Gameplay 1e - The Maiden's Kiss

While traveling in Eastern Europe...

You leave the Castle of Von Staler and after traveling for a day or two, following the intuition and clues of your shared dreams, come across a small village. The locals immediately panic when they see the wanderers. The women shriek and hurry their children indoors. A group of the menfolk of the village approach, threatening you with pitchforks.

What do you do?

Gerald raises his arms in a non-threatening manner, quickly proclaiming that they mean no harm to anyone. It doesn't help that he is ugly but he does his best at trying to quell the panic, knowing his friends will help as well.

A Persuasion or Streetwise skill may be in order. Remember to add your Charisma to the roll.

Emma, seeing that the menfolk don't seem placated by Gerald's words, speaks up "We mean you no harm. We passed Castle Von Staler on the way to your village and were attacked by monstrosities. We're injured, starving, tired to our bones, and just want a place to rest for the night and forget the horrors we saw."

The citizens realize their mistake and apologize, saying "We mistook you for the soldiers of the Devil’s Mistress."

Once reassured that you are not who they thought, the villagers are open and friendly and invite you to dine with them, and offer what help simple folk can.

You're escorted to a larger house and they prepare dinner for you. You can wash up and attend to your wounds in the comfort of a home.

"Anyone else curious about the Devil, the Devil's Mistress, and the Devil's Wife? Does she know of the mistress?" Ataan states frowning as he stripes away the dirt and dust of the roads they've traveled.

"Aye, had the same thought myself. We should ask the townsfolk about it." Emma lets out a tired sigh "We can't seem to catch a break when it comes to the devil."

Gerald also washes off the dirt and grime of the road.

Yes a visit to town is definitely in order. And you're right of course, Emma. But at this moment I'm starved and could eat a horse. Let's plan what we do next on full stomachs.

"Oh, indeed Gerald. Horses and a good pint of mead." Emma goes to take a pull from her flask and is disappointed to find it's empty. "And the sooner the better." She begins to wash herself and clean off her clothes.

After you wash up, you find your way to the dinner table. You sit, Gavrel is asked to say grace, and then you are served and begin to eat.

"Where do you come from?" asks Micel, the host.

With a belly full of meat and mead, Emma wistfully says "I grew up in Dingle, a small village that juts out into the Atlantic. Some call it the most beautiful village in all the Emerald Isle. When my task is done, I hope to return there someday. In the meantime, was travelling about, when I came upon this lot.". Emma pauses, looks at her companions and host, "Go n-eirí an t-ádh leat".

"That's so far. The edge of the world."

You're served spicy stew and bread dumplings, and a rich beer. You eat and the hosts ask more about your travels.

I'm from a town near Devon myself. Gerald dug into the stew and added, Believe it or not, we all met at a fork in a road.

With an amused look on her face, and a raised eyebrow, Emma asks "Metaphorically you mean? Because I met the lot of you at a bar in Translyvania. Interesting time, that."

"I am from... all over the place, though my ancestors hail from Spain," Gavrel says.

Gerald merely smiles at Emma and continues eating.

Micel, after you've had a chance to eat some, says, "I'll say again we are sorry for the confusion. I hope you aren't terribly insulted. We haven't always been so suspicious of strangers, and remember when the traditions of hospitality were more in favor."