“I can help too Bert, you can do this! Just like what you did when we were sitting around the campfire before all of this began. I can help you keep the beat!” Erven smiles and gives Bert encouragement, a clap on the back.
Erven is knelt down with the others, whispering and forming their plan. All of a sudden he stops. He looks down at the skeletal dog Lucky Bear, a half smile but a sad look on his face. He looks up and meets everyone's eyes, "How are we going to explain Lucky? ""Oh yeah, and here is our skeletal dog, do you mind if he stays?" That will go over really well." he looks down, "What are we to do with you.." he reaches a hand out to pet a head, scratch the fur under a chin that is no longer there, withdrawing his hand, with a sliver of revulsion.
Sho stands to the side, face pale, looking like he choked on something, staring at the group's sudden late night enthusiasm of starting a runaway band. He lifts up his chin and glances at the stars, and smelling the wet petrichor and putrefied corpses. What happened to talking? He asks himself.
"Very well but we should still be ready for a battle. I do not know how these people will react to stranger suddenly appearing. With the things we have seen they may simply attack on sight." Bertolt says calmly as he nods to the others, slowly taking a few steps towards the camp.
Okay. You are all about 100 feet from the wagons. Do you want to be quiet about it or are you kind of walking toward it regardless of noise? If you want to be quiet, roll a stealth check. If not, no need to roll.
Normally, if it's something you could reasonably help with - or you're proficient in it - the answer is yes. For this, similar to unlocking a lock, there isn't really much you could do to help in this situation. Perhaps a crowded bar, you could hype the crowd or if proficient, take part in the performance. For this? No.
Considering their options, after discussion Erven agrees that perhaps the direct approach is the best. "Let's not startle them. We can't handle a fight right now. How about we walk up, announcing ourselves to avoid any jumpy guards, Bert will introduce us and let's see what happens. What do you think?" He looks down to Lucky, "Lucky, you stay back. Walk up with us but in back, ok?"
Erven steps up to Bert and whispers "By listening to them, I still bet that they will ask you for a story or a song. If you do, I am behind you, all the way!"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
"Let us hope they speak our tongue. It seems that we share the same most we have come across so far." Bertolt says as he continues forward, making sure to not appear threatening.
All of you walk towards the wagons, apprehensive but set in your decision. 22.
..(22)..Around 30 feet from the camp you hear an owl hoot somewhere in the darkness. All of the talking and singing up ahead of you stops and you hear some low, hushed voices speaking. You continue on slowly for about 10 feet before you see a couple of humanoids appear near the wagons. One is a wiry old man in colourful robes, bangles, pieces of fur, and various teeth adorn strings around his neck. The other is a tall and imposing figure, also colourfully garbed, with a large scimitar at his waist and numerous daggers on his waist and chest - and maybe other places.
The old man looks at you with a smile on his face. He raises a hand and says a few words in a language that none of you have ever heard before. At the end of his talking, you hear a light sound behind you. You turn to look. About 10-15 feet behind you is a small, lithe figure dressed all in black, only the eyes and glint from the steel bolt loaded in a hand crossbow visible on this dark night. The figure quickly - and silently - pads around you, eyes never leaving you, and stands beside the old man and warrior. She - as soon becomes apparent - begins to unwrap black clothe from around her person, revealing bright clothing, an impish face, and perhaps a dozen or more shiny pieces of sharp metal shaped into stars in holders all over her torso.
Still smiling at you, the old man talks again, this time in accented Common. "Apologies for Damia. You see, the Svalich Woods can be a terrifying place to meet and even we need to be cautious at times." He then says something to the one he called Damia and she disappears behind the wagons. The old man waits for her to leave, then continues. "I am Stanimir. He,"pointing at the warrior, "is my son, Ratka. She," smiles and gestures over his shoulder, "is Damia - my daughter. We are called the Vistani and we welcome you to our camp. We have, of course, been waiting for your arrival. We thought you'd stumble across us much sooner but," gestures all around him - at the woods, the sky - "such is this place. Now, I am certain you have many questions and you look a bit worn and beat up. Please, come to our fire - I have a story to tell you..."
He moves out of the way, holding his arm towards the entrance and one on his chest. He bows ever so slightly to you but keeps his eyes on you. He raises a greying, bushy eyebrow at Lucky Bear but says nothing...
Bertolt lowers his lute and looks to the others with a raised brow as the old man says they have been expecting them. As he looks his companions over his eyes focus on a certain person that constantly calls him an old man. He says nothing and offers only a shrug before moving in the direction of the man and his children.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Onyx musters a smile. They indeed had questions, but this man, Stanimir, was promising answers.
"Thank you, friend Stanimir. We are indeed weary, and have many questions. I welcome a chance to sit, to rest in the warmth of a fire, and to listen."
Onyx, for his part, does not hesitate at the extended invitation. He follows the beckoning to what he hopes is a chance to truly recuperate. As he does, though, he mulls over the names Stanimir mentioned - the Svalich Woods and the Vistani. Does he know anything about this place or these people? Does he glean anything from Stanimir's demeanor?
(If applicable) History: 21 Insight: 8
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Another medical problem. Indefinite hiatus. Sorry, all.
Talion smiles in relief at the man's greeting, and nods at each of the people as they are introduced. He pauses briefly at the mention of being expected, but quickly recovers. Glad to be clean and in fresh clothes -- the stink of the sewer never makes friends -- he holds out a hand in greeting.
"I am Talion, lately of Baldurs Gate. Warmth and rest among friends would be welcome, but...you say we were expected?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Erven smiles and his muscle tension relaxes somewhat when he hears the welcoming words of Stanimir. He nods to each of the Vistani and gives a short awkward wave, "Good evening. Name's Erven." Erven accepts the offer and sits down by the fire, getting a closer look at their faces. Have I ever seen any of them before?
He tries to get a feel of their intentions, (Truthful? Hiding something? Why not surprised by Lucky? Expecting us?) and also tries to recall all the he remembers about the Vistani. His village was in a remote area and his family and village tried to remain isolated, but he recalls hearing of them, tries to remember details about the traveling groups of Vistani in the Svalich Woods.
Insight : 9
History : 3
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Sho lifted his eyelids as the Vistani man started talking. His face weary, but his eyes sharp. His long lashes downcast, leaving hallow shadows under his eyes. He remembered his limited interactions with the Vistani people, and he remembered what had happened. It left a hole in his heart that will never be healed. He stays behind the group, remaining silent. His lips in a pale and tight line, and he says nothing.
Onyx musters a smile. They indeed had questions, but this man, Stanimir, was promising answers.
"Thank you, friend Stanimir. We are indeed weary, and have many questions. I welcome a chance to sit, to rest in the warmth of a fire, and to listen."
Onyx, for his part, does not hesitate at the extended invitation. He follows the beckoning to what he hopes is a chance to truly recuperate. As he does, though, he mulls over the names Stanimir mentioned - the Svalich Woods and the Vistani. Does he know anything about this place or these people? Does he glean anything from Stanimir's demeanor?
(If applicable) History: 6 Insight: 14
Onyx, the names mentioned don't ring any bells. But, you feel a scratching at the back of your skull....
The familiar voice perks up when you wonder about the Svalich Woods and about the Vistani.....The woods are dangerous and home to werewolves, zombies, and all manner of beasts. A few elves still remain, if I remember correctly, but those that do are shells of themselves and doomed to remain so...maybe the old man knows more about this place - things don't work the same here, if you haven't noticed... The Vistani are travellers - stories I thought - I don't recall much about them...
You get the feeling that Stanimir is telling the truth. He smiles a lot and his eyes seem a bit wild. You get the feeling that he is the "elder" leader of this group.
Erven smiles and his muscle tension relaxes somewhat when he hears the welcoming words of Stanimir. He nods to each of the Vistani and gives a short awkward wave, "Good evening. Name's Erven." Erven accepts the offer and sits down by the fire, getting a closer look at their faces. Have I ever seen any of them before?
He tries to get a feel of their intentions, (Truthful? Hiding something? Why not surprised by Lucky? Expecting us?) and also tries to recall all the he remembers about the Vistani. His village was in a remote area and his family and village tried to remain isolated, but he recalls hearing of them, tries to remember details about the traveling groups of Vistani in the Svalich Woods.
Insight : 19
History : 9
Erven, you have not seen these faces before and the Vistani that are around just look at you, half-smiles on their faces. While you grew up in the Svalich Woods, your village was indeed isolated, intentionally so.
There were rumours among your village about how the woods changed over the years. Where once the Woods were home to beauty and serenity, fey creatures and magical beasts, and of course scores of small villages of elves living in harmony - the odd skirmish here and there between humans and elves of course, but nothing major. There was a war and soon after, the woods and lands changed significantly. These were stories told to you by your family and your people.
You may have heard whispers among your village of brightly clothed strangers travelling through the woods but you were young and didn't give it much thought. They nod in greeting but not much more as they take swigs of their carafes and skins. You believe that Stanimir is telling the truth and not trying to deceive you. He smiles a lot and his eyes seem a bit wild. You get the feeling that he is the "elder" leader of this group. His nonchalance about Lucky Bear is curious but there's nothing you can tell from this - perhaps other than Stanimir is relatively comfortable around odd things...
Talion smiles in relief at the man's greeting, and nods at each of the people as they are introduced. He pauses briefly at the mention of being expected, but quickly recovers. Glad to be clean and in fresh clothes -- the stink of the sewer never makes friends -- he holds out a hand in greeting.
"I am Talion, lately of Baldurs Gate. Warmth and rest among friends would be welcome, but...you say we were expected?"
Talion, Stanimir smirks at you and cackles a bit. "Yes, 'expected.' How do you say...um, we knew you would be wandering around, um...anticipated - yes, that's the word. Sometimes my words can be confusing, young man." He looks at your hand and does a double-take...quickly snatching your hand and pulling it close to his eyes! "Oh! Hmm. This is interesting! I understand why now..." He lets go of your hand and cackles loudly before hobbling to the fire, laughing all the way... "Come, come, sit. Food! Drinks! Blankets! Warm yourselves by the fire and I will tell you a tale - perhaps things will make more sense afterwards? Yes, yes, hee hee!"
Talion stares at the man, then glances at the elf. The odd mania was all-too familiar, and he wondered idly it this place would eventually break everyone. Sighing, he follows as directed, unusually conscious of his ring. Had the old man seen it before, he wondered.
The promise of warmth and safety was seductive, and the promise of tales appealing, but he doubted that they would make things any clearer. They had spoken to the apparent god of this realm, and that had only made things more confusing. The crazy ancient would likely make his head spin, and Talion would no doubt need the old scholar -- who now seemed oddly quiet -- to try to make sense of it.
With less trepidation than was wise, Talion settled in to listen. He scanned the others for any clues as to their roles, history or relationship to Stanimir, but his focus was on the promised tale. "Some....explanations...and perhaps -- are you traders? -- some trade in the morning, would be very welcome."
You all gather around the fire, along with Ratka, Damia, and a few others. The sky clears a little, revealing a full, bright moon and myriad stars above. A glimmer of beauty amongst a sea of horror and despair - the coincidence is not lost on you as Stanimir gets closer to the fire and begins...
The old man takes a big gulp of wine from a skin and then spits it into the fire. The hiss and smoke that follows doesn't surprise you, of course. Subtly, the flames roar back, turning from orange to green. Stanimir closes his eyes and holds his hands out. As the flames dance and sway, a dark shape appears in the bonfire’s core....Stanimir opens his eyes and speaks:
“We come from an ancient land whose name is long forgotten—a land of kings. Our enemies forced us from our homes, and now we wander the lost roads. We are known as Vistani, the Travellers.”
The dark shape in the fire takes the form of a woman being knocked from her horse, a spear piercing her side.
Stanimir continues. “One night, a wounded soldier staggered into our camp and collapsed. We nursed her terrible injury and quenched her thirst with wine. She survived. When we asked her who she was, she wouldn’t say. All she wanted was to return home, but we were deep in the land of her enemies. We took her as one of our own and followed her back toward her homeland. Her enemies hunted her mercilessly. They said she was a princess, yet we didn’t give her up, even when their assassins fell upon us like wolves.”
Deep in the bonfire, you see the dark figure standing with sword drawn, fighting off a host of shadowy shapes.
“This woman of royal blood fought to protect us, as we protected her. We bore her safely to her home, and she thanked us. She said,‘I owe you my life. Stay as long as you wish, leave when you choose, and know that you will always be safe here.’ "
The figure in the dancing fire vanquishes its final foe, then disperses in a cloud of smoke and embers.
Stanimir’s face becomes a somber mask. “A curse has befallen our noble princess, turning her into a tyrant. We alone have the power to leave her domain. We’ve traveled far and wide to find heroes such as yourselves to end our dread lady’s curse and put her troubled soul to rest. Our leader, Madam Eva, knows all. Will you allow us to further into Barovia and speak with her?”
Erven seems fascinated by the story and the images in the fire. He lets Stanimir finish, looks at his friends to see how they are taking the tale. (Also give a quick look around to LuckyBear, to see how she is reacting to the Vistani). He has a strong curiosity about what he has seen, a desire to know more. After considering, he turns to Stanimir and asks, with a plain, innocent face -
"What is the name of your noble princess? And how do you feel that her curse could be lifted?" After pausing for a reply, he says "How much further into Barovia must we go, how far do we need to travel? Where is Madam Eva? Could we rest with you, travel with you? We have learned" he pauses and looks at his companions, "that there is safety in numbers. And these woods... don't seem safe. Not from what we have seen."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Talion listens to the story and finds it comforting: If their princess is Strahd -- as seems likely -- these Vistani will be allies, at least for a time. And if their princess is a victim of Strahd then they are also likely to be allies. It's always the same. Favours and alliances. He nods at Erven's flurry of questions, and can't resist adding one of his own.
"I am sure I speak for some others here when I ask: Are you able to guide us away from this place?"
"My question is simply this. If you can leave the mists then if we were to travel with you would we be able to do the same. Or is it merely an ability granted to you and yours?" Bertolt asks as he carefully packs his pipe with firewood, using the fire to carefully light it. He carefully eyes the old man as he waits to hear his answer even though he suspects the answer to be a no.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
To post a comment, please login or register a new account.
“I can help too Bert, you can do this! Just like what you did when we were sitting around the campfire before all of this began. I can help you keep the beat!” Erven smiles and gives Bert encouragement, a clap on the back.
Erven is knelt down with the others, whispering and forming their plan. All of a sudden he stops. He looks down at the skeletal dog Lucky Bear, a half smile but a sad look on his face. He looks up and meets everyone's eyes, "How are we going to explain Lucky? ""Oh yeah, and here is our skeletal dog, do you mind if he stays?" That will go over really well." he looks down, "What are we to do with you.." he reaches a hand out to pet a head, scratch the fur under a chin that is no longer there, withdrawing his hand, with a sliver of revulsion.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Talion crouches down in front of the dog, "Something tells me she will fit in well here."
He offers he a stick to chew and chase.
Sho stands to the side, face pale, looking like he choked on something, staring at the group's sudden late night enthusiasm of starting a runaway band. He lifts up his chin and glances at the stars, and smelling the wet petrichor and putrefied corpses. What happened to talking? He asks himself.
"Very well but we should still be ready for a battle. I do not know how these people will react to stranger suddenly appearing. With the things we have seen they may simply attack on sight." Bertolt says calmly as he nods to the others, slowly taking a few steps towards the camp.
Okay. You are all about 100 feet from the wagons. Do you want to be quiet about it or are you kind of walking toward it regardless of noise?
If you want to be quiet, roll a stealth check. If not, no need to roll.
Normally, if it's something you could reasonably help with - or you're proficient in it - the answer is yes. For this, similar to unlocking a lock, there isn't really much you could do to help in this situation. Perhaps a crowded bar, you could hype the crowd or if proficient, take part in the performance. For this? No.
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
Considering their options, after discussion Erven agrees that perhaps the direct approach is the best. "Let's not startle them. We can't handle a fight right now. How about we walk up, announcing ourselves to avoid any jumpy guards, Bert will introduce us and let's see what happens. What do you think?" He looks down to Lucky, "Lucky, you stay back. Walk up with us but in back, ok?"
Erven steps up to Bert and whispers "By listening to them, I still bet that they will ask you for a story or a song. If you do, I am behind you, all the way!"
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
"Let us hope they speak our tongue. It seems that we share the same most we have come across so far." Bertolt says as he continues forward, making sure to not appear threatening.
All of you walk towards the wagons, apprehensive but set in your decision. 22.
..(22)..Around 30 feet from the camp you hear an owl hoot somewhere in the darkness. All of the talking and singing up ahead of you stops and you hear some low, hushed voices speaking. You continue on slowly for about 10 feet before you see a couple of humanoids appear near the wagons. One is a wiry old man in colourful robes, bangles, pieces of fur, and various teeth adorn strings around his neck. The other is a tall and imposing figure, also colourfully garbed, with a large scimitar at his waist and numerous daggers on his waist and chest - and maybe other places.
The old man looks at you with a smile on his face. He raises a hand and says a few words in a language that none of you have ever heard before. At the end of his talking, you hear a light sound behind you. You turn to look. About 10-15 feet behind you is a small, lithe figure dressed all in black, only the eyes and glint from the steel bolt loaded in a hand crossbow visible on this dark night. The figure quickly - and silently - pads around you, eyes never leaving you, and stands beside the old man and warrior. She - as soon becomes apparent - begins to unwrap black clothe from around her person, revealing bright clothing, an impish face, and perhaps a dozen or more shiny pieces of sharp metal shaped into stars in holders all over her torso.
Still smiling at you, the old man talks again, this time in accented Common. "Apologies for Damia. You see, the Svalich Woods can be a terrifying place to meet and even we need to be cautious at times." He then says something to the one he called Damia and she disappears behind the wagons. The old man waits for her to leave, then continues. "I am Stanimir. He," pointing at the warrior, "is my son, Ratka. She," smiles and gestures over his shoulder, "is Damia - my daughter. We are called the Vistani and we welcome you to our camp. We have, of course, been waiting for your arrival. We thought you'd stumble across us much sooner but," gestures all around him - at the woods, the sky - "such is this place. Now, I am certain you have many questions and you look a bit worn and beat up. Please, come to our fire - I have a story to tell you..."
He moves out of the way, holding his arm towards the entrance and one on his chest. He bows ever so slightly to you but keeps his eyes on you. He raises a greying, bushy eyebrow at Lucky Bear but says nothing...
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
Bertolt lowers his lute and looks to the others with a raised brow as the old man says they have been expecting them. As he looks his companions over his eyes focus on a certain person that constantly calls him an old man. He says nothing and offers only a shrug before moving in the direction of the man and his children.
Onyx musters a smile. They indeed had questions, but this man, Stanimir, was promising answers.
"Thank you, friend Stanimir. We are indeed weary, and have many questions. I welcome a chance to sit, to rest in the warmth of a fire, and to listen."
Onyx, for his part, does not hesitate at the extended invitation. He follows the beckoning to what he hopes is a chance to truly recuperate. As he does, though, he mulls over the names Stanimir mentioned - the Svalich Woods and the Vistani. Does he know anything about this place or these people? Does he glean anything from Stanimir's demeanor?
(If applicable)
History: 21
Insight: 8
Another medical problem. Indefinite hiatus. Sorry, all.
Talion smiles in relief at the man's greeting, and nods at each of the people as they are introduced. He pauses briefly at the mention of being expected, but quickly recovers. Glad to be clean and in fresh clothes -- the stink of the sewer never makes friends -- he holds out a hand in greeting.
"I am Talion, lately of Baldurs Gate. Warmth and rest among friends would be welcome, but...you say we were expected?"
Erven smiles and his muscle tension relaxes somewhat when he hears the welcoming words of Stanimir. He nods to each of the Vistani and gives a short awkward wave, "Good evening. Name's Erven." Erven accepts the offer and sits down by the fire, getting a closer look at their faces. Have I ever seen any of them before?
He tries to get a feel of their intentions, (Truthful? Hiding something? Why not surprised by Lucky? Expecting us?) and also tries to recall all the he remembers about the Vistani. His village was in a remote area and his family and village tried to remain isolated, but he recalls hearing of them, tries to remember details about the traveling groups of Vistani in the Svalich Woods.
Insight : 9
History : 3
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Sho lifted his eyelids as the Vistani man started talking. His face weary, but his eyes sharp. His long lashes downcast, leaving hallow shadows under his eyes. He remembered his limited interactions with the Vistani people, and he remembered what had happened. It left a hole in his heart that will never be healed. He stays behind the group, remaining silent. His lips in a pale and tight line, and he says nothing.
Onyx, the names mentioned don't ring any bells. But, you feel a scratching at the back of your skull....
The familiar voice perks up when you wonder about the Svalich Woods and about the Vistani.....The woods are dangerous and home to werewolves, zombies, and all manner of beasts. A few elves still remain, if I remember correctly, but those that do are shells of themselves and doomed to remain so...maybe the old man knows more about this place - things don't work the same here, if you haven't noticed... The Vistani are travellers - stories I thought - I don't recall much about them...
You get the feeling that Stanimir is telling the truth. He smiles a lot and his eyes seem a bit wild. You get the feeling that he is the "elder" leader of this group.
Erven, you have not seen these faces before and the Vistani that are around just look at you, half-smiles on their faces. While you grew up in the Svalich Woods, your village was indeed isolated, intentionally so.
There were rumours among your village about how the woods changed over the years. Where once the Woods were home to beauty and serenity, fey creatures and magical beasts, and of course scores of small villages of elves living in harmony - the odd skirmish here and there between humans and elves of course, but nothing major. There was a war and soon after, the woods and lands changed significantly. These were stories told to you by your family and your people.
You may have heard whispers among your village of brightly clothed strangers travelling through the woods but you were young and didn't give it much thought. They nod in greeting but not much more as they take swigs of their carafes and skins.
You believe that Stanimir is telling the truth and not trying to deceive you. He smiles a lot and his eyes seem a bit wild. You get the feeling that he is the "elder" leader of this group. His nonchalance about Lucky Bear is curious but there's nothing you can tell from this - perhaps other than Stanimir is relatively comfortable around odd things...
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
Talion, Stanimir smirks at you and cackles a bit. "Yes, 'expected.' How do you say...um, we knew you would be wandering around, um...anticipated - yes, that's the word. Sometimes my words can be confusing, young man." He looks at your hand and does a double-take...quickly snatching your hand and pulling it close to his eyes! "Oh! Hmm. This is interesting! I understand why now..." He lets go of your hand and cackles loudly before hobbling to the fire, laughing all the way... "Come, come, sit. Food! Drinks! Blankets! Warm yourselves by the fire and I will tell you a tale - perhaps things will make more sense afterwards? Yes, yes, hee hee!"
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
Talion stares at the man, then glances at the elf. The odd mania was all-too familiar, and he wondered idly it this place would eventually break everyone. Sighing, he follows as directed, unusually conscious of his ring. Had the old man seen it before, he wondered.
The promise of warmth and safety was seductive, and the promise of tales appealing, but he doubted that they would make things any clearer. They had spoken to the apparent god of this realm, and that had only made things more confusing. The crazy ancient would likely make his head spin, and Talion would no doubt need the old scholar -- who now seemed oddly quiet -- to try to make sense of it.
With less trepidation than was wise, Talion settled in to listen. He scanned the others for any clues as to their roles, history or relationship to Stanimir, but his focus was on the promised tale. "Some....explanations...and perhaps -- are you traders? -- some trade in the morning, would be very welcome."
Stanimir laughs and nods. “Explanations. Yes..."
You all gather around the fire, along with Ratka, Damia, and a few others. The sky clears a little, revealing a full, bright moon and myriad stars above. A glimmer of beauty amongst a sea of horror and despair - the coincidence is not lost on you as Stanimir gets closer to the fire and begins...
The old man takes a big gulp of wine from a skin and then spits it into the fire. The hiss and smoke that follows doesn't surprise you, of course. Subtly, the flames roar back, turning from orange to green. Stanimir closes his eyes and holds his hands out. As the flames dance and sway, a dark shape appears in the bonfire’s core....Stanimir opens his eyes and speaks:
“We come from an ancient land whose name is long forgotten—a land of kings. Our enemies forced us from our homes, and now we wander the lost roads. We are known as Vistani, the Travellers.”
The dark shape in the fire takes the form of a woman being knocked from her horse, a spear piercing her side.
Stanimir continues. “One night, a wounded soldier staggered into our camp and collapsed. We nursed her terrible injury and quenched her thirst with wine. She survived. When we asked her who she was, she wouldn’t say. All she wanted was to return home, but we were deep in the land of her enemies. We took her as one of our own and followed her back toward her homeland. Her enemies hunted her mercilessly. They said she was a princess, yet we didn’t give her up, even when their assassins fell upon us like wolves.”

Deep in the bonfire, you see the dark figure standing with sword drawn, fighting off a host of shadowy shapes.
“This woman of royal blood fought to protect us, as we protected her. We bore her safely to her home, and she thanked us. She said, ‘I owe you my life. Stay as long as you wish, leave when you choose, and know that you will always be safe here.’ "
The figure in the dancing fire vanquishes its final foe, then disperses in a cloud of smoke and embers.
Stanimir’s face becomes a somber mask. “A curse has befallen our noble princess, turning her into a tyrant. We alone have the power to leave her domain. We’ve traveled far and wide to find heroes such as yourselves to end our dread lady’s curse and put her troubled soul to rest. Our leader, Madam Eva, knows all. Will you allow us to further into Barovia and speak with her?”
DM - And In The Darkness, Rot: The Sunless Citadel
DM - Our Little Lives Kept In Equipoise: Curse of Strahd
DM - Misprize Thou Not These Shadows That Belong: The Lost Mines of Phandelver
PC - Azzure - Tyranny of Dragons
Erven seems fascinated by the story and the images in the fire. He lets Stanimir finish, looks at his friends to see how they are taking the tale. (Also give a quick look around to Lucky Bear, to see how she is reacting to the Vistani). He has a strong curiosity about what he has seen, a desire to know more. After considering, he turns to Stanimir and asks, with a plain, innocent face -
"What is the name of your noble princess? And how do you feel that her curse could be lifted?" After pausing for a reply, he says "How much further into Barovia must we go, how far do we need to travel? Where is Madam Eva? Could we rest with you, travel with you? We have learned" he pauses and looks at his companions, "that there is safety in numbers. And these woods... don't seem safe. Not from what we have seen."
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Talion listens to the story and finds it comforting: If their princess is Strahd -- as seems likely -- these Vistani will be allies, at least for a time. And if their princess is a victim of Strahd then they are also likely to be allies. It's always the same. Favours and alliances. He nods at Erven's flurry of questions, and can't resist adding one of his own.
"I am sure I speak for some others here when I ask: Are you able to guide us away from this place?"
"My question is simply this. If you can leave the mists then if we were to travel with you would we be able to do the same. Or is it merely an ability granted to you and yours?" Bertolt asks as he carefully packs his pipe with firewood, using the fire to carefully light it. He carefully eyes the old man as he waits to hear his answer even though he suspects the answer to be a no.