Standing outside the tavern is a fresh-water well, which is the first thing everyone notices. Heading towards the door, there is a wooden staircase that ascends up the outer wall to the upper levels of the tavern. Heading into the main taproom through a set of double doors, there are damp cloaks hanging from pegs in the entrance portico. The place is packed full of tables and chairs, with narrow paths that meander between them. A bar stretches along the western wall, going under a balcony that can be reached by a wooden staircase that hugs the northern wall. Overhanging the eastern entrance is another balcony. All the windows are fitted with thick shutters and crossbars. The place is lit with lanterns hanging above the bar and resting on the table, producing a dull orange light to fill the room, with shadows dancing around created by the dull light onto the walls, most of which are adorned with wolf heads mounted on wooden plaques.
Among the tables are a total of nine patrons. Two men armed with longbows sit across from each other, not speaking but just drinking quietly and somberly. However, Roselina notices two relatively well-dressed men, that look like brothers. A dour mood surrounds their table as they both look over to the group as you come in.
The third figure seems out of place, a man wearing colorful dress, more like a Vistani than a Barovian, if he was human. However, his pointed ears give away his at least half-elven heritige.
The other four patrons are all in drab clothing, just sipping a drink without any enthusiasm whatsoever as they do so alone at various other tables. Heading up to the bar and asking for a room, your path is crossed and you almost collid with a couple of children scampering about.
"Brom, Bray, leave our customers alone or go to your room and run about, your getting underfoot," a female voice from behind the bar says monotonusly before looking up at the group. "Welcome to the the Blue Water Inn, finest tavern in Vallaki. Well, only tavern in Vallaki," she says with the energy of a stone. "I am Danika Martikov, half of the owners. My husband is working in the kitchen right now. Can we get you anything?" the female human asks as if she has gotten bored of saying what she just did.
Roselina immediately saw the two well-dressed men that look like brothers, thinking that they might know of any nobles in the city and who is in charge here. She was also surprised at seeing the colorful half-elf here, wondering if he is another traveler since he doesn't look like he belongs. Then she heard the woman, how bored and dull she was, sighing. She would hear Vrakvroth and let him take care of this, primping herself and dusting herself off before she makes her way over to the table with the brothers. "Hello gentlemen. I am thankful to have finally found someone with taste in fashion. I am Roselina Pridebloom. Mind if I join you?" Roselina would say to them in a friendly and regal manner, curtsying with a sweet smile on her face.
Ebur may as well be on the moon, this setting is so foreign to him. He stands awkwardly at the door for several minutes. Then realising that the appropriate activity seems to be to sit quietly at a table and look sombre, he shuffles over to the table with the two men with longbows, and silently takes a seat at their table, staring at each of them in turn from behind his mask.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Quilrith walks in Behind Vrak and the others, smiling cheerfully he winks to the barkeep, and order food and lodging for the night, before looking around the tavern. Spying the strange looking elf he raises an eyebrow and waddles over.
"Well met sir, you are a bright day of sunshine in this grey world, what is your name and why are you dressed like that? You hardly look like the usual Barovian."
As Vrakroth goes up to the bar, the barmaid listens to your order. "We currently have two rooms available, one room has two beds, the other has four. The four bed guest room costs 1 copper per night, the twin room with seperate beds for 1 silver, food will be 5 copper and you can stable your horses as part of the room fee," the barmaid says without any enthusiasm whatsoever.
In another part of the tavern, roselina approaches the two well-dressed men, who are chatting among themselves as she walks over with the sign of nobility. "Well, someone thinking their so high and mighty in these lands. She's obviously not from around here," one of them says scornefully as Roselina approaches. "Oh, one of us. You come to check that we're not getting into trouble as well?" The other figure well dressed asks.
Ebur takes a seat next to the two hunter figures. Both just sit gloomily in silence, occasionally sipping a drink. They acknowledge his presence for a brief moment, but then just entirely ignore him as if his not there.
Quilrith approaches the one that definitely looks out of place among the rest of the crowd, who turns and says, "I am Rictavio, explorer, monster tamer, and circus extrodinairre of these dark lands, and yourself, large one?" the elf asks.
Ebur observes the muted small talk amongst the patrons, and recalls hearing some conversation starters that he picked up during his brief travel with the Vistani, so he decides to attempt one. Slowly turning his beaked mask to one of the hunters, he asks in a dead-pan voice:
Seeing Ebur sit next to the gentlemen with longbows, Sova joins him, if anything, to try and break the awkwardness. He turns to the hunters and asks about the wild life in these woods and other creatures ro watch out for. (OOC: I assume anytime I interact with locals, my background feature is in effect.?)
He then turns to Ebur and mentions the ravens outside. He asks him what he knows about the ravens.
Vrak opens his coin bag and hands the woman 5 silver coins.
"This should be more than adequate to rent both rooms completely, food for my companions and stabling for the horse. The lady I travel with will have the smaller room to herself while the rest of us will share the larger room."
He then turns and finds his companions and informs them that meals and rooms have been arranged.
"My Lady," he tells Roselina, "A room has been arranged for you, as well as a meal. I must see to my horse."
With that said he strides out of the inn and takes his horse to the stabling and rubs it down and removes the saddle and ensures it is properly fed before returning to the inn and sitting with Roselina and the 2 brothers for a meal.
"Greetings, I am Vrakvroth Esstyrlynn of Tymanther. How fares Vallaki today?"
When Ebur asks about the weather. One of the men says, "It's never lovely weather here," with a dour tone. The other just says "never lovely," parroting the other figure and saying nothing new. When Sova approaches and asks about the local wildlife, "We hunt wolves," the same figure that spoke first says, followed by the other saying "hunt wolves," once again adding nothing new to the conversation.
Vrakvroth takes a seat with the two brothers, who are obviously uncomfortable at the size, one of them says "We're having yet another festival that the Burgomaster is running. Another boring festival, we've been having at least one a week for the last several years, in his madness he thinks it protects us. Really, it's just a waste of time," one of the brothers says. The other takes a sip from his drink while his brother speaks, but says nothing more but nods along with him.
"I am Quil Bellefonte Drumond, adventurer, acrobat and vagabond, a visitor to these strange lands, and looking for a bit of excitement in this drab and lonely place. What brings you to these parts, and dressed in such fine raiment?" Quick explains with a low bow, and a cheery grin.
Ebur nods at the hunters' responses, as if this were how a normal conversation were supposed to go, and delighted that he was getting the hang of it. He continues in his dead-pan voice, as if he is reciting from a script...
So, would you say you are more of a cat person than a dog person then? Ha. Ha. What fun plans do you have for the weekend? Where do you see yourself in five years? Do you know the location of a pool blessed by the light of the white sun?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
(OOC: Just to clarify, Ebur's last questions were addressed to the two Hunter dudes. I think Sova is at the same table, while Vrak and Ros are at the table with the two nobles)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Roselina had heard what one of the brothers said about her, narrowing her eyes at him for a moment before hearing the other one, surprised. One of them, as well? That must mean there are other nobles here then. She nodded as she sat down in a chair at the table, about to respond when she hears Vrak tell her that her room and a meal have been arranged for her, how he must tend to his horse. "Thank you." Roselina said back with a smile before he went off and she looked back at the two. "Why yes, of course. We are nobility after all and must keep each other in check. We do have to set an example to follow." she had said to them in a composed and regal tone. Then she saw as Vrak soon came back and sat down with them, hearing one brother talk about how the town is having yet another festival that is being run by the Burgomaster, a boring one due to having at least one festival a week for the last several years. She was surprised and curious as he said that in the Burgomaster's madness, he thinks that it protects them but is a waste of time. Roselina thought about it and wondered if somehow the Burgomaster thinks that the festivals possibly protect them from Strahd somehow. Then she had heard Vrak question them about what the festival protects them from, sighing and pokes his side under the table. "The only logical reason might be protection from Strahd. Just follow my lead." Roselina quickly whispers into Vrakvroth's ear before looking back at the brothers. "Oh, do not mind him. He is simply my new knight and escort since it's not wise to travel alone. Ah yes, another Festival of the Blazing Sun. While festivals are meant to be celebratory, one or more a week for years is truly excessive even if he claims that it is for protection. It is tiring, dealing with a mad one such as him huh?" Roselina dismissed Vrakvroth as she spoke to the brothers, cool and acting natural as if she knows exactly what and who they are talking about. By playing along, she hopes that they will trust her and reveal more about the Burgomaster such as his name, where he lives, or any other important information she can use. The very least, she would like to pay this Burgomaster a visit and try to get more suitable accommodations that she is used to instead of staying at this old dump.
((OOC: Current setup: WIth the Hunters = Ebur + Sova, With the noble brothers = Roselina + Vrakroth, With the elf = Quillriff))
The hunters look at Ebur with the same sort of deadpan expression that he was going for in his tone of voice, but do it much better. One of them gestures to dozens of wolf heads over the walls of the tavern, and the one that has been speaking the most says "Those were mostly us," as the other figure echos "Yep, mostly us,"
They don't seem to acknowledge the other questions, or care for them. However, when you mention the pool, the one that has been speaking looks up at you, "You speak of sunlight, something that these lands have not seen in a very long time. There is one place however, that has a pool like that. We can take you when the night is over, for a fee," the man said. "For a fee," the other repeats.
Meanwhile, the brothers say "Finally, someone who gets it. Excessive isn't the word, this festival of the blazing sun is in about three days time, but don't let the Burgomaster hear you say that. The last one who said the festivals were pointless to his face, he had arrested as in league with the devil Strahd, and so a traitor. We had the Wolf's Head Jamboree about four days ago as well," he says. "But, what brings you from out of town?" the other brother asks.
The elf bows respectfully back to Quillrith and replies "I am here to bring tales of adventure, and creatures large and small, for families of all sizes, for I am Rictavio, storyteller, and ringmaster extrodinairre," he says, much more enthusiastically than the locals. "After all, talking about the lands beyond the mists, some cannot help but be intrigued, but I should be popping out briefly, the poor destitute toymaker, I bring him some food, well in exchange for looking after my Piccolo, that is," he says, pocketing an apple and steak from his plate.
Standing outside the tavern is a fresh-water well, which is the first thing everyone notices. Heading towards the door, there is a wooden staircase that ascends up the outer wall to the upper levels of the tavern. Heading into the main taproom through a set of double doors, there are damp cloaks hanging from pegs in the entrance portico. The place is packed full of tables and chairs, with narrow paths that meander between them. A bar stretches along the western wall, going under a balcony that can be reached by a wooden staircase that hugs the northern wall. Overhanging the eastern entrance is another balcony. All the windows are fitted with thick shutters and crossbars. The place is lit with lanterns hanging above the bar and resting on the table, producing a dull orange light to fill the room, with shadows dancing around created by the dull light onto the walls, most of which are adorned with wolf heads mounted on wooden plaques.
Among the tables are a total of nine patrons. Two men armed with longbows sit across from each other, not speaking but just drinking quietly and somberly. However, Roselina notices two relatively well-dressed men, that look like brothers. A dour mood surrounds their table as they both look over to the group as you come in.
The third figure seems out of place, a man wearing colorful dress, more like a Vistani than a Barovian, if he was human. However, his pointed ears give away his at least half-elven heritige.
The other four patrons are all in drab clothing, just sipping a drink without any enthusiasm whatsoever as they do so alone at various other tables. Heading up to the bar and asking for a room, your path is crossed and you almost collid with a couple of children scampering about.
"Brom, Bray, leave our customers alone or go to your room and run about, your getting underfoot," a female voice from behind the bar says monotonusly before looking up at the group. "Welcome to the the Blue Water Inn, finest tavern in Vallaki. Well, only tavern in Vallaki," she says with the energy of a stone. "I am Danika Martikov, half of the owners. My husband is working in the kitchen right now. Can we get you anything?" the female human asks as if she has gotten bored of saying what she just did.
Vrak gives the woman and nod.
"We seek lodging for the night and I have a horse that needs stabling as well. Dinner also please. I thank you for the welcome."
He says formally.
Roselina immediately saw the two well-dressed men that look like brothers, thinking that they might know of any nobles in the city and who is in charge here. She was also surprised at seeing the colorful half-elf here, wondering if he is another traveler since he doesn't look like he belongs. Then she heard the woman, how bored and dull she was, sighing. She would hear Vrakvroth and let him take care of this, primping herself and dusting herself off before she makes her way over to the table with the brothers. "Hello gentlemen. I am thankful to have finally found someone with taste in fashion. I am Roselina Pridebloom. Mind if I join you?" Roselina would say to them in a friendly and regal manner, curtsying with a sweet smile on her face.
Ebur may as well be on the moon, this setting is so foreign to him. He stands awkwardly at the door for several minutes. Then realising that the appropriate activity seems to be to sit quietly at a table and look sombre, he shuffles over to the table with the two men with longbows, and silently takes a seat at their table, staring at each of them in turn from behind his mask.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Quilrith walks in Behind Vrak and the others, smiling cheerfully he winks to the barkeep, and order food and lodging for the night, before looking around the tavern. Spying the strange looking elf he raises an eyebrow and waddles over.
"Well met sir, you are a bright day of sunshine in this grey world, what is your name and why are you dressed like that? You hardly look like the usual Barovian."
As Vrakroth goes up to the bar, the barmaid listens to your order. "We currently have two rooms available, one room has two beds, the other has four. The four bed guest room costs 1 copper per night, the twin room with seperate beds for 1 silver, food will be 5 copper and you can stable your horses as part of the room fee," the barmaid says without any enthusiasm whatsoever.
In another part of the tavern, roselina approaches the two well-dressed men, who are chatting among themselves as she walks over with the sign of nobility. "Well, someone thinking their so high and mighty in these lands. She's obviously not from around here," one of them says scornefully as Roselina approaches. "Oh, one of us. You come to check that we're not getting into trouble as well?" The other figure well dressed asks.
Ebur takes a seat next to the two hunter figures. Both just sit gloomily in silence, occasionally sipping a drink. They acknowledge his presence for a brief moment, but then just entirely ignore him as if his not there.
Quilrith approaches the one that definitely looks out of place among the rest of the crowd, who turns and says, "I am Rictavio, explorer, monster tamer, and circus extrodinairre of these dark lands, and yourself, large one?" the elf asks.
Ebur observes the muted small talk amongst the patrons, and recalls hearing some conversation starters that he picked up during his brief travel with the Vistani, so he decides to attempt one. Slowly turning his beaked mask to one of the hunters, he asks in a dead-pan voice:
Lovely weather we're having, isn't it?
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Seeing Ebur sit next to the gentlemen with longbows, Sova joins him, if anything, to try and break the awkwardness. He turns to the hunters and asks about the wild life in these woods and other creatures ro watch out for. (OOC: I assume anytime I interact with locals, my background feature is in effect.?)
He then turns to Ebur and mentions the ravens outside. He asks him what he knows about the ravens.
Ebur looks at Sova and says in a grave voice:
They say you must NEVER kill a raven, for they carry the souls of the dead.
And then in a much lighter voice he adds:
Me, I'm not so sure. I haven't asked one yet. Maybe tomorrow.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Vrak opens his coin bag and hands the woman 5 silver coins.
"This should be more than adequate to rent both rooms completely, food for my companions and stabling for the horse. The lady I travel with will have the smaller room to herself while the rest of us will share the larger room."
He then turns and finds his companions and informs them that meals and rooms have been arranged.
"My Lady," he tells Roselina, "A room has been arranged for you, as well as a meal. I must see to my horse."
With that said he strides out of the inn and takes his horse to the stabling and rubs it down and removes the saddle and ensures it is properly fed before returning to the inn and sitting with Roselina and the 2 brothers for a meal.
"Greetings, I am Vrakvroth Esstyrlynn of Tymanther. How fares Vallaki today?"
When Ebur asks about the weather. One of the men says, "It's never lovely weather here," with a dour tone. The other just says "never lovely," parroting the other figure and saying nothing new. When Sova approaches and asks about the local wildlife, "We hunt wolves," the same figure that spoke first says, followed by the other saying "hunt wolves," once again adding nothing new to the conversation.
Vrakvroth takes a seat with the two brothers, who are obviously uncomfortable at the size, one of them says "We're having yet another festival that the Burgomaster is running. Another boring festival, we've been having at least one a week for the last several years, in his madness he thinks it protects us. Really, it's just a waste of time," one of the brothers says. The other takes a sip from his drink while his brother speaks, but says nothing more but nods along with him.
"Protects you from what? What would a festival protect you from?"
Vrak asks
"I am Quil Bellefonte Drumond, adventurer, acrobat and vagabond, a visitor to these strange lands, and looking for a bit of excitement in this drab and lonely place. What brings you to these parts, and dressed in such fine raiment?" Quick explains with a low bow, and a cheery grin.
Ebur nods at the hunters' responses, as if this were how a normal conversation were supposed to go, and delighted that he was getting the hang of it. He continues in his dead-pan voice, as if he is reciting from a script...
So, would you say you are more of a cat person than a dog person then? Ha. Ha. What fun plans do you have for the weekend? Where do you see yourself in five years? Do you know the location of a pool blessed by the light of the white sun?
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Sova signals to Ebur to calm down. He further listens to Vrak's line of questioning. He also tells Ebur he's more into birds.
(OOC: Just to clarify, Ebur's last questions were addressed to the two Hunter dudes. I think Sova is at the same table, while Vrak and Ros are at the table with the two nobles)
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Roselina had heard what one of the brothers said about her, narrowing her eyes at him for a moment before hearing the other one, surprised. One of them, as well? That must mean there are other nobles here then. She nodded as she sat down in a chair at the table, about to respond when she hears Vrak tell her that her room and a meal have been arranged for her, how he must tend to his horse. "Thank you." Roselina said back with a smile before he went off and she looked back at the two. "Why yes, of course. We are nobility after all and must keep each other in check. We do have to set an example to follow." she had said to them in a composed and regal tone. Then she saw as Vrak soon came back and sat down with them, hearing one brother talk about how the town is having yet another festival that is being run by the Burgomaster, a boring one due to having at least one festival a week for the last several years. She was surprised and curious as he said that in the Burgomaster's madness, he thinks that it protects them but is a waste of time. Roselina thought about it and wondered if somehow the Burgomaster thinks that the festivals possibly protect them from Strahd somehow. Then she had heard Vrak question them about what the festival protects them from, sighing and pokes his side under the table. "The only logical reason might be protection from Strahd. Just follow my lead." Roselina quickly whispers into Vrakvroth's ear before looking back at the brothers. "Oh, do not mind him. He is simply my new knight and escort since it's not wise to travel alone. Ah yes, another Festival of the Blazing Sun. While festivals are meant to be celebratory, one or more a week for years is truly excessive even if he claims that it is for protection. It is tiring, dealing with a mad one such as him huh?" Roselina dismissed Vrakvroth as she spoke to the brothers, cool and acting natural as if she knows exactly what and who they are talking about. By playing along, she hopes that they will trust her and reveal more about the Burgomaster such as his name, where he lives, or any other important information she can use. The very least, she would like to pay this Burgomaster a visit and try to get more suitable accommodations that she is used to instead of staying at this old dump.
((OOC: Current setup: WIth the Hunters = Ebur + Sova, With the noble brothers = Roselina + Vrakroth, With the elf = Quillriff))
The hunters look at Ebur with the same sort of deadpan expression that he was going for in his tone of voice, but do it much better. One of them gestures to dozens of wolf heads over the walls of the tavern, and the one that has been speaking the most says "Those were mostly us," as the other figure echos "Yep, mostly us,"
They don't seem to acknowledge the other questions, or care for them. However, when you mention the pool, the one that has been speaking looks up at you, "You speak of sunlight, something that these lands have not seen in a very long time. There is one place however, that has a pool like that. We can take you when the night is over, for a fee," the man said. "For a fee," the other repeats.
Meanwhile, the brothers say "Finally, someone who gets it. Excessive isn't the word, this festival of the blazing sun is in about three days time, but don't let the Burgomaster hear you say that. The last one who said the festivals were pointless to his face, he had arrested as in league with the devil Strahd, and so a traitor. We had the Wolf's Head Jamboree about four days ago as well," he says. "But, what brings you from out of town?" the other brother asks.
The elf bows respectfully back to Quillrith and replies "I am here to bring tales of adventure, and creatures large and small, for families of all sizes, for I am Rictavio, storyteller, and ringmaster extrodinairre," he says, much more enthusiastically than the locals. "After all, talking about the lands beyond the mists, some cannot help but be intrigued, but I should be popping out briefly, the poor destitute toymaker, I bring him some food, well in exchange for looking after my Piccolo, that is," he says, pocketing an apple and steak from his plate.
Ebur looks to Sova at this offer from the hunters. I am called Ebur. This is Sova. Those are our companions. What is your fee, and how far is the pool?
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Vrak decides that Roselina has this well in hand and simply watches the brothers while also occasionally watching the others in the room.
Insight 21