Walking alongside Louis, the streets seemed the same that they had always been in his dreams. The same twists and turns, the same buildings, that haunted fortress that remained so stoically empty. It was like walking through a dream to have returned home, though a dark tension filled the air that no polite conversation could dissipate. Lazlo could sense it; there was something calling in the air tonight. Were his nightmares true? Was evil ruminating within the shadows of his homeland?
"Indeed, an inn sounds like a fine point to rest." Lazlo murmured, keeping his eyes peeled for any shadows that grew too confident. The hour was late and most people with good intentions had locked themselves within their homes. Only the wolves would prowl the streets so late at night.
Louis had been an able companion and he had learned of the man's dream of a courier service. Having skilled combatants on the roads to keep them safe could only be a good thing; isolation is what allowed evil to fester so uninhibited. Already, he had shown his skill and while his words were simply that of a noble priest, he would certainly advocate that the wise would hire The Morrow Courier Service for any long travel.
"Have you ever been to Skald before?" He whispered in low-tones to Louis, the light of his spear casting shadows all around. They bent and writhed before disappearing into the fog like beasts retreating into the forest once more. The sensation of being watched would hang heavy on Lazlo and likely Louis too, despite the near emptiness of the streets. "This was my home..." Lazlo continued, heading towards the sound of that waterfall in the distance. "...I was rescued after I fled a cruel home, taught the ways of the Morninglord. It is the larger of the two settlements here in Kartakass, though Harmonia declares itself to be of more importance in terms of culture. The Meistersinger helps keep us safe from some of the worst troubles and through his kindness, bards and minstrels of exceptional talent rise from here. That and Meekulbrau." Lazlo nearly sighs in happiness as he reminisced about his homeland's local drink. "It dyes your teeth red but it soothes the throat too. You should try some when we rest." The cleric offered, his mood jovial but his eyes ever watchful in case of something from the dark tried to rise and stop their approaching light.
Carella throws in her ante. "Let's play another hand. I'd really like to hear about this very special prey. It's sounds fascinating. I'm not much of a hunter myself of course. It might make for a good story for my "sister" over there."
Skald -
The man grabs by the shoulder and spins him slightly Nezter is able to slip his grip quite easily but the man is still right in his face, "I don't like you either! You'd better watch yourself, I'm a wanted man in 12 Domains!"
---
watches as Storyteller and Snorter fold while the woman and the Grunter toss in some good coin, only to have you take the post with a better hand, of course that ace up your sleeve helped.
Storyteller looks up as there is a disturbance by the bar, "Huh, is it that time already? How about one more hand yeah?"
The woman frowns, "Fine, we still letting her deal?"
Snorter grins, "Fine by me, it's the two of you down".
From the north gate you enter, the guards seem to remember Brother Lazlo and allow him to pass with ease and no questions asked. Brother Lazlo leads the courier to a breathtaking sight, even in the low moonlight, From atop a high, stone cliff, twin waterfalls plunge downward to shatter what might otherwise be a peaceful pond, Lazlo dubs 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.
Candlelights gleam from most windows and torch lights provide illumination along the slippery stone walkway which is just wide enough to get the mule onto without any slipping dangers. Lazlo remembers that the entrance is on the south side while the stables are here on the north side. No one comes out to greet them, it seems you'll have to walk into the stables to find a stablehand.
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Netzer smiles at the wanted man, his teeth a big smile and says: "Darkness, a weapon from a more elegant time." and he will use athletics to jump over the bar and then cast Darkness as a cantip (see Devil's Darkness) upon himself plunging a 15' radius into magical dark. At the same time he has Devil's sight which allows him to see in darkness both mundane and magical.
He will take a bonus action to summon his Halberd pact blade into his hand, a humming shadowy blade of necrotic darkness granting him reach.
Carella grabs her gold, and stands up. "I think we're done for the evening. My "brother" seems to be getting into a bit of trouble. I need to check on him." She moves toward the bar to see what is going on.
"Here we are, the Old Kartakan Inn. Watch your step, wouldn't want to have you fall into the Cauldron." He remembered the old childhood stories of things living in the dark waters, ready to pull anyone who fell in to the depths to join the other lost souls that the falls had claim. When he was a child, he remembered watching children dip their toes in on a dare. They had invited him over to do the same but he was a clever boy; children could be cruel and didn't expect them to not push him into the misty waters. Those were old wives' tales to scare the children from being swept away, he was sure, yet he couldn't help but hug closer to the Inn then was needed.
Moving around the shrouded inn, the falls muffled all noise coming from within and the warm light felt quite welcoming. Yet the mule would need to be properly stabled and he remembered the stables would be on the northern side of the island. Being sure of his footing, he'd guide the mule to the stable with Louis in company before pushing open the stable doors.
Lazlo raised his voice higher now, trying to ensure that the stableboy heard them over the sound of the falls that lingered by so close. The mist in the air leeched away at the warmth the walk had built within him and with each step, the siren song of a warm bed grew louder and louder.
Louis listened to Lazlo’s stories and was particularly interested in the beverage he described. He’d heard about it, in his fathers Inn, but they never got it. Louis was never involved with it, but suppliers were fickle. He knew that much.
When they arrived at the tavern, Louis was in awe.
“It’s beautiful.” He said.
He followed Lazlo to the stables and peered into the darkness too.
“Thanks, but I’ll find someone. It’s been a long day today. Go on ahead, and I’ll be right behind.” He said as he walked into the stables, carefully until his eyes got adjusted to the dimness.
He turned around. “And if you wouldn’t mind getting my order in too? I’d be eternally grateful.”
"Certainly, I'll make sure something hot and ready is there for you inside." Making his way back outside into the mist, Lazlo would carefully navigate his way along the side of the inn before reaching the main entrance.
Opening the front door, he'd make his way inside and see what was going on and if the kitchen was still open.
Elaris smiles widely as the wide plate of food was placed before her, digging in with gusto, glancing to the side as Carella attempts to fleece the locals at a game of chance, Don't take too much of the local's money, dear, or we'll loose whatever goodwill I just earned."
After a few moments devoted to easing the ache of her hungry belly, Elaris sits up a bit straighter...something was off...Hmmm, could it be...those men....are getting hairier...Just when we find a nice place....more werewolves???"
A movement out of the corner of her eye reveals Carella standing and making her way over to the bar, where all she can see is a space of unnatural darkness, Netzer....what are you doing?
Spearing once last piece of steaming meat, she stands and strides to intercept Carella, carelessly wiping grease from her lips with her sleeve.
Linking arms with her friend, she leans in ,"Looks like things are about to get interesting. We have a party of hairies over yonder, " indicating the becoming-more-hirsute group , "And just what is Netzer up to at the bar?"
The vistani shrugs to the Doctor. "I don't know. They were taken away by those damnable mists. I have no idea where they ended up.
I have had the good fortune though to find a new.." Khalid's eyes widen at the disturbance caused by Netzer. "Well it seems my new companions and I are in some trouble."
More werewolves? The players were telling me about hunting some special prey. I couldn't get them to tell me what was so special about it." She stands next to Carella and waits to see what happens next.
Skald -
steps away from the table, as she does so, the players give her an odd look and all begin to grin. She reaches as the occupants of the room all step back to its outer reaches forming a circle...
A circle that leaves you two ladies in it.
---
sees the action from his left and watches as the crowd shifts outward. The Dr. grabs him and pulls him to the edge of the room and into the hall.
---
The man drops and tumbles backwards out of the reach of the darkness and stands in the center of the room away from the bar. He cocks his head and looks at Carella and Elaris and then back at Nezter pointing, "Come out come out little sheep..."
He then begins to shake and howl, his clothes burst from him and hair juts out wildly in a black brown pattern, his face elongates and claws grow from his now long taloned fingers. His howl becomes a roar of challenge.
The Creature holds his position in the center of the room.
Nezter GO!
Skald -
Louis enters and finds the stable by fast asleep on a bench, there is only one other Mount in the stable.
Skald -
You open the front door and enter. 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.
Lazlo enters into the inn, stepping through the dark portal and closing the oak doors behind him. The waterfall becomes a dull roar compared to the cacophony it was inside. Hanging his wet cloak within the coat closet, he begins to head further in.
Unaware of what was going on further inside, the cleric makes his way down the hallway blissfully unaware as he opens the door into the proper common room of the inn.
Carella decides to stand and see what happens with Nezter. "Be ready Elaris just in case the rest attack us."
Louis considered waking the stable boy, but decided against it. Instead he looked around for the cleanest stable. He guided Hans Luuber, his trusty mule, into it and closed the door.
He threw a generous amount of hay over the stable fence and made sure he had water.
Louis patted Hans' snout gently. "Take it easy, friend. Good work out there."
As he made his way after Lazlo, Louis was getting excited about the hot meal and good times just around the corner.
Khalid moves along with the Doctor willingly. As they reach the hall: "What is going on here Arcturus? It looks like my friends are about to step into a heap of trouble."
Skald -
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 dining section with a number of tables set out for the guests though no one is present at this time.
The clerk puts down his feathered pen and looks up at your group with piercing eyes, "How may I be of service?"
At that moment you hear a buzz from the other room as if several figures are whispering and muttering. The clerk's ears perk up and he sighs, "The common room is a bit rowdy tonight. Perhaps dinner first sir?"
Skald -
You open the front door and enter. The place smells of a strange incense as you 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.
Skald -
Nadima quickly steps over to Carella and Elaris as the room quickly becomes some sort of arena for one on one combat between Nezter and this shapeshifter. Elaris remains silent at Carella's comment as the fight ensues.
From the darkness a lash of lightning issues forth dragging the Beast into the Darkness!
---
As Khalid exits into the hall with the Doctor he gets right next to the Vistani, "Go to your gal pals, tell them to stay out of the fight. Win or lose none of you should interfere if you do, the vengeance of those present will fall upon you all. Go now, then seek me out in my room upstairs - number 112". He turns and hurries to a set of stairs.
"I don't know why the powers have caused our paths to cross again Doctor, but I'm glad they have."
Khalid rushes into the main room and attempts to get the attention of Carella and Elaris.
"Ladies, it seems that it would be in our best interest to let this scrap play out on its own. If we interfere, I think that we will have much more trouble."
Carella nods at Khalid in understanding. She stands still and waits to see what happens.
Brother Lazlo would take his coat off slowly, looking down both ways of the hallway before the murmuring from down hallway caught his attention. The clerk with the piercing eyes drew him back and Lazlo couldn't stop the curious look upon his face from appearing.
"Feeling rowdy? I don't know what you mean." Perhaps the more nefarious reputation of this place was not unfounded. However, it was too late to head out and the call of a comfortable bed was quite appealing. "A rowdy room seems like quite the change of pace from what we've been used to. I'd like two beds please, a comrade is putting away our animal at the moment." Lazlo would gesture down the way towards the commotion, nodding. "Are we allowed to get food and drink there?" Lazlo's focus had been brought into the scene and he carefully watched the man for anything suspicious, his eyes studying the man's face intently.
Louis makes his way through the dark hall to the other doors. He carefully opens them, and walks in. There's been a moment where he considered hanging his coat, but decided against it for now.
Skald - the Old Kartakan Inn -
Louis enters through 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.
He encounters Brother Lazlo immediately as the Innkeep or Clerk responds to whatever question he just asked, "Yes, we are still serving dinner sir. I see your companion has arrived. However, I would caution against taking dinner there, when a fight breaks out it is best to stay away I have always found".
Skald -
The forward and backhand swing both catch the creature solidly but it comes along and into the reach of the weapon!
Louis walks up to Lazlo, glad to have caught up with him. He pats him on the back in a friendly gesture. "What a place!" Louis exclaimed, not having caught up on the fact that a fight is going on.
Lazlo examines the man for a moment longer, his eyes narrowing at the nervousness of the clerk in front of him. Louis would enter in behind him now, marveling at the decor around them but it would seem the cleric's pleasant mood as somewhat soured for now.
"Louis, come with me. We'll take our food within the common room." Lazlo would murmur, gesturing for his companion to follow him down the way and into the room where there was some kind of commotion going on. Rowdy patrons? He did not quite believe the tale. As they moved closer to that thick curtain, he whispered low to Louis. "There may be trouble. Be ready behind me." With a wary, cautious, but still determined hand, Lazlo would enter into the common room where the fight was happening.
Louis followed Lazlo, happy to get some grub. When Lazo warned him, he almost put his hand on the Brothers shoulder to hold him back. Surely they had earned peace this evening.
Louis felt tired, he had been looking forward to putting his feet up and sharing a beer together.
Almost he had, but there was something about the intensity of Lazlo that made Louis follow him. He would back this man up, there was trust there.
Louis' hand went to his crossbow, he undid the strap that held it in place for travel. Couldn't hurt to be prepared. Besides.. it might not be anything beyond the curtain. False alarm, hopefully. Still, he whispered back: "Right behind you."
Carella thinks hard. She speaks loudly to Elaris. "10 SILVER on the local." In hopes that Netzer will hear and gain some information.
Skald -
Nezter hears Carella's bet and recognizes it for what it is, the question becomes, is she right? The crowd chuckes at the bet and Carella gets several takes, most from the table she was gambling at moments before.
Nezter's strikes bring the creature to its knees as it attempts to follow him across the bar where the Warlock Holy Warrior manages to step back lively. A moment before the creature appears to fall its head snaps back up and the thing grins at Nezter wickedly.
---
Skald - the Old Kartakan Inn -
As you both attempt to enter the common room you find the way barred. The patrons are a the extreme ends of the room having cleared the center for what appears to be some sort of fight raging in the middle of the room!
The combatants though are in a globe of darkness so you cannot see them.
Patrons are calling out bets! Rowdy indeed!
Khalid glances over to Carella. "Silver? A bet of silver will get you nowhere. The COLD IRON of a blade is all that will get you far with this crowd."
Skald - the Old Kartakan Inn -
After Khalid's comment the crowd goes deathly silent and they all turn to stare at him.
Khalid raises an eyebrow to the gawking crowd. "An even fight was the idea, yes?"
Lazlo looks in on this strange scenario; an orb of darkness in the middle of the room and people cheering all the while. The cheering stopped though when a man spoke up in the side, saying something strange about friends or what have you.
"Be ready, Louis." Lazlo would murmur to his comrade before shoving himself into the room. His eyebrows were furrowed into a deep scowl and when he next spoke, his voice would boom about the small common room.
"In the name of the Morninglord, what is going on here!?" He has not yet drawn his spear and shield but it was easy for everyone to see the well-equipped man dressed in the vestry of the Morninglord himself. "Remove this devilish darkness and stop this ridiculousness! The hour is late and this...this is absurd!"
Skald - the Old Kartakan Inn -
Despite the attention that Khalid has received somehow, someway, this newcomer deflects the attention away from him as the entire room breaks into raucous laughter.
He leaps off of the bar by the time he lands, his wounds have been fully healed...
As Brother Lazlo peers around the room at the patrons laughing as if what he said were a joke, a stark naked man leaps from the circle of darkness.
"Well, if this Morninglord says so good Sir then I suppose we've to stop". He picks up his clothes and pads out of the room. The females among the crowd grin widely at his manly... features.
The room then goes back as it was, the people laughing, drinking and sitting down once more to eat and gamble.
The laughing does nothing to stop the scowl upon Lazlo's face, as his hand begins to move over the holy symbol upon his chest. "It seems that his light has not reached here in Skald then, a terrible pity." He would think to himself, his face turning towards the naked man that emerged from the darkness.
A suddenly naked man appearing from a globe of darkness was not an expected sight at all and Lazlo would watch him leave before shaking his head. He knew of very few reasons why a man would strip down to nothing before going into a fight and all of the reasons made him nervous to a degree.
"Let us find us a table, Louis." Lazlo said softly, making his way to a table nearby and settling down upon it. His stomach grumbled for actual food and he was ready to enjoy some of the local wine once more.
Carella gives Elaris a telling look. "I think I'm done gambling for the evening. I'd like to take a seat with the others and lay low for the rest of the evening."
She gives the two newcomers a glace and a bright smile as she takes a seat with Khalid at their table.
Elaris had nodded to Carella, instinctively realizing this was an old score that was to be settled here.
She watched the combat with avid interest, her composer's mind stitching together rhymes and couplets as the action continued, a start of an interesting song forming in her mind.
The Chosen of Morningold's intercession was however unexpected, as was the crowds reaction.
As the challenge ended...unended, and the assembled wolf-people settled back to their more human natures, she watched the Chosen of Morninggold and his friend, nodding absently to Carella, muttering, "Indeed, these seem a prickly bunch...all formal challenges and such." she answers brightly.
Making her way over to where the Chosen sat, she stands , arms akimbo, "That was brightly woven there, your interrupting that challenge. Though I think my friend had the matter in hand, had he won, I feared for our safety!" she exclaimed with a laugh, "You two seem as strange to this place as we are! Care to join some other strangers in a strange place? " she asks, indicating the table where Carella and the others sat.
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Netzer drops the globe of darkness having spent three spells in the battle against the foe nodding knowing he had been lucky indeed but had learned two things: Silver against werewolves and Cold Iron against Wolfweres. Both handy to know.
Thank you both for your attempted assistance. A most vigorous battle. It seems we owe you newcomer for the timely joke. I am Netzer called "Spleenripper" and this is my friend Nadima. I think we should perhaps all stay in a room together for safety purposes since this fight seemed to bring out a feral side to this establishment to be sure.
Skald - the Old Kartakan Inn -
Nadima sits at the table shaking badly she is clearly terrified.
The patrons act as if nothing happened and the one who collided with Nezter still has yet to return.
A barmaid comes to take drink and food orders once more, "Half off for your meals tonight". She grins.