Talion nods, "Besides, we can't leave without help, and Madame Eva is the only one who can help us."

He rubs his temples with his fingers, only to realize that they, too, hurt from the unaccustomed hours of writing. "We need allies" he says before resuming his studies.

Quote from Ursus_the_Grim >>

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: 19 ))

 Onyx, you know that vampires create "spawn" by killing their victim with a bite.  The "spawn" is under the control of the vampire who bit it.   There might be more to it but that's the main things you remember...

You continue on your way, each of you practicing your various duties.  After midday - or what you think to be midday - you come to an open plain with low hills and shrubs.  It slopes to the south and the plain is relatively devoid of trees - very different that the woods you just exited.  Far in the distance to the south, you can just make out a meandering river.  Far the the west across the plain, you can make out a dark and uneven speck.  Overlooking this dark speck is a large structure with think, skeletal spires that reach for the sky.  Stopping for a quick break for the horses, Stanimir nods and identifies the river as the River Ivlis.  He nods with a smile to the distant speck.  "There lies the village of Barovia...and Castle Ravenloft."  He makes a sign with his hands and goes off to find something to eat.

Bertolt will join the others and tell them of what he has learned from the Vistani by talking to them. "Most of what they share is stories but I do not think I will get more about what we expect to face from them."

Onyx, the jeweler gives you a small pouch with 50 gp worth of powdered silver.

Bertolt, the Vistani have been to the places you inquired about, and up and down the Sword Coast and beyond.  These ones in particular chat about wanting to go to a place called "Chult" and the "Dalelands."  They ask you if you've been to a place called "Thay," as they are interested in the magic they have heard is practised there.  Relatedly, you learn that Vistani can cause curses to befall those who anger or mistreat them.
Much of their history is orally transmitted rather than written down, so while conversing with the Vistani there are some inconsistencies.  

Erven, Lucky Bear seems to be getting the hang of bringing back what you throw.  You continue to work on simple items with her, asking her to fetch them from here and there.  This is much more difficult of course, than a simple throw and return of an item.  So it will take continual practise.

Travelling for several hours more, Stanimir mentions that they could push on and reach Barovia during the night, or camp on the open plain and make it to the village during the day time.  He asks you all what you would prefer, as you are their guests and he is "right on time with his task."

20

Erven turns to Stanimir and says "What do you suggest?  Are we safe to camp on the open plain tonight?  It might make sense to see Madame Eva during the day, but if we are at risk of being attacked we will press on..."  Erven glances up at the sky and tries to determine if there is a full moon.

Erven points to a stick and indicates to Lucky to bring it, then tries pointing at a rock, a fallen nut, etc.  He rewards the dog with plenty of loving when she brings it back, scratching under the mandible just like she likes it..

Bertolt takes note of places he himself has been having heard of the places they speak of but does not know much other then the name. As plans are made on how to continue he will keep quiet for the most part, waiting to see of they will ne going to this Barovia village or around it to find the Madam Eva they have heard so much about.

Onyx chimes up.

"If there is indeed a vampire spawn stalking this town, a night-time arrival after a long and taxing day is perhaps. . . reckless?  It may actually be safer to camp outside the city's limits, right?"

Erven nods with Onyx, “I agree.  I would say we set up camp tonight and ride in tomorrow during the day, if that is ok Stanimir.”

Stanimir nods and whistles. He says a few words and then comes over to you, explaining “We will camp here then. It’s not ideal and it will be a cold camp. Camping in the open is dangerous, even for us. We will be at the village around midday tomorrow.  I assume you might want to go into the village tomorrow?  We know the owners of the inn and taproom there.”  Any attempt to stand watch are brushed aside as you all are their “task.”  
Bertolt, after the camp has been set up, a figure approaches in the darkness....A wiry Vistana male, looking nervous comes and talks to you. “Hey, I sell potions that ward off the mists and allow passage through. Interested?”

Bertolt will give the vistani a questioning glance while looking interested. Truly he finds the shifty man questionable at best and will try to get a read if he is being truthful.

Insight: 23

Erven says to Stanimir, “That sounds good, we will head into town tomorrow and a room at the inn sounds good to me.  Should we circle our wagons and make a fire, get ready for the night?  Where do you go after this?  I would love to hear some more tales about your history and your family’s history.”

Talion will continue with his studies and with training Bertolt in the fine arts of breaking, entering, trapping and disarming, showing him simple snares and working...if possible...with any locks that the Vistani might have (( Did Strahd's box have a lock? )).

When Stanimir mentions the town, he ask if that is where Madame Eva is to be found, or if there is more travel yet to come.

Sho, your eyes bulge at the price of borrowing the Vistana's tools but they are professional quality and you also need some thread/leather thread to piece it together.  As you hand over the 3gp (please subtract from your total) you set to work.  While it's not an overly big project, it does require some finesse which, unfortunately for you, you don't have this day.  Your fingers resemble pin cushions afterwords and you're left wondering why you didn't just pay the professional for professional work?  Your capelet is together - somewhat - but the stitching is loose and flimsy, and will probably require some repairs after a few days, if not hours.  

Bertolt, your gut instinct is that you think the Vistana is lying.  

Talion, Stanimir shakes his head.  "No, Madame Eva is further along the road.  The town has a store though, and you might be able to find supplies there," he says, smirking at Sho and his interaction with the leather worker.  "If you're willing to pay, of course."

[Talion - I thought it was arcana you were learning?  Or is this just some RP flavour?]

Onyx eyes the walls of Barovia warily as they bed down for the night.  The Vistani, and his companions, were acting very relaxed given the circumstances.  They were safer out here, but they were still at the threshold of a vampire's hunting grounds.  It was not a night for dancing and revelry, but he tries to make himself comfortable, and does not search for the same kind of busywork that his allies had pursued.

Erven keeps working with Lucky Bear, pointing to objects and having her return them.  He will periodically stand up and walk, encouraging her to heel, come to his side.  He gives her attention and affection when she does so.  He saves a bone from dinner for her to enjoy.  It is very odd to him to watch a skeletal dog chew on a bone.  He smiles to himself, an inscrutable smile.  

When he is not working with Lucky, he has his eye on the periphery, always scanning.  Tonight he will not sleep, just meditate for 4 hours like normal, at other times he is scanning for movement, sounds that shouldn't be there.   And the undead.  

Bertolt shakes his head and moves to walk away from the man. "I am unfortunately out of funds to purchase something that has to be of some great value."

Sho’s appropriating an extra roll of threads, a few scraps of cloths and a spare needle for future use before returning the kit, which he deems fair given the exorbitant loan fee.

Bertolt, if you agree to learn Talion's tricks, subtract 10 gp from your inventory.  [Note: this is only if you want to become proficient in Thieves' Tools.  If just for fun, no gp deduction necessary].
The Vistana that tried to sell you his potion sneers and says, "Have it your way, music man.  If you change your mind, 100 gold will buy you one."  Chuckling to himself, he disappears in the darkness to a wagon.

Erven, throughout the time you are not meditating, you notice a lot of bats flying around.  But they don't seem to pay any of you any attention.  Lucky Bear is becoming better at fetching things when thrown, learning some simple words, and going and finding them.  It's not easy though, and you'll have to keep practicing with her.

Talion,  your studies with Bertolt come slowly but you are learning much about magic in general - sounds, gestures, some material components are elements of spellcasting.  You feel that to really gain traction, you'd need to actually study as if it's your job.  Even still, some progress is made and you know more than you did before.

Onyx, your trepidation is obviously shared by the Vistani, who do not celebrate or drink or dance this night.  They diligently patrol the perimeter.  

Sho, when you express your entitled disdain at the fee, the Vistana shrugs and tells you this is the way it is.  The leather worker gave you some lengths of workable leather to sew with - as much as he would be comfortable lending you.  Since you're no leather worker, you used nearly all of it trying to do it. There are no cloth bits.  Are you attempting to keep the needle and not give it back to him?

(Removed the gold. Bertolt would be interested since it is something new to learn.)

As the lessons continue he studies the lockpicks, making notes as though he was going to be given a test on this. When he has the time he will  the others of the strange potion that had been offered to him.

For those who know him, even slightly, Talion seems unusually subdued. The world he thought he had escaped seems to have followed him, but whereas one he knew the rules -- and how to manipulate them -- here he finds himself being manipulated, with no clear means of escape. He is unsure if the Vistani are his friends or his captors, but does his best -- when not studying or teaching -- to do what he always does: He tries to help anyone and everyone, hoping to catch gossip and tales from the Vistani that might help him in the future.