Session 06: In the Shadows

General Summary

The Vistani Encampment Continued...

Questioning Kasimir

The Party questions Kasimir and learns the following...

• They ask him some questions re Madam Eva's Tarokka Reading and he does his best to answer.
• He doesn't know who the "Master of the Marsh is", but states that this is most likely referring to the ruins of The Village of Berez.
• This was once a thriving village but was flooded and turned into its current marshy state by Strahd many years ago.
• He says that many of the families in Vallaki are decedents of refugees from Berez, but so far no one has returned to the ruins and survived to report back.
• The Dragon's House might be Argynvostholt, the abandoned manor filled with undead Paladins from a defunct Holy Order that were slain by Strahd while he was still mortal.
• Occasionally, when traveling at night, the party may catch a glimpse of these undead.
• Kasimir suspects that the long and winding road might lead to The Amber Temple, the temple he had mentioned earlier.
• But advises that he feels it would be too dangerous for them and himself at this moment.
• He also advises Kerberos on the spear he is searching for...
• Barovia is a valley situated between two mountains to the north and south.
• If the party wanted to practice for trekking to the temple they would be better doing this in the north.
• Last he heard, the spear was in possession of some druids based in the south-west, just beyond The Wizard of Wines Vineyard.
• Kasimir points the directions the party will need to take on their map, advising that while they should avoid Berez for the time being they could investigate Argynvostholt.
• When the time is right, sufficient resources have been gathered and the party is ready; Kasimir is happy act as a guide and accompany the party to The Temple.
• Many adventurers have sought it out, only to never return.

Troubling Visions

That night, Maisie and Skeleton Archer take watch. Maisie notices a shambling undead in the distance but the vistani guards pay it no mind. Skeleton Archer doesn't notice anything of note but finds that sleep overtakes him. You all have a very similar dream.

• You all find yourselves alone, in a freezing temple hall, inside a room filled with what appears to be pillars made from Amber.
• Soon a chorus of whispers begin to fill the room, their source unknown. Then, they coalesce and begin to promise you individually.
• Garreak is promised freedom and financial security, his mother will never have to skip a meal again to keep the tavern afloat.
• Kerberos is promised power and strength, so that no one may bound him in chains again. And he will be strong enough to destroy those who enslaved him.
• Madame H is promised reinvention, she will never doubt the path and can leave her past behind.
• Maisie is promised knowledge, knowledge that will allow her to save her sister and right the wrong that has been done to her.
• Skeleton Archer is promised a true rebirth, one that would allow him to return home and see his children again.

The following morning the party discuss their dreams, some keep the contents to themselves but come to the understanding that whatever this was (Maisie strongly suspects these to be vestiges of some darkness from the Shadowfell it may have had the power to bring these things into fruition but most likely at a terrible cost.   Ireena had a dream of her own and shared it;

• She dreamt she was running through Castle Ravenloft, towards the walls, while being pursued by someone.
• A voice was calling out to her, using a name that was not her own, Tatyana.
• She eventually makes it to the walls of the castle, overlooking the cliff that falls into the river below.
• She finally turns to see her pursuer; Strahd, covered with blood and claiming to have done what he did for them.
• She then jumps off the walls, falling into a mist then darkness.

Ireena has no clue what this dream could mean and no one could connect the name Tatyana to anything.

Talking with Nobles

Following these visions, the party decides that its best they head back into town to assess the political situation before the festival starts.

The Burgomaster's Mansion

When the party arrives, they see a congregation of women and children bringing sticks inside the manor. They quickly leave without the sticks, leaving the party alone at the front door.   They see an ornate knocker, which Kerberos assumes is a handle and proceeds to cleanly pull the door off its hinges; much to the shock of the frightened maid that was about to greet the party. She then guides them to a den where they can wait for the burgomaster, Baron Vargas Vallakovich.

Meeting the Burgomaster

• In the masculine sitting room, complete with the smell of pipe smoke and the head of a brown bear; the party waits.
• Shortly after, Vargas arrives, greeting the party as heroes.
• He enquires how the vampire spawn entered his town, but the party wasn't able to give him a straight answer.
• He also encourages the party to stay for the festival as "honored guests"!
• The party asks about the strange lights and his son, Vargas confirms they will most likely find Baronet Victor Vallakovich somewhere in the house. Probably in his room.
• The party also takes the chance to ask about Izek, Vargas confirms that while he met Ireena as a child on a visit to the village; Izek had no knowledge of her.
• He informs the party that he has to continue preparations for the festival tomorrow, saying they are free to explore the manor but must stay out of private quarters. As he leaves, he tells the party that "All will be well!"

Exploring the Manor

• The party explores downstairs and sees nothing of note, really, except for Baroness Lydia Petrovna making a wicker sun with various female peasants.
• The finishing touches are being put on the sun and its...very well made but has an unsettling smile.
• Lydia welcomes the party as guests of her husband, informing them they can grab whatever is left from this tea and that lunch will be served soon.
• Having found everything of note downstairs, the party makes their way upstairs. A few things are found (mostly by Spider-Maisie
• The Baron is sitting in his study looking over documents.
• Izek is in his room, which boasts an extensive collection of the Ireena dolls.
• There is a man locked in a closet in the hall; half-naked, beaten and chained.

Mirror, Mirror

• The gang finds a peculiar mirror on the wall, with text on the frame written in Dwarvish.
• After some debate between Maisie and Garreak; Maisie reads the inscription aloud...

Magic mirror on the wall,   Summon forth your shade;   Night’s dark vengeance, heed my call   And wield your murderous blade.

• Then, a spectral assassin appears; awaiting orders.
• Deciding to give it a shot, Maisie says Strahd's name.
• The specter disappears and at first it seems like nothing happens..
• Then, the smiling visage of Strahd von Zarovich appears, humored by the attempt on his life.
• He invites the party to dine with him at Castle Ravenloft.
• Of course, a formal invite will arrive for them shortly; in the mean time they should enjoy their time in Vallaki as he doesn't wish to "ruin their fun".
• He informs them that their journey to Ravenloft will be safe and no one in his domain will harm them, as they are honored guests for now.
• It is at this point that Garreak destroys the mirror, worried that this is a repeat of the Vault of Dragons fresco.
• Everyone seems to decide putting a pin in this revelation and invite, it seems as though Strahd was able to see and react to you all.

Talking With the Baronet

• After not finding Baronet Victor Vallakovich in his room, you decide to try the attic (where the ravens had seen the strange lights).
• Maisie, Garreak, Madame H, Ireena and Skeleton Archer make their way up the ladder to the attic; with Kerberos staying downstairs so he can eat his snacks.
• You all find Victor, a disheveled young man who is attempting to understand magic so that he can attempt to escape Barovia.
• You also learn that he is not fond of his father or his delusions that good vibes will save Vallaki from misfortune.
• He does also tell you that the man that is chained in a closet is a protester who had caused a stir at the last festival.
• His understanding of magic is both immense and limited, he's mastered resurrecting skeletal cats but hasn't been able to figure out teleportation circles (his book is incomplete).
• He intended to use the circle to escape Barovia with his betrothed Stella Wachter; but his magic has hurt her in some way.
• You also learn that the circle is flawed in a deadly way, even if your toe were to brush up against it; a tunnel of force magic would render you into dust.
• Maisie manages to convince him to give her the spellbook, at least until they can find a way to help the lovers.
• This engagement may have had political origins but he does seem to genuinely care for Stella, at the very least in a platonic sense.

A Meeting at Wachterhaus

• After a lunch of some soup, you all make your way to Wachterhaus.
• Staff let you inside and guide you to a parlor where Lady Fiona Wachter is sitting.
• She seems friendly enough and is grateful that Maisie wishes to examine the ailment that Stella is afflicted with.
• Fiona seems to be bitter towards the Baronette, saying that he "...said such terrible word's, poor Stella's mind broke".
• You are led upstairs, towards Stella's room when you hear the plaintive voice of a young woman meow and call out...

“Can little kitty come out to play? Little kitty is sad and lonely and promises to be good this time, really she does.”

Session ended with the party bracing themselves for whatever horror and/or depravity waits for them. (Long rest until the Festival of the Blazing Sun).

Session ended at 4pm 17/9/735; 17th of Sintavr, 735