Lord Strahd was kind enough to provide us with transport back to the Tser Pool encampment and our wagon. Fortunately, upon arriving, we found our things still intact. Although our friends there had begun to take bets on whether or not we still lived, they had not yet divvied up our possessions. We rested for the night, enjoying the lively company of the Vistani tasque, as well as some good wine and song.

Before we left, we asked Madame Eva if she would complete the reading that she started for us previously. She had initially asked us to return, as she could not make out the important location that we were supposed to eventually go. As she completed the reading, she informed us that she could now see a hall filled with bones. It's unclear what that means, but Madame Eva is certain that something important will take place, or that someone important will be waiting for us there.

Not sure how to proceed, as we had several solid leads, Roderick also performed another reading for us.





The Crows card speaks of a history of murder, theft, and loss.







The Sickness card shows us that we need to look to a place currently plagued or bedeviled for its corruption.







The Trumpet card suggests there may be danger between where we are and where we are headed, but we also need to face it head on without hesitation.







Of the places we intended to visit, it wasn't hard to determine that the cards seemed to imply that we needed to head to Berez: the dead city, cursed for the murder of a young woman long ago. We should head out that way anyway to ensure that Gregor and Ulrich are no longer causing trouble. However, it doesn't seem wise to leave possible dangers at ones back while hurrying ahead. With Berez as our goal, the group agreed to stop briefly in Vallaki once more to speak with Lady Fiona about what she might possess and to at least attempt to find the home of the dragon on our way to Berez, if possible.

There was some disagreement amongst the group as to whether we should be direct and honest with Lady Fiona about what we want, versus the suggestion that some made that the house could be searched while she was holding one of her "book clubs". Roderick performed a second reading for us regarding Lady Fiona specifically, the short of which was: there has been a significant change by one who cannot be tamed, the future suggests madness and a need to stand strong in the face of adversity, despite the costs that will come.

The rest of the trip back to Barovia Village was largely unremarkable. Shortly before reaching the Ivlis Bridge, we were set upon by numerous tiny tree monsters that would have been far more frightening if we didn't have a druid and a dinosaur traveling with us. We soon had a neat pile of firewood strapped to the back of the wagon; waste not, want not.

There was also one strange occurrence not far from town. A raven flew overhead and dropped a small, leather pouch at my feet. It contained a golden ring with a green gem, little more than costume jewelry, but the gem hid a secret compartment that could hold a pill, powder, or small amount of liquid. Very interesting. Roderick says that there are werewolves out west, but all over the country are were-ravens! While some wereravens have been outspoken in their political opposition to Lord Strahd, overall, Roderick says that it is considered good luck to see a raven in Barovia and that it is not unusual for them to bring small trinkets to others.

We eventually returned Blood of the Vine tavern, greeted Mirabel and her sisters, and obtained a few rooms for the night before heading out in the morning to discuss business with Ismark, now presumably the official burgomaster of the Village rather than the interim leader after the death of his father. However, on the way, our group took a small detour to Mary's home to update her on her daughter's health and wellbeing.

Mary looked to be doing better considerably better than the last time we saw her. Her home was still in disarray, but it no longer was filled with the rotting remains of days-old food. We relayed the information gathered, letting her know that Gertruda was alive, well, and being taken care of. Her daughter was happy being at the castle and might return home eventually, but she wants to find out more about herself first, as she had been denied that opportunity thus far at home. The question of legal right and age of responsibility was answered by the crown agreeing to take charge of her as a ward for the time being and to see to her safety.

Rather than charging Ms Mary a proper finder's fee, we asked for a nominal fee for services rendered. While Mire was against charging a fee to someone so poor, and Ragnar didn't seem interested in collect a fee so marginal at all, I attempted to explain the purpose behind it:

In order to stimulate economic growth, a fee must be charged for all services unless some extreme hardship or disability prevents it. Giving product or service away for free sets precedent for those with the least expecting something for nothing when not completely unable to pay into the system. That isn't to say that the fee for services shouldn't be adjusted for the economic status and income level of the person being served. Two copper pieces, 1/10th the price of a single meal, was all that was asked in return for our having spent two weeks time and trouble looking for Gertruda. We found her daughter and returned with news of her good health and a message from her, even if we could not return the girl to her mother. As a pro bono service, it was agreed that we would ensure delivery of a letter from Mary to her daughter. Should Gertruda and her mother wish to engage in future correspondence, then that is between them and whatever courier they can arrange after that.

I'm even more convinced that a proper Bank of Abadar is as essential as the church. That would allow the people to begin borrowing money (at fair and equitable interest rates) to pay for such services, in addition to effecting repairs to homes and starting up businesses. I've already sent word to Achelia to discuss this possibility and look forward to hearing back from the mayor.

Regardless, we left Mary's home in possession of a letter and went to the burgomaster's office to speak with Ismark.

We warned Ismark of the hags at the mill. Not being sure how many of them were in their coven, we wanted to make certain that no one continued kidnapping children. Horrified about what had been happening, Ismark swore that he would look into the matter to ensure it was taken care of. However, he did seem interested in my suggestion for repurposing the old Durst mill to provide foodstuffs for the village, Achelia, and Vallaki. For a nominal fee, perhaps as little as 300-400gp, the Durst Mill could be repaired and made functional again sans dead children. For 500-700gp, a granary could be added on to store raw product. Together, this could easily pull in 20-25gp worth of weekly commerce. It would, of course, cost considerably more to turn some of the surrounding land into a workable farm, and I recommended having a barrack stationed in the area, or at least a couple of guard posts to ensure safety.

Before leaving again, I suggested that Doru check in on his father, but he respectfully declined. Apparently it was still too soon, but I asked after the old priest and learned that he has been doing much better since his son started traveling with us. By that, I mean he hasn't exclusively locked himself away in the church like a madman, obsessively praying for something that can never happen. He has started holding services again, although I'm not sure I think much of this "Morninglord." Reminds me too much of Iomedae, whose servants can be a touch too zealous in their worship. Perhaps on our next visit to the Village, Doru will be in a better place to speak with him.