Session 18

General Summary

The Longest Night

As the sheep wrangling contest came to its close, Idris, Nova, and Sin each realized that one of the sheep were missing. Nova looked around the pen, though was very distracted by her recent victory, as Idris went back to the burgomaster's home in order to find Ariadne to help look for anything strange or magical. Bringing the moon girl to the pen, she ended up leading Idris to a shimmering pool in the northern part of town next to a crumbling gazebo, housing a statue of a bare chested man with his arms outstretched. The pool seemed to emanate magic.
Nova heard large stomps coming from the southwest. Crouching behind a tree, a lumbering man came out carrying the missing sheep on his shoulder back to the pen. Upon seeing Sin, the man happily said hello, revealing him to be Luca, before dropping the sheep off. When asked why it ran, the sheep Steve said he wanted to get away from Nova.
Before night could come to its close, the party had much they wanted to do. Ariadne had a discussion with Ahrieya, asking if she could send a message for her. After lighting up some candles and drawing the face of the recipient in the smoke, Ahrieya began calling service for the evening by sending a message to Izek Strazni on behalf of Ariadne, informing him about the lycan den and the possible lead on her mother's actions. Izek responded with interest, and let her know that the Vistani outside Vallaki were attacked. Ariadne then send a message to Adrian Martikov, asking if any of the Ladies Three were associated with lycanthropy, getting the answer that the Huntress and the Warden were both associated with them, as well as having Adrian surprised at hearing the name Redinella again after so long. Ariadne finally tried to send a message to her mother, though the spell seemed to fail at that. As Ariadne thought about what to ask next, Idris was invited inside as he asked Ahrieya to send a message to Sena. Telling her to watch out for "Flaming Horseman," he asked if she was okay and where she was. After an uncomfortably long amount of time, a rather angry response was had...

You can tell that horned ass purple motherfucker if he wants to apologize he better tell me where he is so I can find him.

Messaging again for more information, the only response was to "Go Fuck Yourself." Though, the recipient of that quip will forever be shrouded in mystery. Not wanting to ask Sena again, another message was send to Don, asking if he had seen Sena or knows where she is. Don claimed that he hasn't seen her in years, and seemed very excited to see her again.
During the sending session, Gio talked with his older son Gavin, asking if he remembered how to use a sword. The man handed the boy his rusty blade, to which the boy got upset that he would have to potentially use it. Putting him to bed, Gio then talked to Isis about how he felt; glad everything was okay but sad he has to go. He then brought up the fact that someone in his group has previously died, and that there is a good chance he might end up kicking the bucket as well. With everything thats happened, he asked about if she would like him to come back after he has died. Immediately, Isis responded that she would like to have him around and to come back, but ultimately that choice will be up to him, no matter how much she would like him to return. He's got a lot to fight for again. As the conversation came to a close, Nova came in after checking every room, and slept at the foot of Gio Jr. and Lucia's bed. Taking a look at the gnome, the sharp features began to return, and the wolf-like gnome would nip at Isis as she went to push her hair from her face. Isis knows about lycanthropy, but only knows that there are two ways of getting it: via family or curse. Unfortunately, without any knowledge of Nova's family, and assuming it is from a cursed bite, Isis cannot do much in the way of curing it. Though, The Abbot might be able to perform a miracle for them. Asking Isis to watch Nova for him, he went out for a midnight stroll.
Gio came out of the room to find Ariadne thinking about what to ask next to Ireena as she was embroidering. When talking with Ariadne and Ahrieya about Izek's message, he asked if they could follow up to find out what attacked the Vistani. Sending another message to Luvash, the man responded that a beast with massive fangs attacked the settlement and killed many men, women, and children.
Stressed, Idris went downstairs to fall face first into a couch as he smoked. Gio took a moment to walk about town and take in the cold air of what felt like impending winter. As he crossed the Abbey, Gio heard the muffled squeals of distressed pigs. Though, he figured that is NOT a now problem. While journeying through town, Gio identified a tailor, blacksmith, as well as some random shop with a sign called "Lady Kate's Wonder Emporium."
Meanwhile, Ahrieya took a moment to send a message of her own to her brother. She expressed how she missed her home, parents, and wanted her brother back. A snarling response came as he said that she can have her brother back as long as she let him know where she is. Concerned, Ahrieya returned downstairs, allowing Sin, Ireena, and Ariadne to enter to room once again for the evening. Ahrieya then went outside to give a quick prayer to the golden eyed woman who helped her, only to be responded with wind.
Returning inside, Ahrieya told Idris that he is Dad #1, the one that says yes to everything (the Zaddy if you will), as Gio is Dad#2. She then took a moment to attune to the cloak she had gotten from Vasili, only to realize that along with being really good, its also REALLY BAD. Panicking, Ahrieya asked for help from Idris. As he tried to cast a spell, he felt his hand move on its own as it was directed by the yellow and orange robes of Flameo Hotman. Gripping Ahrieya's arm, a warmth spread up her arm towards her eyes as a component of the cloak was removed, but it still could not be taken off. However, Ahrieya's eyes were now yellowed. The two then went to Gio for help, who then went to Talma for help. Unfortunately, the cloak can't be removed by normal means. The group resolved that this was something to bring the Abbey so that hopefully some miracle might remove it.
Gio then asked about the eyes, and if what Ahrieya has is similar. Idris claimed that it is from someone who might be able to help against Strahd. Ahrieya went upstairs for a moment before going to bed to stare at a door, and kept counting the nicks on the door over and over again, feeling that warmth in her face.
Lying on the couch once again, Idris heard footsteps a Sin approached. They talked briefly about whether or not Sin should come with him to Ravenloft, and though at first seeming not to want to, Sin ultimately asked if she could go. As Sin left to get a drink before going upstairs, Idris heard more footsteps as Anna walked past. She just wanted to get come duties finished before the next day, though it seemed she was trembling slightly. Again, hearing more footsteps, this time it was Flameo Hotman. Asking what she did to Ahrieya, the entity claimed he made her part of them. Asking about what was under the lake, Flameo Hotman claimed that it was filled with 'friends' of theirs. When asked for a name, the entity responded with Coryphian. Finally, when asked about Sena, Coryphian seemed to sense her near a tower. Pressing more into the conversation, Coryphian suddenly felt something approach Sena, and promptly disappeared.
In the room, Ireena and Ariadne had a brief talk about Krezk, and if they both feel safe here. Ireena claimed this is the safest shes felt in a while, partly due to Ariadne and the rest of the party being so nice to her.
Gio returned to his room where he and Isis finally went to bed before asking about the Abbot. She seemed to think the Abbot must be okay if they brought back Anna's son. Lying down to rest. Gio quickly told Isis that hes going to dinner with Strahd, as well as the fact that in fact two people in the party have died instead of one. Before she could get a cross word in, Gio exclaimed goodnight and that he loves her.
As Ahrieya tranced, the golden eyed woman appeared and showed her a tome. As Ahrieya touched it, information flooded into her; concepts, equations, histories. All could be hers if she could have the tome. The woman then shut the tome, and as she disappeared, a named whispered in the darkness "Vaund."

Religious Excursion

As the party awoke, they gathered themselves together to figure out what they were doing and where they were going. First, the group wanted to go to the Abbey as Ahrieya rushed everyone out the door. As Ariadne grabbed her back, she saw that there was an embroidered patch of a bluebird on her bag. In the cold air of Krezk, the party approached the Abbey as the squealing pig noises could be heard once again. At the gate, they were stopped by a cloaked man who asked what business the party had. After Nova parted with the rotten tiger tooth, the amalgam of a human named Otto directed the party to the Abbot.
Within the main hall, the party met a handsome young man who called himself The Abbot. He spoke with almost no emotion behind his words, and claimed that he could perform miracles thanks to power granted to him by the Morninglord. Though he asked for something in return; a part from Ahrieya and Nova so that he might complete what might be able to save Barovia for a time. As he gestured, a woman stitched together from various parts stepped into view, looking almost exactly like Ireena. The Abbot claimed it was a near perfect replica of Tatyana that may be able to appease Strahd. Everyone who comes to him for hope of a cure to their conditions all get cured, however they also give away some part of them. Ahrieya insisted that whatever that thing is will not sate Strahd, and that it will only make things worse. Idris gave a rousing, intense speech that The Abbot is no different than the rich in Baldur's Gate, taking advantage of those in need for whatever they need or want. The Abbot seemed insistent on his ability to help Barovia with his project, which he calls Vasilka (In celestial, meant Vessel). He has tried in the past to fight Strahd, but he is eternal and will never be deposed. It is the nature of this place, the Dark Powers will not allow it. Strahd is not the one in charge here.
Though, it seemed Idris and Ahrieya got to him slightly. He made a deal that if the party failed to defeat and depose Strahd within 3 months, Ahrieya will return to him and give him what he needs to finish Vasilka. Agreeing, The Abbot lifted the curse from the cloak, as well as curing Nova of her lycanthropy after so long. Ariadne took this moment to detect magic, and found that the same magic she felt from the green gem she gave to the Martikovs was coming from Vasilka.

Dinner Summons

Leaving the Abbey, the party had a lot to think about. However, they could see from the hill that a black carriage waited for them outside the town. As they went closer, the guards claimed it just strolled up and opened the door, no one inside or came out. After shouting and messaging the carriage, the party got no response. Going back to the burgomaster's home to briefly let them know they probably have to leave, the party said they're goodbyes as they determined Sin will NOT be coming anymore, and that she will watch the sheep pen while they're gone. Ireena would not be coming, but she told them to stay safe, and to please come back, she doesn't want to lose any more friends.
As the party approached the carriage, the velvet interior revealed a parcel of gifts for the party; a pair of velvet gloves and cloaks custom made for everyone. The party climbed in as they took off into the sky towards the castle. Within the carriage, the party came up with a game plan as to what they were gonna do at the dinner.
Arriving at the castle, the party could hear the thunder crack as the door swung open, revealing Rahadin as well as two more individuals waiting for them, Esher and Sasha Ivliskova. Esher gave the group a warm welcome, claiming that he heard many good stories about the party and their exploits throughout Barovia. He seemed particularly into Idris, or at least his horns and skin. Rahadin claimed they are not dressed for the occasion, and told them that in anticipation, Strahd set out outfits for each member of the party. As they approached the lounge where they would find their clothes, they met Ludmilla waiting there for them.

Ariadne: A form fitting pearl colored dress with a light pink sequin pattern akin to vines and roses. Towards the shins and feet, the dress gets more and more sheer as it becomes lace. It comes with a light purple and pink choker as well as a pair of pearl white heels.
Ahrieya: A form fitting deep purple open off shoulder high split dress which moves up to the top of your thigh on each leg. Attached just under your arms are two gloveless and shoulderless sleeves which cover your forearms and biceps. The dress comes with a pair of silver cuff earrings in the shape of dragons, as well as a pair of black heels.
Nova: A fur cloak which covers each shoulder is laid out for you. The fur itself is a bright gray with a white trim, with each side of the fur linked together across your chest with a bronze chain embossed with the symbol of a bear. The remainder of the outfit is a knitted black high neck long sleeve cutout right above the chest, with a pair of black furs which make up the pants. These come with a broach of a snarling bear, as well as a pair of knee high furry boots.
Gio: A long sleeve dark brown dress shirt is laid out with the addition of a suede vest which bears the patternation of white and copper peacock feathers. A pair of sharp, brown pants rest aside a set of suspenders to be worn over the vest and shirt which have wide leather pads which go over the shoulders themselves. A pair of beautifully patterned cowboy boots rest at the foot of the dressware, along with a set of gold and bronze bangles in addition to a single, onyx earring of a gauntlet.
Idris: A white undershirt to complement a velvet black suit/jacket. A yellow cravat is additionally provided along with a yellow cummerbund. Across the chest of the coat itself are a series of deep purple chords, each side covered off with a silver medallion depicting a different string instrument. Deep purple velvet pants are provided with silver chains along the sides, along with a pair of shin high black boots.

As the party got dressed, they worried what was going to happen this evening (afternoon?). But already, this is not what they were expecting.

Report Date

15 Dec 2022