stonegod's Expedition to Castle Ravenloft: Ch. I [IC]

[GwydapLlew]

OOC: Just as a reminder: The party has seen one person that was dead but did not turn into a zombie.

OOC: I was about to mention the papers!

"Lady Ashlyn, do you know a Viktor Litmunova?" He gestures for Jarrith to bring the charm and the papers forward. "His body was found as we entered into town. He had not been corrupted by the undead."

 

[DEFCON 1]

Jarrith brings forth the papers and the charm. "The body was dead, but still fresh. We stored it in one of the buildings, hoping that it would not get corrupted. Perhaps tomorrow if need be, we can go back out and find it if you think it's examination might be helpful."

Jarrith glances over to the inn that is across the way. "Lady Ashlyn... you said the Burgomaster's son is over inside the inn? I believe it might be prudent to speak to him about this letter we received. Perhaps he can confirm or deny the validity of what it says... assuming he is not too drunk to be comprehensible at this point."

He begins walking in the direction of the inn.

 

[stonegod]

"Lady Ashlyn, do you know a Viktor Litmunova?"

Jarrith brings forth the papers and the charm. "The body was dead, but still fresh. We stored it in one of the buildings, hoping that it would not get corrupted. Perhaps tomorrow if need be, we can go back out and find it if you think it's examination might be helpful."

Ashlyn examines the charm for a moment, then shakes her head. "I do not know of this man; you may wish to ask inside. If he truly did not rise again, this Litmunova either has a hardy constitution or this charm is a ward of some kind. Is it magical?"

The group looks at each other a moment. Marot stares intently at the silvered maple leaf a moment, then declares, "It is magic. But I cannot make out its type." [Spellcraft check failed]

 

[stonegod]

Jarrith begins walking in the direction of the inn.

The inn is a sturdy stone and wood building, a story taller than its neighbors. A mutter of voices, a clatter of dishware, and the squel of a poorly played wind instrument can be heard from the rambling building. A sign handing precariously askew reads "Blood on the Vine Tavern."
[sblock=Daellin]Glancing at the sign, your keen elven eyes pick out that "Blood on the Vine" was not its original name---the 'n' was once an 'f' before being scratched out and overwritten: "Blood of the Vine"[/sblock]

 

[GwydapLlew]

Sir Khensu Feral

Sir Khensu nods. "If this condition is something that is not new, the villagers may know how to combat it." As he finishes inventorying Selase's gear, he gestures for the other four to join him.

"Selase's passing is a sorrow; though she worshipped evil, she was always a true friend. Take only what you feel you need; it would shame us to be greedy."

(OOC - I can repost the gear from her character sheet, but it would probably be just as easy to look here.))

 

[stonegod]

Sir Khensu nods. "If this condition is something that is not new, the villagers may know how to combat it."

Finishing her inspection of the barricade work, Ashlyn finds a place near the well to continue her vigil. "It is a new thing. When we arrived last Wir, the attacks had only just started. Theldrick thought we had cleansed them all, but we were unaware of their fecundity."

As she looks about, she asks, "I would know what brings you to this remote land. We came upon some information of our order, but you are not members of the Lightbringers. This land has no contact with the Five Nations, so it does seem odd your arrival."

 

[GwydapLlew]

Sir Khensu Feral

"We are part of an expedition into this region for the Twelve. More, I cannot in good conscience say without leave of our patrons." Sir Khensu nods to Jarrith as he speaks, indicating the refuge in the square. "Brother Jarrith, perhaps you should speak to those inside? They may be hurt and scared, and the Flame may provide some comfort to them."

There is little enough comfort in this land.

 

[stonegod]

"We are part of an expedition into this region for the Twelve. More, I cannot in good conscience say without leave of our patrons."

Ashlyn nods. "I understand. Our mission is more direct; it pays not to have to deal with politics. Our archivists had discovered writing about a powerful weapon against the undead reportedly lost in this land. I was going to see this Madam Eva about the sword---the townspeople are adamant about her oracular abilities---but Theldrick and Mathilda pressed hard to venture to the church." Her face darkens a moment. "Those fools should have stayed."

"Brother Jarrith, perhaps you should speak to those inside? They may be hurt and scared, and the Flame may provide some comfort to them."

Ashlyn shakes her head. In a low whisper so the barricade workers cannot hear her, she adds, "Be wary. They have not heard of your Flame and their beliefs are a thing foreign to me. They speak of ravens as protectors, and a power of divine blood. It is... distasteful."

 

[Isida Kep'Tukari]

Maraat - Marot "the deadly" human warlock

"Many things are considered distasteful. Worship of the Flame, the powers of Light, can take many forms. The beliefs of my childhood were considered unwholesome by my superiors... until they looked into my heart and saw my belief was as pure as their own," Maraat says softly. "'The power of blood can be turned to fierce light' Selase says."

Maraat's face twists in pain for a moment. "Selase said" he corrects himself. "Forgive us that we failed you, forgive us that your flesh was corrupted, forgive us that we could not save you, sister of the Divinity Within," he whispers in prayer.

"Forgive me Ashlyn, I have seen much horror today, though not a fraction of what you have witnessed. Please, I will purify myself and join you to speak to those inside," he says to the paladin, running a hand through his flame-red hair. If left alone for a moment, he washes his hands in water from his waterskin and pours a small amount over his head, murmuring faint prayers in his oddly-accented Common. After, he will head to the inn with the rest.

 

[drothgery]

[sblock=Daellin]Glancing at the sign, your keen elven eyes pick out that "Blood on the Vine" was not its original name---the 'n' was once an 'f' before being scratched out and overwritten: "Blood of the Vine"[/sblock]

"Someone did a bit of redecorating recently." Daellin mentions. "When did the name of the tavern change?"