The party approaches Madam Eva's tent. You all stare at each other and contemplate what to do, because the flap hangs closed. There is nothing to knock on. Should you walk right in? That doesn't seem right. Barnaby shuffles his feet and edges toward the flap. Chubs coughs into his hand, and you hear a voice from within: Enter, travelers.
Madam Eva sits within, illuminated by a lantern. She sits at her table, as before, though there is no sign of the Tarokka deck that she used when divining the future (or appearing to do so) the last time you were here. I am not often surprised, my guests, but I had not expected to see you again. And with a Vistani guide, no less! Well. Welcome to my tent. What do you seek? The Tarokka deck has no more for you.
I encourage you all to have a look through your earlier encounter with her, much of which (but not all of which) is documented in the OP, before you respond. What do you want to ask?
She places this card in the top position, and stifles a gasp. The Tax Collector! The image is a woman - all the cards appeal to be humans - studying a list, with a sack at her feet. The sack has splitting seams, and is spilling coins onto the road around her. The Visanti have what you seek. A missing child holds the key to the treasure's release.
Barnaby: Madam Eva, it is delightful to once again gaze upon your face which radiates as much wisdom as from anyone I have met in my many years. I do have a few questions for you.
Deep in thought he scratches at his backside through his robe. First, when reading Kif's fortune at our last meeting, I recall something about a missing child holding a key. We found a woman searching for her missing child, and you said that the Visanti have what we seek. Does this mean that the missing child is among your ranks or have I misunderstood you?
Additionally, as your people are able to travel back and forth from this isolated land, are you able to conduct trade for those of us who do not enjoy that freedom? If so, how long would it take to fulfill such a transaction?
You have questions about your reading. Understand that I do not know more than what the cards have said. I may nevertheless be able to offer you some guidance.
You ask about the Vistani. You realize that you misremember the spelling. Or perhaps that the spelling was wrong, at one time. I am not Vistani, myself. I am their guest, as you are their guest this evening. You wish to trade with the Vistani? Speak with them.
You ask about some particular missing child. I wonder why you focus on this one. In all the time you have now been in Barovia, have you not discovered many children missing, in one way or another? I do not know what the card means. But it does indicate a connection to the Vistani. So, if there is not a connection to the Vistani for this missing child or that missing child, then keep, as the saying goes, an open mind.
Does that answer all of your questions, travelers?
Aye, I have many questions, these readings are always clear as mud to a simple soldier. Who is the traitor, the wealthy woman in league with the devil, perhaps the spirits can knock a couple times if it's that Strahd supporter Lady Wachter as I suspect. And who is the mother of evil, is the evil Strahd or some other evil. What do you know of Strahds history?
Kif is a little anxious at this point but also frustrated and hangry
Misalyk is standing to the side, realizing now that he probably didn't help the party by bringing them here and worried that anything he says or does will just make things worse.
Madam Eva, who has distant and pretty stern both times you've met her, relaxes and smiles. Why, Kif, look at how much progress you've made already! I do not know any more than what I have said. Lady Wachter? Whoever she is, she does not come here, and I have never drawn cards for her. Eat and rest, dwarf. You are safe here, among these Vistani.
The party makes its way out of Madam Eva's tent, and down to the campfire where the Vistani are preparing an elaborate meal. They encourage Barnaby to let them know what they're looking for, though they do not always know their own schedules or when they might return. What do you have that we could possibly want? I don't mean to offend, little man, but what are you offering?
They respond to the party's questions about Strahd and the history of the valley over the course of your delicious dinner. They share a series of soulful, sad songs, mixed with a few stories connecting the narrative, that shine a little light on Strahd's (and the valley's) past: In the long-ago past, Strahd arrived as the eldest son of a king from a nearby monarchy. The valley of Barovia was essentially unruled. There were walled villages, as there are not, and Strahd seized it with his army, in the name of the king, his father. The valley was beautiful, as was the maiden Strahd encountered in it: the exquisite Tatiana.
Strahd wooed Tatiana over weeks and months, and they were finally to be wed. Strahd also, meanwhile, built a castle in the valley. Ravenloft, named for his mother, Queen Ravenia. He sent for his beloved parents to join him, as his brother already had. On the day of the wedding, though, Tatiana confessed to Strahd that she had been seduced by his brother, and had been unfaithful to him in the weeks before the wedding day. Strahd, in his fury, killed his brother, and Tatiana fled into the forests of the valley, never to be seen again.
The gods, punishing Strahd for the wicked murder of his brother, broke Barovia off from the rest of the world, and it has existed in this isolated place in the unknown hundreds of years ever since. Strahd rules here, pining for his gone Tatiana, suffering, and ruling without challenge in this isolated, tiny universe.
The Vistani explain that these are old legends and songs, and they do not know more. The fire is burning low, and everyone has eaten well and had all the wine that he could wish to drink.
Misalyk leans back and just enjoys the evening, playing music softly while watching the others talk. While disappointed that he didn't deliver to his new friends all the answers they sought he is happy enough to have delivered a pleasant evening in an otherwise dark and dreary place.
Ah, my friends, thank you so much for the fine food and wonderful company, one last question, do the old tales tell what Tatiana might have looked like?
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"I believe that Tatiana was a brown haired woman with dark eyes and an unmistakable face." Misalyk scours his memory for more information, while playing a wistful tune.
Strahd's passionate love for Tatiana is a thing of legend, among the Vistani. That much is clear. Misalyk doesn't know more than that.
The party passes a safe evening by the fire.
Morning rises on the day of the invitation from Strahd. You would arrive at the gates to Ravenloft a few hours early, if you went straight there, but you don't have enough time to go to Vallaki and get back to the gates. So, if you want to go to the party, you have a few hours to kill (or show up early). If not, the day is yours.
Sorry I've been inattentive for a while. I think I will be able to get back in the swing of things.
Barnaby will spend the extra time looking for Vistani willing to listen to him tell the stories that his companions are already sick of hearing.
Chubs will find a quiet space to meditate (drink) and ponder the significance of his recent misfortunes and near death experience in the land of Barovia.
The party approaches Madam Eva's tent. You all stare at each other and contemplate what to do, because the flap hangs closed. There is nothing to knock on. Should you walk right in? That doesn't seem right. Barnaby shuffles his feet and edges toward the flap. Chubs coughs into his hand, and you hear a voice from within: Enter, travelers.
Madam Eva sits within, illuminated by a lantern. She sits at her table, as before, though there is no sign of the Tarokka deck that she used when divining the future (or appearing to do so) the last time you were here. I am not often surprised, my guests, but I had not expected to see you again. And with a Vistani guide, no less! Well. Welcome to my tent. What do you seek? The Tarokka deck has no more for you.
I encourage you all to have a look through your earlier encounter with her, much of which (but not all of which) is documented in the OP, before you respond. What do you want to ask?
Barnaby: Madam Eva, it is delightful to once again gaze upon your face which radiates as much wisdom as from anyone I have met in my many years. I do have a few questions for you.
Deep in thought he scratches at his backside through his robe. First, when reading Kif's fortune at our last meeting, I recall something about a missing child holding a key. We found a woman searching for her missing child, and you said that the Visanti have what we seek. Does this mean that the missing child is among your ranks or have I misunderstood you?
Additionally, as your people are able to travel back and forth from this isolated land, are you able to conduct trade for those of us who do not enjoy that freedom? If so, how long would it take to fulfill such a transaction?
Aye, I also have thought often of the missing child and how we may serve the Visanti
You have questions about your reading. Understand that I do not know more than what the cards have said. I may nevertheless be able to offer you some guidance.
You ask about the Vistani. You realize that you misremember the spelling. Or perhaps that the spelling was wrong, at one time. I am not Vistani, myself. I am their guest, as you are their guest this evening. You wish to trade with the Vistani? Speak with them.
You ask about some particular missing child. I wonder why you focus on this one. In all the time you have now been in Barovia, have you not discovered many children missing, in one way or another? I do not know what the card means. But it does indicate a connection to the Vistani. So, if there is not a connection to the Vistani for this missing child or that missing child, then keep, as the saying goes, an open mind.
Does that answer all of your questions, travelers?
Aye, I have many questions, these readings are always clear as mud to a simple soldier. Who is the traitor, the wealthy woman in league with the devil, perhaps the spirits can knock a couple times if it's that Strahd supporter Lady Wachter as I suspect. And who is the mother of evil, is the evil Strahd or some other evil. What do you know of Strahds history?
Kif is a little anxious at this point but also frustrated and hangry
Misalyk is standing to the side, realizing now that he probably didn't help the party by bringing them here and worried that anything he says or does will just make things worse.
Madam Eva, who has distant and pretty stern both times you've met her, relaxes and smiles. Why, Kif, look at how much progress you've made already! I do not know any more than what I have said. Lady Wachter? Whoever she is, she does not come here, and I have never drawn cards for her. Eat and rest, dwarf. You are safe here, among these Vistani.
Well, Misalyk, it looks like you found us a good meal, well done!
The party makes its way out of Madam Eva's tent, and down to the campfire where the Vistani are preparing an elaborate meal. They encourage Barnaby to let them know what they're looking for, though they do not always know their own schedules or when they might return. What do you have that we could possibly want? I don't mean to offend, little man, but what are you offering?
They respond to the party's questions about Strahd and the history of the valley over the course of your delicious dinner. They share a series of soulful, sad songs, mixed with a few stories connecting the narrative, that shine a little light on Strahd's (and the valley's) past: In the long-ago past, Strahd arrived as the eldest son of a king from a nearby monarchy. The valley of Barovia was essentially unruled. There were walled villages, as there are not, and Strahd seized it with his army, in the name of the king, his father. The valley was beautiful, as was the maiden Strahd encountered in it: the exquisite Tatiana.
Strahd wooed Tatiana over weeks and months, and they were finally to be wed. Strahd also, meanwhile, built a castle in the valley. Ravenloft, named for his mother, Queen Ravenia. He sent for his beloved parents to join him, as his brother already had. On the day of the wedding, though, Tatiana confessed to Strahd that she had been seduced by his brother, and had been unfaithful to him in the weeks before the wedding day. Strahd, in his fury, killed his brother, and Tatiana fled into the forests of the valley, never to be seen again.
The gods, punishing Strahd for the wicked murder of his brother, broke Barovia off from the rest of the world, and it has existed in this isolated place in the unknown hundreds of years ever since. Strahd rules here, pining for his gone Tatiana, suffering, and ruling without challenge in this isolated, tiny universe.
The Vistani explain that these are old legends and songs, and they do not know more. The fire is burning low, and everyone has eaten well and had all the wine that he could wish to drink.
Does anyone wish to say or ask anything?
Misalyk leans back and just enjoys the evening, playing music softly while watching the others talk. While disappointed that he didn't deliver to his new friends all the answers they sought he is happy enough to have delivered a pleasant evening in an otherwise dark and dreary place.
Ah, my friends, thank you so much for the fine food and wonderful company, one last question, do the old tales tell what Tatiana might have looked like?
I wonder how Fope's rehab is going?
"I believe that Tatiana was a brown haired woman with dark eyes and an unmistakable face." Misalyk scours his memory for more information, while playing a wistful tune.
11 History
Strahd's passionate love for Tatiana is a thing of legend, among the Vistani. That much is clear. Misalyk doesn't know more than that.
The party passes a safe evening by the fire.
Morning rises on the day of the invitation from Strahd. You would arrive at the gates to Ravenloft a few hours early, if you went straight there, but you don't have enough time to go to Vallaki and get back to the gates. So, if you want to go to the party, you have a few hours to kill (or show up early). If not, the day is yours.
Sorry I've been inattentive for a while. I think I will be able to get back in the swing of things.
Barnaby will spend the extra time looking for Vistani willing to listen to him tell the stories that his companions are already sick of hearing.
Chubs will find a quiet space to meditate (drink) and ponder the significance of his recent misfortunes and near death experience in the land of Barovia.
off to Strahd's then, gentlemen?
Chubs: Yes, yes. If nothing else, I hope he puts out a good spread. I haven't had a full belly since we got here.
so quiet here, Chubs, listen to the crickets
Heh. Yes, sorry. I appreciate everyone’s patience during this hiatus.
No worries