Legends of Avantris - Curse of Strahdanya | Ep. 4 | Sins of the Father: Part 1

Episode Date: April 22, 2025

After narrowly escaping the Death House, the Azran Expedition explores Barovia Village and meets its strange inhabitants that are more sinister than they seem.  Gain access to an exclusive campaign, Shroud Over Saltmarsh, over on Patreon: https://legendsofavantris.com/patreon The Crooked Moon, a folk horror supplement for 5e, is available for preorder! Get the Crooked Moon at: https://thecrookedmoon.com/ Watch more D&D adventures in the world of Avantris live on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/legendsofavantris Check out our merch store: https://shop.legendsofavantris.com  Join our community on Discord: https://legendsofavantris.com/discord Watch our many campaigns on YouTube: https://legendsofavantris.com/youtube  All other links: https://linktr.ee/legendsofavantris   Watch the full episode here: https://youtu.be/frwrE5yjF-I?si=s1urJIoqWctMYxrN

You are back in Borovia Village and listening to Curse of Thradania, a Legends of Eventress podcast. Last time, the expedition delved deep under the deathhouse and encountered the horror that dwelt within. It was a shambling beast known as Lorgoth, the decayer, to which the durst had sacrificed so many poor souls. After the creature was destroyed by the heroes, the house itself came to life and tried to prevent them from ever living. However, they narrowly escaped with their lives and limbs intact before the house collapsed into its foundation. The souls of the children have been put to rest, yes, but the house is fated to rise once more. Now they must begin their investigation of a curious village with strange inhabitants. As always, the audio quality

reflects our humble beginnings, but does improve over time. With that out of the way, let us begin chapter two. Sins of the Father. You find yourselves standing outside of this house, this house known as the death house, panting, shaking, the sun slowly setting over the horizon, the two large mountain ranges, off in the distance. You know that evening is encroaching quickly as a raven flies overhead and drops a letter gently into Clayton's hands. Hail to thee of might and valor. I, a lowly servant of Barobia, send honor to thee. We plead for thy so desperately needed assistance. The love of my life, Irenea, has been afflicted by an evil so deadly that we the good people of our village cannot protect them. She has, languishes from her wound, and I would have her save from this menace.

There is such wealth in this community, I offer all that might be had to thee, and they follow, and they follow, if they shall but answer my desperate plea. Come quickly, for her time is attacked. All that I have shall be thine. Koliang Indiravitch. Bergermaster. How is everyone feeling? My fingers are brought back. I thought I had lost them. I'm pretty banged up, but I'm okay. I'm all right.

It must have all been tricks. Some sort of illusionary house. It will be an illusionary pile of ashes soon enough. I'm going to start walking around. Sarnax, Sarnax. You, Shepard, you do realize that we found evidence that they've tried to burn this place before, and it just re-rises. You know it will come back.

I don't want to deal with this house. more than we need to. Perhaps there is another longer-term solution. Carry on. This letter, and I read it out loud, how do they know we're here?

How do they... Was this intended for us? It must be. So it's not just the Baroness, Sredania. It is the Collian Indirovich, Bergamaster. They know of us as well. Or at least me?

I don't know. Now, Professor, I don't want you to take offense to this. But I must be sure certain that you did not lure us here under false pretense. Of course not. No, no, absolutely. I didn't even know this place truly existed. I hoped it did, certainly. What's very strange?

What do you now hope to gain from this after that house almost killed us? That's sort of fascinating, isn't it? How curious that a house that's... seemingly killed us, we're fine. It's full of illusions and tricks, but nothing more. At this point, I think, now that we're here, we for first we should eventually find our way back, but my goal is to learn as much as we can while we're here. This is an expedition after all. That's why I hired you out here. Now that we're here, we will explore. We will learn about the people, about their cultures. We will learn about this Shradanya von Zorović. I will have

been planting a seed at each of the corners of the foundation of the house. And not every single time I'll plant those say, Gyrks, give me the power to destroy in each one. And then I'll eventually ride back whenever it's appropriate. Do you find anything interesting? I found amenable soil. If fire will must take care of this evil house, perhaps, Perhaps the ABLE Wood Will.

What do the rest of the buildings around us look like? There are no buildings. There's nothing else. You had walked through what felt like an almost vacant city. And you'd walked through a few streets before finding this path. And there was something that almost drew you down the path. And it was a small cobblestone path completely shrouded by trees. until you found yourself in this outcropping where this house sits.

So right now, the encroaching trees are looming over you as darkness slowly starts to descend around you. And I will say looking out, you do see that the town sits fairly closely. You can see the flickering of lanterns being illuminated in many of the homes in the village that you'd pass through. And it's maybe a 15-minute walk to get back to the main thoroughfare. that you've been on. Now, Professor, I'm not going to tell you how to run this expedition because you're paying pretty well, but we do need to find shelter if you haven't noticed the sun is going down. No, yes, and I feel, despite all of that being tricks, I'm feeling a bit hurt now that I think

about this. Yes, yes, we must find, we must find rest immediately. Perhaps we head back into town and find a name. Do you have any idea where we're headed next? Well, I don't have a plan per se. I mean, this is an expedition. I like to go with the flow, as they say. Perhaps the plan will reveal itself and come to us.

It seems to be the hallmark of this shadow land. Research is not so cut and dry. There is not a narrow path. You go down. You let the information and the insight guide you as it may. So I'm keeping my eyes open, and everyone keep your eyes open, and please just observe. There is clearly evil here,

and I plan on destroying it, burning it to the ground, and renewing from the ashes. Well, that is with the agreements that we came upon when I joined you. Leave it away. Please, without burn everything down and be respectful of private property, of course. I am merely but an employee.

To the university, professor, those were the terms we agreed upon, correct? Do not worry about my intentions. Well, of course, you've been very amenable thus far, and I have full reason to trust each and every one of you. So, Mr. Morgan, would you guide us back to town, please? Yes, sir, French.

I'll unholster just judgment as we proceed to head back in the direction that I would know to be is the main throw fair. You unholster one of your weapons, and you keep it close enough hidden between the draping of the fabric around your body so as not to cause any alarm, as you lead the group back towards the cobblestone road. And it takes about 15 minutes or so before you find yourself spilling out of the thickness of the trees that lined this pathway down Wolf's Way and into the streets of the village of Borovia. The signage is very clearly marked at the intersection here.

Wolf's Way, Village of Borovia, and you begin to turn and make your way towards the heart of this town. You find yourselves on the main street walking through the village of Borovia. The buildings around you are, for the most part, dilapidated. The window coverings, mawif eaten, the inside's dark. but few of them you can see do contain illumination. And as you walk past a few of these,

the quick peak of residents that see you and immediately scurry in, afraid of gaining your attention. All is quiet. And then you hear the sound of small wooden wheels rolling across damp cobble. You trace the lonely sound to a hunched figure bundled in rags, pushing a rickety wooden cart through the fog.

And as you walk, the cart gets larger and larger until you see a woman standing there, completely covered in rags, discolored, moth-eaten, deteriorated. She looks up at you. Her nearly perfectly white hair is haphazardly curled around her face, her nose long and pockmarked. She looks at all of you. Oh, dearies, would you like to try a dream pastry from Morgantus cart? Oh, is this a local delicacy? It is. Oh, yes, I would love one, please. Professor, hold one second. I'm sorry, ma'am.

We're new here in town. Is there a... I know. I can see it on you. Is there anywhere that we can rest for the night? It's getting pretty dark and we don't have lodging... ahead, the inn lies in wait. If you look, you'll see the illumination from the doorway. And where she points, you look and you see that there is a swath of illumination that's spilling out from a doorway. Just a few hundred feet ahead of you. It appears to be one of the biggest buildings in the town that you've seen so far. Professor, let me buy you a gift. How much for one of the dream patients?

Only one gold beast, and you'll have the greatest dreams of your life. And as she says this, you see as one of the doors closest to you open up, and a meek-looking woman, short brown hair,

seems to be a little matted. Her clothes, old, torn up, she reaches out. More than one. Two, please. One motion. She grabs two, pastries and bundles them up in a little sack and she hobbles over. And you see as they

exchange a quick conversation, she passes the pastries over to the woman. She glances at all of you for a second. As she meets your eyes, she shirks back and slams the door quickly. Do I perceive there any sort of like gold exchange for the pastries? Yes. It did seem like changed gold. And I would say you'd easily be able to see that she dropped two coins into her pack. Okay. I'll take one gold piece out and hand it over to her. A pastry for you. Is there any way we can get that wrapped up for later? If it's a dream pastry, you obviously want to save it, right?

Before you sleep, it's the best time to imbib. And she wraps it up into a brown paper packaging, and she hands it over to you. Duly noted, and I'll just suck it into mine. I will be here all night. Well, it's for you, Professor. It's a gift, like I said. We'll save it. Of course, of course.

I'll leave you before bed. I'll step over to her after they step away, and I'll hold my lantern and come to be close to her. I'll say, dreams, you sick. Yes, dreams. Are you a godly woman, Baker? No, myself, no.

None of us here are. Cannot compare to the best dreams of which you speak. Good day, madam. I hope your God finds you through the mist spread. Did you say that no one here is godly at all? You will find some here they that worship the Mother Knight or the Lord of the Son. But they have turned their backs on Robia. So most have fallen to lack of worship.

What was that Mother Night or? Mother Night or? Lord of the Sun. So, it is to go against Barovia to worship a deity. No, you worship who you like. We get visitors here and there.

None say for long, but those that do learn that worship is met with empty prayers. I will be fine in the mist. The flame of the fire lord burns. brightly me. Well, may your light carry you through the darkness when our gods have left us.

But I do have many other customers that need to be serviced as that. Unless you would like to purchase more from my cart. I'll step forward and look at Clayton knowingly and I'll pull out a gold. I think I have money. You do. You at least have a goal. I'll just like making eye contact with him, seeing if there's any sort of rejection. Would you like some, please buy one? I would, very interesting. Sheppers already bought me one.

I can't wait to enjoy it later. Your name is, uh, Morgan. Morgan. Yes, darling. It's an honor to meet you, Margatha. It is an honor to provide you my wear, sweet child. Excellent. I would like to purchase one of your dream pastries as well.

Let me find you the prettiest one. The prettiest one for the prettiest child. And you see as she looks through. her cart. And she, it takes her about a minute or so, but she eventually provides you with this fluffy pastry. It looks incredibly buttery and flaky. The icing on the top is a very pale pink, and there is a berry of a kind that you've never seen before sitting in the very middle. The frosting swirling around to the top is quite beautiful. As she wraps it up and hands it to you. As she's handing it to me, I look down on it and I say, thank you.

Are there any sacred temples here at all in the city? Not in, well, there's a church if that is what you look for. But temples. Locky is where you'd like to travel. Balaki has temples? It does. What kind of... The abbey of St. Marcovia, you'll find in the lackey.

Interesting. Well, we don't want to hold you up from your business. It seems like you're very, very busy, and we want to just thank you for your kindness. it was wonderful to meet you. Stay safe, friends. The night is dark. Find rest at the tavern. And enjoy the pastries.

Oh, I will. Our true lives go from day to day. But the pastries give us respite from the wars that we live through. Do you? Do you? Sure. I must move on. I write that down for Vita.

Have a peaceful night. Hi, Forga. Thank you, darling. I will be here all night. Sweet dreams, new friends. And you hear as the rolling of her heart begins to make its way down the path you just traversed. You do see as you look back a few doors open and a few of the Barovian commoners reaching out and providing money in exchange for some of these dream pay trees seems to be a hot commodity.

I'm going to lead the group towards where she pointed to the inn, But I want to kind of as an aside, lead towards Kana and say, Ms. Kana, please do not get that pastry until we've all had a moment to talk about it. But of course. There's a reason I bought one for the professor. I'm just sure. I definitely do. Yeah, I'll just keep my eyes open for the end as we proceed the direction that she points at us in.

It takes you only like two or three minutes to get there before you find yourselves in front of one of the largest buildings that you see. along this thoroughfare. This one is there are actually two buildings that face each other. The one that she was pointing to has a sign over it. This is Blood of the Vine Tavern. The one opposite that's also spilling out

a bit of light, but is significantly less, is branded as Bill Drath's mercantile. The one that looks larger and appears to have rooms would be the Blood of the Vine Tavern. This must be the place she would

talking about, but it's nice to know that they've got some sort of merchant right across the street if in the morning we need to get some kind of supplies. Of course. I'm going to be sore tomorrow. I know that. I think we all know. Well, I think a good night's rest in a warm bed, something we haven't experienced in quite some time will be a nice change.

Sarnax, try not to scare the innkeep. I would say the same to you, Shepherd, whether intentional or otherwise. You and I have a bit of a different... persona, wouldn't you say? Tushé, my friend. Tushay. Professor, do you mind? And I motioned for him to go first.

Absolutely, yes. I was just going to say, it seems that it's not either the two of you, but all of us, the group as a whole. We seem to be putting these people to seize. Well, it feels like they don't get visitors that often, though we know that they do.

So there must be some reliable way to, to, to, to, to, to, just or transport it here, wherever we are. But I think that's very true, and it's wise to keep our wits about us and be as respectful and polite as possible. Agreed. And I think just because you may look different than the local townspeople, they hopefully shouldn't hold it against you, of course. I can't speak for Starnex, but I'm used to it. It's nothing new to me.

Of course. Well, shall we? Before we head in, I just want to say this may be presumptuous of me. I personally would be a lot more comfortable if the five of us could squeeze into one room. I'm happy sleeping on the floor. I don't need a lot of space, but I can sleep on the floor as well. I don't necessarily want us spreading out after what we've experienced this evening. Do you think that's entirely necessary?

I do. As being the hired gun here, I would advise it. I mean, Mr. Morgan, we're in the middle of a village. It seems quite safe around here. Do I really need to remind you what justice? went down in a house. It was a ways away, set away. It was clearly something with the house.

I'm not going to hold what the house did against us to this whole village. Perhaps for one night, Professor. It would really put my mind at ease to see what happens, to understand that there is danger and evil that permeates this entire land, whether we are to town or not. I think we have a lot to talk about as well. It's amenable. For the first night,

We can, as we learn more, hopefully, we will, we can become more at ease with this place. Thank you. Do you mean to stop you, please? All right, let's proceed. I shall not speak. And I walk in. You make your way in. The door is propped open, allowing for ease of entry into this place.

And as you make your way in, you hear laughter and song billowing from the inside of this place. But as your eyes adjust to the illumination, you see that there are but a few, five people in total sitting in this open room and appears to be a bar, a set of stairs, winding their way up immediately from the right, left side of the table. I don't know my right from my left, the left side of the table. And you look and you see that there is a hunched over elderly barkeep behind the bar, who is constantly washing and rewashing the dishes that are in his hands. There is a table that sits three.

Kana, you would recognize this. The stony women, they are elegantly dressed in colors, bright and extravagant, as they chitter about to each other. And off in the corner, hidden in shadows, is a lonely human man who immediately meets all of your eyes as you walk in, as you walk in. He looks you up and down and nods his head to you. He raises his hand, letting you know he's available for conversation should you need it. But he nods to the bar, insinuating maybe drinks are your intended purpose.

What do you want to do? I am going to take my hat off as I entered the bar just or the end just as a normal, you know, normal being polite kind of thing. So I'm not hiding my appearance. Okay. And as we kind of come into the light, I'll look down and try to. to brush myself off, anything to look out of police, try to freshen myself up. I'm hiding my naginata behind my back as courteously as possible.

Aside from the gentleman in the corner, nobody else in the room, even the barkeep, who seems to be the person who's the most in charge here, nobody else even seems to look your way as you walk in. I approach Professor Clayton and whisper into his ear. those women over there. They are Vestani, similar to the group that I spoke to to find you. Oh, yeah. So kind of context, I would probably have done a lot of research on Vestani, right?

Like, I would at least know of them. You know that Vestani seem to be the people that bring about the stories of Borovia. The only stories you've ever heard of Borobeah have been told by Vestani. You've never heard of a story about Barobia that was told by a person who had gone and then come back. So you knew that they were kind of the middleman between

normal avatress and Barovia. What I have ever met any of them? You've never met him. They were kind to me welcoming. Yes, the Vastani, of course. There they are in the flesh. Every tale I've ever heard of Rovia has been from one of their mouths.

They may have more information. should not displace. Thought you should know. They linger on the outskirts of my homeland. I do not speak to them. Their witchcraft is powerful. Go with caution. Witchcraft, you said. I believe it to be. Mystical powers of the ungodly variety at the very laced. Let's get a room, put our things down, maybe discuss, and then I could use a drink at the bar, at least maybe a little bit.

No, of course, we should relax. Enjoy this tavern. There's plenty of room. I walk up to the innkeep. He is cleaning a tankard. He doesn't even look up at you as you walk up. Hello, my good man. We will need your largest, finest room, please.

One night. Let's see what we've got. Five electron pieces for one night. Oh, electron. Oh, I haven't used that in quite a while. Of course. What's the conversion rate? 10 gold.

Is that right? Five electric. No, it's half a, it's, uh, or five. Yeah, five gold. 50 silver. Five gold. Five gold pieces. Two and gold silver.

Please, electric silver. It's okay. 25 silver. 25 silver, of course. Yes. I think you're right. I do that math. Very powerful.

Half a gold. And I pull out. Hey, Matt, I'm sorry. It's in the module. And I was like, you know what? We never use Electrum. I'm going to do it. Oh, no.

That's fine. That's great. Um, for you are. For just the one night. Uh, at least for now. Uh, will it be available tomorrow night, uh, if we so needed? You know, we're really busy, as you can tell. And he looks around.

He's sarcasmuses, these people are witty, yes. Professor just came for two nights just in case. Uh, oh, of course, two nights. A gold piece, then, friend. Uh, all right. There you go. A gold piece. He passes you back the five electrum and he takes the gold piece.

One second. He looks around in a little bin, and you see it's full of keys, but he makes, he pretends as if they're, I've got to find the one key we've got left. We're full up. And he produces a key. It's a very large bronze key. Passes it to you.

13. Just up the stairs next to the door. Yes, yes, quite. Thank you. Well, perhaps you should put off things down in the room and we can come back down and enjoy a drink. Let's make case. I walk up the stairs and look for room 13. You make your way up the stairs and there are only two floors on top of the main floor here and you're able to see that you're on the second floor, third floor. And room 13 is easy enough to find. It is There are a total of three small beds, a small washroom. The boards here are time-worn and waterlogged. You can see the cracking and the expanding of them.

The metal bits around the door as well as around the windows are rusting and aged. The cloth on the bed, you can tell was washed, but probably not recently. And it's been a while since anyone has occupied. this room, but you're able to find some small foot lockers at the edge of the beds to store your clothes and to get settled in. I suppose this is who? So no. Yes, Ms. Isis.

Professor, again, I must apologize for being so forward. I'm not telling you what to do here. I just don't want to squabble over gold pieces when we need to be extra careful moving forward. As far as I'm concerned, I don't care about the gold anymore. We do understand that we are in danger here. Well, we don't know that for sure. We could presume perhaps we may be in danger, but so far all of the danger has been contained to a single house. And I could have sworn that I lost two or three fingers in that house.

Professor, here I am. The moment we left that house that seemingly took two or three of your fingers, the tip of my tail, and inflicted many other wounds to all of us, a raven knew exactly where we were and dropped a personalized letter to you. Does that not concern you? It is very curious, and I'd love to learn one. How do they know? Perhaps it's crying magic. Perhaps they could identify me.

Yes, of course. We could be in danger, but I need more evidence. I think it would be unwise at this point to jump to conclusions. Exactly right. Something is at foot, but we don't know what. I understand where you're coming from, and we're going to make sure that you can do your work appropriately. Okay.

But all I ask, and I hope that the rest of the group is with me on this one, that we need to be aware of what's going on around us. I do not feel comfortable with any of this, just given the things that we've seen hours after we set footless land. Shepard, if I may. Please. A frog in a well does not know the great sea.

There's much to learn here. We must keep our wits about us. but be open mind. Well said, but was very surprisingly well said. Thank you. It is taught to me by my master. I'm not going to lie,

Connie, you threw me for a loop there. It sounded like you might have been agreeing with me, but fair enough. I tend to have that effect. I would echo both sentiments. I do not trust any of these individuals. but a single one, and neither should any of you. However, more information. Evidence of the sea for a frog and a well, as it were. Exactly right. Let's leave our belongings here. I don't have much. I'm

keeping my weapons on me. Please do. I'm going to have a drink. I'll stay sharp. You have my word. But it's been a hard day. Shepard, I and all of you, I do not partake. I can stand the corner and observe if that is amenable to the party. Just don't do anything that's going to draw unnecessary attention to us. I understand looking at our appearances, it's hard to do anyway, but we need to minimize our announcement of our arrival. I'm not usually one more taverns or common folk

beyond spreading the good word of the fire lead. But I can sit and observe, or I will enjoy your company. is that what do people do? Enjoy company? Yes, you should relax. Yes. For what night? I mean, we've been through a pretty harrowing experience.

I'm not going to force the drink on you, but at the very least you should take some time to unwind and maybe decompress. Which reminds me about these pastries, professor. Yes. I understand you're interested in the locals and whatever they might have to offer, but you need to be careful. I'll take the dream pastry out and say, I bought this because I didn't want you just scarfing it down without knowing what's going on here, all right?

I'd like to inspect it, and maybe you should do the same too, knowing your inquisitive nature. Of course, I will take a look. But I place it on a table or, you know, nightstand or whatever, I push it towards them a little bit. I'm a little bit more receptive after seeing other people in the town buy these things. I would like to maybe use some kind of knowledge of herbalism to make sure that it's not, like, right poisoned by like smelling it and like, you know. Rule a nature check. Can you tell what it's made of?

I can an eight. You look at this thing and you are not familiar with Borovian plant life, etc. But you are able to see that it seems to be naturally made. Looking at it and smelling it, you don't smell any foul odors or anything that would give you pause to think that there was some underlying bit of poison. It's hard to tell with the fact that you don't fully understand those things in which grow in brovia, but I would say you have a good enough idea

that there aren't any poisons that you would be commonly familiar with this thing. Just as I suspected. I've never seen any of these ingredients before. Well, that doesn't necessarily mean that is poisonous, or... Just be careful. Of course. All I'm asking is, everybody, please, be careful.

I got a bad feeling. Yes, and I'm not saying that I won't be careful, but I won't jump to conclusions either. So, in respect to your caution, allow me 10 minutes, and then we can go downstairs. Professor, I'm also willing to sample the pastry. Well, if you have your own, we could share one over a drink. How does that sound?

Perhaps I should sample it first, just... While you guys do whatever you do, I'm going to head in the bar and get a drink. Do you mind? No, no, please do, please. I'll just leave the room. As you walk down, you immediately

see the three Vistani women crowded around the stairwell. Look at him. You're so cute. You're new. What's your name? What are you doing here? And we will wait there while you finish up upstairs. I'll pull over my case and I'll take out a silver wire

and put a tiny bell on it. And I'll do all of the incantations, walk around the room to place a lot on the room. Okay, you do that. Am I still with you? Yeah. All of you are the only person who's left is, uh, Shepard. So, yeah, if you wanted to wait for 10 minutes and then as soon as that would be done. I probably would have joined Shepard pretty quickly after he left to say,

I will begin to not enjoy a drink, but scout out the group to make sure it's safe for all of you fairer folk. and I'll leave probably 30 seconds after I'll jump with this. I'm happy to sample the pastry in case you need to do any research on the effects. I'd rather it happened to me than to you. Well, I appreciate that, certainly, and I agree with your sentiment. Perhaps maybe you take a bite and I'll give it a few minutes, but I'm not concerned. That woman was just a simple peddler on the street, and she's just trying to make her way, and I'm glad that we could give us some point in exchange.

for the food that she's produced. I suspect that neither of you will know the effects of this until you laid your head down for the evening. And I'm very curious to see what happens. I mean, she's right there in the middle street. We saw people buying from her, right? She had many customers. I can't imagine people would be willingly buying poison.

They may be sampling this pastry to shy away from nightmares and horrors of the evening. Who knows? This is being fed to children. I hope that it's fine for adults. Well, let's us join the others. So I'll go down to the bar. In the meantime, Shepard, you find yourself at the bottom of the stairwell,

these three Vastani women, all varying in height, the shortest one with these lustrous golden curls, the tallest one, jet black hair, very long, almost down to her butt, the middle one, brownish hair. hair, slight waves to it, all of them with dark eyes, lavishly dressed, embroidery all over every bit of their clothing, dangling jewels and coins as they look at you. They seem not to be shy at all as they touch bits of your cloth and one of them even moves their hand around your horns. Ah, he is so different than the ones we have seen. I like him. He's cute. Good evening,

It is great to me, too. What brings you to our lovely inn? Just passing through. That's what they all say. I don't mean to disappoint. What are you ladies doing here? We own this place. This is ours. Well, then I must thank you graciously for allowing us to stay.

We are happy to. If you have any questions about the town of Barovia, please. Let us know. I have many, but I'm going to get a drink first and wait for my companions to drink. I think our friend in the corner there has that covered. And as they all look over, all of their heads turn in unison. And you see that the lone man in the corner of the bar now flanked around him are five individual tankards of what appear to be alcohol as he nods his head at you. He's quick, that one.

And very nice. We like him. He spends a lot of coin in here. I'll all again, you know, take the hat off and give a little bow and say, if you don't mind, thank you very much again, and I'll go, say hi. We don't find it all. We will watch from before. Have fun.

Bye. And you see as they all kind of giggle together and then saunter back to their table. I'll walk over to them. We will wait for the other ones. He was the cutest one. Yes, he was. I like his horns. It's about this time that Sarnax joins you.

And you see his Sarnax descends the stairs. Sarnax, here, here. I'll just kind of like, you know, wave him on while I'm here. Look at the creepy one. I talk to him. Assuming that it's on my way to this guy, I'm going to pull Sarnax aside and say, let's step. Buddy, I'm sorry that I just,

bailed out of the room, but I got to be honest with you. I feel like the rest of these people aren't listening to me. Shepard, you must understand humans or half humans. These folk, as they are, are overly trusted. They have not experienced the hatred that we have simply for being born, simply for being alive. They do not comprehend what that is like, especially those that come from the city of the... Why is the weird lizard one yelling in our stairwell? I don't know just watch him. Do you ever think that maybe we're just not trusting enough?

It's like a movie. See if Eric has up for. It is up to us to ensure that they survive. If it is not in their nature to distrust the evil that looks in the shadows and to shine a light upon it, It is up to us. Shepherd, you and I are the monsters that the monsters will fear. It is up to them. It is our burden to bear.

I'm sorry, I'm trying. I'm trying real hard. We'll continue to try. We are succeeding. We are alive. Let us keep it that way. This man has purchased some drinks. If you won't partake, then I'll just drink yours for you.

Drink both. I shall sit beside you. and enjoy conversation. Oh, good, the Hath one is going to be very drunk. Please do, and I'll pull him, well, you know, lead him over to the table with his gentleman and the drinks. And I'll name is like, I have a feeling these women have more to teach us. Oh, we do.

You could just literally talk to us. We're like one table behind you. And I'll, like, reach out and lean a claw, like, towards them and I'll say, That is very creepy. There, we have companions. Oh, no, it hurts. I don't like it. We have companions that will be joining us.

Oh, I know. We can get out. Perhaps they will buy you a beverage to consume. We only place. If I want a drink, I will get one. They will sit down and enjoy conversation. Oh, we would love that very much. Yes, very well done.

Indeed. It is a promise made. My name is Sheper. Great to meet you. No, the guy with the drinks. Oh, he's over there. His name is Ismark, in case you're wondering. Ismark?

Yes, but you can call him the lesser, because he's not the creator. I am. They call me Sarnax of the able-wood. Who is they that call you this? When I say they, I mean we. When I say they, I mean the common folk, the unbelievers. In Varovia? Connected to the Rovibe, but not important.

Not important. Go get your drinks. No. More. Thank you. Thank you for allowing creatures of my variety into your establishment. It's money. Have a good night.

You too. We will listen. We'll head over to Eastmark, and I'll stick my hand out when we get there and say, the name is shepherd. it's at this point, I would say that the rest of the party members you were heading downstairs, you make your way down the stairs as you see back at the table three giggling bastani women looking over and pointing at both Shepard and Sarnax as Shepard out extends his arm. The gentleman in the corner, however, does not stand.

He does not motion to shake your hand. Take a seat, friend. I have bought drinks. I mean, you know, I saw that you came in and you look to be the adventuring. Fair enough. Let us just have a good evening of friendly conversation

and some nice drinks while you were in Ireland. Well, we appreciate your hospitality. Do you have roots tea? my friend. I have alkyhole. Would you like some alkyhole? I shall sit beside my friend, and if there is a limit or a requirement,

the man in the top hat shall pay. You have not been here for long, have you? No, not long at all. That would be why you don't need the alky home. Maybe you will try one of Morganas' dream pastries. You'll need one soon if you stay. I'm going to take just a big old gulp of the tanker in front of me. That's my kind of friend.

Arick, another round, please. Put it on my tab. Your friends will be, ah, I see. They've descended the stairs. Any motions we're going to come forward. Ah, you found a new friend. Hello, my name is Professor Clayton, Ezra. Eastmark.

Ismark. Many call me the lesser. But I would confer if you would call me Esnark. Of course. Well, may I have a seat? Please. Of course, that's a way. I pulled up enough for all of you.

So as we would have walked in, I would want to look at the Bastani women and just kind of not my kind of. You're pretty. I like your hair. When did you get the dress? What kind of fabric is this? No, let me touch it. What kind of fabric is this? What did you get it?

It is very. It's quite drab compared. you. Yes, but if you get it in the beautiful purple, it would be great. I think you're right. At some coins, maybe a bit of flowers. It would look so pretty on me. It's clear it would. Yes. So wonderful for you to have us in your inn. No, please, thank you for giving us your money. Oh, I'll just kind of nod and continue to us the table. We'll listen. I'll nod at them in passing to follow. to the tape. Well, so are you,

you all sit down and I'll get some kind of drink. May I buy you a drink, my good man? There is no need. I have a tab and more than enough money. So you are from Borovia, is that right? Yes. Native. What's it like to live here?

I mean, this is quite a beautiful place, and I've done quite a bit of research, but as you can tell, when I're from here. It has its good days, and it's bad days. Oh, well, this... Is it like beer that I'm drinking? What I've got?

It's like a... It's a wine. A wine. Well, this Barovian wine is very delicious. Perhaps we could share some dream pastry with friends. How does that sound? If you have some, I would like to partake in at least a piece. Oh, of course.

I've had a rough day. I'll take one out and I'll say, oh, here you go. Here's a piece of mind. When do one likes some? Are you sure about this professor? You see he cuts off. a bit and just immediately heapsed it. Did you

do any proper research? Oh, well, of course I did. I just want to kind of like very subtly look at it and investigate the pastry to see if I can tell anything about it or roll a nature check

or and roll an Arcona check as well. Nature. Oh yeah, Arcona's going to be gay. Big, bad, dicey boy. Dude. So Arcona.

is a 25. Nature. It's still pretty good. It's a 13. Looking at it, you get the same sense that Shepard did. There doesn't seem to be anything that strikes you as poisonous

or off in the actual creation of this that you can tell. As for the Arcana check, you can tell that there is a bit of magical potency to this. And I would say that that's high enough that you're able to tell that it seems to be a

almost a hallucinogen, what appears to be something that shapes your dreams into a pleasant nature. You get a nice and a happy feeling to the magic about it. I'm getting a magical feeling from this

pastry. You know, I could tell you what it does. I would love to, but hold on before you tell me, you tell me if I'm right, does this alter your dreams? Is he always like this? Yes. Yes.

Indeed. He is. I see. Yes. Of course. Well, so does it alter your dreams in some sort of way magically? There are many in Borovia that have a hard time getting through the day to their life. It is mostly overcast, and the devil's straw bears down on us.

The devil, the devil's shroud? Yes, the countess. And you call her a devil? Is that an affectionate term, perhaps? Did she sound affectionate, well, no. You were kind of a devil. spitting it out, but... There was a reason for that friend.

Interesting. So is she an oppressive leader then? No. But she takes what she wants. And if that's you, it was nice knowing you. So for those of us that who've lived in this town in Borovia, it is not always easy knowing that no matter how dreary and dark things may get, we cannot leave. So we imbib in Morganta's fate history.

She is skilled in magic, and she shapes our dreams to be beautiful, wonderful things that give us a brief respite from the horror that is some of our lives. And today, for me, I need one. So thank you, friend. Of course. Well, that is very curious. I simply must try some, at least for research. And I'll eat it tastes very

The closest thing you can think of is strawberry-esque and creamy. It's not, yes, very, very similar to that. But there is an almost cheesy frosting on the top, like a cream cheese frosting as it were. Yes, and though we're not filled with any cream-filled any cream filled filling, it almost feels in your mouth as if it is.

The pastry is so crisp, is so well-cooked and buttery, it almost just melts in your mouth like cotton candy, and it's very delicious. You feel a warmth in your stomach and almost a happiness. And you know that it's, you imagine from looking at it, what is Marcus told you,

that the effects aren't fully going to happen until you fall asleep, but so far you're pretty happy with it. And then there were four. Would anyone else like a piece? No, none for me, Professor. Thank you. I'll write them, no thank you. It's very, is it good? Oh, it's delicious.

It's very delicious. Well, I'll write down all of my observations, and I'll just, I'll pull out my notebook, and I'm not writing down. By this time, I've taken the tanker that's sitting in front of Sarnax, I've begun to consume his beverage. You see, as he raises his hand, he says nothing, but shortly after the hunched over elderly gentleman behind the bar, hobbles his way over and he slaps down additional tankards.

Those who that haven't had anything to drink yet now have two next to you. He sees that you've taken Sarnax. You now have an additional two next to you. Oh, boy. All right. Well, thank you, good sir. Appreciate it. This podcast is brought to you by our Patreon.

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Just try to get the attention of the barque. It is now Aric. Yep. Do you happen to have any rice wine by any chance? Let me look. Nope. I didn't think so, Conno. Okay.

I'll just go back to setting else. You're good with the wine I've got, though. That's pretty good, Connick. No, just try. Give it a try. Women in Borovia, I mean, you must simply try everything here. I try the wine. Do I like it?

You like it. And he walks away. I love it. I like this guy. Now that we have all assembled, I believe we should speak to the women that are currently listening to our conversation. Perhaps take our drinks and join them at their team. Only for our host here who has purchased these drinks for us is all right with that.

Are you looking to have stories told to you, lies spewed into your ears? Don't look at me like that. You know I'm not lying. and all three of them start to giggle. They're storytellers, their flights of fancy. Do you want facts? Do you want truth? Yes, of course. They're not the women you want to talk. So you're just a man. Is that right?

I don't know a lot of things. But that's which I do know, I will tell it to you straight. Well, I know that you're probably very interested in what this gentleman has to say, and we should definitely hear him out. But wouldn't you also like to hear a bit of the local... folklore. Sounds like stories might be a great collection of what you're looking. Of course, and I'm sure I would love to talk to those ladies that are presently listening to us, but we just sat down.

He has a very large head. I like you. You think you would let me wear it? Probably not. You're too short. We're sharing drinks with our new friend here. I'd love to learn all you have to regale us about Borovia. How, so I'm curious, how do you deliver messages by raven. Twice so far as if someone has known about our existence and then

deliver the message by a bird and a letter just trunks from the sky. That was not one of us, Brent. What letters have you received? Well, we've received... Can I inside check him? Please.

Well, this one very recently from just... 14. He seemed to be honest, damn. Just an hour ago, from Koleon Indirovich Bergamaster. It's at the mention of this name that you see his face fall for a second before he's able to regain his composure.

Do you mind if I see this lit? Of course. And I'll kind of give Shepard like a nod. You said that you received this an hour ago. Yes. What were you doing at the time? Sorry. We were.

We were in the street. Yes, we were walking from town. We're approaching the village of Borovia. Is this one of yours? Not Phil Nebara's. We would not do that to you. You pay us lots of men. He looks at the Bistani for a moment.

It is not one of them. What do you mean? One of the, I mean, it's a letter from Bodomaster. This is not my father's signature. Your father? This is not his right. Wait, wait, what? Mr. Eastmark, are you saying you're a burgomaster yourself?

He's about three days ago, yes. Oh, this is very curious. What are the arts? Yes, no. I don't think it is old. I think it is a plan. What do you mean? A plan.

So you're saying that this does not come from Koryan in Dirovich, Burger Master? Kornian. Kornian. KOL. Y. Koliang. By saying that quickly, Kulian. No, but it is fine. Kulian.

We'll have to work on my Berovian accent. I apologize. So, do you know anything of this? Then who is this Irene Koleana? That is my sister. My adopted sister. And has she truly been afflicted by an evil so deadly that even good people of our village cannot protect her?

It says right here that she laying. from her wound and that your father will have us saved from this menace. There is truth hidden among the lies in that part, but it is not from my father, sir. Where shall we go to uncover the lies? To Irene? Where does she? How far is it to here? It is but near 10 to 15 minute walking from here.

Are you not concerned? about your family, given the falsity of this letter? No, I am very concerned. But there is not much I can do when the devil's trod sends messages to adventurers in our land. You think that it was the countess that sent this? You said it was delivered by ravens.

Yes, that's right. They serve the countess. Is she trying to floss? It lines up. You said you had another letter. Yeah, I mean, zero free. You've been a huge health.

Let me just look in all of my things. Anyway, I pulled me, I pulled a ladder out and hand it to her. I don't know if I had any year. It seems that you have been invited for dinner. Either she knew that you had arrived

or it's by her grace that you are here in the first place. out of character, was there a date or a meet me at this time for dinner on the letter? It was just a meet me. Whenever you're feeling it. Yep. Okay. Now, now, I'm sorry, sir.

It sounds almost like you're asking, but don't want to ask for us to go check on your family. I am not asking for you to check on my family. So be it. If you believe with this letter, one of these letters, Multiple of these letters have come towards us from this devil you speak of. And we've been invited to dinner. What's stopping us from just going and talking to this person? Nothing.

I'm sure she would be quite pleasant should you decide to dine at Castle Graveloft. There wasn't any kind of an RSVP, a date, a time. No, absolutely no. Well, my intention was that we would arrive and they probably have servants that we could at least announce our presence. I mean, she did the invitation seem very warm. As I've said, you could dine if you like. I do not know that she would be anything but hospitable to new blood. Well, I am very perplexed by this letter.

But I can say, if you received that letter an hour ago, it was not from my father. My father has been dead for three days. How did he die? What he means to say is we're so sorry for your loss. Yes, oh yes, of course, of course. Thank you. I meant to ask, how did he die? A weak heart is how he died.

My sister has been visited near nightly by the devil's throat, wounds appearing on her body. and her continence weakened. The worry for her has been deteriorating the health of my father. Three days ago, he passed. Since then, Stroth has not come to visit, Elena. But I worry for her. So I drink to drown my worries. While she is in our home, I believe she is at least safe,

but she's afraid to leave. and with only her we are unable to move my father's body she weeps for it at all right all right this isn't red I mean we can't this gentleman needs our help

we can't just sit here and talk about I'm sorry about being presumptuous but I don't understand why this person that you refer to as a devil would use trickery to lure us into something that you're clearly telling us is fake I'm willing to help you out.

It sounds like you could use it. And I don't want anybody's family suffering while we're just sitting here having drinks. Irene will be fine for the evening. I will return home soon and I will keep her safe. But if you do want to help, we do need to have the body of my father moved to the church. How soon is soon?

Can we go with you? Tomorrow in the day. We should be ideal. It is not always. It is not always safe to travel at night. Yes, no, we should certainly sleep. So please, hopefully it does not offend, but we need to know before we do this. Why are you no longer a burgomaster as of three days ago the same day of all the day?

No, I became a burgomaster. Oh, you became a burgomaster. It's a title. As of, yes. Did you replace your father? That is the way that lineage works here in Peru. So, okay. Hence the name is lesser

because my father was so much great. This is very curious. So, Pollyan Indirovich was his name. And burgomaster was his title. It was. What are there roles or responsibilities that a burgomaster carries out? He is the leader of the town. Oh.

It's a leader of the town. It's not the Countess. And now you're the leader of the town. So it would seem. but these are huge shoes to fill. It will take me time. I will get me. Once morning,

is it? But until then, Arick, another round. And you will join us. I will provide you a map and he hands you the map of Borobia. And he points out the house that you see. Well, I certainly would

love to help your sister, of course, or turn to us. This would be an opportunity to learn more about Stradanya, to learn more about the dark magics of this land, and to get full access to a Boroviian estate. It's a rare opportunity on our second day. It wouldn't abuse our hospital. No, of course.

And with your permission, of course, we would, would you mind me just taking a look around from my research? A roll of your relationship, check. New. Six, six. I'm not quite sure that Irene and I would be open to you, great thing about our home and upending our drawers. We have no intention of looting and pillaging.

We shall get a good night's rest unimpaired by the alcohol that is being served and arise in the morning to join you and your sister to retrieve the body of your father. that would be much appreciated should you be willing to help. Of course. I agree on my mind no more than I do, but my heart is heavy with the sadness of the loss of my father and whatever horrors have been happening to my sister in the evening. Thank you for allowing us to assist you.

I will meet you at my home whenever you choose to join me tomorrow. If I'm saying we're getting an early start. I will be up early. I have ledgers to look through my father's documents. Shall we get some rest? I believe we must speak with the women behind us. I am interested in the local folklore. Usually there is truths to be found in between the lives and in the legend.

So I suppose we could. Do you mind if we have a chef with these fine ladies? Please. I will just drink a bit more and I will see you tomorrow. Thank you. It was lovely to meet all of you. And I hope that, though tonight has seemed a little bit doubt, that you find your stay in Borobia, as happy as it can be. greatly appreciated.

Yes, thank you for a lot of time. Happy or not, I fear we will be here for some time. Then you may want to stock up on dream pastries. I promise they will help at night. We'll see how tonight to go. I guess we'll often get up and just move like a table. Scree? You can pull the chairs, I don't hear creaking even before you get up as

The Vastani women bring five more chairs closer to them. Hello. As promised. We are listening to you, so we knew you were coming. Straightforward, I suppose. Yes, it is our end. We do what we want. Fair enough, of course.

What do you want to know? So you are... You have questions. You are Vastani. Yes. Well, I've heard tales of your people. and how you're able to travel to Barovia almost with ease. Every legend that I've heard has been from the mouth of Obisani.

Well, yes, of course. We can go in the mouth of Barovia as we please. How? Because Stadania will set. So it's only by the will of the countess that you get to Barovia? Well, yes, of course. How else would you get... Well, Evistani could bring you?

Did you come with Evistani? what was their name? Why didn't they not tell me you were going to be here? No, but our friend Connor here met a group of Estonis. Oh, you did? Where? Where was it? It was a mattress. He was not here. Oh, I see. What were their names? I don't recall. I don't believe I asked.

Well, that is very rude. You should ask me, You cannot tell a proper story if you do not have the names of the players involved. That's right. Any, any of these don't know that. And what are your names? Well, I'm Alenka. It's lovely to meet you. This is my sister Mirabelle.

And this all and one over there. Keep staring at your horn and friend, the Sorvilla. Much of life. I have you to meet you. I'm great. I think you. Uh, yes. Yes, Professor Clayton Azran from Miss Harrow University.

That is a fake name, I'm pretty sure with it. Well, I assure you it's not. What? However, this brings Stephanie to the curious. That means we stumbled here to Borovia from... Are we in Strigger currently? No, you're in Borovia. So there's a different land, a different continent.

It is Borovia. You are in a valley between two mountains. Not these mountains. Two are. I understand that, but what I'm struggling to comprehend. But you could be for a small feat. Is that we were in Shriga and we found a church and we stumbled through this doorway full of mist. And then as we walked through, it was almost as if we were transported through the mist.

Oh, that sounds so scary. Too burrowy. You know what these could use? a campfire and everyone around it and some music. Oh, tambourines. It all sounds lovely, yes. Yes. Keep going.

Well, I'm just, perhaps it's an island. Are we on an island? A valley. A valley. Yes. Do I need to say it two more times? No, no, no. That is sufficient.

Interesting. It'll start jogging it's, um. How big? Yeah. I say that they travel at the leisure of the countess. That is what I'm wondering. You can just traverse here. Of course.

We have our wagons, and we have horses, or we could walk if we want to. But we just walk through the gates and out into Strigger. So there are gates within Shrigger? Of course. I see. Do all of them lead to Shrigga? Yes. Are you familiar with the country makeup, Shrida?

No, I personally haven't been. I run these in, so I have to be here for travelers when they come. But I do hear tales from my brothers and my sisters. It is drear and it's full all kinds of interesting people, kind of like each one of you. Oh, you know who would love to meet you? I bet Madam Eva would love to meet you. She is our matriarch.

She tells fortunes. I bet she knows why you're here. I bet she could tell you what her purpose is. Stop staring at him. He's not going to get any prettier. Forgive her. She doesn't seem like you often. No, none of a fair to take.

No worries. He enjoys the intention, frankly. So this Madame Eva... Keep staring at him then he likes him. This Madame Eva. Is she in the village? well. Oh, she is, how you say, you travel outside of town as if you were heading toward Volaki,

but you will come to a fork in the road, one that takes you to Fair Falls, T-S-E-R. And on the way, you will find her entanglement there. She is the biggest tent, so you will not visit. You can meet some more of my brothers and my sisters. She sounds very interesting. They are the ones that travel. So, if you have questions about Strida, they would be the ones to ask, because they've been. I do have many questions.

The one that you met, they might even be there, if they're back from their travels. That would be interesting, isn't it? We would have needed to outrun me, but... Well, they have lions. Were you on foot? Because we have wagons. And stupid horses that shit every... and they don't do what we say. And we spent an entire night in that devilish house.

No offense. Which house did you spend the night in? The evil house up on the hill. It was undistroarer where the evil courts have devoured. Oh, you spent the night in this house. Oh, I am surprised you made it out. That's it first. Well, congratulations.

Eric, a round of drinks for those that survived. Did you have any friends that you lost? I mean, I'm so sorry. Did you have any friends? By the grace of Garex all five of us survived. Yes, by the Greeks of whatever that is. How often do individuals venture into that house lured by the false appearance of children? Oh, there were children that lured you in there.

That is really unfortunate. After, they were starved to death by the cult that lived there. Is that what was making that awful creepy? Why are you getting so mad? I'm not yelling at you. What is your problem, your little lizard man? Forgive. It's been a rough day.

I can imagine if you survived that house, then you are probably on edge, so I will not take offense to whatever the hell that was. I will say, I don't know much about that house, so don't go anywhere near it. I know that stupid people who come in who have no idea about the layout,

and don't bother to come by the inn first so we can warn you not to go there. They just immediately go and start investigating things. They have no mind and stuff. investigating it, oftentimes probably die there. But they couldn't tell you how often, because if they die there, I never met them. I think I've met maybe 10, 10, 8 people, people, groups that have survived there. We made a mistake.

It's not one of them willing to make more than once. What is this mistake? Horned one. The mistake is exactly what you said. We rushed ahead and not knowing what we were. doing and we were lured into that house by creatures that took the form of two poor children. Yes, these small babes that used to live in that house. If only their souls were laid to rest.

I was just about to say, yes, we, fortunately, that was the single good act we were able to do in that cursed house is we didn't lay them to rest. You did. Do you mean it? Well, it appeared as if we did, yes, we found that... We found that remains and we laid them to rest in their family print. We have thought about doing it ourselves, but you know, we are storytellers, not fighters, so we could not venture in.

But it had been a heavy weight on my heart. He thought that those two poor babes were not able to find peace. This is a good thing you have done. Eric, another round, please. It was the least that we could do once we realized the predicament that we were in and what that God's forsaken house was doing to those four children. It is horrible what their parents did to those poor children. Agreed.

But it sounds like you have at least accomplished some good in that God's forsaken residences. I hope. Did we end the curse on the house? No, the curse on that house is eternal. You can burn it to the crown as many times you like. It will rise again. the creature and it renewed, but the children, you have done right by them. That's the important thing.

So we just stay far from it. We don't go there, and when we have visitors, we always tell the queens. Do not travel the wolf way. You will get the bite, and you won't like it. Is the house controlled by the countess? No, she hates the house. She hates the people who used to live in the house. As I recall, she murdered quite a few.

She did. She did. You see, sometimes she likes to entertain guests. She'll send invitations out and then, well, you've gotten one because we were listening. And, you see, she likes to entertain people. And sometimes the cultists would think, oh, she wants them dead. We'll take them. We'll kill them.

That's not what the countess wanted. She just wanted them to experience Farovia at its finest. So she killed them because they were killing the innocents. So just swift justice? Yes. Yes. A bit to come in as opposed. It is a hair land and they were a stain on the land.

It is fair. I would be expected from a powerful war loss to she. I'm more than anyone leading in truth, justice. I have no qualms with children getting caught up in hellish dragon fire. but those only that sounds like really bad stuff those only

that are associated with true evil those who true children had done nothing they were not wicked we have done good how could that place ever be planned I don't know

that is a question for someone that's not me Well, perhaps, Kana, as we learn more, maybe we will find some way to cleanse that place. But it sounds like the Countess at least has some kind of moral compass if she felt the need to enact justice upon those foul people. We'll learn more at the residents of the Indirovich's tomorrow morning. Looking to the bottom of all of us. You are going to try to help Arina? Yes.

I'm sure you have heard most of our plan. We heard all of your plan. Well, then? I just wanted to see if you were going to confirm. From a native Barovia, have us our plan to check out? Is it sound like a good plan? Well, it sounds like it's something you're going to do. Yes.

I don't know if it's something you will succeed. Or something we should do. Well, you laid to rest the tiny babes, and now you want to help. The poor beautiful maiden, it sounds kind of in character, yeah. Do you nervous, I mean? Not personally. I've seen her hair and there. She's very pretty, but I don't stop to her.

She's not one to frequent places where Elbow serves. She's much more high-tee kind of lady. I see. She kind of looks like you. She's not in the face, but in the clothes, how it's like dark, and like not full of clarity. But if you made color in it, then you would look great.

Well, I'll certainly keep that in mind. No, you won't. Okay. What do you make of the wounds that she indulge? What? The wounds. Oh, those are from Sturdania. What kind of wounds are they?

Do you not know who Stradania is? Only by name. No, just that she was, oh, is a powerful warlord, conquered great lands and created the land of Barothia. It's hard to keep all stories that were here in Shrey. I love stories.

I could tell you another one if you want to put it in your head. We would like to hear it, yes. The truth story, you know, truth is just really subjective. So anyway, let me tell me this story, okay? But Damia is the young dead.

You know, like a vampire. What? Yes. You did not know this. Like a vampire like Nosporus. Now, now. Who's that? Is that a powerful one in Friga?

It's an ancient undead creature. I've never heard of it. Please keep in mind. We've been told. But not all this is true. And most of it's probably just stories. Weren't you the one saying that we're not going to jump to conclusions here? You know.

Vivistani are friends of the context. If anyone knows what she is either, Is Mark is Lady Stratania a vampire? Yes or no? Yes, she's a vampire, dolly. See? I do not tell you why. Well, of Barovians know the tables throughout is a vampire.

That doesn't necessarily mean anything. Haven't you met one before. They're not all mean. They're not all bad. Those are horrible stories that people tell. I wasn't sure they really existed. Have you been a real? As a vampire?

I can't say that I have. No, I have not. Well, it certainly explains things. Some of the legends that I've read are seemingly ancient, at least 100, 200 years old, centuries old. And she's still alive and well. I assume maybe she found some magical artifact or just her innate power. The weave is willing her to, to, to still live, but on death,

certainly explains it. But you are her friend. You personal. I don't. It's not like I've like sat down in dinner with her. Like she's never given us an invitation to promote. But I do know that some Vistani have made their way up to the council

and they've had dinner and she's been really nice and she lets us go in now to Pramia as we choose. And she's never been anything but okay. Hey. So she's a good friend to have. Yes, for me. Excellent. Thank you.

That is very useful. You know, that actually raises a good point. We don't know how we got in, and we don't know how we're getting out. Oh, you can't get out. Well, excuse me? Well, you would, I mean, I guess you could get out, but you have to ask, Sturdania for permission first. You can't get out.

that unless she says it's okay. Well, then we have to go meet her for dinner. Perhaps we can grant her favor. And you cannot get into the castle unless you have an invitation. But it looks like you already have one, so you're okay there. So you could just say, like,

please, can I leave? And she might see it. I guess I don't understand what you mean by tanks. I mean, besides, not really knowing the way, is that it? No, if you try to walk through the mists, It will kill you, like completely dead, like BED dead, completely gone.

So you mean to tell me... You could maybe go like 10 feet into them and then you would be dead. That were trapped here. Yeah. I literally, Eastmark told you, you should really try the drain pasteries. It can be a little hard for people once they realize what they're into. I assumed he meant that he couldn't leave because he lives a harsh life, not in a literal sense that he can't live. No, he literally can't leave.

I can leave, though. Perhaps we grant the favor of the Masonian if we can't. Correct. Why don't you take us out of here? No, because you don't have permission from Stradania, so I could bring you in. I could not take you out. And you don't find this even just a little alarming. Well, I must admit, I had to do quite a bit ago that we probably couldn't leave for normal means anyways. I thought that was obvious.

No, not even just normal means. If you are a magic user, I think, you can't teleport. You can't do anything to get out because... It's not even magical. No. Well, uh... You belong to your thoughts.

Perhaps in the moment. Well, that is very good to know. I'm sure that we'll gain her favor. She seemed like a very good friend, Shepard. So don't you worry. We'll find our way out. We still have plenty of time in this expedition. We should learn as much as we can, and through our travels and adventures, we'll make great friends of this contest.

I do not know about the rest of you all, but I agreed upon this journey, knowing that very well I may never return. So I'm the only one who may have signed up for what I didn't think I was signing up for. Well, you knew it would be very dangerous, certainly. I didn't know that we were teleported to some magical place that we couldn't leave. I just deduced that once we were in here that we couldn't leave. If the doc finds out about this, and I assure you he will. If I ever make it back to Yona, he is going to beat me senseless. Well, hopefully, could I write a letter to help with that?

No, thank you. Could I pay you extra? I'll give you a bonus. I'll give you all a bonus. How does that sound? Gold isn't going to help us when we're dead. Well, we won't. We simply won't die.

It's as easy as that. You know, I hope that works for you. It doesn't normally work for you. most people, I would say, because if it worked for me, I would say Alenka, you will not die, and I never would. Well, we will all eventually die, but I mean,

right now, right here, we will not die in Borovia. We will all get home to our respective homes, and it'll be just fine. This is still an expedition. You're all still working for Ms. Howler University. Indeed, I want to remind everyone about that.

Indeed. And just because we don't have a present way out, doesn't mean we won't give out. I think tempers have gotten high. Perhaps it's best we all retire. Yes, I agree. Like cooler heads prevail in the morning. Fine. What more can you tell us about the pastry?

I'm not anything more than I think he's smart. I told you. It'll make your dreams great. And maybe you'll forget for a moment that you're stuck in Rovian. You can never leave. I look forward to experience again. It is great.

I buy them on the kids. but they are a little pricey, and we haven't really had many people saying it being lately, so. Well, no, I would like if some of us didn't eat the picture. I will not. And then if you can tell me your experiences, we could see... I don't think I'll be

partaking either. Okay, well, then I'll have to ask you how your sleep was in the morning. Fantastic. All right, well, good night. It was lovely meeting all of you. It was lovely meeting you. It was lovely meeting you. Especially the one with you horns. Ah, yes.

He's very dashing, isn't he? No, not at all. He's kind of creepy-looking in a very interesting way. I think it's quite true. We like this strange and unusual. Humans are plenty. Well. This one's a little too much.

But he is the perfect. Too much. Have a lovely evening, ladies. We will be here all night. But next. Don't forget to stop by. And if you see, Madam Eva, you tell her a length of sent. you and that I let you know of where she was.

She's not going to care, but maybe she'll stop fine. Of course. Thank you so much. You're welcome. If you have any other questions, we'll be here and they'll probably have fly and have through. Bye. Thank you for your stories. Any time.

I'm sure this will not be the last we meet. I sure hope not. Good night. Lock your windows, by the way. It will. Great. Good night. Good night.

Let us go upstairs, I think. Agrees. So we'll make our way upstairs. You make your way back to the room upstairs and you begin to get settled down. You lock the windows. The alarm fell that Clayton had prepared before you went downstairs.

It's still in effect. I'll refresh it. You are able to do whatever you'd like to do this evening. Ultimately, before we, we go to bed, I want to use primeval awareness. Doesn't have to be right this minute before we go to bed. Oh my.

If we discuss for a bed. As an action, I can expend one ranger spell slot, one minute per level of the spell slot to sense whether there are any aboricians, celestrians, dragons, elementals, feasts, or undead, present within one mile of me. This feature does not reveal the creature's location or number,

but it tells me the type. It might just like overload my brain and explode it, but I'm going to try before we go to bed. and just see what happens. But we can discuss when we get to... I ask you one more time. Yes. You did not lure us here under false pretenses,

knowing that we could not leave, willingly. Of course not. I knew nothing of that sort. I mean, Barovia is very much a fabled land, but the legends are very sparse and they're cryptic. I knew nothing. I learned word of mist, but never a magical mist that seemingly surrounds,

the whole land. Sarnax, do you see what I'm getting at now? I do, but this is what I expected when I joined this expedition. I mean, look, I got a dangerous line of work I know, in essence, what I signed up for, but I didn't. You are not from Strigger, Shepard. Fair enough? Our land is deeply connected to the shadow, to death. Strange worlds like this one. when we are venturing forth

to departs unknown, it is only natural we face our own mortality and stand the chance of never returning. Well, we got it. We don't have a choice, we're going to. That's right. I agree, we will. I fully intend to, but the risk is high.

The chances of us returning are very slim and getting slimmer by every piece of information we learn, which is why we should all be incredibly careful. and ensure we destroy this evil as quickly as possible. So let's just take a minute here, all right, because I do want to help that kind gentleman down there who bought us all of those beverages. We help him out, and we go right to this countess,

and we get the hell out of here when you have the research that you need. We can prove this place exists. We are here. We have experienced it. We do not need to spend any longer here than necessary, correct? Of course. Of course, we will.

complete the expedition once I have collected enough research to publish papers and eventually write a book, then yes, we will leave. I'll at least feel better once you talk to her and she gives us the blessing of come and go as we please. Unfair? Reasonable? Yes, yes, yes, of course. Absolutely. I need to get back just as much as everyone else. What good am I going to do in here? I need to spread word outside. This exists. I can document all of this. Should we get her blessing

as soon as we help that gentleman downstairs, become and go as you please, you do all the research you want. Sure, yes. Agreed. If that's all for this evening, then I believe that I'll retire in my lovely, cozy corner

over there. And I just like point to like the wood in the corner of the road. I'm sitting cross-legged on the floor and I'm taking out my pastry and I look down on it and break it in half and offer the other half to Victoria. Are you interested?

I've known, but thank you. I find any night that can be dreamless to you. The blessing. And it's a very similar experience to what Clayton experience. It's delicious, strawberry-like creamy, flaky pastry crust.

It's delicious. It's delicious. The other half in my time. Good night. and I'll see you the moment. I'm going to attempt to channel my primordial awareness, so just I'll expend one slot.

You sense undead. Only undead? Only undead. I attempt to fall to sleep after this really being in knowledge. And I'm horrified and sweating bullets. Oh, no. You all lay your heads down

and attempt to find a peaceful sleep. Shepard, it is difficult for you. Now knowing, without a doubt, that there are undead lurking outside within a mile range from you on all sides. Victoria, your thoughts moving back and forth between your religion, your morality, and the life of those children, it makes it hard for you to find respite this evening. I was going to say, so as I lay down, I want to clutch my beads in my hand, and I'm just squeezing them tighter and tighter.

and such suffering for those children, squeezing it just so tight that it's like cutting into my hand. And a small drop of blood trips its way off of your hand as you wound yourself with the force of your faith in this moment as you think about everything that's happened to you this day. Sarnax is able to find sleep. Kana and Clayton, it does not take you long to drift away into sleep.

And you find that your dreams are beautiful, vibrant in color, that the land of Borovia around you is nearly flawless. The sun is out, flowers are blooming. The people that you meet along the streets are happy in freshly tailored clothes. And it is as if the day that has just passed had never happened. You feel powerful and loved. you, Kana, meet up with your master as you skip through the Barovian fields. Clayton, you begin to erect a library of knowledge for the town of Barovia as you send out missives to let the world know of this place that you found.

All of the things that you could possibly dream of are coming to you in your sleep. And you all gain the benefits of a long rest. A little bit of respite. You all find yourselves waking in the morning, awakening in the morning, and none of you feel differently than any others. Aside from the fact that Kana and Clayton, you feel like you got a really deep sleep,

a nice rest. Your dreams were peaceful, happy, joyous. You now understand why people would buy these pastries and consume them, why they could fetch such a high price of a gold apiece, because if you were living through potentially some of the horrors that you've experienced so far in Brobe on a regular basis, it might be the kind of thing you need to get through your month, your day, your week. The rest of you have are wake up normally.

How do you feel? I feel grand. Did you have incredible dreams? Nothing psychotic. It was very enjoyable. Yes, yes. It was lovely and wonderful dreams all night. How are you feeling, Shepherd?

Undead. You're feeling undead? There are undead. Where? Here in this room? Between me. Within a mile of this place. Oh, a mile could be out in the woods.

Are vampires considered undead? Maybe you're sensing the countess? I don't know. Well, that means... The point is, the more we learn about this place, the more dangerous it seems to me. And I'm sorry that I may be a little on edge. But I haven't dealt with undead before.

We'll talk about monstrosities, beasts. That's the kind of things we find in Yonah. All right. I protect the people and there are livelihoods from wolves and from horrible monsters and beasts. We're talking about creatures that none of us have encountered before. I just wish that seemed a little bit more concerned.

I believe we could be in grave danger and the fact that they are undead. I mean, when we stumbled upon that chapel that led us here, there were seemingly undead beings, animated statues or suits of armor. So there's dangerous magic at foot, but every expedition is right with danger.

I've raided tombs and I've encountered curses and booby traps. Ancient tombs and ancient ruins are full of danger. And I've been it this far. I don't plan for this to be my last expedition. Let's do what we can

to help that gentleman downstairs. Let's get to the countess and make sure that we're all on good terms so we can leave here when we're doing ready. I agree. Are we in agreement? Agreed. The ball meets, Professor, lead the way.

Well, I must conduct my morning ritual. Shall you join me downstairs for some tea? That would be low. You do not have tea here, Professor. Well, I'll provide my own leaves. May I have some tea as well? Are you a tea man? I enjoy root tea if you have it.

I would love some tea. If you're offering. Of course. Let me see if I have any roots. It's mostly leaves, but I can see. And I'll go down, Do you mind, can you boil us some hot water, please? You make your way downstairs and you see that the entire main floor is completely vacant.

The bartender that had been there the night before is no longer there. The three Vistani women are nowhere to be seen. Everything's clean and tidy. Is Mark is no longer in the corner. It's just completely vacant. Seems safe. Gone through. Did we wake up too early?

I mean, we told that man that we were going to be getting a stark, as early as possible, and maybe he just went out ahead of us. I mean, he did tell us to meet us at his stake. Yeah, that's right. I'm sure he been home last night to attend to his sister. So he's probably there now. It's just strange. Or perhaps they don't staff anyone here.

I'm sure they wouldn't mind if we got a fire started in the half. No matter. Let me make myself useful. Oh, well, thank you. I'll go water. Yes, please, make us some tea. And I'll pull out some tea if I have any root tea, but I'll get all the teas out. Sure.

Okay. Yes, I have just the thing for you, Sonax. I think you'll enjoy it. I have not had routine too long. I guess I'll also sit and I will read my book, my style book, and I will drink my tea. And once I'm done, I'll look at the bottom to look at the leaves to do my divination dice. I'll take my tea cup with two hands, kind of cupped under it, and walk towards the door and peek it open and just look outside to see if there's any sign of life.

The door itself is still open the same way it was last night. You look out and the only bit of life that you see is Morgontha, once again, still peddling her dream pastries, occasionally a door opening and someone purchasing something. But other than that, the streets seem to be empty. Perhaps we should purchase several pastries before we venture forth into danger. My exact thought. Why do you feel that way?

I thought you weren't partake. I may not partake, but the gentleman behind the bar insinuated there were properties that could aid us down the line. I believe in searching for the truth between the lie, Shepard. There could be value.

We shall not eat them until we believe we need it. Fair enough. I want to step out and kind of keep the door cracked behind me and I've got the cup of tea in one hand. And if there's like a nearby stick somewhere that I could pick up. I want to spend five minutes just calligraphing into the dirt in front of me as kind of a meditation ritual for the word respect. I will say, sipping my tea and I'm just

collographing you into the dirt. It'll probably take you about 10 minutes or so because the road in front of it's cobblestone. So there isn't much for dirt necessarily here, but I would say you're able to find somewhere in front of the end a patch of grass and you're able to kind of move it around and get a bit of dirt to do it. It won't be as big as maybe you would intend it, but it's a you're able to find a small enough patch to be able to do anything too. I'm kind of bending down, sipping it, controlling my breathing with the pattern of all the swipes to help center myself for the day and as of wrapping up, I'll go back inside. Shall we head out? Let us go. if everyone's ready.

So we'll leave and we'll head down to where, we'll head down to this house right here. Did you want to buy the past shoes? I believe we should at least buy five. Please do. He's the goal. I'm not going to be the gold for it. I'll take the gold pieces.

I'll always go and I'll buy five pastries. I don't know if you'll be any cryptic boards for me. So that's your intention. Yeah, my intention. I'll go with him. You all begin to make your way, down the street. She is, you're at the

inn, she's actually almost at the burgo master's mansion. And you begin to make your way. As a moaning saw floats through the still gray streets, coloring your thoughts with sadness, the sounds flow from a dark

two-story townhouse directly to your left. Crying is consistent, and it does not stop. You walk past. There's something about It sounds so sad. And this is not our destination. Just one of the two-story townhouses.

You look up at it, you see that there's a small flicker of light in the window on the second story. But as in that, you see no movement or lights inside. Perhaps we can ask more gone from about how it is deeply unsettling, and I'm not sure that we should insert ourselves into private affairs. Why would she be... So is it just fine? Yeah, it's a wailing sadness. There is a role, a perception check.

Ooh, baby. I was hoping it was you don't notice anything. The perception is 21. Oh, God. It sounds like a deep, mournful sobbing, someone crying over a lot of sadness. It is, it doesn't sound like a wounded, Ouch, I'm hurt.

I've been stabbed in the side. It sounds like a very, very deep sorrow. And it's loud. Well, Sarnax, before you go buy the pastries, buy one extra, please. I will, of course. You make your way over, and you catch up to her as she's getting ready to knock on the door closest to the burgomaster's mansion.

She turns towards you. Ah, they treated you well last night. You're back for more, then. Yes, good morning, Forganta. Those were quite lovely. Only the professor and I took, but I think we've convinced the rest of the party to enjoy in your pastures.

The nights are long in Borovia. There are many more nights to partake. How many would you like? Originally, we were going to purchase it five. We would like to purchase one more for the weeping that we are hearing inside of this home, do you know who lives there?

Oh, poor Mary. Do you know what happened? I could guess. But that's not for me to tell you. It's her story to tell not mine. But the poor thing hasn't left her house and I've knocked many a ton

trying to get her to purchase a pastry would make her feel better. I promise you that. But she locks herself away. her sorrows. Only time will cure. She counts out six. Separate bags are all in the same.

Separate. More work for me. She begins to fold the parchment paper over them and you see a medium-sized burlap sack that she begins to put all the individually wrapped dream pastries

into and she handed you. Sex gold coins, please. You very much, and I'll be here all day. We may be more. I will make sure to bake more should I need. Very well. Let us join the professor in the others. Thank you, for government.

And I'll follow them back to the Greens. Do you hear what you mean? We have all of them procured. I shall stash them away in a safe place. Well, I think before we go, I would like to offer the six to the wailing woman in this house. Her name is Mary. We have just learned that from Bogota. Oh, you asked about her?

I did. She said she was weeping over something treacherous, but she did not want to show one. All right. We'll knock. We'll knock. We need to proceed. No, of course. I don't want to delay us.

but it's... She may not answer. Your hesitations, Shepherd, have put me on edge, and I just want to make sure that these strange happenings, we learn that we can from them, and we don't just turn a blind eye. All right. Say the word.

What is not? I'll go and knock. You make your way up the front steps towards this two-story townhouse, and you extend your arm to knock on the door, and as your knuckles find, purchase on the rotting wood, the door creaks open, and the sound of the wailing amplifies. You look peer into the darkness of the room in front of you, and it looks well kept a little old,

and you can tell that whoever lives here doesn't have exorbitant amounts of money, but this merry person seems to be well-to-do enough that they can afford furnishings, the trappings, to adorn this house, but the wailing itself continues. Towards the very back, you see a stairwell that winds itself up towards the second floor. Well,

we shouldn't just let ourselves in. Agreed, Professor. Thank you. Victoria, take this down. Dear Madam, we've heard your sorrowing whales and we feel dreadful.

We are new here. And we've left this pastry in hopes that it might in some small, tiny way. It is as you were saying this, that you see a head peek down from the stairwell as you're staring. Who's here?

Oh. Mary, is that you? Who are you? Oh, hello. Do you have her with you? Oh, have whom? Have whom? My daughter. Did you bring her back to me?

Do you have her? No, is your daughter missing? What are you doing you? What do you want? We'd like to give you this. And I'd hold of a fact. We don't need to intrude, but your whales we could hear from the street. No. Was I offending you with my sorrows?

Certainly not. We just didn't wish you to. Come in, shut the door behind you. Of course. Don't have the voice to yell at you from here. Come on, then. And you hear the creaking of the floorboards as she walks across the floor upstairs.

So did she go back upstairs? She just peeked down over the stairs to yell at you for opening her door. I kind of awkwardly look at everybody. I'm like, mm-hmm. Shall we? Oh, uh, yes. I can learn much here.

I find it interesting that a child is missing, and those children were also, used the evil house and there is something afoot in this foul village I will follow I'll make our way up I'll leave the door cracked

and follow up and I'll completely close it so we'll proceed upstairs you make your way up the stairs every sound of footfalls echoing throughout the entirety of this house the creaking of the old wood beneath your feet almost

you can almost feel in the hit of your chest or in the deep within your chest is you make your way up you see that this is a small wooden hallway that leads to what appear to be two rooms one of the doors is open and you can see sitting in the middle of this room at first hard to tell but the woman that you saw mary she is huddled over rocking back and forth holding something sobbing as low loudly she possibly can. And as you look around, you see portraits on the walls.

A woman, the faint resemblance to marry, a smile on her face, color in her cheeks, happiness in her expression, and a child. Not really a child. More of a teenage girl, beautiful,

dark hair, curly, brilliant smile. She peer into the room, you see the four-poster bed that is against the wall. The Kana and Victoria, you can see this,

clearly the adornments of a teenage girl dresses and figurines and things that are akin to her personality. And sitting on the rug in the very center is Mary, and she cries.

Ma'am, I'm sorry. I don't mean to be presumptuous, but what happened? Why have you? Oh, dear, you come to bring treats. Do you have a word of her? She reaches up at you, and you see that she quickly moves one of her hands behind to hide something at her side.

Do you have a word of my dear Gertruda? No, no, of course not. We're just passing through, but if you can tell us what happened, maybe we can, maybe there's something we can do. Roll up with station check. Oh, geez, Louise. We have three. I got a three.

She looks up at you for a moment and you see the tears streaming down her face and her expression begins to soften a little. Her mind is so needed here. My darling, my daughter, my daughter, Gertrude, it was just the two of us, you see. My husband having died

all the ago. And I've kept her safe in this room, given her everything. she could have possibly wanted. Everything. Dolls, toys, the finest of bed linens. She looks between

Connor and Victoria. Young girls. A quizzical. About a week ago, she left. I woke in the morning and I found her window open and she was gone. And you must know the force

of this land. You must know that my 15-year-old daughter cannot survive. in this land. Does it seem like she left on her own volition? Yes. She was so curious about that.

She stands up and she walks towards the windows and she looks out. Come here. I'll let me. And as you look out the window, you see for the first time that towering above the city of Borovia on the cliffs of the mountain, an enormous castle. Raven Lovic. She's always wanted to go.

She's wanted to experience the grandeur of a countess. And I told her it was not safe. And my sweet baby, she went. I know she went. And it has been a week, and she has not returned. What was she invited? She was not. At least not that I know.

This feud of the castle was magnificent. I should have put her in the other room. I should have known not to give her such a view the folly of a mother do you mind if I look around I do not Can I assist you? Are you going to find her for me

And she reaches out and she grabs your hand You look capable You all look so strong Would you look Are you going to the castle? I don't want to promise anything But yes we absolutely intend to head to the castle We've been invited

And we need to go speak If you go, would you please? He's asked the countess about my daughter, about my one moment. I have something to her, and she gets her and she runs away. I don't see why... Well, I... I mean, if we're going anywhere, we might as well see if she's all right. I agree, and we have business to attend to unless I forget, but we'll keep an eye out.

Well, yes, the businesses we meet with the counties that we get out of here. She's not a victim yet, as we know of. If you make your way to the castor, I have something. It is Katrina's face. favorite possession, surprise position. Would you take it with you and show it to us as she knows that Mommy sent you and that she's, that I miss her and I love her and she needs to come home?

It's the least we can do. We're going there anyway. Her dolly. Her dolly. Her Blinsky dolly. Please. The dog. Then this is she will know, she'll take us as proof that you sent us. Yes. It is a custom door. Well, we will. We have business there in the castle in the next several days.

We'll keep an eye out for her. If we see her, and if she's there, we'll pass along the message. If you need anything, please let me know. Does this look familiar, this type of doll to the doll that we saw inside the house? Roll a roll an intelligent check, see if you would make that connection. I didn't, I got four. It looks, it's really creepy. Actually, Victoria roll a perception check.

That is a 21. Nice. My first role, my new dyes. Boom. Big roll. You are casually, you are casually looking over it. You're possessed. No, you're casually looking over the doll.

And you notice that there is a, that there is a tag on it. It says, it's no fun, it's no Blinsky. And it seems to be a hand-sown tag that appears to be a custom doll, more than likely a one of the kind. Or is no fun, is no Blinsey. It's definitely not Blinsky, is Stephanie Blinsky. No Blinsky.

They'll certainly take this with us. It's a beautiful doll. I want to help the professor investigate the room, trying to gently like turn over like look under her pillow or like around the frame of the window and see if there's any hints as to why she might have escaped her if she had like a diary or anything like that I just wanted to yeah I want to see if there's any evidence of her being taken roll an investigation check at advantage so 19 25 um with the help of kana you're able to make your way around

the room while Mary is confiding in Victoria, Sarnax, and Clayton. And you are able to look about you. You don't find any teenage diary or musings, but you are able to see that the bed seems to be the linens of the bed were turned back, that looking through the drawers, you're able to see that it looked like there had been some packing that had been done. And looking through the window, there doesn't appear to be. any forced entry from everything that you can tell as long as this room has remained untouched or unobstructed, not unampered with, it appears that it was a willing, that she left willingly.

Well, Mary, there's your name. Yes. Forgive me for asking a question that may seem offensive potentially. What is the Countess Shreda Ghania's reputation with the young women in this village? You would have to be more specific. Is there a common theme? Men, women, it doesn't matter. I see.

All are enchanted by the power of the vampire. Are there any instances of anybody else going up there and not coming back? Yes. Like regularly? Exactly. Yeah. Make it sound it was quite a common occurrence. Indeed.

What is so appealing about the Countess, I may ask, that inspires young, men, women, maybe people of all ages to go up to Council Raven? She's charming. She is exquisite. She has money and she throws out of shardies and vaults. everything a 15-year-old girl would strive to be. Well, please do not worry. She's probably having some regular teenage fun up there in the castle,

especially with such a powerful and well-to-do patron. But it is the travel to the castle that fears me just as much. The Swollock Woods are not safe. Swallick? S-V-A-L-C-H. That's really cool. It's lovely, do you know much about them?

Can you heed us any warnings? They're dangerous. Stay to the past as much as you have. We don't mean to be out of line. We're just not from around here. I can tell. We don't have many like your kind here. And she looks between you and Sarnax.

I just do Sarnax, like a knowing look. You'll be fine. that most of those that reside here will not be as pleasant to you as I have been. But I could see from your words when you first came in that you have a good heart somewhere in there.

We are used to the treatment and we'll be all right, but we appreciate your kind words and your morning. Please just get her back. We'll do what we can. I am going to ask a similar question Do I frighten you? No.

Nothing could fear me more than the loss of my catruder. You are. Nothing compared to the war that has been in my heart for the past week. I can't sleep, I think, of everything that could happen to her. It seems, Shepard, is that we are not close to the level of horror that haunts this land. Perhaps you will find people that are unfazed. power of appearances. That would be a welcome change.

In some regard, of course. Let us still be cautious. Of course, see. With optimism, if you can just hang on a few more days, I'm going to urge the professor to get to the castle as quickly as possible. We have our invitation. Hobie, I would not leave me because she would not know where to go.

If I was not here, she wouldn't know where to go. Don't go anywhere. Yes, we will return. We will. And we do have business to take care of, But as soon as that business is done, we will head straight to the cast. I give you my word. Thank you.

Please. I've given him my word. We would do that very thing. I have a pastry. And I walk up to her calmly, just looking down at the pastry, and I bowed to her and I offer it. I don't have the coin to be it. We have purchased this for you. Please take this gift and hope that you have many.

restful nights as we strive to find your daughter and return her to your safe. And I just wait for her to take it. Gage some strength for when she returns. Thank you. She reaches out and she grabs the pastry from you. You're too kind. Hi. One thing.

And she moves to the side and rummishes around a small foot locker at the front of the bed. And she pulls out a small sack. and she hands it to you. It's not much. If it can help in recovering my doctor, then I'm willing to pay it. I just look at him. No, no, you don't need you pay us.

Of course not, no. It's not coin. Oh, what is it? Take a look. There are two potions of healing. Oh, sure. Thank you, this one. So if you find her wounded,

no, is it I sent those to heal. her. Or if you find your thoughts wounded on the journey, but I'll keep you healthy enough to get to my sweet darling, my sweet darling, my true. Thank you, Mary. If I may ask what is... Sorry, my dogs.

Down the stairs. That's... Visitors frightened them. If I may ask, what is your family name? It's been a long time since anyone's asked. Moronovich. But most around town know me as Mad Mary. So you can just tell them that Mad Mary sent you on a journey.

Indeed. We actually have, no, it's, I don't think we've heard that name yet. Speaking honestly, you haven't been here very long, but no one has said ill of you. I enjoy the illiteration. With me, your first name and your last name. Thank you. Sir, if we find your daughter, whether or not the health potions are still full, a renewing power of the fire lord will heal her and corporize her wound.

What my friend here means to say is that we're going to make sure she's all right. One way or another, if we find her, we will return her to you. Yes, he's a very capable healer, is what he intended to say. Did I not just say that? Well, in different words. perhaps. He is lucky to be traveling with the both of you. I did not understand what he was trying to tell me,

but now I think I fully comprehend your man. Thank you. We'll make her me. We'll be in touch. Please. Please. Just bring her back to it. Good day.

I give her hand a squeeze and I walk out. We've sorrowful soul. We're outside, right? I hand the two. potions of healing that Professor Clayton. No, you take one and sonax, you take the other, please. I have much of saw that. Both of you are, at least in the combat we've seen in the

house of the dead, I believe, she said, the death's house itself. You both are more likely to be in the thick of it than we are. Thank you, Professor. I think that this unsettles me more than most. Why is that? And I'm walking. to where.

Yes, we're walking to. You make your way down the stairs and out of, out of the house. You close the door softly. You begin to hear the weeping again, but it sounds as loud, the wailing a little less fervorish. As you feel that there is now hope in her soul, though the sadness remains. But you are able to shut the door and the sound nearly. stuffs itself out completely as you begin to make your way down the cobblestone road towards the largest house at the end of the way, the burgomaster's mansion.

Does there seem to be a running theme to children? She was a teenager, I believe. Teenagers still mustn't adults come. There is power in youth. Those of dark magics know that better than you. What do any of you make of this doll? I mean, it's a creepy child's play thing, and there's nothing to make of it. It's just a doll.

Is it bizarre to have a doll as a teenager? I'm not used to such things from where I... While I agree with you that actively using one and partaking with one, and the teen years may be unusual, there's nothing to say that this isn't just some relic of her childhood. Just proof, like we talked about. I see. Proof of her mother.

caring about it. John, to keep it safe. Do you know of the inner workings of the human life? Have you studied it? You've got to unlock its history, so you may teach it and utilize it to your own advantage. My master did not specialize in teaching to be unlocking its own human mind,

but meditation was a very, prominent part of my regiment. If that is what you speak of, then yes. Your own mind, yes. It's important to search those mysteries, but every individual suffers horrible traumas, good with the bad, and perhaps objects that they cling to, and focus on to transition, to give them strength regardless of the age. But, there is a mysterious element here that sits very ill with me. I will say

the castle up on the mountain top, the hilltop. Mountain top. Mountain top, I got it right the first time. The mountain top for all these common folk who cannot even remember their family names,

you have not spent much time, Trigger. It is very familiar to me. And I do not like this countess. I will go where the party decides, but I already do not trust her for power over young men and women, exploiting it well, how. Who knows what enchanting spells she was using? I want to assure that all of us stress caution when dealing with this countess. We may cleanse her daughter of this manipulation and bring her home safe. That is certainly my wish. And the greatest worry of all that is not manipulation, human mind can fool itself. We may have a powerful enemy.

We don't know that yet. And Sarak's, I'm with you, buddy, on all of the weird things that have been going on. but we need to make sure at the very least, when we approach this counts, that we have a good conversation so that she will let us leave. I will not raise a claw to her. Then I will hear her out.

I am not one to play my cards before I have the winning hand, as I believe you Yonin say. You're a good man. You know more than I thought you would have. I prefer to know. what makes every individual mind up. It's like this continued.

And look, Conn, at the end of the day, the doc had knick-knacks and possessions of mine after he salvaged me from what had happened. So it's not unusual that a mother might keep some of those things, right? I mean, look, it's just the way it is. I never thought anything of it, no matter how old I got. But the doc still kept those things. I understand.

Sentimental. It is at this point that you hear a ruckus off to the right-hand side of the thoroughfare or of the main road directly towards the Burgos, the Burgos Master's Mansion. As you look over, you see the cart of Morgantza in front of a two-story townhouse. And she is wrestling with what appears to be a small child. The parents on the other side trying to push at this small boy, is you see as she's trying to take him and shove him into a large burlap sack. He's crying and begging.

The parents are arguing, and Morgantza is laughing. I immediately withdraw judgment. Pointed at her and proceed and then yell, what are you doing? I march after him. So this whole time, since we left, and basically the moment Victoria had me the doll, I wanted to start casting, didn't like magic as a ritual. So while this is happening, I would like to just continue casting the ritual and let them be at it. You...

You immediately pull out judgment. You see as Shepherd says this to you, but he immediately catches us out of the corner of his eye. He finishes his sentence in the same moment he pulls out in judgment, and I will let you get a surprise round. So roll for attack, I guess. No, no, I don't want to shoot her. Oh, you're not going to shoot her. This is purely intimidation questioning tactics of do not. So you see as he lets out judgment and begins to mock forward, his eyes are still on you as he slowly turns, makes eye contact directly with Morgantza.

And what are you doing with the child? The parents cannot pay for the dream pastry so they have traded the child. I will. This is a fair trade. No, that is not a minimum. And you see the two parents looking at the inside. It is actually, yes, we, we've done that. would like the pastries, we are giving

Stefan to Morganda. She can pick him. That was for them, yes? Where I come from, we do not deal in people. Well, then you don't come from Barovia, yes? I want the dream pastries. Morganda take him.

I'll pay, I'll pay the gold, release the child. You'll pay the gold? I will pay the gold. I will pay the gold. Release the child now. Well, Livia, it looks like you get to have Your baseries and your child do.

She begins to pull the child out of the sack and push him towards the door. How much? Then. How much over? Ten. I take the gold out of my pack and I throw in the dirt. Keep the 20. For what?

I'll take it. So hopefully you won't be to trade your child in the near future either. It was not my choice for the child. They want the pastries and they can't pay. Take the gold and get out of here. I'm going to continue to do my job. What were you planning to do with the child? Who do you think makes the pastries?

You do. You did, I thought. Of course, but I need labor. I don't feel that child labor is appropriate. Well, I don't feel your opinion on my job. is worth my time. Thank you for the gold. If you would like more dream pastries,

I'll be up the road. And Livia, you know where to find me. She, like, snarls his little boy, and she pockets the gold, passes her the ten pastries, and begins to walk past you, making eye contact with all of you.

I'm literally just doing my job. Root. Not all jobs. be done. Well, some jobs need to be done. How many children have you employed? Wouldn't you like to know?

Pretty little thing. She reaches out and she taps you on the nose. If you would like to keep your brain within your skull, I can take... I implore you to go along your way as my friend has asked. Who are you to threaten me? Now, come on, we...

to you. We did. The child is safe. Let us continue, please. We have business. Professor, yes. Do you want to play this game in an unknown lizard man? You have your money, please? I just pass. Get going.

He is my employer. I do as he says. Good. Then move along. I believe someone's waiting for you. I believe they are. Goodbye then. Have the parents left already, too? They slam the door

and they're inside. And sweet dreams. And you hear the rickety movement of the cart as it begins to make its way down. Once the cart has left, I will reholster my room. And is the parents that we saw go back into their house?

Is this the house that we're going to? They are, so the house at the very end, they're complete, like, not next to it, but, so the house is surrounded by, like, woods and then along the path the houses start again it's the first house on the right so did they take their child and run back inside yeah they slammed the door right after they were given the patrons immediately go up to the door and start pounding on right behind

no roll an intimidation check i have no charisma seven nose yes the six i got a five i saw what you did come out here the door does not open. But you do see that the curtain on the side of the window. You see a small head peek over. The little boy that had been being shoved into the sack is now

looking at you. You see just the tip of his nose and the rest of his head. And I see that? Young sir, hey, hey, little one, are you all right? Yes, I'm all right now.

Where are your parents? They went upstairs to eat the dream pastries and taken that. Can you tell them to come out here because I'd like to speak with them? We don't have time, Shepherd. I can tell them, but I don't know if they will do it. They might already be sleeping. Professor, if we leave, this is going to happen again. Please, sorry.

My brother and my sister were first, and now it is my turn to pay for mommy and that is dream paste. Just try to get them out here now. I will try. Roll another persuasion check. Come on, one good roll. I got a seven. Some of those hot natural one. Big rolls today, ladies.

I know, right? You wait, and you hear the creaking in the movement of this house, and after a bit, you see the little boy's face, once again, peek up. They are coming. They don't want to talk to you. Have you been sacrificed for? This is not the first time.

No, my brother and my sister, oh, my mom. And you see as he quickly moves away, and the window is ripped open. You see the gaunt face of the woman who was standing in the doorwell. What do you want? So seeing this woman, I'll rust to the window and my hat will, like, flutter off my head.

She jumps as you rush towards the window. Come out of here right now and you speak with you. I will not step foot out of this house. What are you doing selling your child in slavery? They are mouths to feed that I cannot afford. Who are you to judge things you do not know? I swear. You need to get yourself right.

You don't sell your kin to people for what? Pastries? Have you tried them? Hell no, and I don't intend to any time soon. Are you addicted? I am with child. I do not have enough money to feed the mouths that are here. And the only thing that keeps me going is those pastries.

So if I need to have them, I will have them. What about them is so appealing that you have to spend your fortune on them and sacrifice your child for the sake of them? For a moment. I feel peace. Shepherd, Warrior, we will set this right. It's not here, not now, not with this woman. You have spared him this time.

For how much longer? Ten days. Unless you have gold that you could give me. I cannot even... Because if I had the gold, then I would have no need to barter with other things. I'm going to immediately like slam on the window just to like startle him again and say,

I cannot believe that you would try to extort us for your own children. I'm not trying to do as such. He knows he's locked in life. He's been told for months. He would go away as his brother and his sister. He knows. Give a 20 more, Shepherd, please. Yes, which will pay for us.

I reach into my coin person, and if there's like a mail slot or something, I'll just like throw it through the door. Or even leave it. For the rule of cool, there's a male slot, and you're able to shove it through. Look, aren't you justice? Savior. 30 days.

Yes, 30 days. If I find out you do anything to that child, I'm coming back. No, he will be fine. Now that we have a little bit of coin and his father can get his feet back upon the ground, and then everything should be again. before the newborn comes. I'll pick out my hat, I'll dust it off,

and I'll forcely put it on my head, and as I turn away and I walk back towards the professor in Sarnax, I say, burning things may be the right course of action. We've brought ourselves to these things. And now my lips will peel back into this crazy-sharp smile. You are learning more and more every day,

I'm still at the window. looking at the mother. She's, you can see her now, the little boy is holding the curtain back as he's still watching both of you. And she is bent over on her, she's on her knees on the floor, scooping up all the gold pieces and piling

them into a dirty pouch at the side of her hip. And you can see that it wasn't originally apparent when she was just looking through the door, but at this angle, you can see that her belly is ripe with pregnancy. What is your name? What is your family name?

Why should I? tell you anything. Because we just saved your son. Great. Would you like him? Good day, madam, please. Let us continue. How many more children is she employing? Let us go. I start to leave. Professor.

What is she? I'll follow the professor as well. What do you mean? What is she? What is she? How many head on up to the windmill and ask her herself? How many more people in this village have employed their children to this cause? How am I supposed to know? I worry about my family and my family alone. And maybe if you are small.

Mark, you would do the same. I'll turn back, Kana. Now is not the time. Merrick, close the window, let's go upstairs. Now is not the time. All is cleansed in fire. You water, worshippers may not believe that, but you will see. Let us continue.

And they will get theirs. One of the guns that sits on Shepherd's hip is justice. They will receive all of it in full. I have no doubt. I'm making eye contact with the boy this whole time. He's looking at you. His lower lip is trembling. He knows what is.

You can tell by the look on his face that he's known for a while what his fate would be. He knows that the coin that you've provided is each coin is merely a day of his life as he watches you through the window. I put my hand on the window as I look at him. He looks over and you can see as the shit. shape of the shadow of his mother is slowly ascending the stairs up to the second floor. She doesn't even glance back at you for a second or in him. You see as he looks up, he watches as she fully makes the ascension all the way up. And slowly his dirty little hand makes its way and places his hand of the window.

What is your name? Merrick. Merrick, thank you. My brother and my sister left a month ago or so. if you are going to to see them, can you let them and ask when they are coming home? What are their names?

Oh, shit. They're the things that you should prepare for when you're not making a studio. Andres, he says. Andrege. Yes, and Claudia. And I'll put my hand there a little bit longer and I'll say,

do everything I can't see. Thank you. you. Thank you. Turn around and off. I'll light the way. You are now standing in the middle of this main thoroughfare through the village of Borovia, the Bergo mansion's mansion looming ahead of you.

The windows dark, but it is significantly more fancy than everything else that you've seen in this town. Listening in as you hear the soft pattering of footsteps ascending the stairs and all is quiet. on the streets around you. Do you want to do? I'm going to walk over to Shepard. I'm going to try to look at him in the eye contact. Shepard, are you all right?

Yeah, fine, fine, thank you. Do you need assistance? Assistance what? No, I'm fine. Very well. Shepard, believe me when I say, justice will be done to this entire place. And I would like you to consider

the power of Garek's the fire lord in your time of doubt and anger and all that he can provide you all right yeah that's sure sure professor well just give me one just give me one sense of an

man's past I guess I'll tell him real minutes past you cast detect magic and you see that a there is magic imbued in this item. Divination.

That's the worst one. This is the worst one. I knew you were going to say it. You can't. Transmutation magic. No. The two ones I was worrying about. From a fair perspective, I'm horrified.

Oh, my God. Holy shit. Well, I have the actual. You know, so yes, we should deal with that. I would like to remind you, she'd the woman mentioned a windmill. We happen to have the deed to a house with a windmill. She may have been referring to the same state.

It could be. But in the meantime, I've discovered that there is magic within this doll, both divination and transmutation. It's a child's plaything. Perhaps it's something that the girl herself enchanted. the doll with, I don't get a sense like what's felt like, it just tells you the school. Well, I am not

concerned yet, but this child may be more talented than I had first thought. Why don't you hold on this? Is it safe to hold on? I believe it's fine, or do we think?

I don't think it's fine. The chat says Can we get a fan art of just the two of them, like Professor Leighton handing the doll to Victoria, and they're at a table and there's plans. This is fine. This doll is fine. This is fine.

Good Lord. I haven't been injured by it. Do we think that perhaps after the first meeting with the Countess Shradanya that this item was a vessel? That's it. That was the end of that sentence. What does that mean? Sorry.

This was the item in which do I know what... I know what divination magic would be. Probably. Perhaps I explain you exactly what it said. The countess used this creature as a conduit

of eyes, ears, a mouth. if what you're saying is that the child, the doll, not the child, might speak to us and is spying us at this very moment. Yes. Well, just proceed as if we are being spied on. Countess, if you can hear us,

we are very much looking forward to dinner. We hope to perhaps see you either tonight to tomorrow night. Send a raven if you can hear this. In the next hour or so, let's see what happens. Put it in a bag. Deep beneath all of your things, Mr. Toy. You do agree that would be the best force for now.

Well, perhaps I should take it. In your case. In my... Do you trust that thing in your case, Professor? My case is more powerful than some kind of enchanted doll. Of course, I do. Monum in my case. jumps open and I kind of wave through the different pages of the openings.

Then I go to the bag of holding variety and I will say, let me take her. All right, and you go. I will place her in the case. I will close it and I will. Okay. There is. I'm sure nothing bad will happen. Yikes.

So we're out front of the Bergermeister's house, right? Burgomaster, yes. Do we see our friend, Esmark? Is Mark? Is Mark? No. But you're also standing outside in the middle of the street.

Are we at the house? So there's a gate out front, so we'd have to go to the gate, go up to the door, etc. Yeah, we will proceed towards the banner. And we'll, I guess, can we, is there like a, a guardsman at the gate. There is. But there's a big knocker on the door.

Hold on. This is my specialty. I take my page hands. Do I even have a mage ham? Did you cup the knocker? Is that what you're telling it? No. My mage ham proceeds out.

And it goes three times. Whoa. Can anyone hear me? The doll responds back. Yes, I can. Oh, God. You make your way up to the front of this mansion, and it is incredibly large and almost and intimidating as you get up to it, the way that it looms over you, the forest behind it,

thick and dark. And here in the yard, you feel a little bit cut off from the rest of the village. It's almost as if it's its own small pocket of this city that you now find yourself in. But it's peaceful. It feels a little less dour as you walk up to the door and you knock three times. And it takes a moment, but slowly the door creaks open. And standing in front of you is a well-dressed woman in her mid-20s, long flowing curly brown hair, piercing blue eyes.

She's in a pale blue dress. A the cuff around her, both cuffs around her wrists in a dark black. And she's wearing a black ribbon around

her neck as if to show morning. And she looks out at all of you. Hello. Hello. Hello. Do you happen to be You know, Irina.

I am. You must be the guest that Ismarthka had said we're going to arrive. Yes, yes. We met your brother last night. He was a very lovely chap. He is currently in the study going over daddy's old notes and things, but I will let you know that you've arrived if we'd like to take a seat in the den, and I'd be happy to get you some tea.

Of course, pee would be lovely. I believe that you're here to help with... our situation. We are. Lovely. Yes, thank you. Where you go? Do you need root tea

for this gentleman here? Well, tea of many kind. I'm not sure if we have the root variety, but I'll check, and if we do, I would be happy to make some of it. That was going to be my next question. So please, follow me then. Yeah, well, if you have any roots,

like yams or potatoes, and just put it in hot water and I'll bring it. Sure. Could I provide them to you, and you could do that on your own? I have a root phobia as it were. Oh, well, I'm kidding. Do not make special accommodations for me.

I would be fine. Never mind, just regular tea would be fine. Of course. Thank you. May I get your names? I'm Carla. I'm Carla. I'm Professor Clayton, Azran.

Archaeology, I was professor of the Miss Hallory University. May I call you Clayton? Yes, Clayton is fine. Nothing. Miss Victoria Isaacs. Well met. I am Sarnax of the evil. Well, just yourselves off and follow me.

Such a bizarre little village, is it not? Our protagonist have finally met living inhabitants of this realm of death. Irene Culliana is quite fascinating. I wonder what important she will play in this story. You'll have a chance to get to know her better in part two of Chapter 2. Sins of the Father In the meantime, if you wish to watch Legends of Adventress tell similar stories of Dungeons and Dragons every week, you can follow us on Twitch and join our community on Discord.

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