A New Barovia: Chapter One

[A G Thing]

Josem is surprised a the both the acknowledgement of his families adhesive, and also the confirmation of his suspicions on this new acquaintances origins in Har'Akir. Switching dialects to match Khalfani, Josem is writing any and all topics that may come up onto the parchment he saves for notes with his simple char wood pencil.

"I am glad to hear my Great Great Uncle Thalemont's adhesive is still held in such favor... I knew it was quality but did not know such trade was done so distantly nor the quality so held in regard outside of Mayvin! I will have to mention that in my correspondence with my family! I must say that my regard for you and the others who migrated all those years back was part of the impetus for many of my wanderings today! Stories of others of our kind going out into the world made my childhood dreams carry to this day! And you coming from one of the lands I am most eager to visit! So many cultural and societal differences and the different views on magic and mysticism! This truly is a glorious day!"

Then noting Roberts addition Josem is stunned by the revelation and his own possible misjudgement of the figures he saw earlier.

"Goblyn's!?! Are you talking about those armored figures paroling today? I could have sworn they were some variety of Caliban! Hmmmm... Perhaps there is a correlation?!? I may have to ask them when I get the chance! Still what makes you sure they are Goblyn's or Goblins as you called them?"

Looking over when Khalfani is called over he mentally catalogues his thoughts he was about to bring up to the other Gnome and begins to decide on what to say to Robert. Still he notices something odd about the wave... Of course he cannot put his finger on it but when Robert responds that they might also be invited to the waving figure he is a bit distracted and pleased as he looks over and with the sight of so many interesting figures he could not resist.

"You say Sir de Moureaux, perhaps it was to us as well... Well I agree let us go see, and hear!"

Josem jumping down from the larger seat gathers his things and also follows the Robert over his enthusiasm enhanced once again!!!

[Ken of Ghastria]

"Ah, t'e," says Khalfani, nodding. "It is as I thought. That is Vassili Ivanovich, he is captain of the guards, no, no, mil-ish-sha? in this city. Good, fair man. Come then, I will make the announcement of your names and... ah, he is distracted. No matter. Josem, you ask about these creatures? No, they are certainly not caliban -- known they are as gob-LYNs, not the smaller GOB-lins that we gnomes know well. Spit on floor I would, but this is not favored here for some reason.... Vicious brutes."

He leads Josem and Robert to the table and bows politley to Thomas before continuing in his halting Mordentish. "Good evening, sirrah. You are a friend of the Captain. I am Khalfani Fenimikk, considering me friend of the Captain, also. This--" he indicates Josem, "--is Josem Synablathept Ogmonosphere, and this entertaining man--" he indicates Robert, "--is Robert, um, de Moor-row, yes? Excuse my faulty tongue, Robert."

He glances over to the other table where Vassili is chatting with another human and an unusual-looking woman in a cloak... and then he sees clearly the dark skin and white hair! "A drow," he breathes with excitement. "Truly, Josem, as you say, a glorious day, full of surprises!"

[A G Thing]

Josem nods solemly to Khalfani's words.

"Yes I would also spit to the mention of Goblins, but I gather that waiting till we are clear of shoes and feet would be polite. But so they are goblyn's?!?! I have heard mention of before but they are distant tales I believe relating to the folktales of the lost land of Forlorn... No more or less had I heard but you say these are the same beings? Do you think they know what became of their land... Are these perhaps more civil than the cannibals they are made out to be? As I have found no Calibans that match the description I wonder if it is just a superstition on the part of society! I have heard they lived lives of savagery in the wilds but they walk about town so perhaps these are more civilized?"

Josem listens for the introductions and bows to the man...

"A pleasure I am sure sir?"

After any reply and Roberts introduction Josem expecting a moment to compose begins to decide on what to speak of and to whom. So much to do as these meetings have brought so many sources of possible answers and friendships. He puts some notes down so as to inspire thought on his thoughts on a magical resizing chair, his theory on parallel worlds and his research into the common ancestor theory of races as he puts them aside until he can sort through this new info! Of course the next words of Khalfani force him to once again resort his mind as it begins to whirl with new possibilities...

"A drow! Simply Amazing that one of the shadow fey would be so open here of all places... Of course I heard that they are closer to elves but I have heard more of them being simply some off shoot of the dark fey... Since it is a pigment condition I am inclined to believe that they are simply elves of a sort similar to how people of Valchan have darker complexion. Arak is long gone... I wonder if she is long lived enough to know of what became of the land or it's people in more detail? Goblyns, Drow, a crafty and charming bard, and a far traveled scholar of my kind not to mention anything of the Captain nor his friend here... Truly Sir Fenimikk I am surprised by how apt that statement is today. Sir de Moureaux, do you have any knowledge or tales of such beings in the world? My work would be aided much by knowing if they are more common and if they are perhaps seen more favorably in some lands than others!"

[Zilfer]

Delsenora she introduced herself as, and Coin thought the name was some how fitting. Though he couldn't quite put his finger on why at the moment. She asked him what he was doing in Krezk. He didn't even know that this place was called that but he kept that tid bit of information for later.

"Well truthfully, I came here because I was running low on food out on the trail and this was the next stop. I've been looking for work to make money, though everywhere I've been hasn't seemed to be looking," said Coin scratching the back of his head. Soon after he said that an owl came out from above out of the darkness that was the rafters. This time he didn't jump, as if he had been expecting something like that to happen. He studied the owl it wasn't one he had seen before. From what he could tell he thought it was a male owl. "He's magnificent, he's almost like the one's from back home but he's about two sizes bigger than the ones I would see in the barn."

He admires the owl for a moment or two longer as she feeds the bird after it had hooted at him. That was strange, maybe it was a girl owl? Who knew? A man soon approached the table nodding to him, and he gave the man a friendly nod back.

"Del, you know that Lupzig should remain out of sight o r at least outside. People don't have your same sense of humor, my dear. Be a sweetheart and respect the others, ok?"

"Vassili! I was just introducing her to my new friend Coin here. He looks like a nice guy, he might even be able to help you. But only if you ask nicely, party pooper." She pouts and winks at Coin. "Lupzig, go back. I'll call you later." The owl flies up and hoots in protest until she's disappeared into the rafters.

'So It's a girl. I appologize,' thought to himself wondering if they had caught his mistake. Del's wink at him seemed to be in reply to his earlier comment of not being able to find work.

"Help me with what, Del?"

"You know what, those grisly events silly."[/qoute]

"I'm willing to help anyone who's looking for help sir," said Coin quickly jumping at the chance.

[qoute]"This isn't the time or place, Del. Oh, your father wanted me to tell you hello, so hello. Mr Coin is it?[/qoute]

"That is what they call me," responded Coin who was now leaning up in the chair he was sitting backwards in.

[qoute]Well I am Captain of the guard in Krezk. The matter Delsenora speaks of is better discussed at my office. Be there tomorrow morning at 9 a.m and I can elaborate further. Enjoy your meal." Before Delsenora can react he slaps her on the shoulder and walks away quickly, laughing heartily.

"OOO that was quick, you brat," she calls after him. Turning to Coin she says "Well, you going to eat? The food is really good here."

He raises an eyebrow at that after telling the Captain that "I'll be there." He watched the man walking away for a moment. "I get the feeling you know each other quite well."

Coin then looked up to where the food was being prepared. "Good, Idea I'm starving. I'll be right back," said Coin as he stood up and went to go get his food. When he came back he had a plate of ham, potatoes, and a carrot. While he had been getting his food he had been thinking of questions to ask and now that he was here he decided to try and gather a little more so he knew what he was getting himself into. His mother had always told him not to be a blind chick following the line of chicks ahead of him.

"So you said something about 'grisly events'?" asked Coin as he began to eat. "Does that mean there's been some murder's here recently? I know where I come from grisly events either A) involve a bear, or B) someone dying. Neither situation is usually good."

[steveflam]

"Where do you hail from, Coin?" The dark elf orders no food or drink. "I do know Vassili. As for grisly events, let Vassili inform you. It is not my place to do so. I think maybe we should join in the fun, young Coin. Grab your plate and follow me, my new friend." Delsenora stands abruptly and sidles easily into the aisle to make her way to Vassili and the others table. "Ah, good evening everyone." She grins at everyone with her whitest smile. "Hey, Quorrin, can we get a room, buddy? Make it quick you lolligagagger." She speaks in a loud voice at the host. The man looks up and blinks, before moving to your table from his post. "Madame Delsenora, no need for yelling. I'll make the necessary arrangements as always. You'd think being the owner would give you some type of class, young elf. Pshaw, I think you need some lessons in etiquette yet." He sniffles and dabs at his brow with a handkerchief before turning and heading back to his post. "Joaquim, get her room ready and yesterday, man. Move it!"

A man emerges from the kitchen and heads to the back of the room and opens a door. Within minutes, he emerges and approaches Delsenora and the group. "Uh, it's.... it's ready ma'am." He hurries off back to the kitchen.

"Vassili, let's move to my private room. It'll be quiet and you can talk to all of us about the fun goings on of our city!"

"Del, you're a pain in the ass. Oh, could you give me back my wallet. It seems to have disappeared after I entered the Inn."

The dark elf sighs. "Very well. You'd think a girl could have some fun in her own establishment. I'm going to send a message to Lucius and complain all about you, Vassili." She sticks her tongue out at the man. "Okay. Everyone, this is Coin. Coin this is everyone. Now that we all know each other let's retire to my private room."


The dark elf is about to turn when she spies Thomas. She slaps her forehead and approaches the young man. "Dude, you must be Thomas, William's boy. Man, you are better looking than he is. But beauty is irrelevant. I prefer dwarves, especially Cornelius. So, is your mom and da doin ok? I hope you go visit my Dad. I think he'd like that." She looks down and wipes her eye, embarassed.

"Well, let's get moving to my room and get better acquainted." She now turns and heads for the room, enterring.

[Ken of Ghastria]

Khalfani barely has time to ponder the presence of a drow before the lovely dark-skinned elf moves toward their table -- and invites them all to a back room! "Well then" he says, looking at Josem and Robert, "the surprises continue! To accept the invitation seems good. She is certainly more spirited than many others in this town." He follows Delsenora.

[steveflam]

Delsenora talks in a loud enough voice so the others can hear her, though only Josem and Khalfani understand! She is talking to herself, of course Gnomish "Ah, imagine meeting one gnome. But two? You both are almost as cute as my Cornelius. But that dwarvish beard.... sigh..... Too bad he's in Mordent right now doing research. He'd of loved to meet you both."

[Ail]

Robert is taken by surprise, but quickly accepts Delsenora's offer.


"Enchanted to meet you, mylady. Let's go then, a closed room might be a better place to meet a bunch of new people all at once."


Then, turning to Josem, he says gayly

"Stories? Why should...? Oh, the lute! You think I'm an entertainer!"

he says smiling.

As they enter the private room, he continues

"Well, no... I play the lute, yes, but that's all. That's not my profession... it's just something more like... a side-interest of sorts. But here, let me play a bit for you. While the Captain here tells us what's going on, I'll give some background accompaniment..." he smiles, as he sits and adjusts the lute over his leg and tries a couple of warming-up arpeggios.

He then starts strumming, as he says,
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7kYPq5OLQ0


"Please don't mind me, I'll be listening all the same."


Perform (strings): 1d20 + 8 --> 19
http://invisiblecastle.com/roller/view/3003554/

OOC: Tarlyn, would you accept a single perform skill for both lute & song? Just to know.

[BigBadQDaddy]

Thomas greets Khalfani, Josem and Robert warmly before introducing himself. Shortly after He stands as Delsenora recognizes him. He lets the slip of her emotions laid bare go by without reaction and follows her and everyone else to the private room.

[kintire]

Marilee swings the inn door open and strides confidently in, ignoring any checking-in systems and heading straight for the bar. As she heads through the crowd she seems to expect people to get out of her way... and most do. As she gazes around she has a slight smile on her face, but if anyone meets her gaze who seems possible trouble her smile turns wolfish and her stare becomes a challenge.

As she reaches the bar she tosses a coin onto it and says cheerily

Ale!

[steveflam]

A Man approaches MArilee from behind the bar.




"Yes, an ale it be, milady. Me name's is Cornelius. Cornelius Larue. Ain't seen yer here bafore. Here's yer ale. So what brings yer ta Krezk?"

[Zilfer]

OOC I'll keep mine short and sweet, since I've fallen a little behind on my day to day posting.

Coin shrugged to himself as Del wouldn't tell him anymore and asked him to return to some private chambers with her and some others at the bar. He cocked an eyebrow at this unsure of what exactly this meant but he'd go along with it for now. When he was introduced to the group he nodded to them.

"Nice to meet you everyone," said Coin leaving it at that and followed the group into the room, and took the nearest available seat. He studied everyone in the room, especially the odd short ones.

[kintire]

For just an instant her confident pose drops as she stares incredulously at the approaching figure, but she smothers her laughter and leans on the bar.

I came in with a caravan: just got paid off. I'm for hire, and anyone who points me in the direction of a good patron won't regret it!

She takes a swig of her ale with a flourish

[Ken of Ghastria]

Delsenora talks in a loud enough voice so the others can hear her, though only Josem and Khalfani understand! She is talking to herself, of course Gnomish "Ah, imagine meeting one gnome. But two? You both are almost as cute as my Cornelius. But that dwarvish beard.... sigh..... Too bad he's in Mordent right now doing research. He'd of loved to meet you both."

The bronze-skinned Khalfani replies enthusiastically in Gnomish, "My dear lady, the pleasure is mine! Our language flows from your lovely lips like honey. I am Khalfani Fenimikk, and this here is Josem Synablathept Ogmonosphere -- whom I have also just met! I do not know the nature of this offer you speak of, but consider me at your service, especially if we can talk at length afterward." He bows slightly and then follows Delsenora to the back room.

[steveflam]

Marilee

"Yer fer 'ire, is yer? Hmm. I thinks I might knows of somethin yer might be likin." He walks off and stumbles nearly tripping over his own feet. He grins foolishly and heads for the kitchen. He returns shortly with Quorrin, the innkeeper.

"My dear, Cornelius informs me you are for hire, so to speak." He speaks in a low voice. "As it happens, the Captain of the militia is in our private chambers with the owner. He is in fact searching to hire for a problem in the city. I am not at liberty to say more, but if you are interested, please let me know and I will arrange for you to meet him as soon as possible."

Private Room
Once everyone is settled, Vassili clears his throat and stands. "Well, I know this is short notice. I am Vassili Ivanovich, Captain of the Militia here in Krezk. Recently, here in Krezk there has been a string of murders of women, six to be exact. I find myself already taxed in manpower and can not devote the time needed to this and take care of every other facet of our militia for the city. I am in need of help. I think you would be perfect for the task of investigating these murders."


A knock is heard at the door and the innkeeper enters. He looks around the room and sniffles, then getting an approving nod from Delsenora he walks over to Vassili and whispers to him. "By all means, send her in Quorrin."


The dark elf turns to Khalfani Gnome "There'll be plenty of time for that, cutie. I think you fellas n gals will be visiting a dark place this night, so it'll have to wait till tomorrow."

Marilee

Quorrin leaves and heads for the room he spoke of. He enters and exits soon after. He walks over to Marilee. "Milady, the Captain will see you now." He beckons her to the back room.