Madame Ivanja looks out of the window of her tower. She is bored as business is really slow these days.
Stam is trying to find out more about the local Werewolf tribes, how and where they operate and anything to do with where their lairs are. He will take all day only taking breaks for some food and the bathroom.
"Interesting, they have the hierarchy of wolves but are dependant upon humans at times to stay alive. I will have to pass this information along."
Stam will take his notes and go back to the party, explaining to them all of which he knows.
"The Vollenstags are the current pack leaders, but Demon wolves are going to try to change that. I feel that we need to now allow this to happen since the Demon wolves as their name implies worst demons and it would cause more issues on the country side."
Grergof greets Kroitzcer and softly says:
That man is determined to get himself killed by werewolves isn't he?
Thank you for the work on the boars yesterday, you took two of them down.
I had hoped that Sir Ariesir would see reason after killing those large creatures, but I see now he either has a death wish or is on a crusade.
Spurnoir listens to Stam's report. That does sound like a wise move. Shall I make more silversheen and Wolvsbane tonics?
Spugnoir looks at Varsk and nods. We should take care of that right away. Spugnoir replies at Kroit's request.
"I agree, we should still have some day light left to make it there and back with the body." Stam gathers his traveling supplies and meets the group at the door.
"DO you think we should take that body down as well?" Stam muses out loud at the body hung on the tree
We could give it a burial. Spugnoir will assist in the rest of the group is ok with it.[/b]
Then we have a lot of digging to do.
Grergof pulls out the shovel tied to his pack and changes from his heavy armor into his chain shirt. He tucks the armor and weapons into his pack and puts it on the ground near his companions. (Note: he does keep his mithral dagger on him just in case)
Two of us are going to be focused on digging, so the rest of you should keep watch. There are those fey spider things in the trees and I would not be suprised if some werewolf packs are about.
After moving over to the area they select for a grave he starts digging.
What the? Ahh!
Grergof pulls out his dagger and stabs at the badger as soon as it gets close.
I think badgers would make a good stew with mushrooms. Hmm..Badger,badger,badger, mushrooms.
Darius, perhaps a prayer?
Darius clears his throat. Then says "I did not know Echtmoor Dravin. But he will live on in his friends and families thoughts and deeds. May he watch over all of them the rest of their days." He finishes.
"A moment of silence please."
"Kroitzcer did you know this man? I wonder if he was a werewolf who pissed the wrong people off." Stam will wait for the others to move along back to the lodge.
No matter what he was, everyone deserves a proper burial.
Darius blushes and gives an awkward smile and shrugs defeated.
Who might have done this?
Once they are safely back to the lodge Stam will go and visit Ned for a bit then back to studying.
"I will do the research part you gentlemen can plan the route and supplies?" Stam asks his group
We need to talk to the madam to find out more about the visitors. Do you want me to talk to the madan, or do the two of you still want to do this?
Grergof asks Spugnoir and Darius.
A nice handsome man like yourself will charm her...socks off no doubt. So I'll get our things together. Spugnoir does so.
Ok then, let me see what I can find out.
Grergof changes out of his armor and makes himself look presentable. He keeps only hisdagger and heads over to meet Madam Ivanja.
Grergof is met by Madame Ivavnja when he knocks at the door. "Good evening." she says as she invites him in. She leads him to a comfortable sitting area that consists of a table and two armchairs. "How can I be of service." she asks as both are seated.
I think that depends on just what services you offer...
Grergof says after sitting down.
"I can do a Harrowing for you, or you can enjoy the company of one of the girls." Ivanja replies with a knowing smile.
How much for a Harrowing and some additional information?
"The reading is for free. But I'm no information broker." Ivanja replies holding out eight cards for Grergof to draw one.
Grergof will draw a card.
Lets see what the cards tell us before you commit to that.
"This is the Carnival. It is the chaotic neutral card of wisdom. It represents illusions and false dreams." Ivanja tells.
She takes the card back, shuffles the deck and lays a harrowing. Watching the cards come together Ivanja becomes very serious. "You must face a powerful force yet unseen that is manipulating the current situation, both in the Shudderwood and beyond. This force is steadily growing in both power and malevolence, and has the potential to threaten Ustalav and the indeed the whole world, yet you are ultimately destined to have a hand in determining its fate."
Spugnoir finishes packing and has tea.
"Who let you in?" Corvin snorts at Spugnoir from his usual table. "I'd wonder if they let someone like you wander freely as stable boy. Much less in here. This is a place for nobles."
The cards speak truth, much is going on here. I seek information from you not for political gain or to advance my personal wealth, but rather to protect you and your girls from threats both immediate and long term. Surely a capable business woman such as yourself understands that doing something unusual to protect yourself and your business is the proper choice sometimes.
The information I seek from you is directly related to this threat the cards talked about. Telling me about the men with the demon familiar who visited you for a single night a week or so ago will in the end protect you and yours. It really is the best choice to ensure your own long term safety and profit.
"I remember that evening. Only four guests visited the watchtower that night, all enjoying the services of one of my courtesans. If you are interested, I can arrange a meeting with the woman who tended to the guests on that evening — for the proper fee of course." She writes a number on a note, folds it and shoves it over the table.
Spugnoir eyes the pompous one. Duristan Silvio Ariesir extended his hospitality after our assistance during his hunt and we also helped Cilas Graydon recover the remains of his friend who was slain by beasts in the forest. You needn't worry, we shall be concluding our business soon.
Darius goes looking for Spugnoir.
Stam will go back into the lodge, going back to the library for a bit then searching out his party.
"Spugnoir my friend do you know when we plan to leave?"
Varsk should be back soon, hopefully then we can discuss things.
Grergof glances at the note then says:
They all visited the same woman? Interesting.
Although, If she was half as intelligent and attractive as you, then I suppose I can understand why.
Please arrange.. No wait before you do, do you have any idea why they might have all sought out this one woman?
"They didn't ask for her specifically." Inavja replies and gets up. "Follow me."
Ivanja leads Grergof to one of the private bedchambers on the tower’s second floor. A pretty Vudrani woman, wearing heavy eyeliner and clad in nothing but a translucent silken scarf, waits within. Ivanja introduces the woman as Niama, then wishes Grergof a pleasurable evening, and shuts the door behind her as she exits.