Bob listens to Ban's outburst and munches thoughtfully, a pile of food in front of him which he devours rather cheerfully given all the events that had unfolded thus far. "Undeath is another part o' the cycle o' life an' death, but it ain't natural... leastways, not where I come from. So I feel good about puttin' Duro's soul t' rest, as well as all the other undead we've slain so far."

"As fer helpin' ye out, I don' see how we could refuse! Once ye've opened th' cookie jar ye might as well finish th' cookies, aye?"

Gillain has been conflicted, like Ban, herself. But she nods in agreement with Bob and offers some words.

She’s not sure they’re words of comfort, but she shares the insight that she’s gleaned through her divine gifts. She speaks more to the room than to Ban or anyone directly. Or maybe even to herself, trying to tell herself what she thinks she knows for sure…

”My mentor always used to be able sense the difference between life and undeath…. She used to say I would be able too once I’d completed the trials and taken my oath… … … …Well I never started the trials, nor took an oath… I’m just a squire, but… I… can sense these things all the same…”.

She sighs heavily, “What we fought was not Duro the boy, although it looked like him… Duro had died some time ago… … What we found in the church was just his body being used and abused after death. Reanimated to be something.. else….. Nothing of Duro was left within I know this. I promise it’s true…”.

“And if we hadn’t have been there, the undead would have still rampaged on the church and killed his father… … Not being able to stop it, is not the same as causing it…”. Again she’s telling herself.

She takes another deep breath in and out, like the act of stating these truths is maybe a little like a weight off her shoulders. “And although the church may have been, and still might be, a symbol for the town. It’s land is no longer consecrated as it should be…. Worse, it had already been desecrated. And nothing we have done has worsened that”.

”If we hadn’t been there, would it have been worse?… Hmm, surely Duro would have escaped and brought ruin to the town. I’m convinced of that…. … I’m not sure it’s a victory that anyone will be celebrating with banners and flags, but… we did our best, and this place is better for it”. 

When the question of helping the family comes up, Gillain agrees without question.

But it’s also clear she’s exhausted from the days events, and is keen to rest.

She shovels in food like she’s re-stoking a furnace. Just taking on fuel. She is kind and polite, and grateful and thankful, as suits her upbringing, but she can take no real pleasure from the food at this time.

She hopes a good night sleep will set her mind at ease a little, and provide some perspective on the day.

Gimble:

“The fault lies with this Strahd creature, who corrupted the priest’s son And tricked the priest into inviting the undead into holy ground, desecrating the church,” says Gimble with conviction. 

”Indeed, we will help with your travels,” adds Gimble, agreeing with the others.

"I am glad and thank you all" remarks Ismark. "We have little in the way of sleeping arrangements. Ireena and I  plan to collect our things and sleep in this room, close to the fire tonight. We are not sure if there will be more undead that rise and assault our home but they have not broken in yet." he says the last with a half-smile. 
"You can clear away space and claim it as yours for the evening. I will go and make sure the doors and windows are secure."
With that Ismark leaves. Ireena stays for a moment then leaves as well. The party finds themselves together, guests of the late Burgermester's family. 

DM: 
You can post any interactions or questions.
I am going to post to further along with our story. 

A short time later, Ismark and Ireena return with some blankets and pillows.
"it is not much but it should provide some comfort," he tells the party.
After distributing what they have and making their own beds Ismark and Ireena lay down to sleep.
Within moments is appears both have fallen asleep and Ismark snores slightly. The speed both have fallen asleep leads those watching to believe that the day's events had taken their toll on the Burgermeister's son and his sister.

Before Ismark fell asleep there was some talk of setting a watch but Ismark reassured the party he had made arrangements for two locals he trusted to watch for them.  

Sleep comes to most of you quickly but your rest is not entirely peaceful. You each awaken on occasion to what you believe is scratching at the door or a window. The sound is not persistent so you go back to your uneasy sleep. Dreams of the dark things you have seen and even dark things you have no name for haunts your sleep. 

Bob adds his bedroll to the increasingly cluttered floor, finding himself rather snug in the midst of the others in the firelit room. He yawns hugely, resembling for a moment a shaggy blonde bear. "This might be th' most cozy I've been since we came t' this land," he says sleepily.

The comfort of sleep did not last. He dreamt of his home in the hill, but instead of a warm, homey hole it was a grave, clammy and wriggling with undead fingers like worms. Every time he began to dream of something comforting and familiar it was twisted into something haunting. Still he awakes feeling his connection with nature returned and his magic available to him once again. "So, how far's this Vallaki, then?"

One of the few times Ban is at a loss for words, all she can manage as a response is, "I...just don't like killing, but I just don't know about all this. How it feels... Just didn't sit right and empty." Without much else to say, she's relieved to get a night's rest, or what counts as one. She sets up shop near her pack, drapes her hood over her head, and goes to sleep quickly. 

Gillain puts her hand on Ban’s shoulder and in an understanding voice, she says, “I think we all feel the way you do, to one degree or another… You ‘feel’ it more than most, that’s part of your gift… …Never, ever lose that!!…. …Any one of us may need you to ‘feel’ that, for us, when we can’t see right from wrong.. and may need you to pull us back, before we fall too far, before this thing is over”.

Gillain smiles at Ban in a way that says she thinks she may be tested more than most in that respect over the coming days, and she may need Ban’s help to stay true. With her natural insight, Ban might feel that the smile also says ‘Kill me, if I turn’, but maybe she’s not entirely sure...

Shortly after, Gillain will settle into a restless sleep like the others.

She wakes up with a start, realising that the others have been up for a short while already. She gets her things and armour ready for the day. Then approaches Tio, to see if she would reset her hair like she has before.

Ismark answers Bob's question sleepily.
"I am told it is 10 leagues by the main road," he says. "I have never been there so it is not something I am familiar with." 

The party awakens.

it is morning, not that you can tell by the light of the day, more that life is moving around you. 
Ismark walks in from the other room. "I hope you rested well." he says to the group. "Well enough for the journey today I hope.". Ismark sets a small tray on the table. "It is not a proper breakfast but it will hold you and we have packed provisions for our journey." 
Ismark walks back into the other room. 
The party eats in cold silents mostly, at least no word is said from Ireena and Ismark. Once everyone is finished Ismark and Ireena return with small packs on their backs and with a sigh Ismark says "Shall we go?"

(post any comments or actions you would like to do)

The party gathers their things and with a few steps, the group gathers outside the mansion. The party stands by as Ireena moves to the group and Ismark brings up the rear. Ismark stops and takes a look a the interior of the mansion from just inside the door. He seems to hesitate a moment then turns, exits, closing and locking the door behind him. He turns to the party and with a faint smile he says "I am ready."

The air is brisk and cool with dampness still lingering from the storm of the prior day. Few birds sing and there is a heaviness that rests on your shoulders. You move only 15 yards to the gates of the Burgermeister's home when you are met with an odd sight. A crowd of 15 or so villagers has gathered at the front gate. They stare at the party and Ismark & Ireena as they move towards the gate. Ismark calls out to them, "How may I help the good people of Barovia today?" he asks. He stops just inside the gate, not opening it. 

There is a long pause as the villages stand and stare. Finally, one of them musters the courage and yells out. "We are here because Father Donavish is dead. You leave us to the wolves without a priest and run from Barovia because you lost your father. Where is your honor Ismark?" 
There is a slight murmur from the crowd. 
"You are the Burgermeister's son," calls another. "It is your duty to act as a guide for this people." 

Ismark places his hand upon the rapier he carries but does not move as he responds. "My friends," he starts. "I am saddened just as you with the passing of Father Donavich. His death takes a great toll upon my soul along with the death of his friend, my father. I understand my duty to the people of Barovia but, My duty to my father and the oath he made me take as he died plays a much larger role on me." he tells them.

The is another murmur from the crowd as they talk in low voices amongst themselves. 
"You side with those who murdered our priest." Comes a call from the middle of the group.
"And his son." calls another. 

DM: 
Going to pause so the party may react if they wish. 

The eladrin smiles brightly. With a warm confidence, Ban places a light hand on Gillian's. "You can count on me. We'll stick together and make it out of here in one piece." She looks at her newfound companions and blooming friendships and is filled with happiness for what she has since gained during this short time in Barovia. "While it hasn't been long, I feel like we will get on well."

As Ban meditates for that first half of the night, for what makes up her sleep, her extremities twitch every so often as if in a puppy dream. The latter half of the night, she practices lockpicking on a series of locks from her kit. Moving through each in turn, pushing the solution by doing them with tasks such with eyes closed, time trials, and with different picks. Growing bored before long, she examines the shine of her new daggers and the green arrow that takes her back to memories of home. 

At breakfast, Ban eats heartily with her usual gusto and carefree manner. Once everyone is ready, she shoulders her pack and flips up her hood. With a bright smile, she's ready for another day and another adventure. Coming to the gate and hearing the townsfolk, Ban pulls her hood farther down and does her best to be inconspicuous and non-threatening. 

Gimble:

Having assembled with the others, Gimble is shocked at this accusation.  He responds, “How dare you accuse Ismark of siding with Strahd and his undead minions?  The arrow that killed Father Donavich came from one of the undead archers attacking the church, and poor Duro was killed at the hands of Strahd as well, transformed into a vampire!”

Gimble speaks up and the crowd looks to one another then to the ground. It takes only a moment for them to regain their collective strength and another speaks up:

"Strahd's will affects us all. The Baron leaves us alone if we leave him alone."

It takes little insight for everyone present to realize the speaker is acting on emotion rather than fact. Ismark speaks up again.
"I know each of you loved my father. I ask you to let me honor his last wishes."  
The crowd murmurs again and eventually one man in the front speaks up: "We will honor your father's wish but, you must return as soon as you can or someone will take your place and claim your father's home." 

Ismark remains stoic as he responds to this statement. "If it is the will of the freemen of Barovia, I will abide by it." 

The men of Barovia nod and parts allowing Ismark to open the gate. Ismark steps through and motions everyone to follow.  The men part and allow Ireena and the party to pass through. Hard eyes follow each of you as you pass. 

As you make your way north to the center of town the crowd keeps its distance but follows you. You make your way to the center of town then turn west, following the main road out of town. 

Standing outside of the Blood of the Vine are 3 human men. They are dressed in gold, blue, and red and each has black hair. They watch you as you pass but say nothing. 

Within a few short minutes, you find yourselves at the west gate of Barovia. The gate is open and only 1 man stands guard. He is an older man dressed in leather armor and holding a spear. He too says nothing as you pass and neither Ismark nor Ireena acknowledges him. 
You step outside the gate and as the last of you pass the guard closes and locks it. 

"Well" Ismark says. "At least they closed the door behind us." he smiles.
"Onward then, to what the fates may have in store," he exclaims and he sets out. 

DM:
Please give me a marching order and 3 perception checks along the way.

Bob remains silent. Though he felt his spirits lifting from leaving the accursed town behind and setting off on a new adventure he felt the somber mood simmering around the villagers they passed by. He didn't want to seem too pleased to leave them behind, deigning instead to leave a sprig of mistletoe behind them as they go, a sign of nature's healing grace.

Not wanting to be left behind Bob walks at the front of the group, making sure everyone had to move at his squat-legged pace. "If need be I can always scout ahead! Well, as an animal, p'raps, I'm much quicker that way."

Gimble:

Taking his place in the middle of the group, Gimble says, "I suppose it was too much to hope for a little gratitude from the populace for keeping the savage vampire spawn from rampaging through their homes."

Perception:  14

After the battle at the Church Tio remained silent for the rest of that day. She took to observing the situation and the responses of her companions. As dinner is brought out Bob again notices Tio doesn’t eat. She gives her portion to Bob and sits in a corner. Unlike the rest Tio doesn’t pull out a bed roll she just sits in her meditation stance. She contemplates on the words of her group, their actions and what it means to be a living beings. What is death and how do the two, living and death balance each out and that what does it mean to be of undeath? During the night Tio can be heard walking around quietly, odd thing is she’s tidying up the house. Various cleaning and dusting as she keeps watch over the sleeping group. 

That morning Tio again remains silent, fixing Gillain’s hair as requested and give Bob her portion of the breakfast. She stays close to the back and as she she’s the mob of people question Ismark. She can’t fathom how useless they all are, spineless men not able to fend for themselves while their leader attends to personal matters. As the group finally departs Tio keeps to the back of the group keeping an eye on the siblings and the party’s surroundings.

Perception: 9

Bob laughs at Gimble's comment, but in such a morose land the sound seemed to die quickly. "When ye've done somethin' righ', no one will ever know ye did anythin' at all. Can't tell ye how many harvests I helped bloom over th' years in the village near me hill but they always thanked their gods instead o' me!"

With humor dying as surely as everything seemed to in Barovia Bob instead turns his attention toward the path ahead.

Perception: 12

The party leaves the village gates. The road, made of cobblestones, makes its way to the southwest. You travel 1/2 a mile and come to a river with a stone bridge that crosses it. 
Ismark mentions this is the River Ivlis. "The river is 50 ft. wide and runs from the west to the east," he tells you. "It is sum 50 ft. wide with the depths between 5 to 10 ft."

As you cross the bridge you look over the side to see the clearest cleanest water passing under you. The water is clear as a clear blue winter sky and the sound of a large fish jumping out and back into the water from somewhere beneath the bridge. 

You reach the middle of the bridge, Gimble catches the whiff of someone smoking pipe weed and faint laughter coming from near the edge of the bridge. 
Ismark looks around and grasps his rapier handle as he does. 

As the party moves to the other side of the bridge, from the surrounding underbrush steps out 6 men. Each man is wearing simple clothing with a scarf covering the lower part of their face. 3 men are holding Handaxe, 2 are holding a Greatclub and the last is holding a dagger.
One of the men holding a Great Club speaks up.
"Young Lord, I hope all is well with you and your companions today." His voice is deep and clear. "I and my men are looking for contributions from those that cross OUR bridge. What does the Buergermeister's son have to offer us?" 

Gimble:

”Your lives, if you are but wise enough to leave us be, ruffians,” replies Gimble, in no mood to bandy words with highwaymen.  Fire dances across his fingertips and he looks up to Ismark, asking, “Unless you think we should make an example of them?”

Help with Intimidation from Ismark, should he wish to speak for himself.

Keeping to the front of the group, Ban enjoys the scenery and clear water while chatting with whomever humours her. Jauntily moving along, she stops short as the men engage the group. To Ismark, she playfully inquires, "Friends of yours?"

To the thugs, the eladrin states, "I have some coin if you'd like. It's just money, after all, and surely we all have better things to do today. Why not entertain a lady or two? What could be better than enjoying a nice day with some beauties, taking in the view, and perhaps even more." With a trademark bright, flashy, smile and a quick tuck of he hair, she winks demurely.