Talion pauses in the doorway then smiles and nods to the other patrons. He is about to go to the bar when he hears the words on the loner.
His gaze lingers on the man, and his smile broadens. He walks over to the table and nods, "Never been known to refuse a drink or a meal" he says. He holds out his hand in greeting, "Talion. Talion Alboreth. Are you the owner here?"
Erven walks up behind Talion in a supportive position, in an obvious “I’m with him” kind of way, remains quiet and listens to what the man at the table has to say. He urges Lucky Bear to come to him, bends his knee down and encourages the dog to put front paws on his leg, pats the top of her head and then looks up, gauging reaction of barkeep, Vistani and the singular man.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
The man walks over to the barkeep and says a few words. The barkeep nods and puts down his work and sets about behind the bar, heading to the room off to the side, which judging from the smells and sounds is a kitchen. When everyone is at the table it isn’t long before carafes of wine are brought out. Your host speaks. “My name is Ismark Kolyanovich. My family has lived here in Barovia for generations. I would ask first what draws you to our lands? That you are from somewhere else is plain. And we don’t get many....visitors.”
Sho takes a seat at the table. He eyes the man, wondering if he truly doesn't know the answer - considering the mist, the house, and the Vistani who obviously have an agenda with this town.
Then he says. "We happened to find ourselves in a compulsory expatriation to your land, for the purpose of our involuntary service."
Sho takes a seat at the table. He eyes the man, wondering if he truly doesn't know the answer - considering the mist, the house, and the Vistani who obviously have an agenda with this town.
Then he says. "We happened to find ourselves in a compulsory expatriation to your land, for the purpose of our involuntary service."
Ismark looks at Sho thoughtfully, "Hmm, cryptic enough. So Vallaki or Krezk? The mountains? Judging by your attire, I'd say Krezk. But then again, it has been a long time since I travelled to the far west reaches of Barovia." He sips more wine and nods to the barkeep as the food arrives. Platters of meat, bread, and cheese and a succulent-looking stew are arranged on the table. Ismark reaches into a pocket and hands the barkeep some coins. After counting them up and nodding, the balding fellow emotionlessly heads back to the bar, picks up his rag, and begins polishing some more cups. "Well, you all look like you can handle yourselves, which is good since there are many things in these once-proud lands that will kill you - likely you already know this. I would ask for your voluntary service then, for a task that is dear to me. But first, I must ask you all to hold an item in your hand. A strange request but one which I will explain after." He produces a small, gleaming amulet, and with a quick look at the three seated Vistani (who watch but make no move towards you) hands it to you.
Do you accept?
Bertolt quickly scribbles down its likeness. Onyx, you know this symbol intimately. Others will know this as well. It is the symbol of Lathander, the Morninglord.
Erven grasps the holy symbol with his hand and says “I have no problem with that. Sehanine Moonbow guides my path, but I have no problem with Lathander, and I know my friend here doesn’t either.” he says as he claps his hand on Onyx’s broad shoulder. He sits down at the table as well and begins to eat, his mouth watering looking at the food.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Bertolt will look at the symbol and attempt to remember if he knows more about the god it represents.
Religion: 20
When it is his turn he will take the Holy Symbol and hold it up so that Ismark can clearly see him holding it up.
You know it’s Lathander and nothing untoward happens, though by holding it up, it does gain the attention of the three Vistani females sitting at the table, and one of them leaves out the front door.
Erven grasps the holy symbol with his hand and says “I have no problem with that. Sehanine Moonbow guides my path, but I have no problem with Lathander, and I know my friend here doesn’t either.” he says as he claps his hand on Onyx’s broad shoulder. He sits down at the table as well and begins to eat, his mouth watering looking at the food.
nothing happens to you and Ismark nods at you solemnly. The food is delicious and the drinks hearty and refreshing.
When it comes to his turn, Onyx hesitates only a moment. This was a place where holiness was in short supply, and he wondered what the purpose of this 'test' was.
"Onyx is my name, Ismarck. Well met."
Rather than remove his gauntlet to reveal his black-scaled hands, he holds the symbol to his forehead, letting it touch the flesh above his brow.
"I'm no fiend."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Another medical problem. Indefinite hiatus. Sorry, all.
Sho watches the man intently as he produces the amulet. "You are a very good negotiator." He says. A small 'test' for them to feel special and important if they pass, and more likely to accept his quest once they already deigned themselves to appease him, by agreeing to his one-sided terms.
You can tell he is earnest and not looking to trip you up in any way. He watches you and Talion with apprehension. Sho, you also understand that simply touching the talisman would not harm you, unless you have true malice in your heart. [you can pm me your thoughts if you like]
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Talion stares at the amulet suspiciously, remembering all the various items that came to life in Strahd's house, half expecting it to come to life and bite the first person to touch it. He watches as the others touch it and suffer no ill-effects, then reaches for it and examines it a little more closely.
(( RP religion check: 15 ))
"More tests? Is that all you people and Strahd do?"
Talion, you know it’s the symbol of Lathander - a god of light. At the mention of Strahd, Ismark’s eyes smolder and his jaws clench in anger. His hands clench and knuckles go white and it’s a testament to the craftsman that his cup doesn’t splinter. His words come short and clipped, through clenched teeth. “And what would you know of that wretched beast? You know nothing of the suffering of my ‘people’ - my very family - at the hands of that creature. A ‘test’ to you is our reality. Is this a game for you? How long have you been in my lands?” He scoffs and shakes his head, looking at each of you in turn and his gaze settles on Talion and Sho. “I would both give and receive aid, but first I must know if you are under sway of a foul beast. This,” he says, holding the amulet, “is my proof. If you do not agree then you are welcome to depart from my family’s village.”
Talion finished examining the symbol, glances at Onyx, then replaces it on the table, "How long have we been here? Three days, I think. Give or take, and...do I look like I think this is a game?" He draws a breath and gathers his thoughts. After a moment, he speaks again, "I meant no disrepect to you or to your people, but our time here -- so far at least -- has been a series of tests and vague promises. You at least seem like a man who might -- finally -- be able to provide some plain answers, so accept my apology for any offence."
Sho follows Ismark's gaze to the amulet, then at the man again. "I understand the test." He speaks, then glances at his three other companions, with clear reproof. "I only wish my companions have the same vigilance." Or they'll say yes to every man who tells them they have a special present for them to hold.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
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Talion pauses in the doorway then smiles and nods to the other patrons. He is about to go to the bar when he hears the words on the loner.
His gaze lingers on the man, and his smile broadens. He walks over to the table and nods, "Never been known to refuse a drink or a meal" he says. He holds out his hand in greeting, "Talion. Talion Alboreth. Are you the owner here?"
Erven walks up behind Talion in a supportive position, in an obvious “I’m with him” kind of way, remains quiet and listens to what the man at the table has to say. He urges Lucky Bear to come to him, bends his knee down and encourages the dog to put front paws on his leg, pats the top of her head and then looks up, gauging reaction of barkeep, Vistani and the singular man.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
The man walks over to the barkeep and says a few words. The barkeep nods and puts down his work and sets about behind the bar, heading to the room off to the side, which judging from the smells and sounds is a kitchen.
When everyone is at the table it isn’t long before carafes of wine are brought out.
Your host speaks. “My name is Ismark Kolyanovich. My family has lived here in Barovia for generations. I would ask first what draws you to our lands? That you are from somewhere else is plain. And we don’t get many....visitors.”
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 takes a seat at the table. He eyes the man, wondering if he truly doesn't know the answer - considering the mist, the house, and the Vistani who obviously have an agenda with this town.
Then he says. "We happened to find ourselves in a compulsory expatriation to your land, for the purpose of our involuntary service."
Ismark looks at Sho thoughtfully, "Hmm, cryptic enough. So Vallaki or Krezk? The mountains? Judging by your attire, I'd say Krezk. But then again, it has been a long time since I travelled to the far west reaches of Barovia."
He sips more wine and nods to the barkeep as the food arrives. Platters of meat, bread, and cheese and a succulent-looking stew are arranged on the table. Ismark reaches into a pocket and hands the barkeep some coins. After counting them up and nodding, the balding fellow emotionlessly heads back to the bar, picks up his rag, and begins polishing some more cups.
"Well, you all look like you can handle yourselves, which is good since there are many things in these once-proud lands that will kill you - likely you already know this. I would ask for your voluntary service then, for a task that is dear to me. But first, I must ask you all to hold an item in your hand. A strange request but one which I will explain after." He produces a small, gleaming amulet, and with a quick look at the three seated Vistani (who watch but make no move towards you) hands it to you.
Do you accept?
Bertolt quickly scribbles down its likeness. Onyx, you know this symbol intimately. Others will know this as well. It is the symbol of Lathander, the Morninglord.
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 look at the symbol and attempt to remember if he knows more about the god it represents.
Religion: 20
When it is his turn he will take the Holy Symbol and hold it up so that Ismark can clearly see him holding it up.
Erven grasps the holy symbol with his hand and says “I have no problem with that. Sehanine Moonbow guides my path, but I have no problem with Lathander, and I know my friend here doesn’t either.” he says as he claps his hand on Onyx’s broad shoulder. He sits down at the table as well and begins to eat, his mouth watering looking at the food.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
You know it’s Lathander and nothing untoward happens, though by holding it up, it does gain the attention of the three Vistani females sitting at the table, and one of them leaves out the front door.
nothing happens to you and Ismark nods at you solemnly. The food is delicious and the drinks hearty and refreshing.
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
When it comes to his turn, Onyx hesitates only a moment. This was a place where holiness was in short supply, and he wondered what the purpose of this 'test' was.
"Onyx is my name, Ismarck. Well met."
Rather than remove his gauntlet to reveal his black-scaled hands, he holds the symbol to his forehead, letting it touch the flesh above his brow.
"I'm no fiend."
Another medical problem. Indefinite hiatus. Sorry, all.
Sho watches the man intently as he produces the amulet. "You are a very good negotiator." He says. A small 'test' for them to feel special and important if they pass, and more likely to accept his quest once they already deigned themselves to appease him, by agreeing to his one-sided terms.
Insight: 18
You can tell he is earnest and not looking to trip you up in any way. He watches you and Talion with apprehension. Sho, you also understand that simply touching the talisman would not harm you, unless you have true malice in your heart. [you can pm me your thoughts if you like]
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 bows his head and lets out a mortal sigh. He picks up the amulet, then puts it down, his face wearily with frustration.
“Thank you.” Ismark nods and pushes the amulet towards Talion....
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 amulet suspiciously, remembering all the various items that came to life in Strahd's house, half expecting it to come to life and bite the first person to touch it. He watches as the others touch it and suffer no ill-effects, then reaches for it and examines it a little more closely.
(( RP religion check: 15 ))
"More tests? Is that all you people and Strahd do?"
Talion, you know it’s the symbol of Lathander - a god of light.
At the mention of Strahd, Ismark’s eyes smolder and his jaws clench in anger. His hands clench and knuckles go white and it’s a testament to the craftsman that his cup doesn’t splinter. His words come short and clipped, through clenched teeth. “And what would you know of that wretched beast? You know nothing of the suffering of my ‘people’ - my very family - at the hands of that creature. A ‘test’ to you is our reality. Is this a game for you? How long have you been in my lands?” He scoffs and shakes his head, looking at each of you in turn and his gaze settles on Talion and Sho. “I would both give and receive aid, but first I must know if you are under sway of a foul beast. This,” he says, holding the amulet, “is my proof. If you do not agree then you are welcome to depart from my family’s village.”
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 did pick it up, above...so hopefully no ill effects! ))
I didn’t see you say you touched it, but no I’ll effects otherwise.
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 finished examining the symbol, glances at Onyx, then replaces it on the table, "How long have we been here? Three days, I think. Give or take, and...do I look like I think this is a game?" He draws a breath and gathers his thoughts. After a moment, he speaks again, "I meant no disrepect to you or to your people, but our time here -- so far at least -- has been a series of tests and vague promises. You at least seem like a man who might -- finally -- be able to provide some plain answers, so accept my apology for any offence."
Sho follows Ismark's gaze to the amulet, then at the man again. "I understand the test." He speaks, then glances at his three other companions, with clear reproof. "I only wish my companions have the same vigilance." Or they'll say yes to every man who tells them they have a special present for them to hold.