Torvay shrugs. "I cannot answer your question. The Vistani are strange and mysterious in their ways. And I do not know that they pay homage to the Count. They simply seem to come and go as they please."
The captain's eyes suddenly seem to focus on the window in the front of the tavern as a form moves past it. He shakes his head, a crooked smile on his face "Speak of the devil, and the devil appears..."
__________________ -Rhun
"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death." -Robert Fulghum
The door from the street suddenly slams open, and a hush falls over the tavern as all eyes turn to regard the tall form in the doorway. Even the flagons of ale seem to silence themselves. Framed by lamp-lit fog, the form strides into the room, his heavy, booted footfalls and the jingle of coin at his belt breaking the silence. His brightly colored clothes are draped in loose folds about him and his hat hangs askew, hiding his eyes in shadow. Water drips from his hat and clothing and his gaze sweeps the room. Then, without hesitation he walks boldly up to the table where Nebten, Esmeralda, Kyranvik, Kay'el and Sarryx are sitting. He stands proudly before them, his feet wide and his arms folded across his chest.
In an accented voice he speaks, his voice loud and rich. "I have been sent to deliver a message. If beings of honor you be, you will come to my master's aid at first light. It is not advisable to travel the Svalich Woods at night." He pulls from his tunic a sealed letter, and drops it on the table. "Take the northwest road from here, some six hours march through the woods. There you will find my master, in the valley of Barovia."
Amid the continued silent stares of the patronage, the gypsy strides to the bar and eyes the wary barkeep. "Fill their mugs, one and all. Their throats are obviously parched." He drops a purse heavy with coin on the counter, and without another word, strides back out the door into the night.
The babble of the taven voices resumes, though somewhat subdued. The letter lies before you. Dated yesterday, the ink is still not dry and the parchment is crisp. The seal is of a crest you don't recognize:
"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death." -Robert Fulghum
Donner is at the far end of the bar when he spots Kay'el get his high priced drink. Hey Kyle . . . KYLE!! Did I ever tell you that there was a kid in my village named Kyle where I grew up? He was the farrier's son. He spent all day cleaning up horse crap. Did you ever do that, clean crap? Rotten business that is. I wonder what happend to him . . . In any case, I think there is a hole in my pouch, see. And I think my coins fell out of my pouch. And I am parched. All that walkin' n' rain n' fighting werewolves. So can I have some coins? Who knows how long this storm will last after all . . .
"If you can pronounce my name right, I shall supply your drinks for the rest of the night, dear Donnie." the Elf raises his glass and sips some wine as he joins the others.
Quote:
"If his head is as dirty as yours, I doubt it will find a place in any lap, dying or no"
"You wound me, old friend. I would hope that should we ever encounter someone or thing capable of besting my.. as you know, Considerable... skills in combat that I would not be denied a few final comforts for lack of a bath. Kay'el begins to motion for another wine when the door bursts open and the gypsy delivers his speech.
Quote:
... What a funny language, I don't understand anything of it.
hiding a chuckle, Kay'el picks the letter from the dirty mans hands, a slight twitch of his mouth betraying only mild disgust at the contact as he straightens the paper and reads.
Having successfully scrubbed the dirt and grime from his scales, now shining a bright silver, the light dancing off the polished scales, Sarryx stares with distrust for the man who inspired such a response from the tavern. The man had asked for creatures of honor, of which he was, to aid the patron of Barovia, a land that Ares spoke of with caution and almost fear. Sarryx decided to approach the barkeep, always a good source of information, "Excuse me good sir, are you aware of who that man was and who this patron is that he spoke of?"
The barkeep merely shrugs at Sarryx' question. "Never seen him before. Looks to be one of the Vistani. Gypsy folk. Don't know who his master is, though."
__________________ -Rhun
"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death." -Robert Fulghum
"You wound me, old friend. I would hope that should we ever encounter someone or thing capable of besting my.. as you know, Considerable... skills in combat that I would not be denied a few final comforts for lack of a bath. Kay'el begins to motion for another wine when the door bursts open and the gypsy delivers his speech.
.
"Come now Kay'el, is it so easy to wound you so with words? Please don't be defensive. Blood and sweat are honorable forms of fluids. The grime of combat is different than the active act of soiling onself with mucus and filth and reveling in it. But as you have said, I doubt that day shall come." replies Kyranvik with a small bow and a smile.
"May I see that?" Esme asks and without waiting for a reply takes the letter from Donner, whom she has no doubt cannot current see straight enough to read. "Hmmm, I don't recognize this either. It's quite strange someone would ask for us specifically, isn't it? But I admit I am curious and think we should investigate. Perhaps this is a trap but maybe it's someone who needs our help. Let me reflect on it."
Esmerelda pulls out her well worn tarot deck and does a spread on the table. She concentrates long and carefully on the cards, scrutinizing each card's position before speaking again.
"No, I will have to wait until tomorrow for the results to be more clear."
hiding a chuckle, Kay'el picks the letter from the dirty mans hands, a slight twitch of his mouth betraying only mild disgust at the contact as he straightens the paper and reads.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Queenie
"May I see that?" Esme asks and without waiting for a reply takes the letter from Donner, whom she has no doubt cannot current see straight enough to read.
*OOC: Beat ya to it
Though I am curious as to the actual 'letter'.. so far all we've seen is that picture of the seal, and no word on even what language the letter is, yet at least two players have posted being unable to read it.. Did I miss an update where we were told we couldn't read it?
OOC: Though I am curious as to the actual 'letter'.. so far all we've seen is that picture of the seal, and no word on even what language the letter is, yet at least two players have posted being unable to read it.. Did I miss an update where we were told we couldn't read it?
OOC: Nope, no such update. I haven't posted the contents of the letter yet. But I plan on posting that tonight.
__________________ -Rhun
"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death." -Robert Fulghum
*OOC: Beat ya to it
Though I am curious as to the actual 'letter'.. so far all we've seen is that picture of the seal, and no word on even what language the letter is, yet at least two players have posted being unable to read it.. Did I miss an update where we were told we couldn't read it?
OOC: No, actually, I was taking it from you I just wrote the wrong name. My bad
Kay'el takes the letter from Donner to examine it. The words are written in the common tongue of Ailioth, a trade language spoken in most of the more civilized areas of the continent. The handwritten script is flowing and beautiful; the elf is quite certain that it was either written by a nobleman, or perhaps even an elf. Humans, unless of high social standing, rarely spent the time and effort to write in such an elaborate style. Kay'el begins to read:
"Hail to thee of might and valor:
I, a lowly servant of the township of Barovia, send honor to thee. We plead for thy so desperately needed assistance within our community.
The love of my life, the beautiful Ireena Kolyana, has been afflicted with an evil so deadly that even the good people of our town cannot protect her. She languishes from her wounds and I would have her saved from this menace.
There is much wealth in this community. I offer all that might be had to thee and thy fellows if thou shalt but answer my desperate plea.
Come quickly, for her time is at hand. All that I have shall be thine!
Kolyan Indrirovich
Burgomater, Township of Barovia"
__________________ -Rhun
"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death." -Robert Fulghum
OOC: Sorry Queenie...I gave Kay'el first dibs at reading the letter. You were writing your response at the same time I was writing.
__________________ -Rhun
"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death." -Robert Fulghum
Actually Donner broke the seal, but just didn't read it correctly. But he would have taken the Explosive Ruins for yah.
Wow, that was quick! We must be more popular and powerful then I thought!
"Or more feared. It is rather odd that this came so soon. And from such a distance. If it was a six hour march, and we have only been here for 2, the courier must have been sent long ago. So either we were being watched on the road. Or the gypsy merely picked us out of the crowd as the most capable in his estimation, and not us specifically" surmises Kyranvik.
Actually Donner broke the seal, but just didn't read it correctly. But he would have taken the Explosive Ruins for yah.
Wow, that was quick! We must be more popular and powerful then I thought!
OOC: Fixed post above.
__________________ -Rhun
"I believe that imagination is stronger than knowledge - myth is more potent than history - dreams are more powerful than facts - hope always triumphs over experience - laughter is the cure for grief - love is stronger than death." -Robert Fulghum
"Whatever the case, we should discuss this further - and preferably in some place a bit more private." Kay'el signals those companions who aren't seated at the table to join them, handing the letter on to the next person who wishes to inspect it.
"We have adventure, the promise of wealth, and the opportunity to reunite loved ones, weighed against the possibilities of danger or even the fact that this may be a trap. I suggest we make use of the messenger's offer of drinks, it may be a long night."
"Yes, drinking will help us make an intelligent decision. Not that I am complaining..." she said as she finishes her ale. "I don't think we need to discuss it too much... someone needs help and we should provide it because we can. Compensation is just a bonus. So we enjoy tonight," she raises her glass in toast, "And tomorrow we get back on the road. But let's pray to the gods of nature that it's not still raining!"
But he would have taken the Explosive Ruins for yah.
Linear Mode
And yet another word from our sponsors
