Erven & Sho: with your passive perception, you cock your head at at Ismark's and Irek's demeanour, outlined above. (check your PMs).
Talion, you don't hear anything that you can make out. The house is lit up, lanterns hanging around, so your enhanced sight is of no use here. To your questions, Ismark looks at Irek and replies, "No, the town is no longer under attack per se, but rather a long centuries old siege would be more accurate. What you saw out there is the devil trying to scare good folk. Many many of the buildings in our town have been abandoned and boarded up - either to keep things out or to make sure certain things stay in." He shakes his head sadly. Like Erven, your attention is eventually drawn over to a side room (see spoiler below).
Erven,what's the perception check for? Nevermind, I see. You note that Irek wears a leather outer coat and the collar is high and stiff. You don't see any evidence of bite marks. You look around and sit down in a nice chair. Your attention is drawn to a darkened room off to the side (see spoiler below).
Both Ismark and Irek seem to relax as Erven and Talion cross into the house. They wait for Onyx, Sho, and Bertolt to do the same...
When you enter (only if you enter) you notice the things in the spoiler:
The interior of the mansion is well furnished, yet the fixtures show signs of great wear. Noticeable oddities are the boarded-up windows and the presence of holy symbols in every room. The burgomaster is in a side drawing room on the floor—lying in a simple wooden coffin surrounded by wilting flowers and a faint odor of decay. The coffin is clearly home-made and the wood matches the wood the outer walls of the mansion are built from.
The perception check is for a description of Irek, Erven is looking at his neck to see if there are puncture wounds from a vampire bite. He is assessing the coloration of Irek, his nature. Anything else odd about him?
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
The perception check is for a description of Irek, Erven is looking at his neck to see if there are puncture wounds from a vampire bite. He is assessing the coloration of Irek, his nature. Anything else odd about him?
Irek is a tall human man, you'd guess mid-tewenties, with sharp striking features. His longish hair is an auburn colour but looking carefully, it seems that it has been died dark. There are hits of red underneath. He wears brown and red light leather armor and the way he moves, you'd guess he could handle himself in a fight. His face is a bit pale and sports bags under his eyes (not uncommon in this place). His eyes are as above, a rich grey colour with a spark of life in them, though they are bloodshot and red - it looks like he hasn't slept in a while. Ismark has the same look about him. He seems much different to you than say, the commoner you saw outside or the barkeep at the inn.
Right now, Irek is watching you all but mainly those of you still standing outside. He notices Talion and Erven glance in the side room and bows his head. Erven and Talion, only you hear the following: "Siege is right. Bastards attacked our house night after night for weeks on end. Finally, he couldn't take it anymore. Thank the gods they've stopped - at least for now..." He shakes his head and blinks away tears...
Erven walks on in to the side room, observing the condition of the house and ushering the group in. He looks for boards on the windows, all of the usual things you would think of for such attacks. “I’m sorry. This land is being laid waste by this… this creature. You should have seen what happened to my village. We had our own harrowing experience with it in a house near here, barely made it out. It was owned by the Dursts, did you know of them? The Vistani, lead by Stanimir found us and led us here. We are lucky be alive and to be here talking to you, we have a common interest in putting an end to this … thing.. if it is possible.” He doesn’t say Strahd’s name directly, but with the venom behind his words he makes no doubt about his hate for it.
Irek and Ismark look at each other. "The Dursts? Are you certain?" They suppress a laugh. "Well, It's just a legend. Our parents use to tell it to us as children as a reason to stay out of the woods after dark and beware of the mists."
Bertolt will step into the house and motion for those still outside to do the same, letting his eyes wander the house a bit befor3ld turning his attention back to the siblings. He does his best to be respectful, not mentioning the smell or clearly worn appearance of the house. "It is no child's tale. Strahd uses it to torment those that are led to this land."
"Damned near killed us" says Talion, his face briefly shifting from an easygoing smile to something much darker. He stares into the fireplace for a moment, before turning a calculating gaze back to Ismark.
"So, you are no friend of hers either? What is it you want from us?" And what do we get in return?
"Irek and Ismark, forgive me for being blunt, but your father... how long ago did he pass? Do you have any plans to bury him, having his funeral? Where do you plan to place him to rest?" As he's talking he walks into the side room and makes observations, about the late burgomaster, what may have happened, how they have arranged him.
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
"Damned near killed us" says Talion, his face briefly shifting from an easygoing smile to something much darker. He stares into the fireplace for a moment, before turning a calculating gaze back to Ismark.
"So, you are no friend of hers either? What is it you want from us?" And what do we get in return?
Ismark turns to you, Talion. "Well, as I mentioned before. This ***** has some weird interest in my brother. Sure, we have heard the stories already about how she likes to "choose" her companions, both men and women, but this infatuation with my brother is something else. I need to get him somewhere safe, out from under and away from the vile creature's sight, away from that damned oppressive castle! I have heard that the town of Vallaki is well-defended and has weathered assaults better than anywhere else. I would like you to take him there. Nothing would be a better slap in the face to her than to see the object of her desire slip through her grasp! I think he will be safe there. I cannot leave the village, not now that my father has passed. I owe my time now to the citizens of Barovia. I serve them."
Ismark looks to you Erven, and sadly replies, "Three days have passed. Not one in the village has come to help. We do need to get him to the church cemetary, for him to be properly buried by Father Donavich." His face burns red, "I hate to ask for more, but could you help us deliver his body to the church?"
As Ismark is talking, Irek walks around a little, checking out the windows for something, watching you and taking you all in. When he hears about Ismark's plan, he pipes up rather quickly: "What?! Father isn't even in the ground yet and you want to send me away?!? Never. I will see him in the ground first and then we can discuss you little plan, Ismark. I am not leaving until we take care of father first!"
He plops down in a chair, arms crossed. Ismark looks haplessly towards you...
"While it is prudent to administer proper burial rites, it may be dangerous to expose Irek while we help deliver the body. But Sho and myself are both holy men, of a sort. If there is a suitable plot of land here, perhaps we can lay him to rest, closer to home?"
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
Another medical problem. Indefinite hiatus. Sorry, all.
"Irek has she tried to come into the house here? How many times has she approached you? Do you have any idea why she seems to be fixated on you?" After hearing his responses, he says "I agree with Onyx. Perhaps we could bury him closer to the house or if we do go to the church cemetery, perhaps you could stay safe here locked in the house until we return. Then Father Donavich could perform the service, quickly, and we could bring you there for that. But you should listen to your brother, we should get you to Vallaki, away from this place. You do not want to fall under her control, become her servant."
Rollback Post to RevisionRollBack
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Bertolt listens to what the plans are but stays alert, loading his small crossbow and staying by a window. He will look out and be ready for an attack.
Talion frowns; it does not seem like a difficult request, but nothing in this place was easy, or ever what it seemed to be.
"Where...and how far is this church?"
Ismark gestures towards to door, "It's on the north part of the village, not far. Of course, I understand your hesitancy...no one does anything or helps anyone, it seems, for free. Rest assured you will be rewarded for your time."
"While it is prudent to administer proper burial rites, it may be dangerous to expose Irek while we help deliver the body. But Sho and myself are both holy men, of a sort. If there is a suitable plot of land here, perhaps we can lay him to rest, closer to home?"
Ismark nods at your words, adding in, "I couldn't agree more. My brother should stay here out of sight. However, I can forgive your mistake about the dead. Our father must absolutely be buried next to his kin from previous generations. The dead.....don't rest here if they are not buried properly..." He frowns, contemplating the idea...
"Irek has she tried to come into the house here? How many times has she approached you? Do you have any idea why she seems to be fixated on you?" After hearing his responses, he says "I agree with Onyx. Perhaps we could bury him closer to the house or if we do go to the church cemetery, perhaps you could stay safe here locked in the house until we return. Then Father Donavich could perform the service, quickly, and we could bring you there for that. But you should listen to your brother, we should get you to Vallaki, away from this place. You do not want to fall under her control, become her servant."
Irek looks to you Erven and responds, "Yes, I think so...I can't really remember that well, it all seems fuzzy and foggy, like I am trying to get through the mists....I do remember her eyes, blazing with hunger - that is an image I'll not soon forget." He shivers involuntarily. "Thank you so much." He scoffs. "There are no others in the village brave enough or willing to help us with this."
Ismark and Irek look at each other, sharing a glance between them. Ismark begins, "Umm, there is something you should know about the good priest. Well, you see Donavich has a son who was part of a...failed...raid on the castle perhaps ten years ago. It didn't go well. The son returned....changed....and Donavich has been working relentlessly to try to make him better. The ordeal has left our good priest...a bit different. He is still a holy man, of course."
Bertolt listens to what the plans are but stays alert, loading his small crossbow and staying by a window. He will look out and be ready for an attack.
Perception: 14
Bertolt, you don't see anything right now, looking out the window.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
Talion nods, "We need allies in this land, and this is as good a start as any. But...what is it with you and the Vistani? Did I see -- or imagine -- distrust between you and them at the inn?"
He watches both men as he mentions the Vistani, to see if there is any reaction, and continues watching them closely as they respond.
Talion nods, "We need allies in this land, and this is as good a start as any. But...what is it with you and the Vistani? Did I see -- or imagine -- distrust between you and them at the inn?"
He watches both men as he mentions the Vistani, to see if there is any reaction, and continues watching them closely as they respond.
Perception: 16
"The Vistani serve her. They alone are permitted to leave this place. You would be wise to be wary of them. Not all of them, of course, but there are many who see the Countess as their lord. We stay away from them and assume they are spies of Strahd," Ismark tells you, a look of disdain on his face. Both men crinkle up their noses and scowl at the mention of them. "I wouldn't be surprised if they left you here."
"They say that there is no way to leave. So far they have been helpful to us, and don't seem allied to Her Ladyship." He shrugs, "But this does not get your father in the ground."
"Is there a time of day that you would recommend? Do you have preparations to make?"
As he speaks he takes a closer look at the body. Does he think it might fit in Bert's magical bag?
Erven & Sho: with your passive perception, you cock your head at at Ismark's and Irek's demeanour, outlined above. (check your PMs).
Talion, you don't hear anything that you can make out.
The house is lit up, lanterns hanging around, so your enhanced sight is of no use here.
To your questions, Ismark looks at Irek and replies, "No, the town is no longer under attack per se, but rather a long centuries old siege would be more accurate. What you saw out there is the devil trying to scare good folk. Many many of the buildings in our town have been abandoned and boarded up - either to keep things out or to make sure certain things stay in." He shakes his head sadly.
Like Erven, your attention is eventually drawn over to a side room (see spoiler below).
Erven,
what's the perception check for?Nevermind, I see. You note that Irek wears a leather outer coat and the collar is high and stiff. You don't see any evidence of bite marks. You look around and sit down in a nice chair. Your attention is drawn to a darkened room off to the side (see spoiler below).Both Ismark and Irek seem to relax as Erven and Talion cross into the house. They wait for Onyx, Sho, and Bertolt to do the same...
When you enter (only if you enter) you notice the things in the spoiler:
The interior of the mansion is well furnished, yet the fixtures show signs of great wear. Noticeable oddities are the boarded-up windows and the presence of holy symbols in every room. The burgomaster is in a side drawing room on the floor—lying in a simple wooden coffin surrounded by wilting flowers and a faint odor of decay. The coffin is clearly home-made and the wood matches the wood the outer walls of the mansion are built from.
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
The perception check is for a description of Irek, Erven is looking at his neck to see if there are puncture wounds from a vampire bite. He is assessing the coloration of Irek, his nature. Anything else odd about him?
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Irek is a tall human man, you'd guess mid-tewenties, with sharp striking features. His longish hair is an auburn colour but looking carefully, it seems that it has been died dark. There are hits of red underneath. He wears brown and red light leather armor and the way he moves, you'd guess he could handle himself in a fight. His face is a bit pale and sports bags under his eyes (not uncommon in this place). His eyes are as above, a rich grey colour with a spark of life in them, though they are bloodshot and red - it looks like he hasn't slept in a while. Ismark has the same look about him. He seems much different to you than say, the commoner you saw outside or the barkeep at the inn.
Right now, Irek is watching you all but mainly those of you still standing outside. He notices Talion and Erven glance in the side room and bows his head. Erven and Talion, only you hear the following: "Siege is right. Bastards attacked our house night after night for weeks on end. Finally, he couldn't take it anymore. Thank the gods they've stopped - at least for now..." He shakes his head and blinks away tears...
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 walks on in to the side room, observing the condition of the house and ushering the group in. He looks for boards on the windows, all of the usual things you would think of for such attacks. “I’m sorry. This land is being laid waste by this… this creature. You should have seen what happened to my village. We had our own harrowing experience with it in a house near here, barely made it out. It was owned by the Dursts, did you know of them? The Vistani, lead by Stanimir found us and led us here. We are lucky be alive and to be here talking to you, we have a common interest in putting an end to this … thing.. if it is possible.” He doesn’t say Strahd’s name directly, but with the venom behind his words he makes no doubt about his hate for it.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Irek and Ismark look at each other. "The Dursts? Are you certain?" They suppress a laugh. "Well, It's just a legend. Our parents use to tell it to us as children as a reason to stay out of the woods after dark and beware of the mists."
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 step into the house and motion for those still outside to do the same, letting his eyes wander the house a bit befor3ld turning his attention back to the siblings. He does his best to be respectful, not mentioning the smell or clearly worn appearance of the house. "It is no child's tale. Strahd uses it to torment those that are led to this land."
"Damned near killed us" says Talion, his face briefly shifting from an easygoing smile to something much darker. He stares into the fireplace for a moment, before turning a calculating gaze back to Ismark.
"So, you are no friend of hers either? What is it you want from us?" And what do we get in return?
Sho, Onyx - do you enter?
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 enters.
"Irek and Ismark, forgive me for being blunt, but your father... how long ago did he pass? Do you have any plans to bury him, having his funeral? Where do you plan to place him to rest?" As he's talking he walks into the side room and makes observations, about the late burgomaster, what may have happened, how they have arranged him.
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Onyx enters the house. With all of you inside, Irek and Ismark relax visibly, and both sigh in relief.
Ismark turns to you, Talion. "Well, as I mentioned before. This ***** has some weird interest in my brother. Sure, we have heard the stories already about how she likes to "choose" her companions, both men and women, but this infatuation with my brother is something else. I need to get him somewhere safe, out from under and away from the vile creature's sight, away from that damned oppressive castle! I have heard that the town of Vallaki is well-defended and has weathered assaults better than anywhere else. I would like you to take him there. Nothing would be a better slap in the face to her than to see the object of her desire slip through her grasp! I think he will be safe there. I cannot leave the village, not now that my father has passed. I owe my time now to the citizens of Barovia. I serve them."
Ismark looks to you Erven, and sadly replies, "Three days have passed. Not one in the village has come to help. We do need to get him to the church cemetary, for him to be properly buried by Father Donavich." His face burns red, "I hate to ask for more, but could you help us deliver his body to the church?"
As Ismark is talking, Irek walks around a little, checking out the windows for something, watching you and taking you all in. When he hears about Ismark's plan, he pipes up rather quickly: "What?! Father isn't even in the ground yet and you want to send me away?!? Never. I will see him in the ground first and then we can discuss you little plan, Ismark. I am not leaving until we take care of father first!"
He plops down in a chair, arms crossed. Ismark looks haplessly towards you...
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 frowns; it does not seem like a difficult request, but nothing in this place was easy, or ever what it seemed to be.
"Where...and how far is this church?"
Onyx listens intently to the situation at hand.
"While it is prudent to administer proper burial rites, it may be dangerous to expose Irek while we help deliver the body. But Sho and myself are both holy men, of a sort. If there is a suitable plot of land here, perhaps we can lay him to rest, closer to home?"
Another medical problem. Indefinite hiatus. Sorry, all.
"Irek has she tried to come into the house here? How many times has she approached you? Do you have any idea why she seems to be fixated on you?" After hearing his responses, he says "I agree with Onyx. Perhaps we could bury him closer to the house or if we do go to the church cemetery, perhaps you could stay safe here locked in the house until we return. Then Father Donavich could perform the service, quickly, and we could bring you there for that. But you should listen to your brother, we should get you to Vallaki, away from this place. You do not want to fall under her control, become her servant."
A wizard is never late, nor is he early, he arrives precisely when he means to.
Bertolt listens to what the plans are but stays alert, loading his small crossbow and staying by a window. He will look out and be ready for an attack.
Perception: 14
Ismark gestures towards to door, "It's on the north part of the village, not far. Of course, I understand your hesitancy...no one does anything or helps anyone, it seems, for free. Rest assured you will be rewarded for your time."
Ismark nods at your words, adding in, "I couldn't agree more. My brother should stay here out of sight. However, I can forgive your mistake about the dead. Our father must absolutely be buried next to his kin from previous generations. The dead.....don't rest here if they are not buried properly..." He frowns, contemplating the idea...
Irek looks to you Erven and responds, "Yes, I think so...I can't really remember that well, it all seems fuzzy and foggy, like I am trying to get through the mists....I do remember her eyes, blazing with hunger - that is an image I'll not soon forget." He shivers involuntarily. "Thank you so much." He scoffs. "There are no others in the village brave enough or willing to help us with this."
Ismark and Irek look at each other, sharing a glance between them. Ismark begins, "Umm, there is something you should know about the good priest. Well, you see Donavich has a son who was part of a...failed...raid on the castle perhaps ten years ago. It didn't go well. The son returned....changed....and Donavich has been working relentlessly to try to make him better. The ordeal has left our good priest...a bit different. He is still a holy man, of course."
Bertolt, you don't see anything right now, looking out the window.
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 nods, "We need allies in this land, and this is as good a start as any. But...what is it with you and the Vistani? Did I see -- or imagine -- distrust between you and them at the inn?"
He watches both men as he mentions the Vistani, to see if there is any reaction, and continues watching them closely as they respond.
Perception: 5
"The Vistani serve her. They alone are permitted to leave this place. You would be wise to be wary of them. Not all of them, of course, but there are many who see the Countess as their lord. We stay away from them and assume they are spies of Strahd," Ismark tells you, a look of disdain on his face. Both men crinkle up their noses and scowl at the mention of them. "I wouldn't be surprised if they left you here."
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
"They say that there is no way to leave. So far they have been helpful to us, and don't seem allied to Her Ladyship." He shrugs, "But this does not get your father in the ground."
"Is there a time of day that you would recommend? Do you have preparations to make?"
As he speaks he takes a closer look at the body. Does he think it might fit in Bert's magical bag?
Sho raises his eyebrow fractionally when Ismark talks about the Vistani serving Strahd, in a 'I'm not surprised' kind of way.