6/15/21 Session 20 - "Regime Change"

Our heroes are dropped off at the gates of Vallaki after their ride from Castle Ravenloft. Approaching the gates the party is yet again accosted by guards asking about their travels. After answering several questions the party learns that Izek has taken credit for procuring the wine which was sent from Strahd von Zarovich on their behalf. Frustrated but allowed to enter the town, our adventurers travel to the town square where they see preparations being made for the "Festival of the Blazing Sun". Several people and children are being held in public stocks for what the party learns comprehends as "not being happy enough".
After learning the festival will start shortly, the group heads to the Blue Water Inn to secure a room and see about speaking with Irwin. Adrid secures the room but learns that the family is currently busy with patrons and that Irwin would be available after the festival to speak with them. Our heroes decide at this point to break out into two groups to search for and investigate the existence of a Cobbler or Boot Maker by the name of Ruvak. The party consisting of Grinfiddeus Nobbles, Fredriech Carlston and Om Wolfash sniffs out a lead and finds their way to the shop of the town Coffin Maker, Henrik van der Voort.
After knocking, the trio enter the shop to find many coffins knocked over and a few of them apparently scratched by beasts, there appears to have been a scuffle or fight of sorts in the business. Investigating further, a body is found in the workshop. They take no time to identify the body, the group knows better than to stick around to have accusatory guards attempt to pin yet another murder on them. They quickly leave the shop unseen and head toward the town square to meet up with the rest of the party.
Upon reaching the square and making the party whole again, the Festival of the Blazing Sun beings. A parade goes by and the rear is brought up by none other than the Burgermaster, Baron Vallokovich and his wife. They arrive at a stage where a large wicker ball sits. The Burgermaster proclaims, "All will be well" and a swarm of bats and a rain cloud swoop down and persistently prevent the frustrated man from lighting the object aflame. After a number of attempts to bring fire to the orb, a guard in the crowd heckles the enraged Burgermaster. Baron Vallokovich orders the man detained and then has him strung up to a horse and ran through town. It appears as if he has just sent one of his own guards to his doom for a mild insubordination.
As this happens, the crowd begins to turn on the Burgermaster. A political rival to the Barron, Fiona Watchner appears and eggs the crowd on as several the Burgermasters town guard seem to turn on him. The Baron orders his man Izek to begin rounding up the traitors, but the incensed crowd begins chanting "Stocks" and moves on the stage to apprehend the Burgermaster and his wife to take them off for public humiliation. Just as soon as the newly formed mob reaches their deposed leader another voice from the crowd begins chanting "Gallows!" and the collective voice swings to the idea of hanging the Baron. At this point Adrid sees an opportunity to step in and help prese serve life. Not everyone feels the same as Grinfiddeus Nobbles and Fredriech Carlston find a cozy spot in the back to sip wine and watch this all unfold.
The rest of the party jumps to action and attempts to incapacitate the Burgermasters guard and confront Izek. After gaining the upper hand in the battle, several trick shots from the wine stand and a command causing Izek to flee, most of the party chases after Izek into the town as the villagers and townsfolk march toward the gallows. Adrid attempts to plead with Fiona Wacthner to reconsider and calm the emotions of the mob but is unsuccessful. Izek manages to slip away into the town as the rest of the party searches for him. Fredriech Carlston attempts to help Adrid by changing his appearance to that of Baron Vallokovich and shouting at the mob, but they appear unphased. A last ditch effort to shoot at Fiona Watchner leads Fredriech Carlston to end up paralyzed in the middle of the square by a spell cast by Fiona. Adrid continues with his attempts to calm the mob but is ultimately unsuccessful, the mob has hung both the Barron and his wife, Fiona Watchner disappears into the streets of Vallaki.
As this scene unfolds, Lilithus ends up following part of the mob toward the Burgermasters mansion. As she is swept there a large explosion occurs and most of the mansion now appears in ruins and aflame.
All is NOT well.