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

[Stormwind]

Ashlyn nods slowly as she listens to the tale. Though it sounds very plausible, she knows enough about nobility, from her own past, that she does not trust that what has been said is the whole of the matter or even truthful as far as it goes, ... that would be far too simple, ... and nobles are never that simple.

None of this shows on her face as she answers Sergei, ... as a noble would, "I cannot tell you of the others before I met them in the village where we joined forces against the zombie plague, ... nor would I for that is their story to tell should they care to."

"For myself, I came to Barovia with two companions hunting rumor and myth. My companions fell during the plague, and I continued to do what I could to protect the villagers until good fortune brought us all together. It is then that we ventured out to consult with Madam Eva to try and determine the source of the plague. She is an interesting woman and I am still surprised that her divinations bore fruit. Following her advice we sought out the source of the plague at the church and found Father Danovich and what had once been his dead son. Unfortunately Father Danovich was quite insane, most likely driven mad by the death of his son. Somehow he had managed to reanimate his son into some sort of undead monstrosity. I have never seen its like before, but it was surely he who was the source of the plague for upon the destruction of the monstrosity, all those animated by the plague became non-animate corpses once again."

Ashlyn pauses a moment before continuing, "Regarding our travels since then, we have wandered around Barovia only a little. Perhaps our most notable encounters were a pack of werewolves in the woods and a cult worshipping some fiendish creature on Lysaga hill. We came across the werewolves in the woods, don't ask me where because I was a bit lost, but it must have been at about the same time as the other werewolves assaulted the village ... or even perhaps a bit earlier in the day. I don't know how many you faced in the village, but we fought and killed six of the beasts. On Lysaga hill, a cult were trying to summon some dark forest god into this realm and unfortunately for them, we decided to intervene. My own reasons for intervening were simple enough, ... their leader offended me ... she murdered one of the villagers right before my eyes the previous day."
There is a cold look in Ashlyn's eyes as she finishes speaking, but it fades quickly enough.

[Diplomacy (to improve reactions by answering at least a part of Sergei's questions): 1d20+10]
[Sense motive (to determine what parts of her story Lord Sergei is interested in): 1d20+10]

 

[stonegod]

[Diplomacy from Ashlyn and Marot; Sense Motive: Sergei seems to be listening intently to the entire tale.]

It is then that we ventured out to consult with Madam Eva to try and determine the source of the plague. She is an interesting woman and I am still surprised that her divinations bore fruit.

"Madam Eva, you say? I have heard she is a seer who sees true. Yet mired in a den of thieves. An odd contradiction, to be sure, and leaves open the question of her true motives."

I don't know how many you faced in the village, but we fought and killed six of the beasts. ... On Lysaga hill, a cult were trying to summon some dark forest god into this realm and unfortunately for them, we decided to intervene.

Sergei nods as he listens to Ashlyn, dabbing the corners of his mouth with a napkin. "A tale indeed. Six lycan's dead, and a coven of witches in addition. You have done me great service then, ridding our land of such bothersome troubles." He smiles a moment, genuinely pleased.

He folds his hands before him, looking at the gathered. "So much done in so little time. But these things are not what brought you to our lands. 'Myth and rumors' and something else for these four and their caravan. So what is it that truly brought you here? What do you seek now, that these dark troubles seem dealt with?"

 

[DEFCON 1]

Jarrith turns to the others without saying anything... but the look on his face is clear. Should we tell him? According to Madam Eva, the Tome of Strahd is here in the castle's library. But are they to just somehow sneak up there and steal the book from Lord ir'Zarovich... ruining whatever hospitality the Lord has bestowed upon them if he happens to discover them... or do they mention the Tome and just hope that he'll let them have it? If he has the road up to the castle warded... most likely he'll have his castle warded too.

He remains silent to see if someone else either comes clean or attempts a bluff. He's good a sensing a liar... but not in forming the lie itself.

 

[Stormwind]

He folds his hands before him, looking at the gathered. "So much done in so little time. But these things are not what brought you to our lands. 'Myth and rumors' and something else for these four and their caravan. So what is it that truly brought you here? What do you seek now, that these dark troubles seem dealt with?"

Ashlyn muses, "Myth and rumor ... I came here seeking an artifact of bygone times and yet in truth, I cannot even say I would recognize it for what it is should I lay eyes upon it. All I have to go on is scraps of ancient lore, ... bits and pieces ... for example 'von Zarovich's Domain Nestled 'tix the Iron' is an example of the fragments of lore that led me here, although at first I knew not that these lands were indeed von Zarovich's Domain."

Ashlyn seems somewhat thoughtful for a moment as if she is considering something and then she looks directly at Sergei, "A castle of this size, and of this age, ought to have quite a respectable library. If so, might I have your permission to visit it and perhaps conduct some research?"

Ashlyn pauses a moment and then asks, "Also, I have a small request to make of you. I believe that there is a chapel on the castle grounds. After our experiences in the village church, I would rather find some solitude for prayer and contemplation elsewhere and if you would not object, I would like to visit the castle chapel."

 

[stonegod]

"A castle of this size, and of this age, ought to have quite a respectable library. If so, might I have your permission to visit it and perhaps conduct some research?" ... "Also, I have a small request to make of you. I believe that there is a chapel on the castle grounds. ..."

Sergei leans back in his chair, templing his fingers on his chin. "You deflect my question well, but this, I cannot allow. It would be ill advised. As I mentioned, the Curse still bears its benighted fruit, and places with strong connection to the past carry it most strongly. I could not guarantee your safety if you were to venture beyond the safe places."

He looks intently a the Ashlyn for a moment. "You are not the first to ask for such a boon, for access to the Castle's tomes in particular. It is best you learn from her lesson and do not pursue this."

 

[James Heard]

Janis snorts.

First you pretend to be offended at the rats in your cellars, the next you beg off access to the castle because you wish to protect them from the cats ...Everyone in this valley more important than a shopkeeper is either in league with Khyber, or a moron, Janis scowls, obviously thinking Sergei to be a bit of both.

"Well that's that then, Janis stands from her untouched food with a curt nod. " Let us leave."

 

[Stormwind]

Ashlyn looks towards Janis briefly, but it is difficult to ascertain anything from her bland expression. She then turns back towards Sergei and gives him a considering look. When she speaks her voice has an element of veracity within it, "I thank you for your advice. I will heed your words until such a time as the library is safe to visit."

"You mentioned the Curse. How do its dangers manifest? Perhaps we might be of assistance to you and ourselves simultaneously then. I for one would truly like to visit the chapel and spend some time in quiet contemplation, and if we can be of assistance to you by making that part of the castle a little safer then it would be my pleasure to do so."

[Diplomacy (to attempt to convince Sergei to 'allow' the lesser boon of visiting the chapel): 1d20+10]

 

[s@squ@tch]

"Surely you could use some aid in making the castle a safer place to be, no?"

"No one would want to live in a such a place, so in that area, we are definitely able to help you."

"Once we help make the castle somewhat safe, you can bring your people up to the castle to visit with you, instead of you having to always venture forth to the village."

"We can start immediately on ridding the chapel and library of the noxious spirits and curses."

 

[stonegod]

[Diplomacy: Check's been made already; cannot try again]

[I know Janis has not had any food while Jarrith has had some. The rest y'all have not said anything, but I'm going to assume by the tone/nature of the character that Ashlyn probably has had some (being polite and diplomatic), Tessa has some at least to drink (to keep eyes off her), and Marot may have had something to drink, but probably nothing to eat (being a bit distrusting). Ireena has supped, though she has given Janis several dirty look, while a preoccupied Khensu has had some to drink. This will color the bit below.]

Sergei glances blandly at Ashlyn and Marot as they make their request again, and places his hands before him. "You have done our land a great service, but your manners are lacking. You are treated as guests but refuse the better of my hospitality. And you ask boons when I endeavor to look after your safety. You fail to understand that the Curse cannot be broken by you. It is a think of blood, of lineage, and it only recognizes one Master. If you persist in this madness, your fate will be that of those that have come before--lost to this place."

The lord stands, Ireena coming to her feet soon afterwards. "Enjoy your meal as you see fit. You have served me well here, and for that I am thankful. Now I must be going. I have matters to attend." He prepares to leave.

 

[DEFCON 1]

Jarrith stands up when Lord ir'Zarovich rises, then glances to Khensu next to him, ushering the shifter to his feet with his eyes. The ex-paladin rises with difficulty, as though any action within this castle is a painful one. Jarrith then turns back to the Lord and nods slightly.

"Well uh... thank you then, M'Lord. Have a good night. Glad we could be of help."

He then watches as the aristocrat leaves the dining hall, then snorts in bemusement once he leaves.