Dadeveth, about to say something about seeing something approaching, narrows her eyes at the colorful something coming towards the castle. She supposes it could be a coach, but shrugs. It appears to not be something to get concerned about. She moves to the bed and starts to search it.
Dormark - Ezmerelda says nothing but dwells upon what you have said as the elevator travels to the ground floor. Once it is there, she turns to you and says, "I know where my loyalties lie. It is to those that get caught up in the affairs of others, to those that are victims of circumstance. You speak the truth, Van Richten has accomplished a lot of good, but life is not always a scale, friend. Consider this, if those you hold close had perished at the hands of a criminal and you later found out he had reformed. Would you be so quick to forgive? Would the good outweigh the wrongs? Or would you hold a grudge?"
"Van Richten's actions led to a lot of deaths. Using your analogy the death of five innocent victims is equalised by the death of five monsters... yet this is not the case, I refuse to equate one with the other. Put it from your mind though, I am unlikely to meet Rudolph again... If I did I would seek to use him to rid the land of the tyrant Strahd. That one death would free this entire realm - forget your scales." She walks out of the tower with Yan's head.
Galqarin - "Hol' up, Rictavio is Van Richten?" Baern asks, confused. "Thought this Van Richten fella was older with long, white 'air. Rictavio is an 'alf-elf with cropped 'air an' glasses. 'least 'e's showed up, whoever 'e is."
The bed looks cosy; it is decorated with all manner of decorated pillows and sheets. It looks as though it has been occupied recently. Otherwise, you find nothing of interest on or around the bed.
Ireena comforts Ezmerelda; the young Vistana shaken by recent revelations about her master.
Meanwhile, Sandu, having believed to have accurately discerned Madam Eva's reading, commands the animated suit of armour to find a holy symbol of great power. It springs into life as soon as it receives its instruction. Moving at a pace towards the place it was standing it takes its gauntleted fist and smashes it into the wall. The thin stonework there breaks and crumbles away, it appears as though the wall is thinner in this area.
A few minutes later, the armour triumphantly returns to its new master, kneels and presents a glistening object.
Sandu - It appears as though the animated armour knew exactly where the treasure was - he presents a glistening platinum amulet shaped like the sun, with a large crystal embedded in its centre ((see spoiler)).
You get the sense that this is an ancient relic of a time that predates even Strahd himself.
Sandu took the amulet presented to him. It was nearly as big as his hand and he could barely grip it between the tips of his fingers. It did not show any signs of wear and tear and he could vaguely see his reflection in the polished platinum and the ruby red crystal in the middle. It had some weight to it but there was more to it. It had a certain gravitas and while Sandu was not a holy man, far from it, he could feel divine power emanating from it. It also meant he was not the person to wield it. Luckily he knew someone who could. Someone who would use the power responsibly.
'Hey, Dormark-'Sandu turned to the others only to notice Dormark was gone, as was Ezmerelda. He had been so caught up with the suit of armour and the amulet he had somehow missed an entire argument. One that did not have a satisfying resolution from the looks of the others.
'Got what we need.'Sandu showed the amulet to the rest. 'Let's go.' He walked over to the elevator. Perhaps Dormark already went down? He motioned to the statues to bring up the platform. That did remind him. He turned around and addressed the suit of armour. 'Can you come with me?'
He was not about to pass up the opportunity for a personal bodyguard. And perhaps he could figure out how it worked. That would be useful to know.
A little put out that there wasn't at least something hidden under the mattress, Dadeveth clomps around the chamber, making sure they didn't miss anything to search. Perception is a modified 20.
"Maybe not, but sometimes the greater good for all is looking past the grudge. A wise dwarf king signed a peace treaty with an orc horde that started a war with them. There is no greater animosity between races than Orcs and Dwarves, and there was fresh blood on the field. However, when there was a possibility to achieve peace, he took it because it was better than fighting a pointless bloody war that would have destroyed his people. Don't let a pointless war destroy one of the good relationships you have," says Dormark stepping off the elevator, but does nothing further to stop her.
Sandu - The suit of animated armour springs into action at your command. It walks over to your side and waits for any further commands.
((From a mechanics perspective, it will slow the party down a little when travelling but not much.))
Dadeveth - What with the map, the journal page, and the amulet, you believe that everything of any consequence has been located.
Dormark - You can tell that Ezmerelda is likely only momentarily stung by the past actions of her Van Richten, there is still hope that the wound will heal given time. Ezmerelda seems to momentarily pause, contemplating whether to say anything further, but chooses to go and bury Yan's head.
Collecting themselves and choosing to venture on, the party exits Khazan's Tower, secure in the knowledge that two of the treasures Madam Eva foretold had been located and were currently in their possession; The Tome of Strahd and an ancient, magical amulet.
The sound of heavy horse hooves and the clickety-clack of wagon wheels shatters the calm. A bright coloured Vistani wagon comes into view with an equally brightly coloured driver - Rictavio. His head has been bandaged and he seems to be in a rush otherwise, he is unmarked. The wagon he pulls is the same that was located within the Arasek Stockyard only a couple of days ago; containing his trained sabretooth tiger, a mighty beast named 'Snuffles'.
"Thank the gods!" Rictavio exclaims as he draws close to the party. "Rictavio had hoped to catch you but worried he may have been too late!" A large smile crosses his face as he gets down from the wagon. "It is good to see you, my friends," he says, standing a little unsteadily on his feet. "Vallaki... I..." for once the ex-ringmaster seems lost for words. "Tragic... monstrous..."his face darkens, "those responsible must be brought to justice."
"I am... sorry," he sighs. "Sorry that I left you all when I did. Sorry of what has become of the town."
Rictavio shakes his head, dismissing the bad thoughts. "She is spectacular, is she not?!" he waves towards the Khazan's tower. "Surely a place of great power, a..."he stops mid-sentence as Ezmerelda returns from burying Yan's head. "But where are my manners?! I notice that you have gained a number of new followers!"
"I am the Great Rictavio, former ringmaster of the Carnival - the most miraculous of places! You look a fine bunch if ever I saw one!"he booms by way of introduction, offering out his hand in greeting to the newer members of the party.
Dadeveth stays back from Rictavio but gives a nod of greeting. "It is good we have finally found you." She says after his introduction. "The current mistress of the carnival sent us here and said you might be a person to find once we arrived." She watches him to see how he reacts to that bit of information.
Galqarin rushes forward and gives Rictavio a hearty clap on the shoulder, delighted that he has escaped both Izek and the vampires. He is also quite curious about Snuffles.
Sandu left the tower feeling quite pleased about himself. They now held two of the items divined by Madam Eva to aid them in vanquishing the count Strahd Von Zarovich. The first was the Tome of Strahd: a book about the history, rise and fall of the count, now safely tucked away in his backpack. The second was the platinum amulet of as of yet unknown power. That just left a weapon, if Sandu recalled correctly, and an ally to be found. The weapon was in the house of the dragon, though Sandu had not the slightest idea what that meant, and the ally would be a feathered one. Well, he already had three feathered allies of his own but he figured those would not count. But first things first: they needed to figure out what the amulet could do.
'Hey Dorma-'Sandu began before his train of thought was cut off by the sudden arrival of a brightly coloured wagon. He instinctively hung the amulet around his own neck and tucked it away beneath his shirt next to his own silver raven pendant. He was not keen on showing it in the open to a stranger. Let alone that they just took it. Steal it one might say. Though was it stealing if it was offered freely upon asking? Sandu was not in the mood to argue such semantics and opted to avoid the question all together.
When Rictavio entered his view, Sandu suddenly recalled that he had seen the man before. That was not entirely correct: he had not seen Rictavio in person but Koki, one of his raven, had laid eyes on the colourful man and relayed it to Sandu. He would need to work on differentiating between his own senses and those of his familiars, lest they overlapped too much and make him lose focus of his own person. It was a strange thought to him: to have seen yet not seen something. It was far from the only things he had experienced in Barovia that were not his own experience but at least he could explain this one.
'Can't blame you for bailing on Vallaki.'Sandu replied with a shrug when Rictavio introduced himself. But it was what Dadeveth, the centaur lady, said that gave him pause.
Dadeveth stays back from Rictavio but gives a nod of greeting. "It is good we have finally found you." She says after his introduction. "The current mistress of the carnival sent us here and said you might be a person to find once we arrived." She watches him to see how he reacts to that bit of information.
'Hold up.'Sandu raised a finger. 'What's all this about carnivals, ringmasters and you knowing each other?'
Dallid answers spritely. "We had been fleeing! Then we met at the carnival, where we were offered sanctuary and salvation, but only in exchange for help here. The mistress of the carnival bade us find: this man, it seems. She said he could assist in removing the Strahd."
Dormark takes a quick look over at Sandu as his name was called but takes a look back at Rictavio and says, "At least you made it out, there were many unfortunates on that day."
Dadeveth - "Isolde sent you?" Ricatavio asks eagerly, returning the nod. "There is a lot to discuss,"he beckons towards the tower. "The tower contains all manner of wards to prevent eavesdropping. Come, we should be safe there."
Out of the corner of your eye, you notice Ezmerelda giving a sideways glance at Rictavio. A look that he is undoubtedly trying to avoid.
Galqarin - Rictavio returns your hug. "I-it's ok, big guy! Rictavio is not going anywhere," he says boisterously as he pats you on the back. As you mention the vampire attack on the church he looks concerned. "I am glad that you were able to overcome the attack. It," he pauses clearly confused, "seems like a misstep by Strahd. Why would he attempt something so brash? It achieves nothing."
"I found Izek," Rictavio responds simply. "From my hiding place, I watched as he became something different. Altered. I had contemplated intervening but Izek was overwhelmed. The other guards..." his face darkens, "they did not survive."
Cerio - "Welcome Cerio," Rictavio says, shaking your hand. "Your arrival in Barovia could not have come at a much darker time, I am afraid to say. I trust Isolde informed you of my findings?"
Sandu - Rictavio lets out a hearty laugh. "Fear not Mister Sandu. The Great Rictavio has plans in place and I believe your new travelling companions will assist in bringing the winds of change to Barovia... Trust me, I..."
"You remind me of another,"Ezmerelda says, interrupting Rictavio. You could swear an unspoken moment of awkwardness transpired between the two. Ezmerelda walks past Rictavo's wagon. Snuffles, who up until this point had been docilely laying in the wagon, jumps to his feet, snarls in Ezmerelda's direction, and starts desperately attempting to swipe through the bars.
"Snuffles!" Rictavio's voice booms out.
Dallid - "That is precisely what Rictavio plans to do, my friend,"Rictavio says, placatingly. "It is as Cerio says,"Rictavio starts.
"OH! Drop the act!" Ezmerelda screams. Her eyes are wild and teary, she holds her rapier towards Rictavio, her hands shake uncontrollably.
"Not here,"Rictavio's voice changes; it sounds somehow nobler and academic, losing a lot of the pomp and exaggeration. "Your being here was not something I had factored in."
"How could you Rudolph," Ezmerelda yells aggressively. "Women and children - innocents!"
"Hold your tongue, girl!" Rictavio chastises, "not out here. Inside. Now."
Ezmerelda marches into the tower, followed by Rictavio.
Ireena and Ismark share a confused look with each other. "Thought she said she didn't know him,"Ireena says.
"I wonder if we should join them," volunteers Ismark.
"No good standin' around 'ere like a bunch o'lemons,"Baern responds. "Come on. Let's all get what needs ta be said, said."
Inside the Tower
Inside the tower, an argument has already started between Rictavio and Ezmerelda.
"How could you?!" Ezmerelda's voice is fraught with emotion.
"How could I? They sold my son." Rictavio responds cooly.
"B-b-but," tears streamed down Ezmerelda's face, "you were supposed to be better."
Rictavio sighs, calming down. "It was to my great shame that others had to perish... a moment of madness, fueled by the anger I felt."
"I did not expect to see you here."
"How could I not? After I discovered your purpose. Strahd Von Zarovich? You'll need my help."
"It is precisely due to who I hunt that I cannot involve you," Rictavio explains. "If something should..."
Rictavio stops short as he realises he has an audience.
"You have to tell them,"Ezmerelda says, "If you don't, I will."
"You place me in a very hard position Ezmerelda,"Rictavio sighs.
Facing the party, the man known as Rictavio shimmers, the powerful magics that had, up until this point, been obscuring his true visage, fade away. In front of you stands a much older man, white, long, wispy hair drops down to his shoulders. Ears that had been pointed smooth over, a face that had been smooth develops deep wrinkles, and a scar above his lip manifests.
"Please believe me when I say that the only person I intended to truly deceive was Strahd himself." The man utters. "It is safe to say that if Strahd became aware that I - Rudolf Van Richten - had entered his realm then he would use all in his power to destroy me. What Cerio says is correct, I have been spending the last few months finding ways in which I may once and truly end Strahd Von Zarovich; I have been consumed by it, pouring every waking hour into this matter alone."
Van Richten draws himself upright. "It is to this end that I have made several discoveries. Many of which I have shared with the esteemed Isolde Von Zarovich - the Carnival Mistress the others here have had the pleasure of meeting. The largest revelation to date is that I believe now is the time to strike, for Strahd is losing his grip. This land is in more turmoil than any of you could possibly comprehend. Currently, a war wages that will shape this land."
"I believe Isolde told you as much," Van Richten says to the newer members of the group. "What she would not have told you is that the party here dispatched a creature, a couple of days ago - a maurezhi - this fiend was operating independently of Strahd. Or of Izek and the dark powers behind his transformation."
"Over the last few months I have seen many similar occurrences which confirmed one thing - Strahd is losing his stranglehold over Barovia. The attack on Vallaki is the action of a desperate creature lashing out. Is it little wonder it was thwarted?"
"Further machinations are in work. I have not been idle. Many assist my work. An order exists that has opposed Strahd over the years, you have undoubtedly seen their kind from the moment you set foot in this place. The Keepers of the Feather. Wereravens." Van Richten is calculating and emotionless as he delivers the revelations.
"You must continue your journey towards Krezk. My sources tell me it is where one of your previous party members was last seen heading. It is my belief that Ioben may yet have a role to play."
"We should set off immediately,"Ezmerelda says, her rapier once more at her side.
"Not you,"Van Richten says calmly. "You shall accompany me. I have heard stories of a crazed wizard to the north of Lake Zarovich. If my suspicions are true then it is someone who may very well have stood toe-to-toe with Strahd himself."
((EDIT 06/05/22 - Typo; changed Isolde's name from Van Zarovich to Von Zarovich... She is not some weird fusion of the Van Richten and Von Zarovich lines!))
Cerio watches with a sense of dread as Rictavio's disguise fades. He half expects the man to grow fangs and leap for his neck. He instinctively takes a step back and places his palm over the healing wounds on his throat. The other hand grips the hilt of his khopesh. In the small space, he again notices the smell of rot that seems to roll off of the blade.
Listening to the tale, he scratches his head, struggling to follow along on a few of the points.
"What's a maurezhi? This group here set it free? How'd that come 'bout?"
Cerio - Van Richten chuckles,"Oh no... not set it free. Though, well, I guess there is a certain freedom in death. I meant to say they dealt with the fiend and saved an Orphanage, if not the town. How it come about is quite the mystery. It does seem, however, that it was unknown to Strahd, yet operating in the centre of Vallaki - most curious."
Dallid would note that, mixed with Galqarin's natural musk, there is another, more fragrant smell - lavender perfume?
> From the south, you see a colourful carriage being driven at speed towards the tower. You can just about make out Rictavio at the reins.
"Rictavio comes! No matter if he also Van Richten, he still friend."
Dadeveth, about to say something about seeing something approaching, narrows her eyes at the colorful something coming towards the castle. She supposes it could be a coach, but shrugs. It appears to not be something to get concerned about. She moves to the bed and starts to search it.
Investigation is a 16.
Dormark - Ezmerelda says nothing but dwells upon what you have said as the elevator travels to the ground floor. Once it is there, she turns to you and says, "I know where my loyalties lie. It is to those that get caught up in the affairs of others, to those that are victims of circumstance. You speak the truth, Van Richten has accomplished a lot of good, but life is not always a scale, friend. Consider this, if those you hold close had perished at the hands of a criminal and you later found out he had reformed. Would you be so quick to forgive? Would the good outweigh the wrongs? Or would you hold a grudge?"
"Van Richten's actions led to a lot of deaths. Using your analogy the death of five innocent victims is equalised by the death of five monsters... yet this is not the case, I refuse to equate one with the other. Put it from your mind though, I am unlikely to meet Rudolph again... If I did I would seek to use him to rid the land of the tyrant Strahd. That one death would free this entire realm - forget your scales." She walks out of the tower with Yan's head.
Galqarin - "Hol' up, Rictavio is Van Richten?" Baern asks, confused. "Thought this Van Richten fella was older with long, white 'air. Rictavio is an 'alf-elf with cropped 'air an' glasses. 'least 'e's showed up, whoever 'e is."
Dadeveth's Investigation check:
The bed looks cosy; it is decorated with all manner of decorated pillows and sheets. It looks as though it has been occupied recently. Otherwise, you find nothing of interest on or around the bed.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Sandu took the amulet presented to him. It was nearly as big as his hand and he could barely grip it between the tips of his fingers. It did not show any signs of wear and tear and he could vaguely see his reflection in the polished platinum and the ruby red crystal in the middle. It had some weight to it but there was more to it. It had a certain gravitas and while Sandu was not a holy man, far from it, he could feel divine power emanating from it. It also meant he was not the person to wield it. Luckily he knew someone who could. Someone who would use the power responsibly.
'Hey, Dormark-' Sandu turned to the others only to notice Dormark was gone, as was Ezmerelda. He had been so caught up with the suit of armour and the amulet he had somehow missed an entire argument. One that did not have a satisfying resolution from the looks of the others.
'Got what we need.' Sandu showed the amulet to the rest. 'Let's go.' He walked over to the elevator. Perhaps Dormark already went down? He motioned to the statues to bring up the platform. That did remind him. He turned around and addressed the suit of armour. 'Can you come with me?'
He was not about to pass up the opportunity for a personal bodyguard. And perhaps he could figure out how it worked. That would be useful to know.
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
A little put out that there wasn't at least something hidden under the mattress, Dadeveth clomps around the chamber, making sure they didn't miss anything to search.
Perception is a modified 20.
"Maybe not, but sometimes the greater good for all is looking past the grudge. A wise dwarf king signed a peace treaty with an orc horde that started a war with them. There is no greater animosity between races than Orcs and Dwarves, and there was fresh blood on the field. However, when there was a possibility to achieve peace, he took it because it was better than fighting a pointless bloody war that would have destroyed his people. Don't let a pointless war destroy one of the good relationships you have," says Dormark stepping off the elevator, but does nothing further to stop her.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Sandu - The suit of animated armour springs into action at your command. It walks over to your side and waits for any further commands.
((From a mechanics perspective, it will slow the party down a little when travelling but not much.))
Dadeveth - What with the map, the journal page, and the amulet, you believe that everything of any consequence has been located.
Dormark - You can tell that Ezmerelda is likely only momentarily stung by the past actions of her Van Richten, there is still hope that the wound will heal given time. Ezmerelda seems to momentarily pause, contemplating whether to say anything further, but chooses to go and bury Yan's head.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Afternoon - Day 7 - A Familiar Face
Collecting themselves and choosing to venture on, the party exits Khazan's Tower, secure in the knowledge that two of the treasures Madam Eva foretold had been located and were currently in their possession; The Tome of Strahd and an ancient, magical amulet.
The sound of heavy horse hooves and the clickety-clack of wagon wheels shatters the calm. A bright coloured Vistani wagon comes into view with an equally brightly coloured driver - Rictavio. His head has been bandaged and he seems to be in a rush otherwise, he is unmarked. The wagon he pulls is the same that was located within the Arasek Stockyard only a couple of days ago; containing his trained sabretooth tiger, a mighty beast named 'Snuffles'.
"Thank the gods!" Rictavio exclaims as he draws close to the party. "Rictavio had hoped to catch you but worried he may have been too late!" A large smile crosses his face as he gets down from the wagon. "It is good to see you, my friends," he says, standing a little unsteadily on his feet. "Vallaki... I..." for once the ex-ringmaster seems lost for words. "Tragic... monstrous..." his face darkens, "those responsible must be brought to justice."
"I am... sorry," he sighs. "Sorry that I left you all when I did. Sorry of what has become of the town."
Rictavio shakes his head, dismissing the bad thoughts. "She is spectacular, is she not?!" he waves towards the Khazan's tower. "Surely a place of great power, a..." he stops mid-sentence as Ezmerelda returns from burying Yan's head. "But where are my manners?! I notice that you have gained a number of new followers!"
"I am the Great Rictavio, former ringmaster of the Carnival - the most miraculous of places! You look a fine bunch if ever I saw one!" he booms by way of introduction, offering out his hand in greeting to the newer members of the party.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Dadeveth stays back from Rictavio but gives a nod of greeting. "It is good we have finally found you." She says after his introduction. "The current mistress of the carnival sent us here and said you might be a person to find once we arrived." She watches him to see how he reacts to that bit of information.
Galqarin rushes forward and gives Rictavio a hearty clap on the shoulder, delighted that he has escaped both Izek and the vampires. He is also quite curious about Snuffles.
"Howdy," Cerio waves before kicking at the ground shyly. "I'm Cerio. Also here sent by the Lady of th' Carnival."
"They kill vampires with us", adds Galqarin, "at the church in Vallaki. Did Izek find you?"
Sandu left the tower feeling quite pleased about himself. They now held two of the items divined by Madam Eva to aid them in vanquishing the count Strahd Von Zarovich. The first was the Tome of Strahd: a book about the history, rise and fall of the count, now safely tucked away in his backpack. The second was the platinum amulet of as of yet unknown power. That just left a weapon, if Sandu recalled correctly, and an ally to be found. The weapon was in the house of the dragon, though Sandu had not the slightest idea what that meant, and the ally would be a feathered one. Well, he already had three feathered allies of his own but he figured those would not count. But first things first: they needed to figure out what the amulet could do.
'Hey Dorma-' Sandu began before his train of thought was cut off by the sudden arrival of a brightly coloured wagon. He instinctively hung the amulet around his own neck and tucked it away beneath his shirt next to his own silver raven pendant. He was not keen on showing it in the open to a stranger. Let alone that they just took it. Steal it one might say. Though was it stealing if it was offered freely upon asking? Sandu was not in the mood to argue such semantics and opted to avoid the question all together.
When Rictavio entered his view, Sandu suddenly recalled that he had seen the man before. That was not entirely correct: he had not seen Rictavio in person but Koki, one of his raven, had laid eyes on the colourful man and relayed it to Sandu. He would need to work on differentiating between his own senses and those of his familiars, lest they overlapped too much and make him lose focus of his own person. It was a strange thought to him: to have seen yet not seen something. It was far from the only things he had experienced in Barovia that were not his own experience but at least he could explain this one.
'Can't blame you for bailing on Vallaki.' Sandu replied with a shrug when Rictavio introduced himself. But it was what Dadeveth, the centaur lady, said that gave him pause.
'Hold up.' Sandu raised a finger. 'What's all this about carnivals, ringmasters and you knowing each other?'
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
Dallid answers spritely. "We had been fleeing! Then we met at the carnival, where we were offered sanctuary and salvation, but only in exchange for help here. The mistress of the carnival bade us find: this man, it seems. She said he could assist in removing the Strahd."
Paladin - warforged - orange
Cerio looks to Rictavio. "That you--that you'd been studyin' how to remove 'em."
Dormark takes a quick look over at Sandu as his name was called but takes a look back at Rictavio and says, "At least you made it out, there were many unfortunates on that day."
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Dadeveth - "Isolde sent you?" Ricatavio asks eagerly, returning the nod. "There is a lot to discuss," he beckons towards the tower. "The tower contains all manner of wards to prevent eavesdropping. Come, we should be safe there."
Out of the corner of your eye, you notice Ezmerelda giving a sideways glance at Rictavio. A look that he is undoubtedly trying to avoid.
Galqarin - Rictavio returns your hug. "I-it's ok, big guy! Rictavio is not going anywhere," he says boisterously as he pats you on the back. As you mention the vampire attack on the church he looks concerned. "I am glad that you were able to overcome the attack. It," he pauses clearly confused, "seems like a misstep by Strahd. Why would he attempt something so brash? It achieves nothing."
"I found Izek," Rictavio responds simply. "From my hiding place, I watched as he became something different. Altered. I had contemplated intervening but Izek was overwhelmed. The other guards..." his face darkens, "they did not survive."
Cerio - "Welcome Cerio," Rictavio says, shaking your hand. "Your arrival in Barovia could not have come at a much darker time, I am afraid to say. I trust Isolde informed you of my findings?"
Sandu - Rictavio lets out a hearty laugh. "Fear not Mister Sandu. The Great Rictavio has plans in place and I believe your new travelling companions will assist in bringing the winds of change to Barovia... Trust me, I..."
"You remind me of another," Ezmerelda says, interrupting Rictavio. You could swear an unspoken moment of awkwardness transpired between the two. Ezmerelda walks past Rictavo's wagon. Snuffles, who up until this point had been docilely laying in the wagon, jumps to his feet, snarls in Ezmerelda's direction, and starts desperately attempting to swipe through the bars.
"Snuffles!" Rictavio's voice booms out.
Dallid - "That is precisely what Rictavio plans to do, my friend," Rictavio says, placatingly. "It is as Cerio says," Rictavio starts.
"OH! Drop the act!" Ezmerelda screams. Her eyes are wild and teary, she holds her rapier towards Rictavio, her hands shake uncontrollably.
"Looks like yer was right, Gal," Baern mutters.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Afternoon - Day 7 - Vampire Hunter Extrodinaire
Outside the Tower
"Not here," Rictavio's voice changes; it sounds somehow nobler and academic, losing a lot of the pomp and exaggeration. "Your being here was not something I had factored in."
"How could you Rudolph," Ezmerelda yells aggressively. "Women and children - innocents!"
"Hold your tongue, girl!" Rictavio chastises, "not out here. Inside. Now."
Ezmerelda marches into the tower, followed by Rictavio.
Ireena and Ismark share a confused look with each other. "Thought she said she didn't know him," Ireena says.
"I wonder if we should join them," volunteers Ismark.
"No good standin' around 'ere like a bunch o'lemons," Baern responds. "Come on. Let's all get what needs ta be said, said."
Inside the Tower
Inside the tower, an argument has already started between Rictavio and Ezmerelda.
"How could you?!" Ezmerelda's voice is fraught with emotion.
"How could I? They sold my son." Rictavio responds cooly.
"B-b-but," tears streamed down Ezmerelda's face, "you were supposed to be better."
Rictavio sighs, calming down. "It was to my great shame that others had to perish... a moment of madness, fueled by the anger I felt."
"I did not expect to see you here."
"How could I not? After I discovered your purpose. Strahd Von Zarovich? You'll need my help."
"It is precisely due to who I hunt that I cannot involve you," Rictavio explains. "If something should..."
Rictavio stops short as he realises he has an audience.
"You have to tell them," Ezmerelda says, "If you don't, I will."
"You place me in a very hard position Ezmerelda," Rictavio sighs.
Facing the party, the man known as Rictavio shimmers, the powerful magics that had, up until this point, been obscuring his true visage, fade away. In front of you stands a much older man, white, long, wispy hair drops down to his shoulders. Ears that had been pointed smooth over, a face that had been smooth develops deep wrinkles, and a scar above his lip manifests.
"Please believe me when I say that the only person I intended to truly deceive was Strahd himself." The man utters. "It is safe to say that if Strahd became aware that I - Rudolf Van Richten - had entered his realm then he would use all in his power to destroy me. What Cerio says is correct, I have been spending the last few months finding ways in which I may once and truly end Strahd Von Zarovich; I have been consumed by it, pouring every waking hour into this matter alone."
Van Richten draws himself upright. "It is to this end that I have made several discoveries. Many of which I have shared with the esteemed Isolde Von Zarovich - the Carnival Mistress the others here have had the pleasure of meeting. The largest revelation to date is that I believe now is the time to strike, for Strahd is losing his grip. This land is in more turmoil than any of you could possibly comprehend. Currently, a war wages that will shape this land."
"I believe Isolde told you as much," Van Richten says to the newer members of the group. "What she would not have told you is that the party here dispatched a creature, a couple of days ago - a maurezhi - this fiend was operating independently of Strahd. Or of Izek and the dark powers behind his transformation."
"Over the last few months I have seen many similar occurrences which confirmed one thing - Strahd is losing his stranglehold over Barovia. The attack on Vallaki is the action of a desperate creature lashing out. Is it little wonder it was thwarted?"
"Further machinations are in work. I have not been idle. Many assist my work. An order exists that has opposed Strahd over the years, you have undoubtedly seen their kind from the moment you set foot in this place. The Keepers of the Feather. Wereravens." Van Richten is calculating and emotionless as he delivers the revelations.
"You must continue your journey towards Krezk. My sources tell me it is where one of your previous party members was last seen heading. It is my belief that Ioben may yet have a role to play."
"We should set off immediately," Ezmerelda says, her rapier once more at her side.
"Not you," Van Richten says calmly. "You shall accompany me. I have heard stories of a crazed wizard to the north of Lake Zarovich. If my suspicions are true then it is someone who may very well have stood toe-to-toe with Strahd himself."
((EDIT 06/05/22 - Typo; changed Isolde's name from Van Zarovich to Von Zarovich... She is not some weird fusion of the Van Richten and Von Zarovich lines!))
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Cerio watches with a sense of dread as Rictavio's disguise fades. He half expects the man to grow fangs and leap for his neck. He instinctively takes a step back and places his palm over the healing wounds on his throat. The other hand grips the hilt of his khopesh. In the small space, he again notices the smell of rot that seems to roll off of the blade.
Listening to the tale, he scratches his head, struggling to follow along on a few of the points.
"What's a maurezhi? This group here set it free? How'd that come 'bout?"
Cerio - Van Richten chuckles, "Oh no... not set it free. Though, well, I guess there is a certain freedom in death. I meant to say they dealt with the fiend and saved an Orphanage, if not the town. How it come about is quite the mystery. It does seem, however, that it was unknown to Strahd, yet operating in the centre of Vallaki - most curious."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)