Session #44: The Antidote
Jan. 14th, 2024 06:53 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
istainionDay: 11, Time of day: 8 AM +/-
Location: East of the ruins of Berez, close to the river
(Remarks marked by * are written in abyssal, remarks marked by - are written in celestial, the rest of the entry is written in common)
After waking up with a sense of dread, a feeling that supposedly none of us could shake off ever since we got infected by the virus. Even with a clue on how to cure us, there is no way that we could save ourselves as warm species by nature. Being exposed to an extensive cold for too long will definitely get us terribly sick, if not killed. No chances so far, then, to get as much done within the least amount of time and possibly to return to Vallaki to request the Stockyard lady for assistance. Even if she appears carefree about her own wares. The minds of these individuals about exploring Berez hasn't changed, neither has mine, of course. I'd wish for nothing but the safety of Vallaki's (temporary) burgomeister. It is my duty to protect her ...
We had a brief discussion on how we wish to proceed from here on out. They decided that the only way to cross the hill to Berez, is to set it to flames to burn a path. I couldn't imagine it working, knowing that the spores will explode, and the fire will lead in all directions. Besides, why would it stay only in this selection of trees and not just move on to the rest of the forests, which will eventually set everything else in flames if we cannot get it under control? I warned them, but even Shevat was convinced that the spores must be eliminated, much like the possible remaining, infected corpses. Foolishness, but I knew my opinion mattered little, no matter who I asked, they all shared the same mind. Much like total barbarians sharing a single brain cell.
The fire genasi stepped forth and started the fire. It didn't take long for the fire to spread, much like I imagined that it would. The spores responded to it, spreading the fire in a wider radius, forcing us to block our airways from inhaling any of the toxic air. We watched the scene unfold in front of us, watching the fire spread and finding its way to the remaining forests, much as I expected. Before I could even argue with them, a sudden cloud began to form from the excessive smoke that gathered and only moments later, rain fell and extinguished the fire.
We took a path close between the hill and forest to maneuver our way around the toxic remains and made our way to Berez.
Day: 11, Time of day: Morning
Location: The ruins of Berez
Note: The town's well was located in a good condition, compared to the rest of the ruins. There is a possible path may lead to an underground place. The Church statue of a young woman has been placed here not long ago, in a similar condition as the town's well. We spotted some goats that are held captive, but in a good state with scarecrows to defend them. They appear to belong to a hag we've been looking for. The one who claims to be the count's mother. Marshlands type of terrain with old, caved in peasant cottages. Many black clouds of flies and mosquitos are present.
When we reached the ruins of Berez, we came across a farm-like village. Not many buildings remained, but what caught our attention was an old well which was in a decent shape in this swamp-like terrain. Clearly, something was off about it, aside from the state it was in. When we removed the lid, it became clear that there was a ladder positioned, leading its way down the well. I was unable to see anything, neither with my regular vision nor the other vision. It was too deep. We decided not to chase the path yet, until further investigations. We looked around and noticed a smaller church positioned near the center of Berez and decided to make way to it and seek for potential clues of the history of the small town. I also needed to ensure that we would find the identity of these two unknown silhouettes that have been seen around here. The more ground we cover, the better.
On our way to the church, we noticed how the mist got thicker around the ground. We struggled our way through and kept our eyes wide open for anything that could cross our path. Though, we made it safely to the church grounds. Nothing but the fear for our health was present, pumping its way through our systems as we stepped forth and followed the terrain to our destination. *
The door was torn, holding its position only barely. Half of the church is stuck inside the ground, it is skewed right into the ground, but it remains accessible for curious explorers like ourselves. To ensure that no surprises would await us, I moved closer to the door to peek. Most of the ground inside the church is gone, hidden underneath the adapted environmental change. The ground is covered in mud, much like it is outdoors. The church benches are swung to one side, assuming due to the change. It almost looks like the church is torn in two halves. In the back of the church there is an altar present, where a big statue of a female person is located. No enemies are visible, but there was a statue in the distance. A young woman, nothing like the deities that I am familiar with. Is she worshiped among the previous citizens of Berez? No, it looked like it was positioned afterwards ...
But the more I looked around and got myself distracted, I felt a rough, but surprisingly warm push against my back that forced me inside, to open up the door and to fall down into the puddle of mud, only barely keeping my balance. My knees sunk into the thick mud, but I didn't fall. Immediately, I turned around, looking in the eyes of my allies behind me. "... Okay, who did that ..." Pyre immediately responded. "Viiris~ You ruined your shoes, why'd you do that~" A pained expression was written all over my face, feeling how the dirt made its way inside my boots and the wetness of the mud got absorbed into the fabric of my pants. It felt disgusting how it embraced each of my legs. "I ruined more than just my shoes, my pants are also suffering ...", I complained. "And soon my tunic is next and my sword also ... Was it you?" I squinted my eyes when I looked in Pyre's direction. I didn't like the look in her eyes as a result, they alert me of suspicion. "No~" She did her best to keep a straight face, but I know the look of guilt when I see it. Blame my experience on this field, but I won't let her get away with it just like that. I merely smiled back at her, holding back on any reaction.
While I was inside, I took a closer look to detect anything undead inside the environment, but it looks like this area is clear. I smiled to myself, when I heard the others advance. Waiting for Pyre, specifically, to walk past me for some sweet revenge. I silently grasped her leg for the genasi to make a soft and gentle landing. Unlike me, her balance was far off and her face met the mud. "Sweet, sweet justice~" I smiled at her as she digged herself out of the mud and asked the woman. "How's the taste?" Pyre looked at me, covered in mud, with a smug expression. "Pretty good, want some?"
We continued to explore. The benches were in a poor state, much like the surroundings.
Yshvara helped Pyre get the mud off with her magic ability and our exploration duty resumed. We made our way to the unusual statue and took a close look. The statue looks like a life size stone monument of a kneeling, peasant young woman holding a rose in her hand. It is unusual that such a statue is positioned in a place of worship, but the stonework of the statue itself is besides old, newer than the environment. It's like it has been positioned only recently. Which may have been after this place was turned into some ruins.
The strange thing about it in addition, is that the facial features of this person look oddly familiar. They resemble those of the temporary burgomeister, or rather, Lady Ireena. Clearly, this is an older version of her, but it's difficult to overlook such similarity. To her feet, there is a small plate, it reads "In remembrance of Marina, taken by the mist." Nothing stranger than a name and face that sounds and looks similar to a person we seek, except for the tall aasimar woman placing down 3 gold as an offering. I continued to look around for any further clues but there's nothing visible. No seals on the wall, no other writing, the benches are clear. The only thing I realize is the terrible terrain which covered most of the church, like the surrounding grounds, the annoying flies, the excessive dust and unpleasant scent.
I asked their opinion related to our discovery. They, too, agree that it cannot be a coincidence. "Perhaps a descendant of some sort?", Yshvara suggested. It might indeed be of the sort. "Do you think our dear count has a type?" Yshvara and Pyre agreed. "I think he has many issues, but type may also be." I added without any hesitation to speak my mind.
"I get family resemblances, but ...", Pyre started. That's another interesting theory she added in my opinion, there is only mention of her first name, not her last name. What if it's a family curse? Who knows. A monster that is immortal in unnatural and unwelcomed ways, has many opportunities in this lifetime to find his future bride among the commoners of his kingdom.
Yshvara believes that the project that Stasia was working on may be connected to the statue, or rather, the person.
*
I announced my decision to move on and continued searching for the people who have been here. The longer we stick around this place, the more time they have to roam around freely. I certainly am not in the mood to stand in a pool of disgust for any longer. Then stayed to hear what Shevat had to say.
Shevat wondered about a record that is kept inside a town for the names and family trees of all the citizens, those who have been born and married. Though, these ruins are in the state as they are. I doubt that even if we find such a record that we will be able to read it. Yshvara suggested that perhaps a Town Hall could keep it. In my opinion, as long as we search and move, I have no objections.
They looked outside. There are remains of a larger mansion standing near us, built on a higher ground to the rest of town. An unkempt garden is attached to it, but east of it, a wooden fence has been erected around a circular yard. Inside, there are some goats positioned. On top of the fence, it is mounted by nine human skulls. Very inviting if you ask me. "Someone is keeping goats here ...", Pyre mumbled. "And here I thought that space was uninhabited ...", Arabella commented. I made my way to them to take a closer look. There are no signs of life near the goats, other than the animals themselves. They also have food to eat from as well, that means someone is keeping them and has been present to feed them.
I asked them if they had any smart ideas. "We're actually concerned about the goats, we could try asking." One of them suggested. I furrowed my brows, staring into the eyes of the source of the voice. "Asking?" Arabella returned a nod. "Asking who?" A pause followed, and she mumbled the words. "The goats ..." I had to suppress my laughter. "Excuse me? You can talk to animals? Or do you just make cute, baby noises?" She waved her hand at me. "... Speak.", I urged her. Then she assumed that it might be an ability that Shevat is trained in. It is right and that is something concerning. Has she caught that information when he tried to communicate with the virus? Or has she been spying on us with the bear?
Location: The ruins of Berez, (close to) Mansion on the Hill
We didn't go in detail about it, but made our way toward the wooden fence. They intended to pet the goats, while I was taking a quick break near a concealed area. I heard some weird, clattering noise from the distance. (Skulls clatter, as soon as one of their hands reaches over the fence. GM comment: illegal petting is a crime in Berez) I did my business fast before returning and noticed the skulls on the fence moving and the group near the fence, when some movement in the distance was visible. I made sure to close the distance between them and myself as soon as I could.
Moving scarecrows?! ...
Within record time, thirteen scarecrows had us surrounded. Whoever is in control of those can't be good. They are likely to be connected to the security of the goats, but the looks of them are highly unpleasant. I've never seen these things move on their own with an urge no other than to kill us.
<Battle Start>
It seemed like the scarecrows are capable of stirring fear and manipulating the rational mind. (Paralysis) This may not end well with the condition we're suffering from. The healing I do will hurt them, even if a limited amount will be received.
The situation didn't look good at the start, but as soon as we began to fight back, we turned the tables. One of us as a ... Giant ape. It didn't take long for us to discover just how effective fire against these creatures is, but this fire could as well be used against us with poor luck.
One by one, we took them down until what we saw were the goats that finally managed to break through the wooden fence for an escape. The battle is over.
<Battle over>
We stood near the fence, where the goats are no longer. Only moments later, a person in the far distance was approaching us. It may as well be the owner of the goats. It's a shame that they made their escape before them. The person is rather small, has a hunched posture and I was starting to feel unwell about this whole situation. Whoever decides to live here, entirely isolated with surrounding vampiric spores to infect all those who are near, located close to an unpleasant terrain, but on top of a hill - Can't be someone sane. The closer the person got, more of their features became visible to the eye. An elderly woman. I felt urged to draw my weapon.
I saw her point her hand in Yshvara's (ape form) direction, speaking the words "Oh dear, dear, please ..." Her form reverted back to herself. Clearly, she is a magic user, either a witch or hag. I had my guard up, ready to attack or protect the necessary. Her eyes flickered for a moment, in a sickening, green hue when she pointed at the Aasimar woman. She's a hag, no doubt.
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry about this ..." She said with a tone that can only be doubted in more ways than just one. "These goats are quite precious to me. My defenses seem to have ... Put a number on you." I saw the lady resting her eyes on especially Yshvara when she paused. Yshvara immediately protected herself by saying that her only wish was to pet the animals, not to inflict harm or to take them away. I could feel my eyes roll. *
"Oh, you know ... I get very possessive about my stuff, I really don't like anybody touching them." The hag had a judgmental look in her eyes. The blond woman apologized. But again, the lady waved her hand. "No, no bother." Then something unusual happened. She offered to take us to her home to patch us up, in response to the scarecrows. If you need any more red flags as signs of danger, this is the moment. Immediately, the group waved it off and thanked her for the offer but refused. The tone of the hag's voice sounded mildly more threatening when her tone dropped and her speech slowed down. "It's no bother, Really ... My home is coming our way as we speak."
I frowned at the last sentence. If my memory is correct, this is the hag that claims to be the counts mother. There was also something about a relic being stolen from Urwin's father from the Vineyard, which interferes with his wine production.
"No, no, I insist ... We could have a chat inside. It looks like you might need some answers about this place, no? Seeing that you come here snooping around. And I haven't had visitors in — oh so long~" A pause followed, each of us did their best to turn things around, seeing how she could simply revert the form of the giant ape with little hesitation, revealing enough of her power. Going with her is a suicide mission and I have way too many things to take care off beforehand ... I stepped forward. "We can talk right here, right? With some distance ..." Standing firm in my steps, I refuse to go along. "Oh, I'm sorry but my etiquette doesn't allow that if I have guests, that I MUST take care of them." Immediately I felt myself sighing. This manipulative old hag is beyond words. "Really, we don't even have to move from here, my house will come to you."
The vibrations and sounds from the distance were enough of a sign that it was indeed approaching. Only seconds later, the rumored house arrived, positioned onto a moving stump. "Did you see how she just dispelled my magic?" I heard Druid finally wonder. "Oh, I think it's very cute that you think that was difficult." The hag smiled back at Shevat.
"Any bright ideas? You want to put the house on fire?", I mention to the others, clearly picking on their unwise decisions. It's a shame that the hag overheard it and didn't hesitate to complain. "I'm standing right here, you know?!" Pyre shrugged at her, moving her hands in the air with an apologizing look on her face. "He's kidding." I felt myself smirking in response, clearly, she knows better than that. "They make some crazy decisions at times, I wanted to confirm that they gained some knowledge from their previous mistakes."
I needed a Plan B.
"Well, I'm afraid we cannot go in, we have a very infectious ... Thing inside our bodies." The hag didn't hesitate to pick up on it. "OH, you're infected by ... The disease." Quickly, I corrected myself. "Just me." Clearly, my ability to lie is far worse than the ability to speak only in acceptable terms that are considered truthfully, but if they will save the others, then that is an attempt, I'll certainly make. "Aw, I thought you couldn't get more unfortunate ... Well! I also have a fair stock of antidotes for ... Unfortunate travelers, such as you."
She doesn't appear to be lying, but evil is skilled following the path of deceit. Clearly, hags are followers of such. Given the current circumstances, the team decided that we have little choice in the matter and even without my agreement, they made their way inside, leaving me with no options, but to follow them to fulfill my duty. *
Location: ??? - Witch's Hut
Note: Hag is Strahd's midwife during birth (she says), she is the cause for the vampiric spores/parasites and owns the antidotes for "unfortunate travelers", Arvirin is sent back to the realm of origin, tied to an infernal contract until the arrand is completed, the vampiric parasite has a life of its own and will gradually take over the body within a week of time, resulting each body it injects itself to, to a corpse with spores on their back (as the ones we fought at the hill), Hag prefers to stay around Berez as of recently. Suffering from the parasite goes in multiple phases; the first 3 days are fine, there are no clear symptoms other than the pain after applying healing magic and feeling a little sick and heavy. Health potions become poisonous during this phase. 4-7 days you are physically affected, you can't move as fast as you normally are capable of (50% slowed/-50% movement speed), concentration is complicated, climbing will become difficult. Defending one self is difficult as well (Enemies gain advantage), 8th day is considered your last day alive. Bedridden, you become. (-50% health, Easier to hit, slower than before, -50% dmg on enemies, concentration spells cannot be casted. Day 9 - You will die, day 10 - You will become like the copses. Berez is best to be avoided, hill mustn't be ever climbed.
The house, or rather, hut buries itself in the ground and stairs come out to lead us inside. Once inside the devil's den, it looks surprisingly bigger than the outside would tell. Though it's a complete mess. And I can't tell it's from the excessive movement or her odd behaviorisms and inability to keep her environment organized. Such poor service.
One cage caught my eye, it had a toad in it that would change colors, every few moments. Strange alchemy equipment and bottles are scattered around. The door shut behind us. We're trapped. All my danger senses were on high alert, as the old woman smiled. "Oh make yourself comfortable, I'll get you some tea and we can discuss. You don't have to worry, I promise in my own head that I wouldn't put anything inside of it~" I think we all know better than that, even if her facial features won't tell us.
I took my seat, being absolutely aware that we're risking our life at the spot and waited for the lady to return. I'm sure, even without seeing them, this house has eyes, and she knows everything that is going on. Doing any investigations will be noticed and I don't think that I should be at the seat of reasoning around the forces of evil. Cooperating with them, while Illmater may not appreciate it, is not among my options. I made sure that I would be close to the ground and kneeled down on the floor, rather than a chair, that could potentially bind me at my position.
The hut began to move on its own again, unlike how she promised to stay at the location, we were taken away. Fantastic. I guess we'll never find out whose silhouettes they were. I suspect that they are inside the well for some reason. Ridiculous. Neither the windows well speak of our destination, it is covered in a pitch black fog. I guess she doesn't appreciate being seen inside. None of my doubts, with a place so messy such as this. "Oh, I'm getting nauseous from all the movement ... Can we stop ..." I complained. "Oh no, it's going to get better." The hag smiled. She explained that we're moving a little backwards to the previous location of her house. Interesting. She revealed that she prefers being around Berez as of lately. She enjoys the solitude, she says.
While pouring the tea in the cups, the hag asks us what we've been doing in Berez. Yshvara was so bright to immediately point out that we've been looking for clues related to the count. Fantastic. I took the opportunity to confirm the rumor that she claims the vampire to be her son.
"My son?" I explained that there are rumors about a hag claiming to be his mother. I felt her piercing glance on me, besides seeing it. Yshvara had her wondering gaze at me as well. "Is that true?" Clearly, not all of us are paying attention to details such as these.
"Pray tell, where did you hear such a THING ..." A pause followed for me to collect my posture. "Oh, I'm sorry, did I offend you~?" The judgemental look in her eyes, if not just pure threat, didn't disappear. "No, no ..." Clearly, I, myself, don't recall the immediate source of this. Likely, it was in Vallaki, whom exactly, not a clue. Even the count confirmed this, himself and expressed how much he thinks of hags as vermin. It would be great if evil fights evil in my opinion. "Well, I indeed delivered him upon this world, I was the midwife, you see."
Soon the subject related to the antidote was addressed, it came, of course, it was intended to be a trade. She already explained that within a limited amount of days, we will end up like the corpses we found at the hill if the disease isn't treated with an antidote, adding the pressure on our shoulders to cooperate if this turns out to be successful. Before cooperating I asked her "How can we be sure that these help? How can we be sure that you aren't ... Playing games with us."
She told us to choose one among us to give one vial free of charge. My attention was directed at both Shevat and Arvirin, but if this is a trick, then it won't be pretty. I remained silent. Then Pyre offered herself to try it first and was handed the first vial to drink from it. She is a tough woman, she will be alright. She shared that upon holding it, it's very cold to the touch. That is one good sign. For her? I wonder. Judging from her expression as she drank from it, she didn't feel too well. For her standards, she grew pale until suddenly blood escaped her mouth.
Highly unpleasant, especially when we saw a green liquid coming to life on the remains of her blood. I guess the antidote helped, but Pyre doesn't look too happy about the condition she is having now. She thanked the hag, who let her know that she will be fine in the morning. She confirmed that the parasite is gone and aside from the evidence, it was clear.
She intends to increase the price for the antidote, because of the loss she made for giving one for free. I narrowed my eyes. "What kind of price do you seek?" I asked her. She explained that she's looking for an assistant who will exit Barovia, back to the world we live in to do a delivery. She will ensure their safety, she said, but it's something she cannot do, herself. We aren't in the position to choose against it, especially not after being confirmed that she has the cure.
This job will be done by a devil's contract, one broken, the person who failed the delivery without limited time, shall die. If she breaks her promise, she, too, will die. It's an honest contract, she claims. Never, have I been offered any of the sort. She tells us that if we make deals, we should always involve a demon. Absurd, I tell you.
Arvirin offered himself to do the task. I felt all concerns wash over me. It goes against all my beliefs to cooperate with a hag, to even sign a devil's contract like that, but Arvirin didn't seem to mind. I suppressed the things I felt at that moment. A sense of fear, fear for loss, fear for his death and an addition to my list. Can I truly make a boy take on that job and walk away from it? I asked him whether or not he is certain, but he is.
The hag revealed that she has a deal with the count and is able to send one person to the other side, but not herself.
Before he could sign anything, I handed him my old amulet, the most precious item that I possess. May it connect Ilmater's path to him. I demanded the hag to confirm his safe arrival, to reveal evidence of it before he would be sent away. She agreed to the condition.
She made some hand movements and caused an imp to appear on the table that rolls out the parchment. I couldn't read the language, which was frustrating me, even after years of studying ... I fear the infernal language is still not among my skills. Instead, I demanded the hag to read it out to us and I made sure to keep my eyes wide open for any lies that may leave her lips. Infernal contracts are signed by blood and the looks of such a thing is ... Indescribably terrible.
"I, party A (hag) am taking party B (Arvirin) under my employee for an undecided amount of time, until the task is complete. The task being, to travel from here (Forgotten Realms) to this place (Barovia) to a delivery for me on return. They will do it as swiftly as possible and in return, I, party A will cure you of all of the vampiric parasites."
I don't like any of this, but I'll have to trust the boy. The farther he is away from here, the better. May we, by his return, have made this place a lot more safe. The others are surprisingly easygoing about this all which made the wood elf smile. I tried to keep my voice down when I spoke the words "Please, be safe." A brief pause followed until I managed to collect my strength to speak the request. "Can I ... Hold you for a moment, Arvirin?" The boy nodded with enthusiasm. "Of course!"
The hag overheard it, where I had hoped her hearing would fail her.
"Oh if you guys want some privacy and need a separate room~" Immediately, she had me barking back at her. "I don't need privacy, THANK YOU VERY MUCH." Immediately, I felt the heat increase on my face and my pulse increase. "Oh~ I can see you're very fond of him~" The hag teased. "Shut up ..." I muttered back under my breath. "Don't be shy~ I might even do it free of charge ... Might even ... Give you a bed~?" That's when realization struck me how she meant it. Again, my frown dug deeper onto my forehead and my words grew louder. "I don't need a BED, thank you very much ..." She tilted her head in a playful manner. "I won't budge~?" The heat got overwhelming, I could feel how my whole face was glowing. "I DON'T NEED IT." I was catching my breath at the moment, confronted in an uncomfortable spot. I heard Arabella complain about possible noise that could potentially make her sick in addition. "I can make walls without sound, it's no issue." The hag assured the dhampir, giving her a wink of confidence.
"What gives you the idea that I like him like that ..." But the shared look of the two women made me feel urged to interfere after truly connecting the dots. "I DON'T NEED THAT!" I yelled out as I held Arvirin, while doing my best to concentrate. In an attempt to protect him, I warded him with a protection spell (Death Ward) and a silent prayer for his safety. - May Illmater protect him, his innocence and his soul. May his arrival be safe and delivery be taken care off soon.
The hag noticed what I did and couldn't hold back another comment. "Oh, the love you have for him is admirable~" I sighed again. "Don't call it that ..." She assured me that such protection isn't necessary, but when did I last trust the words of evil when I hear them? "But if you feel better by doing such a thing", she said "I will let you." I sighed out deeply, knowing that she can simply dispell anything. "Kiiind ..." Slowly, I let go of the boy, who thanked me. I told him to be quiet, holding back all the external reactions that I could possibly give off. "Such companionship between two males just warms my heart ..." She had me sighing and giving up, I turned my back on all of them and positioned myself farther away, but within visible reach.
I heard the sound of fire and the room light up and turned around, seeing Arvirin close to the table with his bloodied finger. I clenched my fist at the sight. Not a single prayer, not a single move will prevent what happens from happening. Nothing, no one can interfere with it now. Arvirin, he will be gone, away, to travel the familiar lands. I will make an attempt to stay in contact if my faith will let me.
She gave the boy his antidote, but he held his position. He demanded everyone to receive the antidote before he'd leave. I recall Pyre's reaction, seeing her in that terrible, sick state, so I suggested that it might be better to have the boy rest before leaving, but the hag tried to reassure us that she will send him to a civilization that is not dangerous nor will kill him on sight - he will be fine. Arvirin, too, agreed that he will be. And I sure know how reckless the boy is. This is ridiculous ... How did it ever come to this that we must work with a species so dangerous.
The deal was made, we are all to drink from the antidote at once and be exposed to the horror that Pyre revealed to us. It is a deal that Arvirin made with the hag, an exchange before he will leave to the realm we once came. While we were suffering, she was so kind to enlighten us about the even worse horrors that would await us all without a cure. Within ten days, it is set that we would all die from the parasite and end up like the corpses. I made a note about each phase, but I will tell you ... It wasn't easy to even concentrate to write correctly.
May we never, ever experience the after effect of the antidote ever again, I pray ... Even without being concerned about seeing my own blood, to experience seeing something so small become so very big inside a living body is ... Disturbing. To think that she is the designer of this horror ... This woman is true evil ...
As soon as the talk was over and we all collected ourselves, Baba Lysaga looked over to Arvirin. "Well then, I'll be seeing you later ..." She smiled as she snapped her fingers. Arvirin was gone, he simply disappeared. And it took merely a few seconds to realize that this was actually happening. This is actually real, he's tied to an infernal contract ... - Not a spell will ensure his true safety, not a single prayer will do the impossible, the fool is out there on his own, feeling sick, as much as we are. Is this betrayal? Did I abandon the boy for not taking the spot?
My attention was aimed at her again, demanding the visual evidence. "Y ... You'd show us. You'd show us his safe arrival." She sighed, nodded and pointed in the direction of a mirror. An image appeared, the city of Leilon appears there with Arvirin standing at the front, looking around curiously, even smelling the environment to confirm that it is real. Some things don't change but seeing his natural body language felt very reassuring. He's at the town square and some people have noticed him as well. It put a smile on my face. Still the clumsy small dog as when he was with us. - May he be safe and this not an illusion, sooner or later, I will confirm it myself if I happen to be successful ...
"There!" The sudden voice almost caught me entirely off guard. "All safe and sound." I confirmed it with a nod. "Alright." The most I can do at this very moment is to trust her, the infernal contract and the rest of the unbelievable, impossible stuff. Baba Lysaga made herself comfortable at the table again. "Well, now that that little issue is solved ... Do you have any more questions about this place, or my son that you've wanted to ask?" Yshvara and Shevat looked at her, already having something to point out, while I was distracted by the last images of Arvirin.
They were wondering about the connection between Marina and Ireena. She leaned in, stroking her chin a little with a curious gaze in the direction of the two. "I can tell you, but what are you willing to give?" Shevat didn't hesitate and asked the value of that information which is necessary for the exchange. The woman admitted that to her it has little value, but to her son, the count, she mentioned that it is quite the secret.
"Is she a reincarnation?" I asked the woman, hoping for a quick hint of an answer before an exchange could take place. She admitted that I am indeed close. It wasn't quite a reincarnation. Something similar of the sort, but this land offers too many alternatives that an answer or hint like that isn't enough for true satisfaction. Yshvara was wondering whether or not it had connections with Stasia's research, but no, the hag revealed to us that her focus was out of place and the woman, herself, wasn't very fond of her. It almost sounded as if she was happy that we got rid of Stasia and her plans. Stasia's research, Baba says, is a consequence of the whole thing. It would not have been relevant to Ireena.
Still, everything is too vague to work with. We need direct answers and for that, we need the exchange. Then, the woman came up with an idea. An exchange of both questions and answers. Each of us are forced to speak the truth and only the truth. First group asks, the other answers, then she asks, we answer and so on. In total, we must all ask and question five questions in total. This exchange, however, will be done via the same infernal contract as the one that Arvirin signed to avoid foul play. Isn't there foul play already when an infernal is involved?!
"Your terms are reasonable to me, I have no issue with that." Shevat agreed. Clearly, it was only me who had an issue with it, but the information will help us reveal more about the count. The hag recommends that when there is a contract or exchange involved between people, to always involve a devil. Honestly, putting up my familiar spell works just fine with me, anything but to cooperate with ... That. And now we are all doomed to sign the contract with our blood and connect it to our lives. This can't be good ...
Five questions for each group, she gets five and so do we. Each of us signed the contract by drawing blood and letting it drip on the strange looking paper and once the final person did so, the contract combusted. It is sealed, we're all stuck in this now and avoiding the truth will result in death.
I, as one of the few that prefers avoiding the truth, wasn't feeling too concerned about this, but there were some others who felt differently about this experience. Especially Yshvara and Arabella. I will definitely keep an eye on those two if deceit is their path in life.
1) The first question was ours to ask, Yshvara asked her to reveal the story behind Ireena and Marina. What is their connection?
Baba Lysaga: It's not quite reincarnation, but it has a similar concept. The soul will leave the body and go to a new body, where it changes into a new person. That concept also applies to Ireena and Marina, where reincarnation changes a person, this soul is unchanged. This soul in question is neither Marina or Ireena's soul. (Destined Rebirth)
2) Whose soul is it? Pyre asked
Baba Lysaga: The owner of the soul is called Tatyana, sometimes the memories of Tatyana emerge during her different lives. Sometimes, they do not. These people usually have very short lived lives in a way.
3) Before the situation in Barovia happened, Strahd had a brother and one day, he and a woman that the brother fell in love with, had a marriage, but something happened during that marriage that changed him forever. Do you know what happened that changed him forever? (I asked)
Baba Lysaga: I know what happened, yes. (failed)
Her turn.
B1) Shevat, my dear, what is it that you hope to achieve before you leave Barovia?
Shevat: Strahd had said that the people who are being born here without souls, I think that this place is cursed in a very deep way. I'd like to restore the balance, the natural order. To make the souls/people a part of the cycle of life again.
B2) What is your goal here, Arabella?
Arabella: Are you sure you want that to be your question? (yes) To find out where this state I am in came from. (You want to find your parent?) If you want to put it that way, yes.
B3) Does it feel like you've fulfilled your goal yet, Pyre?
Pyre: Nope. (Fail)
I mumbled something, asking the orders for advice, which I then answered myself, but the lady responded to it. "Is that a question?" I immediately complained to her that it wasn't directed at her and neither did it sound like a question. She apologized and said "I'm afraid that I don't speak fanatics." I grit my teeth at the comment. Whether or not there may be truth in it or not, I hate it when someone like that points it out. She, too, is a fanatic of her own with her parasite experiments.
4) What is Strahd going to do to Ireena? Shevat asked
Baba Lysaga: He does not intend to harm her, Ireena is the latest reflection of Tatyana and all he wants is to be reunited with his loved one. He has no other desire than to spend the rest of his days together with her.
Her turn again
B4) Yshvara, what do you know of your heritage?
Yshvara: I know that I am a descendant of a celestial entity, I was told that perhaps I was chosen, although that seems impossible these days. (You have a very sweet scent to your soul. If you want, I can help you find out your "raison d'être" - Translation: Reason for being)
Last question for us, since this was our last opportunity, we needed to make the most of it and I want the full answer to my question. The others seem more occupied with hag her goal and honestly, I couldn't care less, she isn't a part of our main objective, our main objective is that lifeless being that is watching us at his comfortable throne. I need his story. It was to my luck that my interference was enough to manage their choice.
An off question was addressed by Yshvara to the hag, asking whether or not she believes that Strahd is happy. She glanced at her but then she revealed more information about this land. She said "It was not Strahd who put the mist here." Yshvara then asked if it came before him or not, but the answer was no. During his time. "When Strahd became what he is today, the mist arrived." He is a prisoner of the land, but why? "Strahd is both the Lord of this land as well as its deepest prisoner." I needed this information, the whole story and now was my moment but before I could take it, the hag began to add more details.
"In the mist, there are different domains, where singular beings are held prisoner because of something they did. The same thing Strahd did, let him become a prisoner of Barovia, but there are also other domains and other Lords who have done a similar act aside from the land of Barovia." They are all cursed because of something, a type of crime, they have committed. This crime might have happened on that specific day and we must learn of it! Immediately! "There is something that Strahd did that led into the creation of this domain." The hag confirmed.
5) What is the entire cause of events that led to the creation of this domain? (The hag has actually helped us to phrase it)
Baba Lysaga: "In life, Strahd was a count, prince, a soldier and a conqueror. After the death of his father King Barov, Strahd had many bloody wars against his family's enemies. He and his army cornered the last of the enemies at a remote mountain valley before slaying them all. He named this valley "Barovia", after his deceased father and he was so struck by the scene of beauty of this valley that he decided to settle there. Queen Ravenovia lamented the death of Barov, her husband and fearful of Strahd. War had made him cold and arrogant, and so she kept her younger son, Sergei, away from the battlefield. Strahd envied the love and attention his brother received. And so he remained in Barovia.
For a time, there was peace, but peace made Strahd restless and he began to feel like his best years were behind him. Unwilling to go the way of his father, Strahd studied magic and he forged a pact with an entity that makes its home in the Shadowfell. In return for the promise of immortality, Strahd gathered all wizards and sorcerers from his conquered land, brought them to Barovia, and commanded them to raise a castle to rival the magnificent fortresses of his ancestral homeland. He named it "Ravenloft", after his mother to demonstrate his love for her.
When it was complete, Strahd commanded his mother and brother to come to Barovia and to stay with him. Sergei eventually accepted residence in Ravenloft, but Queen Ravenovia passed away during her travels to her namesake. In sorrowful disappointment, Strahd sealed his mother's body in a crypt beneath the castle. And soon, Strahd's attention turned to Tatyana. A young, Barovian noble woman of fine livalage and remarkable beauty. Strahd believed her to be a worthy bride. And he blessed her with gifts and attention, but despite Strahd's best efforts, she instead fell in love with his younger, more humane brother, Sergei.
Strahd's pride prevented him from standing in the way of the young couple's love until the fateful day of their wedding. When Strahd gazed into a mirror he realized the fool he had been: Tatyana should have been his, not his brother's. He murdered Sergei, drank his blood, thereby sealing the pact between him and the entity. He then chased Sergei's pride-to-be to make her accept and love him for he truly cared for her, but instead, Tatyana hurled herself off of the castle's balcony to escape his pursuit. (suicide)
The castle guards seized the opportunity to rid the world of Strahd, shot their master with arrows, but he did not die. The entity honored the pact they made and the sky went black as Strahd turned to the guard with blazing red eyes. He became the first vampire.
After slaughtering all these guards, Strahd saw the faces of his father and mother onto the clouds, looking down upon him and judging him. He has destroyed his family's bloodline and doomed all of Barovia. The castle and valley are both enclosed by the mist, forever a prison in which Strahd is always searching for his loved one. Was that a suitable answer?"
All of us were amazed with the detail, even though I couldn't complain. Will we live to tell the tale? ... Now, the final question from the hag ...
B5) Now I have a question for all of you. Upon hearing this, do any of you intend to harm my son?
In truth, it really amplified the reason as to why he should be slaughtered himself, but learning that this entity makes him immortal will be an obstacle without a doubt. Is he truly a vampire like in the books? It sounds like a different type of concept with which we must break the pact ...
Pyre: My viewpoint has not changed since I've entered.
Yshvara: I say, define harm. (If you even hurt a single hair on his beautiful head) That might be ... Necessary. That saying, he'll probably put an end to us but I'd want to avoid that from happening.
Shevat: I did not come here to fight Strahd. I came here to cleanse the land of the curse. (That was not my question, to cleanse the land you need to break the curse, to break the curse, you'll need to deal with Strahd) Yes, but not harm.
Arabella: If he is as noble as you say he is, that can be reasoned with, I don't see why I should harm him.
Viiris (me): (Comment: *
"We were doing so well ..." Pyre sighed nervously as she glared in my direction. *
She snapped her fingers and before we knew it, we were outside on the field, facing the hut. It got up from the ground when the door opened up, revealing the hag we previously spoke to.
"I also enjoyed your company." She said, "But it's time for you to enjoy the rest of Berez ... Six feet under."
. . .
