All will be Well | Curse of Strahd HARDCORE (Ep. 12)
Gaming
Introduction
As our heroes reconvene in the dark and twisted land of Barovia, the atmosphere is thick with tension and anticipation. The party finds themselves outside a burning house, a state of chaos following their harrowing journey. With the revelation of their ally, Ithaca, having perished and their friend Scrungle now in the clutches of Strahd, the group seeks refuge and understanding. They encounter two halflings, Garen and Glory, who offer them shelter for the night after a little persuasion.
During their stay, plans are made to escort Irena to the walled city of Vaki for protection against Strahd. As they journey, they come across the Old Windmill and receive warnings about its dangers, prompting them to adjust their course to Vaki instead.
Upon arriving in Vaki, the party is met with an eerie stillness contrasted by the bustling atmosphere of a town that seems to have learned to cope with their oppressive ruler. However, the absence of silver currency, a relic of Strahd’s suppression, serves as a reminder of their precarious circumstances.
As they acclimate themselves to the new environment, they learn of the blue water inn, known for offering food, wine, and accommodations. They quickly make plans for rest while sharing stories about their past experiences. Garen and Glory inform the party of the local lore and the town's untrusting attitude towards outsiders.
Their journey takes a peculiar turn when they learn of a festival that the Burger Master is preparing to host, labeled the “Festival of the Burning Sun.” The interesting dynamics of this town begin to unfold as they meet the town's residents and explore the peculiarities surrounding the Burger Master’s authority.
The exploration of Vaki culminates in a visit to blinsky, the local toy maker. Here, the party is confronted with unnerving dolls and toys that resemble Irena, further deepening the mystery surrounding her past and Strahd's ongoing interest in her. Tensions rise when they encounter the Burger Master himself, who displays unsettling behavior and ulterior motives toward Irena. As the players feel the threat lurking beneath the surface, they make the decision to leave Vaki and return to the inn, determined to protect Irena from the sinister intentions of the townsfolk.
With a fast-paced culmination of fear, camaraderie, and decision-making, the session closes. The party is left with the question of whether to confront the dangers in Vaki or to flee from its oppressive atmosphere into the unknown.
Keyword
- Curse of Strahd
- Vaki
- Irena
- Garen
- Glory
- Burger Master
- Blinsky
- Dolls
- Festival
- Barovia
FAQ
Q: What is the significance of Irena in the story?
A: Irena is a pivotal character whom Strahd seeks, leading to numerous threats against her safety. The party seeks to protect her from these dangers.
Q: Who are Garen and Glory?
A: Garen and Glory are halfling characters who assist the party, providing shelter and helping guide them through Vaki.
Q: What dangers did the party encounter in Vaki?
A: The party faced the unsettling demeanor of the Burger Master and the realization that dolls resembling Irena were being made at the local toy shop, raising questions about her past.
Q: What happened at the toy shop?
A: The party discovered unnerving dolls that closely resembled Irena, leading to tension and concern over the toy maker's connection to Strahd.
Q: How does the town of Vaki cope with Strahd's rule?
A: Vaki hosts frequent festivals in hopes of keeping the townsfolk happy, which they believe wards off Strahd, even though many are weary and skeptical of the festivities' effectiveness.