Tahnis shakes his head. "I was for a moment, but I think things have smoothed over a little bit. If the Vistani wanted to kill us, they would have in our sleep. We should make our preparations to get ready for our trip."
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I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
I would say that Gadhan takes a break from working to be part of the conversation. "They kind of seem like my kind of people." Gadhan looks to Minerva, "I am looking forward to traveling with them. Truthfully this is the longest I've staid in one spot for a long time. I'm ready to stretch my legs a bit, and you all seem like a good group of people. NowThe Dutchess gave us 500 gold, that was meant to be split 5 ways, what are we doing with the dumb orc's 100?"
“I suppose if we want to get a move on we should help out our new friends and packing up.” Gekks gives a small smile before going to help out the Vistani in packing up (ready to move forward whenever)
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Bardic Inspiration is just someone believing in you, and I believe in you
You all begin to help the Vistani finalize their preparations for the road, it doesn't take very however. As mostly the party helps just barely as the Vistani work like a well oiled machine to get back onto the trails of Faerun. Finally ready to leave they set out south along the Trade Way, atop their wagons and carts. The Vistani are sure to keep themselves busy as they travel, the festivities and merriment seen during your first meeting not being an exception. The roads are calm as they've ever been, the rolling grassy hills and orange tinted sunsets serving as a peaceful backdrop to this journey home for some and journey to somewhere completely new for others. Several days pass as you all travel along with the Vistani, the party free to spend their time however they see fit during this long trek.
Ratka and Damia spend a lot of time with the rest of the Vistani, the bond shared between them all being very easy to see, with all the younger members occasionally taking part in a game where they kick a ball made of some animal skin around a grassy field. Stanimir sits in the head wagon, serving as the driver of the horses and leading the Vistani towards their destination. He very much take parts in the merriment of his people but seems focused on not getting too distracted from their goal of returning to their homeland. Adaine, in turn, you all learn serves as the group's resident cook and can actually be seen throughout much of the trip with her face buried in a book of different Faerun recipes according to region.
(All have some time to RP w one another, or talk to NPC. If you all would prefer to just move it along I can do that as well).
Tahnis nods as he begins to write notes about the Vistani and Stanimir, their traveling arrangements and even Adaine cooking from a Faerunian cookbook. He glances at his other companions before his thoughts turn to home for a moment. "I wonder what this evil is that Stanimir wants us to face."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Gadhan spends the trip talking with Minerva, and the rest of his party. He tells them about his upbringing in a large city, being moved from temple to temple, and this giving him knowlage if a lot of different gods.
He also spends time playing the game with the children, always joining a losing side. Any time the kids start to fight with one another while playing he would pick the two kids up, palming their heads and talk to them eye to eye. The first time it happens the kids would be scared, towards the end of travel the kids would almost plan to fight just for the fun of being picked up. The last few days of travel Gadhan would be carrying 2 or 3 kids.
"I have been praying to Olidammara, but he does not always answer. But for something to push a whole tribe away from a friend, it must be something awfully bad."
Tahnis is also at some point going to help Adaine and pick her mind regarding Vistani recipes and traditions. If she questions him or says something like "A man who is interested in cooking, that's weird," he will say that his father and mother taught him how to cook and apprehend criminals among other things.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Shayne McGowan will occupy his time talking to everyone and anyone in order to collect stories and anecdotes and just the rare new turn of a phrase or such. When there is song and music he will join in if he knows it and pay close attention to learn it if he doesn't. He'll use his charm and charisma to be on everyone's good side, but not overuse it so as not to be "that guy."
Cure wounds and healing word are dealt out to any who need it without their asking, the bard does his best to keep everyone in good spirits and a sound body is essential to that.
Shayne will try to determine if any of the Vistani are talented tailors... If so he would try to convince them (through coin or sweet talk) to make some adjustments on the vest and cloak he wears. Essentially his is looking to have a series of discreet but handy pockets and such sewn into their linings. He's not looking for magic done here, not expecting anything that would go unnoticed in a thorough inspection or pat down, just subtle enough so he can hide various coins and knickknacks and small items without it being noticeable or bulky or such. ((As he has a bit of a touch of a pickpocket to him, he'll need places to pocket what he picks up...))
If we pass by or through a town there's also a few items he'd look into acquiring. Mundane items that anything larger than a village should have but nothing he needs enough to bother going out of his way to get: 2 sets of identical dice, 2 sets of identical playing cards, several daggers well balanced for throwing (number depending on price), a bunch of small glass bottles and/or vials and a bodhran (small handheld drum). If we pass any place likely to have such he will attempt to inquire, if not then no worries, he shall just keep his eye out...
But mainly, Shayne just enjoys the travels, the stories and the music...
Throughout the journey Tahnis sought out Adaine, seeking to pick her brain and learn a little bit more about her people. She tells him that the Vistani are wanderers who live outside civilization, traveling about in horse-drawn, barrel-topped wagons called vardos, which they build themselves. Yet they are also are silversmiths, coppersmiths, haberdashers, cooks, weavers, musicians, entertainers, storytellers, toolmakers, and horse traders. She says this with a spark in her eye and pride in her voice. She then talks of how Vistani families and clans are closely knit. Of how they often resolve disagreements through contests that end with reconciliatory singing, dancing, and storytelling. She follows this with a laugh, saying that Stanimir in particular is a great dancer. She will then ask Tahnis of his parents, and of his own life before meeting her. After some time, a couple days of you both bonding as you discuss recipes and traditions, she brings up a particular piece of information about the Vistani that stands out to Tahnis. She tells him of how some Vistani women are blessed with prescience. Of all the great Vistani fortune-tellers, none compares to Madam Eva. If knowledge of the future is what you seek, Madam Eva will tell you your fate. She has a look of admiration as she tells him of this prescient fortune teller. She is always shy in both of your interactions, often blushing and hiding her face whenever possible. (Roll general Charisma check Tahnis as you begin to spend more time with Adaine, with advantage.)
Gadhan:
You spend time with Minerva as the Vistani wagons travel further along the Trade Way. Whenever together she is very physically affectionate and will focus all of her attention onto the Goliath when Gadhan begins telling her of his past life. She has a soft smile the entire time, listening carefully to every detail, occasionally stopping him to ask very light hearted questions. About if the food was different at each temple, or if he truly enjoyed learning of all these Gods. She questions him a bit and asks him with a loving smile on his face, her dainty hands grabbing his own large and very calloused hands. “Why the interest in the Gods above my warrior? Why not learn of art instead! You’d make a wonderful artist my love!” She teases him with a melodic laugh and bright white smile.
She will spend as much time with Gadhan as he’d allow, often looking on with a smile as he plays with the younglings in the fields. You learn Gadhan, not from Minerva himself but from other Vistani, that she is often a very chaotic individual. They tell him of how she would be incredibly depressed one day and filled with life another, her mood swings being wildly known by the Vistani. Yet Gadhan himself has not experienced that yet during the time that he’s known the raven-haired beauty, as short as it has been.
It does stand out to you however that since the first night Minerva has not wanted to have sex again, often asking Gadhan if he will just hold her through the night. If he obliges the Goliath will notice that the Vistani woman trembles with terror as she sleeps, obviously plagued by nightmares throughout the night. She will attempt to change the subject if ever asked about them, telling Gadhan it’s nothing to worry about and that she’s had them since she was a young girl.
Shayne:
Shayne finds himself settling in comfortably as he joins in the general merriment of the Vistani clan. Many of them immediately warm up to him once noticing his genuine interest in their culture. Shayne would notice that the music they play comes from all over Faerun, and even some lands unfamiliar to Shayne himself. He hears a couple of songs that tell the tale of a land called Tal’Dorei, and of the overthrow of a tyrant king by the common people. Other than that specific Shayne does hear many new stories and songs to add to his repertoire.
In particular they tell Shayne of the fabled prince from Stanimir’s story, of his name. Strahd. Strahd von Zarovich. They tell Shayne of how Strahd has conquered their homeland centuries ago and named it after his father, King Barov. That he still rules to this day because Strahd comes from a royal bloodline. That despite dying centuries ago he still endures as one of the undead, feasting on the blood of the living. They all have a quite haunted look in their eyes as they share that the commoners of Barovia, their home, refer to him as “the devil Strahd.” They will then attempt to change the subject to more light hearted material, telling him a fable of a hare and tortoise.
Shayne does find a particular skilled Vistana willing to help, after asking around he is directed to a young 12 year old boy who seems to be getting as drunk as the rest of the clan. He has large ears and bright green eyes. He introduces himself as Goldfinger, and gives Shayne a knowing wink once given your request for adjustments that make pickpocketing easier. The young boy however offers to do it for you for no cost if only you can tell him a good story.
You would pass through a town where you can purchase those items. (I’m not completely sure of the total cost of what you are buying, we can settle it in PM but just assume everything is standard price. Though you would not find glass bottles, vials, or the bodhran. They would be a tad more difficult to come across as you do not pass any large town and glasswork, or an instrument, like that is very particular. )
Shayne listens to any and all stories and songs, making mental notes of themes and names and notes and rhythms and such. He pays particular attention to mentions of this Tal'Dorei for everyone loves a story of far off lands and the downfall of the powerful.
He listens with rapt attention and interest to the tellings of Strahd and this land of Barovia, but in the back of his mind he assumes most of it is hogwash. It is very common for the oppressed to smear the powerful leaders with claims of fantastical powers and craven desires so them claiming this Strahd a vampire is likely just that. Oh sure, vampires may exist, Shayne has heard plenty of stories claiming such. But until he meets one face to face he's going to be a bit skeptical that anyone else has either.
Much praise is heaped upon the skills of the pre-teen Vistani with the nimble fingers and cunning eye. Shayne McGowan will compose a quick little, slightly racy, limerick about the boy and his skillful fingers and impressive needle - Something amusing and just suggestive enough that a boy of that age would think it was naughty and thus a bit extra awesome because of it. But in real payment for his tailoring, Shayne will weave him a story about an evil Duke Auric who had a scheme to plunder his king's gold vaults and throwing the whole Kingdom into chaos and ruin. Luckily the hero, who is described much like a grown up Goldfinger is likely to turn out, overcomes an array of wild adversaries (one who uses a hat as a weapon, and another who tries to seduce our hero!) to stop the plot and save the kingdom! ((Performance 26))
And remaining time and quiet moments for Shayne McGowan would be spent practicing his skills of sleight of hand (making sure he could quickly and deftly put items into or out of his vest of many pockets), attempting to properly mark one set of cards, and subtly adjusting one set of dice to alter their probabilities... And making sure those work well as well. Otherwise he'll spend time petting Fammy and continuing on enjoying the journey.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Tahnis CHA - 19
Tahnis will tell Adaine about his childhood growing up. He explains that his mother Elenya grew up in Faerun in the elven city of Evereska, the daughter of a Tomb Guardian. She was a bard and an officer who met his father Johnathon, an Archdruid of Krynn and a member of the Steel Legionnaires who was in Faerun on an excursion. The two moved back to Krynn, became married and a baby boy, who they named after a famed Hero of the Lance. After Tahnis was born, his mother became a Sheriff's deputy for the town of Solace - the townsfolk calling her "The Singing Deputy." She would teach him investigation techniques, memory games - like how many people in a room wore hats. Most importantly, she taught him the value of helping others. His father taught him to appreciate nature, the value of life, and also helping others. His parents rarely quarreled, except when it came to Elenya not discussing her homeworld.
Tahnis notes that he and his family explored most of Krynn - without getting into too much trouble. When Tahnis came of age, they gave him a book of places to visit in Faerun, something he shows Adaine. Inside the book are different places, like Waterdeep, Cormyr, Baldur's Gate. There are also notes like Johnathon's suggestion of taverns and Elenya's note of "DO NOT VISIT HELLGATE KEEP, or UNDERMOUNTAIN." He adds that he has met some of his mother's family, mainly her brother who is a wizard of Evereska, and his grandfather, who is a tomb guardian that survived the attacks on Evereska.
Tahnis reminds himself to keep calm around Adaine when she's shy. He remembers a time when his father was talking to him about women and encouraged him to not rush things. Still, he will occasionally try to put an arm around her or brush a hair from her eye.
When he gets a chance, Tahnis will take notes when he is by himself. When Tahnis hears about Vistani women being blessed with prescience and the bits about Madam Eva, he takes an interest in the latter," This Madam Eva seems powerful and special. How do you know her? Is she a Vistani legend? Have you met her?"
Throughout your tale of this mysterious but ever noble hero, Goldfinger looks completely enveloped in the tale being spun by the bard. After you are finished he looks to the human with admiration, and let’s you know that it was totally, completely, and absolutely one of the best tales he’s ever heard! He claps and laughs with a genuine smile and tells Shayne that he will be hard at work preparing what he requested. After about a day of travel and the occasional stop to camp, Shayne returns to Goldfinger after being told that he was finished with your order. Upon arrival he is given his custom vest and cloak, but Goldfinger stops you before you can leave, rushing to the back in excitement. He returns after digging through a particular wagon with a pair of moccasins that can be worn both inside and out, looking insulated warmly with furs. They look to be made of a tough but comfortable material, and the occasional miss matching stitches or scratch along the side showing some experience. He hands them to you and says that they will probably be more helpful to Shayne in his journey than with the young Vistana. Goldfinger insists Shayne take them, as he tells explains to you that your story yesterday was worth more than a couple of pockets and that he’s glad to give them.
Other than this, Shayne would have plenty of time of his own to practice his skills and prepare some items.
(When wearing the moccasins, you can add your proficiency bonus to stealth checks along with your normal skill check bonus)
Tahnis:
Adaine listens intently to Tahnis as he tells her a bit about his life before meeting her and embarking on this trip. She appears genuinely interested as you go into detail of the story of your parents, she swoons a bit and says “I wonder what force is responsible for bringing people together like that! Imagine meeting someone and having no idea that this person is gonna end up being the most important person of your life!” She seems to get a dreamy look in her eye but quickly catches herself, coughing and laughing awkwardly as she tries to change the subject. She listens on as Tahnis continues noting the lands traveled by his family, and will occasionally comment on the different locations. About how she had been amazed at the amount of supplies that ran through Waterdeep and how she’d almost had her pocket picked while there until Ratka caught the thief. Then leading to Ratka swiftly giving the offending young boy a kick on the ass before sending him off with 5 gold to feed himself and a warning about stealing. She appears slightly confused once Tahnis talks of tomb guardians, but will ask friendly questions about his mother’s side of the family. About how he feels about them and what he thinks of them so far.
Adaine allows Tahnis to occasionally brush some hair away from her face, or put his arm around her. You’d notice that she gets extremely red when this happens and can’t help but avert her eyes as she smiles down to the ground. And since Tahnis is quite proficient in his ability to passively draw insight of individuals or situations, he’d also notice that she always keeps physically away from you whenever Ratka is within eyesight of you both. Still willing to talk but not wanting Tahnis to be physically affectionate when near the male twin, she never specifically gives you a reason why. And it wasn’t her that told you it was because of Ratka, Tahnis had deduced that on his own.
After you ask about Madam Eva Tahnis, Adaine once again gets that look of true admiration in her eyes. In her excitement she doesn’t seem notice as she grabs your hands, and in almost one energetic breathe say, “Madam Eva isn’t a myth! She’s actually the oldest living Vistana seer among our people, and is considered the leader of all of the Vistani who have settled Barovia! She’s who will be able to tell you guys how you can help us, she’ll help guide you!” Her shyness seems to have evaporated at the moment as she seems too distracted telling you of this prescient elder Vistana. “I’ve seen her only a couple of times sadly, when Stanimir suggests we return home. We’re usually on the road since Stanimir doesn’t like leaving the trails for too long, he really does love to wander!” Her face getting closer to your own as she gets lost in what Tahnis would assume to be a good memory from the look in her eyes and smile on her face. She then notices your proximity to one another, and quickly backs away with a blush, brushing her hair behind her ears as she fidgets with a beaded bracelet on her wrist of all sorts of bright colors. You both currently sit on the back of one of the wagons as she looks aimlessly at the clouds, obviously a bit embarrassed but waiting for Tahnis to reply.
Tahnis nods making sure he is keeping his distance away from her. "Stanimir sounds like a kender," he says outloud, not realizing Adaine was standing there. "Kender are good people, but they have a wanderlust and like to travel a lot. I'd like to meet Madam Eva for myself."
During this time, Tahnis will check on SB, Gekks, Gadhan and Shayne and tell them about Madam Eva and how she will help guide them.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Gadhan would have Minerva pray with him to Olidammara to try and help her with her dreams. Gadhan would also cast protection from good and evil (I would try each type on different days trying to see if anything will snap her out of it.) He would also try casting Heroism on her before going to bed.
Silent Blade spends most of the trip simply observing, watching the dynamics between these people always a bit on the outside, and rarely interacting or speaking.
Gekks would like to find SB at some point and ask "You doing okay little bird? You got hit pretty hard last night."
As Gekks finishes speaking he notices a dagger appear in her hand. "Little bird?" his voice is echoed back at him, and the annoyance is quite clear on her face.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Trumann Bloth | Loxodon Grave Cleric | War of the Green
Prosinet Fizzlepurtet | Gnome Wizard | The Wilcox Experiment
Shayne McGowan will bow solemnly to Goldfinger while holding the moccasins to his heart. "I am honored, my young friend. Such a gift... it truly touches my heart. You are a real friend. As such, if there is anything you ever need that I can do or provide... You get word to me and it is yours."
Later Shayne, while talking with Tahnis, will share what he has learned of Strahd von Zarovich. He will explain that the Vistani seem to believe that he is a vampire who has been ruling the land for centuries. He'll relay the details as fact, refraining from spicing them up or making the narrative more enthralling or entertaining. "Vampires and seers and slippers, oh my!" Shayne will share that at first he considered what he had heard nothing more than legend, myth... People have a tendency to exaggerate and imbue greatness or vileness upon those in power. Yet such things do exist. It is known. Perhaps we have found ourselves into something darker than we intended.
IF Gadhan shares information about Minerva with Shayne then he will of course offer his assistance in any way he can. His curing skills seem unlikely to help as there seems no physical malady to be helped in such a way but Shayne could put her into a magical Sleep and see if that can prevent the dreams for at least a night... Or even each night while they still travel together. He would also offer to help Identify what may be afflicting the young woman. Of course if Gadhan doesn't share her trouble with Shayne then he would know nothing of it and just go about his merry business...
Tahnis shakes his head. "I was for a moment, but I think things have smoothed over a little bit. If the Vistani wanted to kill us, they would have in our sleep. We should make our preparations to get ready for our trip."
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
I would say that Gadhan takes a break from working to be part of the conversation. "They kind of seem like my kind of people." Gadhan looks to Minerva, "I am looking forward to traveling with them. Truthfully this is the longest I've staid in one spot for a long time. I'm ready to stretch my legs a bit, and you all seem like a good group of people. NowThe Dutchess gave us 500 gold, that was meant to be split 5 ways, what are we doing with the dumb orc's 100?"
Thom Everyman- Midgard One Shots
DMing- The Voyage of the Fallen Star
Silent Blade quickly finished her broth and simply watches the process of packing up the camp
Trumann Bloth | Loxodon Grave Cleric | War of the Green
Prosinet Fizzlepurtet | Gnome Wizard | The Wilcox Experiment
“25 each works just fine to me.” Gekks says to Gadhan
Bardic Inspiration is just someone believing in you, and I believe in you
Tahnis nods. "25 each is fine.
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
“I suppose if we want to get a move on we should help out our new friends and packing up.” Gekks gives a small smile before going to help out the Vistani in packing up (ready to move forward whenever)
Bardic Inspiration is just someone believing in you, and I believe in you
You all begin to help the Vistani finalize their preparations for the road, it doesn't take very however. As mostly the party helps just barely as the Vistani work like a well oiled machine to get back onto the trails of Faerun. Finally ready to leave they set out south along the Trade Way, atop their wagons and carts. The Vistani are sure to keep themselves busy as they travel, the festivities and merriment seen during your first meeting not being an exception. The roads are calm as they've ever been, the rolling grassy hills and orange tinted sunsets serving as a peaceful backdrop to this journey home for some and journey to somewhere completely new for others. Several days pass as you all travel along with the Vistani, the party free to spend their time however they see fit during this long trek.
Ratka and Damia spend a lot of time with the rest of the Vistani, the bond shared between them all being very easy to see, with all the younger members occasionally taking part in a game where they kick a ball made of some animal skin around a grassy field. Stanimir sits in the head wagon, serving as the driver of the horses and leading the Vistani towards their destination. He very much take parts in the merriment of his people but seems focused on not getting too distracted from their goal of returning to their homeland. Adaine, in turn, you all learn serves as the group's resident cook and can actually be seen throughout much of the trip with her face buried in a book of different Faerun recipes according to region.
(All have some time to RP w one another, or talk to NPC. If you all would prefer to just move it along I can do that as well).
Tahnis nods as he begins to write notes about the Vistani and Stanimir, their traveling arrangements and even Adaine cooking from a Faerunian cookbook. He glances at his other companions before his thoughts turn to home for a moment. "I wonder what this evil is that Stanimir wants us to face."
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Gadhan spends the trip talking with Minerva, and the rest of his party. He tells them about his upbringing in a large city, being moved from temple to temple, and this giving him knowlage if a lot of different gods.
He also spends time playing the game with the children, always joining a losing side. Any time the kids start to fight with one another while playing he would pick the two kids up, palming their heads and talk to them eye to eye. The first time it happens the kids would be scared, towards the end of travel the kids would almost plan to fight just for the fun of being picked up. The last few days of travel Gadhan would be carrying 2 or 3 kids.
"I have been praying to Olidammara, but he does not always answer. But for something to push a whole tribe away from a friend, it must be something awfully bad."
Thom Everyman- Midgard One Shots
DMing- The Voyage of the Fallen Star
Gekks would like to find SB at some point and ask "You doing okay little bird? You got hit pretty hard last night."
Bardic Inspiration is just someone believing in you, and I believe in you
Tahnis is also at some point going to help Adaine and pick her mind regarding Vistani recipes and traditions. If she questions him or says something like "A man who is interested in cooking, that's weird," he will say that his father and mother taught him how to cook and apprehend criminals among other things.
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Shayne McGowan will occupy his time talking to everyone and anyone in order to collect stories and anecdotes and just the rare new turn of a phrase or such. When there is song and music he will join in if he knows it and pay close attention to learn it if he doesn't. He'll use his charm and charisma to be on everyone's good side, but not overuse it so as not to be "that guy."
Cure wounds and healing word are dealt out to any who need it without their asking, the bard does his best to keep everyone in good spirits and a sound body is essential to that.
Shayne will try to determine if any of the Vistani are talented tailors... If so he would try to convince them (through coin or sweet talk) to make some adjustments on the vest and cloak he wears. Essentially his is looking to have a series of discreet but handy pockets and such sewn into their linings. He's not looking for magic done here, not expecting anything that would go unnoticed in a thorough inspection or pat down, just subtle enough so he can hide various coins and knickknacks and small items without it being noticeable or bulky or such. ((As he has a bit of a touch of a pickpocket to him, he'll need places to pocket what he picks up...))
If we pass by or through a town there's also a few items he'd look into acquiring. Mundane items that anything larger than a village should have but nothing he needs enough to bother going out of his way to get: 2 sets of identical dice, 2 sets of identical playing cards, several daggers well balanced for throwing (number depending on price), a bunch of small glass bottles and/or vials and a bodhran (small handheld drum). If we pass any place likely to have such he will attempt to inquire, if not then no worries, he shall just keep his eye out...
But mainly, Shayne just enjoys the travels, the stories and the music...
Tahnis:
Throughout the journey Tahnis sought out Adaine, seeking to pick her brain and learn a little bit more about her people. She tells him that the Vistani are wanderers who live outside civilization, traveling about in horse-drawn, barrel-topped wagons called vardos, which they build themselves. Yet they are also are silversmiths, coppersmiths, haberdashers, cooks, weavers, musicians, entertainers, storytellers, toolmakers, and horse traders. She says this with a spark in her eye and pride in her voice. She then talks of how Vistani families and clans are closely knit. Of how they often resolve disagreements through contests that end with reconciliatory singing, dancing, and storytelling. She follows this with a laugh, saying that Stanimir in particular is a great dancer. She will then ask Tahnis of his parents, and of his own life before meeting her.
After some time, a couple days of you both bonding as you discuss recipes and traditions, she brings up a particular piece of information about the Vistani that stands out to Tahnis. She tells him of how some Vistani women are blessed with prescience. Of all the great Vistani fortune-tellers, none compares to Madam Eva. If knowledge of the future is what you seek, Madam Eva will tell you your fate. She has a look of admiration as she tells him of this prescient fortune teller. She is always shy in both of your interactions, often blushing and hiding her face whenever possible.
(Roll general Charisma check Tahnis as you begin to spend more time with Adaine, with advantage.)
Gadhan:
You spend time with Minerva as the Vistani wagons travel further along the Trade Way. Whenever together she is very physically affectionate and will focus all of her attention onto the Goliath when Gadhan begins telling her of his past life. She has a soft smile the entire time, listening carefully to every detail, occasionally stopping him to ask very light hearted questions. About if the food was different at each temple, or if he truly enjoyed learning of all these Gods. She questions him a bit and asks him with a loving smile on his face, her dainty hands grabbing his own large and very calloused hands. “Why the interest in the Gods above my warrior? Why not learn of art instead! You’d make a wonderful artist my love!” She teases him with a melodic laugh and bright white smile.
She will spend as much time with Gadhan as he’d allow, often looking on with a smile as he plays with the younglings in the fields. You learn Gadhan, not from Minerva himself but from other Vistani, that she is often a very chaotic individual. They tell him of how she would be incredibly depressed one day and filled with life another, her mood swings being wildly known by the Vistani. Yet Gadhan himself has not experienced that yet during the time that he’s known the raven-haired beauty, as short as it has been.
It does stand out to you however that since the first night Minerva has not wanted to have sex again, often asking Gadhan if he will just hold her through the night. If he obliges the Goliath will notice that the Vistani woman trembles with terror as she sleeps, obviously plagued by nightmares throughout the night. She will attempt to change the subject if ever asked about them, telling Gadhan it’s nothing to worry about and that she’s had them since she was a young girl.
Shayne:
Shayne finds himself settling in comfortably as he joins in the general merriment of the Vistani clan. Many of them immediately warm up to him once noticing his genuine interest in their culture. Shayne would notice that the music they play comes from all over Faerun, and even some lands unfamiliar to Shayne himself. He hears a couple of songs that tell the tale of a land called Tal’Dorei, and of the overthrow of a tyrant king by the common people. Other than that specific Shayne does hear many new stories and songs to add to his repertoire.
In particular they tell Shayne of the fabled prince from Stanimir’s story, of his name. Strahd. Strahd von Zarovich. They tell Shayne of how Strahd has conquered their homeland centuries ago and named it after his father, King Barov. That he still rules to this day because Strahd comes from a royal bloodline. That despite dying centuries ago he still endures as one of the undead, feasting on the blood of the living. They all have a quite haunted look in their eyes as they share that the commoners of Barovia, their home, refer to him as “the devil Strahd.” They will then attempt to change the subject to more light hearted material, telling him a fable of a hare and tortoise.
Shayne does find a particular skilled Vistana willing to help, after asking around he is directed to a young 12 year old boy who seems to be getting as drunk as the rest of the clan. He has large ears and bright green eyes. He introduces himself as Goldfinger, and gives Shayne a knowing wink once given your request for adjustments that make pickpocketing easier. The young boy however offers to do it for you for no cost if only you can tell him a good story.
You would pass through a town where you can purchase those items. (I’m not completely sure of the total cost of what you are buying, we can settle it in PM but just assume everything is standard price. Though you would not find glass bottles, vials, or the bodhran. They would be a tad more difficult to come across as you do not pass any large town and glasswork, or an instrument, like that is very particular. )
Shayne listens to any and all stories and songs, making mental notes of themes and names and notes and rhythms and such. He pays particular attention to mentions of this Tal'Dorei for everyone loves a story of far off lands and the downfall of the powerful.
He listens with rapt attention and interest to the tellings of Strahd and this land of Barovia, but in the back of his mind he assumes most of it is hogwash. It is very common for the oppressed to smear the powerful leaders with claims of fantastical powers and craven desires so them claiming this Strahd a vampire is likely just that. Oh sure, vampires may exist, Shayne has heard plenty of stories claiming such. But until he meets one face to face he's going to be a bit skeptical that anyone else has either.
Much praise is heaped upon the skills of the pre-teen Vistani with the nimble fingers and cunning eye. Shayne McGowan will compose a quick little, slightly racy, limerick about the boy and his skillful fingers and impressive needle - Something amusing and just suggestive enough that a boy of that age would think it was naughty and thus a bit extra awesome because of it. But in real payment for his tailoring, Shayne will weave him a story about an evil Duke Auric who had a scheme to plunder his king's gold vaults and throwing the whole Kingdom into chaos and ruin. Luckily the hero, who is described much like a grown up Goldfinger is likely to turn out, overcomes an array of wild adversaries (one who uses a hat as a weapon, and another who tries to seduce our hero!) to stop the plot and save the kingdom! ((Performance 26))
And remaining time and quiet moments for Shayne McGowan would be spent practicing his skills of sleight of hand (making sure he could quickly and deftly put items into or out of his vest of many pockets), attempting to properly mark one set of cards, and subtly adjusting one set of dice to alter their probabilities... And making sure those work well as well. Otherwise he'll spend time petting Fammy and continuing on enjoying the journey.
Tahnis CHA - 19
Tahnis will tell Adaine about his childhood growing up. He explains that his mother Elenya grew up in Faerun in the elven city of Evereska, the daughter of a Tomb Guardian. She was a bard and an officer who met his father Johnathon, an Archdruid of Krynn and a member of the Steel Legionnaires who was in Faerun on an excursion. The two moved back to Krynn, became married and a baby boy, who they named after a famed Hero of the Lance. After Tahnis was born, his mother became a Sheriff's deputy for the town of Solace - the townsfolk calling her "The Singing Deputy." She would teach him investigation techniques, memory games - like how many people in a room wore hats. Most importantly, she taught him the value of helping others. His father taught him to appreciate nature, the value of life, and also helping others. His parents rarely quarreled, except when it came to Elenya not discussing her homeworld.
Tahnis notes that he and his family explored most of Krynn - without getting into too much trouble. When Tahnis came of age, they gave him a book of places to visit in Faerun, something he shows Adaine. Inside the book are different places, like Waterdeep, Cormyr, Baldur's Gate. There are also notes like Johnathon's suggestion of taverns and Elenya's note of "DO NOT VISIT HELLGATE KEEP, or UNDERMOUNTAIN." He adds that he has met some of his mother's family, mainly her brother who is a wizard of Evereska, and his grandfather, who is a tomb guardian that survived the attacks on Evereska.
Tahnis reminds himself to keep calm around Adaine when she's shy. He remembers a time when his father was talking to him about women and encouraged him to not rush things. Still, he will occasionally try to put an arm around her or brush a hair from her eye.
When he gets a chance, Tahnis will take notes when he is by himself. When Tahnis hears about Vistani women being blessed with prescience and the bits about Madam Eva, he takes an interest in the latter," This Madam Eva seems powerful and special. How do you know her? Is she a Vistani legend? Have you met her?"
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Shayne:
(Nat .20! Crazy!)
Throughout your tale of this mysterious but ever noble hero, Goldfinger looks completely enveloped in the tale being spun by the bard. After you are finished he looks to the human with admiration, and let’s you know that it was totally, completely, and absolutely one of the best tales he’s ever heard! He claps and laughs with a genuine smile and tells Shayne that he will be hard at work preparing what he requested. After about a day of travel and the occasional stop to camp, Shayne returns to Goldfinger after being told that he was finished with your order. Upon arrival he is given his custom vest and cloak, but Goldfinger stops you before you can leave, rushing to the back in excitement. He returns after digging through a particular wagon with a pair of moccasins that can be worn both inside and out, looking insulated warmly with furs. They look to be made of a tough but comfortable material, and the occasional miss matching stitches or scratch along the side showing some experience. He hands them to you and says that they will probably be more helpful to Shayne in his journey than with the young Vistana. Goldfinger insists Shayne take them, as he tells explains to you that your story yesterday was worth more than a couple of pockets and that he’s glad to give them.
Other than this, Shayne would have plenty of time of his own to practice his skills and prepare some items.
(When wearing the moccasins, you can add your proficiency bonus to stealth checks along with your normal skill check bonus)
Tahnis:
Adaine listens intently to Tahnis as he tells her a bit about his life before meeting her and embarking on this trip. She appears genuinely interested as you go into detail of the story of your parents, she swoons a bit and says “I wonder what force is responsible for bringing people together like that! Imagine meeting someone and having no idea that this person is gonna end up being the most important person of your life!” She seems to get a dreamy look in her eye but quickly catches herself, coughing and laughing awkwardly as she tries to change the subject.
She listens on as Tahnis continues noting the lands traveled by his family, and will occasionally comment on the different locations. About how she had been amazed at the amount of supplies that ran through Waterdeep and how she’d almost had her pocket picked while there until Ratka caught the thief. Then leading to Ratka swiftly giving the offending young boy a kick on the ass before sending him off with 5 gold to feed himself and a warning about stealing. She appears slightly confused once Tahnis talks of tomb guardians, but will ask friendly questions about his mother’s side of the family. About how he feels about them and what he thinks of them so far.
Adaine allows Tahnis to occasionally brush some hair away from her face, or put his arm around her. You’d notice that she gets extremely red when this happens and can’t help but avert her eyes as she smiles down to the ground. And since Tahnis is quite proficient in his ability to passively draw insight of individuals or situations, he’d also notice that she always keeps physically away from you whenever Ratka is within eyesight of you both. Still willing to talk but not wanting Tahnis to be physically affectionate when near the male twin, she never specifically gives you a reason why. And it wasn’t her that told you it was because of Ratka, Tahnis had deduced that on his own.
After you ask about Madam Eva Tahnis, Adaine once again gets that look of true admiration in her eyes. In her excitement she doesn’t seem notice as she grabs your hands, and in almost one energetic breathe say, “Madam Eva isn’t a myth! She’s actually the oldest living Vistana seer among our people, and is considered the leader of all of the Vistani who have settled Barovia! She’s who will be able to tell you guys how you can help us, she’ll help guide you!”
Her shyness seems to have evaporated at the moment as she seems too distracted telling you of this prescient elder Vistana. “I’ve seen her only a couple of times sadly, when Stanimir suggests we return home. We’re usually on the road since Stanimir doesn’t like leaving the trails for too long, he really does love to wander!” Her face getting closer to your own as she gets lost in what Tahnis would assume to be a good memory from the look in her eyes and smile on her face.
She then notices your proximity to one another, and quickly backs away with a blush, brushing her hair behind her ears as she fidgets with a beaded bracelet on her wrist of all sorts of bright colors. You both currently sit on the back of one of the wagons as she looks aimlessly at the clouds, obviously a bit embarrassed but waiting for Tahnis to reply.
Tahnis nods making sure he is keeping his distance away from her. "Stanimir sounds like a kender," he says outloud, not realizing Adaine was standing there. "Kender are good people, but they have a wanderlust and like to travel a lot. I'd like to meet Madam Eva for myself."
During this time, Tahnis will check on SB, Gekks, Gadhan and Shayne and tell them about Madam Eva and how she will help guide them.
I have an intelligence of six, I know what I'm doing.
Gadhan would have Minerva pray with him to Olidammara to try and help her with her dreams. Gadhan would also cast protection from good and evil (I would try each type on different days trying to see if anything will snap her out of it.) He would also try casting Heroism on her before going to bed.
Thom Everyman- Midgard One Shots
DMing- The Voyage of the Fallen Star
Silent Blade spends most of the trip simply observing, watching the dynamics between these people always a bit on the outside, and rarely interacting or speaking.
As Gekks finishes speaking he notices a dagger appear in her hand. "Little bird?" his voice is echoed back at him, and the annoyance is quite clear on her face.
Trumann Bloth | Loxodon Grave Cleric | War of the Green
Prosinet Fizzlepurtet | Gnome Wizard | The Wilcox Experiment
Shayne McGowan will bow solemnly to Goldfinger while holding the moccasins to his heart. "I am honored, my young friend. Such a gift... it truly touches my heart. You are a real friend. As such, if there is anything you ever need that I can do or provide... You get word to me and it is yours."
Later Shayne, while talking with Tahnis, will share what he has learned of Strahd von Zarovich. He will explain that the Vistani seem to believe that he is a vampire who has been ruling the land for centuries. He'll relay the details as fact, refraining from spicing them up or making the narrative more enthralling or entertaining. "Vampires and seers and slippers, oh my!" Shayne will share that at first he considered what he had heard nothing more than legend, myth... People have a tendency to exaggerate and imbue greatness or vileness upon those in power. Yet such things do exist. It is known. Perhaps we have found ourselves into something darker than we intended.
IF Gadhan shares information about Minerva with Shayne then he will of course offer his assistance in any way he can. His curing skills seem unlikely to help as there seems no physical malady to be helped in such a way but Shayne could put her into a magical Sleep and see if that can prevent the dreams for at least a night... Or even each night while they still travel together. He would also offer to help Identify what may be afflicting the young woman. Of course if Gadhan doesn't share her trouble with Shayne then he would know nothing of it and just go about his merry business...