TOPIC: Meet at the Inn

Widseth wrote: To the party to think about as soon as we determine to leave the gypsy camp. (Not necessarily leaving yet, but want to discuss come of the clues and the cards).

I think it will be critical to find the silver raven as it protects from darkness.

We have to embrace the history. What do we know? Tatyana flung herself from a high place to her death, and the darkness is loathe to travel there perhaps because he remembers the love he had for her before the darkness fully overcame him. There may be sharp stones where she fell from a high ("dizzying") tower or wall where we can find information or a way into the castle undetected.

He once served the light--he was a paladin. In addition to being a vampire he is an anti-paladin, turned completely to darkness so he does have a place of worship where he supplicates his dark god or demon. Perhaps we can surprise him in his sanctuary, but we have to think this through because Pelor's light may not be able to penetrate that sanctuary. And we may have to deal with the power of a devil or demon.

I doubt his sanctuary is his "heart of darkness" where he must return. I presume that to be his coffin. I think if we get there with true hearts, the powers of light (embodied in the silver raven perhaps) will not fail to give us vision and the ability to slay him.

Why Ireena? Maybe he has discovered a dark way to resurrect Tatyana using Ireena's life force--maybe as a vampire.

I think the silver raven may be connected with the history of Tatyana's death. I have some sort of feeling that somehow his brother Sergei may reach out from beyond to help us in some way avenge his death. If the vampire was a paladin, his righteous brother may be also and has favor with Pelor.

What are your thoughts? I'm just guessing at the clues we have so far.

The first card, where Eva said:

The first card she reveals is marked with five inverted cups. “This card is a symbol of great power. It tells of an ancient icon of justice, a silver light that protects against the darkness. A light lost, perhaps found hidden by the darkness in a place of great worldly wealth. I see a blazing lire protecting this place.”

Aplace of great worldly wealth. A bank? A treasure vault, perhaps within Strahd's castle? That might make sense, if it was "hidden by the darkness."

(I am still here, reading mostly, not a barbarian's thing in this camp . . . don't think I am not enjoying it though.)

We should start another thread about discussion of clues, not clog the main thread up.

As your group discusses the gypsies cryptic reading Sergi bursts into the tent breathing heavily earning a disapproving glance from Madam Eva.

“A thousand pardons Drabamni,” the young man says gasping for breath, “but the count has sent his carriage to collect the Gadjo”

“Then he knew they were coming,” the old gypsy woman frowns looking even more ancient then normal and stands walking towards the door with Sergi’s assistance.

Following her out of the tent into the now fog-shrouded clearing you exhale and feel a sudden cold as your breath freezes in front of you, dead leaves crackling along your track. It is not even mid day yet but more disconcertingly you can no longer see the sun.

Directly in the center of the camp stands a large black carriage illuminated by ghostly lanterns and drawn by two powerful looking horses. Both horses are black as pitch and snort violent puffs of steamy breath into the chill air. No driver can be seen but as you approach the carriage door swings open with an audible creak.

I smile.

"Shall we accept the invitation?"

I laugh.

"Or shall we cut the horses' heads off and put them in the carriage. I'm sure the carriage will probably return of its own accord."

"What ever we do, we should do it quickly. I wish these good people no harm because of our account."

I bow to Madam Eva.

Breon nods to Madam Eva. "We are grateful for your guidance."

He then strides towards the carriage door. "Fortune favors the bold," he says.

"It may be a trap but it will put us at our destination faster. I doubt if we would be coming upon our host unawares no matter the mode of our arrival."

"I think we should take a ride. Madame, will our horses be safe with you?"
Cram is stepping into the carriage as the question escapes his lips.

darkangel866 wrote: "I think we should take a ride. Madame, will our horses be safe with you?"
Cram is stepping into the carriage as the question escapes his lips.

"If this carriage is going where I think it is I will follow behind with the horses," Offers Ismark, "We may need to beat a hasty retreat if our work is not completed by night fall."

I sling my shield over my back, loosen one sword in its sheathe, and hold the dancing sword in my hand. I step into the carriage, sit down, stand the dancing sword in front of me, and begin to strum a lively melody on my lute.

I talk to Ismark through the open door of the coach.

"Ismark, if we don't leave the castle before nightfall, ride hard for the town and defend it with your life. Do not endanger yourself on my account. I know not how the others feel. We may meet our ends, but I for one will meet it on my terms with good companions. You should choose well the time and place and friends you will defend."

With a heavy sigh, Kryndal climbs into the carriage. "I'm not one for carriages in even the best of circumstances..." I mutter.

Widseth wrote: "Ismark, if we don't leave the castle before nightfall, ride hard for the town and defend it with your life. Do not endanger yourself on my account. I know not how the others feel. We may meet our ends, but I for one will meet it on my terms with good companions. You should choose well the time and place and friends you will defend."

"The creature killed my father and took Ireena, for me there is no choice" Ismark says grimly as he turns and walks towards the horses.

As the last of your party climbs into the black carriage the Sergi walks up to the door and leans in.

“We did not meet as friends but if you succeed in your cause it will mean freedom for my people too so I wish you luck” he says as he closes the door behind you. No sooner has he done so then the horses rear up in acknowledgment and the carriage begins to move. Soon you are flying through the fog-shrouded forest at break neck speeds, dead leaves crackling along your track as the carriage thunders out of the trees and patches of cobblestone begin to show up through the dirt beneath your wheels telling you have once again returned to the road. Eventually though suspicion and excitement give way to boredom as the carriage wheels ever closer to its destination. It is then that you spot something of the floor of the compartment in which you now sit, one of madam Eva’s playing cards lays face down on the floor. It’s a good bet that Sergi tossed it inside when he closed the door.