A New Barovia: Chapter Two

[VAN]

Adam looks at the blood and then the wounds at Delsenora's neck.

"The blood might have been from the attackers, we aren't sure that is her blood.But where are the bodies? I mean if Rizzin burnt then they should have been dead, except if they survived and fled. But in that case should be blood trail around if they haven't used magic of course. As about th poison, well maybe hat made Deslenora daze so she couldn't fight as well as she could and that's why she couldn't beat the attackers. "

Turning to Rizzin says:

"You have all my sympathy my friend both Jacob an Del were indeed great people that helped a lot not only me and my family but many others as well. They will be honoured and have all the rewards of heroes. I will make sure of that I promise. And of course since Delsenora wasn't bitten by a vampire I will not defile her body. She will be burried with her father and have a big ceremony after so everyone can pay their respects. Also I think I speak for all of us you are very welcome to come with us. Not a familiar but as a friend."

Turning to Melee says:

"I think the attackers wanted to decieve us and Militia so we don't dig much into it. Everyone knows that in Barovia exist vampires that are really hard to defeat. It's always scarier have to deal with an undead than to a common criminal or a werbadger. Plus they do know we are making an investigation about the man that killed the women and they want to make it appear that this has nothing to do with it. Of course this can be true and the murders aren't related but I don't think is coincedence Del got attacked while coming to help us after we started digging in the murders case...The attackers were meant to fight us after leaving Lemay's house and alas because we used the passage and they got Delsenora and Rizzin. So now we have more people after us, the werebadger, a woman and 3 others. And we are in town only 2 days!"

[Ail]

Robert clears his throat, before saying:


"I think it is not just that, Adam. There's something here that is strange. A woman and 3 men? With her in charge? I wonder... But what intrigues me is the bite marks. So, they want to make it look like a vampire. We are foreigners, but we have met Strahd already. And for all you've told us, I think he is the big piece here in Barovia and a fit for the toothy-trigger-happy.

Can they be misleading us towards him on purpose? And didn't Khalfani say he had been supposed dead-dead for a few years? Who has been in his place since then? Could they have some connection? If that's so, then this serves two purposes: to make us go against their enemy and to make us die for sure. At any rate, a double-attack and a clever plot: make your enemies fight among themselves, so both will become weaker for when you fight them."

[Ken of Ghastria]

Khalfani nods. "Your words have weight, Robert. We must consider what our enemies intended for us to find. Delsenora and Rizzin, dead. The mark of the vampire on Delsenora's throat. And now that I ponder this further, I must correct myself. It may not be what we were supposed to find, but what the militia was supposed to find. Remember that we had already been targeted for death, not once but twice on this city's streets! Rizzin helped disrupt the first attempt, and anyone who has been in this city -- particularly those in positions of authority --" Khalfani casts a furtive glance toward Dmitri "-- knows well who the pseudodragon's master and mistress are... were."

He gives his newfound companions a sad look before continuing. "They may have split their forces after that first attempt tonight. The werebadger stayed on our trail, while this mysterious woman and others used stealth and cunning to attack Delsenora, Jacob, and Rizzin. The woman was prepared with poison, and I agree, Adam, that it was used to surprise and weaken Delsenora. Or perhaps that was their plan all along. It matters not at this point. What does matter is how we respond.

"I believe it is time to return to the inn. And yes, Rizzin, you have a place with us, as Adam has said ... if you want it." He looks at Laurie and says, "We have much to discuss, good Lady Weathermay." He casts another glance at Delsenora's body.

__________________________________________________________

Tarlyn: Does Khalfani notice whether Delsenora's ring is still on the body? He suspects it's the item that Laurie took from her.

[VAN]

Adam nods at Robert and Khalfani's words.

"You might be right both and this is a well studied plan to weaken us and the Count Strahd. Robert, indeed the Count was supposed to be dead since recently and isn't difficult to just ask who was in charge here before he returns. But whoever was in charge for sure doesn't like to have Strahd back hence what Robert said sounds about right. Now before leaving I would like to scan the area and search for blood trail. As I said the 3 men were wounded and unless they were teleported away there should be their blood around. I wander if there is still a lingering magic aura around. Just give me a moment before leaving."

Adam concentrates and getting his holly symbol in hands prays in low voice.

OOC> Detect magic. Adam will stay 3 rounds if detects any magic so he can identify the school. He will scan the whole area to be sure.

[BigBadQDaddy]

Thomas, who had been lost in thoughts for a few minutes, perks his head up. In a quiet and suggestive tones out of earshot of the other militia men he says, "I do not think this is related to our case involving the were-badger, at least not on the surface. Though if the plot does involve the former Count then we could be dealing with something most impressive in scale and deed.
"On the off chance this is actually related to our case, and assuming the were-badger does indeed have access to militia records...then perhaps we should humor him. I say the official report should read that Delsenora was indeed attacked and killed by what appeared to be a vampire. If our friend the were-badger happens to look over the records he may get the idea that we are completely inept and that we have lost the trail." He looks at the others awaiting a response.
"He may lower his guard. Maybe get sloppy."

[VAN]

Always concentrated on his spell Adam says:

"That's a very good idea Thomas! May you look around for blood trail? If you need extra light I can cast a spell for that after finish checking for lingering magic aura."

[steveflam]

Adam's spell reveals nothing. Thinking about it, he realizes that the woman used a wand and did not cast a spell. Thomas does find drops of blood which lead out of the alley. They go on for a few hundred feet before stopping altogether. Returning to the alley, Laurie is ready to leave. Thomas finds a piece of something on the ground near where the blood drops stop. It is a piece of cloth with a symbol on it. It looks like, well, a skull with red eyes and fangs.

Back in the alley now, the Militia take over. Dmitri says a few words to you all. "Tank you for your help dis evenink. Ve haff it now. Go rest. If ve fint anyting else ve vill let you know, mein freunds." He turns back to his team and the scene. As you walk back with Laurie, she speaks in a very quiet tone as she holds something out in her hand, winking. "I decided to borrow Del's bag and another ring she had on her. I don't trust any militia with her belongings. We can look at her things at the Inn." She is carrying Rizzin in her arms and seems in a decent mood, given the circumstances.

No more incidents occur. Once you are in the Inn, Quorrin spies you and waves you over. He seems to have recognized Laurie for he nods to her and looks at you all. "Might I inquire, do you young masters and mistress' need anything?"

[VAN]

When sees the piece of cloth with the skull on it Adam says:

"Can I see it for a minute please?"

When Thomas hands him the cloth, Adam studies it but says nothing for now. When Dimitri asked them to leave he just nods and says:

"Very well Captain, just be careful because they might come back."

At Laurie's comment that took the items Adam smiles and says with a wink:

"That was really very clever! You can get a room to the inn we are staying to and there we can study everything."

At Quorrin Adam just replies:

"There was another attack Quorin so excuse us if we aren't in the best mood. Militia will cover your questions but I think we should better go to rest and talk tomorrow. Was a really long day for us."

Adam doesn't trust Quorin actually, he was the only one who knew that they were going to the bards and that's why prefers to give him less details possible.

Turning to the others says:

"Shall we?"

[Ail]

Robert nods, but first asks Quorrin for a drink. Hot-coffee this time, he wants to keep his wits for the morning.

[BigBadQDaddy]

Thomas asks for a tea, silently gesturing to Laurie to she if she would like one as well. He turns to the others and asks, "Where shall we reconvene?"

[steveflam]

Quorrin gets Robert a coffee and Thomas a tea. Laurie wishes no sustenance and declines. She speaks "Tomorrow early morning in my room. We reconvene then. Everyone get some rest this night. Tomorrow we can discuss and examine Delsenora's belongings amongst other topics." She nods to everyone and moves off into the Inn to find her room.

[VAN]

Adam puts gently his hand on Laurie's shounder in order to stop her.

"I don't want to be rude Mrs..."

Adam makes a small pause looking around, realizing that someone might listen he didn't say Laurie's name. He didn't want anyone to know that the famour Laurie Weathermay is in the inn. So he just continues in low voice:

"I know you are tired as the rest of us but we can talk now so I will know for what spells to pray tomorrow morning?"

[kintire]

Marilee takes a drink, looking thoughtful, and seats herself as soon as she finds out where everyone is going!

[steveflam]

Laurie looks at Adam. In a low voice she says "I understand your urgency to speak, but I am beat. I have not slept in forty eight hours. If you gentlemen and young lady wish to converse, that's fine by me. I will be more refreshed tomorrow morning in all honesty." Now that Adam has a closer look at her, he realizes she is not lying. She has circles under her eyes and looks in need of a good night's sleep.
She looks like she will not in any way take no for an answer. That, and she has Rizzin in her arms. "If you'll all excuse me," she yawns "I am hitting the sheets. Good Night."

She turns and walks away.

[Ail]

Robert looks at Laurie over his cup. He bites his lips and then says, turning to Adam.


"We can talk among ourselves though. I'm up to it if anyone wants, but I guess we won't have much more new ideas now. I'm stumped, and I guess you all are too. But at least, we could make an assessment of our new situation. A board, so to say."