The Third Reading - Bera
Bera finds herself standing in the middle of a skirmish late in the day. She is part of an organised company of soldiers defending a village - mostly human but a few orcs and elves. Led by Strahd, in the thick of it, wielding a large two-handed sword. Can see the outline of Argynvostholt to the north.
Strahd looks a similar age to the last reading.
Attackers are not druids, but kind of wildlands people. Berserker-style fighters. A few are covered in patterns drawn in blood. At times, they lick at the wounds of their allies. For the blood, perhaps?
Strahd is able to inspire his soldiers to beat back the attackers. Villagers are happy at Strahd’s success. A second group arrives, which includes a woman who looks remarkably similar to Irena. Is this Tatyana?
Strahd is mostly focused on the Irena lookalike.
Raids are becoming more common, either at dusk or dawn. Not full dark but close to it.
An elf among the soldiers suggests that the raids are more common because of the new order (Strahd’s rule?). They used to be honourable enemies. There’s been a change up in the mountains.
Bera joins Strahd and some soldiers, who are looking at one of the weapons left behind by the attackers. Looks like a long knife, but bound to the handle are several thin strips of metal with a rough texture. Heavily coated in blood.
Upon touching it, Bera gets the sense that someone has noticed her - outside of the book. The wound doesn’t stop bleeding.
Strahd takes off his glove and reaches for the weapon. As he gingerly grabs it, pulls his hand back - but there are pin-prick marks on his hand. He looks shaken for a moment, but laughs awkwardly to cover it up.
Strahd goes to check on the wounded, who are in the barn. Some knowing looks are shared as he strides off.
There are lots of wounded in the barn. Tatyana is the one in charge and moving from person to person. Doesn’t seem to be aware of her magical healing powers. Strahd goes from bed to bed, thanking and encouraging the wounded. He seems well-liked.
Afterwards, he talks to Tatyana. Invites her to the castle for a celebration for his brother. She doesn’t seem to have picked up how seriously interested he is in her. Bera asks the healer attending to her if Tatyana is single, and he replies Strahd has a chance.
Strahd looks a similar age to the last reading.
Attackers are not druids, but kind of wildlands people. Berserker-style fighters. A few are covered in patterns drawn in blood. At times, they lick at the wounds of their allies. For the blood, perhaps?
Strahd is able to inspire his soldiers to beat back the attackers. Villagers are happy at Strahd’s success. A second group arrives, which includes a woman who looks remarkably similar to Irena. Is this Tatyana?
Strahd is mostly focused on the Irena lookalike.
Raids are becoming more common, either at dusk or dawn. Not full dark but close to it.
An elf among the soldiers suggests that the raids are more common because of the new order (Strahd’s rule?). They used to be honourable enemies. There’s been a change up in the mountains.
Bera joins Strahd and some soldiers, who are looking at one of the weapons left behind by the attackers. Looks like a long knife, but bound to the handle are several thin strips of metal with a rough texture. Heavily coated in blood.
Upon touching it, Bera gets the sense that someone has noticed her - outside of the book. The wound doesn’t stop bleeding.
Strahd takes off his glove and reaches for the weapon. As he gingerly grabs it, pulls his hand back - but there are pin-prick marks on his hand. He looks shaken for a moment, but laughs awkwardly to cover it up.
Strahd goes to check on the wounded, who are in the barn. Some knowing looks are shared as he strides off.
There are lots of wounded in the barn. Tatyana is the one in charge and moving from person to person. Doesn’t seem to be aware of her magical healing powers. Strahd goes from bed to bed, thanking and encouraging the wounded. He seems well-liked.
Afterwards, he talks to Tatyana. Invites her to the castle for a celebration for his brother. She doesn’t seem to have picked up how seriously interested he is in her. Bera asks the healer attending to her if Tatyana is single, and he replies Strahd has a chance.
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