Javenloft

[Rexleith]

I do have that skill, yes.

Before taking his leave, Boris looks to Kamose and says: "We would appreciate it if you could prepare the body of our kin, your "old friend", for his wake and funeral. We do not wish to touch the dead, even our own, and it is customary that we find a giorgio to take care of such matters..."

Ok, for him, I'l go. Is there anything specific that I may not know that needs to be done to prepare the body and respect your peoples' rituals? For example, do I need to undergo a cleansing ritual before I touch the body? Do I need to avoid using one of my hands when preparing the body? Might I need to perform a hand ward everytime I step away from the body or use artifical ingredients? Understand I'm not teasing you or being disrespectful in the least. I have fulfilled many different requests for many types of people. I'm curious and ignorant to much of your ways. He really did feel bad for Frinkelo, he had always been stern but fair, at least in Kamoses' mind.

[Nemesio]

Ok, for him, I'l go. Is there anything specific that I may not know that needs to be done to prepare the body and respect your peoples' rituals? For example, do I need to undergo a cleansing ritual before I touch the body? Do I need to avoid using one of my hands when preparing the body? Might I need to perform a hand ward everytime I step away from the body or use artifical ingredients? Understand I'm not teasing you or being disrespectful in the least. I have fulfilled many different requests for many types of people. I'm curious and ignorant to much of your ways.

Boris answers: "Yes... There are a few things... I must ask, did you, or any of your companions witness Frinkelo's death?" If so, his spirit may not rest. Out of shame, he would haunt those who watched him die. Dame Antonina may be able to lay his spirit to rest in such a case, but there is no guarantee... There is also the matter of Frinkelo's possessions... They must be gathered and burned. We must ask that you turn over his remaining wagons and other belongings to us... Your mistress, Baukis has already acquiesced."

[Rexleith]

Ok, for him, I'l go. Is there anything specific that I may not know that needs to be done to prepare the body and respect your peoples' rituals? For example, do I need to undergo a cleansing ritual before I touch the body? Do I need to avoid using one of my hands when preparing the body? Might I need to perform a hand ward everytime I step away from the body or use artifical ingredients? Understand I'm not teasing you or being disrespectful in the least. I have fulfilled many different requests for many types of people. I'm curious and ignorant to much of your ways.

Boris answers: "Yes... There are a few things... I must ask, did you, or any of your companions witness Frinkelo's death?" If so, his spirit may not rest. Out of shame, he would haunt those who watched him die. Dame Antonina may be able to lay his spirit to rest in such a case, but there is no guarantee... There is also the matter of Frinkelo's possessions... They must be gathered and burned. We must ask that you turn over his remaining wagons and other belongings to us... Your mistress, Baukis has already acquiesced."

I hadn't seen him die, only after he was already down. Someone else must have though. As far as his possessions are concerned, I understand and although I don't personally have any of his things on me, I will make sure we get his stuff for your people. Is there anything else, we need to know regarding the service or even just how to act amongst your people? This is time of mourning. Some people have rules regarding approaching others when mourning, even how or when we are allowed to see the body once its been presented. I just want to do the right thing by Frinkelo and don't want to offend your people.
Kamose is starting to think that perhaps he may want to see this Antonina after all. He finds a measure of peace when his mind turns to working at what he does best.

[Metaflux]

After making an effort to plant himself upright on both feet, Null walked passed Laura and Obergg across the wooden flooring of the porch. Lifting an arm to brace himself against the side, the archer walked over beside Felix, promptly sat himself down (or collapsed, whichever suits a man falling to earth), and looked up at the black horse before him once he had taken another swig of ale.

Confusion overwhelmed him for he was not sure who Felix was speaking to. The view of Null was that of a massive horse, but he could hear a man's voice coming from it. Such a magnificent beast this horse was, so Null was further amazed at the intelligence of such a creature. Obviously, there was something wrong here. How could a horse speak without moving its lips? The illogical truth he was seeing before his very eyes was confounding him, and yet, his mind tried desperately to make sense of it all.

Calling to the Mother for assistance in this matter, Null closed his eyes, and hummed. Images from his past swirled before his vision (or maybe it's just his imagination) until something of a wolf began to emerge. Shaking his head to clear it once more, Null made an effort to focus on the eyes of the four-headed beast before him, and was confounded, again. How did this...THING grow three more heads in a matter of seconds! Such a thing was unspeakable. Yet, it did not attack. It must be similar to that giant bird we fought...must be...

Speaking in the best equine accent he could, Null whispered to the horse, "What manner of beat be ye?", then, promptly drank the rest of his ale.

[Ryan Naylor]

"I think perhaps it might be best if we see this 'Dame Antonina' soon," said Laura, helping Grim pull Null back into a sitting position. "And also if we made some coffee."

[Grimquest]

Grim had been preserving and packaging the trophies he had taken from the three headed rook with the help of Kamose and his mortician abilities Seeing Nulls overindulgence get the better of him brings a smile to his face. Happy memories of his Gram flood in and he happily walks over to assist his new friend. Grim nods to the man on the horse and says "sorry for your loss Frink was a good man. I look forward to meeting his kin". As Grim picks Null up with the assistance of Laura he shyly smiles at her looking embarrassed for no reason imparticular then he says to Null "no worries friend I talk to my animals even without indulging in the Brew and me Grams got a sure fire sober upper......not always super pleasant, a lil messy, and it does take some time but its effective......so what did the horse sat anyway?

[Nemesio]

CLAIMED BY DARKON
CHAPTER FIVE: A DISH BEST SERVED COLDLY (PART ONE: THE ELENDIGHEDMARK) Continued...

Nova Vaasa, Mid-Spring of 730 BC

The Equaar Camp, 9:50 PM

To All

Boris finally takes his leave, giving you all time to collect yourselves before venturing off...

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The Equaar camp is little more than a collection of tents and unfettered beasts… The tents are set up in three concentric rings, with the Raunie’s at the center. Horses and beasts of burden roam free, as if they are trusted not to stray far… The Equaar themselves, who might easily be mistaken for simple wranglers or ranch hands by the uninitiated, stand and stare as you pass them on your way to meet Dame Antonina… Spotting you, Boris approaches, this time on foot. He greets you, saying:"WELCOME, FRIENDS OF FRINKELO!"

[Metaflux]

Held together by the concrete frame of Grim and the comforting while noticeably shorter frame of Laura, Null felt like he was literally between a rock and a soft place. Somewhere in between the bearish man and the kind madame, he couldn't help but be in awe at the contrasts of their capabilities. Laura was obviously attractive, and Grim was more manly than any man Null could ever man up to. Although, Null had never manned up to anyone, so, Grim, he figured, was just an axe wielding man with a passion for making dreams reality.

Still, the company and support of such fellow companions was pleasing to him, and that made the world all that more comforting. Though, something kept trying to grab his attention. Somewhere, in the back of his head, a thought kept wailing like an irritant mosquito that just so happens to prick the spot between your shoulder blades while your back is exposed. So profound was the annoyance, that Null shook his head vigorously, and then lost himself in the dizziness. Giving up on reorienting himself, Null let the world stop swirling when it wished to, which, thankfully wasn't too long.

Then, out of no where, a sound bellowed through his eardrums, and reverberated through his skull to the liking of a boy throwing endless balls of rock at a wall. A form walked towards the group, and looking at Grim, Null figured he was safe what with the before mentioned axe upon his companions back, but that loud noise coming from the impending approacher was rather disconcerting. Learning his head lazily towards Laura, Null uttered weakly, "Madame Beau, why is there a brown peacock approaching us?"

[Nemesio]

CLAIMED BY DARKON
CHAPTER FIVE: A DISH BEST SERVED COLDLY (PART ONE: THE ELENDIGHEDMARK) Continued...

Nova Vaasa, Mid-Spring of 730 BC

The Equaar Camp, 9:55 PM

To All

At the center of camp, Dame Antonina's large tent stands out from among the others. Although her abode is kept in total darkness, the moon is bright enough to illuminate its entrance. As you cautiously step within, you see a shape on the ground... Conveniently, Millicent brought a candle with her, which she lights... Upon closer examination, you realize that the shape is the arrow riddled corpse of Frinkelo, covered with a thick blanket... Still as a statue, seated on the ground behind the corpse, is a stunning middle aged woman with sightless white eyes. Dame Antonina nods and motions you forward, saying: "Enter travelers... It is good that you have come."

[Zilfer]

Felix upon entering the camp felt the hairs on his neck stand up. He was silent and observing, though he had his journal out in his hand and was making notes of all he saw, this was a rare chance to glimpse into the world of Vistani. Thus far none had very much documentation on the Vistani as a people other than that they were a wandering people and what was written about them was veiled in superstition. He read accounts that just writing about them could impose curses upon you or that the text would magically vanish the next day. Such outlandish tales, Felix had written off as young writers or scholars trying to make a name or gain a bit of fame for trying to write about the Vistani. Some of the inconsistencies were so noticeable to be blatent but was held in high regard amongst some circles. 'Well maybe I'll write a small paper about this encounter, should be more informative of anything else they've got in the Il Aluk library,' thought Felix as he scribbled notes.

'A Vistani Encounter'

I have gained access to a Vistani camp via invitation to meet with Dame Antonina. We had traveled with a half Vistani from their tribe and they specifically asked for our assistance. Supposedly our patron, Sir Hiregaard had been told that we would defeat a three headed rook by this Dame Antonina. Conviently told to us after we had defeated it of course, though prophets, seers, and the like have oft been under question on whether they truly can see into the future or if it is a fascade.

Frinkelo who had died on the road from our travel from Darkon to Nova Vassa appears to be the subject as to why we were summoned to the Vistani, though it is still questionable of what exactly their motive for summoning us was.

Walking through the camp, it is clear their vardo's are meant to be mobile, and they don't have any signs of settling equipment. There are adults male and female along with children. I wonder the effect of constant travel on them, and their relations with outsiders considering their.... mobility.

They've set up tents and vardo's in three intertwining circles, and whether this is normal setup or just for this occassion I cannot say having been the first time I have observed these Vistani. They appear to be dressed unusual by Darkon and Vassa standards, though perhaps they hail from a homeland far away or perhaps that's how they stand out and recognize one another. I'm sure being easily recognized with how fearful most are of the Vistani may be just a defense mechnism. For how some people paint them to be they appear polite and kind, I cannot see how someone reasonable would be cursed by these people.

As far as magic's I've seen no sign of sigils or arcane marks since traveling or meeting with them. Necklaces and ring bracelets show no deity worship that I can pinpoint, though this doesn't indicate whether they are Atheist or are very private about their religion. Perhaps the Dame is the closest thing to a god that they have. Wouldn't be far off from earlier reports and observations made throughout the core. Almost all Vistani have a female leader who can tell the future, though how any Vistani falls an ill fate is a wonder to me if that is true.

No magic.... yet I can't help but feel there is something at work here. Something beyond perception that I cannot grasp. I've thrown out detection spells to determine if any magical aura's are in the area but I can find none.... And yet.... I can't shake the feeling that.... Something is different. We are about to meet the Dame Antonina, after which I will conclude my findings, as well as any thoughts I may have from this encounter for future researchers.

-Felix Alnaethor
Former Student of Il Aluk Academy
Scholar of the 'Secret Arts'


Felix closed his book and pryed his eyes from absorbing all that he could... what he wouldn't give to spend some time to talk to these Vistani people about their culture, customs, and daily life. Such input could prove invaluable, though he suspected it would remain a mystery to him for a long time, as well as the mystery of his elven blade. He was only sixty five years old... and there was plenty of time to go looking for research papers should he decide to persue that line of work. With his study partner and mentor Dimmer gone however.... perhaps he wouldn't persue that career....

Entering in with everyone else he glanced and locked his gaze on the body. Even before the light from Millicent's candle lit up the tent his lowlight vision could keenly see what was the body of Frinkelo. Almost instantly he could feel the whispers in the back of his head creeping back in. This time he could tell it was the voice of the barghest. It's goblinoid face contorting in a wicked form of a grin in his mind's eye.

"He signed up to escort a bunch of convicts to Nova Vassa, and look where he ended up. Of all the ones who SHOULD be dead, he is dead in their place," it chortled.

Felix knowing better than to respond to it outloud while everyone was present, he was sure that these were just mechinations of his mind now, things he had invented to protect his mind. As morbid as it sounded he had become obsessed with death, and anything relating to the subject he had noticed triggered these events. He would fight the impulse to indulge in these delusions. He just had to accept the facts of life. People come and people go, it's not under anyone's control, at least not a hundred precent of the time. He was not responcible for another life.

The muscles taunt in his neck, he stiffly lifted his eyes from Frinkelo, remembering vividly him and Dimmer talking about something while on the trail. These images and nightmares would haunt him for years to come he knew, but as with all memories they fade in time... he just needed to give them time.

"Dame Antionina I presume?" said Felix entering into the tent. That feeling he had noted earlier was the strongest he had ever felt in this tent. Perhaps the source of his unease. "I am Felix Alnaethor, though I guess you already knew that. I'd like to inquire as to what you needed our help with? I'm afraid unless it's related to the arcane I will be of little use to you."

[Rexleith]

Just after Felix speaks, Kamose asks Should I get started preparing Frinkelo's body before you give my friends their reading? I'd like to get started right away if I could Kamose looks away after he speaks, having met her eyes for only a moment. He felt uneasy about being here and at the same time, he didn't want to be rude.

[Nemesio]

"Dame Antionina I presume?" said Felix entering into the tent. That feeling he had noted earlier was the strongest he had ever felt in this tent. Perhaps the source of his unease. "I am Felix Alnaethor, though I guess you already knew that. I'd like to inquire as to what you needed our help with? I'm afraid unless it's related to the arcane I will be of little use to you."

Dame Antonina nods her head in acknowledgement, then asks: "Felix Alnaethor, son of Faelwen and Ilairam, please come closer so that I may have a look at you..."

[Nemesio]

Just after Felix speaks, Kamose asks Should I get started preparing Frinkelo's body before you give my friends their reading? I'd like to get started right away if I could Kamose looks away after he speaks, having met her eyes for only a moment. He felt uneasy about being here and at the same time, he didn't want to be rude.

At Kamose's mention of Frinkelo, Dame Antonina shakes her head, and answers: "No Kamose. Do not worry about my brother. He rests peacefully, for now... I have been anxiously awaiting this meeting for some time. We mustn't delay. Darkness permeates these misted lands we call home, and the abomination you vanquished was a portent of yet darker times to come... You can attend to Frinkelo after I have finished with you..."

[Zilfer]

"Dame Antionina I presume?" said Felix entering into the tent. That feeling he had noted earlier was the strongest he had ever felt in this tent. Perhaps the source of his unease. "I am Felix Alnaethor, though I guess you already knew that. I'd like to inquire as to what you needed our help with? I'm afraid unless it's related to the arcane I will be of little use to you."

Dame Antonina nods her head in acknowledgement, then asks: "Felix Alnaethor, son of Faelwen and Ilairam, please come closer so that I may have a look at you..."

Felix doesn't hesitate stepping forward. "Appearances can be deceiving as I'm sure your well aware," said Felix looking over Antonina, and he was already fairly sure despite her eyes that she wasn't blind. A disguise spell or just a type of natural occurring phenomenon amongst the Vistani people? He would have to think on it later. I'm afraid, if you knew my parents I am a far ways from home."

Looking over to Kamose and shrugging he wondered at her comment to Kamose. "What is this darkness of which you speak?"

[Rexleith]

Just after Felix speaks, Kamose asks Should I get started preparing Frinkelo's body before you give my friends their reading? I'd like to get started right away if I could Kamose looks away after he speaks, having met her eyes for only a moment. He felt uneasy about being here and at the same time, he didn't want to be rude.

At Kamose's mention of Frinkelo, Dame Antonina shakes her head, and answers: "No Kamose. Do not worry about my brother. He rests peacefully, for now... I have been anxiously awaiting this meeting for some time. We mustn't delay. Darkness permeates these misted lands we call home, and the abomination you vanquished was a portent of yet darker times to come... You can attend to Frinkelo after I have finished with you..."

Please start with Felix, he seems eager to get started. Kamoses' is a bit shocked to learn that Frinkelo's sister is the "seer" before him. He tries to remain skeptical, reasoning out that the Vistani could have learned of the creature they fought from anyone on the farm. He can't help but get a feeling of something like a kindred spirit from her. He isn't used to this feeling and shrinks toward the back of the group. He needs a moment to think. He bends at the knees and closes his eyes, taking a breathe. He has always been alone with his burden. Could he dare to hope that this Vistani woman truly understands??

He slowly opens his eyes, straightening up again and looking at his group of friends. What does this mean for us?, he thinks.