The people of Orașnou are desperate. The village is on the brink of starvation and has little chance of surviving the harsh winter. Even if they had enough food and supplies, Lord Strahd’s taxes are due, and the ruler of Barovia does not accept excuses as payment. The Burgomaster and others in the village have recently learned of a wealthy estate that might have enough resources to solve both of Orașnou’s problems. It is a temptation he cannot afford to resist or can he?
The village of Orașnou is buried in winter's snows and facing starvation. An unseen beast has ravaged the livestock culled to pay Lord Strahd's tax and the village is thrown into panic and chaos. Can you find the monster and save the village from starvation, or worse?
Recently, a well-dressed visitor arrived in town. Somehow, he quickly gained the confidence of the townsfolk. Farmers and vendors sought his guidance. Laborers and smiths sought his assistance. And a pair of young lovers, Benedek and Sari, sought his blessing in uniting them in marriage.
Faerun, 1383 DR, Cvaal Daoran of Phlan and the dark fey of the Quivering Forest forged a pact that would keep trespassers out of the forest in exchange for the fey's promise to help defend Phlan against invaders, Cvaal's foolhardy son, Talaric, violated the pact in 1456 DR by leading people into the forest. Recently, the Mists have pulled a large section of the lands surrounding Phlan into Barovia. As a result, the forest, already dangerous for the unwary, has become even more foreboding, Jeny Greenteeth is more powerful, and the dark fey more aggressive.
The time has come to venture beyond the village of Orașnou and explore the realm of Barovia. However, in your travels, you happen across an unusual tribe of people--distrusted denizens of the Demiplane of Dread. Do the Vistani truly possess the ability to see the future, or is it simple parlor tricks and deceit? Part Five of Misty Fortunes and Absent Hearts
While the majority of the residents are modest, the village does claim one noble family—the Falinescu family having made Orașnou their home many years ago. Lucian Falinescu inherited his fortune, but his family nevertheless prospered through his mechanical inventions: devices, instruments, and toys operated by springs and cogs. His wife, Glovia—gifted with a talent for healing—helped the locals for many years using her knowledge of healing ways and tools crafted by her husband. The Falinescus had a single daughter named Isabella who unfortunately contracted a deadly disease and, despite Glovia’s best efforts, died just shy of ten years ago at the age of nine. The couple did not take Isabella's death well and both fell into a very dark state of depression. Lucian has since made rare appearances, but hasn't been seen since last winter. Glovia disappeared for so long that it was rumored she had killed herself. Recently, however, she has emerged and has once again begun helping at the village’s small hospice. She sleeps there more often than not, but occasionally returns to their home for long periods. Many rumors surround Falinescu manor, a very sizable estate to the south of the village. Before Isabella's death, it was an honor to be invited to one of their many social events. Their servant staff once provided much needed income for the village, but now all of the servants have been relieved of their positions or have simply not been heard from.
The locals are spreading rumors of the emergence of an age-old relic in a remote farming village. Surely you won’t be the only one to seek it, but can you afford to not be successful in this mission? And why haven’t they claimed it for themselves?
"Something strange is afoot within the Quivering Forest. So much so that even the elves of Greenhall have left their homes to seek out help from their newfound neighbors. But, their tales of a strange beast are not earning them any favor; especially among the Vistani, whom the elves suspect is to blame for their ills. Return once more to the Quivering Forest and learn the terrifying truth!"