Session 11
General Summary
Assess the Damage
As the party slowly came to in the morning, Ahrieya set out to help the town deal with the bodies while also lifting some coin off of the corpses. It seemed like the townsfolk were angry at her, though the guards seemed to quell any outward animosity. Back at the orphanage, the rest of the party made breakfast and discussed what they wanted to do before leaving, since it seems like they were probably no longer welcome in Vallaki. Ariadne insisted on meeting her brother once more before departing, and everyone agreed to head on over when Ahrieya came back. At the burgomaster's manor, Izek was seen pacing back and forth outside. The baron is certainly not pleased with the party's 'affiliation' with Strahd, whether or not it is true. As of right now, the Festival of the Blazing Sun is delayed, due to outside forces and a lack of wine. Izek said that the baron with pardon any wrongdoings if the party goes to the local vineyard to see why shipments haven't been coming in. Then, the festival can commence, and the party must stay for it. Understanding the situation and stipulations of their return, the party left, but not before Ahrieya made Izek question what the baron does with those who exhibit 'malicious unhappiness,' and if he should do something about it, as well as asking him if he could help watch over the orphanage in light of recent events. Brushing past Lady Wachter's home, it seemed untouched from the attack on Vallaki. Meanwhile, as the party returned to the orphanage, Milovaj was told he is not going to take care of the entire orphanage, and that Izek will come by occasionally to help. Though intimidated by the responsibility, he accepted his duties and told the party that they will always have lodging there.Kinship and Blood
Deciding they wanted to check out the Vistani camp before leaving, the party first decided to hit up the dusk elf encampment outside town. It seemed more elves were gathered around a house directly behind the Vistani camp, and thus the party decided to head on over. As Ahrieya revealed herself, the elves guarding the home were shocked. Few questions had to be exchanged before the guards let them inside. Within the home, and older looking elf named Kasimir resided, and upon seeing Ahrieya, was filled with hope. When he was told that they might have a mutual enemy, Kasimir questioned that though this may be true, what does the party have to offer exactly that others haven't in the past? Many adventurers have been brought into Barovia, and many seemed strong like the party, however they've all failed. He has seen this time and time again, as he has been around since Strahd took power. He reminisced how the land used to be pure and untainted, until Strahd worked in tandem with the swamp witch Baba Lysaga to corrupt the fanes of the Ladies Three, and presided over the land. If the party truly wanted to stop Strahd, Kasimir knows of a place they can go where there is a lost trove of knowledge as well as some secret power. He claimed that powers beyond even Strahd exist, and that some secret to them might be at this temple. The location of interest, known as the Amber Temple, is deep within Mt. Ghakis to the south. It is a treacherous place, and without knowing anything about the party, Kasimir refuses to take them there at this time. Before leaving, Ahrieya asked about a specific ritual and if he knew anything about it. He claimed that he is familiar with it, and when Rahadin descended on his town after what he did to his sister who was infatuated with Strahd, he slaughtered all the elves who knew about that ritual. He hopes to learn more about it from the lore hidden in the Amber Temple. Somewhere in the middle of the conversation, Idris and Nova suddenly didn't feel like they were Strahd's best friend, and either quickly left the room or just screamed a bit.Who's Rescuing Who Here?
When the party returned to the Vistani camp, they were brought to Luvash and asked him to recount how his daughter, Arabelle, went missing. Bringing them to the last known spot she was seen, the party found that there were EXTREMELY faded footprints in the dirt (no they're not Gio's). Following the trail, it led them to Lake Zarovitch. When they arrived, they saw three unmanned rowboats with a forth at the center of the lake. When the party tried to approach via rowboat, the man on the boat in the lake hoisted up a burlap sack and dumped it in the lake. Getting into action, the party started rowing rapidly towards the man, as Ahrieya flew over and grabbed the sack. Dropping the sack in their party's boat, Ahreiya saw a rather unimpressed and unaffected young girl who seemed to fit Arabelle's description, claiming that she knew someone would come help her eventually. When questioned, the man, who the party revealed was the drunk Bluto, stated that Vistani are good luck, and he's tired of fishing over and over and over again with no fish to speak of. Idris, noticing the burning yellow/orange in this man's eyes, connected the dots, stripped down, and dove into the lake. At the bottom of the lake, Idris felt a presence move about the waters around him. Moving forward, however, it he happened upon a keep half buried in the muck. The door depicted theatrical icons, and the faint sounds of music could be heard. On the door, there were four quatrafoil slots, which Idris surmised were the same shape as the pendant he was wearing. Running out of air, Idris swam back up to the surface and asked for the pendant Ahrieya swiped off of Bildrath. Returning to the vistani camp, Luvash was very happy to see his daughter once again, and said that the punishment for Bluto would be to give him a vistani curse, turning all alcohol the man brings to his lips turn to vinegar. He also provided the party one of many different gifts, and choosing an iron chest, saw a large amount of gold inside. Ariadne and Nova, upon realizing Arabelle can give a tarokka card reading, asked for a fortune. Ahrieya went first, drawing The Beast card. She said she could see men who are not completely themselves, or at least don't seem to be showing completely who they are. Additionally, she saw a large tree long abadoned. For Nova, she drew the Elementalist. Arabelle saw another great tree on a hill, but there was also a large wooden effigy of Strahd. That seems weird doesn't it? Luvash also shared information with Gio. Apparently, some of his family was seen moving towards Krezk trying to get into the town. As the party decided what to do next, it seemed that the decision was not clear. The mill with Granny? No, lets go to Krezk. Fuck the winery! As the party thought about their next plan. Idris went to the corner of the vistani camp and played the same somber tune until his fingers bled, hearing that ever present wind around him. Ahrieya took a look at Strahd's Tome, and deciphered a few entries...
Andral I
When I brought my father’s armies to this land, among them was a bright young acolyte of the Morninglord named Andral. His sermons inspired the troops and boosted their morale as well as their faith. As we subjugated the native druidic and barbarian tribes, he sought to spread the worship of his god amongst the nature-worshipping primitives. He was a kind soul, often advising me to temper my wrath and show mercy toward our enemies. In him I found a trusted confidant and advisor.
Andral II
Andral trained a protégé to succeed him, a fiery young woman named Markovia. She found herself on the front lines with my men, healing and supporting them in battle. Whereas I was hardened, even sharpened by the prolonged campaigns, she seemed to grow more and more horrified with the suffering and injustice of warfare. She questioned my methods and motivations in the war effort. At first, privately. But when I would not back down against my enemies, she openly criticized the war and my command. “Monster, predator” were the words she used against me. For this open defiance I could have had her executed. But I stayed my hand and reminded her that her service in my army was voluntary. Though Andral sought to mediate our dispute, she abandoned her commission and founded an abbey near the camp in Krezkov.
Andral III
When I pacified the heathen wood elves, Andral believed they needed to be shown the light of the Morninglord and abandon their primitive practice of abstract nature worship. When I felled the mighty silver dragon Argynvost and slaughtered his entire order of loyal knights, he was profoundly silent. Shortly thereafter, he too abandoned me. I hear he has settled in the developing hamlet named Vallaki.
Good Dreams, Please?
As the party rested for the evening, taking watch, they found themselves undisturbed, attributing at least some of that to the fact that they were in a vistani camp. As they slept, certain dreams and visions came to some of the party.
For Nova, she found herself on another mountaintop with the familiar spirit of a great bear. He can feel Ursor's presence here, though he is quiet, and doesn't answer. He doesn't know why. Stating that her party is starting to prove themselves, the bear asks why Nova fights. Nova stated she fights for Nova, but also for vengeance. The bear responded happily, and told her to hold that close, and derive strength from it.
Gio found himself in darkness. The Eidolon appeared in front of him, fading in and out of view. A soft voice could be heard echoing through the emptiness. "Find them" it kept saying. "Find them all..."
Idris found himself in the backroom of one of his domiciles. A familiar scene played out from his memory, where he and Sena played music together before he started to drift into that familiar somber tune. Expecting to wake with a sore face, the scene played out as he expected. However, his vision shifted to third person, and heard his voice say "But that's not how it happened, was it?" Suddently, Sena was gone, and the room was scorched with blackened marks, before fading away.
There's always tomorrow...
Report Date
13 Oct 2022
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