It is early afternoon as the party continue their journey towards the Vistani camp. After a while the road gradually disappears and is replaced by a twisted, muddy path through the trees. Deep ruts in the earth are evidence of the comings and goings of wagons.
The canopy of mist and branches suddenly gives way to black clouds boiling far above. There is a clearing here, next to a river that widens to form a small lake several hundred feet across. Five colourful round tents, each ten feet in diameter, are pitched outside a ring of four barrel-topped wagons. A much larger tent stands near the shore of the lake, its sagging form lit from within. Near this tent, eight unbridled horses drink from the river.
((Vistani Campsite))
The mournful strains of an accordion clash with the singing of several brightly clad figures around bonfire. A footpath continues beyond this encampment, meandering north between the river and the forest’s edge. It paints a stark contrast comparative to the usual bleakness of Barovia - the figures laughter and frivolity fills the air.
ALL - Anyone curious about the camp please make Perception checks ((Feel free to make and list any other relevant checks you would like to undertake. Could be history based, investigative, etc.))
(I rolled perception with guidance modifier, I think it may be in the new game log thing.)
“Ahh Sandu, your awake I’m glad your feeling better, but we need to talk for a second about what has taken place for the last few hours,” Dormark tries to calmly explain to Sandu about Galqarin he then adds, “Sandu did the place you were raise tell you to be scared of bugbears?”
Approaching the camp it does not appear like the figures have noticed you / their attention appears to be on having a good time. It strikes you as odd to note the absence of birds, specifically ravens, around the camp.
At a glance there appear to be roughly 10-12 Vistani having fun around a campfire - including drinking copious amounts of drink. A further 3 Vistani seem to be guarding the caravans, they seem to be well armed but distracted by those at the campfire.
The sound of raucous music gets louder the closer the party draws to the camp; it is high tempo and exciting. A number of Vistani ladies in large, swishing, coloured dresses dance uncontrollably to the tune, arms flailing about wildly. An old man with weathered skin and a large moustache plays the accordion, he is accompanied three other musicians - a piper, a violinist, and a lute player ((think something akin to - this)). They seem caught up in merriment and unmoved by the party's arrival, it is unclear as to whether they have even noticed the group.
Galqarin - The woods next to the camp provide you more than enough cover, you easily find a place from which you can observe and yet stay hidden.
(I rolled perception with guidance modifier, I think it may be in the new game log thing.)
“Ahh Sandu, your awake I’m glad your feeling better, but we need to talk for a second about what has taken place for the last few hours,” Dormark tries to calmly explain to Sandu about Galqarin he then adds, “Sandu did the place you were raise tell you to be scared of bugbears?”
Sandu took in all what Dormark had to say about what had transpired and their new travelling companion. He eyeballed the bugbear named Galgarin - Do bugbears even have names? - and how carefree the others were treating him. That could only mean one of three things. Option one: Sandu had gone mad, a notion he quickly discarded as he was the sanest person he knew. Option two: everyone else had gone mad, another notion he discarded after some thought, for collective madness was not unheard of but shared and detailed madness was highly uncommon. Then again, this is Barovia: a land he was fairly convinced operated on driving everyone in it mad at some point or another. That only left the third option: the bugbear was playing the long game, biding his time to strike when their defences were down. It had to be.
'Bugbears are monsters who kidnap little children.'Sandu gave as reply to Dormark's inquiry. 'So I'll be keeping an eye on that one.'
He glanced around and noticed his current situation. 'You, uhm, you can let me down now, Dormark.' Said Sandu. His face turned a slight shade of red. 'Lest the others start talking.'
Back on one and a half feet, Sandu trailed behind the others. He kept looking back and forth between the bugbear and the road until the forest scene made way for what was clearly an encampment of travellers. It was an odd change of pace. Odder still was the sound of joyous laughter filling the air, something Sandu had scarcely heard at all over the past couple of days. It pained him that he had to classify laughter as unusual. Sandu took a deep breath and steadied himself on both feet. If he was going to converse with actual lively people, he would at least do them the courtesy of greeting them with his head high.
OOC: got a 15for Perception. Don't think Sandu has any in-character motivation or reason to roll anything else.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ioben surveys the area carefully as they approach. Although his dreams have drawn him to this place, he is still wary of Barovia in general. There is little that he knows about these people and it paid to be cautious when walking into a new tavern, so to speak. As he enters he is particularly interested in the layout of the camp. Was there an obvious place of power? maybe a tent where the leader of the Vistani lived. A common area, like a tavern or campfire, somewhere that the workers might assemble in their downtime. These would be the people he was most interested in. The people who worked hardest usually had the most realistic view of their situation. Besides, he had travelled with many caravans and worked as a porter on the docks to pay off debts. These would be the people he understood, not the priests and mayors they had met so far. Perception:15
As he enters the camp he particular keeps an eye out for someone near the caravans who seems trustworthy and open, but not necessarily the top of the social order. Insight: 17
Valerie stays at the frontline of the group. As they entering the camp, she scans around the tent to see are there any weapons around the tent and makes sure there is no chance that the Vastani would ambush them.
Sandu took in all what Dormark had to say about what had transpired and their new travelling companion. He eyeballed the bugbear named Galgarin - Do bugbears even have names? - and how carefree the others were treating him. That could only mean one of three things. Option one: Sandu had gone mad, a notion he quickly discarded as he was the sanest person he knew. Option two: everyone else had gone mad, another notion he discarded after some thought, for collective madness was not unheard of but shared and detailed madness was highly uncommon. Then again, this is Barovia: a land he was fairly convinced operated on driving everyone in it mad at some point or another. That only left the third option: the bugbear was playing the long game, biding his time to strike when their defenses were down. It had to be.
'Bugbears are monsters who kidnap little children.'Sandu gave as reply to Dormark's inquiry. 'So I'll be keeping an eye on that one.'
He glanced around and noticed his current situation. 'You, uhm, you can let me down now, Dormark.' Said Sandu. His face turned a slight shade of red. 'Lest the others start talking.'
Dormark watch Galqarin walked into the forest until the bug bear dissappears, glad for his caution, but sad that it had to be this way.
Dormark places Sandu down after watching his reaction. Dormark may not be able to express himself well, but he can read emotions on others faces well. He saw the mistrust in his face first at Dormark then at Galqarin. He heard the comment that "Bugbears were monsters' he felt a emotion well up inside him at the man. A extreme emotion of anger. As Sandu turns his back on Dormark he could begin to he a scraping noise low at first, but becomes a screeching pitch in a few seconds. If Sandu turned back he would seem that Dormark's lower jaw was grinding back and forth along his upper producing the screeching noise. His red eyes seemed to flared a brighter red.
"What makes him a monster? His skin? His teeth? His size? His strength? His people? I lived for 5 years in Mithral Hall, then I traveled the road for 5 more. I had to put down a bugbear once to be sure, but I also had to fight off bandits of the human variety as well. I was chased out of villages because I was different. I was called a monster. I even had a human wizard chase after me trying to tear me apart to see how I 'tick'. But that is not the worse I've seen. I seen poor starving while the wealthy garbed themselves in their riches. I've seen unjust kings put innocents unto the block. By far and large, most of the evil I've currently seen was done by humans. Doesn't mean their aren't good among them, but I think humans can be the worst monsters of all," he says passing By Sandu. he pauses then turns back.
"You know Sandu, I was going to ask you not to run off like you did today. It was foolish and very dangerous, but i think I now know your personality. You are a scared little child, totally afraid of the world around him. You cannot trust others, you could not trust us to protect you, so you did they only thing your mind could think of. You ran, and you ran right into the real danger out there just like a mouse. So Sandu the Mouse tell me, why should I trust you," asks Dormark walking away.
Taking the long way around the camp keeping distance from the folks in the middle Dormark opens his pack and takes out the bottle he saved from earlier. Putting the cork in his mouth he pops it out and spits out. He then downs what is left in the bottle. Not caring if the amount would make him drunk even against his formidable endurances. He leans against a tree and tosses the bottle over his shoulder. He hears it break against a tree, the small act of destruction, helping him calm his anger.
Everyone'sPerception checks ((everyone rolled high enough to discern the following)):
((The Vistani Tser Pool Encampment, the party are currently approaching from the South. Galqarin is currently hidden in the woods to the South West with a clear view of the campfire.))
A group of 5 tents and 4 caravans are located around a raging campfire. A larger tent is located just off the shore of Tser Pool, you assume this to be the camp leader's tent. 3 Sober-looking guards are located to the West of the camp near the 3 Western tents. The campfire is a hive of activity with numerous (around 12) Vistani dancing, singing and drinking. Near the shoreline you see a number of horses drinking from the pool.
Those located to the West of the caravans appear to be guards, they are quite well armed. Outside the caravan to the East of the camp entrance an old man sits, enjoying the spectacle of the dancing - your instincts tell you that he appears harmless enough.
((Dormark - are you attempting to avoid the Vistani / sneak around the camp? Or are you being quite overt?))
As the sound of the singing and dancing carries through the air, Ioben approaches the old man near the east entrance. The energy of the camp was infectious, but Ioben was careful not to get caught up in the swirl of emotions. It was when you lost focus that you hand turned from flush to fold.
"Hello there,"he called out as he approached. "You wouldn't happen to have a seat for a weary traveller would you?"
The old man looks up, briefly startled,"Oh... why of course, of course. Greetings friend." He quickly brushes the seat next to him,"Please, have a seat."
"Shey! Shey! We have a guest!" The old man proceeds to bang on the door of the wagon. Moments later a lady appears from the caravan; she is old, rotund, has grey hair curled up in a bun and a large smile on her face. "Wassat Petyr?" She looks over Ioben,"Oh my... a guest!"she almost squeals with excitement, "Welcome, welcome to Tser Pool! Where are me manners - wouldya like a drink?".
Shey disappears back in to the caravan and returns moments later with large steins filled with what you can only assume to be ale. "Don't jus' stand there gawping sweetie, 'ave a seat, 'ave a drink! Rest yer weary feet!"
"Thank you." Ioben takes the offered drink and sits down, happy to be off his feet with some pleasant company."It has been quite a journey so far though I imagine we will see much more before we reach Vallaki."Feeling that there is no direct threat from these two, Ioben takes a draw from the stein. "Again, thank you. That was desperately needed. My name is Ioben, most recently of Beregost."
"Oh you must take in the sights deary"Shey says kindly as she takes a seat next to Ioben and Petyr. "Ioben, a fine name to be sure. My name is Shey and this 'ere is me 'usband Petyr. Most call him 'Pete'." She claps her husband on the back.
"Oh, why, yes, of course." Petyr stammers. "What brings you to fair Barovia, Ioben? Never heard of this Beregost you speak of... have you my love?"
"No, never been 'earin' of tha'. No sir. Berry-gost? Never 'eard of it. Nice there?" Shey says taking an impressively large swig from the stein. Before Ioben can answer, she continues, "Never really been that far from Vallaki, in truth. Never needed ta. Neithers Pete, 'ave ya?"
"Oh... uh. No-no-no. Not far from Vallaki, no. Spend most of me days around 'ere. 'tis true." Ioben, you get the distinct feeling that the elderly couple could natter on for hours if you let them.
The dancers and musicians seem unperturbed by your arrival... they continue to dance, laugh, joke, and play loudly.
Sandu listened with near cold indifference to what Dormark was spewing. The world was cruel. The world was wicked. Yadda yadda yadda. He had heard it all before. He had lived it all before. including the shtick of "humans are the real evil." Complaining about the injustice of it all would not solve anything. He knew better: there was no true good or evil in this world. Not really. Only those with the power to change things and those who do not. And with his newfound magical abilities, Sansu resolved himself to be the latter. Even if that meant facing the fears of his past.
It was only when Dormark began with the personal accusations that Sandu's demeanor shifted. 'Oh, you've known me for a measly three days and you got me all figured out, do you?'His voice grew louder. 'That's rich coming from someone not even half my age.'
It only escalated from there. 'And scared?' Sandu grew angry. He did not know if he was genuinely angry or if it was merely a triggered response to Dormark getting angry as well. He did not care. 'For the past three days, I've been kidnapped and forced to wander in an unknown land filled with things ripped straight from my nightmares, discovered I can suddenly shoot magic from my fingertips for no explainable reason, fought off the undead and had a gods damnedvampire mock me inside my own head. OF COURSE I'M SCARED!'
His voice was now accompanied by wild gesticulation. 'I'm flabbergasted none of you are taking this more seriously! But no, you're all treating this like a casual afternoon stroll through the park. Pop in, dethrone Strahd, pop back out. Like it's no big deal, be back at the tavern by sundown for a pint and whatnot! Have a jolly good laugh about it all.' His voice was by now a mix-match cacophony of anger and hysteria. 'Corpse falls down from the gallow? Just pick it up and take it along on the road, why don't you!'
Sandu leveled his gaze with Dormark's and pointed his finger at him and, by extension, the others. 'I don't even know WHO in the Nine Hells I'm travelling with!'
Dormark walking off did little to cool Sandu's temper. Unbeknownst to him, his magic had flared up and his eyes had turned black like coal with a smouldering pinprick of red in the centre, ironically the exact inverse of Dormark's bright red eyes. 'Yeah, you walk away!' Sandu shouted at the warforged's back. 'Just like every-'
Sandu caught himself before he yelled anything else. He clenched his hands into fists and took deep, laboured breaths. 'I don't need this.'He grumbled. He did not register the soft dezvãluihe added at the end. He shoved his hands into his pockets and stomped off towards the river to cool off. His eyes remained pitch black, the red peeking through the dark thundercloud that was Sandu's face.
OOC: Unknowingly casting Detect Magic and concentrating on it.
Sandu - As you make the commotion you notice a couple of the Vistani go to make a move towards your location. As you stroll off in the direction of Tser Pool however, they stop and go back to the tents. Your Detect Magic initially reveals nothing of interest.... that is until you walk to within 30ft of the larger tent. Through the thin tent walls you get an OVERWHELMING sense of powerful magics at work. Generally it is divination magic which you detect, but equally you get the sense that there is a powerful spellcaster located inside the tent.
Dormark - Having witnessed your and Sandu's 'stand off' of sorts. One of the Vistani guards makes his way over to where you currently lean. "What is this?!" His voice is harsh but not unkind,"Smashing bottles?"His eye's widen as he sees Dormark's large metal frame,"By the gods! What are you?! Why are you here?!"
You notice a number of the other Vistani are watching the back and forth between the guard and Dormark. They appear to be a little twitchy / on edge.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Ioben enjoyed sitting and listening to Petyr and Shey talk. He carried on idle conversation with them, sharing a little about his childhood, leaving home and some of the sights he had seen as he travelled from town to town throughout Faerûn. As he did so he tried to steer the conversation to information that he might find useful. First, finding out if they had ever met other people from outside Barovia, what they could tell him of Madame Eva, and their impression of Strahd. ((Not sure if this is best considered persuasion or insight so I have rolled both for you. Also, let me know if you want me to roleplay the actual conversation.)) Persuassion:14 Insight:20
As he is talking, he hears Dormark and Sandu's raised voices. As the argument continued, Ioben tried to remain calm and level and focused on his two hosts.
Valzes sees the confrontation then lets out a long sigh. She looks up to the dark sky. "Is this a test that you have for me?" She clenches her amulet and continues to stare at the sky for a moment. Then she proceeds to ask around for Madame Eva.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
(Rolling a late Perception just on the off change that a high roll reveals something important. Otherwise feel free to ignore: 16 )
Baern had lagged behind as the party drew close to the camp, telling Galqarin "maybe I can come get you soon, if they are nice."
Turning to catch up with the others the inexperienced lad stopped short in his tracks as Dormark and Sandu explode in anger at one another. "Ah..." The wide eyed Baern doesn't seem quite sure what to do or where to go.
Seeing Ismark and Ireena not yet engaging with the vistani he turns to them to bide his time. "Will you be coming to meet with them? Might you know any of them, actually?"
Ioben - you spend the next number of minutes getting to know Petyr and Shey. Based on your Insight you can tell that they seem genuine and are not attempting to hide or mislead you.
Relating to your questions:
They rarely meet outsiders, but they have a number of times before. Each time they are eager to meet them and learn about their lives before Barovia. As you enquire further they mention a couple in passing;
An Elven Druid, Anwynd, who had hoped to cleanse Barovia of it's sickness. He had believed Strahd not to be a person but rather allegory for a greater plague that afflicted the land.
A Human Hunter, Boyd, who had inadvertently become trapped in Barovia whilst hunting deer.
A Dwarf Woman, named 'Deela' or 'Diesa' ("Can't quite remember 'er name, lovely though"), who had become trapped in the mists and was desperate to get back to her family.
A Human Wizard, who had withheld his name. He came to Barovia to rid the lands of Strahd, he had been a self-professed 'Vampire Hunter'.
"Madam Eva, oh you must meet her, mustn't he Pete." You find out that she is here in the camp. Neither has a bad word to say about her - she is the de facto leader of the camp. "Yes, yes dear. People come from all aroun' ta see 'er. She 'as a gift, a magical sight." Madam Eva is a fortune teller of sorts.
Regarding Strahd, they genuinely seem pretty indifferent. They are quite matter-of-fact about the things he has and hasn't done. They try and change the topic should you enquire any further about his actions / rule / etc.
Afternoon - Day 3 - Tser Pool Encampment
It is early afternoon as the party continue their journey towards the Vistani camp. After a while the road gradually disappears and is replaced by a twisted, muddy path through the trees. Deep ruts in the earth are evidence of the comings and goings of wagons.
The canopy of mist and branches suddenly gives way to black clouds boiling far above. There is a clearing here, next to a river that widens to form a small lake several hundred feet across. Five colourful round tents, each ten feet in diameter, are pitched outside a ring of four barrel-topped wagons. A much larger tent stands near the shore of the lake, its sagging form lit from within. Near this tent, eight unbridled horses drink from the river.
The mournful strains of an accordion clash with the singing of several brightly clad figures around bonfire. A footpath continues beyond this encampment, meandering north between the river and the forest’s edge. It paints a stark contrast comparative to the usual bleakness of Barovia - the figures laughter and frivolity fills the air.
ALL - Anyone curious about the camp please make Perception checks ((Feel free to make and list any other relevant checks you would like to undertake. Could be history based, investigative, etc.))
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
(I rolled perception with guidance modifier, I think it may be in the new game log thing.)
“Ahh Sandu, your awake I’m glad your feeling better, but we need to talk for a second about what has taken place for the last few hours,” Dormark tries to calmly explain to Sandu about Galqarin he then adds, “Sandu did the place you were raise tell you to be scared of bugbears?”
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Dormark's Perception check:
Approaching the camp it does not appear like the figures have noticed you / their attention appears to be on having a good time. It strikes you as odd to note the absence of birds, specifically ravens, around the camp.
At a glance there appear to be roughly 10-12 Vistani having fun around a campfire - including drinking copious amounts of drink. A further 3 Vistani seem to be guarding the caravans, they seem to be well armed but distracted by those at the campfire.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Galqarin skulks in the background, letting the others have the first interactions with the Vistani. (Stealth 24. Well, he is a bugbear after all!)
The sound of raucous music gets louder the closer the party draws to the camp; it is high tempo and exciting. A number of Vistani ladies in large, swishing, coloured dresses dance uncontrollably to the tune, arms flailing about wildly. An old man with weathered skin and a large moustache plays the accordion, he is accompanied three other musicians - a piper, a violinist, and a lute player ((think something akin to - this)). They seem caught up in merriment and unmoved by the party's arrival, it is unclear as to whether they have even noticed the group.
Galqarin - The woods next to the camp provide you more than enough cover, you easily find a place from which you can observe and yet stay hidden.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Sandu took in all what Dormark had to say about what had transpired and their new travelling companion. He eyeballed the bugbear named Galgarin - Do bugbears even have names? - and how carefree the others were treating him. That could only mean one of three things. Option one: Sandu had gone mad, a notion he quickly discarded as he was the sanest person he knew. Option two: everyone else had gone mad, another notion he discarded after some thought, for collective madness was not unheard of but shared and detailed madness was highly uncommon. Then again, this is Barovia: a land he was fairly convinced operated on driving everyone in it mad at some point or another. That only left the third option: the bugbear was playing the long game, biding his time to strike when their defences were down. It had to be.
'Bugbears are monsters who kidnap little children.' Sandu gave as reply to Dormark's inquiry. 'So I'll be keeping an eye on that one.'
He glanced around and noticed his current situation. 'You, uhm, you can let me down now, Dormark.' Said Sandu. His face turned a slight shade of red. 'Lest the others start talking.'
Back on one and a half feet, Sandu trailed behind the others. He kept looking back and forth between the bugbear and the road until the forest scene made way for what was clearly an encampment of travellers. It was an odd change of pace. Odder still was the sound of joyous laughter filling the air, something Sandu had scarcely heard at all over the past couple of days. It pained him that he had to classify laughter as unusual. Sandu took a deep breath and steadied himself on both feet. If he was going to converse with actual lively people, he would at least do them the courtesy of greeting them with his head high.
OOC: got a 15 for Perception. Don't think Sandu has any in-character motivation or reason to roll anything else.
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Ioben surveys the area carefully as they approach. Although his dreams have drawn him to this place, he is still wary of Barovia in general. There is little that he knows about these people and it paid to be cautious when walking into a new tavern, so to speak. As he enters he is particularly interested in the layout of the camp. Was there an obvious place of power? maybe a tent where the leader of the Vistani lived. A common area, like a tavern or campfire, somewhere that the workers might assemble in their downtime. These would be the people he was most interested in. The people who worked hardest usually had the most realistic view of their situation. Besides, he had travelled with many caravans and worked as a porter on the docks to pay off debts. These would be the people he understood, not the priests and mayors they had met so far.
Perception: 15
As he enters the camp he particular keeps an eye out for someone near the caravans who seems trustworthy and open, but not necessarily the top of the social order.
Insight: 17
Valerie stays at the frontline of the group. As they entering the camp, she scans around the tent to see are there any weapons around the tent and makes sure there is no chance that the Vastani would ambush them.
Perception 13
Dormark watch Galqarin walked into the forest until the bug bear dissappears, glad for his caution, but sad that it had to be this way.
Dormark places Sandu down after watching his reaction. Dormark may not be able to express himself well, but he can read emotions on others faces well. He saw the mistrust in his face first at Dormark then at Galqarin. He heard the comment that "Bugbears were monsters' he felt a emotion well up inside him at the man. A extreme emotion of anger. As Sandu turns his back on Dormark he could begin to he a scraping noise low at first, but becomes a screeching pitch in a few seconds. If Sandu turned back he would seem that Dormark's lower jaw was grinding back and forth along his upper producing the screeching noise. His red eyes seemed to flared a brighter red.
"What makes him a monster? His skin? His teeth? His size? His strength? His people? I lived for 5 years in Mithral Hall, then I traveled the road for 5 more. I had to put down a bugbear once to be sure, but I also had to fight off bandits of the human variety as well. I was chased out of villages because I was different. I was called a monster. I even had a human wizard chase after me trying to tear me apart to see how I 'tick'. But that is not the worse I've seen. I seen poor starving while the wealthy garbed themselves in their riches. I've seen unjust kings put innocents unto the block. By far and large, most of the evil I've currently seen was done by humans. Doesn't mean their aren't good among them, but I think humans can be the worst monsters of all," he says passing By Sandu. he pauses then turns back.
"You know Sandu, I was going to ask you not to run off like you did today. It was foolish and very dangerous, but i think I now know your personality. You are a scared little child, totally afraid of the world around him. You cannot trust others, you could not trust us to protect you, so you did they only thing your mind could think of. You ran, and you ran right into the real danger out there just like a mouse. So Sandu the Mouse tell me, why should I trust you," asks Dormark walking away.
Taking the long way around the camp keeping distance from the folks in the middle Dormark opens his pack and takes out the bottle he saved from earlier. Putting the cork in his mouth he pops it out and spits out. He then downs what is left in the bottle. Not caring if the amount would make him drunk even against his formidable endurances. He leans against a tree and tosses the bottle over his shoulder. He hears it break against a tree, the small act of destruction, helping him calm his anger.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Everyone's Perception checks ((everyone rolled high enough to discern the following)):
((The Vistani Tser Pool Encampment, the party are currently approaching from the South. Galqarin is currently hidden in the woods to the South West with a clear view of the campfire.))
A group of 5 tents and 4 caravans are located around a raging campfire. A larger tent is located just off the shore of Tser Pool, you assume this to be the camp leader's tent. 3 Sober-looking guards are located to the West of the camp near the 3 Western tents. The campfire is a hive of activity with numerous (around 12) Vistani dancing, singing and drinking. Near the shoreline you see a number of horses drinking from the pool.
Ioben's Insight check:
Those located to the West of the caravans appear to be guards, they are quite well armed. Outside the caravan to the East of the camp entrance an old man sits, enjoying the spectacle of the dancing - your instincts tell you that he appears harmless enough.
((Dormark - are you attempting to avoid the Vistani / sneak around the camp? Or are you being quite overt?))
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
As the sound of the singing and dancing carries through the air, Ioben approaches the old man near the east entrance. The energy of the camp was infectious, but Ioben was careful not to get caught up in the swirl of emotions. It was when you lost focus that you hand turned from flush to fold.
"Hello there," he called out as he approached. "You wouldn't happen to have a seat for a weary traveller would you?"
The old man looks up, briefly startled, "Oh... why of course, of course. Greetings friend." He quickly brushes the seat next to him, "Please, have a seat."
"Shey! Shey! We have a guest!" The old man proceeds to bang on the door of the wagon. Moments later a lady appears from the caravan; she is old, rotund, has grey hair curled up in a bun and a large smile on her face. "Wassat Petyr?" She looks over Ioben, "Oh my... a guest!" she almost squeals with excitement, "Welcome, welcome to Tser Pool! Where are me manners - wouldya like a drink?".
Shey disappears back in to the caravan and returns moments later with large steins filled with what you can only assume to be ale. "Don't jus' stand there gawping sweetie, 'ave a seat, 'ave a drink! Rest yer weary feet!"
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
"Thank you." Ioben takes the offered drink and sits down, happy to be off his feet with some pleasant company. "It has been quite a journey so far though I imagine we will see much more before we reach Vallaki." Feeling that there is no direct threat from these two, Ioben takes a draw from the stein. "Again, thank you. That was desperately needed. My name is Ioben, most recently of Beregost."
"Oh you must take in the sights deary" Shey says kindly as she takes a seat next to Ioben and Petyr. "Ioben, a fine name to be sure. My name is Shey and this 'ere is me 'usband Petyr. Most call him 'Pete'." She claps her husband on the back.
"Oh, why, yes, of course." Petyr stammers. "What brings you to fair Barovia, Ioben? Never heard of this Beregost you speak of... have you my love?"
"No, never been 'earin' of tha'. No sir. Berry-gost? Never 'eard of it. Nice there?" Shey says taking an impressively large swig from the stein. Before Ioben can answer, she continues, "Never really been that far from Vallaki, in truth. Never needed ta. Neithers Pete, 'ave ya?"
"Oh... uh. No-no-no. Not far from Vallaki, no. Spend most of me days around 'ere. 'tis true." Ioben, you get the distinct feeling that the elderly couple could natter on for hours if you let them.
The dancers and musicians seem unperturbed by your arrival... they continue to dance, laugh, joke, and play loudly.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Sandu listened with near cold indifference to what Dormark was spewing. The world was cruel. The world was wicked. Yadda yadda yadda. He had heard it all before. He had lived it all before. including the shtick of "humans are the real evil." Complaining about the injustice of it all would not solve anything. He knew better: there was no true good or evil in this world. Not really. Only those with the power to change things and those who do not. And with his newfound magical abilities, Sansu resolved himself to be the latter. Even if that meant facing the fears of his past.
It was only when Dormark began with the personal accusations that Sandu's demeanor shifted. 'Oh, you've known me for a measly three days and you got me all figured out, do you?' His voice grew louder. 'That's rich coming from someone not even half my age.'
It only escalated from there. 'And scared?' Sandu grew angry. He did not know if he was genuinely angry or if it was merely a triggered response to Dormark getting angry as well. He did not care. 'For the past three days, I've been kidnapped and forced to wander in an unknown land filled with things ripped straight from my nightmares, discovered I can suddenly shoot magic from my fingertips for no explainable reason, fought off the undead and had a gods damned vampire mock me inside my own head. OF COURSE I'M SCARED!'
His voice was now accompanied by wild gesticulation. 'I'm flabbergasted none of you are taking this more seriously! But no, you're all treating this like a casual afternoon stroll through the park. Pop in, dethrone Strahd, pop back out. Like it's no big deal, be back at the tavern by sundown for a pint and whatnot! Have a jolly good laugh about it all.' His voice was by now a mix-match cacophony of anger and hysteria. 'Corpse falls down from the gallow? Just pick it up and take it along on the road, why don't you!'
Sandu leveled his gaze with Dormark's and pointed his finger at him and, by extension, the others. 'I don't even know WHO in the Nine Hells I'm travelling with!'
Dormark walking off did little to cool Sandu's temper. Unbeknownst to him, his magic had flared up and his eyes had turned black like coal with a smouldering pinprick of red in the centre, ironically the exact inverse of Dormark's bright red eyes. 'Yeah, you walk away!' Sandu shouted at the warforged's back. 'Just like every-'
Sandu caught himself before he yelled anything else. He clenched his hands into fists and took deep, laboured breaths. 'I don't need this.' He grumbled. He did not register the soft dezvãlui he added at the end. He shoved his hands into his pockets and stomped off towards the river to cool off. His eyes remained pitch black, the red peeking through the dark thundercloud that was Sandu's face.
OOC: Unknowingly casting Detect Magic and concentrating on it.
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Sandu - As you make the commotion you notice a couple of the Vistani go to make a move towards your location. As you stroll off in the direction of Tser Pool however, they stop and go back to the tents. Your Detect Magic initially reveals nothing of interest.... that is until you walk to within 30ft of the larger tent. Through the thin tent walls you get an OVERWHELMING sense of powerful magics at work. Generally it is divination magic which you detect, but equally you get the sense that there is a powerful spellcaster located inside the tent.
Dormark - Having witnessed your and Sandu's 'stand off' of sorts. One of the Vistani guards makes his way over to where you currently lean. "What is this?!" His voice is harsh but not unkind, "Smashing bottles?" His eye's widen as he sees Dormark's large metal frame, "By the gods! What are you?! Why are you here?!"
You notice a number of the other Vistani are watching the back and forth between the guard and Dormark. They appear to be a little twitchy / on edge.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Ioben enjoyed sitting and listening to Petyr and Shey talk. He carried on idle conversation with them, sharing a little about his childhood, leaving home and some of the sights he had seen as he travelled from town to town throughout Faerûn. As he did so he tried to steer the conversation to information that he might find useful. First, finding out if they had ever met other people from outside Barovia, what they could tell him of Madame Eva, and their impression of Strahd. ((Not sure if this is best considered persuasion or insight so I have rolled both for you. Also, let me know if you want me to roleplay the actual conversation.))
Persuassion: 14
Insight: 20
As he is talking, he hears Dormark and Sandu's raised voices. As the argument continued, Ioben tried to remain calm and level and focused on his two hosts.
Valzes sees the confrontation then lets out a long sigh. She looks up to the dark sky. "Is this a test that you have for me?" She clenches her amulet and continues to stare at the sky for a moment. Then she proceeds to ask around for Madame Eva.
(Rolling a late Perception just on the off change that a high roll reveals something important. Otherwise feel free to ignore: 16 )
Baern had lagged behind as the party drew close to the camp, telling Galqarin "maybe I can come get you soon, if they are nice."
Turning to catch up with the others the inexperienced lad stopped short in his tracks as Dormark and Sandu explode in anger at one another. "Ah..." The wide eyed Baern doesn't seem quite sure what to do or where to go.
Seeing Ismark and Ireena not yet engaging with the vistani he turns to them to bide his time. "Will you be coming to meet with them? Might you know any of them, actually?"
Ioben - you spend the next number of minutes getting to know Petyr and Shey. Based on your Insight you can tell that they seem genuine and are not attempting to hide or mislead you.
Relating to your questions:
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)