Session 49 - Back in Volkhv Country

General Summary

Dukh decided to throw the dog statuette onto the fire that was consuming the phoenix woman. The resulting flash of light engulfed the party, blinding and hurting many of them, and nearly killing Agnessa, Nadia and Emil, but successfully destroyed the figurine. Agnessa had several fingers fused together by the searing heat, while Emil had the same happen to his toes, and developed a limp. Nadia sustained a serious burn to her leg, and began to hobble as well.
Later that morning, as the party continued to rest to recuperate from an eventful night, a group of workers from Dubno passed by. Their leader, Sergei, thought that meeting with a volot was clearly providential, and said they had been hired by Bishop Tikhon of Zmiihorod to build a new church in Aleksandrovka, of all places. The purpose of the church was to commemorate a local martyr, who turned out to be none other than Sister Irina. The party managed to convince them to travel to their destination together and the party managed to convince them to travel together, making use of their covered wagon (which was especially welcome to the injured) One of their number, Olga, was a bellmaker, and inquired the companions about the availability of silver for this project.
The enlarged group continued making their way eastward, with Ivan leading the way. The subsequent night, a group of around a dozen apparently Kochmak approached. The travelers hid, to avoid a possible confrontation. But the riders appeared lost, and asked for directions to Dubno. After Sergei told them what they wanted to know, they continued on their way without further ado.
Over the next three days, the winds picked up, and the weather became increasingly stormy. Three days later, the travelers' camp was harassed by a pack of wolves, but by morning, the predators gave up and left. The following day, the group passed another curious pool with a very smooth surface. They did not tarry, but Groump was visibly disturbed by it.
The woods began to look more familiar, and Ivan, native to the area, attempting to avoid the dangerous Volkhvy, whose encampment was somewhere nearby. However, the rivers did not work in their favor. During their travels, the party discussed various topics. Ivan tried to express his gratitude to Marina for her help, but the conversation unexpectedly turned to the topic of his marriage.
As they journeyed north of where he thought the encampment would be, they entered a forest lit by a green light and were attacked by a rider who looked like one of the bishop's men who had earlier been cursed by the volkhvy. The creature, revealed to be one of the walking dead still riding his horse, was fought off by the party until his corpse smashed an finally put to rest.

Report Date

14 Apr 2024