Session #4: BLOOD SUCKERS AND RAVENS

[istainion]

 7 PM - 10:30 PM GMT+1

 

When we woke up from an unpleasant rest at the ruins of what was once the mansion. We have discussed the situation. I have shared with the group that I saw a carriage drove to the western side of our position (we came from the eastern side through the forest.) Naedithas said to us that he has found a package with potions with a note and letter. He said something that it was taken away by a raven once he has removed the content. I haven't heard or seen a lot about animals that are cooperating with people like us. Maybe it was also an animal form like the one that Shevat took to allow us passage through the gates in the building?

 

Once we left from our locations to follow the road to the next place, we have noticed that in the distance a lot of ravens are watching us. While Shevat wasn't necessarily bothered by the sight, because he is used to animals observing him ... What? Creepy stuff there ... I hadn't noticed anything of the sort while I was traveling! Well, it hasn't been a long time ... But you know? ... I certainly WAS creeped out their watchful eyes!

 

Our path lead us to another one of those gates. It was in the same state as the other one and I would say, it could as well be even worse than those East Gates. On top of this gate, there was a man that yelled down on us. He was skinny, pale and of human race. He looked like a guard of some sort but not a very intimidating one. More like the guy you would never hire for the position unless he was the only one who would sign up. Sad, but should I question his ability, really? When Yshvara took her leading role to heart, she stepped forth and introduced us to the guard and he went down to speak to us. She intended to hand him the note we have received from Ana about the mission but the man refused and admitted that he could not read. Is that actually a thing?

 

She read it out to him and he eventually gave in and let us pass. We spoke for a moment and noticed the deserted place behind the walls that would not withstand a single attack. It looks abandoned ... The houses looked barricaded as if they were to expect an attack any time soon. It was as comfortable of a sight as anything else we have seen so far. While it was not much, I hate spending every minute here and I would even consider going back home or just attend another mission instead. I'm feeling so tense ...

 

Durst mansion also suddenly aged once we left it, it's as if everything we see is not what it is. And I am curious what will become of this place once we have passed it or ... As Yshvara and the others implied, lifted the curse. I remember how terrible that fountain suddenly smelled after it aged and I can already note to myself that I will NOT be trusting any water I will find to clean or drink from. Who knows what is in it?! And who knows! I might as well become a part of this curse or spell! Forget it! I'm smarter than that! I hope ...

 

A sudden howling caught our attention and when he turned around, the guard was already on his way to safety like the coward he is! Tibirin tried to close the gate, we have realized that, again, this gate is utterly useless. It won't hold anything back. So we run after the guard who ran into one of the buildings and locked the door behind him. Refusing to open up and referred to us as the evil ones out of the blue. What makes him say that, anyway! While we tried to convince him to open up, Shevat has realized that the howling is gone. IF SOMEONE IS WATCHING, I BET THEY ARE HAVING THE JOY OF THEIR LIFE FOR SEEING US FLEE LIKE THAT ... And damn, I do feel watched. We tried to find information about our whereabouts and the next destination, when the guard slipped the directions for our next clue. He previously also mentioned that Koiyanovich has passed away. If we haven't seen enough DEATH yet, I expect more of this in the future. Death, more death, ghouls, skeletons ... Ugh, what's next? Wolves, ravens ...

 

We followed the directions and the large house which the guard referred to and spoke to a locked door. Again, we were assumed to be carrying evil intentions and I don't know what inspires them to think this trash up but I haven't done anything evil even once! If only I could convince a non-believer. With the help of everyone, though, the man unlocked the locks one by one but he hasn't opened it up. We carefully opened up the door and stood eye in eye with a blond man. He revealed himself as Ismark Koiyanovich, the son of Koiyan Indirovich. The man who the letter was assigned to. The young man wasn't allowing us entrance and he was well prepared for an attack when he loaded an arrow in his crossbow. Tibirin and Naedithas could have easily slapped him to mercy, but look, we're kind travelers. It would be interesting to see his expression change though. "You are not invited" is much like his catchphrase that he could not let go of.

 

We explained to the young man that we have come to help him with his sister, Ireena and rolled over the letter from Ana. It later on turns out that it was a fake, but I don't want to ruin the fun there (I already have). He told us to leave and we did, promising that he could find us at the nearest inn for which he gave us the route. These people are rather friendly when it comes to descriptive route instructions if you ask me?

 

THE INN - JUST AS SHADY AS THE REST

 

We made it to the Inn and ... Much like the rest of the environment, it was shady, weird and rather old. The dim light didn't feel much more welcoming than the rest. Upon entering the place, we have spotted three human women in colorful clothing, a bartender and another men who was sharing a table on his own. He looked terribly drunk ... Isn't he ashamed of himself? Well, not that there is a lot of positivity going on in this place. Drinking sounds like a way of dealing with it? I assume ... While the bartender is desperately cleaning the glasses with the passion of his life and not paying much attention to us, we make our way to him and somehow made him spill a few words. A place to stay costs 5 copper but there won't be breakfast. And in all honesty, I don't feel great to stay here but neither do we have much of an option around here either.

 

So I also rented a room, intending that I will be sharing it with Tibirin again (2 beds per room). While it was apparently still noon, we had some time to kill before returning to safety and we used this opportunity to talk with the people that are currently in the Inn. Yshvara and I went in the direction of the drunk because I could not bear the thought that a woman would need to deal with a drunkard like him. Who knows what silly things he has in mind. I know that she is capable but also that she is rather reckless. Shevat intended to test his luck with the three ladies but before he did, he went up the stairs and left. We made it to the man, which name we learned later on was Radu. He took great interests in Yshvara but especially the wine she revealed. He immediately has recognized it and made her pay information with that liquor. It seemed to work well and his lips loosened up. He said that he is with the Vistani. What else caught my attention when he spoke, is that he referred to travelers like us, that show up yearly with a similar purpose we have. As if this was a way to trick people inside Barovia. He said that there is no escape from here and later on, we also learned from someone else that those, who try to leave the place either disappear or drop dead.

 

So everything is fake and we are trapped in the same issue as we had in the house, the difference is that we are now in an open environment and we cannot escape. We cannot ... Escape ... We ... We are trapped ... Trapped ... In ... This place ... WELL, trying to leave doesn't sound like a good idea if we were to suddenly drop dead on the spot. Is that even a thing or is he trying to scare us?! TELL ME HE'S A LIAR ... Please! Neither did Shevat learn much about the situation. We discussed this together in his room but left it once we shared everything and have decided to visit the merchant to which the bartender referred to. He's apparently the only shopkeeper around Barovia. To keep our promise with Ismark, two of our group stayed behind. Tibirin didn't seem interested in seeing the shop and Yshvara volunteered to stay. I was originally against her staying alone but I am happy that Tibirin also has decided to stay. If suddenly the wolves would reach us here, I don't want this to guilt trip me at some point, that I haven't objected against her plan to stay behind on her own.

 

OVERPRICED GENERAL SHOP: BILDRATH

 

When we visited the store, the first thing that caught our attention was the broken window. We questioned why but once we asked for the prices, it became clear that this man is overpricing all his wares. 20 silver per ration? 10 gold for 50 arrows? Does it cost us anything to set foot in your store? When we asked for information, it became clear that this man is pretty carefree about his overpriced wares, he even takes pride in it. The one who broke the window was clearly frustrated with his behavior and I will not question that. From the back, the man called his nephew out for reasons I could not tell other than to intimidate the FUCK out of me. 2.30 m of pure muscle, not much of a brain? Yeah, well, he seemed friendly. Friendly enough to take care of the person who ruined the window according to a questionable description of what they referred to as their revenge. He is like the man, his uncle, his little lapdog and guard. He seems to manage only the ... Violent tasks ... When Shevat asked for information, the man sealed his lips until we would consider taking care of a task and he would MAYBE tell us what we want to know. While Naedithas and I are unsatisfied with the response, Shevat admitted that we do not have much of a choice and he certainly is right. One of the shopkeepers men has been sent for a delivery task but he hasn't returned from his travel. His supplies should be at a specific spot near the road for which we got a description and we are to obtain 4 explorer packs from wherever they could have landed. As if it isn't stolen already ... Come on. He is overpricing his wares and these people around here don't look too wealthy ...

 

Parriwimple, the shopkeeper assistant of questionable height seemed to have taken interests in Naedithas, his strength and stories of adventure. He seems to be looking forward to adventure, so I have tried to lure him to join us on our mission but the shopkeeper saw right through me. Damned Bildrath ... I was quick to take my leave before it would escalate and joined the others. My eyes were looked on the church not far from here and marked it in my memory as the next stop. We need to learn as much as we can about the people and our situation. We returned to the others at the Inn and discussed what we have seen. The people around here seem to be tense about the situation with Ireena Koiyana and Ismark Koiyanovich. Why exactly, we haven't learned. But from the fact from how they respond, They don't appear to be in good terms and think of them as some sort of pest or curse. I know too little and the information is so twisted ... I hate it to feel insecure ...

 

LOW BUDGET CHURCH

 

I have mentioned the church and my desire to pay it a visit to the team and again, we needed people to stay behind. This time, Shevat and Naedithas (of course) have decided to stay behind. Finally time to gossip, huh? Or to confess your closeness? I don't know but they probably have a thing going on, hahah! So we went back to the shop and moved on to find the church. From our road there, we caught a glimpse of the castle on top of a cliff. It was large but we tried to keep our eyes on the road. Upon arrival, we met the door of the church and noticed that it was covered with ... Various ... Scratch and burn marks and I feel my feet grow cold at the thought of opening up the door to see what awaits inside. While I expected a battle, it didn't come as planned and instead it looked like what you would imagine a church to look like. Aside from the ruined furniture. We noticed that this space had four different doors leading to unexplored chambers and near the flickering candle light, we saw some figures attending a prayer.

 

When Yshvara introduced herself, one of these figures stepped forth. It was one of the priests, judging from his appearance. He wasn't looking very positively as you'd imagine a man of his position to be. He looked restless, broken but still spoke with the words you would expect from a priest. While we tried to talk to him, we heard a desperate yell from below the floor. I felt the shivers run down my fucking spine for a change. The priest said it was his son. When we asked for more information, we learned that his son, Duru has been acting strange ever since he returned from his travel a few days ago. Another yell followed in which the son yelled for food. Yshvara possibly motherly instinct acted up when she asked him about the food but the priest his response was beyond unsatisfying. He said he has been cursed with the undead and yearns for food which we cannot offer. He requires blood.

 

I seriously hate it here, have I ever mentioned that? Will I ever quit mentioning it? No! This is my journal!

 

The priest, sir Donavich has been praying day and night for his recovery and judging from his appearance, he is very convincing as well. It's a shame that it hasn't made much of a change. Here I had hoped that religion would help me through these dark days and hours. I'm seemingly unfit for stuff like this. This ... Paranormal stuff. I want it to simply ... Disappear ... I'll burn it when I have the chance to! ... At least, if escape it not an option. So we have learned that Strahd, the count of these regions is to blame for the son his condition. The priest even fought with him to keep his son save and it showed once he has revealed the wound on his chest. Yshvara recovered some of the wound but she could not do the impossible. The scars do remain and neither does the situation make much of a change but at least he could smile for a moment. Donavich refers to Strahd as the Devil and I can tell how and why. I don't want to deal with this man, ever. He better not ever lay his eyes on any of us ... But I know he's watching ... I probably shouldn't mention his name around his victims ... Ahah ... Their glares were too much ... Is it so bad to learn more about our enemy? ... Man ...

 

ISMARK & IREENA : THE UNBITTEN AND BITTEN

 

When we left, we didn't learn a lot more than we already have. But we have at least confirmed that we are actually dealing with vampires. I was never so happy to wear so much clothing around my neck. We then returned to the inn again and met up with the others. During our discussion about finding a way to lure out Parriwimple for details, Ismark entered the inn and told us to come to the mansion to talk. We have and he still repeated that same, damned phrase. Though he sighed of relief when we have managed to step inside. I did not catch why but neither did I care much for it. We made it inside and waited in a space that looked like a waiting lounge. We spoke to Ismark and Ireena who later on joined us. She exposed to us that she has been bitten by Strahd who took interests in her and according to the letter which was addressed to Ismark, Strahd wants to have her for some reason and he will not stop until he has her. Ismark said to us that before their father passed away, they have been under attack by various creatures. He spoke of wolves, bats and even vampires. He said that most creatures cannot enter the house because of something that keeps them away but ensured us, that if Strahd wanted something, he would get his way inside the house forcefully. Before their father died, Ismark informed us that he has been acting strange and has invited the count to come and visit them when he bit his daughter. What makes her stand out a loud is her unusual appearance for an elegant looking woman. Her clothes are more like the ones a man would wear, her hair is different from many others as well. It's not dark, instead, it has an auburn color to it. Her skin was a little different from the others as well.

 

When their father died from exhaustion, the attacks have stopped. And the two have been wondering where it went but with the letter it made sense to them. When I have mentioned the other travelers, I didn't get a clear message but Ismark has also said that his father often dealt with visitors and this was also the moment where our letter has been confirmed to be a fake. Ana and the others of the Vistani aren't to be trusted, according to the information he has given us, we have learned that these people are unaffected by the mists that surround this place and are able to travel beyond the borders. He suspects that those people are the spies, the servants of the count and it goes so well with my early suspicions. Travelers randomly strand here, they randomly wake up in this place. They are trapped, much like ourselves. Strahd likes to play with his victims and we are assigned to be his new play toys. If I take to heart what one of his supposed servants have told us, when we arrive at the door of his castle, we are likely to meet our death. I would want to turn around and leave but I can't risk my life trying. I'll be risking my life with everything I do here. If it is to fight to break the curse of Barovia or if it is to escape the place, death seems to be involved with each of these and I'd rather risk my life trying to get away than to commit suicide by leaving! I hate my life ...

 

What I have forgot to add is that Radu referred to a great fortune teller to the west side of the village, beyond a graveyard to a road that will lead us to their camp. Madam Eve/Eva is how he referred to her and she should be great. Now that I have learned about the Vistani, I do not know if walking straight into their camp is a good plan or not. But neither do we know if we can fully trust this man as well. We know nothing but we do have one clue, it was Ana who lead us here and she is one of them. Our evening was rather pleasant with a nice dinner made by Ismark and it was really tasty.

 

I will be regretting my life, though, when it turns out that I have eaten dirt from this illusion of which I am unaware of. I will have Strahd pay for his crimes for having played with my mind and appetite if this is the truth! Hopefully the people we speak to are actually real ... Am I real? Ah ...