After a couple stories about Waterdeep or whatever the eff, the half-elf bard(?) wraps up and dismisses the, "If you'll excuse me, I have a meeting," and he nods to your party, minus Sen who is talking to Danika.

He is seated at a 6 seater rectangular table which is in sort of a cove as the wall is built out in one section of the south side of the inn (I didn't describe that well, it doesn't matter, there is a measure of privacy).

"Hello, my name is Rictavio. What can you do for you?"

In reply to The Mists (msg # 526):

Ritin laughs: "I'm not sure, but everyone seems to think that you are we are alike, so we were interested to say hello. My grumpy friend over yonder (points at Sen) would probably object to being so forthright, but, well, we followed some Vistani here thinking we'd have a little light adventure..."

Here Imondo breaks in: "We were warned."

And Ritin continues: "Well, we thought we were up to whatever might come our way, but now we're here and everyone seems very....uninspired....to have adventurers in their midst. Near as I can tell, people are most excited to have a new source of coin to price gouge. We just escorted these two here on a very uneventful trip..."

Imondo raises his eyebrows in mild objection, there, but says nothing

"...and are wondering what we've gotten ourselves into and, probably more important, how we can get ourselves out. What we've seen....and heard....so far has been troubling."

In a moment of near vulnerability, Ritin gets out a terse "It isn't like the books," drawing a nod from Edwin and a sympathetic look from Imondo.

In reply to SIRE (msg # 527):

Sen starts out with a: "You may be wondering what brought us here..." kind of a spiel, a little too loud--trying to be heard by the eavesdropper. He wants to filibuster away from actually saying anything while he stands, moves to the door, and opens it to look disapprovingly at the eavesdropper.

Rather than fly off the handle, Sen says: "You can hear better without a door in the way, and you can ask questions if you aren't hiding."

Danika rolls her eyes, "That's just my husband, Urwin. Just healthy suspicion."

Urwin comes out, "Suspicion, curiosity, I have a right to know who's in my inn and who is speaking to my wife. So. You don't deny you are adventurers, if you are up for a task we might have an errand for you, if you are up for it. Thing is, any travel can be dangerous. Sometimes it's uneventful, which itself leaves some folk with some worry. Implies Strahd's favor, so they say. Anyway, we normally have regular shipments of wine from the vineyard, but this last one was late.  Free room and board at our inn if you go and bring us our shipment."
---
Rictavio says, "Get out? Well, who knows what's possible? I'm not sure that's in the cards, though. The vistani enter and leave as they please, or as he pleases, is better said. Maybe if you made a deal with Strahd or were an ally. The game here is seeing how long you can survive, and those who try to get out tend to die faster.

"Who are these two you escorted here? Uneventful is good. Events here almost always involve blood. Even these festivals, ha! What with the severed wolf heads. Seems like an unnecessary provocation to Strahd. The Borgomaster believes if he can make everyone in this village happy, that it will be saved from this plane and be, I don't know, whisked away to heaven or something. Maybe he's right. Who am I to say."

Imondo senses a little ire toward the vistani from Rictavio, and gets the sense that Rictavio is trying to feel you out. Ritin picks up on an underlying sadness from Rictavio.

In reply to The Mists (msg # 529):

Sen motions to a stool for Urwin to sit down and says: "Your wife is a lovely woman, but I have sworn an oath to never re-marry. My wife passed some years ago. That said, believing your wife will attract the attention of troublesome men is prudent--and I'll help keep the one I brought with me in check." Sen gestures to wherever Ritin is with his thumb in a dismissive way, and follows it up with: "He's a shameless flirt, but a romantic one. He won't attempt anything with a married woman." Looking over his shoulder, he also (with some genuine fondness) says: "Do not tell him I said so, but he has the capacity for greatness. They all do."

Sen breaks from his reverie and says to Urwin: "Tell me more about the job, and the pay. Free room and board indefinitely for bringing a single shipment of wine seems too good to be true, so I must have misunderstood something."

-------

Ritin lets the siblings introduce themselves and say their piece.

Edwin is distracted but then, with a delayed reaction, appears to need to say something urgently. Waiting for a break in the conversation, Edwin says: "When you said "in the cards"--does that mean you are a gambler, or a tarot reader? The vistani who brought us here read us our fortune before we entered these lands--I have never put much stock in such things, as they seem to be parlor tricks."

Imondo nods, leans forward, and quietly says: "The one who read our fortune knew she was doing ill and attempted to dissuade her male companion, but there was some insistence that we be read in. I believe we eagerly took bait....and I am both embarrassed and....perturbed." Here he dips his finger in a drink (or whatever) and draws a little raven head on the table, next to an ear, so Ricktavio can see. He then smears the liquid to erase the traces of the drawing.

We would share the details of our tarot reading in private and with some kind of assurance that Ricktavio is on the up and up.

"Oh, I do hope of good and great things for you as well! One month free room and board, and if you are still around after that, maybe we will find you another way to earn your keep. How does that sound?

"But I will warn you, normally when something is wrong around here, it is because of something bad. I do not know but that our family winery has not sent the shipment. I am very interested in knowing why, and, truth be told, our stores are nearly depleted. If you bring the shipment, we can go on profiting, and you will have a safe place to stay."

---

Rictavio listens to what you have to say. Passive insight 14+ notices that when you mention the vistani a very brief, but intense sharpness in the eyes.

"Maybe that is where the saying comes from, never thought of it beyond gambling. The vistani do have strange powers and that's fact. I would not trust anything good from the vistani unless in was accompanied by grief.

"But you are right to doubt such fancies. They may be able to read fortunes, but that doesn't mean that your fortune is anything beyond a lighter purse. Maybe they were just bilking you." His eyes look doubtful.

When you draw the raven and ear, his eyes flash upward, maybe he noticed the ravens perching on the inn as well, then he nods. "Have you ever seen a tiger? I have one as part of my traveling carnival. Gonna have to charge you a couple silver to see him," he winks, "Maybe after your meals and a minute to rest? It's not far."

About this time, Ireena and Ismark remind you of their existence, Ismark approaches and says, "My sister and I have taken our meal, and will retire to our room to finish our wine. We wish to visit the abbey tomorrow to see about a greater measure of refuge." Imondo notices an affronted sniff from Danika at the unintended slight. Ireena is already at the door to the inn. Their room is only accessible by an outside flight of stairs.

In reply to The Mists (msg # 531):

Going to try and fast-forward the Urwin bits: We're down to do the run, but we're going to try and consolidate as much business as we can into the trip. Sen proposes to Urwin that the part be allowed to hang a sign saying that we're making the trip and accepting other trucking/escort duties on a case-by-case, client-by-client basis. It would also be a help if they could get the word out among locals. If asked about secrecy, Sen will shrug and say: "Unless you can think of a way to hide from the land itself, failing three missions in one trip seems a lower-risk plan than three trips, any one of which might fail. Those of you looking to charter our services will have to become comfortable that your fates, and ours, are intertwined for at least the duration of this venture."

-----

Ritin, excited, says: "A tiger?! No -- I would love to see one."
Imondo: "Ritin will buy our tickets."
Edwin: Writes "You will have a monkey" on a scrap of paper, folds it in half, and says -- "This is a prediction, of sorts, of other things we will find in your carnival. If it comes true, will you consider refunding the ticket price? You can, of course, hang on to the paper to ensure no shenanigans."
Ritin sneaks a peek at the paper, which Edwin shows him, looks confused, then smiles and nods: "It's a good and fair bet, but I think you will lose, so we can make it 2-to-1 in your favor, if you like. What's life without a little gambling, after all?"

Imondo: "Let's attend to the carnival before we get settled -- I hate putting my boots back on once they have come off, and Sen is still doing whatever he's up to at the bar."

Ritin nods and, if Rictavio is amenable, we wait. When Ireena and Ismark begin to make motions to leave, Ritin and Edwin wish them a peaceful evening, but Imondo holds up a hand: "Resting apart from us is against my better judgment, but your privacy is your own. Splitting a night into two shifts is more tiring than splitting a night into six or, more prudently, 3 pairs of watchers. If the abbey is your destination, and is able to offer a greater degree of protection, then my preference is to remain together until we see you safely to your sanctuary--even if that means taking you there, now. Your life is your own, and we are strangers here, but I believe that's what he," motioning to Sen "would say. And I agree in this case."

Urwin nods and says, "That is reasonable, but I beg you not to tarry. I can't see why anyone would have work out that way. There are two hunters which frequent this inn, who would know the most about the lands 'round about here. Szoldar Szoldarovich and Yevgeni Krushkin. They wouldn't take me up on my offer as they have no need rooms, and they themselves sell food to this inn, wolf meat, by the way. If you would like wolf steak that is a cost above normal boarding. Anyway, there is a chance they know of rumors around the area and though they would be better characterized as competition for taking coin for errands in the area, they may yet be of help to you. They offer to serve as guides for 5gp a day, but they will not be found outside the town gates after dark for any price."



Rictavio says, "You're on! I won't peak until we get there. Who knows but I don't have unseen helpers that can meddle for me, eh?"



Ismark says, "We will take our rest here, but we appreciate your concern. The outer door to the corridor with our room is lockable, as in our room. We live our life in trade-offs, and tonight we prefer privacy and comfort. Once my sister is settled-in at the abbey and I am satisfied with her safety, I will keep my word and accompany you on your way."

******

Conversation breaks off with Danika and Urwin, if you have any additional questions, I will add it in post.

Sen joins his friends and they finish a quick meal while Rictavio goes to the kitchen and returns holding a couple apples and something bundled in a greasy handkerchief.

You make your way to N5 on the map.

"I will admit, it was not strictly subterfuge, but I just wanted to have an excuse to leave the inn so we an talk. Also, I was a bit hasty to admit to the tiger. It is not widely known, I have not actually obtained permission to have the animal in town. I am not used to that being an issue, but I have come to find that the Burgomaster is a bit of an authoritarian. If he deems the thing unsettling, he will have us thrown out. Speaking with you took my mind out of these lands. In any case, I do not think you will win the bet. My traveling carnival is not what it once was. So, if you are willing, we will amend the deal. If I win, we will trade certain information and I ask only that you do not divulge the nature of my inquiries. If you win, well, I don't think you'll win. Well, let's just see..." Rictavio unfolds the paper. Stops. And says, "Son of a bitch."

Rictavio looks at Edwin, "You lose. Technically. Your guess is a month late. What a guess. I knew you'd lose because my carnival consists of the tiger and the horse that pulls the wagon and I was putting you on, a bit, I suppose," he pauses, "you must have spoken to someone. Did the toymaker tell you he got Piccolo from me? No, then you would know I no longer have it. You must have heard something then. Has someone from beyond these walls spoken of me? You only just arrived."

About this time you arrive at a large stockyard which has several locked sheds along its periphery and lies adjacent to a roomy warehouse. A wooden sign above the front gate reads “Arasek Stockyard.”

Parked at the south end of the stockyard is a sturdy carnival wagon, its colorful paint peeling off. Faded lettering on its sides spells out the words “Rictavio’s Carnival of Wonders.” A heavy padlock secures the back door. Looks closely, high perception character see the wagon lurch slightly to one side.
This message was last edited by the GM at 06:48, Wed 27 Apr 2022.

In reply to The Mists (msg # 533):



Sen thanks Urwin for the information, says that he is inclined to take the job, but needs to check with the others before confirming. In any event, Sen asks the innkeepers to let Szoldar and Yevgeni know that there is a free drink for them if they are willing to tell us about navigating the wilderness and its dangers. We are interested in hiring them too, yes.



Ritin wishes them well, and Imondo reminds them to barricade the windows, too. Imondo would be interested in standing guard with a view of both the stairs and any external windows, if that is viable. He would not announce this intent to Ismark or Ireena, as he would not want to offend them.



Ritin wonders aloud how a city official would remove a party of adventurers, and poses the question about whether there is real muscle in the town and who it is.



Imondo says: "We should discuss these matters in private. There is much to say."
Sen nods agreement and says: "Sharing information seems prudent."
Edwin says: "Besides, we've just inadvertently gotten you to share some information that we didn't have--so we're in your debt, even though you were toying with us."
Ritin says: "As long as there's actually a tiger."



Imondo and Sen point out the wagon lurch to warn Ricktavio in the event that the lurch is a bad sign, though it is probably the tiger.

When we are in a space that Ricktavio confirms is safe, Ritin begins to tell the tale of how we came to be here. Sen prevents the specific details of the fortune from coming forward, but Edwin offers that the fortune included discussion of a monkey--and it only made sense to bet the silver, given the mention of the tiger. If holding back the information is a problem, Ritin will take the lead.

----------

Going to make a list of questions that I need to track:

- What happened a month ago?
- Is Piccolo the monkey?
- Why was the toy maker interested in Piccolo?
- Which toy maker, and where?
- Was the fortune "current" (i.e. the toy maker will help) or stale (i.e. Ricktavio is the man with the monkey, though he has the monkey no more)
- Why was Ricktavio willing to part with Piccolo?

Rictavio takes you near the wagon, assuring you it is safe and that it is safe to talk. You notice a couple town guards outside of earshot in the stockyard, clearly keeping an eye on the wagon. High insight characters surmise that they are on Rictovio's payroll.

Going to make a list of questions that I need to track:

- What happened a month ago?
"I gave my monkey to the Toy Maker, Blinsky."

- Is Piccolo the monkey?
"Yes"

- Why was the toy maker interested in Piccolo?
"Who wouldn't be?"

- Which toy maker, and where?
"Blinsky, in this town."

- Was the fortune "current" (i.e. the toy maker will help) or stale (i.e. Ricktavio is the man with the monkey, though he has the monkey no more)
Technically, this is like your second day in Barovia. This is something you will have to figure out.

- Why was Ricktavio willing to part with Piccolo?
"Because Danika wouldn't let me keep it in my room at the inn."

"Talk of a monkey in the fortune. I do not know how dark forces work, or if it is simply that the Vistani which knew one of us had a monkey." He chuckles, "How silly. Anyway, I understand wanting to be dodgy about it, but what was the nature of the fortune involving Piccolo, was it good or bad?."

"There is a tiger, you can peek at it from a hole on top of the wagon, if you would like, you can toss it dinner." He offers the greasy handkerchief with a wolf steak in it.

In reply to The Mists (msg # 535):

After a moment of awkwardness where Ritin tries to tell the tale and Sen is shutting him down, Imondo raises his hand and says: "The vistani woman actually said that a man with a monkey would be of some aid to us. We had not divulged any information about our purpose for coming here at the time."

Edwin says: "I'm not sure that we know what our purpose is here, even now, given what we've seen and learned so far. I...thought I wanted to be a hero...but they leave a lot out of the stories."

As Edwin speaks, Ritin seems to collapse into himself somewhat. He thinks of the voice he heard when they sacrificed the heart on the altar, and his brave facade slips for a moment.

In the awkward silence that follows, Sen speaks up: "I still know why I am here. To bring an end to Strahd or die trying."

Rictavio looks hard at Sen and intones, “Evil cannot go unchallenged.”

When he says this, both Edwin and Sen know who he is.

He continues "If that is your purpose, we are aligned. Blinsky is a fool. A kindhearted fool, but a fool. You have confided something to me, so I will continue the gamble and confide in you. My name is not Rictavio, and I am not a bard, or even much of an entertainer. I am a vampire hunter named Rudolph van Richten and monkey or not, I'm your man."

When he introduces himself, everyone knows who he is. He is basically Van Helsing. Being a legendary figure, you have heard somewhat conflicting accounts of his exploits. But he is a physician and a divine spellcaster. He began monster hunting at a young age is particularly knowledgeable about vampires. It's up to you what stories you have heard of him, but any book about vampires he wrote it, or is referenced as source material. Any story about vampire hunting can be traced back to his exploits.

---

Spoiler text: (Highlight or hover over the text to view)
Peak behind the curtain
There are 21 possible cards you could have drawn as an ally card. One is 'no ally' and one is a CR 12 spellcaster. I guess a couple of them have A/B options, so, maybe a couple more than 20 options. Though Van Richten is only CR 5, he is typically rated by random internet idiots as Tier A or even Tier S. I don't really see it for S considering a CR 6 and two CR 8 options exist, but whatever. Many are CR 0 to 3.

Aside from their own abilities in their stat block, this NPC, whoever it ends up being, gains the following additional action:

Inspire. While within sight of Strahd, this character grants inspiration to one player character he or she can see.

If Rudolph van Richten sounds familiar, WOTC came out with Van Richten's Guide to Ravenloft.

---

In reply to The Mists (msg # 537):

Ritin and Edwin are star struck.
Sen reaches into his belt, takes a pinch of ash, and wipes a gray smudge under each eye -- It is obviously war paint.
Imondo shows no outward emotion.

Edwin and Ritin quickly recount the whole fortune to van Richten while Sen and Imondo both listen to ensure accuracy. The party also debriefs van Richten on the events of their time in Barovia, to date, including the following:

- The names of the vistani who brought us here
- The experience with Death House and what we discovered there, with specific mention of:
    - The kids and the cult
    - The deed to the windmill (maybe the windmill doesn't belong to Strahd, in a legal sense)
    - The sacrifice and what Ritin heard
- The reason for Ireena's flight, as well as their plans
    - The attacks on their home that came to an end recently
- What we have heard, thus far, about Crazy Mary
    - We show the doll
    - Imondo tells, for the first time, that he saw the vision of himself hanging with the doll on his belt
- That we have a map of Ravenloft
- That we aren't very seasoned
- That Edwin died and appears to have developed a strange power. Details about the Amber Temple included.

From there, we want to know about:
- Vampires. All about vampires.
- Whether Strahd know all that happens, or some of what happens
- Whether others in Barovia know who he is
- Whether he believes Strahd knows who he is and that he is there

Van Richten no longer hides his disgust and spits when you mention the vistani. "I don't not know them in particular. They call themselves 'travelers' and 'peddlers' but they are flesh traders. New meat to sate their dark lord's unsateable lust for blood." (editorializing->) The vehemenece is likely to take Imondo and Ritin off guard a bit (if I have the two dialed in... I seem to confuse Sen and Ritin). Van Richten explains, "Some vistani, other vistani, distant lands, other planes, they took my son and sold them to their master, a vampire. Before I could save him... After ending the vampire lord, I ended my son's suffering, by his request. He had been turned." Beat of silence, "It sounds like the woman, she insisted on a fortune for you. I am reluctant to say the furtune is good. Probably both good and evil. She sent you to me, which appears to be a blessing, but may be a curse. Who better to aid you than a vampire hunter, eh? Except that I myself am cursed to out live my allies who die under the claws of monsters. A boon and a curse, survival, but at the highest cost. Another gift from the vistani.

"For this reason I must not travel with you, and if we go to meet Strahd in battle, know that I may succeed, but at your peril. If you cannot accept this risk, then you may face him without, when the time comes, and I will wait until he is vulnerable, he may hibernate before I become to old and weak to lift a stake, and I will assail him by myself."

"I will think on the readings from your fortune and try to puzzle them out. If there are relics that can aid you, they may be the key to slaying our devil.



"I do not know anything of these matters, I did not linger in the village of Barovia under Strahd's eye. From what you have said about the cult, it is likely that their antics warranted the personal attention of Strahd. I do not believe Strahd sees all, but for a place given over to worship of him, it doesn't surprise me that he has a way of seeing the alter room. Yes, I believe it was Strahd. I also know that he has spies everywhere, which means he can get information on just about anything, but that also means you needs spies to provide the information. Strahd engages in subterfuge, but his hubris is such that he would not likely engage in such a long con to convince everyone that he is not omniscient if he indeed were. Besides, if he knew everything, I do not believe I would be alive, unless he is toying with me. I believe caution, as well as normal magical protections can keep secrets from him.

"I don't know about the Windmill. Legal sense? A king owns everything in his domain, even when his subjects have deeds. Anything can be stripped. Barovia however is both Strahd's domain, where he is darklord over all, as well as his prison. He seems to regard all the realm as his stomping ground, and allows the inhabitants to rove freely among the horrors of the land. Even Castle Ravenloft. To enter is is no more an implicit challenge to him than walking the Old Svalich Road. It is all his and he is in complete control. He can kill you as easily here as in his fortress. Well, likely more easily there, as he lives among his deadliest horrors and exercises great control there, so I've heard."


"This I also do not know, but I have a theory. Vampires, they are creatures of lust. Some have a wide pallet, some narrow. It could be that he was simply torturing the poor Burgomaster to make an example of him. Or just for fun. But my actual theory, Strahd, like many dark lords, like many vampires, was created by tragedy. In life, before he was corrupted, he had a deep love for someone. His reason for fixating on this girl may be his curse to develop a obsession with maidens, then destroy her. For nothing that Strahd touches can continue on uncorrupted. If he wants her, I am not sure there is anything anyone can do to stop him, other than destroy him. Or her, before it's too late."



"There is, of course a chance she still lives. If he found any sort of pleasure in her, she may live on, perhaps in undeath.

"This realm is evil. It plays tricks. I have been to realms that try to drive you to madness at every turn. All sadisting and disturbing illusions and... not inllusions. Weird magics and... and when you think it is a trick, it is actually the most foul torment evil can concoct."



He gets very excited about this and insists you let him study it, at length. He tells you that he believed that joining you for an attack would have been the last charge of righteous heroes to their doom, but with this. Maybe there are secrets that can give you an edge.



"I have mentored many, run quests from a safe distance to raise up monster hunters across the realms. I can do the same for you. I appreciate your honesty, all I need are willing souls. Come to me for aid and information. I have reason to believe it is fairly secure, long as we don't rouse attention."



"He admits he doesn't know much about the Amber Temple and was considering an expedition. There is some link between Strahd and that place. A place of great knowledge, power, and evil. Some powers can be worth the price." He looks Edwin up and down, "We will have to see." He questions Edwin a bit more about what he has seen. He focuses on the worker at the Blood on the Vine inn in Barovia, "He was dull? I suspect he is one of the souless by the way he acts. In Barovia, no soul escapes. You are reborn eternally. But Strahd needs subjects, and either the dread realm, or Strahd himself has caused that people are born even if there is no soul to inhabit the body. Just shells. I suspect that you can see with a glance who does, or does not have a soul. Better for you to be able to send souls to the Dark Powers in the Amber Temple."



He tells you:
https://www.dndbeyond.com/sour.../monsters-v#Vampires
Note, Strahd may be different than what is written, or even what is in Curse of Strahd.


Covered. One thing I left out. "Barovians believe ravens are good luck and you will pull down ill fortune if you kill one. I have reason to believe ravens are indeed good, or at least not spies for Strahd. I say, pay attention to them, they are smart and may communicate warnings to you, or other helpful messages."


"No, nobody knows. I hope..." He tells you that he uses a hat of disguise and a ring of non-detection if you reveal my secret, I am dead. This is another reason I will not join with you unless you strike at Strahd."


"I do not believe so, but either may be so."
This message was last edited by the GM at 04:16, Tue 03 May 2022.

In reply to The Mists (msg # 539):

Edwin suggests that a pretense will be needed for the large number of visits he expects back and forth between the party and RvR. Sen suggests that there are a number of errands to run and that, since everything seems to be expensive here, that we need to start thinking about income and work while we plan.

A loose plan is proposed by Sen and Edwin: Destroying Strahd is a marathon, not a sprint, and potentially one which requires multiple "generations" of adventurers. RvR should be the line of contuity for the attempts to destroy Strahd, and we should do everything we can to make that line stronger. When we find critical information, or critical items (such as the map), we will return to RvR to "save game" in the event that we get killed. I don't think he should come with us, because the mission is more important than the party's survival.

RvR should create some pretense for us to trade with him, and we should go out and explore to both earn our keep here as well as advance the cause. We will return after each critical milestone (circumstances permitting) to check in, and if he needs to move, he needs to leave word.

We should do the wine run.

We await any commentary from RvR.

RvR tells you he thinks it is a good idea to do the job for Urwin. He also warns you not to approach anythh he big the way you would in Faerun, it is not likely bandits, but could be. It might be werewolves, witches, or just a broken wagon axle as even mundane equipment in working order tend to be in short supply.

He tells you to see him before you leave and he will cast some spells on you to help ensure you don’t die. He also says that although he doesn’t think it will work, that he is willing to cast remove curse on Edwin, if Edwin so wishes. But he warns that if it does work and it might return Edwin to death, but RvR doubts that as well.

Ooc: I assume that when you go it will be after going to the Abby, but that’s up to you. We don’t have to play out you going back to the inn or any of that until next day unless you want to. If you want to fast forward let me know until when and what if anything you want to accomplish.
This message was last edited by the GM at 05:16, Thu 05 May 2022.

In reply to The Mists (msg # 541):


OOC: "not to approach anything big the way we would"? -- Is he warning us against buildings?

Ok -- Yes. We will go to the Abby. We probably also need to determine where to buy overpriced equipment here, and what's available. Imondo suggests that they visit the toy maker before they leave as well--because he does want to see a monkey.

I don't even know what I was trying to type. Was saying that even a milk run can be deadly.

I think at this point it is getting late.

In reply to The Mists (msg # 543):

Then we make haste back to the inn to get indoors for the evening. The party wants to barricade themselves in their rooms, sealing up the windows to air-tight, if possible. Imondo wants to hide somewhere he can watch the outside of the inn between, say, midnight and 3 am. Still get a rest, but offer some coverage to Ireena that she didn't ask for.

We can save the Abby, the toy maker, and the shopping for the next day. We'll also report back that we're taking Urwin's job.

Your room is adjacent to Ireena’s and her brother (Ismark?) if you open the door and sit at the table you can see out your window, down the hall (one side opens to the common room), their door, and the door that opens up to the outside stairway. You can also go outside somewhere.

Roll stealth if you want to be sneaky in you night watch.

In reply to The Mists (msg # 545):

I think there might be a good place to watch 2 of 3 ingresses to the room from the NW corner of the stable(?). In that bush, perhaps. Imondo would keep an eye on the approach from the south, though I know I can't see the window.

Imondo would tell Edwin and the others about the plan. In the even of an attack, Imondo will yell "Fiends! Fire! Foes!" like a crazy person to wake the town up while kiting (hopefully) any threats while the party comes out.

Imondo rolled a 12 for stealth

In reply to SIRE (msg # 546):

I misremembered. He will yell "Awake! Fear! Fire! Foes! Awake!"

Imondo’s watch is Misty uneventful. Despite the oppressive mists in Barovia, the night manages to be fairly clear and quiet, but with some interruptions. Noises that anywhere else might seem commonplace but here feel sinister. Flapping of wings, lots of wings, and squeaks of bats swarms. The howling of a wolf in the distance. A crying baby somewhere in one of the houses, which stops suddenly. A man’s drunken laugh a couple streets over.

On the inn you see the ravens fly away, and you see yet other ravens fly into the stables.

In reply to The Mists (msg # 548):

Imondo checks the stables to see where the ravens went, remembering RvR's advice, and (assuming nothing eventful) goes back to sleep

Except you are relying on moonlight and sound, and there are less plaintive whinnies at this time of night.

OOC: does it take you out of the game somehow if I put direct book text in a quote box? I am not likely going to re-write stuff, but I can keep you guessing as to what stuff is made up by me and what stuff is made up by other people, though the voice will undoubtedly be different.