Sho lifted his eyelids to look at Talion, intently, and he watched. The way the slight smile lines at the corners of his eyes and mouth stretched, the years of fumbling and surviving behind those secular eyes, tired but smiling, and the way his inner lips moistened as he spoke. Sho listened carefully, and he considered. His lashes cast down long, weary shadows underneath his eyes, that set them deeper than they really were. He still looked wistful, but at least he didn’t look like his stomach hurt anymore. Then he paused, and peered out to the elf’s declaiming, before turning back to Talion. “I thought that poem was written by a human.” He commented.
Sho waited a while, after the man’s jovial laughter died down. He starts, slowly, “Your words don’t need to be told in meter.” He looks at him, and in a quiet whisper, he says. “Thank you, Talion.”
Talion smiles and nods, but says nothing. He watches Sho for a while out of the corner of his eye, unsure if he has helped at all, but hoping the priest might eventually find at least a little peace. A good man. If anything, the Vistani owe him.
He nods to Erven before finally settling down, his pack for a pillow and the tarpaulin covering him and Sho. Underneath, his hand rests comfortably on the hilt of his dagger. Just like old times.
Onyx you learn several dances but your efforts to find names for them fail, as the Vistani don't have names for them anyway. You learn the following through your quick conversations with the Vistani:
- only the Vistani can leave the realm of Barovia due to the ancient promise given by the "princess" from the story... - the Vistani are silversmiths, cooks, haberdashers, weavers, coppersmiths, horse traders, entertainers, storytellers, tool makers, musicians. They also sell information and read fortunes. - the Vistani are a gerontocracy, meaning the oldest Vistana makes all the decisions for each family or clan. The Vistani stick to tradition and family and are fierce to anyone that challenges them and generous to any who they have accepted at their fire. - Some Vistani women are blessed with prescience. Of all the great Vistani fortune-tellers, none compares to Madam Eva. If knowledge of the future is what you seek, Madam Eva will tell you your fate.
Bertolt. You are able to learn some information throughout the night, before the combination of burning herbs, dancing, and drink make you retire to sleep. The information comes from an unassuming Vistana that sees your lute and comes over with a similar instrument and sits down with you. He is young and excited to trade knowledge of music, especially the lute that you have with you. He drinks a lot and Bertolt is able to slip in several questions. Through talking with this Vistana, whose name is Mardovija, you come to learn the following:
- no one speaks the name of the "dread lady/princess" from Stanimir's story. All questions about who it is are met with a fair amount of fear and shaking of the head. The ones asked this question suddenly look around for something or someone in the darkness... - only the Vistani can leave the realm of Barovia due to the ancient promise given by the "princess" from the story... - the Vistani are silversmiths, cooks, haberdashers, weavers, coppersmiths, horse traders, entertainers, storytellers, tool makers, musicians. They also sell information and read fortunes. - the Vistani are a gerontocracy, meaning the oldest Vistana makes all the decisions for each family or clan. The Vistani stick to tradition and family and are fierce to anyone that challenges them and generous to any who they have accepted at their fire. - the ruler of this realm lives in a castle overlooking the village of Barovia, who built it in honour of her mother. The castle is called Ravenloft. Strangers aren't welcome at the castle without an invitation. - the ruler has taken many consorts over the years but her one true love was a peasant boy named Tatian. - the ruler of this land was a great warrior who conquered these lands centuries ago and named it after her father, King Barov. The ruler uses werewolves, bats, and other creatures to spy on those in her lands. - The Old Svalich Road passes through the whole realm. Three settlements lie on the road like beads on a string: Krezk to the west, Vallaki in the heart of the valley, and Barovia to the east. It is wise to stick to the road. Wild druids, wayward ghosts, and packs of wolves and werewolves haunt the Svalich Woods. - There’s an old windmill on the road between the village of Barovia and the town of Vallaki. It should be avoided at all costs! - The souls of those who die in Barovia can’t escape to the afterlife. They remain locked in Barovia. - Some Vistani women are blessed with prescience. Of all the great Vistani fortune-tellers, none compares to Madam Eva. If knowledge of the future is what you seek, Madam Eva will tell you your fate.
Bertolt takezs note of what he is told by the young Vistani, his keen memory making it quite easy for him to do so. When he gets a chance he will relay all of it to the rest of the party.
When they eventually have time to collect together and examine the few things that survived, there is reason for a small amount of cheer. They will not start in this strange land totally destitute. Talion will spend a short rest with the hair brush, trying to decide if it has any magical properties. It's lack of ageing or damage seems to suggest it is special in some way...
"Ah! You are awake! Apologies for not waiting for you to rise before setting off but we must be getting moving. Unless you would like to go on without us?" Stanimir smiles and winks, but waits for your answer...
Erven replies to Stanimir “No, we would like to travel with you Stanimir. I am curious to meet Madam Eva and see what she can tell us. In the meantime while we travel we will rest and recover, perhaps make some trades with you and hear more of you tales and songs. We appreciate your hospitality and the help you have given us already.”
Erven wishes to trade for some new arrows (including any that may be silvered on the arrow heads), a shield, a rapier and any upgrade to his leather armor, either by fashioning it into studded leather armor or trading for some.
Erven is working continually during this time with Lucky Bear, he shows her affection and attention, sometimes lost in thought as he watches her antics. He tells her “Chill” and she stays still, not reacting to what is going on, ignores everyone and looks at Erven, wagging her skeletal tail. He also teaches her “Help”, and he sits still, Lucky goes and gets Talion’s attention and brings him back to Erven, who smiles and rewards Lucky with attention and praise. As the week of travel wears on, he also teaches her “Fetch”, first throwing a large nut or stone for her which she retrieves and brings back, and then finally “Fetch” and points at an object, a small tree branch which she goes and gets, then brings back. He rewards her with praise and affection, perhaps seeing her as the dog she was, instead of the skeleton before him. They are an odd pair, but the interaction and training seem to bring Erven joy.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
14
....14.... The three wagons make good time on the road and you notice the expertise with which the Vistani operate and manage both the wagons and the heavy horses. The sky remains overcast and the light muted as you move along the road, the woods on both sides looming over the small caravan. The Vistani stop a few times, allowing for stretching, eating, and repairs.
The Vistani know what they are doing and have more than enough food and drink to satisfy your hunger (no rations used).
Onyx, there is a jeweller in the caravan that tells you he could create powdered silver for you if you have any silver materials, but he looks around constantly whilst talking about this. He intimates that this material is dangerous and very hard to come by. Nevertheless, he states it could be done overnight if you had any materials.
Erven, traveling in the wagon, you and Lucky Bear work on command words and test them out when you stop at different times. You bring her to each of your companions, making sure to say their names. It's hit or miss but you're reasonably sure Lucky Bear understands how to be non-aggressive. Lucky seems to trust all of you to a degree. More work is needed before you're sure she understands what you want.
Talion, Stanimir grins as you ask him about your ring. "Oh come now, young one. We both know it is neither simple, nor plain. Very interesting."
Bertolt, you continue to learn more and more about Vistani culture, beliefs, and superstitions through your conversations with Mordovija. One really interesting belief you learned is that Barovians are sometimes born without souls. Many have souls, of course but sometimes there are not enough souls to go around. Instead, the souls of the dead wait to enter a newborn Barovian.
Sho, you listen and watch, conversing with Talion or whomever is around at the time. You find a leather worker who says they can create a whip from the odd leather cape you present. The Vistana gasps and does several signs and warding actions but nonetheless names the price. Otherwise, you seem despondent and stuck in your head, as if wracked by guilt or paranoia. Your quiet and rather cryptic demeanour cause most of the Vistani to avoid you...
Over the course of the day, Stanimir talks about what lies for them on the road, answering some of your questions: - Stanimir thinks they will make "The Gates" before nightfall. - The village of Barovia lies along the road. It's possible to make this by tomorrow evening. - There could be creatures roaming around so be ready to fight if necessary. - While Stanimir's group do not have much for trade, Madam Eva's camp may have more in this regard.
Bertolt moves off by himself after a while, taking time to make note of all the things he has learned from the Vistani throughout the night and day. As Stanimir mentions that they will have to deal with combat he readies his rapier but for the most part continues on with his notes. After a while though he will grow bored and talk more with the Vistani, asking more about the other places they have traveled to.
Talion, Stanimir grins as you ask him about your ring. "Oh come now, young one. We both know it is neither simple, nor plain. Very interesting."
Talion grins, "That is true, but you gasped when you saw it and seemed to recognise it."
(( @DM: Do the Vistani have whatever materials Talion needs to study a new skill? ))
"Hee hee. It's true! But I see the magic there, roiling off it like an early morning fog off the lake....I also sense something behind you, young man - or rather someone? Hee hee! You are all so interesting...I hope you survive!"
You and the Vistani travel for a few more hours and it's nearing sunset when Stanimir calls to you all, "Ahh, the Gates of Barovia! Care to see? Beautiful in this light, wouldn't you say?" Stanimir sighs deeply and looks off in the distance. Up ahead, you notice Ratka trotting ahead on a smaller horse; however, the real scene is in the background. A light mist spills out of the forest to swallow up the road behind you. Ahead, jutting from the impenetrable woods on both sides of the road, are high stone buttresses looming gray in the fog. Huge iron gates hang closed on the magnificent stonework. Vines and other plants cling with cold tenacity to the rusted bars. Two headless statues of armed guardians flank the gate, their heads now lying among the weeds at their feet. They greet you only with silence.
The road leads directly to the gates. Up ahead you spy what looks like a cart path leading off the main road to a small clearing. Stanimir nods towards it, "Ah, our home for the night!"
"Hee hee. It's true! But I see the magic there, roiling off it like an early morning fog off the lake....I also sense something behind you, young man - or rather someone? Hee hee! You are all so interesting...I hope you survive!"
Talion grins, "So do I." He is silent a moment, and looks at the apparently well-ravelled road. "How often do you come this way?"
(( Later, During a break ))
With the pressures -- and horrors -- of the house now receding, Talion becomes a little more like his old self, but not completely. The house has changed him. Gone is the unalloyed cheer and the simple pleasure at being somewhere, anywhere, else. Those who watch him closely would see the occasional worried glance toward the forest and, very occasionally, towards Sho. For different reasons each causes him to pause and to worry about the future.
The future? He laughs. This is the future. Time to think a little further ahead now. He watches the old scholar at work on his books and notes. He's never had much time for study, but there is a lot more to the kindly old bard than first met the eye. Like Sho, he has turned the tide in critical battles, and stood his ground resolutely when others might have -- or did -- run. Not bad for an old guy. Grinning, he approaches Berolt, "Thanks" he says. "I don't think I said that to you before. Without your magic we'd still be in that house."
He waits a moment, standing awkwardly in front of the bard, clearly wanting to walk away, but something drives him to stay. "I'd like to learn a little more about what you do, and magic as well. That is... if you think I can...and...if you have time?" He stands a little defensively, clearly expecting rejection.
(( During the day (when not studying!) ))
Talion will divide his time roughly evenly just chatting with or helping the Vistani, sitting with or talking with Sho, and talking with the rest of the group.
Talion can not help but be in awe of the massive stone work. Though it reminds him of Baldur's Gate in its immensity, its alien design draws to that part of him wanted to see all the new things that the world had to offer. He has a sense that in passing through these gates his journey will just be beginning, and he looks around at his companions to see if they feel the same, or if -- to them -- it's just another wall. "Tomorrow, it begins" he says quietly.
He stares at the gates a moment longer before turning to Stanimir. "How much further to Madam Eva's encampment?"
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Bertolt will continue to learn from the people, finding that he likes some of the Vistani culture and the people seem kind enough. Still he distrusts them a bit due to the fact they seem to be keeping them in Barovia despite him saying numerous times he wished to leave. As they travel towards the gates he will take some time to play, wanting to relax.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Erven says to Stanimir, “The statues, when was this built, who do they represent?” He listens for his reply and begins to look around the area, scanning for any potential threats.
Perception : 15
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Onyx has been dwelling on their predicament, on the ‘promise’ - a curse, really, and on how they should proceed. He does not wonder why silver is so hard to come by – a vampire count on the prowl, untold numbers of undead and other abominations? Forbidden because of its danger to evil, and all the more valuable because of it.
When they rest, he is fairly relaxed – Stanimir would not set up camp in a dangerous location, and the road itself seemed relatively safe. He is content to (metaphorically) lick his wounds, meditate, and tend to his equipment.
The exuberance he exhibited the night before is gone, but also is the arrogance and aggression displayed in the house. For the moment, Onyx is calm, reserved. A day of rough travel was bliss compared to the experience he had just shared with everyone else.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Another medical problem. Indefinite hiatus. Sorry, all.
@Talion Stanimir grins and shrugs. "Maybe a couple of days. We should be within sight of Barovia by this time tomorrow, I think,"Stanimir says, squinting his eyes up into the failing light, scanning the skies for who knows what.
@Erven Stanimir again shrugs. "It's a gate. It opens for us when we get close to it and allows us to pass." Erven, after a time, you notice a large black crow flies down from the sky into the tree branches and perches there, watching you all.
@Bertolt You play a beautiful tune yet you can't keep your impatience or frustration from the melody. Mordovija comes over to you and begins to try to play with you, a simple accompaniment but skilfully played.
@Onyx Do you want the jeweler to begin making the powdered silver? It's a process that will cost 20gp.
The wagons turn again into a triangle-shaped structure with a fire in the middle. The Vistani rig up a hanging pot that perches over the fire - looks like soup is on the menu tonight. You notice several Vistani are not present and have slipped off. You suppose someone has to keep watch. It isn't long before the soup is ready and the Vistani gather to talk, eat, drink, and dance.
After a bowl or two of venison soup, Stanimir eyes you all. He grins slyly before saying, "Well, we have given you food, shelter, and even a story. Maybe you could tell us a bit about yourselves? We are well-travelled and cross the mists often and enjoy hearing about different parts of the world." Stanimir looks to the brooding figure of Sho. "What about you, holy man? Maybe you have a tale to share?"
The Vistani, Stanimir, and, well, everyone turns to look at Sho...It seems your host would like a story.
Erven leans over to Talion and also to Bert, looks up and (without pointing), points out the black crow, perched and observing us. He whispers "Are we being watched? Keep your eye on it from timeto time, I will too."
When Stanimir asks for the story, Erven sits down cross legged near the fire and looks to Sho, with trepidation and fear of what he will hear, but with interest and curiosity as well. He sits at attention, listening as he did before to Bert.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Sho pauses when he is apparently mentioned, and his gaze lifts to meet Stanimir’s. The air seemed to congeal for a second in the silence. Not exactly bristled, but his inquisitive gaze defensive. “What do you know?”
"You are looking at the wrong person if you want stories. I have spent my life learning many things and compiling tales." Bertolt says as a way to attempt drawing all of the attention off of Sho.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Sho lifted his eyelids to look at Talion, intently, and he watched. The way the slight smile lines at the corners of his eyes and mouth stretched, the years of fumbling and surviving behind those secular eyes, tired but smiling, and the way his inner lips moistened as he spoke. Sho listened carefully, and he considered. His lashes cast down long, weary shadows underneath his eyes, that set them deeper than they really were. He still looked wistful, but at least he didn’t look like his stomach hurt anymore. Then he paused, and peered out to the elf’s declaiming, before turning back to Talion. “I thought that poem was written by a human.” He commented.
Sho waited a while, after the man’s jovial laughter died down. He starts, slowly, “Your words don’t need to be told in meter.” He looks at him, and in a quiet whisper, he says. “Thank you, Talion.”
Talion smiles and nods, but says nothing. He watches Sho for a while out of the corner of his eye, unsure if he has helped at all, but hoping the priest might eventually find at least a little peace. A good man. If anything, the Vistani owe him.
He nods to Erven before finally settling down, his pack for a pillow and the tarpaulin covering him and Sho. Underneath, his hand rests comfortably on the hilt of his dagger. Just like old times.
Onyx you learn several dances but your efforts to find names for them fail, as the Vistani don't have names for them anyway. You learn the following through your quick conversations with the Vistani:
- only the Vistani can leave the realm of Barovia due to the ancient promise given by the "princess" from the story...
- the Vistani are silversmiths, cooks, haberdashers, weavers, coppersmiths, horse traders, entertainers, storytellers, tool makers, musicians. They also sell information and read fortunes.
- the Vistani are a gerontocracy, meaning the oldest Vistana makes all the decisions for each family or clan. The Vistani stick to tradition and family and are fierce to anyone that challenges them and generous to any who they have accepted at their fire.
- Some Vistani women are blessed with prescience. Of all the great Vistani fortune-tellers, none compares to Madam Eva. If knowledge of the future is what you seek, Madam Eva will tell you your fate.
Bertolt.
You are able to learn some information throughout the night, before the combination of burning herbs, dancing, and drink make you retire to sleep. The information comes from an unassuming Vistana that sees your lute and comes over with a similar instrument and sits down with you. He is young and excited to trade knowledge of music, especially the lute that you have with you. He drinks a lot and Bertolt is able to slip in several questions. Through talking with this Vistana, whose name is Mardovija, you come to learn the following:
- no one speaks the name of the "dread lady/princess" from Stanimir's story. All questions about who it is are met with a fair amount of fear and shaking of the head. The ones asked this question suddenly look around for something or someone in the darkness...
- only the Vistani can leave the realm of Barovia due to the ancient promise given by the "princess" from the story...
- the Vistani are silversmiths, cooks, haberdashers, weavers, coppersmiths, horse traders, entertainers, storytellers, tool makers, musicians. They also sell information and read fortunes.
- the Vistani are a gerontocracy, meaning the oldest Vistana makes all the decisions for each family or clan. The Vistani stick to tradition and family and are fierce to anyone that challenges them and generous to any who they have accepted at their fire.
- the ruler of this realm lives in a castle overlooking the village of Barovia, who built it in honour of her mother. The castle is called Ravenloft. Strangers aren't welcome at the castle without an invitation.
- the ruler has taken many consorts over the years but her one true love was a peasant boy named Tatian.
- the ruler of this land was a great warrior who conquered these lands centuries ago and named it after her father, King Barov. The ruler uses werewolves, bats, and other creatures to spy on those in her lands.
- The Old Svalich Road passes through the whole realm. Three settlements lie on the road like beads on a string: Krezk to the west, Vallaki in the heart of the valley, and Barovia to the east. It is wise to stick to the road. Wild druids, wayward ghosts, and packs of wolves and werewolves haunt the Svalich Woods.
- There’s an old windmill on the road between the village of Barovia and the town of Vallaki. It should be avoided at all costs!
- The souls of those who die in Barovia can’t escape to the afterlife. They remain locked in Barovia.
- Some Vistani women are blessed with prescience. Of all the great Vistani fortune-tellers, none compares to Madam Eva. If knowledge of the future is what you seek, Madam Eva will tell you your fate.
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 takezs note of what he is told by the young Vistani, his keen memory making it quite easy for him to do so. When he gets a chance he will relay all of it to the rest of the party.
When they eventually have time to collect together and examine the few things that survived, there is reason for a small amount of cheer. They will not start in this strange land totally destitute. Talion will spend a short rest with the hair brush, trying to decide if it has any magical properties. It's lack of ageing or damage seems to suggest it is special in some way...
(( Loot list updated ))
"Ah! You are awake! Apologies for not waiting for you to rise before setting off but we must be getting moving. Unless you would like to go on without us?" Stanimir smiles and winks, but waits for your answer...
Erven replies to Stanimir “No, we would like to travel with you Stanimir. I am curious to meet Madam Eva and see what she can tell us. In the meantime while we travel we will rest and recover, perhaps make some trades with you and hear more of you tales and songs. We appreciate your hospitality and the help you have given us already.”
Erven wishes to trade for some new arrows (including any that may be silvered on the arrow heads), a shield, a rapier and any upgrade to his leather armor, either by fashioning it into studded leather armor or trading for some.
Erven is working continually during this time with Lucky Bear, he shows her affection and attention, sometimes lost in thought as he watches her antics. He tells her “Chill” and she stays still, not reacting to what is going on, ignores everyone and looks at Erven, wagging her skeletal tail. He also teaches her “Help”, and he sits still, Lucky goes and gets Talion’s attention and brings him back to Erven, who smiles and rewards Lucky with attention and praise. As the week of travel wears on, he also teaches her “Fetch”, first throwing a large nut or stone for her which she retrieves and brings back, and then finally “Fetch” and points at an object, a small tree branch which she goes and gets, then brings back. He rewards her with praise and affection, perhaps seeing her as the dog she was, instead of the skeleton before him. They are an odd pair, but the interaction and training seem to bring Erven joy.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
14
....14.... The three wagons make good time on the road and you notice the expertise with which the Vistani operate and manage both the wagons and the heavy horses. The sky remains overcast and the light muted as you move along the road, the woods on both sides looming over the small caravan. The Vistani stop a few times, allowing for stretching, eating, and repairs.
The Vistani know what they are doing and have more than enough food and drink to satisfy your hunger (no rations used).
Onyx, there is a jeweller in the caravan that tells you he could create powdered silver for you if you have any silver materials, but he looks around constantly whilst talking about this. He intimates that this material is dangerous and very hard to come by. Nevertheless, he states it could be done overnight if you had any materials.
Erven, traveling in the wagon, you and Lucky Bear work on command words and test them out when you stop at different times. You bring her to each of your companions, making sure to say their names. It's hit or miss but you're reasonably sure Lucky Bear understands how to be non-aggressive. Lucky seems to trust all of you to a degree. More work is needed before you're sure she understands what you want.
Talion, Stanimir grins as you ask him about your ring. "Oh come now, young one. We both know it is neither simple, nor plain. Very interesting."
Bertolt, you continue to learn more and more about Vistani culture, beliefs, and superstitions through your conversations with Mordovija. One really interesting belief you learned is that Barovians are sometimes born without souls. Many have souls, of course but sometimes there are not enough souls to go around. Instead, the souls of the dead wait to enter a newborn Barovian.
Sho, you listen and watch, conversing with Talion or whomever is around at the time. You find a leather worker who says they can create a whip from the odd leather cape you present. The Vistana gasps and does several signs and warding actions but nonetheless names the price. Otherwise, you seem despondent and stuck in your head, as if wracked by guilt or paranoia. Your quiet and rather cryptic demeanour cause most of the Vistani to avoid you...
Over the course of the day, Stanimir talks about what lies for them on the road, answering some of your questions:
- Stanimir thinks they will make "The Gates" before nightfall.
- The village of Barovia lies along the road. It's possible to make this by tomorrow evening.
- There could be creatures roaming around so be ready to fight if necessary.
- While Stanimir's group do not have much for trade, Madam Eva's camp may have more in this regard.
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 grins, "That is true, but you gasped when you saw it and seemed to recognise it."
(( @DM: Do the Vistani have whatever materials Talion needs to study a new skill? ))
Bertolt moves off by himself after a while, taking time to make note of all the things he has learned from the Vistani throughout the night and day. As Stanimir mentions that they will have to deal with combat he readies his rapier but for the most part continues on with his notes. After a while though he will grow bored and talk more with the Vistani, asking more about the other places they have traveled to.
"Hee hee. It's true! But I see the magic there, roiling off it like an early morning fog off the lake....I also sense something behind you, young man - or rather someone? Hee hee! You are all so interesting...I hope you survive!"

You and the Vistani travel for a few more hours and it's nearing sunset when Stanimir calls to you all, "Ahh, the Gates of Barovia! Care to see? Beautiful in this light, wouldn't you say?" Stanimir sighs deeply and looks off in the distance. Up ahead, you notice Ratka trotting ahead on a smaller horse; however, the real scene is in the background. A light mist spills out of the forest to swallow up the road behind you. Ahead, jutting from the impenetrable woods on both sides of the road, are high stone buttresses looming gray in the fog. Huge iron gates hang closed on the magnificent stonework. Vines and other plants cling with cold tenacity to the rusted bars. Two headless statues of armed guardians flank the gate, their heads now lying among the weeds at their feet. They greet you only with silence.
The road leads directly to the gates. Up ahead you spy what looks like a cart path leading off the main road to a small clearing. Stanimir nods towards it, "Ah, our home for the night!"
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
(( Morning ))
(( Later, During a break ))
With the pressures -- and horrors -- of the house now receding, Talion becomes a little more like his old self, but not completely. The house has changed him. Gone is the unalloyed cheer and the simple pleasure at being somewhere, anywhere, else. Those who watch him closely would see the occasional worried glance toward the forest and, very occasionally, towards Sho. For different reasons each causes him to pause and to worry about the future.
The future? He laughs. This is the future. Time to think a little further ahead now. He watches the old scholar at work on his books and notes. He's never had much time for study, but there is a lot more to the kindly old bard than first met the eye. Like Sho, he has turned the tide in critical battles, and stood his ground resolutely when others might have -- or did -- run. Not bad for an old guy. Grinning, he approaches Berolt, "Thanks" he says. "I don't think I said that to you before. Without your magic we'd still be in that house."
He waits a moment, standing awkwardly in front of the bard, clearly wanting to walk away, but something drives him to stay. "I'd like to learn a little more about what you do, and magic as well. That is... if you think I can...and...if you have time?" He stands a little defensively, clearly expecting rejection.
(( During the day (when not studying!) ))
Talion will divide his time roughly evenly just chatting with or helping the Vistani, sitting with or talking with Sho, and talking with the rest of the group.
(( End of day ))
Talion can not help but be in awe of the massive stone work. Though it reminds him of Baldur's Gate in its immensity, its alien design draws to that part of him wanted to see all the new things that the world had to offer. He has a sense that in passing through these gates his journey will just be beginning, and he looks around at his companions to see if they feel the same, or if -- to them -- it's just another wall. "Tomorrow, it begins" he says quietly.
He stares at the gates a moment longer before turning to Stanimir. "How much further to Madam Eva's encampment?"
Bertolt will continue to learn from the people, finding that he likes some of the Vistani culture and the people seem kind enough. Still he distrusts them a bit due to the fact they seem to be keeping them in Barovia despite him saying numerous times he wished to leave. As they travel towards the gates he will take some time to play, wanting to relax.
Performance: 22
Erven says to Stanimir, “The statues, when was this built, who do they represent?” He listens for his reply and begins to look around the area, scanning for any potential threats.
Perception : 15
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Onyx has been dwelling on their predicament, on the ‘promise’ - a curse, really, and on how they should proceed. He does not wonder why silver is so hard to come by – a vampire count on the prowl, untold numbers of undead and other abominations? Forbidden because of its danger to evil, and all the more valuable because of it.
When they rest, he is fairly relaxed – Stanimir would not set up camp in a dangerous location, and the road itself seemed relatively safe. He is content to (metaphorically) lick his wounds, meditate, and tend to his equipment.
The exuberance he exhibited the night before is gone, but also is the arrogance and aggression displayed in the house. For the moment, Onyx is calm, reserved. A day of rough travel was bliss compared to the experience he had just shared with everyone else.
Another medical problem. Indefinite hiatus. Sorry, all.
@Talion
Stanimir grins and shrugs. "Maybe a couple of days. We should be within sight of Barovia by this time tomorrow, I think," Stanimir says, squinting his eyes up into the failing light, scanning the skies for who knows what.
@Erven
Stanimir again shrugs. "It's a gate. It opens for us when we get close to it and allows us to pass." Erven, after a time, you notice a large black crow flies down from the sky into the tree branches and perches there, watching you all.
@Bertolt
You play a beautiful tune yet you can't keep your impatience or frustration from the melody. Mordovija comes over to you and begins to try to play with you, a simple accompaniment but skilfully played.
@Onyx
Do you want the jeweler to begin making the powdered silver? It's a process that will cost 20gp.
The wagons turn again into a triangle-shaped structure with a fire in the middle. The Vistani rig up a hanging pot that perches over the fire - looks like soup is on the menu tonight. You notice several Vistani are not present and have slipped off. You suppose someone has to keep watch. It isn't long before the soup is ready and the Vistani gather to talk, eat, drink, and dance.
After a bowl or two of venison soup, Stanimir eyes you all. He grins slyly before saying, "Well, we have given you food, shelter, and even a story. Maybe you could tell us a bit about yourselves? We are well-travelled and cross the mists often and enjoy hearing about different parts of the world." Stanimir looks to the brooding figure of Sho. "What about you, holy man? Maybe you have a tale to share?"
The Vistani, Stanimir, and, well, everyone turns to look at Sho...It seems your host would like a story.
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 leans over to Talion and also to Bert, looks up and (without pointing), points out the black crow, perched and observing us. He whispers "Are we being watched? Keep your eye on it from time to time, I will too."
When Stanimir asks for the story, Erven sits down cross legged near the fire and looks to Sho, with trepidation and fear of what he will hear, but with interest and curiosity as well. He sits at attention, listening as he did before to Bert.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Sho pauses when he is apparently mentioned, and his gaze lifts to meet Stanimir’s. The air seemed to congeal for a second in the silence. Not exactly bristled, but his inquisitive gaze defensive. “What do you know?”
((Yeah, I'll make that deal. Seems Ereshion already accounted for it in the loot list, too. XD ))
Another medical problem. Indefinite hiatus. Sorry, all.
"You are looking at the wrong person if you want stories. I have spent my life learning many things and compiling tales." Bertolt says as a way to attempt drawing all of the attention off of Sho.