Dead Man’s Tale

Galandro approached with care, nimbly retrieving the letter from the corpse’s grip without disturbing the remains. A large wax seal adorned the envelope, marked with an elegant letter B.

Meanwhile, Inverna surveyed the area, skilled eyes tracing the signs of struggle left behind. Judging from the wounds torn by powerful jaws and claws, dire wolves seemed the likely attackers – beasts rumored to serve Strahd himself. Paw prints surrounding the body supported this, evidence of at least two wolf-like creatures that had ravaged the poor man.

Mud stained the man’s boots and cloak, proof he had been fleeing along the road when the ambush came, the missive in hand marking his urgent flight. His simple garb identified him as a Barovian commoner. The wolves had harried their prey some distance before dragging him down.

Since then, no other creature had disturbed the tragic scene. The wolves had departed swiftly after the kill. As Nib murmured a prayer for the lost soul, a lone howl echoed through the woods.

With care, Galandro broke the wax seal and unfolded the stained parchment. The late courier’s missive read:

Hail thee of might and valor:

I, the Burgomaster of Barovia, send you honor—with despair.

My adopted daughter, the fair Ireena Kolyana, has been these past nights bitten by a vampyr. For over four hundred years, this creature has drained the life blood of my people. Now, my dear Ireena languishes and dies from an unholy wound caused by this vile beast. He has become too powerful to conquer.

So I say to you, give us up for dead and encircle this land with the symbols of good. Let holy men call upon their power that the devil may be contained within the walls of weeping Barovia. Leave our sorrows to our graves, and save the world from this evil fate of ours.

There is much wealth entrapped in this community. Return for your reward after we are all departed for a better life.

Kolyan Indirovich
Burgomaster

The adventurers pore over the letter grimly.

Inverna’s face hardens. “It is as I feared. A vampire holds this land in its grasp.” She looks to the body sadly. “And the people pay the price.”

Galandro frowns. “The burgomaster speaks of riches, but at what cost? This land is deeply cursed.” 

Nib shivers. “A vampire!? Oh dear, that’s really bad!” Lil chirps nervously on her shoulder.

Donnabella gasps. “His poor daughter! We simply must hurry to the village and save her!”

Inverna nods. “Aye, the girl yet lives it seems. We may be able to help her and these people.” She carefully folds the letter. “But vampire or no, we cannot turn away. Evil thrives only when good folk stand idle. We march on!”

Strengthened with purpose, the adventurers continue down the gloomy road. The wolf’s howl still echoes as they approach their destination – the village of Barovia.