Prologue - Expedition to Castle Ravenloft

[Ikoma]

The vistani had been breaking camp when Hassid, Ioan, Marius and Yemam return.  There were many cheers and the group was greeted as heroes.  But it is clear that the vistani are getting out of Invidia.  More than one of the vistani tell you that this land is about to become a very inhospitable place for the family and anyone allied with them.  And that includes you.  This particular caravan plans on heading to Dementilieu.  And for some reason, it is very subtly... but very clearly... indicated that your path lies elsewhere.  There are many 'thank yous', many congratulations.  After all, it seems you've saved the world even if you didn't know it.

About dawn, and exhausted beyond all description, the group heads back into town.

-----

Meanwhile, back in the Raven's Roost, Adam Godson sits with a newcomer... Lorelei Feybourne.  Adam had missed heading out with the other foursome and was somewhat concerned that they had not come back.  Lorelei, on the other hand, had a message.  For no one in particular.  But as she asked about, it became obvious that this group was who she should talk to.  Recently she had talked with a businesswoman named Helene Maurgen who had told her about your group... and an interest in unnatural wolves.

-----

((Okay, all six of you are here and posting.  You'll be coming together within a day or two.  When you are ready to read the letter that Lorelei carries, I will post it.  Any questions, just ask!))

[unkabear]

Hassid really was not up for walking...or even staying awake.  But that was alright, with minimal prompting Hassid let StarDancer take the lead and glide along behind the others.  Hassid attempted to participate in the conversation, but his nodding head betrayed him.

[Marius Ionescu]

Marius looked to his friends and with all the bloodshed in the past few hours he was happy to see Hassid smile, though he hid it well.  He looked toward his friend and bowed as a sign of thanks, respect, and friendship.

"Now, who do I see about getting some arrows.  There are a few missing from me quiver," Marius bolted out with his usual bravado.  He needed to occupy his mind, the battle was over and the shadows were stirring.  "See dad, it turned out to be a descent day after all.  Thanks for looking on ... don't look at the shadows," Marius whispered to himself.

[Yemam Silverman]

Yemam laughs for a moment at Marius' comment then looks into the sky.  "Locke...that was great.  Thanks for helping me get through that mind magic of the boy."

"Friends...let us find Adam and get some food.  Like the vistani said, we are most likely not welcome here must longer."

[Ikoma]

The gang enters back into the city proper.  And something of a miracle occurs.  The line waiting to enter the city seems to part and allow you entrance.  And the guards working collecting the tolls do not even try to halt your progress.  Something in your manner squelches any comment or dissent.  The city streets are strangely normal after the events of the last day.  Merchants selling food and supplies.  You can see many caravan preparing to leave.  The carnivale is over and it's time to return to normal lives.

-----

Back at the Raven's Roost, Adam and Lorelei shares stories of their past.

[Ioan Nicolae Costache]

Ioan ponders his (and the party's) newfound status. If he was walking confidently before, he swells just a little more now, in response to how the populace reacts to him and to his friends.

Random Charisma Roll (1d20-2=17)

But drawing deeper breaths reminds him of fresh wounds, and the need for rest.

"Back to that cluster of inns, then? Soft beds would be VERY nice."

[unkabear]

Hassid nods to Ioan, this new treatment did not feel right to Hassid at this time.  "A glass of warm spiced wine would not go amiss to easing one into a bed."  He said dismounting from StarDancer.  He would have to stable her one more time before they leave.  As Hassid knew that the Dakkar would only allow for a short time before they would no longer be welcome.

[Marius Ionescu]

As the people part Marius does his best to contain his inner energies but fails miserably, "thank you. thank you.  No please I don't do autographs,"  Marius continues to walk and bow.  He looks to the sky, "Hey Locke if you wish you can give some out."  "Now good people if you can please point to the fletcher I would greatly appreciate it."

Marius looks to Iaon, "you know you deserve to take a bow too."

[Yemam Silverman]

Yemam pulls his cloak over his head and tries to hide himself in the public spotlight.  After the party passes the crowd Yemam speaks to the group, "I think we make this quick tonight.  I have a distinct feeling that the boy will cause this new status of ours to change soon and I do not wish to be here when that happens."

[unkabear]

Hassid clasps Yemam upon the shoulder.  "Wiser words have never been spoken."  He would have mentioned resting a bit during the day and travelling at night, but did not have a full understanding of this place yet and was not sure if it was as dangerous or more than where he came from.

[Adam Godson]

Adam starts a conversation with Lorelei. 

"I hear you are looking for a group of people that I've associated with in the past.  It is an unusual group that seems to attract alot of "attention" and not neccessarily the good type."

"Why do you wish to speak with them?" 

[allornothing]

Lorelei was reluctant at first to be the messenger, but her conscience got the best of her. What if these travellers were in trouble? What if this letter was important and she was someone's only hope. Besides, the intrigue of trekking through Ravenloft definitely appealed to the female. The trip didn't take long, and she made it there fairly unmolested. And now she sat beside a holy warrior, his profession clear by his attire and demeanor. She had remained quiet until now, hours must have passed before Adam broke the silence. So long had it been quiet, that she had completely lost herself in the din of the tavern.. so when his voice was offered she nearly gave herself whiplash to turn her eyes to him. The abrupt motion sent fiery locks about her face, and she had to take a moment to brush the sunfire tendrils from her eyes. Lips pursed and she issued a shrug. "It's not me, per se, Love. Whomever wishes them news is the one that has business with your comrades. I'm just here to deliver the message.." She tapped the scrolled and sealed letter with a well manicured nail. Lavender eyes perused Adam's face and those delicate lips turned into a smile. "Though, I've no complaints about my current company.." Sooty lash dropped in  a wink. Lorelei was beautiful, definitely more-so than any wench within the residence. Her features were fair, all most fae-like.. and she was garbed in deep purple robes that seemed to shift to an all most black shade when she moved. "Why are you not out in the field with your friends?"

[Ikoma]

The returning party is getting more looks of respect and fear than they are a heroes welcome.  Sorry if I didn't make that clear.  You look like hard men who are not to be messed with... rather than pretty boys the public loves.  Make sense?

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The group arrives at the Raven's Roost.  It is a short matter to stable StarDancer.  Then the group makes it's way into the common room.  There they see Adam sitting with an attractive lady... though she is not dressed like the women of Karina.

((Okay, feel free to make introductions.  At the appropriate time, I'll post the contents of the letter Lorelei carries.))

[Marius Ionescu]

Marius continues his bows as he walks until arriving at the Raven's Roost.  He glances around to make sure no one is stirring in the shadows then makes his way toward Adam, "hello friend, how have you been?  Man you should hear the day we had, but I'll leave that Iaon he's so much better at telling stories."  Marius looks toward his friend Iaon, "I don't care what others think, the truth is the truth."

[Yemam Silverman]

Yemam keeps his cloak over his head and sits down at the table with Adam and women.  "Hello miss.  I assume you somehow know our friend, Adam.  My name is Yemam Silverman.  What brings you to us?"