Its all in the Cards.

"Well, we were escorted by a pack of wolves through the fog and found ourselves here!" Says Crow with a smile.

"I am a traveling Physic…a healer of the Mundane, Jerinvar here was once a patient of mine, and now a good friend. Jorah is well travelled and is guided by the Divine. Although we met only by chance, traveling together has worked well for us so far."

"As we are all new to the city, I think we should take the opportunity to look around and find a decent meal. After last night a hearty meal will do you good. I find the best place to start in a new town is its heart."

Pushing himself up, Dr Crow does a stretch and heads for the door.

Heads to what looks like the center of the map…checking out E2.

Invisible Bella, flitting about rooftops and keeping an eye out for anything interesting

Secured to the interior part of the main door to exit the house is a tarot card.

"The Nine of Swords—Torturer."


The muddy ground underfoot gives way to slick, wet cobblestones. The windows of each house stare out from pools of blackness. The village is silent except for the mournful sobbing that echoes through the streets from a distance.
Walking across the uneven cobblestone you come to a building with a small amount of smoke coming from its chimney. Above a gaping doorway, a sign hangs precariously askew, proclaiming this to be the Blood of on the Vine tavern.

Bella

Still feeling the worse for wear, Jorah looks around through bleary eyes as they approach the tavern.

"I sure am glad you found us when you did!" the fairy says warmly. "I'm Briar. That's Alyria," she points to the paladin woman. "And Ashtar and Eye of the Storm," indicating the brooding young man and tabaxi in respective order. "We've done some odd jobs together before and took this on as a new project. Never thought we'd end up ..." Unable to find the right words, the little rogue gestures around vaguely to the party's current location. As she waves her little hands around, she observes the path the group now traverses with wary eyes.

Dr. Crow enters and looks for the inkeeper

Walking through the muddy streets of the forlorn town, the party hopes to find a decent breakfast and lodging. They spy several unsettling scenes. From the top floor of a nearby boarded-up house, mournful wailing pierces the damp air. Across the street from the tavern, a dilapidated shop creaks in the wind, a sign barely hanging on its hinges reads "Bildrath's Mercantile."

From her vantage point on the rooftops, Bella spots an older lady pushing a rickety cart, stopping at each door to sell her wares.

Inside, the once finely appointed tavern has fallen into disrepair. The blazing fire in the hearth provides scant warmth to the few huddled souls within. Behind the bar stands a pudgy man, mechanically cleaning glasses, one after another, with a vacant expression. He doesn’t react to the party’s entrance. Near the front door, a woman and two men sit at a table, eyeing the newcomers with silent suspicion before returning to their dismal drinks. In a dark corner, a young man sips his wine alone, his face a mask of quiet despair.

Dr. Crow recounts the events of last night and then looks at around. Not surprising. A city culled of so many living would quickly dim even a vibrant city.

Crow orders himself a simple meal, before striking up a conversations with the innkeeper.

Assuming the meal arrives:

Closing his eyes and taking in the aroma (good or bad!) Crow thanks the Innkeeper, "Arrived last night, that’s quite a welcoming committee you have here."

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Bella gently lands on the old womans cart, sticks out her tongue at her and looks to see what she has inside.

The bartender doesn't look up from cleaning his already cleaned glasses. In a monotone voice he respawns. "No Meals, Only Wine." He continues to clean his glass...

Crows eyes widen for just a second and a friendly smile returns, "Just wine? Anything stronger? Sometimes I need a bit more that I can use for medicinal purposes. How rude of me… Thaddeus Crow. Dr. Thaddeus Crow at your service."

"Only Wine." The bartender flips over a glass and pulls a bottle of Purple Grapemash No. 3 from beside him. He uncorks the bottle and pours a few fingers into the glass. "2 Coppers" He pushes the barely half full glass towards you. He doesn't respawn to your greeting then goes back to cleaning his already cleaned glasses.

To Crow, a boring non-responsive bartender is worth only 2 coppers...Crow puts down 2cp and sips his wine waiting to see what eveyone else does.

"Perhaps you know where I can obtain something stronger then? And a meal."

Looking at the strange interactions of everyone, she pockets the tarot card she pulled from the door before looking at her fairy friend. Her childlike nature ignites Alyria’s protective nature. "Be on guard," she whispers to her before going to the despairing man on his own.

Sitting at his table, she puts her hand out on the table in front of him, a silent gesture of wanting to comfort him, as she says, "Hello, handsome. You appear as though you need a shoulder to lean on. May I be of assistance?"

The bartender shakes his head and continues cleaning his glasses.


The man sighs a sad and exhastioned sigh and takes a drin"I hope you may. Come sit join me." He calls and waves to the bartender. "Arik! 2 Bottles and glasses for everyone"
The barkeep almost drone like grabs 2 bottles and a tray of glasses. He brings them over to the table, sets them down, and walks back to cleaning his glasses...

Without hesitation, she moves seats to sit beside him, giving him a concerned look. "Please, share your woes and I’ll assist if I can."

"How about a room then," Asks Crow "Surely you have a room?"