15

The sigil of Khazan
Last session, the party returned to the Baron’s mansion to investigate the mysterious signet ring. After being granted access to the library, they searched for answers but found nothing directly about the ring. Instead, they uncovered something unexpected: records showing that Izek’s long-lost sister—believed dead—was named Ireena, the very woman the party has been protecting. His obsession suddenly made far more sense. Their search was interrupted by Victor Vallakovich, the Baron’s son. Noticing that his grimoire bore the same symbols as the ring, the party questioned him. After some negotiation, Victor agreed to help in exchange for one of Caspian’s books. He revealed that the sigil belonged to a wizard named Khazan, who built a tower somewhere outside Vallaki, and pointed them toward someone near the Luna River who could guide them. Following that lead, the party left the city and found two trappers who gave them directions to the tower. Along the road, they discovered a handkerchief marked “R.V.R.” before being ambushed by strange scarecrow-like creatures, which they quickly defeated. Eventually, they reached the tower—and a nearby wagon covered in warnings belonging to Esmeralda d’Avenir. Ignoring the signs, Caspian attempted to open it, triggering a violent explosion. He took the brunt of the blast and was nearly killed by a spiked net trap, but the party managed to save him just in time. After recovering and searching the wagon for supplies, the group finally turned their attention to the wizard’s tower itself.

Question for DnD start

???

The sigil of Khazan

• The party decided to return to the Baron’s mansion, hoping to gain access to the library and uncover the meaning behind the mysterious signet ring. Avery knocked on the door, and after a moment, a guard answered, eyeing them suspiciously. When Avery asked if they could enter the library, the guard hesitated—clearly confused—before turning to the Baron, who happened to be passing nearby. After hearing their request, the Baron allowed them entry and summoned a maid to escort them.
• The party followed her up the stairs and through a series of narrow, winding corridors until they finally reached the library. Shelves lined the walls, filled with dusty tomes and records. The group began searching for anything that might shed light on the ring, but after some time, they found nothing directly related to it.
• However, they did uncover something else.
• Among the books was a record of the dead and missing. As they skimmed through it, they found an entry about Izek’s sister—marked as dead under unknown circumstances. Her name was Ireena.
• The realization struck quickly. The Ireena they had been escorting all this time… was the very same sister Izek had lost. Suddenly, his obsession made sense—the dolls, the fixation, all of it.
• Before they could discuss it further, the door to the library opened.
• A young boy stood in the doorway, dressed in wizard’s robes and holding a grimoire. He introduced himself as Victor Vallakovich, the Baron’s son, and demanded to know what they were doing in his father’s library.
• The party approached cautiously. Caspian quickly noticed that the symbols on Victor’s grimoire matched those on the signet ring. When questioned, Victor explained that the book was his personal grimoire. After a tense but controlled discussion, he offered a deal: he would allow them to study it—if Caspian gave him the monster-hunting book he carried.
• Victor then led them to the attic, a more secluded space where they could speak freely. There, the party explained their interest in the symbols. Victor, clearly eager to defy his father in his own way, revealed that the sigil belonged to a wizard named Khazan, who had built a tower somewhere outside Vallaki.
• Though Victor did not know the exact path, he told them of someone who did—a person who could be found near the Luna River, west of the village.
• With that lead, the party left Vallaki and made their way toward the river. There, they found a small hut. Through the window, they saw two figures inside—one cleaning weapons, the other skinning a wolf. The pair gave the party directions to the tower, and after Sophia purchased a silver shortsword from them, the group set off once more.
• The journey through Barovia was, as always, dangerous.
• Along the road, the party found a white handkerchief embroidered with the letters “R.V.R.” Shortly after, they were ambushed by strange creatures—three scarecrows mounted to trees, adorned with raven feathers, alongside twisted, stick-like beings. The party dealt with them swiftly and continued onward.
• Eventually, they arrived at their destination.
• The wizard’s tower stood before them—and beside it, a wagon surrounded by warning signs:
• “Keep out! The home and property of Esmeralda d’Avenir! Trespassers will be incinerated!”
• Ignoring the warnings, Caspian approached the wagon and attempted to open it.
• The response was immediate.
• An explosion erupted, engulfing both Caspian and Kaz in flames. Caspian took the brunt of the blast, and moments later, a spiked net launched from the wagon, ensnaring him and knocking him unconscious—nearly killing him.
• The party reacted quickly. They extinguished the flames, cut him free, and forced a healing potion down his throat, pulling him back from the brink.
• As Caspian and Kaz recovered, Caspian offered one of his own healing potions in apology, earning a firm scolding from Sophia. Meanwhile, she moved to inspect the wagon more carefully, discovering a hidden compartment filled with useful supplies.
• Inside, they also found a caged chicken—loud, restless, and deeply irritating. Caspian, already on edge, stormed in, grabbed the bird, and snapped its neck without hesitation before tossing it to Avery.

❮ 14 · Chronicles · 16 ❯