Sunny Barovia

7/26/2022 Dasco, Lady Ireena and I returned to the Manse.   The others stayed out looking for and helping survivors. After a quick bite to eat, Lady Ireena went to bed for a few hours, and I set about reviewing Victor’s journals until I fell asleep in my chair. I woke sometime around noon or so.   Stiffer than usual, but basically rested.   We were told by one of the staff that Lady Ireena had left earlier this morning to “check on a friend,” and would be back late. The rest of our group eventually returned.   Laz had been instrumental in finding survivors who’d been unable to get to help themselves.   One of them turned out to be Karl Wachter who had been thought dead.   Wolfram was able to use his healing ability on him and apparently save his life, making Lady Wachter even more enamored of our young Paladin. Laz mentioned that while they were all together, Lady Wachter asked to speak with Fin privately.   They stepped out of earshot and exch...

  6/14/2022 That vampire girl escorted us through the rest of the picket lines.   Strahd was there with about a dozen mixed humans in various forms of old or improvised armor.   Of more concern was Strahd’s entourage.   His horse and groom were there, of course. But I also counted at least three of those big wolves as well as a number of clearly vampiric followers.   Strahd politely thanked us for coming, believe it or not.   The new Baroness briefed us on what happened after we left the festival. Apparently, the Burgomaster (who was reportedly drunk) made his way into the stands to greet Lady Wachter who, in turn, introduced him to Lady Ireena.   For some reason this seemed to unnerve him, and he quickly excused himself, leaving his wife Lydia behind.   For her part, Lydia was apparently sporting several bruises to her face which were poorly covered by makeup.   When asked, Lydia confided that her husband does abuse her, which sent Ire...

  4/19/2022 I spent the rest of the day with Kasimir, talking primarily of the Arcane.   It was refreshing to be exposed to someone with a very different perspective on things than my original instructors.   At one point he mentioned that when we were ready for the Amber Temple, we would want to make sure we had procured some good, cold-weather clothing and gear. He walked me back to the gates around 6 p.m.   He seems a good man, but deeply troubled.   His hate for Strahd runs deep.   Very deep.   I almost wonder if he hangs on just for the opportunity to revenge himself on Strahd. When I got back, I found my compatriots had not been idle.   Wolfram and Dasco had clearly been sparring, Laz was sweaty from some sort of gymnastic venture and Finn had that contented look he gets after long meditations. After eating, Finn took some time to mend the components a disassembled lock Muriel had brought by.   She promised to return and rebuild ...

 Session #27 & 28 We arrived at the Burgomaster’s home in time to see villagers bringing bundles of sticks and tinder the residence.  When asked, one of the villagers told us it was for the upcoming festival.  Burning sun festival?  Truth be told, there are apparently many such festivals here.  Attendance is mandatory for all.  From what we can gather, not only are people required to attend, they are also required to have a good time – or face punishment. When we entered, the bundles (or “tinder” as I like to think of it) was scattered throughout the hall. We met with the Burgomaster – Baron Vargas.  He happily accepted our documentation and confirmed that we (meaning Lady Ireena) would be able to claim the house as a home while here.  He seems to be of the opinion that these festivals will somehow prevent Strahd , “The Devil” from entering Valaki.  That and the frequent repetition of the phrase “All Will Be Well.”  It reminds me of ...