<< November 5, 2021 | Notes | October 8, 2021 >>

Magda speaks to a villager and they are alarmed that we are returning from the abbey so they won't answer any questions. Percy asks another person, telling them that we are on business from the Burgomaster of Valleki, with leave from Krezkov. They ask if we are here to help with the "funeral rites" but Percy demures and says it's sensitive. They don't know how to get to the cave other than following the tree line, but suggest that maybe someone at the Wizard of Wines knows since they come to Krezk from time to time. The next person knows nothing about the tower.

We stop by Krezkov's to let him know we're leaving. Percy offers condolences again. We set off to the tower and Gale picks up his hellhounds. One is digging at the ground and Gale finds a piece of paper -- looks like a child's drawing of a stick figure family. Upon closer inspection, the mother has knives stabbing all over her. Gale shows it to Dren and it's a drawing from his childhood, except he did not add the knives. Detect Magic/truesight reveals nothing. Dren takes it after questioning Gale and tells the party nothing.

--- the tower ---
thick fog over the lake. a grass-covered causeway stretches 100 yards to an island with an old, decrepit tower. It has a huge cracked gash and time-worn gargoyles. parked near the entrance is a covered wagon spattered with blood. It radiates an aura of Conjuration magic. There is an anti-magic field in the shape of a column surrounding the area, despite the Conjuration aura. Percy cannot use any cantrips. Seems that the wagon has a way of conjuring magic horses to carry it. The AM field is very large comparatively, and seems not to dispell magic but prevents casting.

the wagon has two brass lanterns, tombstone shaped windows, a cheap wooden KEEP OUT sign, red drapes, gold trim, and a new coat of purple paint under all of the mud. the back door is padlocked. Gale picks it. The cart explodes and is reduced to ashes.

The tower door is made of iron with no hinges or handles. A connected series of lines with 8 stick figures surrounding, the word "khazan" carved above it. Percy recognized it as linked to Strahd -- seemed like potentially working with Strahd but doesn't have much info. Read something about him falling into madness. Gale knocks on it and lightning encases the tower. The symbols have no magical significance to Percy but Gale figures out that it is a puzzle and the door is unlocked.

A torn curtain partially obscures the room. Four tall clay statues and chains stand in the middle of the room. The chains extend upwards, as if the platform is an elevator.

A scaffolding made of a series of platforms and ladders leads to the third floor. Magda's fat ass crushes it. She climbs the back of the building instead and peers into the third floor. Gash in NW wall, rotted wooden floor falling away. She tries to jump in and grab the chain but she misses and her fat ass crushes the floor.

Dren uses his climbing kit to climb to the fourth floor. Bright tapestries, a desk with matching chair, iron stove and wood, cozy bed. Broken shutters. Standing suit of armor. Wooden chest -- smells like lavender. Inside is a man's severed head; waxy and embalmed in oils. Investigating, he finds a rolled up map of Barovia. Bell's map is slightly more detailed.

Gale recognizes the head as a Vistani, but not as one we've seen. The oily residue appears magic to Percy. On Percy's advice, Dren returns the head and map to the room.

As we leave, we see a man standing in the causeway with a multitude of wolves. It's not Strahd. Gale apologizes for disturbing the tower and the man says, "This is not my tower, but you can be my food." Gale uses Suggestion and tells him to leave with his wolves. "I thought you were perhaps strong, good for the pack. I see you're worthless. This is not the last time you will see me, and next time I will not be so gracious." They enter the woods.

We flee to Valleki.

--- valleki ---
There are no guards at the gates. Percy makes a beeline to the mayor's house. Dren follows and when Percy tells him that he should perhaps stay outside because of the bad history, Dren is angered and leaves.

Percy talks to the mayor about what's going on. He says the guards have seemingly switched sides. Protestors and small riots outside trying to get him to leave. He's trying to seem brave but he's obviously terrified. Percy makes arrangements to return to spend the night at the mayor's for his safety and asks him to make the servant's quarters nicer. The mayor agrees and teaches Percy a secret knock to get back in. Percy heads to the inn to meet with the group.

Magda, Ireena, and Gale go to the Blue Water Inn. Gale gets gossip from Danika: each day Fiona gets more followers and is slowly taking hold of the town. Only a matter of time before she siezes power. Her sons patrol the streets but don't seem to be fighting for or against Fiona. Seem apolitical.

We go upstairs and meet in a private room, along with Ireena. Gale comes clean about his Amber Temple blursings -- his controlling urge, inability to speak straightly, etc. Admits that Strahd approached him on the way to Krezk. Admits he considered the deal. The party talks about Gale acting as a double agent. Gives Dren his orb and says he can keep it if Gale double crosses us. Dren takes it to Danika and asks her to keep it safe. Gale asks Ireena how she feels about essentially being bait. She's not into it. As the conversation ends, Percy hands Fiona's manifesto to Magda and says something needs to be done about her.

Percy goes to leave the Inn and Dren and Gale follow, so he returns upstairs with wine and they discuss Fiona. They decide to do recon tonight and kill her only if they get the chance.