The girls gently whisper back and forth to each other. Unknown to them your heightened senses pick up a number of tidbits of information which Hannah has, maybe not intentionally, withheld from you.
When asked about anyone else being sick… Nia whispers,“What about Lazlo, Hans, and Franz? They might be…”. To which Hannah simply responds, “They’ve gone now. Chose to leave us.”
When asked about the nightmares… Hannah relates the stories of the different nightmares the children have been having, Nia hisses, “What about Cedrick, that were no bad dream.” Hannah responds, “That was an accident, Ms Belasco says.” Nia meekly says, “Happen ‘bout same time as Mili got ill, s’all.”
Finally, when asked about how she got the bruises… Nia does state initially that she is unsure, but your ears pick up more,“He done it…”. Behind the hand placed over Hannah’s mouth, as she whispers a response to her friend, you see uncertainty, “We don’t know that… no proof.” Nia, however, seems adamant, “I don’t like him Han, I don’t… he scares me”. There is a pause before Hannah responds, clearly understanding her friend’s fear, “I know Nia, I know. We’ll catch him doin’ somethin’, I’m sure… then he’ll leave”.
Hannah looks like she is counting out the days in her head,“I reckon the bad dreams started a week or so ago”. Nia tugs at her sleeve and whispers something into her ear,“Maybe two weeks ago, sir”. She allows herself a brief smile, “Things we’re better before… things changed quite a bit after”.
When approaching the topic of Ms Belasco, Hannah puffs her chest out a little, “Truth be told, I don’t know for certain, but I don’t think she has any. I’m sure she would have told me otherwise, she trusts me, see?”. Nia tugs once more at Hannah’s sleeve and whispers something. Hannah’s eyes widen and she shakes her head stubbornly, “No she ain’t!”. Nia covers her mouth, stifling a giggle, before once more whispering into her friend’s ear.“That ain’t true Nia!”Hannah says, clearly dismissing whatever her friend said. Nia laughs.
Once more your keen hearing picks up;
”Two weeks Han… similar time to when they escaped and when he joined” when considering the timeframe the nightmares started.
”Ms Witch more like” in relation to Ms Belasco, followed by;
”I ‘eard she used to be married an’ all, but turned ‘er ‘usband into a frog”.
You get a sense that laughter has not been forthcoming to either girl for a while; but Nia’s laughter very much breaks through the somber mood.
It was quite interesting, if not discerning, to hear what the girls said. Three boys had left the orphanage - Escaped? Why? - but it did seem that the nightmares tied into Milivoj's theft of the bones if the timing was anything to go on. He did not like this "he" they mentioned. He would have to try and pry a bit deeper.
Then there was the issue of Ms Belasco: she did not have any nightmares. It was a bit odd. If the bones were hidden away in the orphanage, it would make sense that everyone in the building would suffer the consequences. Though Sandu did not exclude the notion that only kids could be affected by whatever malevolent force was at work here, after all kids are more impressionable, he nonetheless make a note of it. There was the remark of calling the old lady a witch but he knew from experience that was not an uncommon slur by orphans for their caretaker. Though here in Barovia he wondered how literally he had to take that statement.
Sandu laughed along with the husband-turned-to-frog remark. It felt good to hear some innocent laughter.
'Thank you, Hannah and Nia, for talking with me.'said Sandu, his hands resting on his knees. It had been a while since he had sat cross-legged and he could feel his leg starting to fall asleep. There was however one thing that weighted on his mind.
'I have only one question left I want to ask. Now this might be a difficult question so if you won't or can't answer, just say so and I will not pursue the issue nor will I tell Ms Belasco. I promised on my honour as a wizard.' He gave the girls a wink before leaning in and dropping his voice to a whisper. 'Who is this "he" you spoke of, the one who arrived two weeks ago and hurt you, Nia?' Judging from his face, Sandu at least leaned towards believing Nia's accusation.
Ioben & Valerie - "Different things normally..."Moira briefly pauses, struggling for the words,"Its almost as though they are tailor-made. Playing on each of the children's deepest fears." You notice her eyes slightly widen in fear as she speaks about the dreams. "At first no one really spoke about them, but now they feel routine - a nightly occurrence. You can tell it has affected the children's well-being... I am not sure what is causing them, but it must be something." Exasperation is clearly present in her voice.
Sandu - Nia freezes a little and then faces you, staring you straight in the eyes, "Felix,"she utters, her face pale. Hannah looks, mouth agape, at Nia - you get the sense that it is unusual that Nia would speak to an adult, especially an adult man. "Please sir, he scares me - he isn'tright," the look on the little girls face suggest a deep fright of whoever this 'Felix' is."No proof," Hannah desperately hisses at her friend, "... only coincidences." Hannah turns to you,"Please Sir, don't tell no-one. We might get in trouble." ((Please can I get an Insight check Sandu))
You sense that Hannah wants to say more on the topic but is holding herself back - potentially from the fear of reprisals, or because she does not trust the strength of the information/evidence she has on Felix to date. You understand that it would not take much prompting for her to share more with you. At this point she has undoubtedly been more receptive to a calm yet authoritative tone.
You sense that Hannah wants to say more on the topic but is holding herself back - potentially from the fear of reprisals, or because she does not trust the strength of the information/evidence she has on Felix to date. You understand that it would not take much prompting for her to share more with you. At this point she has undoubtedly been more receptive to a calm yet authoritative tone.
'Thank you for telling me.'Sandu replied to the two girls. 'It takes courage to speak out about this, especially to an outsider like me. I truly appreciate everything you've told me.'
He had sensed Hannah's hesitation. There was more that she had not yet said but he felt he was not in the position to blatantly call her out on it. Instead Sandu worked a roundabout into his speech: a more subtle yet polite way to mention it. She seemed like a smart kid: she would pick up on it, he hoped.
He patted his leg to wake it up. The familiar pins and needles travelled down from his thigh to his foot. 'I will look into this Felix. If he is somehow related to these nightmares or Milivoj's sickness, I will confront him on it.'
He shook his leg, put his foot on the floor and got up on one knee. 'Don't worry: your words are safe with me.'
Sandu stood up and dusted off his trousers. 'When I come back, perhaps we can talk some more. Or play, if that's more fun.'He gave them a smile as he bowed and scraped. 'Miss Nia, miss Hannah, it's been a pleasure.'
Dormark - Ismark nods,"I understand."He sighs heavily,"In truth I have always been a little curious of Ireena's path. But what if I do not like what I find?". He stops briefly, struggling for the words,"A link to Izek? What else? Dormark, what if she is the person the Count, Strahd, says she is?". You can tell that Ismark still has a little difficultly mentioning Strahd's name. "Do I really know her at all?"he says, lost for answers.
Sandu - The girls thank you and turn to play once more at the doll's house. You would swear their mood has improved since your chat with them, taking a weight of sorts off of their chests. Nia briefly turns from play and whispers, "Just one last thing Mr Sandu, sir. Make sure you look into what happened to Cedrick, I don't think he fell accidentally." Hannah stares at her friend in disbelief, but remains quiet.
Dormark turns and sits next to Ismark. The Warforge stays silent for s few seconds then reaches over and puts his hand on top of Ismark's. What should be a cold steel grip feels warm to Ismark's touch as Dormark says, "Of course you know her. You may not be related by blood, but you have forge a stronger bond then blood with her over the years. I will tell you a story. In the halls I was made there lives a dwarven king. He had no children by blood, just the adoptive daughter he saved. She was a human girl, but you would never seen a more proud father and loving one even if the dwarf denied it. Later on the Dwarf adopted a young barbarian who he himself struck down and then saved, The Dwarf didn't raise him when he was young, but he provided opportunities and a guidance like a father to a young and foolish man making him a great warrior."
Dormark removing his hand says, "Blood is one of many bonds you beings can share. It can be a strong bond, but it doesn't mean it is the most important. Your her brother Ismark you have spent enough time with her to know that."
"They gone long time", observes Galqarin at the conclusion of Dormark's soothing words to Ismark. He rises and moves to the church entrance to check if the rain has eased. His confidence at being in this once-too-familiar place is growing - for now.
You can tell it has affected the children's well-being... I am not sure what is causing them, but it must be something." Exasperation is clearly present in her voice.
"I would love to hear about it if you want to tell me. We have been having strange dreams too. Maybe there are some similarities between them."Ioben settles into his seat on the floor, clearly ready to stay and listen as long as is needed. He did not know if this would yield any information that would be immediately useful, but if they could learn Strahd's tactics, he was sure it would help in the long run.
Dormark - "You have the truth of it." Ismark concedes,"I shall have to accept whatever lies in Ireena's past, when the time comes. Do you thing this Izek will seek her out? If they are somehow linked."
Galqarin - "Do you believe they may have met trouble? I must admit I was a little surprised when I saw you all waiting outside the Orphanage." Ismark says,"Will you check on the others?"
Ioben - "You've been having the bad dreams too?!"Moira says, a hint of shock in her voice. She sighs deeply before continuing,"I just feel so exhausted lately. I swear if they do not stop soon half the kids here will go crazy."Her voice is flat, humourless.
"That's what we are trying to do. We know where the dreams are coming from, but we need to be careful in how we deal with them. I promise you, we are doing everything we can to get them to stop. Right now, we are trying to help Mili. We think he took something that he shouldn't and it has made him sick. If we can get the item back to where it belongs, we believe he will get better. Getting it back may also help stop the dreams."Ioben continues to try and keep his voice calm and reassuring."You have done such an awesome job helping the other children out. Could you help us try and find this item? If you could ask the other children if they know anything, you would be doing something really great for them. Just make sure they don't touch the item themselves. We don't want anyone else to be like Mili."
Ioben - Moira looks reassured at your words."I'm glad you are here to help. In terms of what the others can do to help?". She thinks a little before lowering her voice, "I would seek out Hedy and Ivah. Nothin' happens in this place without them knowing. I reckon they'll know if Mili has stashed anything anywhere." Pondering further, she adds, "The elder girls' dormitory is upstairs and to the left of the hallway window... where poor Cedric..." her voice trails off.
“If he knows she is here there is a strong possibility. It does cause us some issues. I was hoping to secure a forge and a place to stay, and that pearl. But I have not enjoyed what I heard about the mayor and his henchman. We really need to secure more funds as well. Baern I want to go after your mother, but I feel under equipped at the moment,” says Dormark.
> Galqarin - "Do you believe they may have met trouble? I must admit I was a little surprised when I saw you all waiting outside the Orphanage." Ismark says, "Will you check on the others?"
"Trouble?", Galqarin considers. With a shrug he continues, "Who knows, I check".
As he heads out into the drizzle, Galqarin catches the tail of Dormark's conversation, "I feel under equipped at the moment". On the contrary, he thinks to himself, he feels better equipped than he has ever done before and resolves not to be cowed by any of his former tormentors. With that, he strides across the road towards the orphanage. Catching himself, he quickly glances around and, spying no-one in sight, changes direction. The front door might not be the subtlest approach and, if there is one thing he truly knows well, it is how to get in and out of the orphanage undetected.
Baern & Dormark - "Of course. Baern, I apologise I've been prattling on without asking you about your mother. If there is anything I can do to help you find her..." Ismark offers. "Besides, Krezk is as far from Ravenloft as you can get in Barovia. Might be safer the further away from the castle you are. Do you know anything more as to where she might be? Or who she met in Barovia?"
Galqarin - Ismark bows his head in 'farewell' as you leave. Walking out into the rain and looking up at the looming Orphanage it strikes you as much as you had remembered - maybe a little more worn, the first floor window now boarded up. Choosing a more subtle approach you head around the side of the building towards the back entrance. Pushing yourself into the old stone walls as you go, you find the familiar wooden fence still standing proud, denoting the backyard. The fence poses no challenge as you climb over it, for it is far from the first time you have taken this route.
Squeals of laughter greet you as move to make your way towards the back of the Orphanage. Peering tentatively around the building's corner to gain a better look you see three large wash basins, the rainwater causing them to overflow. Next to the basins you see two girls in their mid-teens, drenched from head to foot, currently throwing wet, soapy-looking laundry at each other. A shrill cry emanates from one of the girls as she is caught square in the forehead by a damp sock. "Ewww! Ivah! I'm gonna get you for that, I swear!"the voice comes from a ginger-haired and now very red-faced girl. "You started Hedy and now I'm finishing"chuckles the other girl, taller with her blonde hair plastered down her face,"Anyways we best get this all sorted before the old witch catches us!".
As you look around the backyard you notice that there is laundry strewn about everywhere. None-the-less the girls proceed to start picking up the miscellaneous pieces of clothing and start throwing them back towards the basins - accompanied by the sound of the occasional SPLOOSH, or THWACK, depending on the accuracy of the throw.
Sandu - The girls thank you and turn to play once more at the doll's house. You would swear their mood has improved since your chat with them, taking a weight of sorts off of their chests. Nia briefly turns from play and whispers, "Just one last thing Mr Sandu, sir. Make sure you look into what happened to Cedrick, I don't think he fell accidentally." Hannah stares at her friend in disbelief, but remains quiet.
Sandu gave Nia a thumbs-up and added the name to the list of people he needed to look into: Milovoj, Felix, Cedrick. Miss Belasco. He added as an afterthought. There was something going on in this orphanage, as to the nature of it he could not yet tell, but it would pay to get as many pieces of the puzzle before he tried to solve it.
Mr Sandu, eh? He smiled to himself. It did not quite sound right. Probably because he had been in the shoes of the girls one too many times during similar conversations. It did endear them to him which only strengthened his resolve to aid them.
But for now it would be best to rejoin the others. Ioben and Valerie had been talking to the older girl who read to the little ones and it would be prudent to see what they had learned. If they pooled their information together, perhaps they could start making sense of the whole situation.
Baern & Dormark - "Of course. Baern, I apologise I've been prattling on without asking you about your mother. If there is anything I can do to help you find her..." Ismark offers. "Besides, Krezk is as far from Ravenloft as you can get in Barovia. Might be safer the further away from the castle you are. Do you know anything more as to where she might be? Or who she met in Barovia?"
"Well, ah, if this doesn't end up being the best place for Ireena, you could both, ah, well, you could come to Krezk. You know, since you said it is further away, and maybe further from Izek. I don't really know much more or who she was with. Do you think other people in town here would know? If Mr. Blinsky did, I suppose I could ask any other friendly people!" Baern starts bobbing his head over Ismark's shoulder, wondering if there is a priest here who may have met his mother.
Galqarin pauses, pondering the best course of action. What would Baern do, he asks himself? Would he skulk like a thief, or would he just be open and friendly? So long as the girls didn't know who he was, would they be scared of him? Surely, he figured, they'd be pretty hardened to fright after spending any time in this orphanage.
Whilst Ivah and Hedy are preoccupied with the sinks he steps out into the yard. Picking a discarded article of clothing - he is not entirely sure what it is, but he's pretty sure he's unlikely have need of such a garment - he balls it up and deftly lobs it into the sink next to the taller of the two, splashing her once more.
"You missed a thing", he announces, not quite sure how to describe the errant article of attire. "I Raven", he says theatrically, proud of the pseudonym he has just this moment awarded himself, "I once scared of witches. But not now."
He pauses after delivering this address, hoping to gauge their reaction.
"The elder girls' dormitory is upstairs and to the left of the hallway window... where poor Cedric..." her voice trails off.
"Let's head upstairs. Maybe we can spot Hedy and Ivah along the way."Ioben gets up and nudges Valerie. indicating toward the stairs with a nod of the head, then he falls in beside Moira."Can you show me where it is?"
Baern & Dormark - Ismark gravely nods his head,"I must admit that Krezk was my alternate choice for sanctuary. It is another town which openly stands in defiance of the Count and his forces. The distance from the Castle is not to be overlooked either. I think living in Barovia you got used to Castle Ravenloft looming over you - it almost felt as though he was always watching."
Ismark looks unsure when you mention others potentially knowing Diesa. "I think it could be a possibility. I do not wish to give you hope where there is none, but if Blinsky knew her... well maybe other locals would remember her. I have not seen many dwarfs in these lands, might be that she made quite the impression."
It was quite interesting, if not discerning, to hear what the girls said. Three boys had left the orphanage - Escaped? Why? - but it did seem that the nightmares tied into Milivoj's theft of the bones if the timing was anything to go on. He did not like this "he" they mentioned. He would have to try and pry a bit deeper.
Then there was the issue of Ms Belasco: she did not have any nightmares. It was a bit odd. If the bones were hidden away in the orphanage, it would make sense that everyone in the building would suffer the consequences. Though Sandu did not exclude the notion that only kids could be affected by whatever malevolent force was at work here, after all kids are more impressionable, he nonetheless make a note of it. There was the remark of calling the old lady a witch but he knew from experience that was not an uncommon slur by orphans for their caretaker. Though here in Barovia he wondered how literally he had to take that statement.
Sandu laughed along with the husband-turned-to-frog remark. It felt good to hear some innocent laughter.
'Thank you, Hannah and Nia, for talking with me.' said Sandu, his hands resting on his knees. It had been a while since he had sat cross-legged and he could feel his leg starting to fall asleep. There was however one thing that weighted on his mind.
'I have only one question left I want to ask. Now this might be a difficult question so if you won't or can't answer, just say so and I will not pursue the issue nor will I tell Ms Belasco. I promised on my honour as a wizard.' He gave the girls a wink before leaning in and dropping his voice to a whisper. 'Who is this "he" you spoke of, the one who arrived two weeks ago and hurt you, Nia?'
Judging from his face, Sandu at least leaned towards believing Nia's accusation.
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
Ioben & Valerie - "Different things normally..." Moira briefly pauses, struggling for the words, "Its almost as though they are tailor-made. Playing on each of the children's deepest fears." You notice her eyes slightly widen in fear as she speaks about the dreams. "At first no one really spoke about them, but now they feel routine - a nightly occurrence. You can tell it has affected the children's well-being... I am not sure what is causing them, but it must be something." Exasperation is clearly present in her voice.
Sandu - Nia freezes a little and then faces you, staring you straight in the eyes, "Felix," she utters, her face pale. Hannah looks, mouth agape, at Nia - you get the sense that it is unusual that Nia would speak to an adult, especially an adult man. "Please sir, he scares me - he isn't right," the look on the little girls face suggest a deep fright of whoever this 'Felix' is. "No proof," Hannah desperately hisses at her friend, "... only coincidences." Hannah turns to you, "Please Sir, don't tell no-one. We might get in trouble." ((Please can I get an Insight check Sandu))
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Sandu raised his hand and laid a single finger on his lips. 'Not a word.' He assured them with a wink.
Insight check: 10
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
Sandu's Insight check:
You sense that Hannah wants to say more on the topic but is holding herself back - potentially from the fear of reprisals, or because she does not trust the strength of the information/evidence she has on Felix to date. You understand that it would not take much prompting for her to share more with you. At this point she has undoubtedly been more receptive to a calm yet authoritative tone.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
'Thank you for telling me.' Sandu replied to the two girls. 'It takes courage to speak out about this, especially to an outsider like me. I truly appreciate everything you've told me.'
He had sensed Hannah's hesitation. There was more that she had not yet said but he felt he was not in the position to blatantly call her out on it. Instead Sandu worked a roundabout into his speech: a more subtle yet polite way to mention it. She seemed like a smart kid: she would pick up on it, he hoped.
He patted his leg to wake it up. The familiar pins and needles travelled down from his thigh to his foot. 'I will look into this Felix. If he is somehow related to these nightmares or Milivoj's sickness, I will confront him on it.'
He shook his leg, put his foot on the floor and got up on one knee. 'Don't worry: your words are safe with me.'
Sandu stood up and dusted off his trousers. 'When I come back, perhaps we can talk some more. Or play, if that's more fun.' He gave them a smile as he bowed and scraped. 'Miss Nia, miss Hannah, it's been a pleasure.'
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
Dormark - Ismark nods, "I understand." He sighs heavily, "In truth I have always been a little curious of Ireena's path. But what if I do not like what I find?". He stops briefly, struggling for the words, "A link to Izek? What else? Dormark, what if she is the person the Count, Strahd, says she is?". You can tell that Ismark still has a little difficultly mentioning Strahd's name. "Do I really know her at all?" he says, lost for answers.
Sandu - The girls thank you and turn to play once more at the doll's house. You would swear their mood has improved since your chat with them, taking a weight of sorts off of their chests. Nia briefly turns from play and whispers, "Just one last thing Mr Sandu, sir. Make sure you look into what happened to Cedrick, I don't think he fell accidentally." Hannah stares at her friend in disbelief, but remains quiet.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Dormark turns and sits next to Ismark. The Warforge stays silent for s few seconds then reaches over and puts his hand on top of Ismark's. What should be a cold steel grip feels warm to Ismark's touch as Dormark says, "Of course you know her. You may not be related by blood, but you have forge a stronger bond then blood with her over the years. I will tell you a story. In the halls I was made there lives a dwarven king. He had no children by blood, just the adoptive daughter he saved. She was a human girl, but you would never seen a more proud father and loving one even if the dwarf denied it. Later on the Dwarf adopted a young barbarian who he himself struck down and then saved, The Dwarf didn't raise him when he was young, but he provided opportunities and a guidance like a father to a young and foolish man making him a great warrior."
Dormark removing his hand says, "Blood is one of many bonds you beings can share. It can be a strong bond, but it doesn't mean it is the most important. Your her brother Ismark you have spent enough time with her to know that."
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
"They gone long time", observes Galqarin at the conclusion of Dormark's soothing words to Ismark. He rises and moves to the church entrance to check if the rain has eased. His confidence at being in this once-too-familiar place is growing - for now.
"I would love to hear about it if you want to tell me. We have been having strange dreams too. Maybe there are some similarities between them." Ioben settles into his seat on the floor, clearly ready to stay and listen as long as is needed. He did not know if this would yield any information that would be immediately useful, but if they could learn Strahd's tactics, he was sure it would help in the long run.
Dormark - "You have the truth of it." Ismark concedes, "I shall have to accept whatever lies in Ireena's past, when the time comes. Do you thing this Izek will seek her out? If they are somehow linked."
Galqarin - "Do you believe they may have met trouble? I must admit I was a little surprised when I saw you all waiting outside the Orphanage." Ismark says, "Will you check on the others?"
Ioben - "You've been having the bad dreams too?!" Moira says, a hint of shock in her voice. She sighs deeply before continuing, "I just feel so exhausted lately. I swear if they do not stop soon half the kids here will go crazy." Her voice is flat, humourless.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
"That's what we are trying to do. We know where the dreams are coming from, but we need to be careful in how we deal with them. I promise you, we are doing everything we can to get them to stop. Right now, we are trying to help Mili. We think he took something that he shouldn't and it has made him sick. If we can get the item back to where it belongs, we believe he will get better. Getting it back may also help stop the dreams." Ioben continues to try and keep his voice calm and reassuring. "You have done such an awesome job helping the other children out. Could you help us try and find this item? If you could ask the other children if they know anything, you would be doing something really great for them. Just make sure they don't touch the item themselves. We don't want anyone else to be like Mili."
Ioben - Moira looks reassured at your words. "I'm glad you are here to help. In terms of what the others can do to help?". She thinks a little before lowering her voice, "I would seek out Hedy and Ivah. Nothin' happens in this place without them knowing. I reckon they'll know if Mili has stashed anything anywhere." Pondering further, she adds, "The elder girls' dormitory is upstairs and to the left of the hallway window... where poor Cedric..." her voice trails off.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
“If he knows she is here there is a strong possibility. It does cause us some issues. I was hoping to secure a forge and a place to stay, and that pearl. But I have not enjoyed what I heard about the mayor and his henchman. We really need to secure more funds as well. Baern I want to go after your mother, but I feel under equipped at the moment,” says Dormark.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
> Galqarin - "Do you believe they may have met trouble? I must admit I was a little surprised when I saw you all waiting outside the Orphanage." Ismark says, "Will you check on the others?"
"Trouble?", Galqarin considers. With a shrug he continues, "Who knows, I check".
As he heads out into the drizzle, Galqarin catches the tail of Dormark's conversation, "I feel under equipped at the moment". On the contrary, he thinks to himself, he feels better equipped than he has ever done before and resolves not to be cowed by any of his former tormentors. With that, he strides across the road towards the orphanage. Catching himself, he quickly glances around and, spying no-one in sight, changes direction. The front door might not be the subtlest approach and, if there is one thing he truly knows well, it is how to get in and out of the orphanage undetected.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Sandu gave Nia a thumbs-up and added the name to the list of people he needed to look into: Milovoj, Felix, Cedrick. Miss Belasco. He added as an afterthought. There was something going on in this orphanage, as to the nature of it he could not yet tell, but it would pay to get as many pieces of the puzzle before he tried to solve it.
Mr Sandu, eh? He smiled to himself. It did not quite sound right. Probably because he had been in the shoes of the girls one too many times during similar conversations. It did endear them to him which only strengthened his resolve to aid them.
But for now it would be best to rejoin the others. Ioben and Valerie had been talking to the older girl who read to the little ones and it would be prudent to see what they had learned. If they pooled their information together, perhaps they could start making sense of the whole situation.
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
"Well, ah, if this doesn't end up being the best place for Ireena, you could both, ah, well, you could come to Krezk. You know, since you said it is further away, and maybe further from Izek. I don't really know much more or who she was with. Do you think other people in town here would know? If Mr. Blinsky did, I suppose I could ask any other friendly people!" Baern starts bobbing his head over Ismark's shoulder, wondering if there is a priest here who may have met his mother.
Galqarin pauses, pondering the best course of action. What would Baern do, he asks himself? Would he skulk like a thief, or would he just be open and friendly? So long as the girls didn't know who he was, would they be scared of him? Surely, he figured, they'd be pretty hardened to fright after spending any time in this orphanage.
Whilst Ivah and Hedy are preoccupied with the sinks he steps out into the yard. Picking a discarded article of clothing - he is not entirely sure what it is, but he's pretty sure he's unlikely have need of such a garment - he balls it up and deftly lobs it into the sink next to the taller of the two, splashing her once more.
"You missed a thing", he announces, not quite sure how to describe the errant article of attire. "I Raven", he says theatrically, proud of the pseudonym he has just this moment awarded himself, "I once scared of witches. But not now."
He pauses after delivering this address, hoping to gauge their reaction.
insight: 17
"Let's head upstairs. Maybe we can spot Hedy and Ivah along the way." Ioben gets up and nudges Valerie. indicating toward the stairs with a nod of the head, then he falls in beside Moira. "Can you show me where it is?"
Baern & Dormark - Ismark gravely nods his head, "I must admit that Krezk was my alternate choice for sanctuary. It is another town which openly stands in defiance of the Count and his forces. The distance from the Castle is not to be overlooked either. I think living in Barovia you got used to Castle Ravenloft looming over you - it almost felt as though he was always watching."
Ismark looks unsure when you mention others potentially knowing Diesa. "I think it could be a possibility. I do not wish to give you hope where there is none, but if Blinsky knew her... well maybe other locals would remember her. I have not seen many dwarfs in these lands, might be that she made quite the impression."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)