So I'm running CoS again. Two players from its previous unfinished iteration, and 2 new players. One of the previous players wanted to play her old character again. So sure. That's fine. But it got me thinking... she's the only "pre-existing" character in this new party. I've dropped a few hints that were pretty subtle that her character has "returned" to Barovia. I even had Madam Eva call her by name and mention being surprised to see her "again" as they entered the tent to get a card reading. Somehow, this went over her head, or maybe she just dismissed it. So I've been waiting all week for the bomb of realization to drop. I even described the remains of one her old party members hanging from the crossroads gallows, draped in the hide of that PCs animal follwer. But  both of the players from the previous game dismissed it again. So here I am... waiting for the "oh snap!" payoff again. But then they get to where Old Bonegrinder should be they find a resplendently painted and rebuilt windmill with an attached cottage. And a certain dwarven bard inside (another previous PC)... with 2 beautiful daughters... who are busy baking cakes while mother is "off to town selling cakes".

And that's when the fuse finally hit the charge. And holy crap that is the best feeling in the world. They never did kill the mother hag in the previous game. And she told them that she would be after them for killing her daughters and burning her home. The player character is the only one of the original party to somehow "survive" or escape from Barovia and she can't really remember. There's one more party member to incorporate into this twisted scheme. But I won't say what my plans are just yet (because right now I'm not sure which way to go). But man, nothing can ever replace that player reaction when you blow their minds.