C2S4: The Wise Woman (write-up)

General Summary

Tser Pool Encampment

  Whilst Ireena and Ismark Kolyanovich wait outside to avoid the notice of the Vistani, the party enter the Tser Pool Encampment and are welcomed by drunken Vistani. Borislav greets the heroes, offers them drinks, and talks about Rictavio as a "carnival master in town, some say a vampire slayer!". Mariya flirts with Torinn before Borislav show the party to Madam Eva's tent, where they receive a reading:   Carric Liadon: "Elf-born. Your people languished when you left, and they left you in return. But you will find them again, before the end. Soveliss will hear your words. But do not lose yourself along the way, or this land may be the death of you."   Senlin: "Dragonshield, come closer. You have a dark path ahead of you, but know that you will meet the one who killed your family before the end. He lives deep in the Threadspines, surrounded by his kin. But I foresee you may need him before long, if only his blood for your sword. You won the heart of your wife fairly – your victory was legitimate."  

Beware the drums and screeching horns of the hellish horde. Quarrels will turn violent and the earth will shake with their approach. Andak of The Howling Slayers is your foe

— Madam Eva describing to Senlin his enemy

  Taowhiri: "You have nemeses in many places, Haunted One. Some who have found you, and others you created for yourself. But you are not alone in this land. You travel amongst family and friends. Some of which you have yet to meet, beyond your dreams, who will perhaps bring you a new family in time."   Torinn: "Ahh, you, the man under the mountain, how is your old dragon friend. Do you worry if he grows lonely without you? He prepares to move further from you still, even as your forest wife draws closer. But... strange.. that I cannot see your fate... Who was your father? I feel you may have the blood of the Vistani in you! Welcome home my boy! This may be the reason you have been drawn to these lands."  

Tarokka Card Reading

Madam Eva draws five cards and places them facedown in a cross. Leaning forward over the black velvet of the table, she first lifts the one to her left...

"The Four of Stars, also known as the Abjurer. This card tells of history. Knowledge of the ancient will I help you better understand your enemy... I see a fallen house guarded by a great stone dragon. Look to the highest peak."

Leaning forward, her bones creaking, she stretches for the card furthest from her...

"The Master of Coins, the Rogue. This card tells of a powerful force for good and protection, a holy symbol of great hope... I see a nest of ravens. There you will find the prize."

Madam Eva leans to her right, flipping the next card swiftly...

"The Seven of Stars, the Illusionist. This is a card of power and strength. It tells of a weapon of vengeance: a sword of sunlight... a man is not what he seems. He comes here in a carnival wagon. Therein lies what you seek."

Madam Eva falls back into her chair, her face becoming solemn. Her gnarled hand stretches to claw the card closest to her, completing the circle...

"The Queen of Swords, the Mists. This card sheds light on one who will help you greatly in the battle against darkness... a Vistana wanders this land alone, searching for her mentor. She does not stay in one place for long. Seek her out at Saint Markovia's abbey, near the mists."

Her movements slow now, Madam Eva reaches out for the final card, lying directly in the centre of the cross...

"The Queen of Coins, the Tempter. Your enemy is a creature of darkness, whose powers are beyond mortality. This card will lead you to him! I see a secret place - a vault of temptation hidden behind a woman of great beauty. The evil waits atop his tower of treasure."

Madam Eva leans back in her chair, milky eyes glinting within the dark folds of her many cloaks, and cracked lips pull back to reveal grotesquely white and perfect teeth, at odds with the decrepit face in which they sit.

"Now, you have what you require. Go!"

  The party are granted permission from Madam Eva to look through the Vistani wagons for supplies. Carric questions Borislav about leaving Barovia and is quoted 50gp for a dose of potion. He sees the monstrous shadows of Vistani dancing and suggests the party leave.  

Back on the Road

  Mariya fires an arrow with an invitation to bed at Torinn as the party leave camp. Heading towards the Tser Falls, Ireena and Ismark come running out of the woods, avoiding a Vistani scout. As night falls, a chuckle is heard in the woods and out strides a Cadaver Lord, Ingarok, demanding Ireena. The party fight the cadavers, and as Ingarok is destroyed a flash of fire on the cliff above heralds The Emissary sitting upon his horse. Taowhiri takes off toward the cliff with Ireena in pursuit.

Rewards Granted

Prophecy from Madam Eva   Bag of Holding
Spellbook: Ceremony, Ice Knife   Vistani supplies: tent, scimitar, kits, forgery kit, herbalism kit, signet ring

Missions/Quests Completed

Received prophecy from Madam Eva.
Defeated the Cadaver Lord.

Character(s) interacted with

Borislav
Madam Eva
Mariya Alastroi
Mela
Ismark Kolyanovich
The Emissary
Ingarok, Cadaver Lord