Session 52 - The Mysterious Tsar of the Forest

General Summary

The group has just finished a battle, and a new threat appears: a large figure emerging from the ground, accusing Ivan of being a defiler. Ivan admits they were chopping wood in the figure's forest, possibly angering it. The party then moves to stabilize their fallen comrade Emil, using whatever healing supplies they have on hand. Dukh, observing all this from a tree, decides to wait unless the figure attacks anyone but Ivan. Meanwhile, Ivan tries to manoeuvre the figure away from the rest of the group, suspecting it can move faster than him. The figure grabs Ivan by the ear, dragging him and accusing him of hating what he is. Marina  attempts to intervene, arguing that they were cutting down trees to defend against undead creatures. The figure insists that Ivan belongs to him and needs to return to learn who and what he is. As the situation unfolds, Ivan tries to deceive the figure to protect his friends while the figure continues to drag him into the woods. The party splits, with Agnessa taking Emil back to town for help while Dukh and Marina follow Ivan. The figure eventually releases Ivan after a tense exchange, and the party decides to return to the village as a strong wind blows them back.
Agnessa reaches the village first and seeks help from the nuns, and revealing that the figure has a history with Ivan. Agnessa takes Emil to the village for help from the nuns, who perform a prayer that partially heals Emil while causing Agnessa some psychic damage. The rest of the party follows, and they all return to the village. Ivan explains his history with the figure, who he believes is a powerful being claiming to be his ancestor. The party discusses Ivan's complicated relationship with the figure, who represents a connection to a powerful but dangerous heritage. The group discusses their next steps, considering whether to approach the figure in the forest with gifts and an escape plan.
Ivan interprets the figure's previous actions as a warning to stay away, but Marina suggests they might negotiate for help against the undead. Nadia proposes discussing plans away from the convent's prying eyes, and the group considers relocating to Lada's house. Ivan shares his backstory, explaining how the last time he met the figure, it dragged him away and claimed to be his ancestor. But he was raised by the nuns, and considers them his real parents. The group plans to discreetly move to Lada's house, avoiding the town centre to prevent unwanted attention. They make their way to Lada's home at the edge of the village, where Nadia pulls Dukh aside to suggest they speak to Ivan's father figure, the leshy. Dukh and Nadia agree to go alone, leaving the rest of the group to rest at Lada's house.
Ivan begins cleaning up and chopping firewood, discovering the firewood is wet from spring rains. During his work, he hears a voice from under a bench, revealing the presence of Lada's Kolobok, who claims to be  the house's "lord and master". He is initially resistant to the idea of having roommates. Ivan offers to help by rebuilding the oven, which piques its interest. While Marina looks for sewing supplies to mend her skirt. Agnessa uses her magic to help clean and mend Marina's skirt, leading to a heartfelt conversation between them about Emil's curse and the challenges they face. Agnessa expresses her concern about Emil's future as a dog, but Marina reassures her that they can find a solution. Dukh searches for a book but finds only a tablecloth with embroidered designs. As night falls, the group prepares for sleep, with Marina opting to sleep outside on a bench. Dukh sneaks out of the house to meet Nadia, and together, they head into the woods, unnoticed by the others.
Dukh and Nadia venture into the woods, trying to stealthily follow the path Ivan's father took. As they progress, the environment becomes increasingly damp and filled with the stench of decay. They hear voices and laughter that disorient and confuse them, leading to Dukh accidentally swinging at Nadia. Regaining control, they continue cautiously, but Nadia is soon trapped by vines. Dukh attempts to free her but is confronted by a gruff voice demanding what is his. Dukh tries to negotiate, emphasizing Ivan's importance, but the confrontation escalates. Nadia reveals herself to Ivan's father, claiming she is betrothed to Ivan and offering a dowry in exchange for peace. Ivan's father demands precious stones as proof. Nadia agrees, and the vines restraining her loosen. Despite Dukh's attempts to reason with him by making him recognize his importance, Ivan's father insists on dominance and dismisses Dukh. After securing Nadia's release, they head back, with Nadia urging Dukh to keep quiet about their encounter. Upon returning, their quiet entrance is noted by Ivan but doesn't cause alarm.
The next morning, Ivan and the group discuss their next steps, considering Emil's injury and their desire to visit the Volkhv Encampment. Dukh proposes killing Ivan's father, the Tsar of the Forest, but Ivan and Marina oppose the idea, suggesting the Tsar might be useful. They decide to visit the Volkhvy to learn more about the Tsar's potential involvement with the undead. Ivan expresses concerns about accompanying the group, fearing his presence might worsen relations with the Volkhvy. Eventually, the group agrees to gather supplies and leave for the Volkhvy camp, while Ivan steps out to trade croutons for milk, encountering a few sisters along the way. The nuns urge him to rescue the builders as it is their responsibility. Ivan discusses this with the group, and Dukh enthusiastically agrees to confront the Tsar of the Forest. Marina suggests attempting a trade instead of a direct confrontation.
Ivan expresses concerns about the Tsar's potential aggression and the difficulty of bargaining. The group considers different items to offer, including the crown from the firebird. Ivan ultimately agrees to try trading with the Tsar but emphasizes the need for a solid plan in case of conflict. The group prepares to leave, with Ivan suggesting that they must be ready to fight if negotiations fail. Dukh, however, is determined to kill the Tsar, causing tension within the group. Marina and Agnessa propose bribing the Tsar with the crown they found, but Dukh is reluctant to part with it. After a brief struggle, Ivan convinces Dukh to let them use the crown for the trade, emphasizing that this might be their best chance to rescue the builders and avoid unnecessary conflict. Dukh argues with the group about his desire to kill the Tsar of the Forest, which causes tension. Ivan tries to tie Dukh up, but he escapes and runs outside. Marina tries to reason with Dukh, suggesting they prepare for the worst while hoping to avoid conflict. After some back-and-forth, Dukh reluctantly agrees to not attack first but demands a promise in return. The group, wary of Dukh's unpredictable behaviour, decides to proceed cautiously, prepared to bribe the Tsar with the crown if necessary. Dukh demands a promise from the group that if they don't fight the Tsar now, they will return to kill him later. The group, particularly Ivan and Marina, debates the terms, with Marina suggesting a vague promise and Ivan setting a potential timeline. Agnessa emphasizes the need for practicality and suggests focusing on the current mission. Ivan eventually proposes that they only attempt to kill the Tsar if they acquire a magical weapon capable of defeating him, to which Dukh reluctantly agrees. Ivan agrees to the plan of seeking a magical weapon to kill the Tsar within four years instead of an immediate confrontation.
Nadia suggests electing a captain to maintain discipline, but the group hesitates, joking about who would be suitable. The group debates bringing an axe into the forest, ultimately deciding against it to avoid offending the Tsar. They also agree to conceal their religious symbols.

Report Date

02 Jun 2024

Primary Location

Aleksandrovka