"So yer a murderer and a thief then? Maybe u should introduce y' to my nephew... Parriwimple!"
From the back of the store you hear the sound of something heavy getting set down against the floorboards. The lamps hanging on the walls rattle and the knickknacks on the shelf tremble as heavy footsteps approach.
A large man fills the doorframe to the backroom, he squeezes his massive frame through the timbers, his rippling muscles bulge through the sleeves of his tunic. "Yes, uncle?" he asks.
"Parriwimple, please tell this fine fellow what our store policy is."
The young strongman recites in a simple tone, "Bildrath's Mercantile do no bargain, you do no like you leave."
"Excellent!" Bildrath says, looking you straight in the face now, "30 fer the lot, if y' do nae like it, you can leave."
Roux, there don't seem to be ant dedicated bookstores or libraries in Barovia. Most of the storefronts are rundown and have been boarded up already - except Bildrath's of course. Inside you find a small collection of books - one about children's tales, another about infamous cults, one illustrated catalog of poisonous plants, and a saucy romance novel about a vampire mistress and a strapping young paladin.
Bala, now gripping his tail and trembling, snatches the orb and longsword from the counter. "You know what, I think I will take my wares elsewhere. I'll be sure to give my honest opinion to those asking about your shop." And with that, he hauls tail out of the store and into the streets outside. "Damn it..."
Bildrath watches Bala leave and shakes his head and says to Parriwimple, "There is no 200 gold in the whole valley, who does he think he is? Huh?"
Bala, now on the street, you turn your head as you hear the rattle and creaking of approaching wagons. You see before you a procession of vardos, the covered wagons from earlier. Heading up the wagon train, you spot a familiar face: Stanimir, the leader of the band of Vistani who brought you to Barovia. He woahs his draft horses to a stop and hops down from the wagon and approaches you on foot, extending his hand towards you, "Bala, my friend, so good to see you're alright. How are the others?"
It is around this time that the funeral has concluded, Ismark and Ireena have made their last farewells and father Donavich has retreated into the chapel to continue to pray for his son's salvation. Ismark approaches the lot of you who stayed, "Thank you all for your help," he says, "We're burning daylight, if we want to get to Vallaki before nightfall we should head out soon. Our things are packed, if you'll wait for us at our home we'll be ready to depart shortly." He gives you all a short nod before making his way into town with Ireena at his arm.
Bala's face goes from sour to bright as soon as he sees Stanimir. "Stanimir! The man himself! I had thought you'd forgotten about us." He shakes his hand, his face almost going back to sour when he asks about the others. "Them? Oh, they're attending a funeral or something. I don't really care. All I know is that I recall being promised a chest of treasure for slaying a beast in the basement of the Durst home -burned it down instead- and all we got was a fruit basket from Strahd. I can't even weasel out 200 gp..."
Bala sighs and hands over the longsword and orb. "I don't know what you'd be willing to trade for them. Until someone in this ever-depressed land gives me a good deal, I'm stuck with 'em."
Stanimir looks over the longsword, "Decorative, but functional and well-made." He gives it a few swings, "It's not worth 100, but outside of Barovia it might fetch " He holds the orb up to what little sunlight filters through, "Smokey quartz crystal, polished round. It's a hefty piece but not a very valuable gemstone. It's not worth 200, but I could cut you 50 gold pieces for both. I could probably find good buyers for them outside of Barovia, but nobody in the valley will pay you more."
"You're not helping, " Bala holds out his hand to take the items back. "After what I've been through, I'm getting my money's worth eventually. To hell with this valley, and to hell with Strahd for insulting me, " he huffs.
Stanimir shrugs and hands the pieces back, "Like I said, Bala, you will not find a better price. You can trust me on this. But, if you are not willing to sell, that is fine.
Would you mind gathering everyone here? We still have a ways to go before you meet with Madam Eva. My son says she is looking forward to your visit."
Adira would be standing outside Ireena and Ismark's home (with everyone else who are ready to leave), "Bala, we're escorting Ireena and Ismark to Vallaki today, but I'm certain we can be back here to continue on with the Vistani tomorrow." She will fidget slightly, worried that Stanimir might be offended by the delay.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Current Characters: Tailine, Tiefling Rogue 2 - Zanoliv
"Why not make them come with us? If we go without them we have to walk which is fun but if you want to go faster the wagons are better." Ericina says in a seemingly clear minded way before this is ruined by her seeming to be talking to Fuzzball instead of the others.
"Right! Fine! I'm the messenger now. Whatever." Bala will let out an exaggerated groan as he walks back to Stanimir. "So, we kinda got a job escorting some folks to... wherever. Shouldn't take too long. You guys can come with if that could work?
"Certainly, we can give you a ride as far as Madam Eva's camp at Tser Pool. It's about halfway between here and the next town over, Vallaki. It's on your way wherever you're headed. Gather everyone here and we'd be happy to give you all a ride."
"Gods..." Bala jogs back over to the group. "The Vistani agreed to give us all a ride. They're going the way we're going, so it shouldn't be any trouble. Anyone else got a message for the man, go by yourself." Bala lays on the ground.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Stanimir. The deceiver shows himself.
In his heart, Krolbrik wanted to believe that Stanimir, because of his kindness, was an unwilling pawn in Strahd's schemes. From what he could discern, the kindness and gusto that the old Vistani had shown were genuine. And yet... if Ismark was to be believed (and it was beginning to make sense, given how events had transpired), the fact remained that much of the Vistani people in Barovia were likely aiding and abetting the dark, evil master of the land.
Krolbrik believed, in his oath, that all have a chance at redemption. But there was also a difference between hope and foolhardiness; for now, he sadly concluded that Stanimir simply could not be trusted.
That, and given Ismark's outburst in the tavern, Bala's idea was... not conducive.
"That... may not be a good idea," Krolbrik rumbled. "If I recall, there is friction between Ismark and the Vistani. We'd best go alone and not cause him and his sister any more anguish."
When Bala walked away from the group, Krolbrik followed him, kneeling down. He takes a minute to make sure he's not being listened in to.
Perception: 11
"Bala... I know that you and I are... not very close, given time and circumstance... but I would be wary of commiserating with Stanimir from this point onward. His kindness, I believe... is real. But given what we have learned thus far... I do not trust him. And I'm going to suggest that you be careful in trusting him or any Vistani we come across from this point onward. This land... it's dangerous. The corruption I felt in the house is pulsing through the very soil beneath our feet. There is something not right about this place."
"You don't need to lecture me, holy man. I can tell this land is dangerous. Guess what, so am I. I'll sell the hands of any fool who dares double cross me. If those hands happen to belong to Stanimir, so be it. But... since you seem adamant about it -and that I've seen your angry face-, we won't get help from the Vistani. Now, leave me alone."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
"So yer a murderer and a thief then? Maybe u should introduce y' to my nephew... Parriwimple!"
From the back of the store you hear the sound of something heavy getting set down against the floorboards. The lamps hanging on the walls rattle and the knickknacks on the shelf tremble as heavy footsteps approach.
A large man fills the doorframe to the backroom, he squeezes his massive frame through the timbers, his rippling muscles bulge through the sleeves of his tunic. "Yes, uncle?" he asks.
"Parriwimple, please tell this fine fellow what our store policy is."
The young strongman recites in a simple tone, "Bildrath's Mercantile do no bargain, you do no like you leave."
"Excellent!" Bildrath says, looking you straight in the face now, "30 fer the lot, if y' do nae like it, you can leave."
Roux, there don't seem to be ant dedicated bookstores or libraries in Barovia. Most of the storefronts are rundown and have been boarded up already - except Bildrath's of course. Inside you find a small collection of books - one about children's tales, another about infamous cults, one illustrated catalog of poisonous plants, and a saucy romance novel about a vampire mistress and a strapping young paladin.
Bala, now gripping his tail and trembling, snatches the orb and longsword from the counter. "You know what, I think I will take my wares elsewhere. I'll be sure to give my honest opinion to those asking about your shop." And with that, he hauls tail out of the store and into the streets outside. "Damn it..."
Bildrath watches Bala leave and shakes his head and says to Parriwimple, "There is no 200 gold in the whole valley, who does he think he is? Huh?"
Bala, now on the street, you turn your head as you hear the rattle and creaking of approaching wagons. You see before you a procession of vardos, the covered wagons from earlier. Heading up the wagon train, you spot a familiar face: Stanimir, the leader of the band of Vistani who brought you to Barovia. He woahs his draft horses to a stop and hops down from the wagon and approaches you on foot, extending his hand towards you, "Bala, my friend, so good to see you're alright. How are the others?"
It is around this time that the funeral has concluded, Ismark and Ireena have made their last farewells and father Donavich has retreated into the chapel to continue to pray for his son's salvation. Ismark approaches the lot of you who stayed, "Thank you all for your help," he says, "We're burning daylight, if we want to get to Vallaki before nightfall we should head out soon. Our things are packed, if you'll wait for us at our home we'll be ready to depart shortly." He gives you all a short nod before making his way into town with Ireena at his arm.
Bala's face goes from sour to bright as soon as he sees Stanimir. "Stanimir! The man himself! I had thought you'd forgotten about us." He shakes his hand, his face almost going back to sour when he asks about the others. "Them? Oh, they're attending a funeral or something. I don't really care. All I know is that I recall being promised a chest of treasure for slaying a beast in the basement of the Durst home -burned it down instead- and all we got was a fruit basket from Strahd. I can't even weasel out 200 gp..."
As bala is complaining Roux will try and stealthily cast detect magic as he is looking at the books
Sight of hand/stealth 19
Roux, nothing in the shop seems to give off a magical aura. Bildrath leans over the counter and watches you casting, "Watch the magic," he says.
Bala, Stanimir nods, listening to your plight. He reaches out a hand and says, "Let me have a look at those pieces."
Bala sighs and hands over the longsword and orb. "I don't know what you'd be willing to trade for them. Until someone in this ever-depressed land gives me a good deal, I'm stuck with 'em."
(Ignore)
Stanimir looks over the longsword, "Decorative, but functional and well-made." He gives it a few swings, "It's not worth 100, but outside of Barovia it might fetch " He holds the orb up to what little sunlight filters through, "Smokey quartz crystal, polished round. It's a hefty piece but not a very valuable gemstone. It's not worth 200, but I could cut you 50 gold pieces for both. I could probably find good buyers for them outside of Barovia, but nobody in the valley will pay you more."
"You're not helping, " Bala holds out his hand to take the items back. "After what I've been through, I'm getting my money's worth eventually. To hell with this valley, and to hell with Strahd for insulting me, " he huffs.
Stanimir shrugs and hands the pieces back, "Like I said, Bala, you will not find a better price. You can trust me on this. But, if you are not willing to sell, that is fine.
Would you mind gathering everyone here? We still have a ways to go before you meet with Madam Eva. My son says she is looking forward to your visit."
"Of course. Let's hope she doesn't sour my week any more than it is." Bala will go to gather the rest of the party back to Stanimir.
Adira would be standing outside Ireena and Ismark's home (with everyone else who are ready to leave), "Bala, we're escorting Ireena and Ismark to Vallaki today, but I'm certain we can be back here to continue on with the Vistani tomorrow." She will fidget slightly, worried that Stanimir might be offended by the delay.
Current Characters: Tailine, Tiefling Rogue 2 - Zanoliv
"Why not make them come with us? If we go without them we have to walk which is fun but if you want to go faster the wagons are better." Ericina says in a seemingly clear minded way before this is ruined by her seeming to be talking to Fuzzball instead of the others.
"Right! Fine! I'm the messenger now. Whatever." Bala will let out an exaggerated groan as he walks back to Stanimir. "So, we kinda got a job escorting some folks to... wherever. Shouldn't take too long. You guys can come with if that could work?
"Certainly, we can give you a ride as far as Madam Eva's camp at Tser Pool. It's about halfway between here and the next town over, Vallaki. It's on your way wherever you're headed. Gather everyone here and we'd be happy to give you all a ride."
"Gods..." Bala jogs back over to the group. "The Vistani agreed to give us all a ride. They're going the way we're going, so it shouldn't be any trouble. Anyone else got a message for the man, go by yourself." Bala lays on the ground.
Stanimir. The deceiver shows himself.
In his heart, Krolbrik wanted to believe that Stanimir, because of his kindness, was an unwilling pawn in Strahd's schemes. From what he could discern, the kindness and gusto that the old Vistani had shown were genuine. And yet... if Ismark was to be believed (and it was beginning to make sense, given how events had transpired), the fact remained that much of the Vistani people in Barovia were likely aiding and abetting the dark, evil master of the land.
Krolbrik believed, in his oath, that all have a chance at redemption. But there was also a difference between hope and foolhardiness; for now, he sadly concluded that Stanimir simply could not be trusted.
That, and given Ismark's outburst in the tavern, Bala's idea was... not conducive.
"That... may not be a good idea," Krolbrik rumbled. "If I recall, there is friction between Ismark and the Vistani. We'd best go alone and not cause him and his sister any more anguish."
When Bala walked away from the group, Krolbrik followed him, kneeling down. He takes a minute to make sure he's not being listened in to.
Perception: 11
"Bala... I know that you and I are... not very close, given time and circumstance... but I would be wary of commiserating with Stanimir from this point onward. His kindness, I believe... is real. But given what we have learned thus far... I do not trust him. And I'm going to suggest that you be careful in trusting him or any Vistani we come across from this point onward. This land... it's dangerous. The corruption I felt in the house is pulsing through the very soil beneath our feet. There is something not right about this place."
Krolbrik, you're certain that nobody is eavesdropping on your conversation.
"You don't need to lecture me, holy man. I can tell this land is dangerous. Guess what, so am I. I'll sell the hands of any fool who dares double cross me. If those hands happen to belong to Stanimir, so be it. But... since you seem adamant about it -and that I've seen your angry face-, we won't get help from the Vistani. Now, leave me alone."