The First Reading - Shasti
Shasti view fades from the room, standing outside a military camp on a beautiful, sunny day. This is in Barovia Valley, but not as she knows it. Camped on the far side of a river. A fortified manor house is in front of her, with more camps around. She is in a red and silver military uniform, and is part of a besieging force.
Shasti is now IN the story.
There is a lot of activity in the camp. Talks to another member of the camp, and asks what day it is. They look concerned, asking if she’s fit enough to lead. There looks to be clothing similar to that worn at the Vistani camp. Maybe a person that looks like a younger Madam Ava (or an ancestor).
Shasti speaks to an Ava-like person. This person is not happy to be there, expecting to patch up soldiers after the battle. Says they didn’t come here for this, to fight farmers and paladins. They want their old land back.
Shasti walks into the tent. She sees two figures; one Elf (Rahadin?) (maybe not particularly old) and a young man (Strahd?) (late teens). Latter man is wearing a circlet, and the two are looking at a map on a table. Strahd asks about preparations. Turns back to Rahadin and asks if they can not try to treat with the paladins. Rahadin says these are his father’s orders. Strahd not happy, but nods. Rahadin suggests Strahd should guard the village, away from the front lines. Rahadin has picked someone to lead the charge while he will go through the woods.
Strahd leads the briefing, trying to maintain control. Rahadin supports him, nodding and adding detail. The soldiers are given assignments, and Strahd turns to Shasti, asking what she’ll do; join the assault, creep through the woods, or guard the village?
Shasti suggests Strahd might need protection, and he agrees for her to accompany him. Mentions a dragon?!
Small group goes with Strahd to the village, along with some Vistani. Almost like a reserve force. Villagers are told to stay in their homes if the battle reaches them. Some villagers seem happy, others protest. The attack is on Argynvosthold.
Shasti talks to Strahd, clasps his arm. He seems like a normal human.
Protestors gather around the Prince. As Shasti approaches, one “stumbles” and one stabs Strahd with a knife. They run away. Some soldiers chase the attack. Others drag Strahd to a support area. People come to help. Shasti tries to use magic to heal him but it fails. Points at the Ava-like person and orders her to help.
Ava-like person looks stony faced. The wound is bad. Suggests this might the God’s will. After being persuaded Strahd was needed, leans down and puts her hand on the wound. Whispers, “There will be a price for this. Are you willing to pay it?” He nods.
This is an innate magic, powerful healing. Heals the wound. Within minutes, Strahd is sitting up and talking. Sounds of battle are growing and a gigantic roar sounds. A huge silver dragon rises from within Argynvosthold.
Shasti is now IN the story.
There is a lot of activity in the camp. Talks to another member of the camp, and asks what day it is. They look concerned, asking if she’s fit enough to lead. There looks to be clothing similar to that worn at the Vistani camp. Maybe a person that looks like a younger Madam Ava (or an ancestor).
Shasti speaks to an Ava-like person. This person is not happy to be there, expecting to patch up soldiers after the battle. Says they didn’t come here for this, to fight farmers and paladins. They want their old land back.
Shasti walks into the tent. She sees two figures; one Elf (Rahadin?) (maybe not particularly old) and a young man (Strahd?) (late teens). Latter man is wearing a circlet, and the two are looking at a map on a table. Strahd asks about preparations. Turns back to Rahadin and asks if they can not try to treat with the paladins. Rahadin says these are his father’s orders. Strahd not happy, but nods. Rahadin suggests Strahd should guard the village, away from the front lines. Rahadin has picked someone to lead the charge while he will go through the woods.
Strahd leads the briefing, trying to maintain control. Rahadin supports him, nodding and adding detail. The soldiers are given assignments, and Strahd turns to Shasti, asking what she’ll do; join the assault, creep through the woods, or guard the village?
Shasti suggests Strahd might need protection, and he agrees for her to accompany him. Mentions a dragon?!
Small group goes with Strahd to the village, along with some Vistani. Almost like a reserve force. Villagers are told to stay in their homes if the battle reaches them. Some villagers seem happy, others protest. The attack is on Argynvosthold.
Shasti talks to Strahd, clasps his arm. He seems like a normal human.
Protestors gather around the Prince. As Shasti approaches, one “stumbles” and one stabs Strahd with a knife. They run away. Some soldiers chase the attack. Others drag Strahd to a support area. People come to help. Shasti tries to use magic to heal him but it fails. Points at the Ava-like person and orders her to help.
Ava-like person looks stony faced. The wound is bad. Suggests this might the God’s will. After being persuaded Strahd was needed, leans down and puts her hand on the wound. Whispers, “There will be a price for this. Are you willing to pay it?” He nods.
This is an innate magic, powerful healing. Heals the wound. Within minutes, Strahd is sitting up and talking. Sounds of battle are growing and a gigantic roar sounds. A huge silver dragon rises from within Argynvosthold.
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