Thank you Father, a good night's rest is sorely needed." Turning to the others, Ioben says, "I will go ahead and acquire beds for all of us. Sandu, can you round up the others and bring them along?"
Ioben stowed the shovel and collected his gear before heading down the road in the direction Father Lucian had indicated."Galqarin, do you want to come with me?"
Sandu listened to the Father's words. To his ears it sounded like something standard to be said but hearing it gave a little comfort. He kept quiet as the earth was piled back on and soon the place looked like before. They were children's graves and did not take much space and you would not even know they were there if you did not spot the upturned earth. The tree gave some reprise from what little sun there was and with some imagination Sandu could picture Felix and Cedric merely sleeping in the shade of the tree, oblivious to the cruelty of the world. He preferred that image even if it was not real.
After the ceremony Sandu went up to Father Lucian. 'Thank you for your words, Father. I know it's often just a platitude but considering the land, I do believe they are in a better place.'
He leaned in a bit so that his words would not ring out over the graves. 'There is still the aftermath to deal with. This was the result of demonic influence. You will need to sand down or cut out every rune of every bed in the orphanage, as well as exorcise the place. Then there is the matter of the boy. With the influence gone, Milovej should recover soon. I think it's imperative that we get the bones back to their proper resting place as soon as possible.'
Sandu paused to give a thumbs up to Ioben's request and noted the Blue Water inn in his thoughts. He turned back to Lucian. 'I could come with, if you'd like. I can... relate to their plight.' He concluded with a sad smile.
Dormark - For seemingly the first time since entering this strange land you feel a connection to Moradin. Your eyes (well optical receptors) are overwhelmed as a bright light blinds them. You here a distant hammering, a metal clanging, drowning out all other noise. As your eyes focus you see the light comes from a great forge, the fire within raging. More focus returns and you see a number of dwarven folk hammering at anvils, working on all style of machination.
As your vision pans over a number of the dwarves you start to recognise familiar faces; priests from your earlier life. A lone voice can be heard over the clamour,"Moradin delights in us today, friends. Surely our work is to his pleasing!". One of the dwarves holds up a round metal object. Your mind's eye zooms to the item, on closer inspection you notice your face plate."Forged in the great fires by Moradin. Shaped and moulded on these very anvils by the Smiths of Moradin... 'Dormark'! By the anvils he was created, by the anvils he shall be named!"
A deep bellowing echoes out over the scene; it contains power and force, yet shows constraint."DORMARK!"reverberates around the great forge. "DORMARK!", you feel a searing, burning sensation in your shoulder where the Maurezhi delivered it's bite. A loud din fills your ears and your vision turns to black.
"Dormark?!" the voice changes, becomes less booming, sounds older and more frail."Dormark? Are you alright? I heard you required assistance?", your vision returns to the cemetery in Vallaki, Father Lucian is standing over you looking concerned. "Ismark mentioned that you had sustained damage, if you show me where I may be able to help you."the Father says gently. You look down to where the fiend attacked you, your hand distinctively going to the damaged area. Yet, instead of feeling the bite and claw marks, you instead feel smooth, unbroken, metal. "Are you alright Dormark? Perhaps its best if you stay here for the night, where I can monitor you."
((From a mechanics perspective, the poison / affliction caused by the Maurezhi is 'cured' after a long rest. As such, the ability damage will be removed.))
Ioben - The rain pitter-patters around you on the cobblestones, as you make your way down the street, eager to find the Blue Water Inn and enjoy a night's rest. The night is starting to close in now, though the street lamps and light from surrounding buildings means you are not in total darkness. The streets are deserted, except for the odd towns person going about their business.
A young lady, holding a jacket over her head in an attempt to shield herself from the rain, almost inadvertently walks into you. As she looks you in the eyes, flustered, you are instantly struck by her beauty. She smirks at you wryly, "Apologies sir, shoulda been lookin' where I was goin'.". She looks you over, quite overtly, "Ain't from around 'ere, are ya? Look like the adventuring sort." She chuckles softly to herself. "Guess you're on your way to the Blue Water Inn, it's where most folk tha' ain't from around 'ere end up."as she speaks she narrows her eyes.
Shivering a little, she rolls her eyes. "Either way, can't say I enjoy standin' around, chattin' in the rain. Sure the rest'a your friends will join ya shortly."She gives you one last smile as she heads off into a side alley, leaving you in a state of bemusement. Turning around ever so briefly, she leaves you with one parting comment,"Ways I see it - you've gotta know when to take the risks in life, take a chance, 'ave a gamble." She sighs,"An' I 'eard ya were the gamblin' man, Ioben."
The lights flicker briefly, that is to say all the lights in the street flicker simultaneously, as the woman backs into the alley-way. Becoming submerged by shadows, a single mocking laugh can be heard from the darkness.
((For this brief interchange, I am going to assume that Ioben is slightly further ahead.
Galqarin - if you were going to accompany Ioben I am going to assume you were a little way off, following, and saw the events unfold from a distance.))
Sandu - Lucian listens intently to your words,"Hopefully Milivoj will make a full recovery, if it is as you say." He pauses, contemplating,"I do think it best that someone be present when I visit the boy." Sadness enters his voice,"I have a feeling that I have had the wool pulled over my eyes for a long time. Whatever deal, or pact, or whatever, Milivoj made has had awful ramifications. You have the truth of it - the bones MUST be returned before any more evil be allowed to take root."
"In the meantime, it is probably for the best that we set about removing any residual taint from the Orphanage before the children be allowed to re-enter." He moves towards the church,"I shall inform Ms Belasco of our plans. The children shall have to stay the night at the church... unless." The Father stokes his chin, "Ireena mentioned that you stayed with the Arasek's - Gunther and Yelena - last night. I wonder if they may be able to help out with housing the children temporarily and providing the tools required for removing the runes. Might be worth asking them."
> Galqarin - if you were going to accompany Ioben I am going to assume you were a little way off, following, and saw the events unfold from a distance.
((Yes, he was going to accompany Ioben but he would have wished to try to be discreet, so the above is a fair assumption))
Who is this woman? Ioben wondered as she spoke. With women like her around, maybe I could stay for a little while.He stammered something awkwardly in reply to her as she leaves. I must be out of practice. How long ago was it that I last sat in a tavern chatting with the serving girls? Caught up in his thoughts he barely noticed the lights flicker. Wasnt that such a sweet laugh?
"Pretty lady like you".
"What? Oh, yes. I guess. I wonder who she was? She sounded like she would like to play a game or two." Ioben looked around the street, regaining his composure."We should really get on to the inn. I am sure they will have a bed big enough for you."
"Father, Moradin sent me a vision! He sent me images back when I was being made! He was trying to say something to me, but something was preventing him from doing so," shouts Dormark standing up. Looking at his shoulder Dormark notices that the wound has been healed. "Sorry Father the wound I was going to show you as evidence seems to have been healed. I still have this locket that the fiend had,' says Dormark. Before handing over the locket Dormark will use detect magic to see if the locket has any magical properties.
Dormark - The Father looks quite taken back by your sudden outburst, "Oh, uh, that is fantastic news. You were able to witness your own creation?". He looks shocked,"That must have been a strange feeling, but fascinating... yes, fascinating indeed..." his voice trails off.
He snaps back to attention when you mention the silver locket. Turning it over in his old hands he inspects the design, "A beautiful trinket to be sure, if I'm not mistaken it opens by..."the locket springs open as the Father slides open a latch, "yes, yes. Now what do we have here."The Father's jaw drops a little,"My goodness look!". Turning the locket back to you, you notice that there is writing on the inside. It is in a language you do not understand.
Hands trembling the Father excitedly continues, "It is in Celestial - the language of the Morninglord himself!" he exclaims. "Now let me see, 'Let darkness hide from the gaze of the light' - a common proverb of Morninglord. What a wonderful locket, strange that this was in the fiends possession, as you say. Mayhaps it belonged to one of it's victims, a keep-sake of sorts?"
Your detect magic spell does not reveal any magic coming from the locket - it is a well-made silver locket, not magical.
Changing topics, the Father Lucian beckons towards the Orphanage,"Myself and Sandu were going to pay Milivoj a visit. Will you be joining us... I would like some answers from the young man. Your presence might well make him a lot more... compliant."
Upon arrival at the Blue Water Inn, Ioben will approach the proprietor and ask about beds for the entire group (8 beds). He will specifically ask for a bed that will suit Galqarin. He offers to pay for their two beds now and for the others in the morning.
Ioben is going to use the time to rest, recover, but also to finally take some time to take a closer look at the black, Raven shaped stone he had been given back at the camp (attunement).
Grey smoke issues from the chimney of this large, two-story wooden building with a stone foundation and sagging tile roof, upon which several ravens have perched. A painted wooden sign hanging above the main entrance depicts a blue waterfall. In stark comparison to the 'Blood of the Vine' Tavern in the village of Barovia, the 'Blue Water Inn' seems vibrant; an orange glow of torchlight spills out on to the street and there is the sound of music, frivolity, and laughter. You get the sense that the building stands as the real social-hub of Vallaki.
As Ioben and Galqarin approach a number of punters stumble out a little worse for wear; pie-eyed and smelling of alcohol. They stagger off into the night in high spirits. On the way inside a young lady, in her mid-twenties, equally beautiful to the previous one, smiles flirtatiously at Ioben. "Oh, I do like a man willing to take risks," she says under her breath as she walks past. She proceeds to meet up with a number of her girlfriends at a nearby table, moments later they turn, as one, towards Ioben and giggle.
Inside the Inn, damp cloaks hang from pegs in the entrance portico. The tavern is packed with tables and chairs, with narrow paths meandering between them. A bar stretches along one wall, under a balcony that can be reached by a wooden staircase that hugs the north wall. Another balcony overhangs an entrance to the east. All the windows are fitted with thick shutters and crossbars. Lanterns hanging above the bar and resting on the tables bathe the room in dull orange light and cast shadows upon the walls, most of which are adorned with wolf heads mounted on wooden plaques.
Other than the ladies, a number of other patrons are present;
a flamboyantly dressed gentleman stands at the bar regaling the barkeep with a tale, his arms wildly animated as he speaks;
a couple of young men stand dressed in finery, likely nobles. They are currently attempting, and clearly failing, to chat-up a number of the local women;
to the right of the bar two gruff, weathered men stand - they are covered in animal pelts and have bows strapped over their backs; clearly local hunters;
three dishevelled people (2 men and a woman) sit at a table, they are in good spirits, laughing and joking;
finally, a young, handsome looking man is performing songs for the patrons; he strums at a lute and sings upbeat songs - generally drinking themed.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Perception: 18
"Shall we take a seat?" Ioben says to Galqarin, indicating toward the bar. "We can talk to the proprietor and get something to eat while we wait for the others."
Walking up to the bar, Ioben finds a seat near the flamboyant man, making sure there is also a seat for Galqarin if he wishes to take it. Taking a silver coin out of his pouch he slips it onto the bar and looks for an opportunity to get the barkeeps attention.
Ioben- You approach the barkeep. He appears to be in his thirties, has slick black hair and is dressed in a tatty jacket and waistcoat. "Evenin' sirs, what can I do for you this fine evenin'?" his tone is upbeat and easy-going, "A room you say? 8 beds!"He lowers his voice a little,"Is sir, planning a party of sorts?"he says with a glint in his eye, "I see the lot of there,"he nods towards the young ladies,"seem to be fond of you."
"But whatever business ya may 'ave is your own. Don't mind me!"he says smirking,"Now lets see, 8 beds, lets say 4 rooms. That'll be 4 gold pieces please. Can I interest ya in any food or drink... we 'ave quite the selection."
Whilst you were talking you barely notice one of the girls (a different one from the two you 'bumped' into previously) stand from the table and walk over to the bar,"'course they'll have a drink - my treat!"she says smiling at you."That is assuming you drink? You do drink don't ya? Not one of those religious types?"she jokes."Othibelle"she says, extending a hand, "Nice to meet you."
Your attention naturally wonders to the group of women that seem to have become quite taken with you. In truth, these ladies are among the most beautiful you have seen in your life; four of them sit at a table giggling to each other as two young noblemen attempt to chat them up - it is quite a tragic scene as the ladies seem thoroughly disinterested.
The last of the ladies, currently standing next to you, is breath-taking - almost distractingly so. You find yourself becoming lost in your thoughts... that is until... Wait, you are sure you saw the woman's shadow move. Not an uncommon occurrence to be sure. However, it appeared to move independently of her body - as though with a separate mind.
Looking over to the other women you occasionally notice the same. The two young noblemen do not seem to notice, their shadows appear normal. You cast your eye back to Othibelle's shadow and it beckons seductively to you.
As you look up, you see her smiling at you. "Enjoying the show?" she whispers.
Still remembering the woman from the street, Ioben looked up as he heard the woman's voice. "Othibelle is it? I am Ioben." He took her hand in his and gently pressed his lips against it. "Thank you for the drink. We have been travelling for some time and it is definitely appreciated. Let me take care of our lodgings and we can sit and talk." What is going on today? I never get this much attention from woman. Not without showing a little more coin first.
Ioben turned back to the barkeep. Picking up a sense of distrust or dislike of religion from Othibelle he decided it was best not to mention where they had just come from. "We had a few errands to run on the way through, but the rest of our group should be joining us soon. I am happy to pay for the rooms now. They will arrange their own food when they get here. I am starving though and would love something hot to go with the drink. Would you have any roast meat and vegetables? Or a pot of thick stew? Galqarin? Anything for you?"
"I like stew", says Gaqarin cautiously, as unaccustomed to a busy taproom as he is to gifts of food and drink. He eyes flicker around the room and its patrons, eventually resting upon a stags head. Much less chance of being accused of staring that way. A fleeting memory stirs in his mind, but it is gone before his conscious registers it.
((Perception: 6 - the natural 1 no doubt reflects his level of discomfort!))
((Stealth: 19 - not so much to hide, but as to try to remain unobtrusive))
Ioben - Othibelle smiles widely as you kiss her hand, "My what a gentlemen. I'm glad to meet you Ioben, I think we have a good many things to discuss - my girlfriends and I were just commenting, you look like a frightfully interesting person, someone we would very much like to get to know."Her hand slinks away from yours."Please don't keep us waiting... my friends and I can be awfully impatient at times." Her voice is oozing with seduction as she talks, not once dropping eye contact with you. As she turns to rejoin the others you cannot help but notice how well-tailored her dress is, it clings to her accentuating her figure.
The barkeep seems equally distracted as Othibelle heads back to her table, "Eh, uh, wh - ahh yes that's right the rooms and food.". He picks his jaw up from the floor as he continues,"Don't know how you do it mate, but fair play t'ya. We 'ave both of the things you mention; 5 silver pieces for a fresh wolf steak, courtesy of our friends over there,"he nods towards the hunters situated to the right of the bar, one of which stoically nods their head in return, "Or, we have some rabbit stew, for 2 silver pieces. Though I mus' admit that tha stew has been on for a while now an' the spices - well let's jus' say it's not for those with weaker stomachs."
"In terms of drinks, your lady friend has a tab with us currently; we can offer two local beverages - a pint of the Purple Grape Mash No. 3, not much to 'er but she'll do the trick, or the speciality, Red Dragon Crush, a full-bodied..."he coughs and shifts a little, "Sorry, a full-bodied wine with a beautiful dress. Uh, that is to say, a beautiful fruity aftertaste."he quickly corrects himself, before adding,"Might I suggest the latter? It's what the ladies have been drinking all evenin'."
Galqarin - The barkeeper, you know to be called 'Matis', turns to you; it is clear that he does not recognise you under the mask. "An wha' about yourself? It is a little unusual to serve someone wearin' a mask, tha' said it is quite fetchin'... tell me, is it supposed to be a raven? I mus' admit I've always 'ad a soft-spot for the birds myself." He grins at you before continuing, "Can I get ya any food or drinks?"
As a side note; you are aware that the Blue Water Inn is owned by a family known as the Martikov's; the proprietors are a married couple, Unwin and Danika, who have two young boys, Brom and Bray, none of which are currently within eye-shot, but are likely not very far away. The Inn has a good reputation and the Martikov's are very much seen as pillars of the community.
Galqarin - Matis nods, "Stew it is then."He proceeds to stick he head around a door-frame to his left, leading to the kitchens, he turns back to you,"Shouldn't be too long friend!". He looks curiously at you, his head slightly cocked to the side,"Have we met before?"he asks searchingly,"Don't mean to be rude, bu' used to know someone roughly your height an' build."
You feel as though all eyes are upon you as you enter the Inn; in truth, more people seem to be interested in Ioben than yourself, but you cannot help but feel uncomfortable. Matis question catches you a little off guard as you glance around the room, not gathering as much information as you would have liked.
You do, however, note the following about the others in the tavern;
You have no idea who the flamboyantly dressed gentleman is... you can make out his slightly pointed ears, but he is not hiding them.
The two young nobleman are well known to you; the Wachter brothers, they are brash drunkards always looking for trouble. Trouble which, on more than one occasion, had been directed towards tormenting you. In short, they are bullies.
The two hunters are Szoldar Szoldarovich and Yevgeni Krushkin, they often sell their 'services' to the highest bidder.
You don't recall the names of the three rather tatty / dishevelled people at the table - you know they are locals.
You do not recognise any of the ladies that appear to be interest in Ioben, nor do you know the young bard.
Moments later a woman in her thirties with tan skin and dark hair emerges from the kitchen, you know this to be Danika, she carries a bowl of stew and a couple of hunks of bread. "One bowl of my famous rabbit stew for..."She looks up at you, directly in the eyes, gasps and whispers, "a ghost?", before loudly adding,"my friend in the rather dashing mask here."
Galqarin - It does not take an insight roll to know that possibly Mathis and certainly Danika, might 'think' they know who is behind the mask. No one else in the Tavern seems to pay you much attention however.
"Yes, Raven", Galqarin replies to Matis' query, leaving it ambiguous as to whether he is confirming the nature of his mask or his name.
Once Danika apprears from the kitchen, he realises that there is no way he can maintain the subterfuge with the perceptive lady. Looking hurriedly and not a little comedically left and right to check who is in earshot, he whispers across the bar, "It is I, Galqarin", before adding unnecessarily, "I am in disguise."
Galqarin - Danika lets out a whelp of joy before giving you a side-hug with a squeeze. She quickly gathers herself as you explain that you are in disguise, she drops her voice, "It is good to see you alive and well Galqarin. We had heard that Izek had caught up with you and assumed the worst." Matis grins and leans forward, also whispering, "I knew there was no way that great oaf had caught you friend. Interesting disguise you have there; probably attracts more attention than bein' without a'mask. Mus' admit I like ya style though."
"Vallaki has changed a fair deal since we last saw you, Gal." Danika says, her voice ominous, "It feels like it is on the brink of a civil war - what with the Wachter's and the Vallakovich's at each others throats." She peers over towards the two Wachter brothers; both of which were far too busy trying to impress the young ladies to pay attention. "That Izek acts with impunity, which upsets Lady Fiona to no end. An' you've probably seen first hand the damage Vargas ((the burgomaster))has done to the town." she sighs deeply, "Probably have the right of it to wear that mask - if you should be caught by either side... they'd use you, 'an in no good way."
"I didn't think Izek's head could get any bigger after he had declared he had dealt with the 'monster of Vallaki' - the title he bestowed you, Gal." She explains with a chuckle, "I reckon you could imagine the hit his reputation would take if you were found alive an' well. Something the Wachter's might be able to use against the Burgomaster, no doubt - highlight his incompetence. Likewise, if Izek or Vargas got to you first, I'm sure you'd be quite the trophy..." she lets the point hang, "I'm sorry," she says shaking her head. "I shouldn't speak like that... It's good to see you. I see you have made a friend." She nods towards Ioben, who at this time is approaching the ladies at the table. "Looks like he's made quite the impression."
Thank you Father, a good night's rest is sorely needed." Turning to the others, Ioben says, "I will go ahead and acquire beds for all of us. Sandu, can you round up the others and bring them along?"
Ioben stowed the shovel and collected his gear before heading down the road in the direction Father Lucian had indicated. "Galqarin, do you want to come with me?"
Sandu listened to the Father's words. To his ears it sounded like something standard to be said but hearing it gave a little comfort. He kept quiet as the earth was piled back on and soon the place looked like before. They were children's graves and did not take much space and you would not even know they were there if you did not spot the upturned earth. The tree gave some reprise from what little sun there was and with some imagination Sandu could picture Felix and Cedric merely sleeping in the shade of the tree, oblivious to the cruelty of the world. He preferred that image even if it was not real.
After the ceremony Sandu went up to Father Lucian. 'Thank you for your words, Father. I know it's often just a platitude but considering the land, I do believe they are in a better place.'
He leaned in a bit so that his words would not ring out over the graves. 'There is still the aftermath to deal with. This was the result of demonic influence. You will need to sand down or cut out every rune of every bed in the orphanage, as well as exorcise the place. Then there is the matter of the boy. With the influence gone, Milovej should recover soon. I think it's imperative that we get the bones back to their proper resting place as soon as possible.'
Sandu paused to give a thumbs up to Ioben's request and noted the Blue Water inn in his thoughts. He turned back to Lucian. 'I could come with, if you'd like. I can... relate to their plight.' He concluded with a sad smile.
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
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
> Galqarin - if you were going to accompany Ioben I am going to assume you were a little way off, following, and saw the events unfold from a distance.
((Yes, he was going to accompany Ioben but he would have wished to try to be discreet, so the above is a fair assumption))
Galqarin approaches the flummoxed looking Ioben and claps him heartily on the back, "Pretty lady like you".
Who is this woman? Ioben wondered as she spoke. With women like her around, maybe I could stay for a little while. He stammered something awkwardly in reply to her as she leaves. I must be out of practice. How long ago was it that I last sat in a tavern chatting with the serving girls? Caught up in his thoughts he barely noticed the lights flicker. Wasnt that such a sweet laugh?
"What? Oh, yes. I guess. I wonder who she was? She sounded like she would like to play a game or two." Ioben looked around the street, regaining his composure. "We should really get on to the inn. I am sure they will have a bed big enough for you."
"Father, Moradin sent me a vision! He sent me images back when I was being made! He was trying to say something to me, but something was preventing him from doing so," shouts Dormark standing up. Looking at his shoulder Dormark notices that the wound has been healed. "Sorry Father the wound I was going to show you as evidence seems to have been healed. I still have this locket that the fiend had,' says Dormark. Before handing over the locket Dormark will use detect magic to see if the locket has any magical properties.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Upon arrival at the Blue Water Inn, Ioben will approach the proprietor and ask about beds for the entire group (8 beds). He will specifically ask for a bed that will suit Galqarin. He offers to pay for their two beds now and for the others in the morning.
Ioben is going to use the time to rest, recover, but also to finally take some time to take a closer look at the black, Raven shaped stone he had been given back at the camp (attunement).
Late Evening - Day 5 - The Blue Water Inn
As Ioben and Galqarin approach a number of punters stumble out a little worse for wear; pie-eyed and smelling of alcohol. They stagger off into the night in high spirits. On the way inside a young lady, in her mid-twenties, equally beautiful to the previous one, smiles flirtatiously at Ioben. "Oh, I do like a man willing to take risks," she says under her breath as she walks past. She proceeds to meet up with a number of her girlfriends at a nearby table, moments later they turn, as one, towards Ioben and giggle.
Inside the Inn, damp cloaks hang from pegs in the entrance portico. The tavern is packed with tables and chairs, with narrow paths meandering between them. A bar stretches along one wall, under a balcony that can be reached by a wooden staircase that hugs the north wall. Another balcony overhangs an entrance to the east. All the windows are fitted with thick shutters and crossbars. Lanterns hanging above the bar and resting on the tables bathe the room in dull orange light and cast shadows upon the walls, most of which are adorned with wolf heads mounted on wooden plaques.
Ioben & Galqarin - Perception checks please.
Other than the ladies, a number of other patrons are present;
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Perception: 18
"Shall we take a seat?" Ioben says to Galqarin, indicating toward the bar. "We can talk to the proprietor and get something to eat while we wait for the others."
Walking up to the bar, Ioben finds a seat near the flamboyant man, making sure there is also a seat for Galqarin if he wishes to take it. Taking a silver coin out of his pouch he slips it onto the bar and looks for an opportunity to get the barkeeps attention.
Ioben - You approach the barkeep. He appears to be in his thirties, has slick black hair and is dressed in a tatty jacket and waistcoat. "Evenin' sirs, what can I do for you this fine evenin'?" his tone is upbeat and easy-going, "A room you say? 8 beds!" He lowers his voice a little, "Is sir, planning a party of sorts?" he says with a glint in his eye, "I see the lot of there," he nods towards the young ladies, "seem to be fond of you."
"But whatever business ya may 'ave is your own. Don't mind me!" he says smirking, "Now lets see, 8 beds, lets say 4 rooms. That'll be 4 gold pieces please. Can I interest ya in any food or drink... we 'ave quite the selection."
Whilst you were talking you barely notice one of the girls (a different one from the two you 'bumped' into previously) stand from the table and walk over to the bar, "'course they'll have a drink - my treat!" she says smiling at you. "That is assuming you drink? You do drink don't ya? Not one of those religious types?" she jokes. "Othibelle" she says, extending a hand, "Nice to meet you."
Ioben's Perception check:
Your attention naturally wonders to the group of women that seem to have become quite taken with you. In truth, these ladies are among the most beautiful you have seen in your life; four of them sit at a table giggling to each other as two young noblemen attempt to chat them up - it is quite a tragic scene as the ladies seem thoroughly disinterested.
The last of the ladies, currently standing next to you, is breath-taking - almost distractingly so. You find yourself becoming lost in your thoughts... that is until... Wait, you are sure you saw the woman's shadow move. Not an uncommon occurrence to be sure. However, it appeared to move independently of her body - as though with a separate mind.
Looking over to the other women you occasionally notice the same. The two young noblemen do not seem to notice, their shadows appear normal. You cast your eye back to Othibelle's shadow and it beckons seductively to you.
As you look up, you see her smiling at you. "Enjoying the show?" she whispers.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Still remembering the woman from the street, Ioben looked up as he heard the woman's voice. "Othibelle is it? I am Ioben." He took her hand in his and gently pressed his lips against it. "Thank you for the drink. We have been travelling for some time and it is definitely appreciated. Let me take care of our lodgings and we can sit and talk." What is going on today? I never get this much attention from woman. Not without showing a little more coin first.
Ioben turned back to the barkeep. Picking up a sense of distrust or dislike of religion from Othibelle he decided it was best not to mention where they had just come from. "We had a few errands to run on the way through, but the rest of our group should be joining us soon. I am happy to pay for the rooms now. They will arrange their own food when they get here. I am starving though and would love something hot to go with the drink. Would you have any roast meat and vegetables? Or a pot of thick stew? Galqarin? Anything for you?"
"I like stew", says Gaqarin cautiously, as unaccustomed to a busy taproom as he is to gifts of food and drink. He eyes flicker around the room and its patrons, eventually resting upon a stags head. Much less chance of being accused of staring that way. A fleeting memory stirs in his mind, but it is gone before his conscious registers it.
((Perception: 6 - the natural 1 no doubt reflects his level of discomfort!))
((Stealth: 19 - not so much to hide, but as to try to remain unobtrusive))
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Galqarin - Matis nods, "Stew it is then." He proceeds to stick he head around a door-frame to his left, leading to the kitchens, he turns back to you, "Shouldn't be too long friend!". He looks curiously at you, his head slightly cocked to the side, "Have we met before?" he asks searchingly, "Don't mean to be rude, bu' used to know someone roughly your height an' build."
Perception check:
You feel as though all eyes are upon you as you enter the Inn; in truth, more people seem to be interested in Ioben than yourself, but you cannot help but feel uncomfortable. Matis question catches you a little off guard as you glance around the room, not gathering as much information as you would have liked.
You do, however, note the following about the others in the tavern;
Moments later a woman in her thirties with tan skin and dark hair emerges from the kitchen, you know this to be Danika, she carries a bowl of stew and a couple of hunks of bread. "One bowl of my famous rabbit stew for..." She looks up at you, directly in the eyes, gasps and whispers, "a ghost?", before loudly adding, "my friend in the rather dashing mask here."
Galqarin - It does not take an insight roll to know that possibly Mathis and certainly Danika, might 'think' they know who is behind the mask. No one else in the Tavern seems to pay you much attention however.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Sorry, once more I couldn't resist.
"Yes, Raven", Galqarin replies to Matis' query, leaving it ambiguous as to whether he is confirming the nature of his mask or his name.
Once Danika apprears from the kitchen, he realises that there is no way he can maintain the subterfuge with the perceptive lady. Looking hurriedly and not a little comedically left and right to check who is in earshot, he whispers across the bar, "It is I, Galqarin", before adding unnecessarily, "I am in disguise."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)