The Fourth Reading - Dench
Dench finds himself in the great hall of a castle, decorated for a celebration. Lots of people around, drinking and mingling. They seem happy and excited. Evening sunlight streaming through the windows. No mist. At one end of the room is a dais with an empty throne on it. Dench seems to be a partygoer.
The one person he recognises looks like Irena - or Tatiana. She looks excited to be there. Dench grabs a fresh drink from a passing waiter and walks to Tatiana and hands her the new drink.
Dench raises a toast to Tatiana’s health. Prince is going to welcome his brother, who has been gone for a long time. People seem to be gathered in groups, and Tatiana indicates there’s been trouble of late. Attacks at Berez, for example. Druids and priests have been clashing.
Warriors from the hills, berserkers, are the ones attacking Berez. Messengers sent to treat with them don’t return.
Amongst the partygoers are Fey, in human form, but obviously Fey. One looks like Minala, dressed much simpler and less queen-like than when the party met her. She looks to be attending someone.
Dusk Elves are present, as well as the humans of Barovia. Mountain tribe representatives are also in attendance, revealed by some trace of Orcish blood.
Dench speaks to the Elves, who have been standoffish from the rest of the attendees. They speak graciously, saying adapting to the change has not been what they feared. Elves used to rule the land, and now they don’t. Dench says “for now” and it puts them on guard, as they think he knows something they don’t. He tries to smooth things over.
A herald calls for quiet and introduces Strahd, who greets people warmly, especially the major people from each settlement. Sits on his throne. Sergei Von Zaravich is announced, Strahd’s younger brother. Early 20s, perhaps. More obviously handsome. Has curly hair, moves with the grace of a warrior, but not a soldier. Dressed as a paladin with elaborate armour and a longsword with a golden hilt. Looks a little weary but smiles nonetheless.
Everyone is very curious. Strahd formally welcomes his brother. As he mentions the peace that has been attained, gives a hard look to the druids, Elves, and Fey. Wishes for Ravenloft to be home and a place for family. Talking to his brother, but looking at Tatiana.
After all introductions are done, Strahd introduces Sergei to Tatiana.
Druids and Fey are standing to the side, less interested in what’s going on. Dench speaks to Minala, who raises an eyebrow and states she is not familiar with him. When complimenting her beauty, she looks pleased and flattered. The figure Minala is attending wishes to speak to Strahd about business, and is not interested in frivolities. Despite trying to placate her, she shows her impatience at having to wait. She sweeps across the room to Strahd with her followers.
Strahd sends Tatiana off to look at the castle with Sergei. Dench tries to follow, but the book stops him, pushing him to Strahd and the veiled speaker Minala is attending. They head into a room from the hall, like a study.
In the study is a large map of Barovia. There are marks on it to show recent raids. The veiled figure lifts her veil to reveal her face. Insists more men must be sent to the western settlements. The signs are not good. Strahd sighs and says he is doing all he can. Asks for more information on where Kyriad’s power is coming from.
She refuses to give that knowledge. Says he may rule, but it is not his land. Order of Silver Dragon should have dealt with this threat, but Argynvostohld is dead and it is his responsibility now. Strahd agrees to lead men into the mountains once the planting is done and weather improves.
The Weaver insists that’s too late. He must hold off the attacks until others can deal with Kyriad. He must not venture south of the pass. Strahd asks what the signs are saying to mean this.
The signs say nothing clearly - every card shows the traitor. If he goes that way, he will be betrayed or will betray - perhaps both. It is the most evil omen she has seen.
Strahd is not impressed, says it’s too vague. Won’t be bound by superstitions, even if it takes him to the mountains.
The Weaver says she must consult with her sisters. Will not let his childish tendencies threaten the valley. Strahd just manages to contain his temper, says they will all do what they must. Weave and most others leave.
Dench’s presence shifts from first-person to a more general look at the situation. Strahd is alone in his study. He is studying the map, deep in thought. Paces around the room. Rolls up the map, and underneath are pages and pages of notes. Something to do with spellcasting - a wizard working on new spells might make/carry these.
Strahd rubs absently at his hand, and a smear of blood appears on his fingers. A few drops fall. The weapon that cut his hand - this seems to be the same wound.
Another figure appears in the room, slightly translucent. The man looks to be in late 60s, noble face and bearing, face looks solemn but kind. Quite trustworthy. Sitting in one of the chairs facing the desk. Speaks to Strahd, who is not surprised to see him.
Says The Weaver treats him like a child, but she is not wrong. Kyriad’s force will continue to grow. Offers to help, calls him a student. More he can do, if he was free to act. Weaver tells him not to cross the pass for fear of the power he will find, but his people need him.
Strahd looks at the map again and shakes his head. Figure says they can talk about it another day. Shows him a little trick that might be of use. Gets up and steps into the space Strahd is occupying.
Strahd isn’t too happy about this, but once the figure fully syncs, the figure seems to control his arm. He pours water into a dish. There’s some magical movement. The water clouds, and the clears. Figure steps out of his space and says the vision is interesting.
Tatiana and Sergei are on a terrace looking out over castlefield. Beautiful evening. Tatiana is pointing things out. Looks happy and animated. He is smitten. Strahd stares intently. The figure says they’re a beautiful couple, but this is not what he intended to show.
Strahd looks shook.
The one person he recognises looks like Irena - or Tatiana. She looks excited to be there. Dench grabs a fresh drink from a passing waiter and walks to Tatiana and hands her the new drink.
Dench raises a toast to Tatiana’s health. Prince is going to welcome his brother, who has been gone for a long time. People seem to be gathered in groups, and Tatiana indicates there’s been trouble of late. Attacks at Berez, for example. Druids and priests have been clashing.
Warriors from the hills, berserkers, are the ones attacking Berez. Messengers sent to treat with them don’t return.
Amongst the partygoers are Fey, in human form, but obviously Fey. One looks like Minala, dressed much simpler and less queen-like than when the party met her. She looks to be attending someone.
Dusk Elves are present, as well as the humans of Barovia. Mountain tribe representatives are also in attendance, revealed by some trace of Orcish blood.
Dench speaks to the Elves, who have been standoffish from the rest of the attendees. They speak graciously, saying adapting to the change has not been what they feared. Elves used to rule the land, and now they don’t. Dench says “for now” and it puts them on guard, as they think he knows something they don’t. He tries to smooth things over.
A herald calls for quiet and introduces Strahd, who greets people warmly, especially the major people from each settlement. Sits on his throne. Sergei Von Zaravich is announced, Strahd’s younger brother. Early 20s, perhaps. More obviously handsome. Has curly hair, moves with the grace of a warrior, but not a soldier. Dressed as a paladin with elaborate armour and a longsword with a golden hilt. Looks a little weary but smiles nonetheless.
Everyone is very curious. Strahd formally welcomes his brother. As he mentions the peace that has been attained, gives a hard look to the druids, Elves, and Fey. Wishes for Ravenloft to be home and a place for family. Talking to his brother, but looking at Tatiana.
After all introductions are done, Strahd introduces Sergei to Tatiana.
Druids and Fey are standing to the side, less interested in what’s going on. Dench speaks to Minala, who raises an eyebrow and states she is not familiar with him. When complimenting her beauty, she looks pleased and flattered. The figure Minala is attending wishes to speak to Strahd about business, and is not interested in frivolities. Despite trying to placate her, she shows her impatience at having to wait. She sweeps across the room to Strahd with her followers.
Strahd sends Tatiana off to look at the castle with Sergei. Dench tries to follow, but the book stops him, pushing him to Strahd and the veiled speaker Minala is attending. They head into a room from the hall, like a study.
In the study is a large map of Barovia. There are marks on it to show recent raids. The veiled figure lifts her veil to reveal her face. Insists more men must be sent to the western settlements. The signs are not good. Strahd sighs and says he is doing all he can. Asks for more information on where Kyriad’s power is coming from.
She refuses to give that knowledge. Says he may rule, but it is not his land. Order of Silver Dragon should have dealt with this threat, but Argynvostohld is dead and it is his responsibility now. Strahd agrees to lead men into the mountains once the planting is done and weather improves.
The Weaver insists that’s too late. He must hold off the attacks until others can deal with Kyriad. He must not venture south of the pass. Strahd asks what the signs are saying to mean this.
The signs say nothing clearly - every card shows the traitor. If he goes that way, he will be betrayed or will betray - perhaps both. It is the most evil omen she has seen.
Strahd is not impressed, says it’s too vague. Won’t be bound by superstitions, even if it takes him to the mountains.
The Weaver says she must consult with her sisters. Will not let his childish tendencies threaten the valley. Strahd just manages to contain his temper, says they will all do what they must. Weave and most others leave.
Dench’s presence shifts from first-person to a more general look at the situation. Strahd is alone in his study. He is studying the map, deep in thought. Paces around the room. Rolls up the map, and underneath are pages and pages of notes. Something to do with spellcasting - a wizard working on new spells might make/carry these.
Strahd rubs absently at his hand, and a smear of blood appears on his fingers. A few drops fall. The weapon that cut his hand - this seems to be the same wound.
Another figure appears in the room, slightly translucent. The man looks to be in late 60s, noble face and bearing, face looks solemn but kind. Quite trustworthy. Sitting in one of the chairs facing the desk. Speaks to Strahd, who is not surprised to see him.
Says The Weaver treats him like a child, but she is not wrong. Kyriad’s force will continue to grow. Offers to help, calls him a student. More he can do, if he was free to act. Weaver tells him not to cross the pass for fear of the power he will find, but his people need him.
Strahd looks at the map again and shakes his head. Figure says they can talk about it another day. Shows him a little trick that might be of use. Gets up and steps into the space Strahd is occupying.
Strahd isn’t too happy about this, but once the figure fully syncs, the figure seems to control his arm. He pours water into a dish. There’s some magical movement. The water clouds, and the clears. Figure steps out of his space and says the vision is interesting.
Tatiana and Sergei are on a terrace looking out over castlefield. Beautiful evening. Tatiana is pointing things out. Looks happy and animated. He is smitten. Strahd stares intently. The figure says they’re a beautiful couple, but this is not what he intended to show.
Strahd looks shook.
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