Yuri Kalanikov

Yuri Kalanikov is a large bear of a man who approached the party in the tavern of Jamestown, seeking assistance. His village had been plagued by an assault of dark creatures, and he had come to hire any adventurer willing to help. The party agreed, and joined him in the journey.
However not all was as it seemed. During the journey the mists closed in around their wagon, and they soon found themselves in another land entirely, the land of Barovia. Yuri guided them to the Village of Barovia where they would first learn of the dark days that were ahead for them in this dismal land.
After a much reduced party successfully emerged from the smoldering ruins of Death House, they found Yuri again, along with an elf who introduced himself as Rahadin, majordomo to Count Strahd von Zarovich. Before their emergence, this Rahadin had been berating Yuri for being so late and disorderly in completing his tasks as the "Ferryman." Angry at what he perceived as Yur's betrayal, Verthica threw himself at Yuri with the intent to kill. However his strength had been sapped by the trials of the house, and Yuri was able to defeat Verthica in their fight. Yuri showed mercy, and Verthica would live to fight another day. Yuri disappeared into the foggy streets and has not been seen since.
The party would later learn that Yuri was a member of the Vistani, a group of colorful traveling merchants and entertainers who had permission from Count Strahd to travel between Barovia and outside realms.