Session 13: Dinner at Wachterhaus
General Summary
Outside the smoldering remains of the Coffen Shop the burnt, bruised, but alive party took stock of their situation. They had successfully retrieved the bones of Saint Andral, but were worn out. The looks of fear in the gathering crowd of Vallakians cemented the fact that the party needed to get off of the streets. Father Lucian suggested the party follow him to the church. Once safe within the hallowed halls of the church, Cedric had some time to read and share the information inside Ethereal Entities. The chapter "Night Hags, Matrons of Malevolence" was particularly helpful. Hags are able to escape into the ethereal realm at a seconds notice, so if the party wanted to stop the flow of Dream Pastries, they'd have to figure out a way to stop them. Cedric also came across an illustration that looked simular to the creature reflected back at him in the Spirit Mirror. If the book was correct, the creature was called a mist-fiend, and they are deeply magical creatures that cannot exist outside the Deep Ethereal. As Cedric pondered this new information, Ireena came out from Father Lucian's study, which had been converted into a makeshift bedroom. She was suprised to see the state of the wounded party, and even more suprised when she heard who they had been fighting. Volenta Popofsky, one of Strahd's brides, is infamous for her affinity for torture and terror. During Strahd's recent hibernation, the three brides Ludmilla, Anastrasya, and Volenta were all dispersed throughout the valley. Now that Strahd is awake, it's unclear if they are continuing their various agendas, or if they are serving a higher purpose. Sylvar and Horace continued to deliberate on their encroaching lupine fate. Horace seemed open to the possibility of embracing the curse and its possible cannibalistic requirements, but Sylvar was more interested in finding a way to control the beast without hurting anyone. This also seemed acceptable to Horace, so another conversation with Van Richten would likely be needed. As they left, Cedric asked Ireena if she could find a strong hearty companion who might be willing to fight for coin. She was happy to present an opportunity to one of the refugees and said that she would have news tomorrow.
Once back at the Blue Water Inn, Cedric took some time to commune with his new friend. Using Prestidigtation to fog the mirror and letting the mist-fiend write responses on the glass. Through this method, Cedric was able to learn that the Mistfiend now viewed Cedric as an extension of itself. It called Cedric "Self-friend", and was amplifying Cedric's natural Weave to let him to push past the limitations of a prepared spell list. Cedric felt that there was no point in ignoring the mistfiend, as he seemed to be stuck with this creature for the moment and if he was going to have any chance of surviving Barovia he would need any scrap of power he could find. A philosophy that might not be shared by his companions, but that story is far from determined. Unbeknowst to Cedric, this was the moment that his destiny became permentently intwined with the mistfiend, for better or worse.
Cedric reconvined with the party and they all set out for House Wachter in the northern section of Vallaki. It wasn't hard to find, as it was one of the oldest and largest buildings in Vallaki. The house had a "sullen countenance" and moss-covered walls. After knocking on the door, it didn't take long for Haliq, the butler to answer the door. He warmly invited the party into the home and offered to take their coats and backpacks, storing them in a closet. He led the party through the dining room into the parlor, asking if anyone wanted wine. He told the group that Lady Wachter would be with them shortly and excused himself. The party had a moment to take in the old but well kept interior of Wachterhaus, as well as the ancestral portraits that were hung throughout the parlor. The moment was intrupted, not by Lady Wachter, but by a young woman wearing slippers and a white nightgown. This could only be Stella Wachter's body, as she both looked exactly like Stella's ghost and made neither sound or eye contact. Nikolai Wachter stumbled into view, warmly greeting Stella and wondering aloud how she got here. He noticed the group and apologized for his sister's intrusion, explaning that he was taking her for a walk around the gardens. As he departed, Lady Wachter appeared from the kitchen and reminded Nikolai to make sure Stella was warmly dressed on her walk. Lady Fiona Wachter had an unmistakable presence of nobility and grace which belied her age. She invited the party to make themselves comfortable. She briefly engaged in small talk, asking the party their thoughts on Vallaki and Barovia at large. When asked why she chose to invite the party to dinner, Lady Wachter noted that outsiders are a rare sight in Vallaki, and was intrigued by their display of bravado against the Burgomaster. And when the topic of Strahd was brought up, she explained that while it while some might prefer to live in a realm not ruled by Strahd von Zarovich, Vallakians do live in such a realm. And unlike Vargas, Strahd is capable of reason.
Once dinner was served, Fiona began to unveil her gambit. She had a job to offer the party, and began to share the recent history of Vallaki in an attempt to ensure the party saw her perspective on Vallaki's leadership. The Vallakovich family has ruled Vallaki ever since its first partriach, Boris Vallakovich, founded the town nearly five-hundred years ago. The Vallakoviches have claimed to be of royal blood, and have always believed themselves superior to all others in the valley, and the current Baron is no different. Vargas Vallakovich came to power eleven years ago, when his father, Baron Valentin Vallakovich, passed away in his sleep. At the time, he was 50 years old and in good health, but no signs of foul play have ever come to light. (This does not dissuade Fiona's suspicions) As Baron, Vargas is and was a firm believer in the superstition that Strahd came to Barovia as a punishment for the sins of their ancestors. He has a fixation that "happiness" will return sunlight to the valley, but ever since Strahd's awakening three months ago, his previously monthly festivals have become weekly and mandatory. Vargas has also criminalized "malicious unhappiness", a crime punishable by time in the stocks in the town square. All of this is enforced by Izek Strazni, Vargas's right hand man. He is utterly faithful to the Baron, and his life is the sole obstacle to the change that Vallaki needs. Fiona noted that the party appeared to be composed of well armed, compotent adventurers. If anyone could aid Vallaki, it would be our heroes.
Report Date
14 Dec 2023
Active Quests
- Find a Cure
- First Card
- Clear the Durst Mill of Threats
- Restore Stella Wachter's Soul
- Kill Izek Strazni
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