> a bald-headed, scowling man, his left arm a twisted, demonic limb coated with jagged scales.
Galqarin feels an involuntary shudder go through him. Steeling himself, he nods in affirmative, "Izek Strazni. He enjoys others' fear. It is his weapon".
His hand touches his precious book as he confonts his own demons.
His thoughts drift back to his own early, miserable years. He'd have been killed for sure, but for Father - not his real father, but his patron, the one whose word had stopped the killing... even they were afraid of him. Who was he? Who could Father Petrovich, a monster like Izek, maybe even the Baron himself, be scared of?
Ireena's face pales as she sees the drawing, "Wh-where did you get that?"her voice sounds younger and frightful. Ismark casts a questioning look at his sister. "The monster Ismark..."she says, shaking, "y-you know who this is Galqarin? Wait, is he from Vallaki?!"
Ismark, comforting his sister, speaks up,"Come now Ireena. Maybe this Izek is someone else... you do not..."
"Enough!"Ireena yells, before returning to her normal volume, "If this Izek is real, if the drawing... my drawing... is that of this monstrous looking man. Well, I would rather know what we are up against. Please continue Galqarin."
"But... how? How could you draw a picture - years ago - of a man you never met?" Ismark says disbelievingly.
“I live with dwarves who made mithral weapons and armor for a living, so yes I’ve spent some time with them. The adopted daughter of the king of mithral hall had a dangerous item, a living sword that could cut through anything, but if saw the person was weak and they were weak of will, it would force them to seek a more worthy owner. I think the ring on your finger may be cursed. It could be effecting your sight, maybe even your mind. However, even if I’ve identified the problem I’m not strong enough to fix it. Maybe we should speak with the priest he might be able to fix it.,” says Dormark finishing his exam.
”Since I’ve come to Barovia, I’ve felt a weird presence in the air. The dead don’t sleep, spirits roam the land, beings of evil lurk in the shadows, not to mention the visions all of Strahd’s guests have experience since coming here. There is foul magic in every nook of this land, there is no telling how it would effect the people,” says Dormark standing up and looking outside to see if it was still raining.
"Izek in orphanage like me. He kill some boys. Vargas not hang him, make him lieutenant", Galqarin has a far-away look as he delivers this without emotion.
"Arm make devil-fire. He threaten Blinsky with it. Blinsky give toys to orphanage. Everyone afraid for Blinsky."
“I live with dwarves who made mithral weapons and armor for a living, so yes I’ve spent some time with them. The adopted daughter of the king of mithral hall had a dangerous item, a living sword that could cut through anything, but if saw the person was weak and they were weak of will, it would force them to seek a more worthy owner. I think the ring on your finger may be cursed. It could be effecting your sight, maybe even your mind. However, even if I’ve identified the problem I’m not strong enough to fix it. Maybe we should speak with the priest he might be able to fix it.,” says Dormark finishing his exam.
'Look, just because it's a pretty bauble and I happen to have some minor discomfort, does not mean it is or I am cursed.' Sandu retorted. 'If I put on a hat and had a cramp in my leg the next day, would you also jump to the "cursed item" conclusion? You're making a mountain out of a molehill here. It'll be gone tomorrow so leave it be for now.'
He arched an eyebrow. 'Besides, only bad people or those who offended a fairy or whatnot get cursed and I'm pretty sure I'm neither of those two.'
Sandu shifted his weight, both to relieve the pressure on his right foot and to slide his hands into his pockets. He had spent enough time getting looked at this morning. He was more intrigued by the siblings' conversation.
Ireena's face pales as she sees the drawing, "Wh-where did you get that?"her voice sounds younger and frightful. Ismark casts a questioning look at his sister. "The monster Ismark..."she says, shaking, "y-you know who this is Galqarin? Wait, is he from Vallaki?!"
Ismark, comforting his sister, speaks up,"Come now Ireena. Maybe this Izek is someone else... you do not..."
"Enough!"Ireena yells, before returning to her normal volume, "If this Izek is real, if the drawing... my drawing... is that of this monstrous looking man. Well, I would rather know what we are up against. Please continue Galqarin."
"But... how? How could you draw a picture - years ago - of a man you never met?" Ismark says disbelievingly.
'I, ah, picked it up when we spent the night at your home couple of days ago.'Sandu admitted a bit sheepishly. 'You drew this as a child yet have never seen this figure before? Curious.'
He took another gander at the drawing before addressing Ireena. 'Do you, perchance, have some latent divination skill you're not aware of?'
“Sandu, you are now a risk, you cannot see at of one eye and one of your main avenue’s of attacking is a magic bolt and you like standing behind the party. I am not going to let you shrug it off as nothing and then accidentally shoot us in the back with it. I’ve seen you kill multiple creatures with those bolts. I don’t want to get hit by one of those. Please come with me to see the priest, I’ve put my trust in you, can you trust me,” asks Dormark not letting Sandu drop the issue.
Baern walks by with a piece of wood for the fire and chewing on a tough bit of breakfast. "Why not just take it off?" he asks matter of factly about the ring as he keeps on walking back to the fire, oblivious to Sandu's current temperament.
Galqarin - At your words Ismark sits up,"He kills children? And Vargas offered him a job because of this?! These are grave allegations Galqarin. Do you know this Izek? If what you say is true, he sounds like a monster!" Ireena nonchalantly says,"Oh Mr Blinsky - the toy maker? Do you believe he is in immediate danger?"
Sandu - "I'm not sure..." Ireena mutters, "It... I am not sure"she repeats. "I saw this monster - in my dreams. He frightened me."she says without emotion. Ismark quickly adds, "I remember our father becoming increasingly concerned... but it was a nightmare, nothing too unusual. To think this Izek fellow exists." He seems briefly speechless, "Well, its disturbing. At least we are aware of this potential threat before it becomes an issue. If Vargas is as corrupt as Galqarin believes..." Ismark lets the sentence trail off.
As the morning winds on, each party member coming to terms with the preceding days events, the weather seems to ease a little to a light shower. It is not long before the Arasek's make an appearance in the old warehouse. "Morning all"Helena says cheerfully,"I hope you all slept well."
Gunther, wearing a heavier set jacket, speaks up,"Odd weather we've been experiencing lately. That said, I was hoping to speak with you all before you went about your business. You may well find Vallaki an unusual place at the moment."Gunther is very clearly choosing his words carefully, "Politically there is a lot going on, it would suit you all to be aware of a few things before setting off."
Helena smiles disarmingly, "It really is nothing too serious. It just might help to know the current events of the village." Her husband nods in agreement.
Gunther speaks in a sombre tone, "Firstly - Vallaki has always stood in defiance against the devil. It would suit you however to not mention him directly by name whilst in the town - it will make people uncomfortable. Secondly, our Burgomaster, Vargas, has a very sensitive disposition. Regardless of what you may come to think of the man, it is for the best that you do not air any negative opinions - else you might find yourself the target of the towns guard, or worse."
"Come now Gunther, it won't do to put the fear of the Morninglord into these kind folk."Helena says sympathetically.
Paying little heed to his wife, Gunther continues, "Thirdly, Vargas has decreed that festivals, celebrations if you will, be held regularly. He believes, whether rightly or wrongly, in the power of positive thought and mindset. Not a bad thing, you might think. However, this is taken to an extremeness..."Gunther's tone becomes even more serious and slower,"Negative thoughts, opinions, talk, anything is not only discouraged, it has in some cases been made a crime."
Though Helena smiles her eyes glisten a little, "We must be positive, Vargas believes, else we open our hearts to the devil himself. Negative thought would give the Count a foothold in Vallaki. It might sound daft but..."
"Daft is an understatement" Gunther mumbles, "Look I do not want to speak ill of Vallaki - it can be a welcoming place. I just do not want you to put yourself in a position where you incur the ire of the Burgomaster. The more you know, the less surprises."
Baern walks by with a piece of wood for the fire and chewing on a tough bit of breakfast. "Why not just take it off?" he asks matter of factly about the ring as he keeps on walking back to the fire, oblivious to Sandu's current temperament.
Sandu could not argue with such a simple suggestion. He shrugged, slid the ring of his finger and put it in his shirt pocket. He was still blind in one eye though. He took note of what Ireena and Ismark had said, finding it curious how it seemed more and more like their fate and the siblings' fate were intertwined beyond chance encounter.
After the commotion of the morning died down a bit and the Arasek's informed them of Vallaki's situation, Sandu felt a bit squeamish. He had not experienced much happiness in his life so far but forcing people to be happy just seemed so unnatural.
'So what's the plan for the day?'He asked the group in an effort to distract his thoughts from what the Arasek's words had implied. 'Follow our dreams? Or find this Izek character?'
'So what's the plan for the day?'He asked the group in an effort to distract his thoughts from what the Arasek's words had implied. 'Follow our dreams? Or find this Izek character?'
She turns to Sandu. "I don't know, but I think we should focus on something more tangible at the moment. We can start with talking to the Burgomaster or visit the church."
“I would like to stop by Blinsky’s as well. We still have have that errand to run for Galqarin’s friend. Also I would like to talk to the man as elk,” says Dormark.
Baern shrugs with regard to the toy maker, the church, etc. "I'll come along. Maybe things are more affordable here. We can get you a warmer cloak, Ireena. Galqarin, we can make sure no one gives you any trouble, too."
"like that is the natural state of things here in Barovia?" It was only after the words came out that Ioben realised that this was probably the exact type of sentiment that would be frowned upon. "Well I guess if we are going to find some hope, then the church is a good a place as any to start looking. It may be that the gods, whichever ones they worship here, may be the power we need on our side at this time."
The party identified two separate areas of interest; Blinsky's Toy Shop and St. Andral's Church. Ioben, Sandu and Valerie together with Ireena and Ismark set off towards the Church, seeking to find more information about the potential artefact that could assist with Ireena's protection. Baern, Dormark and Galqarin, on the other hand, would venture to Blinsky's Toyshop, there was a chance that the owner - Gadof Blinsky - might be in trouble. Besides, they had been tasked with sourcing a toy for Arabelle by Eliza.
In order to attract less attention the two groups separately made their way to their locations of interest. The rain by now was beginning to ease off, replaced by the typical Barovian grey sky. Unlike the village of Barovia the streets of Vallaki were filled with people going about their daily business, paying little attention to either group, smiles plastered, unnaturally, on their faces.
Moments after leaving the Arasek Stockyard both groups, separated by no more than a few meters, came across the Town Square.
((Vallaki Town Square))
As they enter the square, the shops and homes that enclose the space are decorated with limp, tattered garlands and painted wooden boxes filled with tiny, dead flowers in a poor attempt at creating a more colourful atmosphere. At the north end of the square stands a row of stocks, locked in which are several men, women, and children wearing crude, plaster donkey heads. These plaster donkey heads have equally creepy, unnatural, smiles fashioned upon them; the paint on them is faded and peeling in parts.
In the centre of the square, peasants in patchwork clothes eye the outsiders suspiciously as they use cups and vases to draw water from a crumbling stone fountain. Standing tall at the centre of the fountain is a grey statue of an impressive man facing west.
All around the square are posted proclamations:
Come one, come all,
to the greatest celebration of the year:
THE WOLF’S HEAD JAMBOREE!
Attendance and children required.
Pikes will be provided.
ALL WILL BE WELL!
— The Baron —
Everything about the scene in front of you screams with an insincerity, a phoniness; behind the brave, smiling faces of the locals there is a palpable sense of fear and uneasiness.
Never at any other moment during his time in Barovia had Sandu felt so squeamish. The Barovian villagers were terrified, Strahd reveled in his meddling but Vallaki? Vallaki just felt wrong. Not the kind where you know something is wrong or you might even entertain the hope that you could correct it. No, it was wrong with just the right amount of thin veneer to cover it up. Like a painting that hung crooked ever so slightly: once you noticed it, it was impossible to not notice it.
Sandu kept his head down and his hood up. He could barely look at the people bound in the stock, let alone fathom the crime that warrented such a punishment. Had they frowned at the wrong moment? Not laughed at a forced joke? The way the Araseks told it, not being happy was enough reason for arrest. The more he pondered the concept, the more Sandu regretted to accept that travelling the Svalich road might be the better option.
'Attendance and children required?' He murmered when they passed a poster. 'Pikes will be provided? That's a disaster waiting to happen...'
He kept a careful watch on Valerie. From what he had gathered so far, she seemed like the type to take this situation too hard to heart. Ioben on the other hand he could not get a clear read on.
Valerie keeps looking around as they walk through the street. She can feel the atmosphere around here. She mutters. "They are smiling... But I don't feel happiness from them... They... They are afraid." Then she remembers what Gunther said about the Burgomaster. She lets out a long sigh. It looks like this place also cannot escape the influence of Stradh.
She takes a glance at the poster. Her eyebrows tighten with concern on her face. "Children?... Pike?... What does this mean? Are they going to let the children carry pikes and fight each other?" She turns to the others asking for a confirmation.
This post has potentially manipulated dice roll results.
"Who is the Baron they refer to? I thought the Baron was...that other guy." Ioben caught himself as he remembered the warning about mentioning Strahd's name aloud. "I mean, festivals are supposed to be uplifting aren't they? I mean, even Liar's Night back home has a cheerier vibe than this does." Ioben looked at the sad decorations around the square. The dead or dying flowers looked like they had been sitting out for days, if not weeks already. The far from welcoming invitation containing veiled threats. The stocks with the pigs head masks, were they even part of the celebration? These all added up to a very disturbing and depressing scene. Ioben would not be upset if he missed this particular festival. As the walk past the statue, Ioben takes a closer look at it to see if the figure looks familiar. History: 22
> a bald-headed, scowling man, his left arm a twisted, demonic limb coated with jagged scales.
Galqarin feels an involuntary shudder go through him. Steeling himself, he nods in affirmative, "Izek Strazni. He enjoys others' fear. It is his weapon".
His hand touches his precious book as he confonts his own demons.
His thoughts drift back to his own early, miserable years. He'd have been killed for sure, but for Father - not his real father, but his patron, the one whose word had stopped the killing... even they were afraid of him. Who was he? Who could Father Petrovich, a monster like Izek, maybe even the Baron himself, be scared of?
Ireena's face pales as she sees the drawing, "Wh-where did you get that?" her voice sounds younger and frightful. Ismark casts a questioning look at his sister. "The monster Ismark..." she says, shaking, "y-you know who this is Galqarin? Wait, is he from Vallaki?!"
Ismark, comforting his sister, speaks up, "Come now Ireena. Maybe this Izek is someone else... you do not..."
"Enough!" Ireena yells, before returning to her normal volume, "If this Izek is real, if the drawing... my drawing... is that of this monstrous looking man. Well, I would rather know what we are up against. Please continue Galqarin."
"But... how? How could you draw a picture - years ago - of a man you never met?" Ismark says disbelievingly.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
“I live with dwarves who made mithral weapons and armor for a living, so yes I’ve spent some time with them. The adopted daughter of the king of mithral hall had a dangerous item, a living sword that could cut through anything, but if saw the person was weak and they were weak of will, it would force them to seek a more worthy owner. I think the ring on your finger may be cursed. It could be effecting your sight, maybe even your mind. However, even if I’ve identified the problem I’m not strong enough to fix it. Maybe we should speak with the priest he might be able to fix it.,” says Dormark finishing his exam.
”Since I’ve come to Barovia, I’ve felt a weird presence in the air. The dead don’t sleep, spirits roam the land, beings of evil lurk in the shadows, not to mention the visions all of Strahd’s guests have experience since coming here. There is foul magic in every nook of this land, there is no telling how it would effect the people,” says Dormark standing up and looking outside to see if it was still raining.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
"Izek in orphanage like me. He kill some boys. Vargas not hang him, make him lieutenant", Galqarin has a far-away look as he delivers this without emotion.
"Arm make devil-fire. He threaten Blinsky with it. Blinsky give toys to orphanage. Everyone afraid for Blinsky."
'Look, just because it's a pretty bauble and I happen to have some minor discomfort, does not mean it is or I am cursed.' Sandu retorted. 'If I put on a hat and had a cramp in my leg the next day, would you also jump to the "cursed item" conclusion? You're making a mountain out of a molehill here. It'll be gone tomorrow so leave it be for now.'
He arched an eyebrow. 'Besides, only bad people or those who offended a fairy or whatnot get cursed and I'm pretty sure I'm neither of those two.'
Sandu shifted his weight, both to relieve the pressure on his right foot and to slide his hands into his pockets. He had spent enough time getting looked at this morning. He was more intrigued by the siblings' conversation.
'I, ah, picked it up when we spent the night at your home couple of days ago.' Sandu admitted a bit sheepishly. 'You drew this as a child yet have never seen this figure before? Curious.'
He took another gander at the drawing before addressing Ireena. 'Do you, perchance, have some latent divination skill you're not aware of?'
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
“Sandu, you are now a risk, you cannot see at of one eye and one of your main avenue’s of attacking is a magic bolt and you like standing behind the party. I am not going to let you shrug it off as nothing and then accidentally shoot us in the back with it. I’ve seen you kill multiple creatures with those bolts. I don’t want to get hit by one of those. Please come with me to see the priest, I’ve put my trust in you, can you trust me,” asks Dormark not letting Sandu drop the issue.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Baern walks by with a piece of wood for the fire and chewing on a tough bit of breakfast. "Why not just take it off?" he asks matter of factly about the ring as he keeps on walking back to the fire, oblivious to Sandu's current temperament.
Galqarin - At your words Ismark sits up, "He kills children? And Vargas offered him a job because of this?! These are grave allegations Galqarin. Do you know this Izek? If what you say is true, he sounds like a monster!" Ireena nonchalantly says, "Oh Mr Blinsky - the toy maker? Do you believe he is in immediate danger?"
Sandu - "I'm not sure..." Ireena mutters, "It... I am not sure" she repeats. "I saw this monster - in my dreams. He frightened me." she says without emotion. Ismark quickly adds, "I remember our father becoming increasingly concerned... but it was a nightmare, nothing too unusual. To think this Izek fellow exists." He seems briefly speechless, "Well, its disturbing. At least we are aware of this potential threat before it becomes an issue. If Vargas is as corrupt as Galqarin believes..." Ismark lets the sentence trail off.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
"He boy then. Always big, strong, cruel", explains Galqarin. He shrugs, "Not know about Blinsky."
Mid-Morning - Day 5 - Vallaki 'Ground Rules'
As the morning winds on, each party member coming to terms with the preceding days events, the weather seems to ease a little to a light shower. It is not long before the Arasek's make an appearance in the old warehouse. "Morning all" Helena says cheerfully, "I hope you all slept well."
Gunther, wearing a heavier set jacket, speaks up, "Odd weather we've been experiencing lately. That said, I was hoping to speak with you all before you went about your business. You may well find Vallaki an unusual place at the moment." Gunther is very clearly choosing his words carefully, "Politically there is a lot going on, it would suit you all to be aware of a few things before setting off."
Helena smiles disarmingly, "It really is nothing too serious. It just might help to know the current events of the village." Her husband nods in agreement.
Gunther speaks in a sombre tone, "Firstly - Vallaki has always stood in defiance against the devil. It would suit you however to not mention him directly by name whilst in the town - it will make people uncomfortable. Secondly, our Burgomaster, Vargas, has a very sensitive disposition. Regardless of what you may come to think of the man, it is for the best that you do not air any negative opinions - else you might find yourself the target of the towns guard, or worse."
"Come now Gunther, it won't do to put the fear of the Morninglord into these kind folk." Helena says sympathetically.
Paying little heed to his wife, Gunther continues, "Thirdly, Vargas has decreed that festivals, celebrations if you will, be held regularly. He believes, whether rightly or wrongly, in the power of positive thought and mindset. Not a bad thing, you might think. However, this is taken to an extremeness..." Gunther's tone becomes even more serious and slower, "Negative thoughts, opinions, talk, anything is not only discouraged, it has in some cases been made a crime."
Though Helena smiles her eyes glisten a little, "We must be positive, Vargas believes, else we open our hearts to the devil himself. Negative thought would give the Count a foothold in Vallaki. It might sound daft but..."
"Daft is an understatement" Gunther mumbles, "Look I do not want to speak ill of Vallaki - it can be a welcoming place. I just do not want you to put yourself in a position where you incur the ire of the Burgomaster. The more you know, the less surprises."
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
'I'm not that bad a shot!' Sandu took more offence to that last remark than anything that came before.
Sandu could not argue with such a simple suggestion. He shrugged, slid the ring of his finger and put it in his shirt pocket. He was still blind in one eye though. He took note of what Ireena and Ismark had said, finding it curious how it seemed more and more like their fate and the siblings' fate were intertwined beyond chance encounter.
After the commotion of the morning died down a bit and the Arasek's informed them of Vallaki's situation, Sandu felt a bit squeamish. He had not experienced much happiness in his life so far but forcing people to be happy just seemed so unnatural.
'So what's the plan for the day?' He asked the group in an effort to distract his thoughts from what the Arasek's words had implied. 'Follow our dreams? Or find this Izek character?'
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
"No negativity?... It feels like..." She pauses for a moment. "Nevermind." Then she continues polishing her sword and shield.
She turns to Sandu. "I don't know, but I think we should focus on something more tangible at the moment. We can start with talking to the Burgomaster or visit the church."
“I would like to stop by Blinsky’s as well. We still have have that errand to run for Galqarin’s friend. Also I would like to talk to the man as elk,” says Dormark.
Dormark Calling of Strahd (warforged cleric) 4
Baern shrugs with regard to the toy maker, the church, etc. "I'll come along. Maybe things are more affordable here. We can get you a warmer cloak, Ireena. Galqarin, we can make sure no one gives you any trouble, too."
Galqarin considers. "No-one know me with mask. Father Lucien might", he concedes.
"like that is the natural state of things here in Barovia?" It was only after the words came out that Ioben realised that this was probably the exact type of sentiment that would be frowned upon. "Well I guess if we are going to find some hope, then the church is a good a place as any to start looking. It may be that the gods, whichever ones they worship here, may be the power we need on our side at this time."
Late-Morning - Day 5 - Town Centre
The party identified two separate areas of interest; Blinsky's Toy Shop and St. Andral's Church. Ioben, Sandu and Valerie together with Ireena and Ismark set off towards the Church, seeking to find more information about the potential artefact that could assist with Ireena's protection. Baern, Dormark and Galqarin, on the other hand, would venture to Blinsky's Toyshop, there was a chance that the owner - Gadof Blinsky - might be in trouble. Besides, they had been tasked with sourcing a toy for Arabelle by Eliza.
In order to attract less attention the two groups separately made their way to their locations of interest. The rain by now was beginning to ease off, replaced by the typical Barovian grey sky. Unlike the village of Barovia the streets of Vallaki were filled with people going about their daily business, paying little attention to either group, smiles plastered, unnaturally, on their faces.
Moments after leaving the Arasek Stockyard both groups, separated by no more than a few meters, came across the Town Square.
As they enter the square, the shops and homes that enclose the space are decorated with limp, tattered garlands and painted wooden boxes filled with tiny, dead flowers in a poor attempt at creating a more colourful atmosphere. At the north end of the square stands a row of stocks, locked in which are several men, women, and children wearing crude, plaster donkey heads. These plaster donkey heads have equally creepy, unnatural, smiles fashioned upon them; the paint on them is faded and peeling in parts.
In the centre of the square, peasants in patchwork clothes eye the outsiders suspiciously as they use cups and vases to draw water from a crumbling stone fountain. Standing tall at the centre of the fountain is a grey statue of an impressive man facing west.
All around the square are posted proclamations:
Everything about the scene in front of you screams with an insincerity, a phoniness; behind the brave, smiling faces of the locals there is a palpable sense of fear and uneasiness.
DM - The Call of Strahd (CoS); Feyrealm Campaign, Chapter 0 - Bleak Prospect (BP), Chapter 1 - Destination Unknown (DU)
Never at any other moment during his time in Barovia had Sandu felt so squeamish. The Barovian villagers were terrified, Strahd reveled in his meddling but Vallaki? Vallaki just felt wrong. Not the kind where you know something is wrong or you might even entertain the hope that you could correct it. No, it was wrong with just the right amount of thin veneer to cover it up. Like a painting that hung crooked ever so slightly: once you noticed it, it was impossible to not notice it.
Sandu kept his head down and his hood up. He could barely look at the people bound in the stock, let alone fathom the crime that warrented such a punishment. Had they frowned at the wrong moment? Not laughed at a forced joke? The way the Araseks told it, not being happy was enough reason for arrest. The more he pondered the concept, the more Sandu regretted to accept that travelling the Svalich road might be the better option.
'Attendance and children required?' He murmered when they passed a poster. 'Pikes will be provided? That's a disaster waiting to happen...'
He kept a careful watch on Valerie. From what he had gathered so far, she seemed like the type to take this situation too hard to heart. Ioben on the other hand he could not get a clear read on.
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
Valerie keeps looking around as they walk through the street. She can feel the atmosphere around here. She mutters. "They are smiling... But I don't feel happiness from them... They... They are afraid." Then she remembers what Gunther said about the Burgomaster. She lets out a long sigh. It looks like this place also cannot escape the influence of Stradh.
She takes a glance at the poster. Her eyebrows tighten with concern on her face. "Children?... Pike?... What does this mean? Are they going to let the children carry pikes and fight each other?" She turns to the others asking for a confirmation.
"Who is the Baron they refer to? I thought the Baron was...that other guy." Ioben caught himself as he remembered the warning about mentioning Strahd's name aloud. "I mean, festivals are supposed to be uplifting aren't they? I mean, even Liar's Night back home has a cheerier vibe than this does." Ioben looked at the sad decorations around the square. The dead or dying flowers looked like they had been sitting out for days, if not weeks already. The far from welcoming invitation containing veiled threats. The stocks with the pigs head masks, were they even part of the celebration? These all added up to a very disturbing and depressing scene. Ioben would not be upset if he missed this particular festival. As the walk past the statue, Ioben takes a closer look at it to see if the figure looks familiar. History: 22