Session #42: Another Vampire

[istainion]

Day: 10, Time of day: 2 - 3 PM
Location: Lake von Zarovich, North of Vallaki
File: drive.google.com/file/d/13rLBJ-liKHvftJn57Lc2D2R5jP7ZV6tV/view
Side Note: The guard allowed Strahd passage

(Remarks marked by * are written in abyssal, remarks marked by - are written in celestial, the rest of the entry is written in common)

I turned to Muriel and asked immediately if she or Ireena allowed the count passage, but she told me that neither of them did. They were merely talking in the office when he suddenly stood in the doorframe. I recall the lazy guard below, imagining that he could either be a traitor if not just a fool for letting anyone enter at a time like this. Besides, there was a battle happening. He should have overheard this if he were to be attentive and alert. How long ago was it when the gates of Vallaki were torn? Father Lucian fought every single day of his life to keep the church safe, but that man ... He just slacks off. I couldn't bear with my frustrations and had to let him know.

I walked down the stairs and confronted the guard somewhat aggressively. I let my emotions slip after everything that happened. Adding this wasn't exactly what I needed, and besides, I have failed one man, am I now to fail a woman, too? Not being able to keep them safe? Not being able to rely on their defenses during my absence? It sickened me ... This should have never taken place to begin with ...

The guard defended himself, saying he let in an old man who wanted to give his thanks to the burgomeister going by the name "Vincent Vilosovich". This was simply ridiculous. Does he not know the people of Vallaki well? I thought their bonds were rather close, given the situation. However, this guard is not a true guard, merely some emergency security with little training. You'd think that his captain would send his best men to protect the Burgomeister. I am not only disappointed in his incompetence but also the poor decision of his captain, no matter if experienced or not. That much, I let the guardsman know, too. I yelled at him to inform his captain about the situation as it is, explaining that the Burgomeister was taken away and the fight that took place.

When I returned and let Muriel know what happened and why the count made his way in, she fiercely protected the guardsman. If the count had wanted to enter, he would forcefully do so. We all know that, yes, even I do. But keeping your superiors safe is the duty of a guardsman, no matter what. If they aren't there to protect them, then what is the purpose of keeping one in front of a gate to begin with, if each of them fears for their life? And their superiors worry about them, too. Their system is clearly corrupted, that much is certain. I do not want to send each person off to their death but this is what people, like me, take pride in. To keep everyone safe from harm without backing down. To cooperate and work on a suitable system in times of crisis.

"You know as well as nobody else that if he wants to get in, nobody is stopping him." Muriel had said to me. So not making a single attempt is their strategy in this case? Why not open the gates to begin with and let the friendly man inside for a talk?

"As you wish, you know better than me." I returned to her, hearing Yshvara complain in the back in my direction not to argue, for we lack the time. I told her that I am not here to argue but to share my opinion, to which Muriel confirmed that my opinion is unwanted. "That much I now know, I'll see myself out." With that, I left them behind in the office, where their conversation can proceed. One that they will believe, matters. What to do about a broken system, anyway.

I waited outside for the others, taking the guard's spot during his absence and planning ahead of where I'd wanted to go to get rid of some pressing feelings and thoughts. I have experienced this amount of powerlessness before ... And, never, could I get rid of that feeling, other than ignore it and to relive it in the present moment. Frustration got to me again, forcing me to take it out on the wall when no one was around. - Why is it that I feel urged to beg for forgiveness? Why is it that my weakness is unforgivable? I felt the burden on my shoulders become heavier that day.

When Shevat and the others came down the stairs, I was told that he has interests in getting some ingredients from the stockyard to brew potions. I am also curious about their progress on my commissions and not only that, I wanted to get another diamond in my bag for emergencies. - What little value money has when one's life can be returned ...

Location: Stockyard, Vallaki
Side Note: 1 Diamond obtained, new amulet, glass eye, jewelled Horn obtained (Viiris) 2x servings of herbs obtained (Shevat), Platinum rings are done by tomorrow.

We advanced to the Stockyard to obtain our needs when I turned to Shevat and informed him about the weapon for Tibirin that we would need to cancel. After all, nobody is going to use his weapon and carrying simply too much with us is going to slow us down. Especially a weapon of that size and weight. I let them know that if any of us could take care of that job, it would be appreciated, since I also have a place that I would like to go to on my own. Yshvara was so kind to take care of that, since Shevat struggles to visit the blacksmith's shop. They didn't interfere with my urge to be alone ...

... In this moment, I felt our bonds grow closer during the time of absolute crisis ...

After Shevat bought his herbs from the alchemist at the stockyard and paid for them, her gaze was resting on me when I came closer. I was curious to learn about the progress they have made on my commissions and for a moment, she complained to me about arriving too early, but then she managed to surprise me with most of them. A customer had cancelled their order the other day and it allowed them to make more progress on mine, enough so that I could pay them the remaining amount. I also let her know that the platinum rings can be transferred to me since ... He cannot put them to use as of now. That didn't seem to be an issue to her, after all, I would pay the remaining fifty gold pieces. But she didn't have time to finish those yet, so tomorrow I must head back.

After that was taken care of and no one else had any desires for goods, we all split up and I made my way to the church to seek guidance from Father Lucian. He may understand my concerns.

Location: Church, Vallaki
Side Note: Father Lucian and his old companions have tried to attack Ravenloft castle in the past for the sake of revenge. It didn't end up well, Father Lucian ended up as the only survivor.

I opened up the large door and looked inside if the priest was inside, and if, besides him, more people were present at the church. I couldn't spot anyone but the man on his own and used the opportunity to enter. He was quick to pick up on my presence and welcomed me. He was occupied with lighting the candles at the altar. "Ah, my child. Welcome."

I approached him at a slow pace. "Father, may I have a moment of your time?" He straightened his back and turned to me and smiled. "Of course." He replied. When I ensured once more that no one else was around me, I looked him in the eye and let out a brief sigh. It wasn't easy for me, to confess that I struggle with such trivial situations in comparison to a man of his status. He has seen and experienced a lot more than I am, of that I am sure. No matter the difference between our life spawns or age. Vallaki has never been a safe place since he has lived, neither has Barovia been. - It was rather shameful if not embarrassing to admit to my weaknesses.

"Father, as a man of your kind, are you familiar with failure? The loss of a life that could have been saved by your hands?" I struggled in that moment to keep up eye contact with him, feeling how speaking the works come heavier than I imagined. I hadn't had the time to truly process them, I felt. He has indeed admitted that there have been a few experiences like that. I started avoiding eye contact, confirming him with a single "I see." That's when I felt my breathing become heavier.

"I couldn't ... Save him, our companion. Not only have I failed him", I said. "I have even failed my faith for taking a defensive stance which goes against his ways. And only, could I watch when someone's life came to an end." I placed my hands on my forehead and shielded my eyes from sight at this moment. I didn't want to reveal more of my weaknesses.

... After all, I felt responsible for his loss.

"I'm a sinner, a betrayer ... How am I to correct my mistakes if my list is expanded with each and every opportunity ..." I held back the emotional responses as much as I was able to, holding my breath and shutting my eyes not to let them escape me in that moment. Feeling my body react to what my mind is trying to deny. Father Lucian takes a seat next to me on one of the benches where I stand. "My child ..." he says. "Unfortunately we cannot save all those needed and sometimes, we are not meant to. Sometimes they have a role they have to play and it's not up to us to take that role away from them."

It was like he knew what happened, like he had learned of its importance. Can he truly see so far? Is he really that great of a man? I'd want to believe that in the present moment. I would want to listen and take each word to heart that he speaks to me, treasure them and fuel me with strength. Words, selectively chosen with care, no doubt. I could sense his kindness and warmth passing through my facade, feeling it melt. No matter how cold I felt in that moment from the soaked clothing I was wearing. I felt the first tear escape from my left eye, tracing my cheeks all the way down to my chin.

"But Father ... I let them down once before and now, I am doing it again." I managed, holding back my breath just a little longer. He again smiled in my direction, carrying a pain in his eyes. It was as if these feelings were familiar to him. "You weren't letting anybody down, my child. You're only letting yourself down." I paused, allowing myself to breathe for a quick moment. Are my expectations too high? Is that what he is telling me? How is it that he is so sure that nobody else feels like I let them down? ... Nobody has that sort of faith in me.

"What is it that you mean?"
>"You expect to save everybody and for everybody to depend on you. Your companions are strong. It is time that you realize this."
>"I'm not expecting them to depend on me, I just want to give them a fair chance in this battle."
"They do. You have not failed anybody, Viiris."

I sat down next to him on the bench and let my head sink further down onto my hands with my elbows resting on my knees, this time, struggling even more to hold back what is forcing itself to come out. "Thank you, Father. For your trust in me." I felt movement on the bench when he turned to me.

"Do you know why I became a priest?" Father Lucian suddenly asked me. I admitted the obvious, I truly do not. He'd want to guide people to the right path? Worshipping his Deity and spreading their message, is it not? Give hope to the hopeless and courage to the weak. No, his story is quite different from that. The Father told me that he used to be a reckless man in the past. I have expressed my doubts but when he told me that he and a couple of his companions stormed the castle in the past. They were convinced to have changed things around Vallaki and were courageous enough to defy the will of the count and take back what was theirs. I noticed that he wasn't proud of his doings, there was pain in the words he expressed when the sentence followed

"I am the only one left of that group ..."

I felt the burden he carries, even without it being my story or my past. I felt his defeat. It is not a surprise why Father Lucian would think of the others as strong, ressurring that they are not depending on me, for he, too, has once fought the forces of evil. Not only that, he also managed to withstand countless attacks to the church by the undead and would still hold that smile to everyone that enters. Battled and bruised, it changed nothing. This man is an inspiration to the people ... If only I was more like him, would I be able to find peace. My story, however, goes differently. And if I ever leave Barovia, that nightmare will resume ...

"I'm sorry ..." I responded to him, experiencing the lack of words for his loss. The man smiled confidently at me. "Don't be. They have found peace and I am here to watch over them." I was curious about learning their names. After all, they were heroes to have that might to oppose the Devil like that in such a helpless situation, but it seemed like there were too many or the wounds are still too fresh. He would tell me another time, maybe. "We were young and ... Foolish." Father Lucian added, he doesn't think of himself or the others as heroes, more like fools.

To hold hope in a place without the sun, to face desperate times for so long in a place so remote and forsaken. One has to be a fool to stand tall against the stronger forces with nothing else than a wretched life to live for. I, too, am a fool. The others are, too, but we might make the change that the people long for and if that is a quest where my life will end with, then it was worth it.

"Then what convinced you to stay here, as a Father?" I felt gaining back some of my self control, enough to look over to him for another moment. Our gaze didn't meet, he had his eyes elsewhere, like he was in thought. "This town needed a place of rest. A place where people can go to, to be free of life's misery for even just a single moment. And I was determined to give it to them." I shut my eyes and turned my head away, letting out a soft grunt with a smile. "That is really beautiful ... Thank you for telling me this." I felt his warmth once more. "No worries, my child."

"Hopefully", I said "We can make that change. In one way or another." I felt my urge to make a change grow but when he gave me his reassuring words I felt, once more, the ache of my heart. The tears started to take form in my eyes once again and lowered my head once more to let it happen this time. They didn't stop ... It was like my oxygen wasn't enough in this moment, gasping for air while my emotions caught me off-guard.

"I believe in you." How long has it been since someone said those words to me? ... That someone took their time to hear me out? To build me back up again? I will forever be thankful for this.

. . .

Location: HQ, Vallaki
Side Note: Strange activity has been signaled close to the ruins of Beress(?), a man and a woman matching the height of Strahd and Ireena and a small, white creature that hasn't been interacting with anything or anyone but is observing the surroundings and activities. Platinum Rings obtained, Maul positioned and decorated in garden.

When I returned to the house I found Yshvara and Pyre sitting at the dining table with liquor in their glass, drinking away their problems. They didn't lose a word. Very responsible before duty, I must admit. This is not a luxury I can afford in the present, I continued on my way to the kitchen when I heard movement from inside.

There I saw Shevat, working hard on preparing potions for our travel and Arvirin sleeping on the ground underneath a table. Never, will I understand why he has such tendencies, would he truly not prefer resting inside a bed? I shook my head at him and did my best not to be seen by Shevat but he caught me too soon. There was water boiling while he was cutting the herbs when his gaze went in my direction. "Can I help you with something, Viiris?"

I felt my face heat up immediately as I scratched the back of my head. "No ...! No ... I was just ... Looking at what you were doing, nothing else ..." Why is it that he sees everything ... Maybe I hit the ground or door frame during this ... Or do I stand out too much? ... Shevat explained that he was making the preparations to avoid a tragedy repeating. A tragedy, yes, he could say that ... I felt my gaze fall down to the ground. It's not easy to process death, is it?

I heard movement in the back and before I knew it Arvirin had his arms wrapped around my waist in a tight embrace. The sensation was spreading all over when I felt my body freeze up and the heat on my face return from the surprise. "I just ... Came in ... To check on you ..." I repeated myself. "Nothing else ..." Arvirin lifted his head with a smile. "Yes! I just wanted to hug you! Cuddle!" I let out a defeated smile. "Why are you like this ..." He was smiling with excitement when he told me that he just likes it to cuddle, even if I will go away he said, he won't let go. - I'm not ready to lose more fluids from my eyes, why is he like this ...

My attention went to Shevat, who didn't seem to be willing to rescue me from Arvirin. "Shevat, how many do you intend to make?" I asked him. "As many as I can. I want people to be able to protect themselves." They really care, don't they? They all feel equally terrible over the loss of someone we barely know, but he was with us for what felt like a year. It is strange to imagine that he is no longer among us. "I see ... Do you need any help with that?"

The druid turned his head in my direction. "Do you know how to make potions, Viiris?" No, I certainly do not, but I could still assist him. He suggested teaching me, which I was fine with, I may not be able to do it like he does but keeping myself occupied at a time like this ... I don't think I'd want anything else than to be among others while it lasts. Free of judgement. Shevat took his time to explain each step of the process of making a potion. It was rather informative.

. . .

Nightfall came and we went separate ways, I walked past Pyre and Yshvara that were passed out on the dining table and made my way up the stairs for a quick shower before heading to bed. Allowing myself a moment for my final prayers and outbursts.

. . .

The next morning, there was a knock on the door. I heard Pyre talk with someone and made my way down the stairs to see who it was before Pyre would need to make her way up the stairs in that (hungover) state. The current town's guard captain and blacksmith, Morgu is standing at the doorstep.

I let him inside and he informed us about some activity south of Vallaki. One of his groups of men have been sent out to explore and search for traces left of Ireena's disappearance and discovered suspicious activity close to Vallaki. Three people wearing cloaks have been signaled close to the ruins of a town that we were informed of, and one of them is particularly suspicious.

A small, white creature with a green cape seems to have appeared around that area as well, almost as if observing anything but without interacting with the people or enviroment. As for the other figures, their height may match that of the count and Burgomeister of Vallaki, Ireena. It seems like they are making their way to those ruins. What is certain, is that one of them is a man and the other a woman.

I fear that this might be a trap, why is it that the count would allow himself to be seen traveling by foot? Is he not capable of going and leaving when and where he would like to without traveling from one place to another? Whatever will wait for us there, I hope that we are prepared for what will come.

Before Morgu left, I asked him one more thing. With Ireena gone, I asked "Will Vallaki be alright?" Morgu was about to turn away and leave through the door when he stopped in his steps to turn to me. "I'll keep the fort down, don't worry." I returned him a smile. I trust him. * Just not his men. That's when his gaze rested at me for a bit, almost as if he got reminded of something again. "Also", he said "Don't yell at my guards anymore, please." I returned him a sly smile. "Did he tell you?" It seems like the guardsman arrived rather flustered and delivered a rather messy report, most of it was wild rambling. He said something about his mind being a mess. Almost like someone put a spell on him. It certainly wasn't me but it might have been ... Him.

"It wasn't my doing." I confirmed it with him. He just gave me a look, of course he wouldn't expect that of me. The guardscaptain again was about to leave but I had him paused in his steps once more.

"I have one thing to ask of you."
>"Oh? Okay."
"Do you check on your guards while they are on duty?"
>"I mean, as much as possible ... It's a big city and most of the guards are volunteers. Most of the actual guards have died during the attack."
"I see. Is it alright for them to drink during their duty?"
>"No."
"Then why is it that I meet multiple guards that are very eager to drink during their duty?"
>"I'll look into that. They shouldn't."
"Excellent. I just wanted to let you know. I would like this place to be safe as well."
>"If that is all, I will take my leave."
"That is all."

. . .

With the final best wishes for his hard work, the man left and we were left on our own. We, too, have to get moving. After some breakfast I made my way to the stockyard and picked up the rings with Shevat and Arvirin. Then we made our way to Stella to see if she had awoken but the guard didn't check on her yet, it was still early. When we did check on her, we discovered that she was still asleep, and left it at that before returning to the house again to meet the two women again.

They all went into the backyard with the maul and placed it down onto the dirt with its weight faced down onto it. Shevat conjured the plants around it, like a decoration, similar to a piece you'd see at the graveyard.

A place to return to and a reminder of a divine warrior. - If only I could have added anything ... But there is nothing that I carry on me that would make this any more special. May he be in a better place now ... I shut my eyes and imagined him standing there to see us off.

- We will be on our way, Tibirin, keep watching. We continue to work on our mutual desire for this land to be free ...

Before leaving, Arvirin mentioned something rather interesting. The two figures, who are assumed to be the count and Vallaki's burgomeister together, are reported to have been seen walking in the direction of the ruins of Berez. He questioned why they walk, rather than to transfer themselves there. It's unlike the count to do so, is it not? It might be in his nature to approach a place as such with a manipulative thought in mind. Showing her the ruins of who rejects his wish, an action that may be repeated if she does not obey. The patrol might be mistaken, if not simply drunk during their duty. He may have wanted to be seen ... To lure us in. We will have to see for ourselves. We cannot ever let our guard down around these lands.

Day: 11, Time of day: 10:00 AM
Location: South west of Vallaki, Close to Berez
Side Note: Small white creature is named Arabella, she is a gnome dhampir, a traveler from outside Barovia.

On our way out through the western gate. It's rather cold this morning. According to Shevat, it remains as windy as it is and by the night, we are promised a heavy rain. It's best we find shelter before nightfall.

With no one willing to lead us to our destination, I had no problems taking up that spot and with the map that Yshvara lent me, I managed to find the route rather well. It's mostly just following the mainroad but at some point we will need to stray away from the path. The mist gets gradually thicker on our way there. Hopefully, that isn't a bad sign, even if bad signs are written all over our environment. It was getting difficult to see, but I kept my eyes fixated on our environment not to be led in the wrong direction. Not soon after, we could already hear the river nearby. Running water, exactly as drawn on the map. Excellent. We crossed the bridge.

I kept my eyes wide open to find a white creature, as described. Not too far from where I stood, I indeed heard some rustling and the snapping of twigs. I was quick to reach for my longsword when suddenly the small, white figure with purple hair jumped out of the bush. It was a small lady with pale white skin, wearing a dress of some sort, covered by armor. Around her belt, she wears some tools for smithing but she is not a dwarf. It looks like an unhealthy gnome, given the color of her skin. She looked like she was in a hurry, trying to run away from something or someone ...

 From behind her, a thundering voice yelled. "Come back here, you little shit!" I held my ground and observed our enemy with caution. She turned to us and greeted us for one reason or another. "Oh hello, uh ..." I noticed her glance at us, almost as if she was trying to recognize her targets. "Well this is fortuitous, might I intrigue you with a little help?"

We froze up for a moment. A suspicious being greets us and expects our assistance. Excuse me? I made her explain and she was rather willing. Something about a large man that is chasing her through the forest. She needs help to take him down. I looked past her when the sound of footsteps came from behind the bushes. This man has pale skin as well, not as pale as hers. He had a big, red beard, broad built and extremely tall. He blinked for a bit when he saw us standing not too far away from his target. "What ?! ... I know you ..." He leaned his head to the side to get past the large trees to take a step closer.

It appears like we are rather popular here, even by strangers we have never met. "Well, it looks like this is really my lucky day!" He cheered with a malicious look in his eyes. It seems like we have little choice but to take him down. "We will go back to Castle Ravenloft." Excuse me? Is she from the castle? I grunted and shook my head. This man is way too eager to die ... And if that gnome is a vampire, then she is, too.

"What did we get ourselves into ..." I complained. I saw Pyre look over to me and shrug her shoulders. "You were the one leading ..." I simply scoffed at her.

<Battle start>

We learned soon enough that this enemy is rather quick on his feet, noticing how easily he missed out on Yshvara's spell, I aimed my attacks right where he stopped and did my best to keep him at the spot with my spiritual weapon. It became more and more difficult when the man suddenly began to transform. Upon dropping his weapon from excessive heat by the pale woman's doing, he began to take shape. The sight wasn't pleasant. The cracking of his bones, the growth of hair, then fur ... A werewolf ...? Again? ... It attacked with its large claws and the damage it dealt was not from this world ...

When we had the creature surrounded and thought to have it in control, it suddenly put its weight on the back of his feet and his gaze away from us when suddenly he made a big jump to where Shevat was standing on his own. I grit my teeth at the sight. It took a few attacks from the beast for him to get severely bloody. He was quick to retreat and Arvirin took his place in a protective rage and landed a few decisive punches on him. Each time we deal damage on this creature, it looks like it heals from the attacks we have made.

Same as with Shevat, when it attacked Arvirin, it didn't take long but many more hits for the boy to end up equally bloody. I felt my senses kick in. This is becoming too much ... When Yshvara hit him with an attack I haven't seen from her before, covered in lightning, things were starting to look better. Though that didn't change much for the wood elf at the enemy's mercy. Knocked prone, defenseless, blood covered. It was time for me to put an end to this. Especially when I saw the werewolf aim at Arvirin again. Pyre managed to weaken him before the boy would take a hit and now was my time to strike ...

I pointed my hand in the creature's direction with determination to end his life, once and for all. I kept my eyes fixated on the enemy, watching as his form collapsed and burst. Muttering under my breath the words "Get the hell away from Arvirin ..."

* Farewell ... Monster of the night. Your end has come ... May you never see the light of day ever again.

<Battle ended>

Their attention was directed at the new face, while mine was on Arvirin and tried to get him back up his feet. I heard the others talk. It seems like the woman only recently arrived in Barovia but still, the man mentioned something about returning to castle Ravenloft. She put us in danger, especially Arvirin and Shevat, besides them, herself and Pyre. While she apologized, if she has a connection to the Count, I am unlikely to forgive her. Then I heard Shevat drop the words "Pyre, are you saying that this is a vampire?" Immediately, I turned around and yelled after his words. "A vampire?!" The woman said that she was not, instead, she refers to herself as a hybrid between man and vampire - a dhampir. It's apparently different, she says. She also has no interest in Strahd's goals, she said, but what of her connection? Does she have one with this man? Her eyes speak with honesty.

Since no one else did, I felt urged to ask her immediately about the connections to the count. She let us know that her condition may be connected to Strahd, but she is not sure why or how. She claims that it is the reason why she is here in the first place, to learn more about herself. Ridiculous. If her connection is tied to the count, then her home is at Castle Ravenloft, not among us.

"So you're one of his minions ..." I sighed out. She grew a little more aggravated. "Did I not say I have no interests in his plans?" I crossed my arms over my chest and frowned. "That you are not interested is one thing, but any enemy would say that, would they not?" Yshvara again got in between and excused my behavior, considering it jumpy. "Paranoid?" The lady asked her. "Excuse me?" I let out. Yshvara nodded back at her. "Yes."

The woman revealed understanding for what they consider me, paranoid, as they said. We only just met and she jumped out of some bushes she admitted. Though it's not paranoia that I experience. It's distrust, disgust and dislike. I need her gone.

Shevat turned in her direction and asked how she made it to Barovia. If she was spirited away or if she had entered by her own doing. She doesn't seem to know for sure how she did. All she could recall was seeing mist, which is the same case for all of us. Yshvara talks to her as if she is our new companion and even if the lady did seem to recognize us at first sight, so did our enemy. Where lies the difference? I will remain cautious around her and will take everything that is necessary to keep her at a safe distance, would she be willing to test my patience. She had admitted that she did have the will to enter Barovia, a similar case as the other travelers but me and Arvirin had.

I didn't understand. Why would anyone want to willingly enter Barovia? Is it about her condition? She opened up her mouth in a smile, her teeth were visible and my sense of caution grew. She must disappear. "That you are a vampire is clear, but what do you need in Barovia?" She then confirmed it, again. She wants to understand how she was made, the process. Did she not take any abnormal biology classes? Shame. She did clarify, again, that she hasn't lived in Barovia. Isn't this place paradise for her kind?

Yshvara leaned in a little and asked if she had any desire for anything. Hinting at the fact that vampires normally have a thirst for the blood of the living.

It's likely difficult for her to reach for the neck of her enemies, given her height. I doubt that she can fly. Will she bite the legs of her victims?

But it was different from what regular vampires would feed on when she pulled out a purple cloth and drew the pigment of the cloth. Apparently, she says, she feeds on the color purple. That's a rather luxurious tone ... Royalties would often choose for colors such as red, blue, but also purplle. Simply ridiculous. Why would a creature feed on colors? Her living is going to take a toll on her coin. She is a "color draining dhampir"

Shevat felt reassured with the reveal, I was skeptical about it. What else are those teeth for? Decoration?

Then suddenly Yshvara asked a different question. "Did you want to be a vampire?" I shook my head already, given her desperation about finding out how it happened, but I didn't expect the woman to respond to her with a "Yes.". She wanted to be a vampire? ... A true abomination.

"You wanted to be a vampire ..." I repeated after them, squinting my eyes with mild, murderous intention. She felt urged to clarify a set of things. "Understand that, before the process commenced, I understood nothing of Barovia or Strahd, or anything of the sort." That didn't change anything for me. "Who would want to become a vampire at free will ...?" She avoided eye contact for a little and gave it a sigh. "That's something, I'd like to discuss at a later point if possible." I gave it a scoff. "What are you implying? You're traveling with us? Hmf." She did admit, indeed, that she would like that. "If that's okay with you ...? If you saw, I'm not exactly safe by myself."

None of my concern ... I felt something at the back of my head sting, like it was a sign, but not one I could easily give in to. Ilmater would want me to give her a chance, but I remain suspicious of her actions. Anyone willing to become a vampire, but suddenly torn after discovering they have indeed turned into one of them and must drain a specific color. Does it matter? She can just head to the castle and get herself a better deal. It's probably a lot more safe with him than it is with us.

Yshvara asked that now that she has found out what became of her, if she is still willing to be a vampire with the condition she has to live with but the woman is unable to respond to that question as of current. I told her as much, to head to castle Ravenloft where the keeper of the answer is sitting on his lazy butt. If not near the ruins of Berez. "Yes," she said "But I don't tend to agree with a dictator." Yshvara smiled in return. "Ah! Kindred spirit then! Well, as long as you don't suck our blood then I'll be fine with it." Again, she denied, she does not live on blood. The gnome promised to do her best to keep her appetite to herself, even if she desired blood in the future.

Shevat asked the dhampir if she sought for us before her encounter with the werewolf, to which she agreed was the truth. How did she learn about us and why is she seeking us? Who are her contacts? Her only desire is to travel with us. The druid warned her about the dangers that are involved with our travel but that didn't make her want to back down on the opportunity.

Since this was going in the direction of an agreement, Pyre wanted to give her decisive words to it as well. "Personally, I'm fine if you want to tag along as long as your hunger remains purple and not red." The gnome turned to her. "It hasn't changed in twenty eight years, I don't see it changing soon." It seems to be fine with the genasi as well. "I like that. Sure, why not!" She then said with a little more excitement. "Say, have you aged any bit?" Yshvara asked the dhampir when Pyre's agreement was heard. The gnome shook her head. "Then isn't this arguably better?" I felt my glare rest on the blond Aasimar. "You also want to become a vampire~?" Immediately the woman denied.

We noticed her armor, learning of it as a modern type of magic. A type of technology applied that I have heard of but it remains new to me to see it up close. As long as that woman aims her weapons at the enemy, rather than us and keeps those teeth far away ... I guess I'll allow her presence at a fair 3 meters distance.

I glanced at her once more, judging at the others' uplifted laughter of agreement. "So you guys are fine with ... This new person, which we do not even know the name of ... Why don't you introduce yourself?" She was quick to adapt and apologize for her poor manners and introduced herself as Arabella Belmond. "So you all agree with this?" I looked over to the others. Shevat turned over to me and nodded. "We need all the help that we can get." It is true what he says, but a vampire? What if Strahd can control this woman? Are they not concerned with her information about us?

"But I must also say that I am very uncomfortable having somebody with so many secrets." It was a relief to hear that this human is not just a trusting fool as I once mistook him for. This druid actually applies logic, no matter if he grew up in nature or within a house. I appreciate that knowledge. Arabella recognized the issue and suggested that she could camp farther away from us for the time being. I interfered with the suggestion and made my position clear in that process. "I'd rather see everything you do at this point. I do not agree with you traveling with us, but if Shevat agrees then I have nothing to object to."

Shevat knew that this was the moment for him to decide. "I would like to ask more questions but we need to rest after that encounter." He turned to the others and asked everyone about their opinion on resting. That was something we mutually agreed to.

We all found ourselves in a good position for a brief rest, so Shevat could ask the new traveler a few more questions. It seems like the woman carries dye on her, to feed her when she becomes hungry for purple. If this is a joke then she sure has the tools to make it believable. I give her that. She refers to her magic as 'a little bit of magic and a little bit of tinkering', this modern type of magic that so-called Artificers use. Magic mixed with a modern, machinery type of focus. She confirmed that she is indeed one of them. I had Shevat's curious eyes focused on me. I explained it to him as much as I was able to. Gadgets, they name such tools. Their focus to cast, as if unable to form it purely from a better source.

They began to introduce themselves, starting with the druid. I did, too, but held the information from where I was from. It's better if they do not make that connection. Arvirin was cautious around her as well and wasn't very eager to introduce himself for decency's sake. "That one in the back", I said "Is our guard dog, Arvirin." Arabella scolded me, saying it's not kind to refer to a person as such. Little difference between dog or elf to me, if you were to ask. "I'm not a dog! I'm man!", Arvirin yelled from the back. I smiled back at him and apologized while I slowly had my eyes fixated on the dhampir lady again. "I thought I could test the humor of this person ..."

Arvirin carefully moved a little closer to smell Arabella. The woman held up her hand and made herself as non threatening as possible for the "wood elf" to get a good grasp of her scent. Then he reached for her hand to caress it with excitement. "Hi, I'm Arvirin. Sorry. Just scary at first." Arabella revealed understanding for his cautious behavior. "Sorry, I'll get better. Just watching a bit to see you a good person." She gave him a pat on the back and reassured him that it was fine, that he should move at his own pace.

Shevat shared his concern for our upcoming travel to the ruins of Berez, fearing that people may die in the process just to warn the new adventurer of the risks. He asked Yshvara's agreement to share the information with Arabella as to why we are here and where we are headed. I felt mildly irritated for the exclusive advice from her once again. Is he expecting a solid no from me and would rather have the agreement of the easy going lady who is unlikely to disagree? ... Tsk. He roughly explained why we are traveling to the place and how the people look that we expect to see there. Apparently she knows who Ireena is and what her role in Vallaki is.

It seems like Arabella is up to the task and is willingly accepting her position in the team . . .



Comments:
Pyre: Don't do anything against the rules around Viiris, he'll get his wrath. No fun allowed.
Yshvara: Note to self. Engage in light treason.