Late-Afternoon - Day 6 - A few hundred meters east of Vallaki
Dormark - At Pepi's insistence, you follow him eastward towards the Morning Gate. The guard posted there dusts himself down, having recently recovered from quite the fright, he is a pale colour as he turns to you, "Massive cat! Jump right past me! Bloody 'uge teeth!". He seems to still be in shock as you leave Vallaki, shaking his head in disbelief.
The raven-familiar flies on, not stopping, determined to reach its goal. Either side of the road, mists swirl around the Svalich Woods, you see shadows dancing in the afternoon light. Nonetheless, you press on for a few hundred meters, Pepi's excitement is palpable as he continues his flight. He veers off of the road in front of you and into the mists, momentarily disappearing, before flying back to check that you are following.
Now you see them, off the road, near the woods to the south, no more than 50m away. The beast is calmly sitting to attention next to a man in strange clothing, with glasses, you know this man for you met him the night before. "Ho-there friend!"Rictavio calls out, "Please, join me... It seems I am in a little bit of a pickle!". Upon drawing closer you find that Rictavio is flustered and red-faced. The 'beast' rolls around at his feet playfully.
Meanwhile... Back at the Blue Water Inn.
Galqarin - Urwin raises his eyebrow quizzically, looking between you and Sandu,"You're not all investigating...". He casts a quick look over to his sons before hissing, "the murders?". Danika gathers Brom and Brey to her, leading them out of the tap-room.
"I had assumed you were all workin' together,"Urwin casts his eye towards Ireena,"Oh, uh, pleased to meet you Miss?".
Sandu took another second to compose himself. If he was going to do this triple way communication, he luckily had no need to address Zazi, he would need some practice to get it down without the headache he could feel brewing in the back of his head. The large cat was new. Well, tiger more like it. He was a bit surprised by how it looked. He had never saw one before but from how travellers from faraway lands described them, he expected it to have stripes. The fangs were puzzling: no one ever mentioned teeth the size of his underarm.
Scary as it was for such a beast to be on the loose, at least it was not going around murdering people. Sandu shifted his attention back to where and with whom he actually was. Urwin struck him a bit odd by only the tiniest margin. Was he hiding something? Or was the confident persona just the result of years of being a barkeep and Sandu was overthinking his experience? The affection the man had for the ravens did endear him to Sandu. It was a common point if nothing else. There was still something nagging in the back of his head that was not the headache onset.
Then it hit him. In his mind's eye he could clearly see the image: Galqarin holding a suit of armour. The one they took from Radu. Red burgundy adorned with golden wings...
'That bastard.' Sandy muttered underneath his breath. Damn bugbear. Every horrifying tale and story he ever heard about those boogeymen flooded his thoughts. He pushed himself to his feet with one hand clenched into a fist in anger. He took a deep breath to calm himself.
'Thank you, Urwin.' Sandu said to the innkeeper. 'And you two as well.'He gave the two boys an attempt at a smile. 'With this I now have a much clearer idea of what is going on around here. If you would excuse me.'He bowed to the family and turned on his heels to leave the building. It was then that the door opened up and the figure of Galqarin appeared in the doorway.
'YOU!' Sandu's face contorted with a growl and he leaped at the bugbear. The sudden movement caused Zazi to hop from his shoulder and take refuge among the beams of the ceiling. Sandu's lunge became a tackle and he very nearly throttled Galqarin as they fell to the floor in a tangle of limbs and cloth. Sandu grabbed a hold of Galqarin's collar with both hands.
'Where is it!' Sandu yelled at the bugbear's mask, his face hidden behind it. 'Where is the armour? WHAT DID YOU DO?!' Zazi empathically croaked along loudly from her perch on high.
Good thing this got typed out in chunks so that I could incorporate Buxton's dramatic entry ^^
Also, can I just say how amazing it is for our DM to not only incorporate these callbacks but to include the actual post number? Well played, good sir. Well played indeed.
"Armour?", queries Galqarin, both perplexed and taken aback by the sudden hostility from Sandu. "I not have armour". He looks to Unwin for assistance, "What is going on? People in street talk of a beast, a giant tiger or leopard. Iree... Miss Wren and I just came from..." his voice falters as he realises he is caught up in his own deceit, and that accusing eyes are boring into him. "What armour?", he manages to ask again.
Dormark walks up to the man and says, “Rictavio, I assume that the cat in question is one of your acts for your show. How did it get out? We’re lucky it didn’t hurt anyone.” Dormark takes a closer look at the beast since he is not chasing it anymore.
"Armour?", queries Galqarin, both perplexed and taken aback by the sudden hostility from Sandu. "I not have armour". He looks to Unwin for assistance, "What is going on? People in street talk of a beast, a giant tiger or leopard. Iree... Miss Wren and I just came from..." his voice falters as he realises he is caught up in his own deceit, and that accusing eyes are boring into him. "What armour?", he manages to ask again.
Sandu's eyes bore into Galqarin, oblivious to the strength difference between them. Or more accurately: not caring.
'The one you took from Radu.'He hissed Galqarin's face, both furious with the bugbear as well as trying to not let the Marikov family overhear him.
It finally dawns on Galqarin that Sandu is talking about the bulky armour he had carried - under some duress - for the shifty merchant. He attempts to articulate this, his own ire stoked by the memory of the man of whom he was so suspicious; ire that causes his voice to be easily audible to the Martikov's, "Carry armour. No take armour. Radu bad man. I told you. You no listen."
Had to double check (posts #1427, #1429, #1439 and #1464), but he definitely carried it rather than wore it unless the DM determines that was impossible or unreasonable, or just doesn't fit the plot. He publicly announced his mistrust of Radu at #1503.
Suddenly he remembers something. "Baern! Baern talk about coffin sign in dream. Same night's dreams Radu in. And some other name: Rahadin". It is Galqarin's turn to look angrily at Sandu, "Who Rahadin? You know, don't you!"
Had to double check (posts #1427, #1429, #1439 and #1464), but he definitely carried it rather than wore it unless the DM determines that was impossible or unreasonable, or just doesn't fit the plot. He publicly announced his mistrust of Radu at #1503.
Ahh apologies - I incorrectly thought Galqarin briefly wore the armour. Either way, I think the only minor retcon would be that Sandu does not remember you wearing it, but would associate the armour as being held/carried by Galqarin at some point.
It finally dawns on Galqarin that Sandu is talking about the bulky armour he had carried - under some duress - for the shifty merchant. He attempts to articulate this, his own ire stoked by the memory of the man of whom he was so suspicious; ire that causes his voice to be easily audible to the Martikov's, "Carry armour. No take armour. Radu bad man. I told you. You no listen."
Had to double check (posts #1427, #1429, #1439 and #1464), but he definitely carried it rather than wore it unless the DM determines that was impossible or unreasonable, or just doesn't fit the plot. He publicly announced his mistrust of Radu at #1503.
Suddenly he remembers something. "Baern! Baern talk about coffin sign in dream. Same night's dreams Radu in. And some other name: Rahadin". It is Galqarin's turn to look angrily at Sandu, "Who Rahadin? You know, don't you!"
'Not in the mood for semantics, bugbear.' Sandu replied. He beared his teeth much in the same manner as Galqarin did. 'You brought the armour into town, you're responsible for it.' He pulled Galqarin closer and peered into those yellowy eyes behind the mask until their foreheads were nearly touching. 'Four people are dead because of it. I need to find that armour.' His voice took on a low rumble.'Now where is it?'
“*We* left it at stockyard. *You* can go and check if it still there. Miss Wren and I stay here”, Galqarin stares unflinchingly back at his latest accuser. There is something about the man, like he has an affliction, or even somehow possessed. The way he is baring his tiny teeth is almost comedic. Galqarin can’t help but contrast it with Baern’s simple acceptance and honest friendship. He shrugs off Sandu’s grip and steps away. “Go”, he says softly, “Find the armour”.
Sandu let go of Galqarin's collar and composed himself. With one final glare at the bugbear, he stepped past him onto the street. He gave a quick glance at Ireena when she introduced herself as Wren but said nothing of it. He had an armour to find and time was of the essence. The best way to do so was to recall all his ravens and have them scout the entire village from above. Sandu did not like leaving Dormark in the dark but, unlike the common people, the warforged was able to fend for himself.
Pepi, Koki, Zazi: I need all three of you in the sky. Sandu sent out a mental command to his familiars. Look for a metal man in the colour of blood with shiny patterns. Let me know immediately if you spot something.
He set off speeding towards the barn the group had spent their first night in Vallaki. If the armour had moved from there, then hopefully there was still something he could find and follow.
Dormark - "This is no ordinary tiger Dormark!"Rictavio declares with his usual verve,"For this beautiful creature has been tamed! By I, the Great Rictavio!"He looks down with great affection at the beast, which is now taking its time to rub itself up and down his leg. "As for how Snuffles escaped? I believe the two Wachter lads are to blame, saw them poking around my wagon... damn hoodlums!"
"Dormark, I will not beat around the bush - so to speak. This event with Snuffles escaping has somewhat jeopardised my position within Vallaki. I was already getting unsolicited attention from the Townguard, now I believe it will be all the worse." Rictavio shakes his head,"Either way, fear not my dear friend. For the Great Rictavio has places to go and friends to see!"
He looks you intensely in the mechanical eye,"I would like very much to meet with you and the rest of your friends in a more private setting." Rictavio hands you a makeshift map, it contains a scrawl labelled 'Vallaki' and depicts the old Svalich Road heading to the West, before it splits and leads down a path going past a 'Lake Baratok' and ends in the top left in a ruddily drawn tower. "Please, meet me here,"he says pointing to the tower, "in the coming days... I must leave now, as must you, for I am afraid that we are currently being pursued by an awfully angry and vengeful individual - Mr Strazni. If he should see you here with me and Snuffles, he may believe you to be my accomplice."
"Farewell,"he calls behind him as he takes off into the Svalich Woods with his pet.
Galqarin - Ireena stands next to you, confused as to what has transpired between yourself and Sandu, but choosing not to focus on it. The mood is awkward and tense as you see Sandu leave. It is broken moments later when a dishevelled man walks, at speed, into the taproom from out the back. "Urwin,"the scarred faced man growls, "It's Izek, he's on the move - thinks he's found the individual responsible for the recent murders. Rictavio- of all people." He hisses before noticing you standing there. You are aware that the man is related to the Martikov's in some way, but are not sure of his name.
Urwin's face darkens,"Will we catch up with him?"You note that the jovial tone has dropped from his voice and he appears more commanding than before. The scarred faced man shakes his head angrily,"Not unless..." Urwin interrupts him,"Do what must be done, Fyodor."There is a finality to Urwins voice, leaving no room for questions.
As Fyodor turns on the spot and leaves, Urwin looks at you. "You know what this means," he says sternly, "if Izek should catch up with Rictavio."
Sandu - Your familiars take to the air scouting for anyone, or anything, matching the description given.
Pepi - It does not take Pepi long to report back. His squawks nervously echo in your head, "Man! Fire! Man with twisted arm! Lots with man!". Images flash through your head of a trail of lit torches pouring out of Vallaki's eastern gate. At the head of the mob, mostly consisting of guardsmen but also containing a militia of people with all sorts of makeshift weapons, is the familiar figure of Izek Strazni. Izek barks orders as he holds the torch in front of him, but Pepi cannot hear what is being said.
Koki - "No man, ravens." Koki reports back to you. You watch through his eyes as you see dozens of ravens flying, though many seem to be following erratic patterns, a core group seem to be heading towards where the mob has gathered.
Zazi - A while after Pepi and Koki have reported back you hear Zazi's voice resonate within your mind. "Blood!"there is fear there, "Blood!", the panicked familiar relays, "Everywhere BLOOD!". You almost wish that your familiar had not sent through the images that followed. Both Wachter brothers lie in pools of blood not far south of the Town Square, their heads have, in part, been dashed. Blood soaks through their noble clothes and you see shards of bone poking through. The sight is nauseating.
You struggle to maintain your composure as the multiple images are fed back to you.
Galqarin - Ireena looks apprehensively at you. Urwin nods,"Trust me, my friend, this time you will not be alone. Do what you must... Rictavio recently met with a companion of yours, Dormark, outside the town's easternmost gate - the Morning Gate. Follow the road some 500m eastward beyond that." A brief look of doubt briefly crosses his face before it returns to normal,"Have care Galqarin. The mists grow heavy and we do not know the full extent of the forces at work."
Ireena speaks up,"You are correct Mr Urwin, Galqarin shall not confront Izek alone."She gathers her thing, heads towards the Inn's door and then turns to you,"Let's go."
As the Raven takes off Dormark shouts, “Let Sandu know that whatever is in the armor is stronger than any natural living being.”
”Rictavio I don’t like that your leaving when there is a murder on the loose, but you have been good to us and I know whatever is doing this it is not human. Go before Izek can sink his claws into you,” says Dormark letting the man escape.
Dormark starts heading towards Vallaki hiding the paper in his inner compartment.
( Based on your description the tiger did not attack anyone, based on his looks. IE No blood splatter around the muzzle.)
Sandu - Your familiars take to the air scouting for anyone, or anything, matching the description given.
Pepi - It does not take Pepi long to report back. His squawks nervously echo in your head, "Man! Fire! Man with twisted arm! Lots with man!". Images flash through your head of a trail of lit torches pouring out of Vallaki's eastern gate. At the head of the mob, mostly consisting of guardsmen but also containing a militia of people with all sorts of makeshift weapons, is the familiar figure of Izek Strazni. Izek barks orders as he holds the torch in front of him, but Pepi cannot hear what is being said.
Koki - "No man, ravens." Koki reports back to you. You watch through his eyes as you see dozens of ravens flying, though many seem to be following erratic patterns, a core group seem to be heading towards where the mob has gathered.
Zazi - A while after Pepi and Koki have reported back you hear Zazi's voice resonate within your mind. "Blood!"there is fear there, "Blood!", the panicked familiar relays, "Everywhere BLOOD!". You almost wish that your familiar had not sent through the images that followed. Both Wachter brothers lie in pools of blood not far south of the Town Square, their heads have, in part, been dashed. Blood soaks through their noble clothes and you see shards of bone poking through. The sight is nauseating.
You struggle to maintain your composure as the multiple images are fed back to you.
Sandu nearly doubled over from the sudden influx of images in his head. It certainly stopped him dead in his tracks with his hands clutching his head. One hand quickly shifted to cover his mouth when the last image passed by and Sandu tried to keep himself from vomiting. He barely succeeded but could taste the bile and acid in the back of his throat. He paused and leaned against a wall trying to make sense of what had flashed through his mind. The mob was new: it worried Sandu that the townsfolk had formed a mob spurned on by this Izek Strazni. Sure, they would call it justice but it had all the trappings of a lynch mob. There were two options here: they were either searching for the killer themselves or they were looking for him and his compatriots. In either case it would be prudent to stay away from them for as long as possible. The latter spelled certain doom while the former situation would only be appeased if Sandu and the others brought the killer to justice themselves.
Koki, stay with the ravens and follow the large group of people. Sandu began flinging out command after command. Pepi, fly back to Dormark. Tell him to go south. I have a lead on the killer. South, by any means necessary.
Zazi. Sandu swallowed the burning aftertaste in his throat away as he addressed his final raven. Fly to Galgarin. The raven-bear man. He's at the building you hid in the rafters. With the other ravens. Tell him to come to the south of the town. By any means necessary.
Sandu mentally retrieved the image Zazi had communicated to him, severely wished he did not and set off in a hurry to the south of the town square.
Perception check Zazi: 6 How long has the spell been going? (it lasts an hour max). Also, if I'm vastly overestimating the intelligence of ravens and/or familiars, feel free to adjust.
Dormark - You do not see any evidence of the tiger having attacked anyone.
Sandu - ((I think that it would be close to the full duration of the spell - didn't see that it was a 1-hour maximum! I think that familiars would have a decent intelligence and would be able to convey basic messages through body language. In this case, your familiars would attempt to grab the attention of the relevant party members and lead them, I think (correct me if I am wrong) that the familiars would only have a telepathic link to you and, being ravens, would not be able to speak out loud. Now, the raven's would have mimicry, which means that if you were to get really metagamey you could teach them certain words to say in your voice - I'd probably allow it if you took the time in character to train them, though I'd say this would be simple commands like 'follow', 'danger', 'help', etc.))
Pepi (and Dormark) - Pepi flies back to Dormark as fast as he can. Spotting the lumbering warforged, he nips down and desperately taps on Dormark's metal head attempting to gain his attention before flying back a little way to Vallaki. Pepi keeps looking around to check whether Dormark follows.
Koki - ((Assuming that all your familiars are also able to share images with each other!)) The mob streams east towards the area where Dormark met with Rictavio. However, Pepi leads the warforged on a more southerly route, ensuring that he avoids Izek.
Zazi spots a flash of gold and maroon turning into an alleyway to the West. "DANGER MAN!" comes booming through to you. Zazi, determined, follows a safe distance behind, gaining a better look at the fleeing culprit. However, you do not see a man in the armour at all, but rather it appears that the armour is acting independently - blood is splattered all over the once ornamental frame.
"Follow or get raven-bear man?" Zazi questions as he receives your orders.
Sandu, please make a [skill]Stealth[skill] check for Koki (DC 16) with advantage due to the sheer chaos and amount of ravens in the sky.
Late-Afternoon - Day 6 - A few hundred meters east of Vallaki
Meanwhile... Back at the Blue Water Inn.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Sandu took another second to compose himself. If he was going to do this triple way communication, he luckily had no need to address Zazi, he would need some practice to get it down without the headache he could feel brewing in the back of his head. The large cat was new. Well, tiger more like it. He was a bit surprised by how it looked. He had never saw one before but from how travellers from faraway lands described them, he expected it to have stripes. The fangs were puzzling: no one ever mentioned teeth the size of his underarm.
Scary as it was for such a beast to be on the loose, at least it was not going around murdering people. Sandu shifted his attention back to where and with whom he actually was. Urwin struck him a bit odd by only the tiniest margin. Was he hiding something? Or was the confident persona just the result of years of being a barkeep and Sandu was overthinking his experience? The affection the man had for the ravens did endear him to Sandu. It was a common point if nothing else. There was still something nagging in the back of his head that was not the headache onset.
Then it hit him. In his mind's eye he could clearly see the image: Galqarin holding a suit of armour. The one they took from Radu. Red burgundy adorned with golden wings...
'That bastard.' Sandy muttered underneath his breath. Damn bugbear. Every horrifying tale and story he ever heard about those boogeymen flooded his thoughts. He pushed himself to his feet with one hand clenched into a fist in anger. He took a deep breath to calm himself.
'Thank you, Urwin.' Sandu said to the innkeeper. 'And you two as well.' He gave the two boys an attempt at a smile. 'With this I now have a much clearer idea of what is going on around here. If you would excuse me.' He bowed to the family and turned on his heels to leave the building. It was then that the door opened up and the figure of Galqarin appeared in the doorway.
'YOU!' Sandu's face contorted with a growl and he leaped at the bugbear. The sudden movement caused Zazi to hop from his shoulder and take refuge among the beams of the ceiling. Sandu's lunge became a tackle and he very nearly throttled Galqarin as they fell to the floor in a tangle of limbs and cloth. Sandu grabbed a hold of Galqarin's collar with both hands.
'Where is it!' Sandu yelled at the bugbear's mask, his face hidden behind it. 'Where is the armour? WHAT DID YOU DO?!' Zazi empathically croaked along loudly from her perch on high.
Good thing this got typed out in chunks so that I could incorporate Buxton's dramatic entry ^^
Also, can I just say how amazing it is for our DM to not only incorporate these callbacks but to include the actual post number? Well played, good sir. Well played indeed.
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
((Edit: Think we were all posting at the same time! Changed the post above post to make things flow better.
Thanks Furujiru - just you wait, you ain't seen nothin' yet! There might have been a few other 'hints' dropped in previously!
Mostly it is a relief when I can actually reveal them. I try and not hand-hold players and so sometimes things do not get revealed!))
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
"Armour?", queries Galqarin, both perplexed and taken aback by the sudden hostility from Sandu. "I not have armour". He looks to Unwin for assistance, "What is going on? People in street talk of a beast, a giant tiger or leopard. Iree... Miss Wren and I just came from..." his voice falters as he realises he is caught up in his own deceit, and that accusing eyes are boring into him. "What armour?", he manages to ask again.
Dormark walks up to the man and says, “Rictavio, I assume that the cat in question is one of your acts for your show. How did it get out? We’re lucky it didn’t hurt anyone.” Dormark takes a closer look at the beast since he is not chasing it anymore.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Sandu's eyes bore into Galqarin, oblivious to the strength difference between them. Or more accurately: not caring.
'The one you took from Radu.' He hissed Galqarin's face, both furious with the bugbear as well as trying to not let the Marikov family overhear him.
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
It finally dawns on Galqarin that Sandu is talking about the bulky armour he had carried - under some duress - for the shifty merchant. He attempts to articulate this, his own ire stoked by the memory of the man of whom he was so suspicious; ire that causes his voice to be easily audible to the Martikov's, "Carry armour. No take armour. Radu bad man. I told you. You no listen."
Had to double check (posts #1427, #1429, #1439 and #1464), but he definitely carried it rather than wore it unless the DM determines that was impossible or unreasonable, or just doesn't fit the plot. He publicly announced his mistrust of Radu at #1503.
Suddenly he remembers something. "Baern! Baern talk about coffin sign in dream. Same night's dreams Radu in. And some other name: Rahadin". It is Galqarin's turn to look angrily at Sandu, "Who Rahadin? You know, don't you!"
Ahh apologies - I incorrectly thought Galqarin briefly wore the armour. Either way, I think the only minor retcon would be that Sandu does not remember you wearing it, but would associate the armour as being held/carried by Galqarin at some point.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
'Not in the mood for semantics, bugbear.' Sandu replied. He beared his teeth much in the same manner as Galqarin did. 'You brought the armour into town, you're responsible for it.' He pulled Galqarin closer and peered into those yellowy eyes behind the mask until their foreheads were nearly touching. 'Four people are dead because of it. I need to find that armour.' His voice took on a low rumble. 'Now where is it?'
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
“*We* left it at stockyard. *You* can go and check if it still there. Miss Wren and I stay here”, Galqarin stares unflinchingly back at his latest accuser. There is something about the man, like he has an affliction, or even somehow possessed. The way he is baring his tiny teeth is almost comedic. Galqarin can’t help but contrast it with Baern’s simple acceptance and honest friendship. He shrugs off Sandu’s grip and steps away. “Go”, he says softly, “Find the armour”.
Sandu let go of Galqarin's collar and composed himself. With one final glare at the bugbear, he stepped past him onto the street. He gave a quick glance at Ireena when she introduced herself as Wren but said nothing of it. He had an armour to find and time was of the essence. The best way to do so was to recall all his ravens and have them scout the entire village from above. Sandu did not like leaving Dormark in the dark but, unlike the common people, the warforged was able to fend for himself.
Pepi, Koki, Zazi: I need all three of you in the sky. Sandu sent out a mental command to his familiars. Look for a metal man in the colour of blood with shiny patterns. Let me know immediately if you spot something.
He set off speeding towards the barn the group had spent their first night in Vallaki. If the armour had moved from there, then hopefully there was still something he could find and follow.
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 - "This is no ordinary tiger Dormark!" Rictavio declares with his usual verve, "For this beautiful creature has been tamed! By I, the Great Rictavio!" He looks down with great affection at the beast, which is now taking its time to rub itself up and down his leg. "As for how Snuffles escaped? I believe the two Wachter lads are to blame, saw them poking around my wagon... damn hoodlums!"
"Dormark, I will not beat around the bush - so to speak. This event with Snuffles escaping has somewhat jeopardised my position within Vallaki. I was already getting unsolicited attention from the Townguard, now I believe it will be all the worse." Rictavio shakes his head, "Either way, fear not my dear friend. For the Great Rictavio has places to go and friends to see!"
He looks you intensely in the mechanical eye, "I would like very much to meet with you and the rest of your friends in a more private setting." Rictavio hands you a makeshift map, it contains a scrawl labelled 'Vallaki' and depicts the old Svalich Road heading to the West, before it splits and leads down a path going past a 'Lake Baratok' and ends in the top left in a ruddily drawn tower. "Please, meet me here," he says pointing to the tower, "in the coming days... I must leave now, as must you, for I am afraid that we are currently being pursued by an awfully angry and vengeful individual - Mr Strazni. If he should see you here with me and Snuffles, he may believe you to be my accomplice."
"Farewell," he calls behind him as he takes off into the Svalich Woods with his pet.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Galqarin - Ireena stands next to you, confused as to what has transpired between yourself and Sandu, but choosing not to focus on it. The mood is awkward and tense as you see Sandu leave. It is broken moments later when a dishevelled man walks, at speed, into the taproom from out the back. "Urwin," the scarred faced man growls, "It's Izek, he's on the move - thinks he's found the individual responsible for the recent murders. Rictavio - of all people." He hisses before noticing you standing there. You are aware that the man is related to the Martikov's in some way, but are not sure of his name.
Urwin's face darkens, "Will we catch up with him?" You note that the jovial tone has dropped from his voice and he appears more commanding than before. The scarred faced man shakes his head angrily, "Not unless..." Urwin interrupts him, "Do what must be done, Fyodor." There is a finality to Urwins voice, leaving no room for questions.
As Fyodor turns on the spot and leaves, Urwin looks at you. "You know what this means," he says sternly, "if Izek should catch up with Rictavio."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Sandu - Your familiars take to the air scouting for anyone, or anything, matching the description given.
You struggle to maintain your composure as the multiple images are fed back to you.
Please make a Perception check for Zazi.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
"Where Rictavio? I much quicker than Izek", Galqarin spits his adversary's name.
Galqarin - Ireena looks apprehensively at you. Urwin nods, "Trust me, my friend, this time you will not be alone. Do what you must... Rictavio recently met with a companion of yours, Dormark, outside the town's easternmost gate - the Morning Gate. Follow the road some 500m eastward beyond that." A brief look of doubt briefly crosses his face before it returns to normal, "Have care Galqarin. The mists grow heavy and we do not know the full extent of the forces at work."
Ireena speaks up, "You are correct Mr Urwin, Galqarin shall not confront Izek alone." She gathers her thing, heads towards the Inn's door and then turns to you, "Let's go."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
As the Raven takes off Dormark shouts, “Let Sandu know that whatever is in the armor is stronger than any natural living being.”
”Rictavio I don’t like that your leaving when there is a murder on the loose, but you have been good to us and I know whatever is doing this it is not human. Go before Izek can sink his claws into you,” says Dormark letting the man escape.
Dormark starts heading towards Vallaki hiding the paper in his inner compartment.
( Based on your description the tiger did not attack anyone, based on his looks. IE No blood splatter around the muzzle.)
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Sandu nearly doubled over from the sudden influx of images in his head. It certainly stopped him dead in his tracks with his hands clutching his head. One hand quickly shifted to cover his mouth when the last image passed by and Sandu tried to keep himself from vomiting. He barely succeeded but could taste the bile and acid in the back of his throat. He paused and leaned against a wall trying to make sense of what had flashed through his mind. The mob was new: it worried Sandu that the townsfolk had formed a mob spurned on by this Izek Strazni. Sure, they would call it justice but it had all the trappings of a lynch mob. There were two options here: they were either searching for the killer themselves or they were looking for him and his compatriots. In either case it would be prudent to stay away from them for as long as possible. The latter spelled certain doom while the former situation would only be appeased if Sandu and the others brought the killer to justice themselves.
Koki, stay with the ravens and follow the large group of people. Sandu began flinging out command after command. Pepi, fly back to Dormark. Tell him to go south. I have a lead on the killer. South, by any means necessary.
Zazi. Sandu swallowed the burning aftertaste in his throat away as he addressed his final raven. Fly to Galgarin. The raven-bear man. He's at the building you hid in the rafters. With the other ravens. Tell him to come to the south of the town. By any means necessary.
Sandu mentally retrieved the image Zazi had communicated to him, severely wished he did not and set off in a hurry to the south of the town square.
Perception check Zazi: 6
How long has the spell been going? (it lasts an hour max). Also, if I'm vastly overestimating the intelligence of ravens and/or familiars, feel free to adjust.
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Dormark - You do not see any evidence of the tiger having attacked anyone.
Sandu - ((I think that it would be close to the full duration of the spell - didn't see that it was a 1-hour maximum! I think that familiars would have a decent intelligence and would be able to convey basic messages through body language. In this case, your familiars would attempt to grab the attention of the relevant party members and lead them, I think (correct me if I am wrong) that the familiars would only have a telepathic link to you and, being ravens, would not be able to speak out loud. Now, the raven's would have mimicry, which means that if you were to get really metagamey you could teach them certain words to say in your voice - I'd probably allow it if you took the time in character to train them, though I'd say this would be simple commands like 'follow', 'danger', 'help', etc.))
Zazi spots a flash of gold and maroon turning into an alleyway to the West. "DANGER MAN!" comes booming through to you. Zazi, determined, follows a safe distance behind, gaining a better look at the fleeing culprit. However, you do not see a man in the armour at all, but rather it appears that the armour is acting independently - blood is splattered all over the once ornamental frame.
"Follow or get raven-bear man?" Zazi questions as he receives your orders.
Sandu, please make a [skill]Stealth[skill] check for Koki (DC 16) with advantage due to the sheer chaos and amount of ravens in the sky.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Dormark will follow the Raven.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4