No sharpening stone forthcoming, Føpé takes a big (for a halfling) bite of his cheese, studies the knife (investigation 12) while he chews quickly (constitution against choking with advantage 17), returns the knife to his pouch and gathers his gear together to get to work.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
After accepting the stone, with a nod of thanks, and studying the knife, Føpé sets to work sharpening (sleight of hand: 16) until the rest of the party is ready for some burying.
While working the knife, waiting for others to finish their breakfast, Kiff,I've been meaning to talk to you, warrior of your people. I had never seen battle. Never slain a man, never put sword to flesh. Until I walked the fog that took me here. I killed many. What does it feel like for you? Does the violence call you?
I've killed folks in battle, but never lightly, the violence doesn't call and I take no joy in it. It's just something necessary to protect people who can't protect themselves.It's easier when it's hordes of fell creatures who are bent on consuming all that is good in the world, but sometimes it's just another guy just like you who's trying to do the same job. I do take a little pride in being able to do that job well. But the first few times I had to do it, although I held it together in battle, I puked my guts out afterward. Fortunately in the army they keep you busy and moving forward so it's easier to get past that and on to the next bit of business.
Father Donavich leads a procession out to a grave at the edge of the cemetery. There are several canvasses stretched out upon the ground here, and he gestures for you to pull one aside. You all do, and a grave is revealed underneath. The canvas is then rolled up and used as a strap to help lower the casket into the grave. This part of the process is familiar to Kif, who has buried too many brothers-in-arms already, and he has seen some familiar elements of this ritual before.
Once the burgomaster is lowered, Father Donavich offers elaborate prayers to the Morninglord. Some you understand; some you don't. Some are sung, some are spoken, some are chanted. Some are personal; you even think you hear him mutter Doru's name once or twice. Most, however, are not.
The prayers conclude as soon at the very moment the sun clears the eastern horizon. Father Donavich kneels, chants a few more words, and leads you all back inside.
Now you must leave here, he says. As Ismark and Ireena prepare their things, he says to you quietly, Ireena is not safe here. I do not think even her brother knows all. Take her away. Far away, to the fortified Abbey of Saint Markovia in Krezk, or at least to Vallaki, though I fear that Vallaki is not far enough. Here, take these. Father Donavich reaches into an inner pocket and draws out a pearl, worth 15 gold, and two gold pieces with Strahd's likeness upon them. Hurry. She cannot last much longer, and I fear what will happen if she succumbs.
Thank you, father. Perhaps a question for you, I've noticed a striking difference in Ismark and Ireena. Especially striking for siblings, do you know anything about their history that may explain that, it there more to that than just paranoia from being in this cursed land.
(BTW: Kif was fine with Fope keeping the stone for a bit)
I do not know what possessed you to ask me this question, my dwarf guest, but I do know of the matter. Kolyan, may the Morninglord guide his spirit, found her at the edge of the Svalich Woods, near Ravenloft itself. Near the Pillarstone. She was but a small girl and had no memory of her past. Kolyan adopted her and loved her as one of his own, though I do not believe she ever knew that she was not his natural born daughter.
I would give you inspiration again, except you just got it and haven't had the chance to use it yet.
I think I'm just prompted to ask because I've been studying them last evening, having just met them and I know a priest taking care of his flock would be a good place to turn with any questions. Father, was there ever any speculation in the village about who her parents might have been? No one missing a child?
Oh, and is Vallaki on the way to Saint Markovia. I'd like to hope we have waypoints to take shelter when the sun sets
Vallaki is nearer than than the Abbey. It will be dark before you arrive at either. Vallaki is almost 24 hours of travel without rest, and Krezk is another half a day beyond that. I know nothing of Ireena's history before the Burgomaster found her.
Well, folks, sounds like we need to push on to Vallaki as quick as we can and prepare for some after dark action. Do we have everything we need....torches and the like? I've got 50 feet of hempen rope and a tinder box if we need it.
Kif has some idea of what the night might bring and knows every minute wasted is more peril and jeopardy (I'll take vampire minions for $400, Alex)
Father Donavich looks at Barnaby, who at this moment is more familiar with the papers in the office than Donavich is himself. No travel for me. No, no. Bildrath? Bildrath might have one.
Donavich is starting to breathe quickly, and you become concerned that he is losing his grasp on this conversation. Doru yelps again from below, demanding to be fed, and Donavich looks uncomfortable. He glances at the altar.
Barnaby, sipping his morning coffee, has a bit of a spit take at Fope’s joke.
Bold: haha, well played, well played indeed. So shall we see about getting the old man taken care of and get on the road
No sharpening stone forthcoming, Føpé takes a big (for a halfling) bite of his cheese, studies the knife (investigation 12) while he chews quickly (constitution against choking with advantage 17), returns the knife to his pouch and gathers his gear together to get to work.
Kif hands him the sharpening stone
After accepting the stone, with a nod of thanks, and studying the knife, Føpé sets to work sharpening (sleight of hand: 16) until the rest of the party is ready for some burying.
While working the knife, waiting for others to finish their breakfast, Kiff, I've been meaning to talk to you, warrior of your people. I had never seen battle. Never slain a man, never put sword to flesh. Until I walked the fog that took me here. I killed many. What does it feel like for you? Does the violence call you?
I've killed folks in battle, but never lightly, the violence doesn't call and I take no joy in it. It's just something necessary to protect people who can't protect themselves.It's easier when it's hordes of fell creatures who are bent on consuming all that is good in the world, but sometimes it's just another guy just like you who's trying to do the same job. I do take a little pride in being able to do that job well. But the first few times I had to do it, although I held it together in battle, I puked my guts out afterward. Fortunately in the army they keep you busy and moving forward so it's easier to get past that and on to the next bit of business.
Put a little of that bacon grease on the stone, It will give you a better edge quicker
Then perhaps it is good that here too, there is much work to be done.
Do you mind if I hold onto this for a day or two, gesturing to the stone, until I can get the hang of it and a proper edge on this thing?
Father Donavich leads a procession out to a grave at the edge of the cemetery. There are several canvasses stretched out upon the ground here, and he gestures for you to pull one aside. You all do, and a grave is revealed underneath. The canvas is then rolled up and used as a strap to help lower the casket into the grave. This part of the process is familiar to Kif, who has buried too many brothers-in-arms already, and he has seen some familiar elements of this ritual before.
Once the burgomaster is lowered, Father Donavich offers elaborate prayers to the Morninglord. Some you understand; some you don't. Some are sung, some are spoken, some are chanted. Some are personal; you even think you hear him mutter Doru's name once or twice. Most, however, are not.
The prayers conclude as soon at the very moment the sun clears the eastern horizon. Father Donavich kneels, chants a few more words, and leads you all back inside.
Now you must leave here, he says. As Ismark and Ireena prepare their things, he says to you quietly, Ireena is not safe here. I do not think even her brother knows all. Take her away. Far away, to the fortified Abbey of Saint Markovia in Krezk, or at least to Vallaki, though I fear that Vallaki is not far enough. Here, take these. Father Donavich reaches into an inner pocket and draws out a pearl, worth 15 gold, and two gold pieces with Strahd's likeness upon them. Hurry. She cannot last much longer, and I fear what will happen if she succumbs.
Thank you, father. Perhaps a question for you, I've noticed a striking difference in Ismark and Ireena. Especially striking for siblings, do you know anything about their history that may explain that, it there more to that than just paranoia from being in this cursed land.
(BTW: Kif was fine with Fope keeping the stone for a bit)
Donavich looks shaken by the question.
I do not know what possessed you to ask me this question, my dwarf guest, but I do know of the matter. Kolyan, may the Morninglord guide his spirit, found her at the edge of the Svalich Woods, near Ravenloft itself. Near the Pillarstone. She was but a small girl and had no memory of her past. Kolyan adopted her and loved her as one of his own, though I do not believe she ever knew that she was not his natural born daughter.
I would give you inspiration again, except you just got it and haven't had the chance to use it yet.
Portent: 12 2
I think I'm just prompted to ask because I've been studying them last evening, having just met them and I know a priest taking care of his flock would be a good place to turn with any questions. Father, was there ever any speculation in the village about who her parents might have been? No one missing a child?
Oh, and is Vallaki on the way to Saint Markovia. I'd like to hope we have waypoints to take shelter when the sun sets
Vallaki is nearer than than the Abbey. It will be dark before you arrive at either. Vallaki is almost 24 hours of travel without rest, and Krezk is another half a day beyond that. I know nothing of Ireena's history before the Burgomaster found her.
Well, folks, sounds like we need to push on to Vallaki as quick as we can and prepare for some after dark action. Do we have everything we need....torches and the like? I've got 50 feet of hempen rope and a tinder box if we need it.
Kif has some idea of what the night might bring and knows every minute wasted is more peril and jeopardy (I'll take vampire minions for $400, Alex)
Føpé addresses the priest, Father, do you have, or know where we can find, a map of this land?
Father Donavich looks at Barnaby, who at this moment is more familiar with the papers in the office than Donavich is himself. No travel for me. No, no. Bildrath? Bildrath might have one.
Donavich is starting to breathe quickly, and you become concerned that he is losing his grasp on this conversation. Doru yelps again from below, demanding to be fed, and Donavich looks uncomfortable. He glances at the altar.
Go, Go pray for your son and thank you for your help
kif turns to Fope, perhaps Ismark has maps, we just have the barest understanding of how this land is laid out
As the group sets out, Føpé asks Ismark about maps, or if Bildrath is very far out of the way.