"Yes," Ioben replies simply. "It definitely seems odd, but let's leave it alone unless it approaches us. We have been up quite a while, and I wouldn't mind a rest in town."
“It’s a banderhobb, a creature summoned by powerful spellcasters to do their bidding. If we leave it alone, it shouldn’t bother us unless we’re the intended target. I don’t know who Baba Lysaga is, but she practices foul magic,” says Dormark looking at the creature with caution.
You've heard the name Baba Lysaga before - vague recollections enter your mind of childhood stories. The stories, quite obviously designed to scare straight young children, involve a powerful witch of the woods that would whisk children away from their beds in the dead of night - particularly if they misbehaved! The figure always seemed like the object of myth and fairytale rather than based on fact.
The fact that this Banderhobb would mention her by name is not only unusual but also chilling.
“It’s a banderhobb, a creature summoned by powerful spellcasters to do their bidding. If we leave it alone, it shouldn’t bother us unless we’re the intended target. I don’t know who Baba Lysaga is, but she practices foul magic,” says Dormark looking at the creature with caution.
'You can summon that?' Sandu filed that information away. Summoning creatures, or conjuration magic as he remembered from one of his lessons, was one branch of magic that held great appeal to him. Pulling a creature out of the aether that followed his every whim while he could just sit back and watch was something he could get behind. Even if the frog... man... thing was not aesthetically pleasing to his senses.
'Yeah, let's no go searching trouble where there need not be some.'Sandu hoisted his slipping backpack back onto his shoulders. He watched the creature hobble past them and resumed walking onwards to Vallaki, his torch held high to illuminate the road before him.
Baern listens to the others who seem to know a bit about the origin of this strange creature and looks on with amazement. He steps to the very edge of the road to let it pass with the intention of smiling and nodding if it looks at him. If the others take the additional step of hiding all together, he will do the same.
“It is possible, but it isn’t a simple spell and stronger conjuring can have a possibility of failure. If you summon something with a bad temperament it could spell the end of the caster. Least that was what the book said where I learn about that creature in,” says Dormark watching the creature bound away.
The Banderhobb skulks away, paying very little (if any) attention to the party. As he passes he briefly mumbles about 'grabbing a goat' and other nonsensical phrases.
Continuing on, the party walks towards the town of Vallaki. The Old Svalich Road meanders into a valley watched over by dark, brooding mountains to the north and south. The woods recede, revealing a sullen mountain burg surrounded by a wooden palisade. Thick fog presses up against this wall, as though looking for a way inside, hoping to catch the town aslumber.
The dirt road ends at a set of sturdy iron gates with a pair of shadowy figures standing behind them. Planted in the ground and flanking the road outside the gates are a half-dozen pikes with wolves’ heads impaled on them.
((Vallaki Town Gate))
"HALT!"a shabby-looking man shouts from the gate tower as the party approaches. "Who goes there?! Be you man or beast!"the orange light from the brazer casts shadows over his face, his voice is gruff and uncaring. Before waiting for an answer he continues, "What brings you to Vallaki? At this late hour?"
"Radu?!" the town guard says inquisitively before leaning over the side of the gate tower,"y'down there?!" Radu steps up, his torch lighting his relieved face. "Down 'ere" he yells up, waving his hand,"These lot are wit' me. Even got Ismark Kolyanovich and Ireena Kolyana in tow!". He places added emphasis on both Ismark's and Ireena's names.
A creaking, cranking sound can be heard as the town guards open the gate. "In quickly, the night is dark and full of terrors."the guard declares looking to the skies.
Eager to get into the sanctuary of the town, the party filter through the gate - the 'Morning Gate' - and spill into the streets. The streets are dank and dark, save for the occasional light coming from a townhouse. Damp cobblestones create a slippery surface beneath your feet. Though the town's façade appears cramped and foreboding, it is a welcome change from the long and winding road you left behind.
Radu turns to those around him,"Thanks for helpin' me get 'ere."he says,"... Didn't know if I'd be able ta make tha' on me own." His hand disappears inside of his orange cloak, before reappearing with a large pouch of coins. "Jus' down the road on th' left is the Arasek Stockyard - should be able ta stash me stuff there fer th' time bein'."
“It is a good thing we came across you when we did. Still, travelling together made the journey less. Let’s get your goods to the stockyards so we can finally find a bed.”
Galqarin is glad of the concealment the darkness provides, as well as the distraction of Radu, Ismark and Ireena. A masked Vistani might not otherwise have got past the pikemen guarding the gate.
Valerie sighs in relieve as they finally get to the town. It could still be dangerous lurking around, but it sure not as dangerous as outside the gate. "It’s good to be back in a town."
Radu leads the party a short distance down the streets of Vallaki to a large stockyard; it has several locked sheds along its periphery and lies adjacent to a roomy warehouse, a wooden sign above the front gate reads 'Arasek Stockyard'. Parked at the south end of the stockyard is a sturdy carnival wagon, its colourful paint peeling off. Faded lettering on its sides spells out the words 'Rictavio’s Carnival of Wonders'. A heavy padlock secures the back door.
You note that Radu's spirits lift when he see's a man and woman approach him as the party draws close to the stockyard. "Radu Radovich - to what do we owe this pleasure?"the man says mockingly before stepping forward and embracing Radu. "Gunther - it is good ta see ya, my friend!" Radu says before embracing the woman, "and you, Yelena, ya look well!"
((The Araseks - Gunther & Yelena))
Yelena allows herself a brief smile,"What is the meaning of this, Radu? Is the hour not a little late for a visit? I see you have brought company." Her gaze sweeps over the party before she smiles and curtsies. "Welcome to Arasek Stockyard - My name is Yelena and this oaf..." she playfully punches Gunther's arm,"... is my husband - Gunther."She gives a quick look at Gunther, who quickly adds, "Oh, uh, you must be tired. Please join us - we haven't much to offer, but you're more than welcome to spend the night in the warehouse. Alternatively you could visit the Blue Water Inn - the Martikov's will take care of you there - the rooms shouldn't be too pricey."
In the meantime, Radu will distribute the agreed sum (20 gold pieces) to each of the party. He then fills Gunther and Yelena in on the events that occurred along the way - emphasising the key role the party played in ensuring his safety (you even occasionally hear the term 'heroes' mentioned in the telling).
Baern - When he gets to you he stops, thanks you, and states that you can keep the Warhammer as payment, as agreed.
"Warehouse good", opines Galqarin as he sets down Radu's heavy suit of armour. Gesturing at his Vistani robe, he adds, "not draw attention." He doesn't remove his mask and refrains from pointing out that what is under the robe is likely to draw even more unwelcome attention. Nor does he introduce himself, in marked difference to his behaviour before the happenings at Tser Pool.
"Yes," Ioben replies simply. "It definitely seems odd, but let's leave it alone unless it approaches us. We have been up quite a while, and I wouldn't mind a rest in town."
Valeries nods her head. "Ioben's right! We better not make any unnecessary ruckus. It's hard to tell who is friend or foe around here."
(Galqarin history: 13)
“It’s a banderhobb, a creature summoned by powerful spellcasters to do their bidding. If we leave it alone, it shouldn’t bother us unless we’re the intended target. I don’t know who Baba Lysaga is, but she practices foul magic,” says Dormark looking at the creature with caution.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Galqarin's History check:
You've heard the name Baba Lysaga before - vague recollections enter your mind of childhood stories. The stories, quite obviously designed to scare straight young children, involve a powerful witch of the woods that would whisk children away from their beds in the dead of night - particularly if they misbehaved! The figure always seemed like the object of myth and fairytale rather than based on fact.
The fact that this Banderhobb would mention her by name is not only unusual but also chilling.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
'You can summon that?' Sandu filed that information away. Summoning creatures, or conjuration magic as he remembered from one of his lessons, was one branch of magic that held great appeal to him. Pulling a creature out of the aether that followed his every whim while he could just sit back and watch was something he could get behind. Even if the frog... man... thing was not aesthetically pleasing to his senses.
'Yeah, let's no go searching trouble where there need not be some.' Sandu hoisted his slipping backpack back onto his shoulders. He watched the creature hobble past them and resumed walking onwards to Vallaki, his torch held high to illuminate the road before him.
William Brackwater: Human Fighter - The Windward Isles
Tyrgram, the Butterfly Knight: Dwarf Warlock - Secret of Greenwold
Iòlinder Corrach: Half Elf War Cleric - Allansia Adventure
Valerius Sergius Publius: Dhampir Paladin - Vae Victus
Galqarin is quiet - although this is not uncharacteristic for him, he does appear somewhat lost in thought.
Baern listens to the others who seem to know a bit about the origin of this strange creature and looks on with amazement. He steps to the very edge of the road to let it pass with the intention of smiling and nodding if it looks at him. If the others take the additional step of hiding all together, he will do the same.
“It is possible, but it isn’t a simple spell and stronger conjuring can have a possibility of failure. If you summon something with a bad temperament it could spell the end of the caster. Least that was what the book said where I learn about that creature in,” says Dormark watching the creature bound away.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
The Banderhobb skulks away, paying very little (if any) attention to the party. As he passes he briefly mumbles about 'grabbing a goat' and other nonsensical phrases.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Night - Day 4/5 - Vallaki
Continuing on, the party walks towards the town of Vallaki. The Old Svalich Road meanders into a valley watched over by dark, brooding mountains to the north and south. The woods recede, revealing a sullen mountain burg surrounded by a wooden palisade. Thick fog presses up against this wall, as though looking for a way inside, hoping to catch the town aslumber.
The dirt road ends at a set of sturdy iron gates with a pair of shadowy figures standing behind them. Planted in the ground and flanking the road outside the gates are a half-dozen pikes with wolves’ heads impaled on them.
"HALT!" a shabby-looking man shouts from the gate tower as the party approaches. "Who goes there?! Be you man or beast!" the orange light from the brazer casts shadows over his face, his voice is gruff and uncaring. Before waiting for an answer he continues, "What brings you to Vallaki? At this late hour?"
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
"Hello! Neither, I'm a dwarf, and these are my friends. We're helping Radu here bring his supplies, and it was a long walk."
"Radu?!" the town guard says inquisitively before leaning over the side of the gate tower, "y'down there?!" Radu steps up, his torch lighting his relieved face. "Down 'ere" he yells up, waving his hand, "These lot are wit' me. Even got Ismark Kolyanovich and Ireena Kolyana in tow!". He places added emphasis on both Ismark's and Ireena's names.
A creaking, cranking sound can be heard as the town guards open the gate. "In quickly, the night is dark and full of terrors." the guard declares looking to the skies.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Night - Day 4/5 - The Streets of Vallaki
Eager to get into the sanctuary of the town, the party filter through the gate - the 'Morning Gate' - and spill into the streets. The streets are dank and dark, save for the occasional light coming from a townhouse. Damp cobblestones create a slippery surface beneath your feet. Though the town's façade appears cramped and foreboding, it is a welcome change from the long and winding road you left behind.
Radu turns to those around him, "Thanks for helpin' me get 'ere." he says, "... Didn't know if I'd be able ta make tha' on me own." His hand disappears inside of his orange cloak, before reappearing with a large pouch of coins. "Jus' down the road on th' left is the Arasek Stockyard - should be able ta stash me stuff there fer th' time bein'."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
(I forget exactly what Ireena and Ismark have shared in this area, thus...)
"Do you know people here?" asks Baern of the Barovian brother and sister.
“It is a good thing we came across you when we did. Still, travelling together made the journey less. Let’s get your goods to the stockyards so we can finally find a bed.”
Galqarin is glad of the concealment the darkness provides, as well as the distraction of Radu, Ismark and Ireena. A masked Vistani might not otherwise have got past the pikemen guarding the gate.
Valerie sighs in relieve as they finally get to the town. It could still be dangerous lurking around, but it sure not as dangerous as outside the gate. "It’s good to be back in a town."
Night - Day 4/5 - Arasek Stockyard
Radu leads the party a short distance down the streets of Vallaki to a large stockyard; it has several locked sheds along its periphery and lies adjacent to a roomy warehouse, a wooden sign above the front gate reads 'Arasek Stockyard'. Parked at the south end of the stockyard is a sturdy carnival wagon, its colourful paint peeling off. Faded lettering on its sides spells out the words 'Rictavio’s Carnival of Wonders'. A heavy padlock secures the back door.
You note that Radu's spirits lift when he see's a man and woman approach him as the party draws close to the stockyard. "Radu Radovich - to what do we owe this pleasure?" the man says mockingly before stepping forward and embracing Radu. "Gunther - it is good ta see ya, my friend!" Radu says before embracing the woman, "and you, Yelena, ya look well!"
Yelena allows herself a brief smile, "What is the meaning of this, Radu? Is the hour not a little late for a visit? I see you have brought company." Her gaze sweeps over the party before she smiles and curtsies. "Welcome to Arasek Stockyard - My name is Yelena and this oaf..." she playfully punches Gunther's arm, "... is my husband - Gunther." She gives a quick look at Gunther, who quickly adds, "Oh, uh, you must be tired. Please join us - we haven't much to offer, but you're more than welcome to spend the night in the warehouse. Alternatively you could visit the Blue Water Inn - the Martikov's will take care of you there - the rooms shouldn't be too pricey."
In the meantime, Radu will distribute the agreed sum (20 gold pieces) to each of the party. He then fills Gunther and Yelena in on the events that occurred along the way - emphasising the key role the party played in ensuring his safety (you even occasionally hear the term 'heroes' mentioned in the telling).
Baern - When he gets to you he stops, thanks you, and states that you can keep the Warhammer as payment, as agreed.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
"Warehouse good", opines Galqarin as he sets down Radu's heavy suit of armour. Gesturing at his Vistani robe, he adds, "not draw attention." He doesn't remove his mask and refrains from pointing out that what is under the robe is likely to draw even more unwelcome attention. Nor does he introduce himself, in marked difference to his behaviour before the happenings at Tser Pool.