Tahnis stares at the caravan, taking notes of the various sites and sounds surrounding the wagon. "Barovia," he mutters while glancing at everyone else. "I guess we'll have our answers soon."
He made a special note of the gates, partially unsettled at the idea of headless statues. Still, the gate was an impressive sight.
Shayne, his nerves already a bit on edge, shudders at the cackling laughter mimicked by Silent Blade. Looking about, it seemed the rest would a bit high strung as well. To brighten the mood a bit he will cast Dancing Lights to illuminate their surroundings a bit and improvise a little ditty to hopefully lift his companions (and his own) spirits.
Past stone guards who've been beheaded
Riding upon Vistani Wagons
The party's fates together are wedded
By deeds and promises, songs and flagons
What will they find in Barovia land?
Having been promised seers and vampires and Strahd?
Do the cards hold adventure or a dead man's hand?
Is he a myth, this undead Barovian god?
Their courage high, their spirits soaring
This band of bravos welcome their fate
For danger may come, all growling and roaring
It is thirst for adventure they come here to sate
So bring on Strahd and what dangers you may,
For we've ale filled flasks and valorous hearts!
We'll defeat all foes and hold all dangers at bay...
The party travels along the beaten path, and the Vistani tell you all that you now travel along the Old Svalich Road. And that you will now follow the Ivlis River to the Tser Pool, a lake where Madam Eva has set up her encampment near. However as the group progresses, you begin to approach what seems to be a settled village of sorts. As you inch near tall shapes loom out of the dense fog that surrounds everything. The muddy ground underfoot gives way to slick, wet cobblestones. The tall shapes become recognizable as village dwellings. The windows of each house stare out from pools of blackness. When the fog eventually burns off, what your companions tell you to be Castle Ravenloft looms over the village, like a lance piercing the sky. However despite however piqued your interest you guys are told by Stanimir that he will not be bringing his people through there, and when asked as to why, he doesn’t provide a straight answer, just saying that it will be quicker if you don’t go through.
It also catches all of your attention however when, not long after entering Barovia, the other Vistani began to separate from the main caravan. Leaving in groups of three or four, but not without talking to Stanimir for what seemed to be a good amount of time. In one particular goodbye you all witnessed Stanimir place his forehead against another Vistani’s, whisper a some words and then embrace him tightly as if he was a parent sending their child off to war. He then handed them a piece of a parchment before their final send off, before they would go trot off into the inky black. When they tell you all that you are approaching Madame Eva’s encampment, you are only left with Stanimir, Ratka, and Damia. All traveling together in the last wagon, trotting along a beaten path towards the spindly shadows cast by towering pines. Adaine and Minerva had left in the night during one of your pit stops on the road, not saying goodbye. If asked, Stanimir will only say that the girls will be safe and that there is no need to worry. However he does tell you all that if asked, you all do not know Minerva, that she is not someone you’ve ever encountered. He has a pleading but fearful look in his eyes as he asks this. Since the incident with Minerva, Damia and Ratka have been quiet. They also seem to have troubles sending off Vistani as you all travel closer to Madam Eva’s camp.
(You all are inching closer to the encampment, circle is destination, line is your path. Allowing you an opportunity to rp and prepare if you want. Lmk when to move on)
Tahnis continues to make notes in his journal as he approaches the encampment. He isn't too worried about Adaine and Minerva, though Stanimr's request seems off to him. As they approach the encampment, Tahnis will ask Stanimir," I hear this Madam Eva is wise and will help us."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
“Minerva? Never heard of her. I did once know a Minnie, a mousey looking girl with big ears. That girl was a moocher. Rough and tough but frail, heart big as a whale...” Shayne plays along, eventually softly breaking into a song about “Minnie the Moocher.”
Otherwise Shayne asks the occasional idle question about the land and people and such but nothing too deep or pressing, just passing time until things get interesting.
“Not sure how good of a ring Minnie the moocher has too it. Maybe something like Minnie the mousey... nah that doesn’t sound too great either, guess that’s why you write the songs.” Gekks chuckles at his faulty attempt to help Shayne with the ring of his song
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Bardic Inspiration is just someone believing in you, and I believe in you
As you guys continue along the path, you eventually pass a shallow point along the riverbank as Stanimir informs you that you are nearly there. The road gradually disappears and is replaced by a twisted, muddy path through the trees. Deep ruts in the earth are evidence of the comings and goings of wagons.
The canopy of mist and branches suddenly gives way to black clouds boiling far above. There is a clearing here, next to a river that widens to form a small lake several hundred feet across. Five colorful round tents, each ten feet in diameter, are pitched outside a ring of four barrel-topped wagons. A much larger tent stands near the shore of the lake, its sagging form lit from within. Near this tent, eight unbridled horses drink from the river.
The mournful strains of an accordion clash with the singing of several brightly clad figures around bonfire. A footpath continues beyond this encampment, meandering north between the river and the forest’s edge. Stanimir looks tense as he grips the reins, and the twins remain deathly silent as they scan their surroundings. The old Vistani turns to you all then says,
”I will not be joining you all into the camp, but you all can just walk in and say you‘ve come to aid the Vistani in freeing Barovia. They will bring you to Madame Eva, and I will wait here for your return.”
"I get it, plenty of exes I'd rather not see again myself," Shayne says to Stanimir with a wink.
While walking the distance between the wagons and the camp Shayne will advise the others "Be ready for anything, but don't look like you're ready for anything. You know, walk casual..." Shayne doesn't really expect trouble here, that would be an awful big set up to just ambush a couple random bravos, but Stanimir not coming closer to his own people does seem a bit off.
Tahnis is surprised at hearing Stanimir's words, but decides not to press it. "Thank you for bringing us here. We will see you after we meet with Madam Eva." He will begin to move toward the wagons.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
You all embark onto the muddy path leading into the trees, brushing aside the sharp limbs of trees blocking your path. You walk into the campsite, immediately catching about twelve male & female Vistani standing or sitting around the fire, telling stories and guzzling wine. There are three other visible Vistani, sitting on three of the four wagons just laughing along with those near the campfire. As you guys come into view, one of the drunk Vistani near the main group calls out,
“We have new friends Attilus! And the horror! They appear sober!”
At this there is a collective dramatic gasp by the Vistani, until several quickly step forward and place wine flasks in all of your hands. In particular a man adorned with a gold colored bandana and vest, with some eye catching jewels as well, goes to place a drink in Silent Blade’s hands. He bows after and with a smile says,
“I’ve never had the honor of ever meeting a Kenku, it’s a joy to make your acquaintance! I am Attilus, and who do I have the pleasure of introducing our wonderful lake side encampment to?” After he says this he just moves his eyes across the entire party in question.
Gadhan takes the flask (2 if possible) he takes a long drink, almost all. "I am Gadhan, I can see that Olidammara is present in this camp." Gadhan takes another long drink.
Shayne will step forward and answer "Well it seems we are to be the Bravos who break the bonds of Barovia. At least it seems we've agreed to give it a try. Our friend Stanimir said the people could use some help so we of course offered our service."
"Our fine feathered friend, if you pardon my choice of words," Shayne says this bit with a slight bow of his head to Silent Blade " is the daring, the deadly, the dire..." Shayne pauses here and uses his skill with his flute to mimic as best he can the sounds of a blade being quietly, but swiftly, drawn from it's scabbard. ((Performance for trying to do the correct sound of her name? 25))
"Next up we have our stunningly mercantile goblin friend. He claims to be a simple merchant but I believe there to be a bit of magic in the deal he makes... But for my money Gekks is a magician with more than just coin!" Shayne walks over to the goblin and gesture widely and openly to him as he introduces him, much as a car salesman shows off the latest model.
"The tall ginger there with the pointy ears and the bow is our little bands resident tourist. He is fascinated by everything and everybody, writes more notes than I take breaths. But our Tahnis is no bookworm - those swords on his hips will filet a man before he can complain and that bow? Well you shall never see him shoot an arrow at you... If he takes the shot you won't see a thing again." Shayne's demeanor changes from open and friendly to wary as he describes Tahnis, non-verbally indicating that the half-elf is not one to be trifled with.
"Now the bald pile of muscled rock and chainmail is a different story altogether. He is a man of purpose and devotion! He's likely to crush you bit by bit and convert you at the same time. Our Gadhan crushes the will of all who oppose him, and soothes the hearts of all the ladies left behind." Shayne walks to the Goliath and moves as if to put an arm around the massive paladin, but then putting his hands up and backing up as if he realized what a bad idea that would be...
"Myself, I'm the musical accompaniment, just along for the ride. A bit of a roadie who imagines himself a raconteur, nothing more... Shayne McGowan, at your service," And with the introductions done Shayne takes a bit of a stage bow and then backs up a few steps to allow the others to take over.
All in all Shayne does his best to praise and "talk up" his companions as he introduces them one after the other, trying to impress this new Vistani Attilus and all others listening. Which he assumes is all of them, whether they are trying to hide it or not. It is always best to put ones best foot forward and to be impressive and Shayne has taken it upon himself to do his best to make his companions shine...
Performance: 19
Persuasion: 23
((Not sure which should be rolled to give a good first impression...))
((OOC: If he got any details or such wrong, that is likely more my doing more than Shayne's. I am not quite the wordsmith he is, I am merely trying to give some flavor of what he is trying to do, not actually do it myself. Besides, artistic license is often a bard's best friend.))
((And apologies, was writing while Gadhan snuck in...))
"Hey there, steady as she goes there mr 'raconteur' you sell yourself short there." Gekks gives a small grin as he cant help but be caught up in Shayne's words "This is a man who can spin a tune like you aint ever heard! And he can talk faster than an arrow fresh out of a bow, real impressive if you ask me. Best of all though, he does provide entertainment."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Bardic Inspiration is just someone believing in you, and I believe in you
Tahnis raises an eyebrow, holding the wine in his hand. "Ginger?" he whispers before shaking his head. "It is good to meet you, Attilus. As you can see, our friend is a magician with words. Thank you for the wine. We are here to see Madam Eva."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Tahnis stares at the caravan, taking notes of the various sites and sounds surrounding the wagon. "Barovia," he mutters while glancing at everyone else. "I guess we'll have our answers soon."
He made a special note of the gates, partially unsettled at the idea of headless statues. Still, the gate was an impressive sight.
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
"By all the gods, what a sight."
Thom Everyman- Midgard One Shots
DMing- The Voyage of the Fallen Star
Shayne, his nerves already a bit on edge, shudders at the cackling laughter mimicked by Silent Blade. Looking about, it seemed the rest would a bit high strung as well. To brighten the mood a bit he will cast Dancing Lights to illuminate their surroundings a bit and improvise a little ditty to hopefully lift his companions (and his own) spirits.
Past stone guards who've been beheaded
Riding upon Vistani Wagons
The party's fates together are wedded
By deeds and promises, songs and flagons
What will they find in Barovia land?
Having been promised seers and vampires and Strahd?
Do the cards hold adventure or a dead man's hand?
Is he a myth, this undead Barovian god?
Their courage high, their spirits soaring
This band of bravos welcome their fate
For danger may come, all growling and roaring
It is thirst for adventure they come here to sate
So bring on Strahd and what dangers you may,
For we've ale filled flasks and valorous hearts!
We'll defeat all foes and hold all dangers at bay...
And if not? We'll flee upon the Vistani carts!
Performance 12
((OOC, let's assume Shayne's improvised song was a lot better (no matter what my roll is) than my meager attempt, huh?))
Not sure why the roll is coming up "not yet available" 3 hours later so I'll try again? Performance 7
The party travels along the beaten path, and the Vistani tell you all that you now travel along the Old Svalich Road. And that you will now follow the Ivlis River to the Tser Pool, a lake where Madam Eva has set up her encampment near. However as the group progresses, you begin to approach what seems to be a settled village of sorts. As you inch near tall shapes loom out of the dense fog that surrounds everything. The muddy ground underfoot gives way to slick, wet cobblestones. The tall shapes become recognizable as village dwellings. The windows of each house stare out from pools of blackness.
When the fog eventually burns off, what your companions tell you to be Castle Ravenloft looms over the village, like a lance piercing the sky. However despite however piqued your interest you guys are told by Stanimir that he will not be bringing his people through there, and when asked as to why, he doesn’t provide a straight answer, just saying that it will be quicker if you don’t go through.
It also catches all of your attention however when, not long after entering Barovia, the other Vistani began to separate from the main caravan. Leaving in groups of three or four, but not without talking to Stanimir for what seemed to be a good amount of time. In one particular goodbye you all witnessed Stanimir place his forehead against another Vistani’s, whisper a some words and then embrace him tightly as if he was a parent sending their child off to war. He then handed them a piece of a parchment before their final send off, before they would go trot off into the inky black.
When they tell you all that you are approaching Madame Eva’s encampment, you are only left with Stanimir, Ratka, and Damia. All traveling together in the last wagon, trotting along a beaten path towards the spindly shadows cast by towering pines. Adaine and Minerva had left in the night during one of your pit stops on the road, not saying goodbye. If asked, Stanimir will only say that the girls will be safe and that there is no need to worry. However he does tell you all that if asked, you all do not know Minerva, that she is not someone you’ve ever encountered. He has a pleading but fearful look in his eyes as he asks this. Since the incident with Minerva, Damia and Ratka have been quiet. They also seem to have troubles sending off Vistani as you all travel closer to Madam Eva’s camp.
(You all are inching closer to the encampment, circle is destination, line is your path. Allowing you an opportunity to rp and prepare if you want. Lmk when to move on)
Tahnis continues to make notes in his journal as he approaches the encampment. He isn't too worried about Adaine and Minerva, though Stanimr's request seems off to him. As they approach the encampment, Tahnis will ask Stanimir," I hear this Madam Eva is wise and will help us."
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
“Minerva? Never heard of her. I did once know a Minnie, a mousey looking girl with big ears. That girl was a moocher. Rough and tough but frail, heart big as a whale...” Shayne plays along, eventually softly breaking into a song about “Minnie the Moocher.”
Otherwise Shayne asks the occasional idle question about the land and people and such but nothing too deep or pressing, just passing time until things get interesting.
“Not sure how good of a ring Minnie the moocher has too it. Maybe something like Minnie the mousey... nah that doesn’t sound too great either, guess that’s why you write the songs.” Gekks chuckles at his faulty attempt to help Shayne with the ring of his song
Bardic Inspiration is just someone believing in you, and I believe in you
"Perhaps this Minnie has a boyfriend, who has a nice clubhouse. Would people be allowed to come inside of his clubhouse."
Thom Everyman- Midgard One Shots
DMing- The Voyage of the Fallen Star
((OOC - I kind of mashed up Minnie Mouse and the song Minnie the Moocher by Cab Calloway, an oldie but a goodie...))
As you guys continue along the path, you eventually pass a shallow point along the riverbank as Stanimir informs you that you are nearly there. The road gradually disappears and is replaced by a twisted, muddy path through the trees. Deep ruts in the earth are evidence of the comings and goings of wagons.
The canopy of mist and branches suddenly gives way to black clouds boiling far above. There is a clearing here, next to a river that widens to form a small lake several hundred feet across. Five colorful round tents, each ten feet in diameter, are pitched outside a ring of four barrel-topped wagons. A much larger tent stands near the shore of the lake, its sagging form lit from within. Near this tent, eight unbridled horses drink from the river.
The mournful strains of an accordion clash with the singing of several brightly clad figures around bonfire. A footpath continues beyond this encampment, meandering north between the river and the forest’s edge. Stanimir looks tense as he grips the reins, and the twins remain deathly silent as they scan their surroundings. The old Vistani turns to you all then says,
”I will not be joining you all into the camp, but you all can just walk in and say you‘ve come to aid the Vistani in freeing Barovia. They will bring you to Madame Eva, and I will wait here for your return.”
Gekks nods "Lets meet this Madame Eva then finally."
Bardic Inspiration is just someone believing in you, and I believe in you
"I get it, plenty of exes I'd rather not see again myself," Shayne says to Stanimir with a wink.
While walking the distance between the wagons and the camp Shayne will advise the others "Be ready for anything, but don't look like you're ready for anything. You know, walk casual..." Shayne doesn't really expect trouble here, that would be an awful big set up to just ambush a couple random bravos, but Stanimir not coming closer to his own people does seem a bit off.
Tahnis is surprised at hearing Stanimir's words, but decides not to press it. "Thank you for bringing us here. We will see you after we meet with Madam Eva." He will begin to move toward the wagons.
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
You all embark onto the muddy path leading into the trees, brushing aside the sharp limbs of trees blocking your path. You walk into the campsite, immediately catching about twelve male & female Vistani standing or sitting around the fire, telling stories and guzzling wine. There are three other visible Vistani, sitting on three of the four wagons just laughing along with those near the campfire. As you guys come into view, one of the drunk Vistani near the main group calls out,
“We have new friends Attilus! And the horror! They appear sober!”
At this there is a collective dramatic gasp by the Vistani, until several quickly step forward and place wine flasks in all of your hands. In particular a man adorned with a gold colored bandana and vest, with some eye catching jewels as well, goes to place a drink in Silent Blade’s hands. He bows after and with a smile says,
“I’ve never had the honor of ever meeting a Kenku, it’s a joy to make your acquaintance! I am Attilus, and who do I have the pleasure of introducing our wonderful lake side encampment to?” After he says this he just moves his eyes across the entire party in question.
Attilus Visual:
Visual of Camp:
Gadhan takes the flask (2 if possible) he takes a long drink, almost all. "I am Gadhan, I can see that Olidammara is present in this camp." Gadhan takes another long drink.
Thom Everyman- Midgard One Shots
DMing- The Voyage of the Fallen Star
Shayne will step forward and answer "Well it seems we are to be the Bravos who break the bonds of Barovia. At least it seems we've agreed to give it a try. Our friend Stanimir said the people could use some help so we of course offered our service."
"Our fine feathered friend, if you pardon my choice of words," Shayne says this bit with a slight bow of his head to Silent Blade " is the daring, the deadly, the dire..." Shayne pauses here and uses his skill with his flute to mimic as best he can the sounds of a blade being quietly, but swiftly, drawn from it's scabbard. ((Performance for trying to do the correct sound of her name? 25))
"Next up we have our stunningly mercantile goblin friend. He claims to be a simple merchant but I believe there to be a bit of magic in the deal he makes... But for my money Gekks is a magician with more than just coin!" Shayne walks over to the goblin and gesture widely and openly to him as he introduces him, much as a car salesman shows off the latest model.
"The tall ginger there with the pointy ears and the bow is our little bands resident tourist. He is fascinated by everything and everybody, writes more notes than I take breaths. But our Tahnis is no bookworm - those swords on his hips will filet a man before he can complain and that bow? Well you shall never see him shoot an arrow at you... If he takes the shot you won't see a thing again." Shayne's demeanor changes from open and friendly to wary as he describes Tahnis, non-verbally indicating that the half-elf is not one to be trifled with.
"Now the bald pile of muscled rock and chainmail is a different story altogether. He is a man of purpose and devotion! He's likely to crush you bit by bit and convert you at the same time. Our Gadhan crushes the will of all who oppose him, and soothes the hearts of all the ladies left behind." Shayne walks to the Goliath and moves as if to put an arm around the massive paladin, but then putting his hands up and backing up as if he realized what a bad idea that would be...
"Myself, I'm the musical accompaniment, just along for the ride. A bit of a roadie who imagines himself a raconteur, nothing more... Shayne McGowan, at your service," And with the introductions done Shayne takes a bit of a stage bow and then backs up a few steps to allow the others to take over.
All in all Shayne does his best to praise and "talk up" his companions as he introduces them one after the other, trying to impress this new Vistani Attilus and all others listening. Which he assumes is all of them, whether they are trying to hide it or not. It is always best to put ones best foot forward and to be impressive and Shayne has taken it upon himself to do his best to make his companions shine...
Performance: 19
Persuasion: 23
((Not sure which should be rolled to give a good first impression...))
((OOC: If he got any details or such wrong, that is likely more my doing more than Shayne's. I am not quite the wordsmith he is, I am merely trying to give some flavor of what he is trying to do, not actually do it myself. Besides, artistic license is often a bard's best friend.))
((And apologies, was writing while Gadhan snuck in...))
"Hey there, steady as she goes there mr 'raconteur' you sell yourself short there." Gekks gives a small grin as he cant help but be caught up in Shayne's words "This is a man who can spin a tune like you aint ever heard! And he can talk faster than an arrow fresh out of a bow, real impressive if you ask me. Best of all though, he does provide entertainment."
Bardic Inspiration is just someone believing in you, and I believe in you
Tahnis raises an eyebrow, holding the wine in his hand. "Ginger?" he whispers before shaking his head. "It is good to meet you, Attilus. As you can see, our friend is a magician with words. Thank you for the wine. We are here to see Madam Eva."
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
(OOC I omit my post, and would like to retcon that I just didn't introduce myself, love what you put Kaemgen.)
Thom Everyman- Midgard One Shots
DMing- The Voyage of the Fallen Star