>>5196015>>5196057It's only now that you are sitting that you realize just how sore your legs have been from travel. You could fall asleep in this chair.
"I cannot divulge much information here," he adds, gesturing over to the group of colorful-robed women who you were just speaking to. "Never know who's listening."
"So what would you have me do?" you reply. "I tried getting a room, but the locals here aren't as helpful as I would have hoped. I suppose that's to be expected though - I am a stranger after all."
"You're new here. I can help you get your bearings. Give you a place to rest. In the safety of my manor, we will have the freedom to speak."
The man you've been speeking to is Ismark, the burgomaster of Barovia. Where you're from, he would've been called a mayor. You never would have guessed from looking at him that he runs this town. He appears to have a lot of free time. The locals have nicknamed him Ismark the Lesser, because he has spent his life living in the shadow of his late father, who, according to him, passed away only three days ago. He refuses to divulge specifics here on how his father died.
"Nothing comes free here," you say, "or at least from what I've seen thus far. How much would I have to pay you?"
"Nothing," he says, plainly.
"What?" you say, your eyes wide. "Don't get me wrong, I don't doubt your integrity - you seem quite charitable - but I know how these things work. There has to be a catch."
"The catch is that I need you to help me with something."
You tap your hands on the table. "I need help with something too, you know. I am here for a purpose."
"I know," he says. "And you're heading down the road to Vallaki. I was listening."
"Ah..."
"There is somebody in my manor I'd like you to meet. I can't say more until we have privacy."
"What exactly is it that you need help with?" You lower your voice. "Your father. Is it... related to him?"
He nods, but holds up his hand to silence you, looking suspiciously over his shulder. "Please, follow me if you are interested. We can go there right now. I will leave first, then you wait a few minutes and follow me."
What do you do?
Suggestions:
>Accept, and follow his instructions.>Deny his request. You will head to the shop to stock up, then set out on the road.>Ask him to come along with you to Vallaki. You will aid him when you are finished your business.>Insist that he explains more. (Persuasion, DC 20)>Flirt. (Charisma)>Cast a spell or use an item (list: https://pastebin.com/chuTtwgW)>Use a skill (specify)>Other (specify) 