Pizazz's Ravenloft and Beyond

(If there is an option to rent a horse or two, we might still be able to afford it.)

Lionel was simply devastated -- an absolutely legitimate reason to get rid of this decoration that even his inner dwarf would not object, and he is missing it (sure, he begun to get used to it, but that was the main danger!). Alas, he learned by now that the world is not perfect, and he, Lionel, will remain bearded.

Right now the goal was to reach the Abbot as fast as possible and explain the situation.

There is sadly no horses for purchase....this land has seemed to have a shortage of horses. You've seen few horses about. Left to walk, the group departs and heads back to Krezk, picking up the skeletons on your way from Vallaki. 

Eventually Baroness Petrovna returns. There are six rather sad looking men with her...though they do wear worn leather armor and carry swords. One has a crossbow. 

She does not bother introducing them to Mordekai, nor does she really acknowledge them much at all, as she nods to Mordekai, "Very well Burgomaster. I am shocked that you arrived here at all with no guards, but I suppose Urwin's family must do a good enough job protecting their wine shipments. Let us go." 

She leads the way. On the way out of town she practically scowls at the guards who silently let you all past. 

She walks boldly ahead, the men scampering along behind you as her high black leather boots plod through the mud easily enough. Though a wilting flower, and perhaps a bit unstable, she seems quite determined. 

When Mordekai asks her question about her loss, she takes several deep breaths, then, still shaky in voice, says, "My husband was no saint....and it would seem nor was my son. After his passing, I found....dark things...things of evil in his room. He was a good boy, I don't know what so seduced him into experiment with such evil, but....well....I blamed these fools, outsiders who came for their deaths.  They claimed my son turned into an undead monster and attacked everyone. I....I didn't believe it...but...I must lend the possibility credence after what I found in his room. But...I believe he was fooled, tricked by some evil spirit....when this Abbott of yours brings him back to me, all will be well." 

((We did have a long rest after arriving and before departing again, yes?  Came, went to bar, spent night, then next morning bought the arrows, armor, and then once again picked up our harassment of Baroness Petrovna?))

     Ketch has nothing to do but hike back to Krezk, trying to keep an eye out into the night for more wandering werewolf or any other hassles...

(What time of day is it? I guess that may be a tricky question to answer, since the others are about 6 hours ahead of Mordekai, in theory.)

Mordekai double-takes and feigns a look of horror as she mentions her son experimenting with evil. He decides that a mixture of flattery and sympathy are still the best way to proceed, but he lowers his voice as he walks briskly alongside her, so that the hired guards can't overhear the conversation, "My dear lady, the things you have seen and experienced of late... It says much about the strength of your character that you still choose to rise each morning. Indeed,  the mixed rumours that travelled to us spoke mainly of these travellers, framed by your husband's man, and of your son killing his father in a rage. I didn't want to be the first to bring the latter up. What on earth did you find in the poor boy's room? And what did you mean when you sat the outsiders came for their deaths?

Forgive my curiosity, if you'd rather not speak of it, by all means just say. But we have a journey ahead and nothing else to do but talk. Perhaps a fresh and unbiased ear might help you get some clarity?"

(was clear in my head when I spoke the phrase, but upon reading, I see it's confusing with punctuation....

"I blamed these fools, outsiders, who came, for their deaths."  another way  "These fools, outsiders who came....I blamed them for my son and husbands deaths". ) 

"Believe me, there were many mornings I considered not waking. Ever. But...eventually even in sadness and bitter darkness....you get thirsty. And so eventually I would get up. My son's room? Oh. I dare not speak of it. It was vile. It was not strictly in his room. But, upstairs, in the attic, he spent most of his time there. I didn't realize it, but he must have harbored some bitterness towards his father, for he carved "all is not well" into the door.  My dear husband...his ...catch phrase....was 'all will be well'."  She suddenly laughs a twittery, nervous laugh that runs up your spine. "It would seem my son did not agree. He'd carved some skull into the door...and infused it with magic. I do not understand how he could do such a thing. It slew Anders when he went inside to explore. Killed him dead...Anders was a good servant...he deserved better.  And inside, more dark magic.  Bones, old fragments of magic...and some dolls he'd dressed up...and maimed....and ....and then some strange dead cats, somehow brought to life. It was terrible. But...I'm sure he was simply infused with some evil spirit. This abbott....he will bring him back to me, and all WILL be well...."  She laughs a nervous twittery laugh again....and you start to wonder if perhaps her sanity has not already left her.

The sky begins to darken, and Mordekai realizes that they'll be walking for several hours in the dark. A thick fog comes with the darkness....and the guards pull their cloaks around themselves to keep the chill out. The Baroness does the same, buttoning the top of her jacket close to her chin. Two lanterns are brought out by the guards to light the way as they continue. 

-------------------

Lionel, Ulthan, Meepo, and Ketch arrive at the town of Krezk near nightfall. (leavin the skeletons in the forest once more).  It was a long way there and back, but they'd just arrived before darkness truly settled in.  This meant that their friend would be traveling for at least an hour in the dark however...depending on how far behind they were. The Krezk guards let them in, asking them to wait for the Burgomaster. Eventually he arrives and takes them aside, glancing around at the four of them... "I....I am sorry you lost one of your number....I can only imagine to the wolves or worse....but...were you able to find a gown??" 

Mordekai seeks to change the subject, and as light begins to fade he asks the woman, "May I see the gown? I do not need to take it just yet if you'd prefer to hold on to it a little longer, but will need to take it before we approach Krezk, so as to present it to the Abbott myself. I'm happy to carry it now if it makes one less thing for you to worry about?"

Basically, Mordekai will try to persuade her to let him take the gown. He's not going to push it if she gets defensive or suspicious about it, but will insist that he will need to take it before they get to Krezk itself so that he can personally hand it to the Abbott, and therefore he might as well carry the burden rather than her. He'll use his Fey Presence ability again (DC16 WIS save or be charmed) hoping it's enough not to let her get defensive or suspicious, and again, if you need persuasion: 18 and second roll in case of advantage: 25

"No, no lost." Meepo says, shaking his head. "Mordekai comes with dress. Be here in bit." He gestures to the gate. "Mordekai bring dress."

"Yes, as our friend said - we were and it is on the way here as we speak," nodded Lionel too after the greetings. "However I am afraid there was some minor complication to the deed. You see, the dress belonged to the woman, that lost her family -- the husband and the son. We had to explain the reasons why we wanted the dress and, as you would expect, it ignited a hope in her too, to be re-united with her beloved. She understands --- at least I hope she does --- that there is no guarantee the Abbot will be able to do anything, but she wants to speak with him".

Lionel checked the Burgomaster's reaction and carefully continued: "There is something more. You see, the lady is cautious of our group. We happened to be around the day her family tragically perished -- to be precise, her son killed his father, her husband. We did not want to agitate her and one of us used magic to change his appearance. At the moment he looks -- please, understand that that was the only way! -- he looks like you. The lady is sure that she is accompanying you right now." The dwarf took another breath and finished: "The disguise was not meant to offend anyone -- I assure you! -- but only to allow talk to the lady freely and get that dress, necessary to return your son to life. I have to ask you to play along and confirm that it was you, who went all the way to Vallaki the Martikovs' wine cart and then walked back with her and her guards. Would you do that?"

     Ketch listens to the others explain the situation and decides he had nothing to add.  He adopted an expression of sympathy and was ready to soothe the feelings of the abbot if needed but otherwise allowed things to play out.

(Lionel, please roll Deception.) 

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Mordekai talks to the woman, "My servant is holding onto it, and will remain holding it until I personally give it to the Abbott.  It will be part of my negotiation for my son's life....I can't not let it leave my possession."  She seems very determined on this course, and though you attempt to ply her with your charm, 15, though she seems inclined to listen to you and seems friendly towards you, she's in not swayed and seems to insist on handing the dress to the abbott herself. 

(Lionel is honest like a Paladin! Truth and nothing but the truth!)

Deception: 17 (in case you change your mind for Persuasion - add 3 to it :) )

((I mean it is, basically, the truth... perhaps not the WHOLE truth, but the truth.))

In that case, Mordekai will cease pursuing any further particular conversation until they get... just about in sight of Krezk. 

...

When they do (assuming no further encounters on the road?), Mordekai will hold out his hand to his new travelling companions and say in a hushed whisper, "Stop, wait here a moment. We're almost there, but I think I see something." Mordekai will advance 10ft or so ahead, just far enough (or whatever distance is required at DM's discretion) that he can't be heard muttering the verbal components of Major Image. A moment later, the image of a man, looking perfectly respectable in an Abbott's attire (as much like the real Abbott as possible, but without looking like a crazy man) approaches out of the darkness - preferably from behind a tree or similar to further cover the sudden magical appearance. Mordekai turns back to Lydia and beckons her forward. "The Abbott himself. Please, it would be best to let me do the talking, at least for now. " As he says so, the Illusion speaks up, so as not to give the woman a chance to interrupt. 

"Did you get it? Who are these others? This is not exactly the discreet agreement we had made."

(Assuming she lets Mordekai continue, and if she begins to speak, Mordekai will attempt to gently wave her down with one hand whilst raising his voice over her...) "Ah, yes. This is Lydia Petrovna, wife to the Burgomaster in Vallaki until late. Her husband and her dear son both passed away recently. She is the owner of the gown, and wishes to negotiate your further services on behalf of her own son as well as mine. 

The illusory Abbott replies, "I see. This complicates things a little, but perhaps not too much. Madam, I would happily meet with you separately about this. Your involvement in the provision of this gown is noted and will be taken into account most generously in our further dealings. But he must bring me the gown. Those are my terms." The Abbott then turns very directly to Mordekai-Dmitri, in a way that clearly indicates that whilst Lydia can hear the next bit, she is not being addressed. "Sir, forgive me, but I was very clear in our previous conversations. I cannot be known publicly for having any involvement in anything remotely resembling necromancy. This is why I came out to meet you before you got to town, having seen you arriving in the company of strangers. It seems my worries were largely unfounded, and all is still well with our arrangement, but I must have no visible connection to yourself or these newcomers until our matter is resolved. Please, leave the gown in the place we have agreed. Do it personally, do it alone, and do not be followed. Discretion is of the utmost importance, or my reputation in your town will be ruined." 

The Abbott then looks again at Lydia. "My Lady. We'll meet again soon, you can be sure of it. Until then..." and with a nod, the conversation is apparently finished. The Abbott turns and without looking back or responding further, disappears back into the darkness. 

Insight roll : 21 

The Burgomaster nods patiently to Lionel's story, not batting an eye at any part of it. Eventually he nods, "Yes, yes, I can see how this all must have turned out this way. Oh yes, a most ingenious plan, and whatever gets the job done for certain. Yes indeed.....I will most certainly play along with your ruse, you all seem most honourable and honest." 

-------------

Mordekai roll Performance. 

Mordekai performance: 12

Insight : 8

The Baroness seems a bit put out to start, and seems about to say something several times, looking to interrupt...but eventually she seems to hear what she's listening for because she stays silent. She turns to her man servant and nods, making an annoyed finger flicking motion as if this was the plan all along and how dare he not be responding already.  His eye roll is silent and only done once she turns back to smile a pretty smile at both the Abbott illusion and Mordekai...her look saying clearly "It's hard to find good help"....but her mouth staying closed, and pursed with worry. 

Eventually a box is withdrawn from his large bag...the box seems to have been the only thing in his entire large backpack and seems to be unnecessarily huge.  The box is heading directly for the Abbott when Mordekai steps in front of the man servant and relieves him of it.  He clearly couldn't care less and hands it over and steps back. 

The Abbott vanishes into the night. The Baroness nods to Mordekai, "You're smooth manners and clever negotiation was much appreciated."  She laughs a nervous, inappropriate, twitter of a laugh.  "Now...I must ask if I may impose on your hospitality, for it is well after dusk and the roads are no longer safe for a lady of quality."  Her tone implies it's not so much a question as a formality of a request.

Slightly preplexed by the size of the box, Mordekai says, "Many thanks again for your generosity in this, My Lady.  I'm pleased to see the Abbott noted such as well." and then Mordekai proceeds to open it for a quick glance as soon as he relieves the servant of it - without skipping a beat, as casually as possible, feigning idle curiosity rather than the flash of real concern he truly feels.

"As for my hospitality, indeed, I'm sure my man Mikael will be keeping watch on the gate and will be ready to open up and let us in.  However, I must warn you that our town is not usually accustomed to visitors, and we don't have much space for guests.  I'll certainly try to arrange the bet comfort for you personally, but can't guarantee the same for your man or our guards here."

Assuming all is well with the gown, Mordekai leads the way onwards.

"I thank you for your understanding!" all but bowed Lionle, "then would let guards on the gates know that you are about to leave to meet some guests and return with them? Then once they are inside the town and get to your house there will be no need for an illusion anymore and you can personally thank Lady Lidia for her help once again."

The box does indeed contain the white frill of a rather large wedding gown. The bodice part is small enough, but the part at the bottom seems massive and there's just so much fabric. Feeling the weight of the box, Mordekai feels a little bad for the servant who had to lug it down the road the past few hours.

You head towards the gate.

-------------------

The burgomaster looks to Lionel, "Right...so.....if your man looks like me....then....I should tell the guards that they should expect me at the gate?  Or....is there a different plan?  This is very confusing to me!"

"Yes, you understood it absolutely correctly. I only meant you, yourself, would probably able to discreetly return to your house, rather than wait by the gate, as convenient as that would be. But if you are willing to just wait outside - with one of us as your guard, of course - that would be ideal."