The creature is struck by an array of sword strikes and magical attacks still it does not fall.
The creature strikes Marco back but both attacks miss the quick footed rogue.
Lucifer rushes out into the fray and Elaris appears behind the wolf as well, the convergence along with Nezter's well timed arrows bring the foes low.
Suddenly from behind the house a pack of wolves rush the combatants! Before any of you can react the mists swirl from out of nowhere and where once there was combat is left only silence.
The foe has been defeated, the threat to the family lain low but at what cost?
Combat over!
Carella looks around for her friend. "Where is she? She couldn't have left me? She never leaves me, and I don't leave her." She looks like she's about to have a breakdown, and a little lost.
"Where are these damnable mists lifting everyone off too? I hope wherever there were taken, they aren't left to deal with that beast on their own." Khalid looks around. "Is everyone here okay?"
Elaris had been about to crow about their victory when the wolves appeared...and the mist.
Suddenly elsewehere, Elaris could feel the sand beneath her feet and taste the familiar desert scents of the place where Carella and she had been 'taken'.
But, then she heard her friend's plaintive cries,faint but oh, so clear, and with a wrench, Elaris found herself back in the mists, stepping out of a bank of cloud to see her friend again.
Walking to embrace her Carella, "You brought me back, Car." she says simply
Car hugs Elaris back. "Oh thank gods. I couldn't do this without someone I know alongside. This place is just so strange." She steps back wiping her tears.
"I'm alright now. Let's get away from this mist. Let's rest tonight, and head out in the morning." She doesn't look like she'll be resting very well for the rest of the night.
The mists claimed friend and foe alike but one miraculously was reclaimed, perhaps the pull was not strong enough or perhaps Carella's cries brought Elaris forth regardless she is back.
Maria exits her home and is dismayed by the disappearance of your friends, "I am so very sorry. I do not know what has happened! Please come, rest. In the morning I will provide you with provisions to continue down the road".
The night ends and Dawn comes and with it new hope. Though you've lost allies you have saved these innocents from a terrible fate. Maria and her family provide enough rations and fresh food to get you most of the way to your destination if not the entire way. Luckily the road ends at your destination so losing your local guide (Lucifer) is not the end of your trek.
After several uneventful nights you arrive in the city of Skald. The city is walled and as you arrive Dusk settles in, the main gate from the road you have taken is open though a few ruffians loiter about it.
The town is bordered on the north and east by a fast moving river. To the east rises a 60' high cliff topped with a rock wall and mighty fortifications. The river tumbles over the western cliff in twin waterfalls as it enters Skald. At the bottom of the falls the water is forever churning, chopping, and the area is never without a thin veil of fine mist.
Carella shudders a little bit when she sees more mist. "I never thought I'd miss the desert. At least there's not enough water to cause a mist often."
She gives the ruffians a bright smile as she approaches. "Good evening. Can you point us to a reasonably priced inn? As you can see we've just arrived, and are new in town."
The guard grins, "Only one, the Old Kartakan Inn unless you want to stay in the Old Shacks and you don't want to stay there".
Nadima shivers at the tone in the man's voice. They do not search any of you or attempt to charge you any fees for passage as can be common in many large cities, likely they are there just for show. He gives you basic directions to the Inn as near "the falls".
As you pass through the gates the road from the south into Skald passes through the shattered body of a once mighty fortress. It is hexagonal in shape, with walls standing some 20' high. Two towers are set into the north and south corners of the keep, both standing 25' tall. An additional curtain seems to have been removed from between them. The northern walls are still a part of the city's defenses and, as such, are well maintained. The southern half of the building, however, died long ago. As you look upon this deserted building, the shadows themselves seem to take on the form of guards standing at their posts. This place has a presence about it, a long and honorable tradition of duty and service. When the wind blows, one can almost hear the marching of troops and the orders of officers. If ever a place seemed right for ghosts, this is it.
As you enter the city proper past the fortress townsfolk seem about as friendly here as they did in Harmonia, none nod or say any friendly greetings to any of you and pass on by almost as if you were ghosts. Most seem eager to simply get home though you do manage to get someone to direct you northeast to "the Cauldron". As you pass through streets in this section of town they are all cobblestone affairs, it reminds Khalid of home and the allies, nay friends, now lost to him.
The buildings here are larger and more artistic than those in the other areas of town. Clearly, this is a place for the well-to-do. Here and there, lawns and gardens accent the neighborhoods, and the scent of flowers dances lightly in the air.
As you wander through this part of town, however, you notice that there are many more patrols than there are in other neighborhoods. Although there seems to be no outward sign of suspicion in their eyes, the guards always seem to look at your party for a few seconds longer than they do anyone else. From time to time, a whispered conversation breaks out between members of the watch as you pass them.
Finally you are through this section headed towards where you were directed the Old Kartakan Inn should be located. As the sun descends at you backs your group finally catch a glimpse of the Inn.
You stand before a breathtaking sight. From atop a high, stone cliff, twin waterfalls plunge downward to shatter what might otherwise be a peaceful pond, this must be the Cauldron. The roar is incredible, muting all other sounds, and a cloud of mist fills the air at all times. In the center of the bubbling, churning lake stands a natural stone island. Long ago polished to a smooth, rounded form by the raging water it now supports a proud and stately structure: The Old Kartakan Inn.
The perpetual fog of The Cauldron's waters hangs heavy about the inn, giving the place an almost supernatural look. Here and there, moving bodies can be seen in the mists. The obscuring properties of this shroud, however, make it difficult to tell if they are human or some form of ghostly apparition.
The twin cascades of the River fall into the Cauldron, swirl about the island, and eventually run through rapids at the lower end of the Cauldron. The Cauldron itself is the wide area between the falls and the rapids. Its surface is constantly choppy and mist perpetually plays upon its surface. The mists rise up to enshroud all of The Old Inn which begins to disappear almost before your eyes.
Nadima mutters, "Wonderful, more mist".
Carella gives Nadima a commiserating look, "I agree. I'm very tired of mist. I hope they don't mind a group of strangers arriving this late, and they don't have issues with gamblers." She gives a half smile, and heads inside the inn giving Nezter a nod in acknowledgement of his manners.
Skald -
You cross the slick bridge into the mists and to the front door. The place smells of a strange incense as Nezter pushes aside the heavy oak doors of the inn which release a shuddering creaking noise and reveals an entrance chamber. Set back on either side is a hat rack next to a bench. Alcoves jut off on both sides of the benches where various coats and outer garments hang. The room is unusually dark and you realize that the odor is actually one of wet leather hanging in the air. At the far end of the room is another set of heavy looking doors.
"This is interesting. I haven't seen an inn with an entrance room before." She moves up to the second set of doors and opens them.
Skald -
Nadima nods to Carella, "I've seen such halls before but never one quite like this to be sure".
The thick, oaken doors leading into this room from the cloak room open with almost no sound to reveal a long hallway. The odor of cooking is sweet in the air, sparking memories of fine meals and relaxing evenings with friends. The basic decor of the area is elegant, but in a modest and unassuming way. Light is provided by a series of fine lamps secured high on walls.
Beside the hall's entrance on the wall is a small alcove in which several shawls and other delicate garments hang.
To the is an arched hallway leading down some steps and ending in a thick, heavy curtain of some dark brown fabric. You can hear several low voices coming from beyond it and the inviting smell of fine spirits is strong.
To the , a clerk works behind a desk, obviously handling the affairs of the inn. Behind him, a hallway runs into (what you presume to be) the heart of the building.
To the , is a busy dining section with a number of tables set out for the guests. Only one table has anyone present, two elderly men who speak in low whispers. The smell of cooking clearly comes from this area.
The clerk puts down his feathered pen and looks up at your group with piercing eyes, "How may I be of service?"
--- back at the farm ---
Elaris plays a number of lullabys as much to get the young ones to sleep as to relax all of the adults as well....
-- on the road --
Whenever she could , Elaris attempted to keep the spirits of her travelling companions up, alternating between calling out a rousing, walking cadence, to breaking into lively songs about adventures and lovers and all that comes between them...
--- Skald ---
Elaris follows the others through Skald to the mist-shrouded Inn. Uncharacteristically quiet, she takes in the mood of the populace, noting to herself, A most dour and unhappy people....perhaps there's something we can do about that...
Giving Netzer a brilliant smile as he held the door for her and Carella, Elaris was immediately at home inside the Inn, noting the obvious care the owners took in both the upkeep and the cultivation of civilized guests.
She meet's the clerk's gaze with her own direct look, smiling, "We are in need of lodging...and food...and drink" she says brightly, slightly angling her body so the clerk can notice the lute tied securely to her pack.
Skald -
The clerk eyes Elaris' lute, "I see. Tell me young Lady, are you a Bard? There is little that delights the people's of Kartakass more than a ballad, of any kind".
Carella follows Elaris into the room. "Is she a bard? She's one of the best bards around. And I am a fortune teller from far away." She bows.
Skald -
The clerk frowns, "You do not appear to be Vistani though your companion here" he points at Khalid, "certainly does.
No, I've not heard of your Band before. Unlike those of neighboring nations we do not discriminate against the Vistani, the locals here are generally unfriendly to all who are not natives.
If you entertain us, Traveling Willbury's, I shall grant you rooms at half price. Rooms here cost 4 Barovian Silver per night, 5 Silver if you've another currency, so half of that for pleasing our other guests and customers. Breaking your fast comes with a room, dinner and lunch prices are by the plate so ordered. We've always fresh meat".
Carella gives Nezter a quick glance, and tries very hard not to laugh. "Of course we'll entertain you. The Willbury's always try to do our best."
Skald -
"Very good. The Master requests that guests not wander about outside at night. The mists from the falls have a way of playing tricks on guests and once one slips and falls into the Cauldron, tis rare to hear from them again.
The common room is where you shall entertain so early in the evening. If you wish to eat better quality food, you may partake in the Dining Hall or the North and South Dining Bays. As our menu by room becomes more sophisticated, so too do our prices increase. As the hour for dinner passes, please head to the Tavern to complete your work.
Room keys can be found in the registration area up the stairs.
Have you further questions for me?"
Elaris' laughter rings clarion clear within the room at Netzer's gambit and the clerk's acceptance of their status, "That's all clear as can be! " she declares, "I've sung for my supper in many a tavern and inn, but this place beats them all. I'd love a sit down with the Master, learn morea about this place and how it came to be....might be a song or two there!"
Skald -
The clerk shakes his head, "I am afraid the Master would never sit with an outsider, even if you'd the voices of the hosts of all heavens at your command. Perhaps over a glass of Meekulbrau you can get one of the locals to speak to you of the legends of the Old Kartakan Inn.
By all means though, make your way inside and leave some of the melody you have within your soul, behind".
"In we go then. Grab rooms first or sing for our supper?"
Elaris shares a look with Carella, and smiles, "When have I ever turned down the opportunity to be the center of attention?!"
With a casual wave to the clerk, Elaris allows Nezter to open the door and sashays into the room beyond.
She pauses a moment to take in the room, spying the raised area for performers.
Without preamble, she strides up onto the platform, dragging a chair from a nearby table.
Sitting , she unties her lute from her bag and quickly but carefully checks for damage, then just as carefully, tunes it.
After some moments, she was satisfied. Pausing now, she looked out over the patrons, seeing some had noticed her entry, but other were still in conversation. Smiling, she knew that soon enough she'd have all of their attention...
The first chords were almost too soft to hear as her fingers delicately plucked the strings, but it was her voice that soon began a ballad from her and Carella's home, an elegy of elvish origin set to music also of elvish origin, sung now in Common, but filled with love and loss and redemption and sadness...just what these people seem to live each day in this land.
Carella moves up next to Elaris and lays out a small cup. She smiles and sways in a dance as the music plays.
Skald -
The crowd stares daggers at the companions as they enter the common dining hall. The folk here look to be mainly woodsmen and hunters, hardy unforgiving folk with steely stares. The crowd is composed of men and women but mostly men.
Although this large room is kept fairly dark to promote a sense of intimacy, it is obviously a dining hall. Well constructed tables are scattered about this room in an orderly manner. Despite the fact that they are modestly set, a short, thick candle burns inside a sphere of red glass at the center of each table. At first glance, it is easy to mistake these pinpoints of light for the burning eyes of feral creatures.
The smell of good food, while present throughout the inn, is overwhelming here. It is easy to see why the Old Kartakan Inn has acquired its reputation for fine dining.
They continue to stare as Elaris begins to perform. By the end of her performance, there is not a dry eye in the room.
The dining hall erupts in raucous applause and many drinks are offered to the group. The cups are full of a strange red liquid.
One of the men grins at Nexter, "Welcome "brother", how long has it been since you've last visited?"
The reception for Khalid is still a bit luke-warm despite the fact that he entered with your group.
Carella studies the liquid, and tries to decide if she wants to drink it. This place is so weird. It might be blood.
"I'm not familiar with this drink. What is it? I'm not from around here." She swirls the liquid in her glass.
|
Netzer will nod to the fellow after the most lovely music and keep a watchful eye and when a close fellow in the crowd greets him or when drinks are offered he will say I watch out for my sisters when we travel. Thank you for the offer but no thank you. Perhaps later when my sisters are resting or I am often up earlier then they are, then we might talk. You are most kind
Elaris smiles at Carella's caution, grabbing one of the offered drinks and downing it with a flourish.
Her eyes shine and her cheeks flush with all the attention, she's obviously in her element.
She spends the next hour or so entertaining the crowd before begging off and retiring to a nearby table and enjoying some of the Inn's delicious food.
Skald -
The woman who hands Carella the glass laughs huskily, "Why it's Meekulbrau of course! You simply must try it if you wish to fit in around here!"
Elaris downs the drink, it's an acquired taste, being quite bitter but it seems to relax her throat like nothing she has quite tasted before. As she downs the cup, Carella can see that Elaris' teeth, mouth, and lips are all stained red by the drink.
Khalid avoids the drink and appears a bit uncomfortable.
The man speaking to Nezter shakes his head, "Wait, is this your first trip here?"
Nadima too avoids the drink but she does order a beer and tries to relax though she grips the cup with white knuckles and inches closer to Nezter.
Another man nods to Carella, "Lass, what's yer talent?"
Carella laughs "Why I sing a bit to Elaris' playing. Speaking of playing I love playing cards. Is there a game around? I'm not very good, but I do love to play." she gives the man a wink and a smile. She pulls out a deck of playing cards and starts to shuffle them clumsily.
Skald -
He grins, "I like to play games. Anyone want in!"
A few other rough and tumble types agree and they grab a table leading Carella over.
Skald -
Carella is joined at the table by three men and one woman. "Deal", states one gruffly to Carella.
"What's the buy in?" asks one of the men.
The woman retorts, "The winner gets the honor of the first feast post hunt this night".
One of the men grunts, "What does the loser get?"
"The first person to lose all of their coin is the prey", the woman laughs.
One of the other men snorts, "Better hope it isn't me Bess, you'll find the hunted the hunter!"
The grunting man pulls out a coin sack, "Ten gold to buy in, each hand is one gold ante and one gold to call. Put in more than that, well, this is a game of chance yeah?"
---
---
Carella smiles at the players, and puts in her ante. The smile doeesn't quite reach her eyes as they talk about hunting and prety. She deals the cards for the game. "What's this hunt you are talking about?"
Skald -
Nezter sees what he sees and sees the man move along to another group and whatever he says evokes a similar reaction.
The man grins at Carella, "The Hunt is what makes one feel alive. The feel of the mist on your face. The smell of prey in your nostrils. The damp grass on your.. ah feet. There is no feeling like it".
Storyteller Man Insight -
The Grunter Sleight of Hand -
The Snorter Insight -
As the cards are dealt, the woman, the storyteller, and the grunter all fold. The snorting man though tosses 2 gold into the pot containing all of the antes (which is 10 gold).
"Well traveler? Will you pay to see my cards?" he asks grinning at Carella.
Carella tosses 2 more gold into the pot. "Is it a special kind of prey or the usual animals? Sounds like a rousing good time."
Khalid steps over to Netzer and speaks under his breath. "I just noticed a former ally across the room. To say that he is of questionable character though, would be an astronomical understatement. I am going to approach him to see if things can remain amicable. If things turn sour.. use silver or enchanted blades if you get my meaning."
Khalid walks casually across the room and to Arturus. "And what would bring an esteemed Doctor to a place like this?
The road from Darkon to Kartakass has been relatively peaceful, there were o course a few night time encounters that became, hairy. But the pin point accuracy of Louis and the faith of Brother Lazlo triumphed and beating back the darkness and made the roads safer for those who would follow behind them! Even if that safety in these dark times is fleeting.
The world feels more dangerous, as if some greater force moves behind the scenes, it can be felt but not seen.
Louis was hired by Brother Lazlo's abbey in Darkon, the site of Lazlo's last triumph over evil, to escort Lazlo to Skald. Though Lazlo initially refused company along the way, it was god to have company and though the two men were strangers, the road has a way of bringing people closer.
Finally, as night draws near, the town of Skald is within sight. Lazlo knows that the Old Kartakan Inn is a place with a dark reputation but it is also the finest Inn in town...
Skald -
The Doctor looks up at as if he had seen a ghost, the potatoes he stuffed in his mouth falling out and onto the table, "Are you mad being here? It appears I will be able to pay my debt to you this night, where are your friends?"
---
The Snorter shows his hand, it beats , "Better luck next hand eh? Deal again woman!" He laughs as he pulls the pile of coin his way.
The woman chuckles at Carella, "It depends really, special prey is just that, special. Hunt it all the time it loses the thrill does it not?"
The Grunting man glares at the Woman and the Storyteller, "Let's drop that yeah?" He throws his ante in as do the others.
Woman Sleight of Hand -
Storyteller Man Insight -
The Grunter Sleight of Hand -
The Snorter Insight -
---
watches the man, this time with a friend in tow circle back near him at the bar, the friend sidles next to Nezter and jostles him turning to him, "Hey, my friend here doesn't like you".
---
as you sit down to eat this fine, fine meal something at the edge of your senses begins to make you feel, uncomfortable...
There was the sound of humming along the roads, a duo of footsteps echoing in the darkness of the light punctuated by the tapping of wood against the pathway. The tip of the silvered spear shined with a point of light, the blessing of the Morninglord pushing away the darkness that surrounded them.
Of the two figures, Lazlo walked proudly with the vestments of his god upon him. The gentle color of pink accented the golds and whites that he wore upon himself, easily identifying himself as a clergyman of the Morninglord. The vestments accentuated the breastplate upon his form, armor that was well-taken care of but had a few marks of obvious use. A shield with a sunburst upon it laid upon his back and backpack, mirroring the iconography of the holy symbol that hung from his neck.
As they approached Skald, the priest was softly singing a hymn. His voice was a beautiful baritone. The words flowed off of his lips in a practiced manner, betraying his heritage as he returned home.
For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food,
For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
His song would end as they turned through the darkness and the sight of Skald came into being. His smile growing wider, he would turn back to the man travelling with him.
"It seems you were right, Louis, Skald was not too far away. Much better to have the comfort of an inn than the roughness of the road, wouldn't you say?" His companion upon his trip was not originally needed, Lazlo believing that he could manage his way home fine if he could manage to run away from it and not end up in the stomach of some beast. Yet the roads were not truly safe; foul beasts and individuals of ill-repute trying to stop their journey. All fell beneath the bolt of Louis's crossbow or the divine wrath of The Morninglord. Their company was polite and pleasant, though their conversation remained upon the most civil and safe of topics throughout. In Lazlo's mind, a mutual respect had begun to foster between the two of them.
"I know of an inn within Skald's walls; the Old Kartakan Inn. When I was a boy, I was told numerous dark tales of the place but it hold a grand reputation. Let us go and rest there before we begin our investigations." Entering in through Skald's main gates, memories come coursing back for the young cleric. A few happy ones but mostly painful ones, the dark times before he was rescued in the woods by Father Sergei. His childhood fear of Kereza, his former caretaker, halted his steps for just a moment before he silently scolded himself. "You've fought terrible monsters, evil men. What is one angry woman going to do? She likely has passed since you were last here. Keep your cowardice in check." Lazlo chided himself, his steps growing more firmly as he made his way to the inn once more. Whatever the Morninglord had in store for him, it was somewhere here within Skald...waiting for him.
Louis was relieved to see Skald appear. Not because he’d grown tired of his charge, to the contrary actually. He had come to respect the man he was escorting and the good Brother had been polite and altogether pleasant to travel with. He was relieved because this particular job meant a lot to him. It could establish him as a guide, as well as a courier. The reputation he would get within the guild was sure to land him more work in the future, and there was possibility there.
The roads had grown more dangerous with every passing season. There would be a great demand for someone who would risk travelling to get mail and packages across province borders. Where before people would trust travelling merchants or troubadours with their errands, now they’d opt for a slightly more expensive, and reliable, solution.
The Morrow Courier Service would provide.
Louis had been hesitant about taking the job at first. It was his first time escorting a living breathing human, and it was quite the distance too. Still, with the guild handing him this job he hadn’t been able to refuse. He had recently acquired his licence and he was out to prove himself. All this also meant that Louis was as professional and courteous as he could.
He smiled as Brother Lazlo sang the hymn. He also couldn’t deny that it made him feel safe, travelling with the priest.
He nodded at Lazlo’s words. “An inn sounds like just the thing right about now.”