"Um. I do have a question. Is there a reason why people end up coming here? Does Strahd choose who ends up in this place or does it happen completely at random?"

They don't know, Bors. Perhaps the tale was real, perhaps not.

One of the more handsome gypsies leans in a little too close for your comfort, Briella.

"I know the answer to that, lovely--HIC." He slurs. "Not all Vistani gypsies are kind souls like we are. Some of them have directly allied themselves with Strahd. So they take many forms and trick and deceive outsiders into this land...so that the Dark Lord can have more...victims...and subjects. It looks like he may have already found someone to his liking..

And after that comment, he gives a saucy look to Ireena, who immediately grimaces uncomfortably.

As the men and women spin their tales of Strahd, his exploits, the rumors about him, and his battle with a powerful wizard, Grishkar's eyes fade to milky white. A wide smile splits his visage as his head rests toward his open spellbook, "Master, do you hear what I hear?"

One of the gypsies asks, "How did you all manage to come into this land? Whichever land you came from, you are not on the same land."

"I was sent by my guide to defeat a great Evil," Kia chimes in from behind. "It is clearly Strahd," she asserts.

"I was looking for a way back to the Feywild.I have been separated from my for a while now and had been hoping to find a way home through a portal I was told had appeared deep in the woods. Unfornately the portal lead me here instead." Brielle says leaning away from the ***** that has gotten a little to close.

"Make sure one of you visit's Madam Eva's tent. She has been expecting you, and can help you on your journey."

"I do not know how or why I came to be here.  I was in battle, as dusk fell...I was sent here."

“And some shadow lured me here by chance. But... it is interesting to think that all this happened because he was saved...” Martha says thoughtfully as she casts a quick side glare to Grishkar, “In any case, it’s our responsibility to help save the people here from their life of fear. So I would very much like to meet this Madam Eva.”

They lead you to Madam Eva’s tent with much courtesy. That encounter...tomorrow...! Dun dun dunnnn...

"I uh...I just sort of woke up here. " Odmun clears his throat. "At any rate, I would love to speak with this Madam Eva. Maybe she can fill in some of the blanks, yes?" With that, he'll also follow along with the Gypsies, wine skin in hand, to Madam Eva's tent.

MADAM EVA'S TENT

Magic flames cast a reddish glow over the interior of this tent, revealing a low table covered in a black velvet cloth. Glints of light seem to flash from a crystal ball on the table as a hunched figure peers into its depths. As the crone speaks, her voice crackles like dry weeds.

"At last, you have arrived...!" Cackling laughter bursts like mad lightning from her withered lips. She produces a worn deck of cards and lays five down on the table. "I know why you all are here, Bors. I can help you in your quest, for everyone here, well, nearly everyone - wants to be free from the curse of Stradh! The cards. The cards will help you! Come, sit, they will tell us valuable information. Information to help Ireena, and Briella, and of course Martha, too. Even Grishkar, and our bugbear friend, here! Right, Odmun? And tell Kia not to be so nervous." Her smile turns sinister and she cackles again. "Lets us see what the cards say! I have seen many adventurers come and go. You are no different. You will need help - and you are still too weak to defeat the Dark Lord."

There are three items in the land you can find to help you destroy Strahd. Madam Eva knows the location of three such items through her foresight:

THE TOME OF STRAHD: "This card tells of history! Knowledge of the ancient will help you better understand your enemy! The tome lies in a den of wolves in the hills overlooking a mountain lake. The tome is in the possession of Mother Night."

THE HOLY SYMBOL OF RAVENKIND: "This card tells of a powerful force for good and protection, a holy symbol of great hope! Look to a place where sickness and madness are bred. Where children once cried, the holy symbol lies still."

THE SUNSWORD: "This is a card of power and strength. It tells of a weapon of vengeance: a sword of sunlight! Find the mother - she who gave birth to evil."

There is a powerful enemy of Strahd somewhere in the land. He or she can prove to be a very valuable ally:

STRAHD'S ENEMY: "This card sheds light on one who will help you greatly in the battle against darkness! "Find a girl driven to insanity, locked in the heart of her dead father's house. Curing her madness is key to your success!"

This is where fate has decided you will find Strahd in the final battle against him:

STRAHD'S LOCATION: "Your enemy is a creature of darkness, whose power are beyond mortality. This card will lead you to him! He lurks in the darkness where the morning light once shone - a sacred place in his castle." 

OOC > Is Lilitu still with us? Madam Eva did not mention her.

That's because she has no soul =P

"Madam Eva, do you have any insight about what these cards revealed? Anything more specific?"

She has no other information to share. The cards have spoken =) The information has been disclosed. Strahd is unaware that the items foretold are a huge bane against him. They will provide a great bonus if found. Strahd is also unaware of this great enemy that can be your ally in your fight against him. An insane young woman, locked away. 

If you guys wish to pursue the items, or Strahd's enemy, I can tell you where to go. Think of these like mini-quests that will greatly help you guys. They are optional, however, but at this point to face Strahd would be suicide.

Odum adjusts his spectacles. "Madam Eva, that was truly insightful! Thank you." He returns with the others. "Hmmm I think having some inside knowledge of this Vampire Strahd would be best to have directly. If we know more about him, then we can more easily overcome him!" The bugbear pulls his pipe from his pack and gives it a light. Drawing in a few puffs, he breathes out the smoke which takes the shape of a horse and cart.

Martha’s eyes twinkle as she says, “I want that sword. Where can I find it?”

The Sunsword is in the Crypt of Strahd's parents - in Castle Ravenloft =P

Should be no problem to get.