Chapter 1: Into The Mists

The messsenger smiles smugly, "We saw you approach the area a couple of days ago, it wasn't hard to surmise that you'd be at this fine establishment since it's the only tavern on the way. If there's nothing else, I best be on my way..."

Patiently, Skip looks up and makes eye contact with Kar’i’nas. "Even just a snippet of info might make or break the day, we can at least ask ‘round this ‘ere tavern to see if anyone ‘as ears for any happenings down the west rod aways. Man said this is the only place around. That’ll attract folk. Folk see ‘n hear things. Then we can all run ‘eadlong behind you to save the fair maiden"

The man laughs, "My people have eyes and ears everywhere. We needed to find people that can help us and after observing you for a while we chose you.", he throws his hands up defensively, "There’s no magic going on I assure you. You can choose to answer our calling or not, either way...".

Balian, you look at this man and you think that he’s being very careful with what exactly he says. He seems to sort of hand wave your questions away and when he says that there’s no magic involved you see his eyes avert for a split second.

Amid the silent stares of the patronage, the gypsy strides to the bar and says to the wary barkeep, "Fill the glasses, one and all. Their throats are obviously parched." He drops a purse heavy with gold on the bar. With that, he leaves.
The babble of tavern voices resumes, although somewhat subdued.

Quietly, the tavern door opens, and a grizzled old man slips in. He does his best to slide up to the group without attracting attention.

"I can buy my own ale, if that's what your offering...."
Skallagrimm (with a complete lack of manners) pushes his way forward, drops his large frame onto a seat at the table, and picks up the tankard closest to him. After draining it, he looks up, ale dripping from his beard,
"I know I can help you lot though, in this Barovia."

Skip watches, incredulous, as that damned Gith starts to do what he himself was starting to do. He looks around to see if anyone else has noticed this display of, (in the gnomes mind at least), mindless, egotistical, brazen posturing. Then starts to loudly and obviously question the locals about "...the gypsy fella with the coin..."
"I’ll show that arrogant sop how it’s done" he thinks smugly to himself

Kar’i’as raises his mug in toast to the gnome as he doubles down on his efforts.

while the Gith is talking to the barkeep, Skallagrimm drinks his pint