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Agrippo will react to Yuri's rant by growling over him, ", my pardon, if I wanted you to be 'tellink me sumfink', then 'tellink me sumfink' you would, squealing like a pig! Bro Boris here should take you home and teach you some lessons in gypsy charm". He spits out the word 'gypsy' and stays at the table, not used to being bad-mouthed, giving Yuri the intimidating glare.

Vorkath / tavern table

The paladin resists his old barbarian instincts which would surely lead to a tavern brawl with the rude gypsies. He breathes deeply, trying to empathize with these poor souls.

"Let us leave them be and join the others," says Vorkath to Agrippo.

For Ismark's comments catch Vorkath's ear. The paladin moves to join the party as they leave with the son of the burgomeister.

Robert agrees, "Yes, let us try to get to the bottom of this mystery as fast as we can. I do not like being decieved in this manner."

Tumbler sits back in his chair with a very smug look on his face. Well look at this. Seems like a certain dwarf knew all along this was folly!

Tibbius remains outside, checking the horses. It would have been a fine gypsy joke to get everyone into the inn, then make off with horses and bags.

Not used to backing down but giving way to the more prudent Vorkath, Agrippo will continue with the glare but step outside with his stuff muttering a few words about "when I was a lad I'd have done all three there at the table and drunk their beer afterwards". Instinctively he will check over his pockets for anything missing.

Date: Nouluna 2, 1221
Time: 3:00 PM
Weather: Overcast
Moon: Waxing gibbous
Location: The Blood on the Vine Tavern
**************************************

As you are about to leave the tavern with Ismark, you hear Agrippo growling at the gypsies. For a moment, all is silent. The gypsies stop, stare at Agrippo, then break out into raucous laughter. "He has the coaies, eh?" shouts Yuri between guffaws. "I love dis guy!" To Agrippo he says, "You find Madam Eva. Tell her Yuri says you okay! She give taroka reading!"

You don't get a chance to find out how Agrippo takes this change in temperament. Vorkath, suppressing his own barbarian tendencies, quickly ushers the fighter away from the gypsy table, checking his own pockets as he does.

Ismark pays his tab and you leave the tavern. Tibbius finds the horses right where he left them. You gather the horses and start down the road to the south, back toward the townhome from which you still hear sobbing.

As you pass the townhome, four men turn the corner from a side street. They are dressed in drab browns and greys, with lined faces and the same hollow, dark eyes you saw on the bartender. They offer Ismark friendly nods, then stop to stare at you as you pass. It is not a stare of curiosity, but of distrust, fear, and hostility. Unsettled, you hurry past.

At the end of the road, a weary-looking mansion squats behind a rusting iron fence. The iron gates are twisted and torn. The right gate lies cast aside while the left swings crazily in the wind. The stuttering squeal and clang of the gate repeats with mindless precision. Weeds choke the grounds and press with menace upon the house itself. Yet, against the walls, the growth has been trodden under to form a path all about the domain. Heavy claw markings have stripped the once-beautiful finish off the walls. Great black blottings tell of the fires that have assailed the walls. All the windows are barred with heavy planking, each plank marked with stains of evil omen.

Ismark leads you through the gate. You tie up your horses and proceed to the front door. Ismark knocks once, then three times in rapid succession, then once again. From inside, a woman's voice speaks softly. "Izzy?"

"Yes, Ireena," answers Ismark.

The door opens. Behind it is a stunningly beautiful young woman about the same age as Ismark. You hurry inside and she quickly bars the door.

The interior of the house is well furnished, although the fixtures show signs of considerable wear. Obvious oddities are the boarded-up windows and the overuse of holy symbols in every room. The Burgomaster is in a side drawing room—dead. He is lying in a room that is dark despite the candles burning in his honor. The stench is horrible.

Ismark leads you to a sitting room—not the one the dead Burgomaster lies in—and offers you each a seat.

"For over four centuries," he explains, "our village has been terrorized by the devil Strahd, who calls his race 'Vampyr.' My father was one of the few with the will to fight him. Every night, wolves and other terrible creatures would attack the house. The constant assault took a great toll on my father. Ten days ago, he died of a heart attack. Strangely, there have been no more attacks on this house since his death."

"Strahd is obsessed with my sister," he continues. "He appears to desire her more than anything in the world. Our best protection was a great holy symbol, an artifact that had been with our family for generations. That symbol was stolen. Despite our protections and precautions, Strahd has twice broken into the house and drank of Ireena's blood. We fear what would happen if she were bitten again."

"This is not your fight. You were brought here under false pretenses—for what purpose, I cannot begin to guess. But I would ask your aid, as men of valor, in ending this curse on our people."

Ismark looks to you with sad but slightly hopeful eyes. Time at end of turn: 4:00 PM

Status: Robert: 37/37, Iluq: 39/39, Vokarth: 40/40, Tibbius: 22/22, Randolph: 4/4, Tumbler: 39/39, Agrippo: 52/52

Vorkath / Ismark estate

Vorkath Tsaridian is moved by the story of Ismark and Ireena and their desperate plight. His ire is raised by this villainous Strahd. He has heard tales of evil beings that feed on the blood of innocents. The paladin's faith burns bright - he knows in his heart the One True God wants this evil vanquished.

"We will help you," says Vorkath with godly conviction. "So says the Sword of the True God."

Agrippo will seeing the young damsel Agrippo will not be able to help himself but mutter under his breath "quite fancy kissing the young neck myself" but then in some sterner reaction following Vorkaths' remark, "so will the shield of the..... eeer.... legion" and hit the spear head valiantly upon his hoplon.

Agrippo will venture to look about the ground floor of the mansion. He will question if the place is defensible from another attack and perhaps we should prepare for a 'visit' tonight?

Tumbler listens to Ismark's dilemma and his face darkens. Vampire.. he mutters under his breath.

When Vorkath says that "we" will help them Tumbler snorts. Hold on ya dimwit! Don't be signing up anyone for something they ain't ready to deal with. He looks around at the group. This aint gonna be some walk in the park, we're talkin' about a vampire. That means all kind of undead. You know like monsters who aren't alive and want to make you not alive too.

He spits on the floor. If anyone wants out, now it the time to speak up. Its gonna get dark soon and the chance of getting outta here is slim already.

He looks at Ireena for a long moment and then at Ismark. For those of us that are staying, we have to get this place as secured as possible and then get ready for a long night.

So who is stayin' and who is goin?

Tibbius snickers.

"You know my methods. We will need to find good shelter for our steeds, ere my magic runs them wild with fear ... Though I've not studied the undead, are not vampires fearful of running water, werewolves, lightning, and holy symbols? ... Moreover, I have heard they must be invited to enter a dwelling; in case that is true, and this Strahd braves my warding spells, could the invitation be rescinded?"

Robert looks around for a moment, "You really need to ask? After all we've been through. It's obivous evil has taken route in this land, upsetting the natural balance of things. It needs to be dealt with. However, I am still....concerned....as to why we were given the letter and lead here. What worries me the most is it seems Strahd cares not for who knows that he is beyond a mere mortal. Perhaps he is powerful or, wishful thinking, perhaps he just thinks no one can challenge him."

Date: Nouluna 2, 1221
Time: 4:00 PM
Weather: Overcast
Moon: Waxing gibbous
Location: The Burgomaster's Home
**************************************

On hearing of Ismark's and Ireena's plight, Vorkath pledges your help. "So says the Sword of the True God," he declares.

Tumbler is not quite so eager to tangle with the undead. He spits on the floor, drawing surprised looks from Ismark and Ireena, who are not used to seeing their parlor rug treated like the stone floor of a dwarf cave. "If anyone wants out," says Tumbler, "now it the time to speak up."

No one speaks against taking on Strahd. But the mention of leaving prompts Ismark to speak.

"I am truly sorry, but leaving may not be possible. No one has left Borovia since Strahd took possession of Castle Ravenloft centuries ago. Every Borovian who has tried found himself choking as soon as he ventured past the town gates. Those who did not immediately return died. Only the gypsies are able to come and go freely; they are our only means of trade with the outside world. I fear that you are trapped here with us."

Tibbius mulls vampire weaknesses. "Are not vampires fearful of running water, werewolves, lightning, and holy symbols? Moreover, I have heard they must be invited to enter a dwelling."

"That last part seems to be true," answers Ismark. "But Strahd has twice entered our home nonetheless. He has ways to convince people to invite him into their homes. As for ways to defeat vampires, we know only rumors. Legends say a vampire can be killed by immersion in running water, by being exposed to direct sunlight, or from a stake in the heart if the vampire's head is then cut off and his mouth filled with holy wafers. But we do not know for sure if these legends are true, for no one has had the chance to test them on Strahd or his minions."

You being to talk of preparations. Ismark offers what he can.

"We have a guest house in town where you may stay as long as you need, if you so desire. I am, frankly, torn about whether you should stay here with us. Your protection would be welcome, but I also wonder if your presence wouldn't bring back the attacks on this home. As for your mounts, the town stables have been abandoned for longer than anyone can remember. You can leave your mounts there, if you wish. It would at least be shelter."

"I do have one other request. No one in this town has been brave enough to help bury my father. There is a church at the north edge of town. In the morning, would you be willing to assist me in carrying my father's body to the church cemetery for a proper burial?"

FYI: I've added a map of Borovia in the Images thread.

Status: Robert: 37/37, Iluq: 39/39, Vokarth: 40/40, Tibbius: 22/22, Randolph: 4/4, Tumbler: 39/39, Agrippo: 52/52

Iluq, Cleric

At the mention of a proper burial being needed, Iluq nods his head, "I will certainly help with your father's burial."

Vorkath / conversation

The Faith Hunter listens to Ismark's comments, then asks questions.

"We were lured here by the gypsies. I'd like to question those servants of Strahd, for they may provide helpful insights before we confront the vampyr," says Vorkath. He describes as best he can the gypsy who gave them the letter. "Do you know this person?"

"I would like to examine Ireena more closely, to judge if she is diseased or just weak from the blood-lettings," continues the paladin. "We should stay in your house unless our presence is proven to be hazardous."

"When we do seek out this Strahd, where can he be found?" questions the holy warrior.

"And another matter," adds Vorkath. "A few doors north of your guest house there was a home from which we heard a woman sobbing. We knocked on the door, and gave voice to help, but were ignored. Do you know who that was and why she was crying?"

Tumbler nods his head when the others voice their desire to stay. I just didn't want anyone to feel stuck if they wanted out is all.

When Ismark mentions that no one has been able to escape the area his face turns dark red. This gets better by the minute he mutters. At the mention of not being able to bury his father Tumbler pipes in I'll help you bury yer pa, Lad.

Tibbius strolls casually across the hallway to the room where the lich is laid out. His continually lighted staff considerably aids the candles. Gagging a bit at the odor, he carefully examines the features of the stiff. Looking for bite marks. And prepping for possible later casting of phantasmal force.

"So - was Strahd in some way fearful of your father? Did he feel your father owed him something? Two things puzzle me. First, that the vampire did not simply dispatch both you and your father, years past. Second, that your father having passed away, the vampire has not come again."

Date: Nouluna 2, 1221
Time: 4:10 PM
Weather: Overcast
Moon: Waxing gibbous
Location: The Burgomaster's Home
**************************************

Iluq and Tumbler readily agree to help Ismark bury the Burgomaster. Tibbius examines the corpse. The Burgomaster appears to have died of natural causes as Ismark said. There are no signs of bite marks.

You have many questions.

Tibbius finds it odd that the vampire would stop attacking after the Burgomaster's death. "Was Strahd in some way fearful of your father? Did he feel your father owed him something?" he wonders.

"I do not know why the attacks stopped, but I am glad of the reprieve," admits Ismark.

Ismark does not know the gypsy Vorkath describes. "There are many gypsies in the Svalich woods. I do not know them well. They have an encampment west of town, though I am not sure where."

"I would like to examine Ireena more closely," says Vorkath. Ireena raises an amused eyebrow. "You're litle old for me," she laughs, "but you are cute. Anyway, I'm not weak," she insists. "Or diseased. Just...a little drained."

"When we do seek out this Strahd, where can he be found?" questions the holy warrior.

"Strahd is master of Castle Ravenloft," answers Ismark. "The castle sits atop a natural pillar of rock against the cliffs to the north of the village. The southwest road out of town will take you there."

Finally, Vorkath asks about the house from which you heard sobbing. "That's Mad Mary's place," says Ismark. "She's been doing that for two days now, and no one knows why. She won't come to the door or even answer. We have refrained from forcing ourselves into her home, but that time may come."

You decide that it would be best to stay in the Burgomaster's house for the night.

Dusk is approaching. Some of your questions have been answered, but many more remain. The horses are still tied up outside the house. In the morning, you will help bury the Burgomaster. What, if anything, will you do before settling in for the night?

Status: Robert: 37/37, Iluq: 39/39, Vokarth: 40/40, Tibbius: 22/22, Randolph: 4/4, Tumbler: 39/39, Agrippo: 52/52