Session 31

General Summary

Shows Over

Idris recalled his time in Var'Qana. A showroom, a stage, a backroom. People cheering him on, and a woman comforting him, attendants taking care of him. Each time, he recalled his band, the group, and Sena in particular. Though each performance, vibe and vibe again, he recalled less and less about them. Until everything felt right. It was wrong, but it felt right. Flashes of a different life kept appearing over and over in his head, until after one performance, Idris returned backstage to find the woman dissipating before his eyes. Choking up and cradling the fading woman, the rippled words echoed in his head; "I will always love you."
Everyone approached Idris, asking if he was alright. Cackling to himself, he wanted to talk to Flameo. Diem and Sena followed his lead, while Gio, No, and Ariadne stayed behind to talk to Niza. The group asked where she was from, and she claimed she was from Berez before an old which riding a skull drove her out. Wandering around the woods for some time, she found herself outside a camp near the town of Vallaki. She heard this somber song coming from someone sitting on the edge of the camp, and after that everything went black. Asking about her opinion on the dick in the castle, yes, she knows him. Best to keep out of his way. Fate told us that you're gonna help us deal with him. Well, I can't deny fate, but I would really like to go home. We can deal with that at some point.
Sena, Diem, and Idris approached the stage where Coryphian was waiting there. What a wonderful performance. Though it will take some vibes to get all this ooze out of the mahogany wood. Why did you do that to me? What happened? Did you really have to invoke the image of my dead mother? That was the only way to get such raw, intense emotion. Did you really want to get eaten by the swarming darkness that lurks in Barovia? Flameo put on a bit of a reenactment. Also, im the only thing keeping you together at the moment. You did ask me for anything to stop the dick in the castle. I just wanted you to be ready. At that moment, Sena walked over and punched the face off of Coryphian. Well that was rude. Did you get it out of your system? He politely moved his face back to place. If your mother is your interest, I can actually bring her back. Though, my power is very limited at the moment. If we just removed Strahd, and mushed Barovia and Var'Qana together, then I actually can. Can you and your band leave? They certainly can.
Before heading out, Idris asked if Coryphian can check out the emotion blips Idris had made. Im getting one in the castle and a bunch in Krezk. Actually I think im getting the two-for-one in Krezk. Checking in on his band mates, they're all calm and relaxed. Sending a quick vibe to Escher, guess what I'm still alive. Gio went over to the concession stand. Bonezva welcomed him as Gio wanted to barter for a neat looking sword and No's name back. Well, if you give me your Battlehand name, and a reason to trust you, then you can get back No's full name. For the sword, I'll have your service for a day. Agreeing to the deal, Bonezhand Battle gave Gio the sword. Idris became a bit more frustrated; if something happens to my band mates im going to kill you.

Back Home and Regroup

In an instant, everyone found themselves on the shore of the lake. Spitting out sand, they were a bit frustrated as to why they had to be thrown face first. Figuring out how they wanted to approach what to do next, it seemed that the information that was provided to him by Flameo was more of a powerful driver for sending them back to Krezk. Sena, all the while, kept checking in on Idris. Yes, I'm fine, at least as fine as I can be.
On the way, Diem asked Ezmeralda to go check up on everyone in the burgomaster's manor in Krezk. Something seems off, so just make sure everything is okay. Acknowledging and agreeing, the Vistani set off.
On horseback, the group found themselves back in Krezk quite late in the evening. Niza chatted with the group a bit, getting to know them. Niza is certainly timid, isn't she. Moving up towards the manor, Idris, Diem, Ariadne, and Niza all walked through the front door while Nova and Gio both scurried out towards the back. Peering out into the back of the yard, Ariadne saw that the stone sarcophagus was left undisturbed, while also making out the shifting head of an axe through the window.
Inside, the party found that Sin and Don were both downstairs and asleep. Diem checked the home for heartbeats. 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11? Theres two more than usual! Oh boy. Checking each room, Idris found the burgomaster and the burgomistress, Grim, and Ireena (Oh wait only one extra heartbeat my bad). Looking into the room with Gio's family, Idris saw that a pallid elf with dark eyes and red-tipped hair sitting in a chair, cradling a young boy; Gio Jr. The rest of the family seemed asleep, though the elf seemed fixated on a sound coming from outside the window. Asking why this man is here, and who they are, Idris' frustration and confusion was met with even more frustration. I've been looking for you this whole time. Do you not see the resemblance. Idris admits that he has heard a bit about him. Why is my sister gone? Why have you not brought her back? Idris seemed to convince him to move the discussion downstairs, before Gio came bursting through the window, to which the elf turned Gio Jr. into a small marble. The man finally introduced himself as Ayduin, and agreed to move downstairs. Don't worry, they wont wake up. I've made sure of that.
Downstairs, the party asked about Ayduin, and his intentions. Gio was particularly frustrated, and reasonably so. Ariadne, please but this marble in your bag. Why would you do that to my kid? You realize how fucked up that is right? Think of it as an incentive. Why don't you bring her back? I am trying to figure that out myself. She is a troubled girl, hurting herself and running away. Her parents miss her, and I just want to reunite the happy family. Ariadne peered into his mind, only getting more frustration and malice. Why are we still discussing this? Peering deeper, she saw a hand grab a frightened Ahrieya's arm. Apparentlly, the party informs him that she is with some entity they know not about. Once you bring her back, I will find you to retrieve her. I will give you this as a token of good faith. Ayduin moved his hands around in the air, though nothing seemed to happen.
As the man left, the party took a moment. Apparently everyone is alright, just sleeping. The group moved up towards the Abbot. Why was he not your first option in bringing her back. Well, he's weird. Upon reaching him, sewing something in the background, the party convinced him to come try and resurrect Ahrieya. Spirits work strangely here, and the Abbot stated that he cannot guarantee that he can bring her back, particularly if something had already gotten to her. Opening the sarcophagus the party saw that Ahrieya's body was completely encased with gold. The Abbot indicated that yes, something had definitely gotten to her. Perhaps one of the Dark Powers. Looking through the journal, Nova found the name Vaund. He cannot do anything here, and promptly vanished.
Gio worked up the courage to go tell his wife that their son is now a marble. Waking her up, Gio broke the news that Idris is back, hooray! Also a man broke in, do you recall this? Yeah, he claimed to be Ahrieya's si-brother. He was very kind. Played with the kids in the backyard. Tried to open the sarcophagus at some point but couldn't. Well, turns out hes bad, and he turned Gio Jr. into a marble. Don't joke like that. I'm serious. WHAT! Nova put ear muffs on Lucia and Gavin.
Rushing into the room with Ariadne, Isis demanded to see the marble his boy is in. Reaching in the bag for the marble, Ariadne grabbed a tuft of hair instead. Pulling out Gio Jr. in his entirety, Gio saw a golden halo shatter over his head before he began choking for air. HOW DARE YOU JOKE ABOUT THAT! Both Gio AND Ariadne got a slap for that. They both swear they were telling the truth, and Isis reluctantly accepts their story. Returning him to his bed, Gio Jr. went back to sleep as Isis fell back to sleep next to him.
Back in the band's room, Idris saw that Sena was still awake, just barely. You should really get some rest. Well, someone has to make sure no fucking weird elf dude is gonna come in and fuck us up. Are you sure you're okay Idris? Yes, I'm just getting accustomed to being alive again. Sena placed a hand on his cheek, lingering for a bit, before turning and going back to her resting spot for the evening.

Doubt?

Gio found himself in an overgrown courtyard. A pale woman in a white dress beckons him over to sit opposite to her at a chess board. Sitting down, Gio took no time in apologizing for the words he spoke about her when Gio Jr. was turned into a marble. You must keep faith in me. I still intend to protect your family, though the protection on him is now spent, moving Gio Jr.'s piece on the board. The woman began to move another piece. This man moves against you now. The piece resembled Strahd.
Gio asked if there is anything he can do to help her in any way. She needs a knight, and wants to protect all of Barovia. But her realm is small, and freeing her from her prison atop the mountain will help invigorate her. What do you know of the Dark Powers? An archaic term no doubt. Do you know of Coryphian and Vaund? Coryphian keeps to himself, and Vaund is a purveyor of knowledge, often regarded as the Great Archivist. Though, I would not trust either of them, nor anyone who wishes to serve them.
In response to her needing a knight, Gio accepted the charge. Feeling his skin split open and his bones snap and pierce through his skin before returning to normal, Gio accepted her blessing before waking up in the morning, long rest achieved.

Did That One Count?

In the morning, the group gathered together downstairs. Idris met up with with his band. Grim was glad Idris was back from wherever he was. Hope you had a good time. Idris is glad to be back, but he had an idea to take the band to where he came from. Its a safe place, probably one of the last few ones. Sin asked about where he was, pointedly asking the question. You'll probably like it, the owner would like to meet you. Don was simply glad to have Idris back. As the band left, Sena stayed behind. She's not going with them, shes staying here. She has business to deal with the dick in the castle, and someone needs to watch Gio's wife and kids since he can't. Idris has his reservations, but he can't really stop her.
Down the stairs, Gio saw Dennis (Sergei) walking beside him. I wish I could have done something to help your family. I'm sorry for what happened. I only hope I could do more. Gio thanked him for his sentiments before he started to feel sick. I'll go now.
Idris approved of Nova's take on nachos. He didn't teach her well. Idris let Gio know that the rest of his band is going to Var'Qana. Sena didn't want to, said she wanted to watch your wife and kids since you can't. I can't be in two places at once! Perhaps Gio can talk some sense into her. Ireena approached Ariadne. Well, Idris looks, alive. Glad he's back. Are you feeling alright? Are we ever feeling alright.
The rest of the party moved outside. The plan is to talk to Ahrieya to try and figure out if she wants to come back, and if she knows any way to find her or Vaund's domain. First making sure she was able to speak, the group removed the golden mask to find a void and golden facial features. Close enough to a face. Diem spoke the words, and Idris asked the questions.

Q1: Do you want to come back? A: Yes Q2: Where can we find Vaund's Domain? A: (Vaund spoke through Ahrieya) A fool in Vallaki is trying to find me. A young man, fiddling with magic he shouldn't. Q3: How do we deal with your brother? A: Thats the funny thing, you don't. Run. Q4: What is your brother's weakness? A: I was... Q5: (Ariadne asked this one) Do you miss us and/or do you forgive me? A: Why did you choose me? I thought we were friends?

Meanwhile, Gio approached Sena. Sitting in the room, Gio thanked her for what she wanted to do, but she definitely didn't have to do that (Though he certainly appreciates it). Sena expressed that she doesn't want shit to happen to them and was tired of seeing all this shit happening to everyone. Shes got business with Strahd, and isn't exactly thrilled about the idea of returning to Flameo. How did you get a woman like that Gio? Well, I'm usually not like this, when im not in Barovia I'm usually much more cheery and funny. Well, try doing that more often. If you're always pissing your pants, then everyone is gonna fucking piss their pants.
Gio walked downstairs to regroup if the rest of the party. Niza commented on how weird everything is that this party does, do people usually act like this? Looks like its definitely time to go back to Vallaki.

Report Date

19 Apr 2023