TOPIC: Meet at the Inn

Picc wrote:

Xavon wrote: I prod my prisoner back into the main thoroughfare, only to find it inconveniently empty.

"I wonder where they have got to," I say as much for myself as for the gypsy, "It seems your friends were not up to keeping them engaged for very long. Were we going to the church, or Ismark's house, or straight to the vampire's castle? You were spying on us, do you remember?"

"I think you said something about going straight to hell" the gypsy offers with a thick romani accent, "though if you like I would be happy to put you on the road to the masters castle as they are one and the same..."

"Your master lives in Hell? Which one?"

I ponder that for a minute.

"Oh, I see, you are saying your master will send us to Hell. Funny. But I doubt that is where I will be going, once my time is done. Can you say the same?"

I try to remember a few moments longer, and then shrug.

"I don't remember what, if anything, we decided. But I can see the church from here, so we might as well start there."

I steer him towards my decided goal.

Brad Mortensen wrote: "Surely you don't wish to be released? The fiend will assume you cooperated with us fully. I'm sorry, my children, but it appears your fate is sealed. Whether you choose to speak to us or no, the devil will torment you to find what you may have told us. By the time he is convinced of your loyalty, it will be too late. It would have been kinder to slay you in the streets."

"But there is an alternative. Help us in our quest, for we mean to slay the fiend. When we succeed you will be free. Should we fail... Well, it sounds like you're already aware of what he is capable of doing. You'll have ample time to take your own lives to avoid his mercies. I suggest you help us as best you can, for your own sakes."

"You are a fool if you think death will any of us from him" begins the first gypsy.

"Sergi, be silent" the second man interrupts.

"Why, outsider is right we are worse then dead either way what harm is there in it now. If you wish to know more of the master follow the river Ivlis north to our camp and seek out our leader Madam Eva. She will have your answers."

With that the second gypsy thrashes against his bonds knocking both him and his compatriot to the floor where the conversation quickly degenerates into screaming in a language you do not understand.

Barkley tries to pull them apart as best he can, muttering to himself. "Truly is it written, 'those without faith are slaves to fear'.

"Please, my children! 'Tis a pity you cannot provide us just a bit more help. Does Madame Eva serve the fiend willingly? Will she help us or betray us? And how can we approach the camp without being ambushed? Ah well, the sooner our quest either succeeds or fails, the sooner your fates will be resolved as well..."

"Well, at least we found out something useful from these two. If they have nothing else to offer, I have a spell that will put them to sleep long enough that they will not be able to hinder us, or warn others of our plans."

Breon heads to the door to see if there is any sign of Lexan.

bpsymington wrote: Breon heads to the door to see if there is any sign of Lexan.

You spot him approaching the church with the third gypsy in tow. The may looks like the mile of bad road but he'll live. Your spell will likely be just as effective on three prisoners as two when your done with him.

"Very well," I say. I relax and draw back in the power of my spell without releasing it. Then, while Barkley is still holding the two struggling gypsies, I step towards the less helpful one, draw back my fist, and hit him square in the jaw. The weak strike does little more than surprise the man but it does give me a sense of satisfaction. "That's for not answering my questions," I tell him. Pleased with myself, I walk back to stand with the rest of the group.

I wave with my left hand, while prodding the gypsy forward with the knife in my right.

"Friend Breon," I call out, "Look at the mouse I caught trying to flee the village. Have you seen his two friends lately?"

(Sorry to be away and miss the fight)

I step out of the shadows.

"I suggest we take all three with us and try to find Madam Eva. With hostages, she may be more willing to see us. Undoubtedly there are other spies that have brought us to the attention of the Lord of the castle already. Rumor tells me that Madam Eva is a true seer. She see the future with surprising accuracy. Perhaps she can free her troupe of the fear that haunts them by aiding us. We are a strong party if we stick together. I fear not the undead, but together we may bring much good to the "hell" of this land. It will also make a great song--the Saga of Barovia."

I sheathe my sword. The other sword floating in the air next to me returns to my hand. I silence the lute that had been playing a low mournful tune.

"Indeed, Lexan, your mouse can join the two rats we have cornered inside the church."

Looking back into the church, Breon says, "Widseth, are you proposing we return these men as an act of good faith, or to use them as a bargaining chip with the gypsy seer?

(OOC - What time if day is it? This could affect the action we decide to take.)

"An act of good faith may ingratiate the gypsy queen to us, if not bargaining chips can be very useful, if these three mean anything to her."

bpsymington wrote: (OOC - What time if day is it? This could affect the action we decide to take.)

As nearly as you can tell through the mists dusk approaches but full night is still a few hours off.

"The vampire will be more powerful and active as the sun falls. You said one of these gypsies was more cooperative--Sergi, I believe."

I put my dancing sword in its sheath. I approach Sergi in a non threatening way. Using my most pleasant voice and demeanor, I speak with him.

"Sergi, I'm sure you must have a family whom you love, and loves you. The gypsy life is not unlike my own outlook on the world. You love the music and joy of life. Am I not right? I think you and Madam Eva despise your master in the castle. I think we could help you, but we need you to help us. How long will it take to get to Madam Eva? And is there safety there at night?"

(Depending on his answer and if we can determine the truth of his response, I suggest we try to make it to the gypsy camp or hold up in the church with the good brother here and the wards of Pelor until morning.)