New Friends

The party wakes up to find the Vistani gone and a heavy fog covers the surrounding area. As they rise and begin to prepare for their day Zarkoth spots a small, ethereal figure curled up near the edge of the campsite. The creature’s brown hair is tousled, its pale skin glimmers faintly in the dawn light. Despite its diminutive size, it can’t be much more than two feet tall, its presence exudes a serene aura. Eyes closed in peaceful slumber, it seems to be dreaming.

Zarkoth begins to approach the sleeping figure, but a loud screaming sound from across the road grabs their attention first. Out of the mist appears a dark robed figure running toward the camp. Another creature quickly appears, giving chase. The robed figure makes it to the camp and breathlessly asks for the party’s help.

Zarkoth steps forward and between the roped figure and their quarry ready to strike. As the creature approaches, Zarkoth raises a hand and calls out, “SIT!”

The creature, surprisingly, obeys. It stops and sits a short distance from Zarkoth who proceeds to walk up to it and pet it while speaking calming words to it.

Raven Snow introduces herself to the party and thanks them for their help. Zarkoth claims the creature, a Wolverine, as a pet and they go over to the sleeping figure to see what the deal is there. The sleeping figure is Dr. “Doc” Docinsin, an Aasimar Barbarian.

After some discussion, he and Raven join the party.

This was all pretty much set up in advance. The wolverine is Zarkoth’s pet, and I wanted to introduce it in an interesting way, so I had it chase Raven toward the party to create the suspense and tension that I wanted in the scene.

Raven and Doc were the two missing characters from last week, so, in order to keep continuity, I had them create ways to inject themselves into the story. Raven created an interesting backstory that I will try to weave into the continuing campaign.

Doc is played by the friend who self-invited while we played last week. I didn’t give him an opportunity to create a story because I wanted to introduce him to D&D with a BANG!

I had him kidnapped and black-bagged outside of the tavern he was drinking at. Here’s the text of his introduction:

As you step out of the dimly lit tavern, the cool night air offers a brief moment of respite. Suddenly, rough hands seize you from behind, and a coarse bag is thrust over your head. Darkness envelops you, and you hear unfamiliar voices muttering in an arcane tongue. A chill runs down your spine as your ability to speak is abruptly taken from you.

You’re dragged to a creaking cart, the smell of damp earth and rotting wood filling your senses. The vehicle lurches into motion, and the rhythmic pounding of hooves on uneven ground echoes your racing heart. Every jolt deepens your disorientation; you have no idea where you’re being taken.

After what feels like an eternity, the cart stops. More arcane words are spoken, their power seeping into your very being. Darkness overwhelms you, and everything goes black.

You awaken to the cold embrace of dawn, thick fog swirling around you. Gnarled trees cast twisted shadows as you find yourself in an unfamiliar camp. The air is heavy with an eerie silence, broken only by distant, unsettling cries. Around you lie other adventurers, still asleep, as you try to piece together what just happened.

The Svalich Road

They set out along the Svalich Road, although they still think it’s the road to Daggerford.

Slow Play

There are some shenanigans from the players and we don’t get too much done this session.

Through the Gates

The party passes through the gates of Barovia

Soldiers on the March

They come across a group of soldiers who confirm the direction of the town.

Bandits!

Next is an encounter with bandits in the fog.