Even if she didn't care much or know the people that were grieving, even she seemed to understand that a death of a loved one wasn't the best time to act up, especially at a funeral, voices being raised aggressively. She could sense the mood drastically changing as the carriage and out one of the most handsome men she had ever seen. She wasn't a fan of any sort noble blood, but such a man was a surprise to say the least.
"Who was the lord?" she whispers to the rest of the group confused.
Blaze stares at the horses as they are driven through the streets. It hurts her heart to see her cousins treated so, but she knows that in human lands, horses are often used as beasts of burden. Her eyes narrow as she watches the teamsters, to see how they're treating the horses.
The teamsters are not exactly gentle with the horses, nor are they particularly rough. The horses seem inclined to follow direction quite well. It only takes a snap of a horsewhip, not even contacting the animal, to make them go again. You sense that these animals know the way, and require very little guidance from the teamsters. You might even infer that they are PLEASED to serve their lord as beasts of burden, but there is not really anyway to know that for sure.
They certainly do not seem to be in distress, and appear well-fed.
Darrien barely manages to maintain his rage. His knuckles white from the grip on his bow. His only response to the man is narrowed eyes and a simmering silence. The only thing aiding his restraint was the constant mantra of to not spoil the ceremony. Once the man takes his leave, he answers Velspria's question in a single venomous word.
Strahd.
"Is his name? A strapping gent though a bit holier than though I think." The tiefling spoke as Darrien gave the stranger a name, a smile on her face that seemed partially oblivious to what seemed to be the issue at hand. It was clear that people were not happy that this count had come but she wasn't sure why.
Blaze had to admit that the horses were beautiful animals, and superbly trained. The whip was clearly a means of making commands, for it didn't touch the horses, nor did they appear afraid. Blaze nodded her head in satisfaction, and turned her attention to the horses' owner.
Blaze didn't know enough about human culture to understand what his looks or fine clothes meant. She did, however, understand Ismark and Ireena's reaction to him. They treated him like an enemy, and Blaze's instincts reacted. Drawing her weapon, she stepped in front of them, barring the man's way in case he meant to attack.
It seemed that attack wasn't on his mind. He offered food and condolences, was firmly rejected, and left peacefully. He then invited her to his castle with the others?
Completely bewildered, she lowered her axe as he left, turned to the others, and asked, "What just happened?"
Which means his potential invitation to the castle. Is it something dangerous? Judging by your reaction, yes. Shandi thinks out loud. To put it mildly, he was not surprised by our presence. It's like he knew we'd be here... I wonder what he knows about how we ended up in these lands and how we can get out of here. The wizardess is deeply immersed in her thoughts.
Ireena watches silently as Strahd rides away on his carriage. Finally, Ismark ushers her back toward the fresh grave of their father. The priest has gotten a hold of himself and is thanking the villagers who came for the service.
As the final shovels of dirt cover the grave of Kolyan, Ismark is sure to invite everyone present back to his mansion for a meal. "Thank you to all of you who took the time to see my father into the ground. May his spirit be set free from this place! You are all invited to my home for a feast in his honor! There will be freshly baked bread, fine soup, roasted carrots and turnips, and a freshly roasted leg of goat. There will be plenty for all! Please join my sister and I!"
Never one to scorn food - even odd human-food, Blaze trots obligingly back to their host's home. As they walk, she notices that one of the villagers is an old woman, who is limping slowly along the road. Coming up beside her, Blaze inclines her head and says, "Greetings, grandmother. Would you permit me the honour of bearing you along the road?"
Shurq's dreams are filled with sudden shrieks of a young girl or woman crying out in hunger.
When the noise of the door knocks wakes her, she looks around ,disorientated , until focusing on the Donavich's sad face as he walks by to answer the door. Her situation returns to her as she sits up, nods to the man, and gets up.
As the declaration from outside penetrates her sleepy brain, Shurq nods to herself....a death. A man, loved well by all appearances, taken too soon.
Donning her own vestments, she shadowed Donavich as he led the assembled villagers to the gravesite, making sure to keep well away , lest her presence lessen Donavich's standing.
Her lips move with her own prayers for the man unknown to her, wishing the Morning Lord's blessings upon him and his family.
She looks up as the carriage rumbles into view and interrupts the ceremony. An eyebrow raises involuntarily as the lordly man emerges, musing to herself, "Hmmm, what do we have here?".
However, her idle musing is replaced with irritation at the mourner's response to his offer of condolences, "Ah, an unwelcome guest...seems there's more than one mystery in this village she thinks, remembering the girl from the chapel basement.
She watches intently as the mourners' words send the handsome Lord away, but blinks in astonishment as he addresses her and some others directly, What is the meaning of this? How does he know I am recently come here to....what did he call it, Barovia?"
She sees the others that the Lord addressed, mostly confused like her. With a glance at Donavich, she approaches the others, and raises her hand in benediction, "Lathander guide you. I am Shurq Kawlo, lately of the Western Dalelands...but now...here. Can I presume you may be a similar predicament?" she says, her accent heavy with the long A's and O's of the Dales.
Never one to scorn food - even odd human-food, Blaze trots obligingly back to their host's home. As they walk, she notices that one of the villagers is an old woman, who is limping slowly along the road. Coming up beside her, Blaze inclines her head and says, "Greetings, grandmother. Would you permit me the honour of bearing you along the road?"
You now recognize this woman as one of the mourners from the funeral service. Though she is tentative, she does end up accepting your offer to bear her. "Are you going to Kolyan's home, too? He was generous man, and it was always his joy to meet new people. You would have been an honored guest in his home, and I am pleased that Ismark seems to be treating you the same as he would have."
You do note that many villagers who were not at the funeral look upon you bearing this woman with scandal, as if this woman were committing an unforgivable social faux pas. As far as the rest of the funeral party, they only smile warmly as they notice your pairing.
The old woman barely weighs anything, and Blaze is careful to tread smoothly, so that she's not jostled. "Yes, we stayed with Ismark last night. He seems very nice. Especially since many of the people here see unfriendly." The centaur looks around at the villagers who are shooting them dirty looks. "Why are so many of the people looking at us like that? Have I erred in bearing you? I understand little of your ways."
She sees the others that the Lord addressed, mostly confused like her. With a glance at Donavich, she approaches the others, and raises her hand in benediction, "Lathander guide you. I am Shurq Kawlo, lately of the Western Dalelands...but now...here. Can I presume you may be a similar predicament?" she says, her accent heavy with the long A's and O's of the Dales.
Blaze looks the new human over. "Hi! I'm Blaze. If by situation you mean did we get lost in some mist and now we're stuck here and none of us have even heard of this place or any of the places where each other came from, then yes! We're going to Ismark's. He's nice. His house doesn't seem to be haunted like the last one was."
That's right.... Although the places you're talking about are not familiar to me, Shurq. A dark-haired women with big earrings in her ears, with clothes like a local, although the accent is completely different, nods amiably to a new acquaintance. My name is Shandi.
When Shurq had approached, Blaze had still been kneeling, but had stood up bearing the old woman, so it was then that Shurq realized she was talking to a centaur!
She smiles at Shandi, then looks back at Blaze as she steps away, "Indeed, forgive my assumption that you would all come from my home, and not somewhere else...." she shakes her head at the implications.
She walks along side Blaze and Shandi, and the others on the way to Ismark's, "Indeed it was just as you said, surrounded by mists, then I found myself here in this village!"
And we found ourselves near a terrible house inhabited by ghosts and all sorts of evil spirits. It felt as if some invisible dark force from the very heart of this gloomy fog was mocking us. When we got out of there alive, we were able to get here. I had a feeling that again this force just allowed us to do it.
A redheaded, bearded human with overweight greets the newcomer with a somewhat tangy accent.
"Salutations, my name's Sven."
He carries small stones and metal plates, all of them inscribed with different runes.
"Back home, I was being pursued, so the mist taking me away was good... Or that was my first thought. Where do you come from?"
Spotting the red petals of the rose sticking out of her coin purse, Velspira would pull the rose gently from it as not to hurt herself on the thorns. She'd discover once pulled such had been pruned off and smelled wonderfully fresh, "Now that's a bit strange," she spoke, bringing it to her nose to smell its light fragrance. She'd tuck it back away in her pack, a safe and unused spot.
The old woman barely weighs anything, and Blaze is careful to tread smoothly, so that she's not jostled. "Yes, we stayed with Ismark last night. He seems very nice. Especially since many of the people here see unfriendly." The centaur looks around at the villagers who are shooting them dirty looks. "Why are so many of the people looking at us like that? Have I erred in bearing you? I understand little of your ways."
]
"Because of fear, my new friend. They either think you are in league the devil who lives on the mountain, or that somehow, you will attract his attention. At my age, I care not what happens. I no longer have anything to fear, as death will come for me sooner rather than later."
You learn that your new friends name is Edwina, and she makes a few coin by baking bread for the village. Other than the rather dark exchange above, she is delightful.
Back at Ismark and Ireena's Kolyan is toasted well into the afternoon. Many who have come to pay their respects drink too much and must be offered assistance to get home.
In the end, the food and the company are memorable.
As the afternoon wears on and the crowd thins, the talk turns to hushed tones and darker things, including Strahd's visit that morning. The Priest Donavich offers advice. "There is wisdom in this advice...Ireena must be taken far from here, perhaps to Vallaki. There seems to be unhealthy obsession that the devil has for you."
Ireena is sullen, but agreeable to moving on. "Now that father has been seen into the ground, perhaps it may be a good idea to travel and get away from here, at least for a while. I dare not travel alone though. I will require escorts, lest the unsavory things that may be along the road carry me off."
Sven quickly responds. "You've been a caring and welcoming host for us, and thus I feel obliged to offer myself as escort to this place called Vallaki, wherever it can be." But before finishing, he adds a last question. "May I ask about this obsession Father Donavich mentioned?"
Shandi nods affirmatively at Sven's first statement and listens attentively to the answer to the second question and will also add: What dangers are there in these parts? In addition to the bandits, who are always and everywhere.
To her surprise, Blaze enjoys the gathering. The wine isn't bad once you get used to it, and this group of humans are friendly and welcoming. She helps Edwina home, and promises to visit again when she is able to.
As the humans speak of Strahd, Blaze asks, "Please, explain more about this Strahd. Is he the devil, the monster, that you are afraid of? Or just an associate? What does he want with Ireena? I don't understand."
Darrien remains, as he has become the past couple years, ever silent throughout the events. Only speaking when spoken to, and only the minimum in those cases usually.
Later on, he looks to Ismark and Ireena.
If you feel it is needed, or even wanted, I will travel with you. You never know just what you may run into on the roads. Besides, I've not been out that way for a time.
At Shandi's question, Darrien grunts.
You'd be surprised how few bandits are actually in the lands here...
Sven quickly responds. "You've been a caring and welcoming host for us, and thus I feel obliged to offer myself as escort to this place called Vallaki, wherever it can be." But before finishing, he adds a last question. "May I ask about this obsession Father Donavich mentioned?"
To her surprise, Blaze enjoys the gathering. The wine isn't bad once you get used to it, and this group of humans are friendly and welcoming. She helps Edwina home, and promises to visit again when she is able to.
As the humans speak of Strahd, Blaze asks, "Please, explain more about this Strahd. Is he the devil, the monster, that you are afraid of? Or just an associate? What does he want with Ireena? I don't understand."
As the night rolls on, Ismark becomes more aware that he must answer these questions if you are to accompany he and Ireena to Vallaki or Krezk. "We do indeed call Strahd the "devil." He has a stranglehold on everyone and everything in these lands. He is soulless." Ismark continues, but this time he whispers. "Today was not the first time my sister encountered this monster. He seems to have a hold on her, and it becomes more apparent everyday that we must get her away from this village."
Darrien remains, as he has become the past couple years, ever silent throughout the events. Only speaking when spoken to, and only the minimum in those cases usually.
Later on, he looks to Ismark and Ireena.
If you feel it is needed, or even wanted, I will travel with you. You never know just what you may run into on the roads. Besides, I've not been out that way for a time.
At Shandi's question, Darrien grunts.
You'd be surprised how few bandits are actually in the lands here...
Darrien is indeed correct. Bandits on the road are almost unheard of, though there are a few. You certainly won't encounter at night, as NO ONE is out on the roads at night.
The most dangerous and common nemesis are the wolves. So...many...wolves.
Of course Darrien knows there are worse things as well.
Sven considers carefully Ishmark's words. "And... how far away is this town, Vallaki? I assume you have a way to avoid Strahd just going there for you..."
Blaze listens to Ismark explain. Human type folk seem to spend a lot of time thinking about their souls; who has them, what happens to them after they die, etc. She wondered if this Strahd literally had no soul, and if so, how would you know? Did somebody in the village have a soul-detector? Or was he just so evil they used that as a metaphor?
Either way, it was clear that Ireena needed protection, and a journey through the country would be better than this sad little village. When Sven asked how far away it was, she listened with interest.
"And how high does this all pay to get folk to Vallaki all alive and such?" spoke the tiefling, a slight look of jealousy now hearing that Strahd had eyes for another, not that she cared or at least tried her best not to. It was something about that Strahd figure that simply seemed to keep him in her mind.
"I don't work for free here. We all have to eat, but I suppose we can throw the discount in for taking us all into your home suppose."
Shurq comes along with the other to Ismark and Ireena's house. If the others were paying attention, they'd have notice that the villagers regard Shurq strangely, initially fearful...then some would actually reach out and pat her shoulder gently, in a 'there, there' fashion.
At the house, Shurq sat quietly, sampling the food and drink , just appreciating the simple warmth of the home. Though she smiled and answered any query cheerfully, a darkness always dwelt behind her eyes.
She listened carefully as Ismark and the others revealed the nobleman Strahd's true nature....and the danger he posed to Ireena.
Pushing her chair back, she stood to join the others, "Ireena, I am new to your land, but wherever I go , I seek to help those in need. If you will have me, I would travel with you. The Morninstar will travel with you , through me...and see you safely on."
"And how high does this all pay to get folk to Vallaki all alive and such?" spoke the tiefling, a slight look of jealousy now hearing that Strahd had eyes for another, not that she cared or at least tried her best not to. It was something about that Strahd figure that simply seemed to keep him in her mind.
"I don't work for free here. We all have to eat, but I suppose we can throw the discount in for taking us all into your home suppose."
Ismark considers Velspira's concerns, and responds. "It is true--you deserved to be paid well for your service to my family in this matter. I promise that I will think of a way to reward you. In the meantime, rest assured that any expenses once we arrive at Vallaki will be taken care of, at least in the short term."
Sven considers carefully Ishmark's words. "And... how far away is this town, Vallaki? I assume you have a way to avoid Strahd just going there for you..."
Ismark answers, "Vallaki can be reached in well under a day. Should we leave near dawn, we will arrive well before supper. I believe there is a serviceable inn there that should have food and wine for us, along with warm beds."
As the afternoon turns to evening, Ismark and Ireena's two servants leave for home, but not before putting out any leftovers from that day's funeral dinner for Kolyan. Nobody goes hungry.
Soon the darkness comes. Ismark asks for assistance to stoke the many fireplaces in his house, then pours one more cup of wine for everyone before retiring. He instructs you all to find whatever cozy corner that appeals to you to sleep. He does invite you to use the master bedroom upstairs should you wish.
Sven nods. "We'll find a nice place where to have a rest, thank you." Having a look around, he starts shuffling some ideas. "Do you... expect Strahd to come back before we go tomorrow? If that's the case, we should be wary ."
Darrien relays what he knows of threats in the area to the others.
As such, I've never seen anyone else roaming the land around here at night. At least, not those of the living, or sane. He smiles slightly at the last comment.
A reason many people around here would question my sanity. As for payment, food and drink are more than enough for me Ismark. Or perhaps some extra arrows. I can survive fine on my own, but, good, well cooked food is hard to come by in the forests.
---------------------
As the night passes, Darrien will set up a small chair near the fire.
I can take first watch, then, I'll sleep upstairs. is the only comment he makes to the others.
"If it all be fine for you all I shall take the second shift, don't mind doing it much, pretty relaxing too," she spoke, knowing full well how startled she was the past night. She still wanted to be out there, conduct her prayer to her goddess in the moonlight, smoke, and get back in to the warm and safe home that they had been allowed into. If no one objected, she'd remain to do so, taking after Darrien.
--------
Velspira would take the time to do a small worship to Shar, her patron goddess that she so believed in. After doing so, she'd take a few moments to smoke at the front door before closing it up shut to warm herself by the fire.
Shandi thoughtfully twirls a glass of wine in her hands. I'll be the third. No problem. It seems to me... after what we saw in that mansion... night duty should become the norm for us in these foggy lands. She says it softly, as if her thoughts are not here. For a second she turns her head towards the corner where there is no one, as if someone called her from that side. Just as quickly, she turns away with the air of a person who diligently does not listen to someone.
"Whichever shift no one wants, I'm okay with" Sven anounces before finding a place downstairs, by the fire.
Shurq takes a few moments to allow the others to select their preferred sleeping spots and watches.
Then she nods to Shandi, "If I may, I will share the night watch with you."
Then she debates where to sleep until her watch. Having spent much of the last few years travelling, she knows never to turn down the opportunity to sleep in a proper bed. That, in addition to her desire to not cause any insult to her hosts, seals her decision to take up Ismark's offer of the master bedroom.
Turning to Velspira, "Please find me in the master bedroom once your watch is done. "
She then addresses everyone, "Good night, may the Morninglord bless us all.". Then she retires to the master bedroom , and falls asleep the moment her head touches the pillow.
IN THE TIME SPAN BEFORE THE WATCH
Velspira would shrug, munching on a piece of bread and meat that was there at the home. Her thoughts turned to the rose for a moment, the mysterious gifter had not been seen or heard, questioning why such a thing was placed. She didn't complain, she rather liked roses, especially nice fresh ones like this one was.
"Sure, but don't think you do any funny business," misunderstanding partially what she meant about meeting her in the master bedroom.
In the dead of the night, Blaze and Velspira keep watch as all of the others get rest in preparation for tomorrow's journey. It has been quiet, with only the crackle of fire from the fireplace and perhaps light snoring from one of your new companions breaking the silence. Suddenly the silence is broke by the barely audible sound of shuffling footfalls across the cobble stones outside. Looking out a window, Blaze and Valspira see several humanoid forms moving slowly near the front door to the mansion. One form in particular is quite large and is moving purposefully toward the door (which is barred from the inside).
A second later there is a scream from upstairs. It sounds like Ireena.
1. Shandi (asleep)
2. Sven (asleep)
3. Darrien (asleep)
4. Rat Swarm Black
5. Zombie Green
6. Zombie Blue
7. Zombie Red
8. Blaze
9. Zombie White
10. Velspira
11. Shurq (asleep)
12. Zombie Purple
13. Ismark
14. Ireena
Blaze found the watch awkward with Velspira - the goat girl didn't seem to like the horse girl, and Blaze had no idea what to do about it. Or if she even needed to do anything at all. However, the tension was broken, or at least changed, when they caught movement outside.
Pulling her axe from the scabbard at her waist, Blaze shouted in her biggest voice, "Awake, the house! Danger! Awake!" She accompanied this by stamping her hooves, making the wooden floor tremble and boom underfoot.
She then placed her body against the barred door - if whoever, or whatever, was out there wanted in, it would have more than the weight of the door to contend with.
Darrien's eyes shoot open at the scream, then the shout. Instinctively, he grabs for his bow, only to remember it is resting at his head against the couch and goes to grab it and his blade.
"What you think them bums are doing?" the tiefling says. She was annoyed that Blaze was with her, just was that way as even Velspira didn't know fully. As she peered through the window with her lit cigarette once more, taking it out slowly was it that only then after hearing the scream that her mind processed what they were outside, "Dead!"
Blaze gives a yell, rousing all of you from pleasant (or not so pleasant) dreams.
Velspira, as you move about the house preparing yourself, you notice a single large rat running through the house. It seems to be ignoring everyone.
1. Shandi (waking up)
2. Sven (waking up)
3. Darrien (waking up)
4. Rat Swarm Black
5. Zombie Green
6. Zombie Blue
7. Zombie Red
8. Blaze
9. Zombie White
10. Velspira
11. Shurq (waking up)
12. Zombie Purple
13. Ismark
14. Ireena
What? Where? Shandi, still not fully awake, jumps up from his chair, pulls out a dagger and casts a magic armor on herself.
Darrien manages to grab his weapons before standing up and surveying the room. After a few long moments he calls out.
Ireena!? Ismark!?
Darrien manages to grab his weapons before standing up and surveying the room. After a few long moments he calls out.
Ireena!? Ismark!?
You all hear Ireena yell something again. It sounded like she screamed something about rats...
Even wakes up and instinctively jumps back to standing. "What the Hell..." What's going on?
The following second he starts thinking clearly. There under attack, or worse, so he thinks it's better to be prepared. He extends his arms and stands in a vitruvian pose while the pieces of his ar mm or quickly attach themselves, making him ready for a potential combat. When he's finished, he clashes his fists one against the other.
"Intruders! Attack! Fire!" he shouts, though he really can't see anything like it... yet.