VI - The Road to Vallaki

We find ourselves outside on the road Laslow says he knows the country and draws a map with as much accuracy and detail as a kindergartner with a wax crayon. We set off towards where Laslow vaguely suggests Vallaki might be.

Oddly in a moment or two we come across a child's toy lying in the ground. Its a cuddly lion with a wooden sword that looks like Reuben. It has a label that says "Is no Blinksy is no fun".

A mile or so down the road we come across three merchants - engaging them in conversation as the pale sun goes down they suddenly turn demonic and set upon us.

The stench of these creatures is nearly overwhelming. But it doesn't stop the Leonin from roaring as he charges in. A tussle ensues. I spear one of the creature and K'Hevin finishes it off. Elsewhere in the fight Cai takes a brutal blow and is down and Reuben has to break off from wildly swinging his glaive to lay on hands.

Laslow dances around in the rear of our group staying out of trouble and launching thunderous spells at them as Shoobie flits around the opponents distracting them.

I finish off the beast in front of me after K'Hevin slashed around recklessly with no effect. And turn to see the two other creatures overwhelming Cai. In a lucky move Cai smashes upwards with his mace and catches the creature under the chin and sends his head flying and Reuben piles into the remaining injured creature killing it easily.

Before the bodies have even finished twitching the mob of my current compatriots descend on them to loot their valuables.

The bodies are soon burnt. All the while a group of ravens sat in the trees watching us.

We travel further down the road towards Vallaki, and come to a traveller camp. It is the brightest and happiest thing I have seen since arriving in this accursed place. We are invited to share wine and join the festivities.

It appears that we have been led here under false pretences. Laslow it seems has been seeking us to gather us together. It appears that he is a member of a group called the Vistani who in ancient times were the in league with the Devil Strahd. The pact they have with him enables them to travel to and from barovia at will. A fact he has not shared with the rest of us despite our consternations at being trapped in this forsaken place!

Laslow further reveals that we are gathered to fulfill some ancient destiny to free the land from the grip of Strahd. A destiny that his grandmother now reveals to us through some common three-card magic trick masquerading as portents. I am deeply suspicious of Laslow. what else he neglected to tell us? Another one I need to keep an eye on.

Strahd it seems is a member of the unliving - a Vampyre. The commoners of Barovia are trapped here, most of them are merely shells without souls. Those with souls may not ever leave - if they die their souls are reborn in this hell hole. Some of them have sold themselves to the Amber Temple which allows them to transform into the kind of creature we encountered on the road.

Our destiny is foretold by cards. It seems we are seeking a Book, a broken Sword, and a divided Holy symbol.

The cards for the Sword pieces are: The Hooded One - A faceless god that waits for you at the end of a long and winding road deep in the mountains.
The Beggar - A wounded elf has what we seek, He will part with the treasure to see his fate fulfilled. (I think you will know this man - he has been here - Kasimir!)

The Cards for the Holy symbol are : Philanthopist - Look to a place where madness is bred and children once played. There you will find what you seek.
Master of coins - I see a nest of Raven - there you will find the prize.

The Tome has information on Strahd. The Illusionist - A Man is not what he seems , he comes in a carnival wagon - therein lies what you seek.

Strahd has Enemies - some of these enemies may help you.
Gost - a fallen paladin lingers like a ghost in a dead dragons lair - he will be a great ally.

For the final battle, you will meet Strahd where this card tells... The Broken One - he haunts the tomb of the man he envied above all.

It seems that the dog Lancelot belongs to Gertruda - from Barovia village.