Session 46

General Summary

Checking In

As the fey left, the party began to move down the hill and back towards the Winery. After arriving, Ahrieya set up a quick sanctum before asking about the ritual to turn them into spectral ravens. The ritual will allow them to travel around Barovia at a very high speed, though it will only have one use. Though, perhaps with some risk and modification, the party would be able to shift twice in and out of raven form.
Taking advantage of this opportunity, the party took a moment to rest before shifting into ravens and flying towards Krezk, but not before giving the Battlehands a warning of both their arrival and the issues Gio wanted to discuss. Far responded, glad that they are well, and that perhaps Vankirk might be better suited to explain what had happened. Ahrieya sent another message to Izek to check in on him as well, but seemed to be blocked by something.
Flying over the valley, the party flew towards the Burgomaster's mansion as Ahrieya took a brief detour towards the Abbey. Looking to chat with the Abbot, Ahrieya was met by a stitched-together individual named Alexander, speaking to Ahrieya and denying her entry as she clearly was not on the list. The Abbot is currently away from town, and will be returning tonight if you would like to speak with him. Remarking that she better be on the list next time, Ahrieya was escorted outside the Abbey by Otto.
Back at the mansion, the party flew in through the top floor window. Turning back into people, the party dispersed. Idris went over to the Burgomaster, informing him that should he be able to obtain diamond dust, he might be able to return Ilya back to his normal form. The burgomaster appreciated it very much, and though he had no dust, he would try to find some for Idris. The tiefling then decided to move aside and talk to Coryphian. Apparently his dad is still alive and out there somewhere. Where is he? Well, somewhere hot with sand. Can you please upgrade your network? Well I can, but it might be painful. Painful how? Apparently burn-out-your-retinas painful. Idris became temporarily blinded, but felt as though he can always sense others' vibes.
Gio checked in on his wife. She hadn't gotten a chance to inform everyone around the house yet, though his children seemed to be happily playing outside with Vankirk. As the party met back up, Vankirk and the rest of the Battlehands joined them. Asking about his involvement with potential kidnappings, Vankirk described that they were given a task by the dick in the castle to take out a woman that lived in Vallaki. Upon meeting her, they found a very pregnant woman with a husband and a young boy. Not only did it feel wrong, but something felt off about the entire situation. After some discussion, the Battlehands decided it would be best to try and get them away from Strahd, and the woman asked if they could take them out of Barovia. Though, on the road, their wagon was attacked by wolves and werewolves. They found the woman, but the husband was eviscerated and the boy nowhere to be found. Insisting they left, the family and the woman continued out of Barovia until they finally escaped and promptly went their separate ways.
Gio remarked on how they actually did something good, and how that is probably why they decided to meet up with Gio and his family. Vankirk said it was to have a numbers advantage, though there may have been something else lingering in his thoughts.
After the talk, Gio took a moment to try and commune with Par'Thalia. Closing his eyes, he found himself in a much more pruned garden amphitheater. As the entity appeared, the two walked and talked. Gio tried to convince them that there are many different forms of beauty, and that perhaps allowing life to continue on is the most beautiful of all. Par'Thalia insisted that no amount of suffering as time moves forward is worth it, as she gestures to dozens on dozens of statues in her garden. All of them exist in bliss, perfectly preserved in the moment of their prestine beauty. Gio noted that Ilya was here was well, Gio's first of many. As the discussion came to a close, Par'Thalia said she would think on Gio's words.

Into the Wild

After a brief rest, the party said their goodbyes and transformed into ravens once more. Speeding off to the Werewolf Den, the party saw the same coloration depicted on the wereravens as they do on the werewolves. They seemed to be hunting large game, skinning some while preparing others to mount. Making note of Zuleika's absence, the party turned a corner to find a statue of The Warden and, behind it, a shimmering portal.
Shifting through the portal, most of the party fell onto a soft bed of moss. Though, after a moment, the moss began to speak in an irritated fashion. They didnt notice anyone else land on then. Ahrieya seemed smitten by the entirety of this place.
Moving through the jungle, the party came across a small mill of insectoid looking creatures. Upon discussion, apparently tears in reality appear every now and then with something trying to crawl through. Before leaving, one of the insectoids asked for them to say I to Attacus for them.
More jungle, but ahead the party saw a small town of the insectoid creatures. Moving through, all the denizens seemed to take interest in the party until rips in reality began to appear with shimmering and whistling entities breaking forth. Though they did considerable damage, the party managed to dispatch them. After the fight, a frustrated set of spidery limbs began to try and tear into reality, though to no success. The denizens then thanked the party for their help, and offered them a guide to the Redinella's sanctum; Attacus.
With the guide in tow, the party began to move towards the jungle once again until the space opened up into a field. Off in the distance, another insectoid creature was being harried by a gryphon. After spooking the creature off, the merchant thanked the party for helping them and gifted them some beans. Eventually, the party came to a field of massive termite mounds and even larger anteaters. Ahrieya took a moment to converse and cuddle with the anteaters before discerning they are docile.
Climbing up one of the massive termite mounds, the party began to descend downwards.

Report Date

03 Dec 2023