is your home, Arabella? How do the people fare here? Is it awlays so mist covered?"

Arabella happily jumps down from the wagon, patting herself down. She looks around, from the hovels off to the side to the assorted tents set in a large circle and trots forward with a light skip. As Ben inquires, she stops short with her brow furled. "This is my home, yes, and I should say we do well for ourselves." She looks a little befuddled at Ben's questions, "The land is always like this, yes. Is it different where you come from?"

It isn't long before the group arrives at the central, large tent with a gaudy wagon just outside. All the tents at this camp are brightly coloured and overstated, leading you to believe it's another Vistani camp. Piled outside the wagon are several empty casks of wine stacked high. From inside the tent comes the crack of a whip followed by the howls of a young man. Seemingly unphased, Arabella slips into the tent for a few moments. The whip cracks and pained tones cease once she enters, replaced by a manly cry of joy.

A large, grim looking, beast of a man exits the tent with Arabella on his shoulders. His loose clothing covered with splashes of blood, and he carries himself with extreme confidence. With an arm up high in greeting, he states, "Hail and well met, kind travelers! I'm Luvash, and my lovely daughter here has informed me that you've saved her life. For that, I'm indebted." He finishes the sentence with a bow low enough to unsteady the shouldered girl. He looks the assembled over, lingering on those of nonhuman origin but not betraying his inner thoughts. "Tell me, is there any way I can repay such a debt?"

Luvash

 Sir Luvash,

Ben bows,

I merely kept her dry. These are the brave ones here. I only,.. Erm, is everything alright? Do you need any help? I heard screams and you are covered in blood, are you ok, sir?

He looks him up and down, and starts to raise an eyebrow

“I am Allen and it was my friend Rumble who saved your daughter from a water grave. We wish for a place of rest,  and I’m pretty sure my companions and I wish for comprehension as well but I’ll let you speak to them about that.” Allen follows Ben who speak first, bowing then gesturing to Rumble and Graeme for contributions.

Luvash flashes a dashing smirk, sizing you up, "My good, knight? Perish the thought. Regardless, you've helped my darling angel here, and you no less deserve thanks." He looks down his clothes, pulling them a bit away from him to get a good luck before frowning lightly. "I appreciate your kind appreciation. I assure you I'm quite fine now that Arabella has been returned home." Arabella smiles cutely and hugs him fondly.

Luvash looks down at Allen, much taller and broader in stature. "Well, if it's for he and his companions, I can certainly provide what's within my power. Our people are rather informed of the goings on. Perhaps we can provide some insight."

Ooc: I had a player with a question of location. I'll get an indicator on your map updated tomorrow night to reflect your current location. For reference I'm there meantime, it didn't take long at all to get here. It's still what you would call morning in this land of dark haziness.

Ben bows again and steps to the rear of the party. From there he starts thumbing his small symbol of pelor, and looks up to the darkened fogged sky.

Rumble simply blurts out “The devil Strahd. What do you know?” His eyes narrow.

Ooc: please see your location. You've covered quite the distance. I'll get another post here tomorrow. Been a bit nuts on my end.

(Ty, DM)

Ben is shaken back to reality with this outburst and looks to the members of the party,

"Whose that? Strahd?"

He says in hushed tones

Luvash states, "Ah, Count Strahd von Zarovich. There is much we know about the Lord of this domain. Please, come in," he walks back to the tent behind him and opens the flap with a welcoming gesture. "For those who saved my daughter, this is a simple request."

The inside of the tent appears much larger than the outside appearance would suggest. Within, it's easily twice the size, opulent with rich colours and glamorous belongings. Offset to the right-side of the tent is a man, bound to a large X stock and bleeding all over. Luvash motions to a large, low wooden table towards the tent's center, laden with cushioned seats all around. Luvash walks by the man, pulls out a cushion for Arabella, and seats her before sitting himself and the table's head.

Luvash steeples his fingers and begins, "It is said that the once human Strahd von Zarovich was a man of noble blood. He stood for justice and goodness, a fine leader. He came to these lands, conquered the land of Barovia, and ruled to lead the land to flourish. After many years, Strahd took a woman who he valued above all else, but it wasn't meant to be. Sergei, the Count's brother, began to grow close to her, and Strahd became incensed. He became a changed man, suddenly and violently, and vowed retribution."

"Strahd's hated so intense, he called upon the darkest of powers to exact the most horrible revenge imaginable. What exactly happened to Sergei, it is not known, but some have said that Strahd's beloved was broken at the result. She flung herself from the Lord's Castle, and the lands were forever then locked into darkness and mists. Now, no one dare approach the obsidian castle for fear of the Count's infernal rage. Now then," he looks over the group, "do you have any particular questions?"

Erm, I would hate to be so forward, sir, but is this man here... Being punished for a crime?

Ben gestures to the man in shackles

Graeme just takes it all in.  Listening to the story of Strahd, it occurs to him that he’s actually pretty hungry.

”Eh, an’ I got a question about men who turn into wolves. One o’ them was the one trying to do your daughter. This somethin’ that’s common around here?”

Graeme looks around...

”Oh, an’ do ye mind me takin a seat? I’m done fer.”

Rumble immediately behind looking around the lavish tent for the most valuable items. Perception: 18 

Luvash relaxes in his chair a bit as he answers without looking away, "Ah, yes. He is." Without waiting for further discussion, he responds to the Highlander.

"One of them dirty beasts, eh? They infest the land around here. Rumors have it they're outcasts from the city over yonder. Others say they come from the insane wizard's tower. They're beasts, plain and simple. I can't thank you enough for saving my dear daughter. I hope you put the bastard down like the dog he was."

Rumble, as you look around the tent, there are lots of niceties about. Fine tapestries, fur rugs, and shiny silver cutlery and delicate flatware among such items. Seeing you take in the surrounding, Luvash offers, "If you're looking for a reward, all you had to do was ask." He snaps his fingers, claps twice, and a Vistani man enters the tent. Without a word, he goes to the far back of the tent, retrieves a small chest, and opens it beside the table. Within the candle light, a variety of coins, valuable looking items, and colorful gems flash brilliantly. "Please, take any one item."

Ooc: Within is 1200 electrum pieces, an ornate dagger, a variety of gems and stones, a small onyx box, and several unmarked potions of some kind.

Rumble would like to inspect the Onyx box first, followed by the dagger before making a decision.

The small onyx box is well crafted. The inside is inlaid with a fine golden filigree, and there are four pieces of beautiful rings within. Each ring has a black stone embedded at the center that's swirled with grey. The knife appears rather old, and the blade chipped and serrated from use. The sheath a white ivory, inscribed with a language you cannot read.

Rumble takes the Onyx box, intending to inspect it and share out the rings later.