Delmon nods eagerly in agreement, despite not really knowing what he is agreeing to, and Mr Dory pats him on the shoulder with one pale wet hand. Then, with surprising speed and agility, Mr Dory runs back down the corridor and to the far side of the common room, and casts himself into the fireplace! Horrified gasps and screams erupt from the nearby patrons who instinctively back away in astonishment. Mr Dory screams as the flames scorch his pale watery flesh, but he makes no effort to remove himself from the blaze. Once the initial surprise passes, several of the heroes run toward the fire to rescue the burning man, but Delmon is there with his sword drawn, warning them off and declaring that it was Mr Dory's wish that no-one interfere.
The smell of burning flesh chokes the room, but Mr Dory's screams mercifully die away in a few moments. Few in the room have the nerve to look toward the fire, for few can bare to behold the sickening scene of melting flesh and charred bone. Several patrons are openly weeping and calling for something to be done, but Delmon's determination to uphold his final oath to Mr Dory is more palpable and threatening than his drawn blade.
As the last of the doomed man's body turns to ash, the entire room starts to shimmer as if viewed through a glass. The walls and ceiling swirl and blur, and the faces of the patrons in the bar merge and blend in a dizzying kaleidoscope of colour. The sensation passes quickly, but as the twisting vision starts to resolve, the image of the tavern re-forms into something different from what went before.
Lok, seated at the bar, notices that the top is longer and now made of a polished oak rather than the rough timber block of before. Lia, Wolf and Hatch find themselves standing in a larger common room with more tables and chairs, but it feels roomier as the patrons are now more spread out. The newly-arrived water-sipping elf in the green hood notices that the table at which he is seated looks identical, but all other tables are a little better quality - more polished and with none of the wine and ale stains he saw on entering. What's more, a wooden staircase now ascends from the corner to a long landing overlooking the common room, off which ten doors can be seen. The front door has also moved, and instead of opening directly into the common room, it is now on the far side of a small cloak room that adjoins the main room.
Willagee is now dressed in a clean linen shirt and hose, and he polishes the bar with a white cloth and a big smile. Leaning over to Lok, and seeming oblivious to the sudden change, he says: Good evening, sir, welcome to the Hotel Corona. Can I pour you a drink?
Lia, unsure what else to do, simply says 'Gee, by the time we're done this place'll be five stars.' She walks over to Willagee and asks 'Those rooms up there wouldn't be guest rooms, would they?'
Why, yes, madam, chirps Willagee with a big smile. Plenty of vacancies here at the Hotel Corona, though half the rooms on the ground floor are already taken, including the master suite. Would you prefer an upstairs room, would you?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Willagee seems somewhat confused at Lia's question, but answers cheerily: One gold piece per day for the room and a meal, madam. And what ordeal might that be, madam?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Burned to death? says Willagee with a horrified expression. Goodness me! You must be mistaken, sir. Nothing like that ever happened here, sir, and certainly not tonight. It's been a most pleasant evening, has it not, Kardinya? The waitress has just walked up behind Lok carrying a serving tray with empty glasses, and smiles pleasantly. Aye, that it has, she says. She looks different too, with more finely-set hair and finely-cut clothing. And naught much changes around here, does it Will?
Both Willagee and Kardinya certainly appear to be oblivious to the recently-witnessed events, as if they never happened and as if the tavern has always been the way it currently appears. They appear to be the exceptions however, as the face of every patron in the tavern still bears the shock and confusion of both the gruesome death and the magical change of scenery. Willagee continues to prattle on, and then issues a new task to Kardinya. Oh, Kardy my dear, it's almost time. Better set the table for his lordship, he'll likely be along soon for his supper. With that the waitress nods and heads to the corner by the fire where a lone table and high-backed chair sit empty on a slightly raised dais. She sets a tablecloth but no plate - only a single silver chalice.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
As mike hears the scream he awakes to a new hotel, surprised at the change of scenery he looks around to his... acquaintances and asks them what has happened and where is Mr. Dory
"One has died, as per the witch's curse," Hatch told Mike, answering the question about Mr. Dory.
"Can someone go check and see if the door still opens up to utter physical blackness?" he asked his fellow compatriots before turning to Willagee.
"Do you know of a Mr. Dory who was recently booked in room one? Can you list the guests of your current rooms and which rooms are opened? And most importantly, do you recall that this tavern is cursed so none may leave?" Hatch asked Willagee.
Willagee rubs his chin and looks at the ceiling thoughtfully as he slowly replies: Dory... can't say I remember the name. Then facing Hatch he smiles and says: Room One isn't really a guest room anyway, sir, it's just the quarters for our live-in serving-girl, Kardinya over there. As for the others... let me see, sir. Then, turning to his ledger, he checks the entries written in neat printing: Well, sir, downstairs we have an Mr Elphas in Room 2, Miss Vannier in Room 3, young master Lok here in 4, and some chap called Delmon in 5. Upstairs we just booked room 11 to Miss Dewtail, and of course room 20 is where our noble gentleman is staying, and I must say, sir, it's quite the honor to have such a refined personage grace us with his patronage.
To the last question, Willagee looks somewhat offended. If you please, sir, this here is an INN, not a tavern, although of course we welcome the public to drink here and enjoy a meal. And I like to think, sir, that I keep it pretty well, although I do have a small problem with some spiders in the cellar which I'd appreciate some help with. But nothing so bad, sir, as to call the place 'cursed', I'm sure.
Lia nods, and gives Willagee the gold piece. "Well, I certainly would like to meet this noble gentleman. Is he upstairs right now? And, I would say we're more than capable of handling your spider problem."
As Mike hears Willagee say something about needing to get rid of spiders in the cellar he goes over to Willagee and asks, Hi, I heard about your spider problem and I would like to help out, for a small fee of 3GP
Hatch rubbed his temples. "I was afraid you'd say something like that. Look, I'd like to tell you that this was a tavern, that there was a poor, cursed individual named Mr. Dory who just took his life there in your fireplace, and that after he died and accomplished the first of five steps to free us of this curse this whole place magically changed, including you and your serving girl. But this is strong, strong, terribly strong magic and you are not likely to believe that. So instead what I ask is for you to please keep in mind that every single one of us believes it and don't worry if we do or ask things that may seem strange or unusual to you as we attempt to break this curse."
Hatch stopped rubbing his temples and sighed. "Obviously everything here changed for a reason, so let's see if the changes affect how we accomplish the next step. First, the things that are different. Can you tell me everything you know about this noble gentleman you are pleased to be hosting? And second, what about this spider problem you mentioned? Tell us all about it, because we will handle it, for free," Hatch said, glancing over at Mike. "I am serious when I say that what you tell us now could be of a huge benefit to us and you, whether you can realise that or not right now under this very real curse."
Lia smiles reassuringly at Willagee, nodding at what Hatch is saying. "And not just us. You'll see your other patrons are quite on edge too." She puts her coin pouch back in her pocket, and checks for the key Kardinya gave her earlier.
Throm and Lok pass through the archway where the door once stood into the small cloakroom. Several robes, cloaks and furs are draped on hooks on either side, but the door at the end is identical to the one in the tavern. It opens easily, but the solid, impassable wall of blackness remains on the other side. No-one else has entered yet through the void as far as you can tell.
Willagee thanks Mike, Lia and Hatch for the offer of help with the spider problem, says he will gladly offer them a free room and meal for a day in return, and that he will show them to the cellar whenever they are ready. He seems surprised but largely unbothered at the explanation of recent events, and casually explains that strange things do sometimes happen, but that he is sure everything will work out fine, and that he would be grateful for anything the heroes decide to do to solve the mystery.
As for our guest, well sir, I suppose it's no great breach of privacy to tell you. He's the lord of a far-away land - Barovia I think the name of it is. Splendid fellow indeed, very dignified. And royalty too, but not so high and mighty that he's above talking to the common folk, or even entertaining them in private. I've got his name in the ledger here if I look, but we got used to just referring to him as 'the Count'. He'll be along soon for his supper, and probably grateful to make your acquaintance, though I must say he's most dainty with his meals - just a small sip of wine is all he takes.
Lia find the key still in her pocket, although it looks shinier than before it still has the number 1 engraved on it. As Lia inspects the key, Kardinya notices it and chimes: Oh, I wondered where I'd dropped that. That's the key to my room that is. Thank you so much for finding it.
"Thank you very much for your understanding, and for your answers," Hatch said, quite relieved that Willagee was taking this in good stride. "Perhaps my final round of questions then, unless something of interest is found - first, how soon is this Count to show for his supper? Do you suppose we have time to deal with your spider problem first and then talk to him? Or should we wait to speak with him and then deal with the spiders? Perhaps count in the time it may take us to get presentable to speak with a noble - certainly I could use a small wash to get the smell of ozone off me or freshen my breath from an earlier...unpleasantness. And finally, what is the nature of your spider problem? Average, venomous, giant, drider, etcetera? Just want to be prepared as best we can be given our current magical cursed situation."
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Delmon nods eagerly in agreement, despite not really knowing what he is agreeing to, and Mr Dory pats him on the shoulder with one pale wet hand. Then, with surprising speed and agility, Mr Dory runs back down the corridor and to the far side of the common room, and casts himself into the fireplace! Horrified gasps and screams erupt from the nearby patrons who instinctively back away in astonishment. Mr Dory screams as the flames scorch his pale watery flesh, but he makes no effort to remove himself from the blaze. Once the initial surprise passes, several of the heroes run toward the fire to rescue the burning man, but Delmon is there with his sword drawn, warning them off and declaring that it was Mr Dory's wish that no-one interfere.
The smell of burning flesh chokes the room, but Mr Dory's screams mercifully die away in a few moments. Few in the room have the nerve to look toward the fire, for few can bare to behold the sickening scene of melting flesh and charred bone. Several patrons are openly weeping and calling for something to be done, but Delmon's determination to uphold his final oath to Mr Dory is more palpable and threatening than his drawn blade.
As the last of the doomed man's body turns to ash, the entire room starts to shimmer as if viewed through a glass. The walls and ceiling swirl and blur, and the faces of the patrons in the bar merge and blend in a dizzying kaleidoscope of colour. The sensation passes quickly, but as the twisting vision starts to resolve, the image of the tavern re-forms into something different from what went before.
Lok, seated at the bar, notices that the top is longer and now made of a polished oak rather than the rough timber block of before. Lia, Wolf and Hatch find themselves standing in a larger common room with more tables and chairs, but it feels roomier as the patrons are now more spread out. The newly-arrived water-sipping elf in the green hood notices that the table at which he is seated looks identical, but all other tables are a little better quality - more polished and with none of the wine and ale stains he saw on entering. What's more, a wooden staircase now ascends from the corner to a long landing overlooking the common room, off which ten doors can be seen. The front door has also moved, and instead of opening directly into the common room, it is now on the far side of a small cloak room that adjoins the main room.
Willagee is now dressed in a clean linen shirt and hose, and he polishes the bar with a white cloth and a big smile. Leaning over to Lok, and seeming oblivious to the sudden change, he says: Good evening, sir, welcome to the Hotel Corona. Can I pour you a drink?
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Lia, unsure what else to do, simply says 'Gee, by the time we're done this place'll be five stars.' She walks over to Willagee and asks 'Those rooms up there wouldn't be guest rooms, would they?'
Why, yes, madam, chirps Willagee with a big smile. Plenty of vacancies here at the Hotel Corona, though half the rooms on the ground floor are already taken, including the master suite. Would you prefer an upstairs room, would you?
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
'Uh... Sure I'll take a room upstairs. How much will that be?' Lia pauses before adding 'Are the prices any different given this whole ordeal?'
HI, can I join? Multiclass, wiz,bard,rang,druid lvl 3 in all of classes.
"If you ever ask a wizard to list the books they've read recently, prepare to be there for a solid week. " - Original.
Grammar Cult
Bow down to Cats! (Cult of Cats)
Yes, you can join, and welcome! But perhaps drop a couple of classes and stick to Level 6.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Willagee seems somewhat confused at Lia's question, but answers cheerily: One gold piece per day for the room and a meal, madam. And what ordeal might that be, madam?
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Lok stares at Willagee in disbelief.
"What ordeal?" the barbarian stands up and steps closer to the bartender.
"That man just burned himself to death, This whole tavern has shifted and changed." Lok gestures around the room.
Looking closer at Willagee, "you really are oblivious?"
(Insight check to see if Willagee is as oblivious as he seems)
13
Burned to death? says Willagee with a horrified expression. Goodness me! You must be mistaken, sir. Nothing like that ever happened here, sir, and certainly not tonight. It's been a most pleasant evening, has it not, Kardinya? The waitress has just walked up behind Lok carrying a serving tray with empty glasses, and smiles pleasantly. Aye, that it has, she says. She looks different too, with more finely-set hair and finely-cut clothing. And naught much changes around here, does it Will?
Both Willagee and Kardinya certainly appear to be oblivious to the recently-witnessed events, as if they never happened and as if the tavern has always been the way it currently appears. They appear to be the exceptions however, as the face of every patron in the tavern still bears the shock and confusion of both the gruesome death and the magical change of scenery. Willagee continues to prattle on, and then issues a new task to Kardinya. Oh, Kardy my dear, it's almost time. Better set the table for his lordship, he'll likely be along soon for his supper. With that the waitress nods and heads to the corner by the fire where a lone table and high-backed chair sit empty on a slightly raised dais. She sets a tablecloth but no plate - only a single silver chalice.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
As mike hears the scream he awakes to a new hotel, surprised at the change of scenery he looks around to his... acquaintances and asks them what has happened and where is Mr. Dory
"One has died, as per the witch's curse," Hatch told Mike, answering the question about Mr. Dory.
"Can someone go check and see if the door still opens up to utter physical blackness?" he asked his fellow compatriots before turning to Willagee.
"Do you know of a Mr. Dory who was recently booked in room one? Can you list the guests of your current rooms and which rooms are opened? And most importantly, do you recall that this tavern is cursed so none may leave?" Hatch asked Willagee.
Willagee rubs his chin and looks at the ceiling thoughtfully as he slowly replies: Dory... can't say I remember the name. Then facing Hatch he smiles and says: Room One isn't really a guest room anyway, sir, it's just the quarters for our live-in serving-girl, Kardinya over there. As for the others... let me see, sir. Then, turning to his ledger, he checks the entries written in neat printing: Well, sir, downstairs we have an Mr Elphas in Room 2, Miss Vannier in Room 3, young master Lok here in 4, and some chap called Delmon in 5. Upstairs we just booked room 11 to Miss Dewtail, and of course room 20 is where our noble gentleman is staying, and I must say, sir, it's quite the honor to have such a refined personage grace us with his patronage.
To the last question, Willagee looks somewhat offended. If you please, sir, this here is an INN, not a tavern, although of course we welcome the public to drink here and enjoy a meal. And I like to think, sir, that I keep it pretty well, although I do have a small problem with some spiders in the cellar which I'd appreciate some help with. But nothing so bad, sir, as to call the place 'cursed', I'm sure.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
Throm listens in while trying to catch his bearings. Taking Hatch’s advice he makes his way to the “new” front door and ...
Investigation: 16
Mana - Verdan Bard - Dragon Heist
”I love deadlines. I like the whooshing sound they make as they fly by.” - Douglas Adams
”I’ve suffered a great many catastrophes in my life. Most of them never happened.” - Mark Twain
”I am not young enough to know everything.” - Oscar Wilde
Lia nods, and gives Willagee the gold piece. "Well, I certainly would like to meet this noble gentleman. Is he upstairs right now? And, I would say we're more than capable of handling your spider problem."
Listening to Hatch, Lok will follow Throm's lead and also head towards the front door to open it.
As Mike hears Willagee say something about needing to get rid of spiders in the cellar he goes over to Willagee and asks, Hi, I heard about your spider problem and I would like to help out, for a small fee of 3GP
Hatch rubbed his temples. "I was afraid you'd say something like that. Look, I'd like to tell you that this was a tavern, that there was a poor, cursed individual named Mr. Dory who just took his life there in your fireplace, and that after he died and accomplished the first of five steps to free us of this curse this whole place magically changed, including you and your serving girl. But this is strong, strong, terribly strong magic and you are not likely to believe that. So instead what I ask is for you to please keep in mind that every single one of us believes it and don't worry if we do or ask things that may seem strange or unusual to you as we attempt to break this curse."
Hatch stopped rubbing his temples and sighed. "Obviously everything here changed for a reason, so let's see if the changes affect how we accomplish the next step. First, the things that are different. Can you tell me everything you know about this noble gentleman you are pleased to be hosting? And second, what about this spider problem you mentioned? Tell us all about it, because we will handle it, for free," Hatch said, glancing over at Mike. "I am serious when I say that what you tell us now could be of a huge benefit to us and you, whether you can realise that or not right now under this very real curse."
Lia smiles reassuringly at Willagee, nodding at what Hatch is saying. "And not just us. You'll see your other patrons are quite on edge too." She puts her coin pouch back in her pocket, and checks for the key Kardinya gave her earlier.
Throm and Lok pass through the archway where the door once stood into the small cloakroom. Several robes, cloaks and furs are draped on hooks on either side, but the door at the end is identical to the one in the tavern. It opens easily, but the solid, impassable wall of blackness remains on the other side. No-one else has entered yet through the void as far as you can tell.
Willagee thanks Mike, Lia and Hatch for the offer of help with the spider problem, says he will gladly offer them a free room and meal for a day in return, and that he will show them to the cellar whenever they are ready. He seems surprised but largely unbothered at the explanation of recent events, and casually explains that strange things do sometimes happen, but that he is sure everything will work out fine, and that he would be grateful for anything the heroes decide to do to solve the mystery.
As for our guest, well sir, I suppose it's no great breach of privacy to tell you. He's the lord of a far-away land - Barovia I think the name of it is. Splendid fellow indeed, very dignified. And royalty too, but not so high and mighty that he's above talking to the common folk, or even entertaining them in private. I've got his name in the ledger here if I look, but we got used to just referring to him as 'the Count'. He'll be along soon for his supper, and probably grateful to make your acquaintance, though I must say he's most dainty with his meals - just a small sip of wine is all he takes.
Lia find the key still in her pocket, although it looks shinier than before it still has the number 1 engraved on it. As Lia inspects the key, Kardinya notices it and chimes: Oh, I wondered where I'd dropped that. That's the key to my room that is. Thank you so much for finding it.
How does a red dragon blow out the candles on its birthday cake?
"Thank you very much for your understanding, and for your answers," Hatch said, quite relieved that Willagee was taking this in good stride. "Perhaps my final round of questions then, unless something of interest is found - first, how soon is this Count to show for his supper? Do you suppose we have time to deal with your spider problem first and then talk to him? Or should we wait to speak with him and then deal with the spiders? Perhaps count in the time it may take us to get presentable to speak with a noble - certainly I could use a small wash to get the smell of ozone off me or freshen my breath from an earlier...unpleasantness. And finally, what is the nature of your spider problem? Average, venomous, giant, drider, etcetera? Just want to be prepared as best we can be given our current magical cursed situation."