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?”
Stanimir regards you rather coolly, and shrugs. “I know you haven’t said a word, except to him,” points at Talion. “I know lots of things young man. I don’t know about you but I can feel your energy. It’s....curious.”
"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.
Stanimir shifts his gaze to you, Bertolt, and grins. “Perhaps, as your people say, the cat has taken his tongue, yes? Ahh, well I suppose everything gets revealed at some point. Can you sing us a song about you and your friends, bard? Surely a song’s worth, yes?”
Sho’s lips a tight line as Stanimir replies that he knows little of him. As the Vistani’s gazes turn to Bertolt instead, Sho turns to the old scholar and gives him a little nod in a silent thanks then resumes to his soup. Content in keeping it that way.
Onyx is again grateful for the meal and company. His mouth opens when Stanimir asks for a tale, but he falls silent when its clear that the old man has his eyes on the taciturn death cleric. His eyes flicker back and forth between the assembled members of the party, his spoon idly scraping the bottom of his bowl. There was an unspoken conversation here, but the whole thing just made him feel. . . awkward.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Another medical problem. Indefinite hiatus. Sorry, all.
Erven was leaning forward, listening hard for the story from Sho, but nods his head when he deflects the Vistani's attention, shrugs his shoulders and turns his attention to Bert when he starts to speak. He loves to hear stories from the bard and is keen to hear another. All the while he takes a small stick and throws it to Lucky Bear, encouraging her to bring it back, throws it again and points it out, back and forth, back and forth.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Even after Bertolt speaks up, Stanimir and several Vistani keep their eyes trained on Sho, watching him with interest - perhaps more interest than before.
Bertolt, if you decide to play a tune, roll a performance check.
Onyx, the jeweler tells you the powdered silver will be ready tomorrow.
Talion, you and Bertolt talk about and discuss all things magical. You manage to find some ink and paper, and a few spell components to study. Bertolt talks about energies and auras and how magic takes up and displaces space itself. It's all a bit heady for you but you studiously take notes to read later. [deduct 10gp from your inventory].
Bertolt, throughout the day you are able to talk with some more Vistani and add more notes to your collection. Interestingly, you find out that the Vistani believe ravens carry lost souls and that killing one would lead to bad luck. Sho, after a while, the leatherworker you paid to create your whip comes to you and hands over the whip. The handle is quite nice and polished well, and the tails on the whip seem sturdy enough. You notice some bits of metal on the last bits of each tail. He hands you the leftover ghoul skin, shuddering as he does so and clearly glad to be rid of it. [if you haven't already, deduct 6gp from inventory].
The night descends into the usual drinking and dancing and revelry, though in the shadow of the gates, it seems strangely muted tonight.
[feel free to RP as you wish]
In the morning, you all help pack the camp up and begin on your way. As the wagons approach the towering gates, they swing open on their own accord with a loud screech. As soon as the wagons pass under and through, they screech back and close behind you with a loud bang. About an hour pass the gates, the wagons come to a halt, the horses whinnying nervously. The Vistani are able to calm them down with some effort and seem ready to move on.
Sho and Erven, as you poke your head out of the wagon to see what is going on, you both notice something - the scent of death on the air... You both notice a boot sticking out of a bush about 20-30 feet off the main road. There are no signs of creatures or zombies or anything else bearing down on you...
Erven points out the boot to the others as they are riding and calls out “Ho… stop here please.” to get the wagon to stop. He hops down and scans the area looking for movement, the undead. He will walk over to investigate the boot, encouraging Sho or anyone else who wants to join him.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Performance: 15
Bertolt plays a much more somber and quiet song this time around to fit the horrors they expierencced in the house, singing of the horrid fate of the children and the foolishness of those that worshipped the evil that permeated the place.
Bertolt explains what he knows about magic, having some knowledge about a bit if wizardry and divine Magic. When he gets to his own he explains that Bards are said to use the music of creation to effect world around them, comparing it to playing an instrument to interact with the weave of magic. As he does this he not so subtlety passes a piece of parchment, ink and a quill to his "student". His face clearly reads "Take notes".
As he goes about with the Vistanti he will take notes on anything, asking them 0nce more of places they have visited. He will give the names of places he has been to, curious to know if any have been to Candlekeep or Waterdeep.
The Vistani present listen intently to your words, gasping and making warding signs as you detail the more macabre situations. They seem in awe of the fact you were able to survive. They repeat a word in whispers, "Goldennac flurietcheva." When you ask what it means, the translation is not easy but comes out as something like "cohesion and teamwork triumph over the individual."
Erven and Sho The foul scent leads you to a human corpse half-buried in the underbrush about twenty-five feet from the road. The young man appears to be a commoner. His muddy clothes are torn and raked with claw marks. Crows have been at the body, which is surrounded by the paw prints. The man has obviously been dead for several days. He holds a crumpled envelope in one hand. The parchment is flimsy and worn, and the seal has a large "B" set within its wax seal...
Erven examines the body and tries to determine what type of claws killed the man. Also looks at the tracks and determines the direction and number of creatures that did this. He takes the envelope and will bring it back to the wagon to examine. He searches the body for any other clues about his identity and how he ended up here. Does he appear to be Vistani? "What do you think, Sho? I wonder if there are any werewolves around here?" Erven pauses and recalls the moon last night, trying to remember if it was full...
Sho, after a while, the leatherworker you paid to create your whip comes to you and hands over the whip. The handle is quite nice and polished well, and the tails on the whip seem sturdy enough. You notice some bits of metal on the last bits of each tail. He hands you the leftover ghoul skin, shuddering as he does so and clearly glad to be rid of it. [if you haven't already, deduct 6gp from inventory].
Sho accepts the whip, examining it, feeling it in his hands. He hefts the handle and rubs the tails between his fingers. Then he cracks it in the air, the whip snaps like oaken branches breaking. The tormented flesh and the silenced screams speak a promise: just so will I wear you, if you do not submit.
He nods and feels satisfactory, he produces two more gold pieces and hands it to the leatherworker. “For your trouble.” He says simply. Then he asks him if he can patch the rest of ghoul skin together to make a small capelet that drapes over one shoulder.
Erven examines the body and tries to determine what type of claws killed the man. Also looks at the tracks and determines the direction and number of creatures that did this. He takes the envelope and will bring it back to the wagon to examine. He searches the body for any other clues about his identity and how he ended up here. Does he appear to be Vistani? "What do you think, Sho? I wonder if there are any werewolves around here?" Erven pauses and recalls the moon last night, trying to remember if it was full...
Erven and Sho You both take a look at the body and the surrounding area. Together, you can piece together that this male victim was attacked and killed by wolves - large ones, dire wolves most likely - and there are at least 5 sets of tracks. There are also marks on the ground, presumably from the body being dragged across it. Old splotches of brown paint the ground. The victim has claw marks and bites all over his body, and a deep red, fly- and maggot-infested hollow in the space where his throat should be. His eyes have been long plucked out by birds and his face and any other exposed flesh has chunks ripped off - likely a combination of birds and small animals and insects. The stench is quite powerful. You both would reason it has been about 5 days since the attack that killed this man. There are no identifying items - his clothes are rather mundane, no jewelry or keepsakes are found. A small dagger rests on his hip.
Sho The leatherworker stiffens and nods, though the reluctance is clear. He quietly tells you that he won't touch the ghoul skin again for less than 10gp.
Sho The leatherworker stiffens and nods, though the reluctance is clear. He quietly tells you that he won't touch the ghoul skin again for less than 10gp.
Sho tilts his head. "I thought a man of craft such would appreciate opportunities to work with exotic materials." But nonetheless he slightly touches his fingers to his lips, then the hand to his shoulder in a small bow, then he takes the ghoul skin back for himself.
He'll use mending to patch together all the pieces he can, and tie a knot around his neck as a makeshift cape. Until he finds someone else who will work with it.
Sho The leatherworker stiffens and nods, though the reluctance is clear. He quietly tells you that he won't touch the ghoul skin again for less than 10gp.
Sho tilts his head. "I thought a man of craft such would appreciate opportunities to work with exotic materials." But nonetheless he slightly touches his fingers to his lips, then the hand to his shoulder in a small bow, then he takes the ghoul skin back for himself.
He'll use mending to patch together all the pieces he can, and tie a knot around his neck as a makeshift cape. Until he finds someone else who will work with it.
[Unfortunately, mending is for repairing items not creating new ones!]
The leatherworker nods quickly, "Aye, sirrah, 'exotic.' As you like." He walks off, leaving you holding the remnants of the ghoul skin...
Bertolt will spend more time around the Vistani, attempting to pick up a few words of their language if he can. If it helps he will share a few words of other languages he knows himself. It seems he is intent on getting as much information from them as he can, no matter how small or seemingly random.
Erven takes the dagger and walks back over to the wagon with the letter, describes the poor fellow to them. He opens the letter to read more about who he was. He urges Sho to rejoin the wagon after he sees how many wolves were there, urges everyone to stay together.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
I, the Burgomaster of Barovia, send you honor—with despair.
My adopted son, the handsome and fair Irek Kolyanovich, has been these past nights bitten by a vampyr. For over four hundred years, this creature has drained the life blood of my people. Now, my dear Irek languishes and dies from an unholy wound caused by this vile beast. She has become too powerful to conquer.
So I say to you, give us up for dead and encircle this land with the symbols of good. Let holy men call upon their power that the devil may be contained within the walls of weeping Barovia. Leave our sorrows to our graves, and save the world from this evil fate of ours.
There is much wealth entrapped in this community. Return for your reward after we are all departed for a better life.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
As Erven reads the letter to the wagon, Onyx frowns.
"They want us to . . . just leave?" He glances from face to face of his allies. "If this vampyr who bit his son was Strahd, well, we don't stand a chance against her. But perhaps this 'Irek' is still weak. I don't like the idea of just. . . leaving the town."
((OOC: Does Onyx have an idea of what a vampire spawn is, or how dangerous it might be, comparatively? Religion, if appropriate: 17 ))
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Another medical problem. Indefinite hiatus. Sorry, all.
“Honorable,” Sho says, leaning back, “but foolish. He intends to entrap themselves with the vampire, wall the whole town in, waiting to die and Barovia with them. But people are always going to reproduce, generations of children, born to suffer and to be prey on. It’ll never end.”
He waves his hand, in a gesture of revealing something under the air, “Exampli gratia, his own son.”
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Stanimir regards you rather coolly, and shrugs. “I know you haven’t said a word, except to him,” points at Talion. “I know lots of things young man. I don’t know about you but I can feel your energy. It’s....curious.”
Stanimir shifts his gaze to you, Bertolt, and grins. “Perhaps, as your people say, the cat has taken his tongue, yes? Ahh, well I suppose everything gets revealed at some point. Can you sing us a song about you and your friends, bard? Surely a song’s worth, yes?”
[cool. It costs 20gp so make sure you subtract it from your money]
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
Sho’s lips a tight line as Stanimir replies that he knows little of him. As the Vistani’s gazes turn to Bertolt instead, Sho turns to the old scholar and gives him a little nod in a silent thanks then resumes to his soup. Content in keeping it that way.
Onyx is again grateful for the meal and company. His mouth opens when Stanimir asks for a tale, but he falls silent when its clear that the old man has his eyes on the taciturn death cleric. His eyes flicker back and forth between the assembled members of the party, his spoon idly scraping the bottom of his bowl. There was an unspoken conversation here, but the whole thing just made him feel. . . awkward.
Another medical problem. Indefinite hiatus. Sorry, all.
Erven was leaning forward, listening hard for the story from Sho, but nods his head when he deflects the Vistani's attention, shrugs his shoulders and turns his attention to Bert when he starts to speak. He loves to hear stories from the bard and is keen to hear another. All the while he takes a small stick and throws it to Lucky Bear, encouraging her to bring it back, throws it again and points it out, back and forth, back and forth.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Even after Bertolt speaks up, Stanimir and several Vistani keep their eyes trained on Sho, watching him with interest - perhaps more interest than before.
Bertolt, if you decide to play a tune, roll a performance check.
Onyx, the jeweler tells you the powdered silver will be ready tomorrow.
Talion, you and Bertolt talk about and discuss all things magical. You manage to find some ink and paper, and a few spell components to study. Bertolt talks about energies and auras and how magic takes up and displaces space itself. It's all a bit heady for you but you studiously take notes to read later. [deduct 10gp from your inventory].
Bertolt, throughout the day you are able to talk with some more Vistani and add more notes to your collection. Interestingly, you find out that the Vistani believe ravens carry lost souls and that killing one would lead to bad luck.
Sho, after a while, the leatherworker you paid to create your whip comes to you and hands over the whip. The handle is quite nice and polished well, and the tails on the whip seem sturdy enough. You notice some bits of metal on the last bits of each tail. He hands you the leftover ghoul skin, shuddering as he does so and clearly glad to be rid of it. [if you haven't already, deduct 6gp from inventory].
The night descends into the usual drinking and dancing and revelry, though in the shadow of the gates, it seems strangely muted tonight.
[feel free to RP as you wish]
In the morning, you all help pack the camp up and begin on your way. As the wagons approach the towering gates, they swing open on their own accord with a loud screech. As soon as the wagons pass under and through, they screech back and close behind you with a loud bang.
About an hour pass the gates, the wagons come to a halt, the horses whinnying nervously. The Vistani are able to calm them down with some effort and seem ready to move on.
Sho and Erven, as you poke your head out of the wagon to see what is going on, you both notice something - the scent of death on the air... You both notice a boot sticking out of a bush about 20-30 feet off the main road. There are no signs of creatures or zombies or anything else bearing down on you...
Would you like to investigate or carry on?
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 points out the boot to the others as they are riding and calls out “Ho… stop here please.” to get the wagon to stop. He hops down and scans the area looking for movement, the undead. He will walk over to investigate the boot, encouraging Sho or anyone else who wants to join him.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Performance: 15
Bertolt plays a much more somber and quiet song this time around to fit the horrors they expierencced in the house, singing of the horrid fate of the children and the foolishness of those that worshipped the evil that permeated the place.
Bertolt explains what he knows about magic, having some knowledge about a bit if wizardry and divine Magic. When he gets to his own he explains that Bards are said to use the music of creation to effect world around them, comparing it to playing an instrument to interact with the weave of magic. As he does this he not so subtlety passes a piece of parchment, ink and a quill to his "student". His face clearly reads "Take notes".
As he goes about with the Vistanti he will take notes on anything, asking them 0nce more of places they have visited. He will give the names of places he has been to, curious to know if any have been to Candlekeep or Waterdeep.
The Vistani present listen intently to your words, gasping and making warding signs as you detail the more macabre situations. They seem in awe of the fact you were able to survive. They repeat a word in whispers, "Goldennac flurietcheva." When you ask what it means, the translation is not easy but comes out as something like "cohesion and teamwork triumph over the individual."
Erven and Sho
The foul scent leads you to a human corpse half-buried in the underbrush about twenty-five feet from the road. The young man appears to be a commoner. His muddy clothes are torn and raked with claw marks. Crows have been at the body, which is surrounded by the paw prints. The man has obviously been dead for several days. He holds a crumpled envelope in one hand. The parchment is flimsy and worn, and the seal has a large "B" set within its wax seal...
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]
Onyx stays with the wagons while Erven and Sho follow something into the brush. He stands up, javelins ready, in case there is an ambush.
Another medical problem. Indefinite hiatus. Sorry, all.
Erven examines the body and tries to determine what type of claws killed the man. Also looks at the tracks and determines the direction and number of creatures that did this. He takes the envelope and will bring it back to the wagon to examine. He searches the body for any other clues about his identity and how he ended up here. Does he appear to be Vistani? "What do you think, Sho? I wonder if there are any werewolves around here?" Erven pauses and recalls the moon last night, trying to remember if it was full...
Perception : 19
Survival : 15
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Sho accepts the whip, examining it, feeling it in his hands. He hefts the handle and rubs the tails between his fingers. Then he cracks it in the air, the whip snaps like oaken branches breaking. The tormented flesh and the silenced screams speak a promise: just so will I wear you, if you do not submit.
He nods and feels satisfactory, he produces two more gold pieces and hands it to the leatherworker. “For your trouble.” He says simply. Then he asks him if he can patch the rest of ghoul skin together to make a small capelet that drapes over one shoulder.
Sho will help Erven in his investigation.
Erven and Sho
You both take a look at the body and the surrounding area. Together, you can piece together that this male victim was attacked and killed by wolves - large ones, dire wolves most likely - and there are at least 5 sets of tracks. There are also marks on the ground, presumably from the body being dragged across it. Old splotches of brown paint the ground.
The victim has claw marks and bites all over his body, and a deep red, fly- and maggot-infested hollow in the space where his throat should be. His eyes have been long plucked out by birds and his face and any other exposed flesh has chunks ripped off - likely a combination of birds and small animals and insects. The stench is quite powerful. You both would reason it has been about 5 days since the attack that killed this man.
There are no identifying items - his clothes are rather mundane, no jewelry or keepsakes are found. A small dagger rests on his hip.
Sho
The leatherworker stiffens and nods, though the reluctance is clear. He quietly tells you that he won't touch the ghoul skin again for less than 10gp.
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
Sho tilts his head. "I thought a man of craft such would appreciate opportunities to work with exotic materials." But nonetheless he slightly touches his fingers to his lips, then the hand to his shoulder in a small bow, then he takes the ghoul skin back for himself.
He'll use mending to patch together all the pieces he can, and tie a knot around his neck as a makeshift cape. Until he finds someone else who will work with it.
[Unfortunately, mending is for repairing items not creating new ones!]
The leatherworker nods quickly, "Aye, sirrah, 'exotic.' As you like." He walks off, leaving you holding the remnants of the ghoul skin...
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 will spend more time around the Vistani, attempting to pick up a few words of their language if he can. If it helps he will share a few words of other languages he knows himself. It seems he is intent on getting as much information from them as he can, no matter how small or seemingly random.
Erven takes the dagger and walks back over to the wagon with the letter, describes the poor fellow to them. He opens the letter to read more about who he was. He urges Sho to rejoin the wagon after he sees how many wolves were there, urges everyone to stay together.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
The letter reads:
Hail thee of might and valor:
I, the Burgomaster of Barovia, send you honor—with despair.
My adopted son, the handsome and fair Irek Kolyanovich, has been these past nights bitten by a vampyr. For over four hundred years, this creature has drained the life blood of my people. Now, my dear Irek languishes and dies from an unholy wound caused by this vile beast. She has become too powerful to conquer.
So I say to you, give us up for dead and encircle this land with the symbols of good. Let holy men call upon their power that the devil may be contained within the walls of weeping Barovia. Leave our sorrows to our graves, and save the world from this evil fate of ours.
There is much wealth entrapped in this community. Return for your reward after we are all departed for a better life.
Kolyan Indirovich
Burgomaster
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
Y’all good to keep on going?
7
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
As Erven reads the letter to the wagon, Onyx frowns.
"They want us to . . . just leave?" He glances from face to face of his allies. "If this vampyr who bit his son was Strahd, well, we don't stand a chance against her. But perhaps this 'Irek' is still weak. I don't like the idea of just. . . leaving the town."
((OOC: Does Onyx have an idea of what a vampire spawn is, or how dangerous it might be, comparatively? Religion, if appropriate: 17 ))
Another medical problem. Indefinite hiatus. Sorry, all.
“Honorable,” Sho says, leaning back, “but foolish. He intends to entrap themselves with the vampire, wall the whole town in, waiting to die and Barovia with them. But people are always going to reproduce, generations of children, born to suffer and to be prey on. It’ll never end.”
He waves his hand, in a gesture of revealing something under the air, “Exampli gratia, his own son.”