TOPIC: Meet at the Inn

SageSTL wrote: "Where might we find this Madame Eva?"

"Her gypsies have a camp out in the mists, you will likely find her there. Unfortunately it moves around so locating it will be a challenge. Though with some of your persuasion I'd wager her spies might be of some help." Ismark says turning to Cram.

"I imagine there are more of her spies about, so removing those three might not be worthwhile. We may persuade them to share some information with us, but I agree that meeting with Brother Donavich may be advisable."

"Brother Donavich has been on my heart since I've heard of his sacrifice and devotion. I would see him immediately. But I hesitate to leave these spies behind to report back to their mistress. Perhaps they can be 'persuaded' to join us at the temple and confess their transgressions? I'm sure it would bring joy to the good Brother to hear their penance."

"Barkley, Oamenii pot fi convins de farmecul mai des decât de topor. We always have the axe to fall back on if the charm does not work. Go easy on them as they may have information that could be useful. As you are so fond of saying, let Pelor guide your steps."

"Cram, I'm right beside you if the persuasion turns sour."

I take out my blank coin, and begin flipping it across my fingers again.

"While I will defer to both the majority, and those with more knowledge on these matters," I say thoughtfully, "I believe we should try to protect the girl. She is the focus of the vampires' effort, which means she must have some value to this Strahd. And I think if we provide another line of defense, it will lessen the burden on Brother Donavich."

The silver piece suddenly slips from my grasp and falls to the floor.

"Biscuits," I proclaim in annoyance.

"My apologies, Friend Delmar," I say as I crouch next to him to retrieve it.

Then, silently enough that no-one else can hear me, I whisper to the paladin, "I worry we are being misdirected. I have no proof, so I must wonder if you can Detect anything amiss."

Xavon wrote:
Then, silently enough that no-one else can hear me, I whisper to the paladin, "I worry we are being misdirected. I have no proof, so I must wonder if you can Detect anything amiss."

Whispering back, "A very good point." I scan the room while whispering the prayer for a Detect Evil.

I silence my lute and speak to the group.

"Beyond my singing, I am a blunt man. I trust you understand we are trapped here. In the time I've spent waiting for Madam Eva to no avail, I've learned that she and her troupe are the only ones who can pass the mists freely. The mists are cursed and will kill any who try to leave. I've waited patiently here to meet her on my terms--not hers."

Turning to Ismark.

"Is this not so, good sir?"

I affix my lute to its strap. It hangs inside my cloak at my left side. I draw a sword from its sheath and show it to Cram.

"Have you ever seen a more beautiful blade?'

I rest the point on the wooden floor and lean on it like a cane. As I scan the room, I reach under the hood of my cloak and fit goggles over my eyes. The sword stands alone without me touching it.


(Lenses of clear sight--do I see anything of note or unusual?)

"I have only seen a blade like that once. That sword was stained with evil though. Almost as evil as this devilish fog."

Cram turns his attention to Delmar. "If men do not have joy in their lives, they are already dead. I wish no harm on these folks, only to release them from their hell."


"Ismar, the gypsies are the only ones who don't look like they are waiting for death. But if they are free to travel, I can see why."

Cram unconsiously makes his sword loose in its scabbard.

"Widseth, do the mists prevent us from traveling to Strahd's castle?" Breon asks quietly, placing his hand on his staff and looking over to see if the group of gypsies take any action.

Picc wrote: "Those three would be a good start," Ismark laughs weekly brightening a bit at the notion as he nods towards the gypsies, who despite making taking pains to hide it are to trained eyes trying their best to listen in over the music. "Madam Eva and her gypsies are the counts human servants in these lands. There is a good chance they are the ones who made off with the icon for their dark master."

Thinking about the three gypsies by the door I muse out loud, "So that's why they were so rude to me." Then I say a bit louder to the group, "I don't think we ought to allow known spies to report on us. Perhaps we can detain them?" I start quietly focusing my will so as to be ready to draw upon my magic if the need arises.

"Agree, Adeya. Sometimes the way is so plain that Pelor feels any guidance moot. It is written, 'Pelor does not bid us draw breath.' The spies must not be allowed to report back, and the knowledge they may impart may make our next step more obvious. This village is under siege and we are at war."

"Would that I had the charm to woo these miscreants, but since I clearly irritate even some of my closest friends - I see you do not even try to deny it, Delmar - I cannot imagine I would fair much better with those who consider themselves our sworn enemies. But I shall try, though I daresay Widseth, or even you, Delmar, may fare better. When we're done at this table, let us make as though we're heading out, glancing not at these gypsies, and once we have the exit blocked make our intentions more clear. But as dear Adeya says, they must be detained in one way or another."