Stipina Izionescu
Stipina Izionescu is a middle aged avian woman. She is the mother of the Izionescu family who live at the dovecote outside Garagalo (in the optional introductory encounter). Stipina is the Assistant Bird Keeper at the dovecote, and holds the rank of Asset in the Fellowship of Feathers. She is the wife of the Bird Keeper, Silviu Izionescu.
The characers are most likely to encounter Stipina simply by knocking on the door of the Izionescu home. It is likely that when this happens, Stipina's family have all been moved to the dovecote and bound and gagged by the fugitives from Cosutanu, and that the players do not know this.
In this case, Stipina's goal is simply to make the player characters go away in hopes her family will not be harmed.
TOPIC: messages from Cosutanu
If questioned about whether or not there is a message for them from Cosutanu, which they are expecting, she will attempt to dismiss them.
STIPINA IZIONESCU
No, no. I am afraid we've not received any messages from Cosutanu for a few days. We've closed up the office for the night and would not expect any more birds to come in at this hour. I'm sorry. Have a good night.
CHALLENGE
vsC using Lying skill against Stipina Izionescu's Lying skill (9)A successful vsC against Stipina's Lying skill will suggest that she is not being completely forthcoming, and that she seemed very nervous and upset.
TOPIC: request to enter the home
If the characters make a request to enter the home (without using Persuasion or other means to coerce compliance), she will try to send them on their way.
STIPINA IZIONESCU
Oh. No. No. I'm afraid it's, um, too late for guests. Garagalo is just a short ride further up the road, and there is a small inn there if you need a place to sleep. Good night.
TOPIC: request to speak to someone else
If the characters request to speak with the Bird Keeper, or with anyone else, she will attempt to get them to leave, but also tell them she is alone.
STIPINA IZIONESCU
Oh. No, I'm sorry. No one else is home now. I'll have to ask you to please leave. Good night.
CHALLENGE
vsC using Lying skill against Stipina Izionescu's Lying skill (9) or a simple 21C using Etiquette skillA successful vsC using the Lying skill or 21C using the Etiquette will suggest that Stipina's behaviour is very strange. A person would not be likely to tell strangers at their door that they are home alone at night unless they are concealing something.
TOPIC: fugitives from Cosutanu
If the characters have somehow managed to find the message from Cosutanu and are aware that there are fugitives in the vicinity
STIPINA IZIONESCU
Fugitives? Oh. My goodness. I... I don't know what to say. I... I have not seen anyone suspicious. But... I... will report it right away if I do. Thank you for letting me know.
CHALLENGE
vsC using Lying skill at (+3) against Stipina Izionescu's Lying skill (9)A successful vsC against Stipina's Lying skill will suggest that she is lying. Her reaction is clumsey and she is obviously very nervous. If confronted directly, she will admit it and tell them what happened.
TOPIC: struggle in the dining room
If the characters have managed to see in the dining room, and have noticed unfinished dinners and signs of the stuggle there and they ask about this, Stipina will become very upset. She will explain what happened in the dining room, then tell them everything else that happened.
STIPINA IZIONESCU
Oh, no... please! (sobbing) They came looking for messages, and we told them to leave but... but they forced their way in.... My husband and son tried to stop them... but, oh no, please. Oh Watchful Mother Vehira, please protect them!
TOPIC: fugitives defeated
If the characters have engaged and defeated the fugitives (and presuming the encounter did not result in the deaths of the Izionescu family) Stipina will be extremely grateful. She will tell them everything she knows and ensure they receive the message they came for.
STIPINA IZIONESCU
Oh! Praise the Mother Vehira! Thank you! Thank you! I had no idea what those horrible bandits might do! Praise Vehira we are all safe!