Ioben observes the behaviour of the people around him as they peer out of their homes and start to make their way outside. It didn’t sit well with him. The best thing he could compare it to were a pack of wolves, half starved, as they stalked an injured animal. He could practically see the drool as they watched the cart. He was glad he had not touched the pastries. 

“Something’s not right. See how the people are behaving? That’s a lot more than hunger. And check that out.” Ioben points up toward the Raven as it swoops after the old lady. “Wasn’t that at the cemetary when we buried the burger man?”

Quote from Sixfoot10 >>

After Sandu completes his purchase, Ioben looks around at the street. “I hate this sensation. It seems like there are eyes always watching us here. Now, is there anything else you need to buy? A new shirt, in the Barovian style? Maybe some flowers? I here that the undead love a nice bunch of flowers.”

Sandu plucked at the hem of his shirt. 'I could use a new shirt, now that you mention it.' His tone is even and calm, making it impossible to tell whether he was oblivious to Ioben's sarcasm, mocking him or just playing along.

He wrapped the pastry in the same piece of cloth that previously held his two pieces of bread and put it away for the moment.

“Something’s not right. See how the people are behaving? That’s a lot more than hunger. And check that out.” Ioben points up toward the Raven as it swoops after the old lady. “Wasn’t that at the cemetary when we buried the burger man?”

Sandu looked at what Ioben was pointing. 'It wouldn't suprise me if the average Barovian meal is stale bread with water.' He said as he followed Ioben's finger. 'Oh hey, a raven!' His voice became a bit more jubilant.

'You sure it's the same one?' Sandu asked. The more he looked, the more he became convinced it was indeed the same one. Or were blue tipped feathers a local variant? 'I quite like ravens. Much better than pigeons, wouldn't you say? Some believe they bring good fortune.' Sandu had a small smile on his face as he thumbed his pendant.

'Let's head to the tavern and get some provisions. We'll worry about fashion and ravens later.' He turned on his heels and followed the others that went up ahead.

Insight - 5
Perception - 24

(( we got practically the same results. I think it is safe to use the same info I got given above))

((Sandu, I was going to repost Ioben's check results - go ahead and use those for your checks.  As Sixfoot mentions the rolls were pretty much the same, if not switched!))

Sandu & Ioben - As you enter the Tavern you notice the rest of the party (Dormark, Baern & Valerie) are with Ismark drinking at the table to your immediate left.  The familiar site of the three brightly dressed Vistani ladies are to your immediate right.  As you go to join your friends you hear an unnaturally high pitched laugh emanate from the ladies as they glare unnervingly in your direction.

Ismark waves you over, "Here friends!" as you take seats he asks, "How did you fair with Old Mo?  Any news from Vallaki?".  You notice Dormark sitting with a bottle of strong-looking liquor and a number of shot glasses.

Baern goes up and politely asks the barkeep what he has for traveling & adventuring supplies or even weapons and armor.

Baern - Arik leans over the bar, "Supplies?  I can provide you with all sorts of different types of food - fruit, vegetables, dried meats, dried fruits, nuts..." as he drones on in his feeling-less voice you struggle to maintain concentration, "I would speak to Master Ismark, he has arranged food provisions for... his trip."

Arik absentmindedly picks up a glass, from as best as you can tell it looks pretty clean, never-the-less he starts polishing it, "Other types of supplies?  Well I can offer a range of travelling clothes, cold weather clothing, Vistani garb, what is it you require?  I am no weapon-smith...  There are a couple of kitchen knives I might have going spare."  He says this without any humour but rather in a very 'matter-of-fact' way.

"Ok, I'll speak to Ismark, thank you!"  Baern goes back to the table, determined to find a proper weapon somewhere in their travels.

His mind goes to the impressive shield and the manner in which Dormark created it, so he asks his new friend quietly "ah, Dormark..."  "This shield is really amazing.  Are you able to, ah, make weapons the same way?"

"I can, but I need metal material of the same value of what I'm making. There are also limits to value of what I can make," h says pushing the drink towards the dwarf. When Sandu and Ioben walk in he pours another 2 glasses for them pushing them towards the duo.

Baern takes a drink and holds it up to tap his glass against Dormark's.  "Thank you Dormark.  Finding the metal might be easier than purchasing exactly what we need here in Barovia, it seems.  I'll keep an eye out."

(It seems the Forge Cleric is saving me from the potential folly of starting out with a level of sorcerer in Barovia and thus not having the starting gear of proper armor, weapon and shield.  Thanks Losman/Dormark!)

Quote from IrRy0 >>

Sandu & Ioben - As you enter the Tavern you notice the rest of the party (Dormark, Baern & Valerie) are with Ismark drinking at the table to your immediate left.  The familiar site of the three brightly dressed Vistani ladies are to your immediate right.  As you go to join your friends you hear an unnaturally high pitched laugh emanate from the ladies as they glare unnervingly in your direction.

Ismark waves you over, "Here friends!" as you take seats he asks, "How did you fair with Old Mo?  Any news from Vallaki?".  You notice Dormark sitting with a bottle of strong-looking liquor and a number of shot glasses.

Sandu gave the women a small wave in that typical "I have no idea what's going on so I'll just smile and wave and move on" kind of fashion.

'Odd.' He said as he sat down with the others. He noticed Dormark pushing a glass towards him.

'Also odd. Didn't take you for a drinker.' Sandu smiled. He reached for the glass and took a whiff of the scent before tentatively taking a small sip.

He addressed Ismark. 'Old Mo?' He asked. 'You mean the pastry lady? I bought one for the road, if you want a nibble. I didn't think to ask about Vallaki.' He took another sip. 'Why, does she go there often?'

"Yes, that's right.  Mo... short for Morgana, or Morgetha, or something like that."  Ismark says simply to Sandu.  "She lives out a ways towards Vallaki.  An Old Mill of some variety rumour says."

"Never sampled the pastries, truth be told.  Wouldn't say no... but do not want to deprive you of your snack!" Ismark drops his voice a little;

Making a bit of a show of things, which looks painfully obvious even to the casual observer, Ismark stretches and stands up, "Anyway, I must be off... Things to do, errands to run and what not.  Fair well, friends!"  With that he strolls out of the Tavern entrance.  Leaving the party alone to their drinks.

Ioben glances over at the ladies at the back of the tavern. "Not my type," he thinks briefly then makes his way over to the rest of the group. "Did we all get what we need?" He asks as he leans back in his chair. "I know my feet are eager to get moving." Ioben makes a show of looking out the window. "That is, if we have enough daylight left today. You know, I wonder what they are thinking back home. I mean, the rest of my stuff is just sitting in the lodging house I had rented. I bet that old man just sells my stuff and doesn't even bat an eye."

Valerie sits at the table without drinking. She looks at Ismark as he leaves the tavern then turns to the party. "What do we do now? Do we have anything to accomplish before leaving the town?"

Anyone who had pick up the drink will taste a burn reserved for strong liquor such as whiskey. Dormark chuckles at Sandu's remark saying, "Traditional Dwarf holy water is alcoholic in nature. Consider it a habit pick up from my line of work." Noticing Valerie not drinking her glass Dormark picks it up and downs what is in it. putting the glass back down he says, "I think the sooner we leave the better let's give Ismark 5 more minutes before we go. Sorry we can't do much about your weapons Baern. Once we find something of value we can tool you out some more." Saying this he corks the bottle that he has and puts it in his bag.

As the party starts wrapping up at the tavern their is a noticeable pause in the Vistani ladies conversation.

The oldest looking Vistani lady stands and walks towards the party; her movement is playful, almost mesmerising.  "Awww... please tell me you are leaving so soon.  We have not had a chance to chat, my name is Sorvia." she says flirtatiously, eyeing up Ioben before extending her hand out in greetings.  The other Vistani ladies whisper and giggle behind their hands to each other.

((Portrait of Sorvia))

(P Perception 14 - P Insight 16 - probably noticed the flirtation)

Ioben turns at the sound of the voice from across the tavern. One of the woman stands as she speaks to the group. Ioben shudders a little as he sees Sorvia's eyes assessing him. "The sooner we get home the better in my opinion," he says just a little too loudly and firmly. "I still have no idea why I am even here."

Ioben picks up his gear and heads toward the front door.

Valerie is confused by Ioben’s action. She looks at him then the lady, not sure what to do. She thinks it would be rude to just leave like this. She turns to the rest, waiting to see how they response. 

Ioben - It is very clear from Sorvia's expression that she is taken aback by your response.  "I... uh... yes well." she flushes a little embarrassed, "Guess now was the wrong time?" 

'Don't mind him.' Sandu replied to the woman. 'He's just a bit on edge lately.'

He turned to Valerie. 'Or do you think he's more into guys?' He asked her with a smirk.