Vallaki
The Old Svalich Road meanders into a valley watched over by dark, brooding mountains to the north and south. The woods recede, revealing a sullen mountain burg surrounded by a wooden palisade. Surrounding the town outside of the pallisade are several small farming estates, lumberyard and sawmill, charcoal burners, a hunting shack, and a foragers post which contribute to a thriving community in the heart of the Valley of Barovia.
Three tall gates made of iron bars lead into town:
The north gate is sometimes called the Zarovich Gate, or “the gate to the lake,” because it leads to Lake Zarovich. Out this gate is a variety of home steads, a saw mill, a wind mill for grinding grain, and charcoal burners.
The west gate is referred to as the Sunset Gate, even though no living person in Vallaki has seen an undimmed sunset. A few abandoned cottages line the road outside this gate.
The east gate is also known as the Morning Gate, or, as some locals like to call it, the Mourning Gate. The Svalich wood presses most closely against the eastern gate.
The burgomaster is Vargas Vallakovich. There are several promenent NPCs in town.
Notable locations include:
Church of Saint Andral
Blue Water Inn
Burgomaster Estate
Public Stocks
Skran's Leather & Hides
Cart & Wheel
Hab & Dash
Wayland's Hammer
Walpole & Sons
Avicenna's Augury
Black Water Tavern & Bakery
Lila's Herbal Remedies
The Trapped Paw
Blinsky's Toyshop
Arasek Stockyard
The Reformation Center
The party has visited all of these locations and spoke with several NPCs.
3 days after the party arrived in town during The Festival of the Blazing Sun a coup was launched by Fiona Wachter. The party ended up in league with the Burgomaster against the forces which Fiona Wachter had raised in her coup d'etat.
The Wachter Coup ended in failure. Fiona made her last move on the Vallaki Burgomaster Estate with an additional ally in one of Strahds consorts Volenta who proved to be a violet and capable enemy. When things were looking grim Count Strahd von Zarovich arrived to break the seige. The dusk elf Rahadin and Napoc's missing sister Orla took Fiona into custody ending the coup.
Demographics
Entirely Barovian. Vistani are barred from entry to Vallaki.
Government
Vallaki is run as a police state. A battery of tests are performed upon entry to rule out being a vampire or werewolf. All arms larger than a dagger are relinquished upon entry. All citizens and visitors are to hold registration papers on their person at all times.
Any who speak out against Vargas, Vallaki, or mention Strahd by name are charged with malicious unhappiness and sent to the stocks.
Defences
Wooden palisades with interior patrol track on inside of palisade. Guards patrol regularly and are commonly armed with spears which can reach the ground tipped in silver. They also carry light crossbows and bolts with silver tipped arrows. There are 3 gate houses with iron bars, and a few smaller service entries on southern wall for merchants and traders primiarly used by the Arasek Stockyard.
Infrastructure
Vallaki is the central hub for all trade in Barovia. Due to it's central location on the Old Svalich Road it became a natural center for trade from east to west through the valley. It is also the largest settlement due to an abundant fresh water sorce near by including 2 rivers and a large lake.
Natural Resources
Lumber, game, fertile surrounding lands, fish from local rivers and Lake Zarovich.
Maps
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Vallaki
A hand drawn map with the general lay out of Vallaki initially drawn long ago and likely copied/traced several times. The map was purchased at Walpole and Son by the party. Several points of interest have been noted either by townsfolk or the party during their exploration of Vallaki upon their arrival.
Type
Large town
Population
Approximately 2000 people reside in or around Vallki.
Included Locations
- Arasek Stockyard
- Avicenna's Augury - CLOSED
- Blackwater Tavern - CLOSED
- Blinsky's Toys - CLOSED
- Bluewater Inn
- Cart & Wheel - CLOSED
- Edwin's Editorial - Formerly Walpole and Son
- Hab and Dash - CLOSED
- Lila's Herbal Remedies
- Skran's Leather & Hides
- The Trapped Paw - CLOSED
- von Holtz Residence
- Wachterhaus
- Wayland's Hammer
Owner/Ruler
Ruling/Owning Rank
Comments