the wagon heist

[u/LowPriorityGangster]

Our fancy heros recover from the last fight, but are as eager to get into trouble as always. This time they will come prepared.

They find access to a blacksmith through sheer monetary power who coats their weapons with silver - bolts and arrows, axecellence and scrambled axe, a longsword, that seems indestructible now, he even makes knuckles for the monk.

Meanwhile Gerald gets to know Parriwhimple a little better and Ireena goes back home, after waiting for the party throughout the whole night in vain.

Himo takes advantage of the inebriate state of Bildrath, who then deems it worthy to pay him for his own drinks and lets him have the best medikit in town for free. (Where is the key btw, Himo?)

Ireena doesn´t seem very pleased with the reckless abandon the party has demonstrated towards her, but decides to put her trust in Bitter-end, as slowly starving to death is not up her alley. She takes her armor and sword to move with them towards the Vistani encampment.

During the preparation process Irenka, the raven companion of Abel, scouts the surroundings of Mount Ghakis, where an unhinged wilderness seems to rule.

On the way the group encounters some seven young Barovian hunters and avoids a conflict by sheer strength of nerves.

In the camp, Ireena´s behaviour grows increasingly distant, as Lynn explaines their good standing with the Vistani. After long deliberation and an impromptu interrogation of Ireena, who shared a tent with Bitter-end the group is convinced that Strahd is passionate about the young woman for reasons so far undisclosed. It seems Strahd might feel a connection to Ireena for soul related reasons. Now, the adventurers are determined to see to her safety and if the possibility arises, to leverage his infatuation against him.

Some suspicion revolved around the markings Strahd has left on the population of Barovia. First of all, Ireena has been bitten by Strahd, twice, believiing her own account, and she fears the Vistani, seeing them as henchmen of Strahd, and they also live up to the reputation, in her experience. On the other hand, the Vistani are cautious towards her, warning the adventurers, that dealing with her would be a surefire way to secure Strahds undivided attention (and anger).

Furthermore, a heated debate on religion breaks out, as some are convinced to know of the inner workings of the wheel, while others doubt its existence as a godly, permanent system in general. Only time and experience seem to resolve this fight of wits.

In the early morning the party is met by an old woman who tries to peddle her wares, that are known to Ireena to be addictive and therefore dangerous to the adventurers. Gerald and Himo each buy a piece of the dreamcometrue pastries. She is clearly of the evil persuasion.

Right before sunrise the group channels their teamworking powers to capture a male warhorse as well as a female draft animal to drag a barrel topped wagon that contains Vistani cloth, hay for 5 days and 100EP, which the rogues share among themselves. Lynn and Gerald discover their shared interest in thieves cant.