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====== Vistani,_Grey Elves, and Wereravens ======
==== Curse of Strahd ====

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Session 48 – 2022-02-19

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Session Summary

The party began making it’s way north-west, away from Lake Zarovich and eventually back to the temple of the Seeker. We had spent the night here just before we began our trek up and into the mountain. We set up camp and then debated what to do about Dain. The night before was a full moon and Dain had changed into a werewolf. Would he do that again tonight. We decided that the group should sleep in the tiny hut tonight while Dain is left outside to sleep. Although it was a bit of a fitful sleep for Dain, he did not turn and did manage to get a full night’s rest.

The next morning, they ate and continued on their way. They made it to a path through the woods south of where they spent the night. At one point, they come across an item, Rinn spotted, on the ground, lightly covered with leaves and such. Rinn and Haldar moved to the object and Rinn uncovered it. It was a porcelain doll head. As Rinn reached for it, it’s eyes suddenly shift toward him as if looking at him. He finally decided it wasn’t trapped and reached out for it. Picking it up, it kept looking at him regardless of where it is. Misty reached out to touch an eye. They are porcelain like the rest of it. It’s mouth doesn’t appear to function. Rinn started suspecting that it was a Blinksy toy. On the back, he found the brand, “Is no Blinsky, is not fun!”. Misty really wants the doll head, so much so that like a child, she’s practically begging for the item. We figure we can get something for it but if it’s that important to her, Misty can have it. If later on she sells it and gets a lot of money for it, she’ll have to split that with the rest of us. She placed it n her back of useless but somewhat fascinating items.

Once they were done with that, the group made their way east again on the road toward Vallaki but as they neared the city, they followed a dirt road leading to the south, into the woods to the Vistani camp nearby. As they arrived, they found the area to be a hill ringed in houses. At the top of the hill was a large ten and some wagons. As they followed the road up the hill, they saw some Vistani passed out drunk. From the tent at the top of the hill, they heard music and conversation, so they made their way there.

As we entered the main camp at the top of the hill, we saw many casks of wine and what appear to be drunken, passed out, and/or sleeping, Vistani. We followed the voices to the big tent and as we entered, we were greeted by a Vistani. Arigull is his name. He asks who we are and Rinn responds with his name and gets a little of what we’ve gotten all along here, the look of, we haven’t seen your kind here in a while. Haldar got the same curious look. Dain sparked more surprised and curious looks. Misty though, she won! He was completely unsure what to make of her. We’ve been through this before, so we explained what a Tabaxi is, and as we did, the curiosity finally died down.  

He finally introduced us to Evosh, and we had a lengthy conversation. We found out that the Dusk Elves live in the homes that encircled the bottom of the hill. They don’t really have a leader but he suggested that Kasimir Velikov may be who we would be looking for. We found out he lives in the house to the south.  We found out that the camp is celebrating the return of Arabelle . She was the girl that ran away from St Andral’s Orphanage with Laslo. We found out that a former Vistani that had returned to the camp , and heard of the missing girl and went to find her. She found her, about to be sacrificed by Bluto, in an attempt to get the gods to improve the fishing. Turn’s out the Vistani was Ezmerelda and travelling with her was Zuleika. They killed him and freed her, returning her here.

We asked about Ezmerelda and Zuleika. They told us that they had left here about a week ago. They were looking for Zuleika’s husband, Emil. While they were here, Ezmerelda did a reading trying to determine where Emil was. She is estranged from the Vistani but she can still do reading, although she’s not the best at it. In her reading, she saw torture, chains of silver, a place that is high and remote, under the eyes of unmoving solders. They seemed to have an idea about where that was. Afterward, they felt like they had to be on their way, so they left. He said they were going south, towards Zelinka Pass. Rinn asked, with all the Lycanthrope talk, were they able to cure that. He said that Maybe Madame Eva could, the Abbot should be able to, and of course, Strahd probably could but most likely wouldn’t.

Rinn spoke up about the readings, asking who is the best reader, to which they responded quickly, Madame Eva. When he asked, “Who is the best at reading here!”, they said that there is no one here to do the reading. If they want a reading, they send people to Madame Eva for that. They turned the conversation around on us and asked what we were doing here. Snoggly responded, “We were looking for the Dusk Elves!”.  He continued with, “We need to get some information from them!”. They indicated that the Dusk Elves have been here a long time and pretty much know where everything is. Snoggly said that he thought we should see this, Kasimir. He also mentioned that they seemed to be a gloomy folk since they’ve run afoul of Strahd. We thanked them for their hospitality. They also sai that if we needed a place to sleep to let them know. 

We headed out and down the hill towards the building indicated earlier. As e headed down the hill, Rinn went wide of the building so he could get closer without appearing to be sneaking up on them. He didn’t want to spook the guards. They weren’t as dark as drow, but they are definitely elves. They were in fact standing guard and surprised to see the group, especially the elves in the party. They really perked up when Kyanna came into view. Snoggly made a crass joke about fruit in someone’s pocket. It must have gone over their heads as they did not respond. They kneel before her as if she were a princess or some such. They told her that she was truly among friends and most welcome here. Haldar told them that we were in need of information from Kasimir. He went inside and came out a moment later inviting us to enter. We did.

Kasimir is sitting and smoking a pipe in his dashing man with Aragorn like features. He welcomed us, especially Kyanna. He asked how he might help us. Kyanna told him we were looking for a specific place and were told he might have information about it. It’s at this point that Kasimir stopped talking and changed the battery in his voice recorder. When he finished and someone named Dave came back, the conversation continued. He apologized for his lack of the social graces and went to a cabinet to get some wine. He began asking questions such as, where do we hail from. He indicated that he knew we weren’t from Barovia to which Kyanna agreed. Without saying anything else, he said that others have come through the mists, but we do not see elves. Dain spoke up, “What about Dwarves?”. They indicate that they have seen dwarves come though not many elves. Then he pointed out Misty and said something about her having a skin condition. We went through the usual questions about are Tabaxi colleague. 

Next, he started asking each of us where we were from. That was followed by some small talk and a little drinking. After a time, he asked why we are here. Kyanna told him we were looking for a particular place and that we were told that he might be able to help us. Then she told him that we were looking for the Amber Vault. He said he had surmised that from our appearance as mercenaries or adventurers of some sort. He took another drink and asked why we might want to go there. She told him that there was something in the Amber Vault that we’ve been told might be able to kill Strahd. He looked us over and finally decided tell us about his sister. Strahd seduced her, as only a vampire can, and convinced her to become his bride but Kasimir couldn’t stand the thought of this union so he killed his own sister to deprive Strahd of his desire. Rahadin came to bring her to Strahd but left angry when he found out she had been killed. He returned a week later, still very angry, and slew all the women and all the young girls. There are no more female Grey Elves. We are the last of a dying race. 

Her physical body, he took back to Strahd but not her spirit. She visits Kasimir in his dreams from time to time, lately more so. She has found the light and wishes to be redeemed and wants to return to us spiritually. Kasimir thinks that if the body were retrieved from the castle, that he could perform some sort of ritual and at least salvage my sisters immortal soul. She has told me, and I‘ve always thought it so, that the source of Strahd’s power came from the Amber Temple. The source of Strahd’s destruction lays within the Amber Temple. Haldar told him that this is what we had been told. Kasimir told us that he can take us there. He told us of some of the dangers we would face as we neared the Ghakis Mountains. There are beasts, savage barbarians, and evils in that country. The barbarians are suspicious of anyone they find. They are an old race as well. They are more likely to kill you before learning who you are, for everyone in this land is largely evil. Most who travel that direction are only seeking power.

Kasimir rolls back his hood, and you see a disfigured grey elf, very scarred up and his ears are mutilated. He tells us that this is Rahadin’s gift to me. Haldar tells him that we’ve been told that the means to destroy Strahd is in the amber temple, the “Sun Sword”, the sword of Strahd’s brother Sergei. He tells him that it seems we have common purpose. For we wish to escape this wretched land and return home. It sounds like the way is through the Amber vault for all of us. Besides the dangerous creatures between here and there, we will need to be able to dress to stay warm in the mountains as they are very cold. In thinking about where we might acquire winter clothing, Rinn asked about a detour towards Madame Eva to get a reading. 

When pressed Rinn revealed that Rahadin had told him that his sister, Alestra, was at the castle. Rinn should like to find out if that is true. Kasimir reminded him that Madame Eva is well out of the way from the direction we are traveling. We discussed to a little further and decided that Eva was too far the wrong way and that it sounds like Ezmerelda is in our path so we should continue to the Amber Temple.  We discussed ways to communicate with Ezmerelda but there are no mages here that can do that. Haldar brought up the Raven’s. Perhaps there is a way to use them to reach her. Kasimir says he doesn’t trust all of the ravens but by and large , they are good. Haldar doesn’t trust them and doesn’t talk to birds. Fortunalty, we have Zanfyr! When it was determined that the Vistani on the hill could not communicate with Ezmerelda, we decided to try the ravens.

We were talking about how we accidentally killed many ravens but that we thought we had explained that to the ravens and they recognize that we weren’t targeting the ravens when this happened. Kasimir asked about the killing of the ravens which led to a discussion of the destruction of Baba Lysaga, the return of the light to Argynvosthold. He seemed quite impressed with what we had accomplished so far. He told us that as we approach the Amber Temple, or better, the means to Strahd’s destruction, we will likely run into him. He is distracted at the moment though as he has found the love of his life. This led to more discussion about how Fiona Wachter, with the aid of Vampires, had taken over Vallaki, where Ireena Kolyana was staying. The story goes that he captured his love, slaying the guards escorting her, as they travelled to Krezk. It was said that Ireena looked a lot like Tatyana, Strahd’s original love. It would make since that they were moving her, with the fall of Vargas Vallakovich, to a safer area. That would have to have been Krezk. He was surprised to find that we knew Ireena. It's decided that we will make our way south to catch up to Ezmerelda. 

It’s very late, or early, depending on your perspective, and we decided to approach the Vistanis again, in the morning. There was not enough room to fit us on one house so they split us up over multiple houses. The guards escort us around and we meet some more of the Grey Elves and we find lodging that way. We get differing opinions from those we meet with regards to Kasimir and his state of mind. Some will tell you that he is so depressed and distraught over the death of his sister that he is delusional as he thinks he see and talks to his sister. Our impression is that he is very lucid and very much plugged in to everything that is going on. We spent the night without incident. 

We went to the Vistani to see if they had a way to contact Ezmerelda. They do not! We looked around for some ravens. We left and began making our way south. After only a few hours, we find ravens nearby and they call out and cry. It almost sound like they are speaking. Kasimir mentioned the ravnes and about how they are a good omen. Rinn suggested that maybe even could send Boo but Zanfyr told us that that the ravens wouldn’t put up with him. He would likely not survive the trip. Rinn started scoping out, on the maps that we have, where would be a good place to meet. While Zanfyr is preparing and ritually casting his speak with animal spell. Rinn wrote a note on a piece of parchment and rolled it up. We are about four miles out of Vallaki. Zanfyr completes his spell, and he begins to understand the birds. 

They don’t speak as other Avian creatures do. There is something strange in how they communicate, and there is a definite awareness in these creatures. They seem to be speaking in a very high level of intellect for a bird. The first thing he hears is, “They are spying on us!”. And the message is passed on. With that, they suddenly grew quiet. Zanfyr calls out, He means them no harm and wishes to ask them a question. They continue to look at him strangely. Kasimir notices to the woods a little distance away, a figure approaches. He points it out to everyone, and we see a dark haired female elven woman approaching. She was wearing a black and blueish, almost purplish robe. She stood partially covered by a tree about 15 feet away, not necessarily hiding. We greeted her. She said, “You are taking on a most dangerous quest. We know you seek the Amber Temple!”. Kyanna asked, “Who are you?”. She introduced herself as Murial Vensha, and the ravens around us, as her friends. The ravens start making a lot of noise. Speaking amongst themselves saying things like, “It’s about time!”, and “What are you doing? They can’t be trusted!” while others answer that with a “Oh yes they can!”. We can’t understand them but Zanfyr can. Apparently, there is an argument within the group as to whether they should trust us and let us see their true nature. 

Haldar says, “Well met! Can you help us in our quest?”. Murial answers with,” I intend to!”. Haldar responds with, “We welcome friends. We intend you no harm!”. She said she had been watching us for a time. Haldar asked, if it was her that we saw across the river a couple of weeks ago, down by the swamp? She affirmed that it was her there watching them. She said she had been watching us of her own accord. Black Feathers had not asked her to. She watched us because she saw something in our group. She knows Kasimir. Kasimir said, he thought they shouldn’t reveal themselves to us now. She responded, if not now, then when? She says that she is with a group know as the Black Feathers. With that, she turns into a raven! And flies to a tree. 

She looks down at Zanfyr and says, you understand me, don’t you? He let her know that he does. She flies back down and returns to her Elven form. She says, “There are others like me!”. She proceeds to tell us that they are opposed to Von Zarovich and have information that can be used against him. Haldar asked, “What can you tells us, and how can we help you?”. She told us that for now we should continue on our path and trust Kasimir and the ravens. Few among the ravens would betray them. Not all of us will be in the form of a raven. We will not be able to recognize when someone around us is one of them, but they can recognize each other. Haldar asks, “Are you Lycanthropes of some kind? She told us that they are, they are “Wereravens”. She tells us that they are not known to the Dark Lord. They wish to keep it that way. 

They can transform at will and Dain will be able to some day as well. They are cursed as Dain is, but they’ve learned to use the curse to their advantage, and they don’t see it as a curse but as a gift. Dain’s curse is different. It will take Dain years to master his curse and be able to change at will, but his children will be naturally gifted. Kyanna asked, “What is the best way to protect ourselves when he does turn?”. She answered, don’t be around. She said, “On the nights, when the moon if full, even a Dwarf who is pure of heart, and says his prayers by night, will become a wolf when the Wolfbane blooms, and the Autunm moon is bright!”. She does say that silver will repel him. She tells us to trust Kasimir and that they will try to warn us when danger is foot or nearby. 

Haldar asked if she has seen Ezmerelda. She knew that Ezmerelda had passe3d this way a few days ago but they have been watching us and don’t know where she is. Haldar asked if they could get a message to her to slow up and let us catch up. Rinn suggested that maybe they could get a message to her to meet us at Zelinka Pass. Murial said that they can’t speak to her. Rinn suggested that if it were one of the Wereravens, then they could transform into a person to pass the message on. Haldar suggested that they wouldn’t want to give themselves away. He mentioned the note that Rinn had already written, requesting they meet us in Zelinka Pass. She agreed to try. They would need to be able to leave the note and not be seen doing so. We agreed. She said they would attempt to get the message to her. Rinn turned over the message to her. It read:

//Ezmerelda,

This is Rinn. I write you on behalf of our group! You’ll remember us as the group you met in Krezk at the Abby, and we fought alongside you against the werewolves. We have just left the Vistani camp near Vallaki and are on our way the Zelinka Pass. I believe we are going to the same location you are, and we request that you wait for us in the Zelinka Pass. So, you’ll have a good idea of when to expect us, we left on this date (insert date here). We look forward to seeing you there!//

After that, she walks until she is out of site. We never see her transform again. Kasimir tturns and says, “I’ve never known them to idenfity themselves to anyone.”, to which Haldar replied, “They have found, in us, a group with like purpose!”. Kasmir comments that it bodes well that she trusts us. We continue n for another 12 miles and get to a spot where Kasimir stops. He says that we have to choose which way to go. The west path heads through the Svalich Woods. It will take us to the south road which will take us to Zelinka Pass. Cutting through the woods would save us a day, but the woods are quite dangerous. We can see a little trail there. Dain asks, “What kind of danger is there. Natural creatures?”. He told us that yes and some unnatural ones like the undead, and demonic creatures. Haldar and Zanfyr discuss the light from Argynvosthold and if it protects us here. Kasimir said, “Oh yes!”, so the short cut it is. He noted that the light had put the Revenants to rest.

So we start on the path through the woods. We came across the some wetlands. Haldar determined that something is not right. He can’t tell what it is but he alerts everyone to be on the alert. They prepared in case they ran into anything. People start seeing the little orange lights of some sort. They are low to the ground, dim, probably about 100ft or so ahead of us. Some are stationary and some are moving, slowly. It doesn’t look like pairs of eyes. Something a little like a wisp but not. Haldar breaks off and goes into his stealth mode and tries to circle around them to see what they are. He finally gets far enough ahead to see a creature moving around. It seems to no notice him but the rest of the party, probably thanks to the noise that Dain makes. It appears to be some sort of fire breathing dog. Haldar ambushes it. He hits and as he does, the animal roars and from all around him, he hears further roars, and realizes there is more than meets the eye out here. 

Rinn moves forward and messages Haldar asking what he has encountered to which Haldar replied, “Fire Beasts!”. Rinn lets everyone else know and hides there. Our movement is slowed due to the rough terrain, without Haldar to negate that. Kyanna moved and Haldar fired again. Misty teleports to a shadowy point further into the woods and then moves to good place to hide. There is more to the battle but I stopped typing here so I could reduce the seven pages to some sort of cliff notes version.