Session 8: More Hooks than a Bait Shop

General Summary

Planning and Porridge

10th of Octyavr

Our heroes awoke from their near-unanimous restful slumber and congregated in one room to discuss their itinerary. Ireena shared the information she had gathered from the Barovian refugees. They had arrived a few days ago but had been barred from entering. They attempted to force their way past the gates but were repelled by Izek's devilish fire. Ever since then, the refugees have set up camp outside the gates, hoping the baron will change his mind and allow them inside the safety of Vallaki's walls. Ireena plans to visit the Burgomaster and attempt to change his mind. Cedric drew the group's attention to the first Tarokka card, wondering if the "wealthy woman" could be Lady Wachter. After the party discussed the possibilities in front of them, Urwin Martikov delivered some breakfast and conversation. Urwin told the party about the Burgomaster, Baron Vargas Vallakovich, and his belief that the joy his festivals bring repels Strahd's influence. Attendance is mandatory, and the Baron's henchman Izek Stranzi enforces that policy. Those who speak out against the Baron are taken to stocks in the Town Square, or if deemed particularly malevolent, taken for private re-education. The next festival is the Festival of the Blazing Sun and it takes place on the 13th of Octyavr. Urwin explained that the Baron has a very fragile ego and if the party wished to curry favor with the Baron, they should appeal that ego. As for Lady Wachter, she has been quoted as saying she would "rather serve a devil than a madman" and her family historically has ties to Strahd himself. If the party wished to speak with her, they should publicly oppose the Baron. Little did they know, they were about to be afforded that chance.

Enter the Burgo-Baron-Master

Outside the Blue Water Inn, the streets of Vallaki were full of smiling citizens as well as the Burgomaster himself, Baron Vargas Vallakovich. An old woman lay in the street in front of the Baron and his bodyguard Izek. She was pleading for the Baron to release her son, saying he didn't mean any harm with his foolish joke. The Baron was more concerned with the mud on his cloak and ordered her to be placed in the stocks for "malicious unhappiness". Cedric couldn't take it anymore and challenged the Baron's philosophy, saying that he was the cause of the suffering of the Barovian refugees. Vargas was a poor debate opponent, but it was clear the crowd was on his side. Specifically, they were on whatever side had Izek. Horace didn't seem to be bothered by the hulking brute and stood defiantly in front of Izek. With Cedric's command of logic and words backing him up, the Slippy Sneakster made the feared flame of Vallaki take a step backward. Vargas accused the party of being spies of Strahd. Cedric retorted that the Baron had no idea what Strahd's spies even looked like. Combat was imminent when the neighborly Father Lucian called for cooler heads to prevail. He offered to take the party under his wing and teach them the ways of Vallaki. Baron Vargas greeted his brother-in-law warmly and reluctantly agreed to the Father's solution. As the Baron went on his way, he warned the party that "future lawbreaking would be met with a harsher punishment". Father Lucian invited the party to the church where they could discuss what just happened in detail.

At the Church of St. Andral, Father Lucian apologized for the Baron's demeanor. The Father did not agree with the Baron's methods, but could not speak out against him for fear of reprisals against his flock. Lucian seeks to soothe the stressed Vallakian populace through neighborly wisdom and providing a safe haven at the church. Our heroes explained that they came to Vallaki because Ismark thought the church of St. Andral would be a sancturary for Ireena. The good father was upset by this, saying that yes, the church was a hallowed space... Under normal conditions. The bones of Saint Andral himself were entombed in the crypt under the alter until recently. This morning Father Lucian discovered the theft of the bones, but hasn't said anything to anyone as to not spread fear amongst the populace. The only people who knew about the bones according to Father Lucian were himself and his altar boy, Yeska. Lucian had told the boy about the bones after news of the siege of Barovia reached Vallaki. Yeska's parents had been killed three months ago, and the knowledge of the sancturary helped relieve those fears. Ireena was welcome to stay at the church for as long as needed, with the understanding that the party would attempt to track down the bones.

I'd like to take some time to reflect on the behavor of Horace Fymplbraut. Throughout the day, Horace had been acting rather strangely. Gone was the rude, borderline bully Horace, and in his place was... Horace the Kind. Horace the humble servant of the Morninglord. Horace the "What is this Halfling doing?" No answers will be found in these notes, as even the gods were confused.

The Missing Vistana

The party left the church, headed to Blinksy Toys. The toy shop was much more macabre then anticipated, but Blinksy himself was jovial and excited to have some customers. The toys were clearly made with love despite the light covering of dust on the shelves. Something else that was odd, Blinksy had a pet monkey! The monkey's name is Piccalo, and is not native to Barovia. The last time the party heard about a monkey in Barovia was back in the village, when Pariwimple lamented the departure of Alanik and his pet monkey. Now that I've got the simian situation detailed, I can move on to the unsettling doll that looked very much like Ireena. Blinksy nervously stressed that doll was not for sale. Izek Stranzi has been commisioning dolls for years, each one getting closer to his desired vision. Blinksy doesn't know who the doll is modelled after, and he doesn't care. As long as Izek gets his dolls, Blinksy's shop will remain untorched. Cedric and Sylvar bought Arabelle a stuffed raven and a headless doll with a bag of interchangable heads. Horace was drawn to a Strahd ventrilogist puppet, performing an excellent impersenation. Blinksy was so pleased with Horace's mastery of the puppet he insisted Horace take it for free. With the toys in hand, and with slightly more insight into the troubled mind of Izek, the party headed to the Burgomaster's manor for some reconnaissance. The manor was visted by several people bearing bundles of twigs to prepare for the upcoming Festival of the Burning Sun, and others dressed in worn finery (presumably visting for Baroness Lydia's daily tea party). Satisfied with the gained knowledge of the manor's design, the party headed to Arasek Stockyard for some light pickpocketing, spice shopping, and... Well.. Horace the Kind? Horace found Yeska and despite all expectations, made a really great first impression on the 12 year old. There was no mention of the bones, but Horace did start a strange friendship with Yeska.

After that bizarre interaction, the party made their way to the Vistani Encampment. There were hovels built into the earth and barrel topped wagons circling the hill. As the party entered the tent, they witnessed a Vistani elder verbally and physically berating a younger man. Our heroes uncomfortably introduced themselves as envoys of Madam Eva, and that they had brought gifts for Arabelle. The man's face fell further as he told the party that Arabelle had gone missing four days ago, and they have yet to track her down.

NPC Profiles

• Vallakovich Family
• Izek Strazni
• Father Lucian Petrovich

Report Date

01 Nov 2023

Active Quests

• Recover the Bones of St. Andral
• Find a Cure
• Buy a Toy for Arabelle
• First Card

Important Dates

• Arabelle's Nameday, 11th of Octyavr
• Festival of the Blazing Sun and the Feast of St. Andral, 13th of Octyavr
• Full Moon, 15th of Octyavr