TOPIC: Meet at the Inn

I glare at the barbarian for using two of our remaining three questions so quickly. "Shhh!" I say to him, "We need to be careful of what we say. Although, that information about the sun blade is helpful."

"Well, Adeya, we can leave now. If we find another question we can come back. I cannot believe I even took part in this ritual."

*OOC I meant to ask those to the party, but didn't specify. Stupid bar-bar;)

To the group, quietly: "How about: ''Memories, what are the steps we should take from this point to most safely find the sun sword?' as our final question? Or should we ask where we can find Strahd?"

"I think we ought to ask about the sword. I'm sure Strahd will find us again before the night is over."

OOC to our barbarian: Sorry if I was overly harsh. I didn't mean to be.

*ooc you weren't. I read it in a soft motherly correcting voice.*

"If the gypsy's oracle is to be believed, the sword is atop the tower, the raven in the vault and Strahd in the desecrated chapel. We could ask for directions to any of these spots, but I'm not sure any will be too hard to find without them. In truth, I'm curious what the voices may tell us of our new friend. Bu I leave the last question to be asked by another."

(I scan all the statues and rooms we have newly entered with my lenses. Do I see anything on the statues like insignias or signs that could be interpretted as good or evil (ie symbols of Pelor, etc). I also cautiously look into room 37. What do I see there? Is the circular staircase going up or down?)--not speaking just looking.

Widseth wrote: (I scan all the statues and rooms we have newly entered with my lenses. Do I see anything on the statues like insignias or signs that could be interpretted as good or evil (ie symbols of Pelor, etc). I also cautiously look into room 37. What do I see there? Is the circular staircase going up or down?)--not speaking just looking.

The statues bear no marks or sigils but by all appearances there are also no signs of evil. In some cases the men pictured bear weapons but in all cases their appearance is noble not menacing. Drawing on your bardic knowledge you would guess that they were at one point the lords and hero's of this land before it's fall to darkness.

The study is well appointed and appears recently used. A blazing hearth fire fills this room with rolling waves of red and amber light. The walls are lined with ancient books and tomes, their leather covers well oiled and preserved through careful use. All is in order here. The stone floor is hidden beneath a luxurious rug of a deep-patterned weave. A large, low table sits in the center of the room, waxed and polished to a mirrored finish. Even the poker next to the blazing fireplace is polished. Large, overstuffed divans and couches stand in order about the room. Two luxurious chairs face the hearth. A huge painting hangs over the mantlepiece in a heavy, gilded frame. The rolling light of the fire illuminates the carefully rendered painting. It is an exact likeness of the Burgomaster's daughter, Ireena Kolyana. Though the painting is obviously centuries old, the likeness is unmistakable.

The spiral staircase goes down though you saw no access to a corresponding stair where you would guess one should be on the first level so it is safe to assume the passage runs deep.

Breon studies the books and tomes on the shelves, looking for anything of interest, particularly arcane writings.

bpsymington wrote: Breon studies the books and tomes on the shelves, looking for anything of interest, particularly arcane writings.

There are a great many book on philosophy, science, religion and other heady subjects but if the vampire possesses a magical library it is hidden elsewhere.

I address the statues.

"We mean no harm here. We wish to restore the land to its former peace that you appear to have enjoyed and lost because of the evil that overcame the Lord of this castle. We do wish to free you to enjoy your eternal rest, and any help you might render will be recorded in the songs and tales of our undertaking. I promise that you and your trials will be remembered if we can uncover who you are and how this geas was placed upon you. We will consider our final question and have faith that upon its answer you will be released. Your memories are our greatest weapon."

I turn to the group.

"I think the picture must be Tatyana, and the vampire may try to use Ireena to resurrect and control his lost desire. We must work quickly and decide which course to take--toward the sword, the raven, the sancturary, or to find his coffin and slay him before he wakes. I think our last question will determine our course. But let's choose quickly."

If any of the statues holds a musical instrument and looks like a bard, I will place a gold coin at his or her feet.

To the party, quietly--"Indecision may be a greater foe than Strahd, and possibly as deadly... We need to decide, and quickly. Shall we ask about the Sword, Strahd--or about the young lady that's joined us?"