Vargo stood leaning against the wall in a nearby corner listening to the conversation. He couldn't place the mans accent or his clothing. Where ever this Barovia was it was somewhat different than anywhere he had visited.

As Ivan related his story of events Vargo's only reaction to Ivan's apparent sacrifice of his so called brother Igor was a slight raising of one eyebrow.

Findabair listens with interest, but something in the story seems off to her, like a joke she overheard in a pub once. She tries to determine if Ivan is telling the truth or not by studying his facial expressions and gestures.


15:16, Today: Findabair rolled 20 using 1d20+5.  Insight check.

[Private to Findabair: As odd as he and his story are, Ivan does not appear deceptive.]

"As I am saying, I pushed my brother to distract whatever chasing us. No need to worry. I am parents' favorite anyway. There's nine of us, they won't miss one. As I'm running deeper in to mists, is harder to see.

"Mists finally thin and I think I'm free. Then I realize I'm no longer in Svalich woods. I stumble around trying to find way. I see fire ahead and think is campsite. I find merchants willing to help. As I'm telling them story, I hear howl again. Then, from woods, werewolf attack!

"I grab old lady and shove her to the creature and take off running! And now here I am," he says with a rather pleased with himself smile.

"So how many werewolves did you see?"

"One, for sure. I mean, is not like I stayed to count."

Val nods, "What did it look like?"

"It...it look like werewolf," Ivan says, obviously confused.

"Big. Hairy. Fangs. Claws."

"So a bear?"

"What? No! Ivan know what bear look like," he exclaims, seemingly insulted. "Werewolf big as bear, yes, but not have bear head. Werewolf have wolf head!"

"So like an owlbear but with a wolf head?"

"Owlbear!? Now you just making things up!"

"Making things up? I think that's you my friend." he replies with a grin.

"Then have balls to call me a liar to my face," Ivan says with indignation.

He then turns his attention to the chief. "Are we done here? Can I go now?"

"If they're done, they can go," Quinala responds. "You, however, now have some crimes to answer for."

Ivan looks shocked and starts stuttering.

When Ivan calls Val out he will reply with a shrug, "Liar."

"Not quite yet," Barry replies to the chief. He turns to the Outlander. "You said you come from Barovia? Tell us more. Where is it? Who is your leader?"

Ivan begins speaking in a language completely alien to you all, then spits on the floor at Valentino's feet before sitting and crossing his arms.

Findabair stands and puts a hand on Valentino's shoulder. "His tale is strange, I grant you. But I do not think he is lying consciously. The truth may be different from what he reports, but he is sincere."


To Ivan, she smiles. "I apologize for my companion. Your tale is strange, and the land of... Barovina?...is unknown to us. And apparently a common beast like the owlbear is unknown to you. I think we will do better if we listen carefully to each other rather than trying to accuse one another of telling tall tales."



23:14, Today: Findabair rolled 22 using 1d20+2.  Persuasion check.

Val relaxes his shoulders and nods, "Wise as ever Findabair."

He looks to Ivan and gives a weak smile, "I apologize."

"Some apology," Ivan says as he rolls his eyes. He mulls things over for a moment then relaxes as he resigns himself to a course of action.

"Barovia is name of land that is valley between the mountains Baratok and Ghakis. Barovia is also name of village found in Barovia. Can be quite confusing at times. Our leader is Count Strahd. He was once a great man who now is lost to his own dispair."

Edit to add: The names of these locations are completely unknown to everyone.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:27, Wed 20 Feb 2019.

"I have never heard of any of these places," Val turns to the others, "have any of you?"

"No," Barry replies. He asks a few more questions attempting to gain an understanding at least of the general direction.

Once everyone seems to have their questions satisfied, Barry addresses the group. "Well, we should leave this man to... rest." He glances at the agitated chief.

Once the group is on its way, Barry examines the given longsword with curiosity.

Any chance the sword has the finesse property? Otherwise, I won't be able to make very good use of it. Anyone else want it?"

In reply to Barry Coppersmith (msg # 50):

Sorry, no. Just a standard longsword that's been silvered.

"Yes, we should go. A title and land is as good a reason as any. I fancy that we can take down a werewolf or two, the silver sword and arrows will certainly help."

---

Finesse would work better for me too with my 10 Strength, probably a pass on the silver sword for Val unless no-one else has a use for it.

"I'm intrigued by this talk of a mystery land, but for now, you all are correct. Let's deal with the werewolf threat first, and investigate the tall tale, if it is a tall tale, more later."

OOC: Definitely no longswords for me. I have a shillelagh for melee.

Vargo had let the others question the man and decide a course of action. Being a foreigner to this land the name Barovia had meant nothing to him.

"A hunt for werewolves then. Sounds both interesting and terrifying."