Predators Around Vallaki
Hook
Four vampires are dead, two have escaped Henrik’s shop, and his account has introduced the name Vasily. A hunting expedition has also brought warnings about increased Vistani activity and people fleeing Krezk.
Evidence
- Six vampires emerged from crates of unusually cold soil at the coffinmaker’s shop. Four died; two escaped through a window after saying they must go back and recover.
- Henrik says he invited Vasily inside after an offer to help his business. Vampires later threatened him and persuaded him to obtain the church relics.
- St. Andral’s is consecrated again. No sighting of the escaped vampires was recorded after the shop.
- The company joined Soldar and his bald companion to set traps. People fleeing Krezk were directed toward Vallaki.
- After the company affirmed its opposition to Strahd, Soldar indicated a Vistani camp, warned of spies, and said recent activity seemed unusual. These were his suspicions, not proof of the camp’s allegiance.
- An unidentified, tattered vampire ran across the open ground while the party traveled through the Svalich Woods toward Vallaki.
- Two Vistani hunters allowed the party to pass after seeing its Barovian talisman, but the roads remained tense and closely watched.
- Vallaki residents said wolves and dire wolves continue to attack people despite the work of local hunters and trappers.
- Hyskosa quietly warned Rage that vampires were nearby when the party entered the Blue Water Inn.
- Ravens watch the inn, and Urwin recognized the party as fellow members of the Keepers of the Feather.
- Urwin warned that Strahd sends vampire spawn to keep Barovia frightened and advised the party not to travel at night.
- One of the hunters from the Svalich Woods invited the company to join a nighttime expedition and learn the land around Vallaki.
- After returning from Watcher House, the party told the hunters what happened and said it might still join them that night after resting.
Open questions
- Who was the tattered vampire seen beyond the Svalich Woods?
- Which vampires did Hyskosa sense near the Blue Water Inn?
- Are the wolf attacks connected to the nearby vampires or to another power in Barovia?
- Why have Vallaki’s hunters and trappers been unable to stop the attacks?
- Do Urwin and the Keepers already know what is hunting around the town?
- Who is Vasily, where did the escaped vampires go, and what did they intend for the stolen bones?
- What is causing the flight from Krezk and the activity Soldar described at the Vistani camp?
Next steps
- Follow Henrik’s account of Vasily and seek signs of the two escaped vampires.
- Ask Soldar for more detail about the nearby camp and compare his concerns with direct evidence.
- Seek further accounts of events in Krezk.
- Compare the continuing wolf attacks and Hyskosa’s earlier warning with what the company has now found.