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

[GwydapLlew]

The paladin watches the tension move through the rest of the surviving Five. He lets out a soft sigh and shakes his head, disappointed at how quickly stress fractured the group. The most immediate problem, however, is the air of defeat that permeates the survivors of the town.

"Ismark, it has been a very long day. What can you tell us about these undead? Who is Viktor Litmunova?

 

[stonegod]

[Diplomacy Check: 1d20+3+1d6=21]

The air in the Blood on the Vine is tense for a moment, all eyes either on or shying away from the unusually woman standing in their midsts. But, something about her words resonates with them. A few nod, many continue their hallow looks, but none appear angry or upset.

The reaction of Ismark is markedly different. He stares at Janis a moment. Then chuckles. Then laughs, a deep throated laugh. He points a glass at the white-haired wizardess, a smile of mirth and darkness. "I like this one! She has a Barovian spirit. We too know of the struggle of fate, and dark omens bred with the land and given as part of mother's milk. Ha, ha!" He takes another drink.

"Ismark, it has been a very long day. What can you tell us about these undead? Who is Viktor Litmunova?

The burgomaster's son looks at the shifter. He's eyes are not as obviously warm to him as they were a moment ago. "I have told you what I know of them. They are mindless, and anyone slain by them will join them soon enough. It is the circle of life, is it not?!" Another sardonic chuckle. "As for this man, Viktor? This is not a name I am knowing." He gestures at the crowded inn. "Perhaps one of these many fine people can help you. All of the living in the town are gathered here."

In a whisper, barely heard, "Or I hope by the overwatching ravens that they are."

There is a polite cough behind you. It is the innkeeper, Arik. His tone is obsequious. "As Master Ismark has said, our rooms are taken. If you need quiet, the best I can do is the kitchen after it closes."

 

[stonegod]

And before he can receive a lecture from Sir Khensu about his blow up, Jarrith storms out of the inn back outside to stand guard with Lady Ashlyn... ignoring all looks and responses. He hears nothing of what anyone says inside the inn.

The paladin sits on the edge of the well, her eyes clear and calm. As Jarrith stalks out of the inn, she looks at him a moment, arching an eyebrow, but says nothing.

After the Stalker has paced enough to come down a moment, Ashlyn speaks into the night. "These are trying times, Flamist, but you fight the right fight. The undead cannot be suffered to exist. Period." She glances into the night a moment more, then turns to Jarrith directly. "What know you of the Lightbringers? We have few followers of the Flame amongst us, but they do make stalwart companions. If you do continue the fight against the damned, you may wish to consider joining. Consider it while you cool your head."

She then turns her head back to night. In the distance, distance moans combine with even further howls.

 

[GwydapLlew]

The burgomaster's son looks at the shifter. He's eyes are not as obviously warm to him as they were a moment ago. "I have told you what I know of them. They are mindless, and anyone slain by them will join them soon enough. It is the circle of life, is it not?!" Another sardonic chuckle. "As for this man, Viktor? This is not a name I am knowing." He gestures at the crowded inn. "Perhaps one of these many fine people can help you. All of the living in the town are gathered here."

Khensu was no stranger to the racism, whether overt or subtle, that shifters engendered. Ismark's attitude disappointed him but it was a fight that the paladin was unwilling to engage in at this moment.

There is a polite cough behind you. It is the innkeeper, Arik. His tone is subsequent. "As Master Ismark has said, our rooms are taken. If you need quiet, the best I can do is the kitchen after it closes."

"I am sure that will be acceptable, Master Arik. We are accustomed to hardhsips in our travels. We do not wish to burden this village with our presence."

Sir Khensu looks at Janis, Marot, and the elf. "I think we should step outside and discuss our plans. Will you accompany me?"

 

[James Heard]

There is a polite cough behind you. It is the innkeeper, Arik. His tone is subsequent. "As Master Ismark has said, our rooms are taken. If you need quiet, the best I can do is the kitchen after it closes."

"That will be satisfactory, innkeeper. As long as I receive the requisite amount of sleep so that I can frame the magic in the morrow, and you don't mind Orwell peeking into your cupboards a bit for a snack."

The snake, if it were possible for a snake, seemed to leer and it's tongue darted out to lick at its scaly lips.

 

[stonegod]

"That will be satisfactory, innkeeper. As long as I receive the requisite amount of sleep so that I can frame the magic in the morrow, and you don't mind Orwell peeking into your cupboards a bit for a snack."

Arik stares at Janis with a blank look, uncomprehending. After a moment, he blinks. "Yes, Mistress. I understand. However, your bound animal will find our cupboards mostly empty."

 

[James Heard]

Janis grins, a sudden, disquieting gesture.

"Perhaps, but Orwell is very...very...smart, and he finds rats and cats and all matter of insects comforting to consume while I'm otherwise occupied. Even the tidiest palace usually has an unfortunate number of any of them lurking in the shadows. Here, take him and show him around a bit while I talk to my fellows," she says, uncoiling the snake from her neck and unceremoniously draping him over the shoulders of the innkeeper. " And please...don't do anything sudden or squeak. He's got a bit of a cold still from the rail trip, and he's still a bit grouchy.

"Khensu, lead on," she says and then ignores her own words, pushing herself to the exit without waiting.

 

[stonegod]

Janis has the satisfaction of a seeing a very startled innkeeper and a somehow smug snake get to know each other better as she exits into the cold night.

 

[GwydapLlew]

Sir Khensu shakes his head as Janis leaves the inn. "My companion is unpredictable, Master Arik. The snake will not harm you unless she commands it too, so do not fear it." His tone is mild, but inside he cannot help but feel frustration at the wizard's attitude.

 

[drothgery]

Daellin follows the others outside.