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Wilhelm, a former master smith for the vardo, was rumoured to have mentioned relocating his custom smithing practice to the small town, after having been been visibly moved by some of its more charming elements.
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Krofburg has a new resident, and an unwelcome one at that.
Before the Pale Man vanishings, the creature was mainly glimpsed among the ridges and mounts near the dwarven settlement Dvergeheim, whether bearing a bucket of water, practicing peculiar physical exercises or simply watching passersby from afar, retreating if approached.
But now the creature is lurking among the houses and vineyards of Krofburg. A number of peasants have glimpsed the small and ghostly pale figure, or a flurry of silver hair as the creature retreats. The creature--clearly a female thing of alien grace and unsettling comeliness--seems to be quite shy but sometimes grows bold enough to approach a villager; her voice is soft and melodic, issuing from lips that appear either silver or ice blue, depending on the light. Most often seen lightly clad and barefoot, the creature shows little fear of the cold yet is visibly reluctant to approach open flames. And though the creature's silvery, almond-framed eyes never betray anger or malice--and though no residents of Krofburg have yet died by her hands--the villagers fear and shun the unnatural creature all the same, wailing "monster" or "ghost" or "caliban" as they flee.
Ovidiu--one of Krofburg's few guards--attacked the creature as she approached him one sunset. Though most of Ovidiu's strokes were deftly avoided or struck aside with her bare hands, one of his halberd thrusts struck her ribs and drew blood, laying to rest the notion that she might be a banshee or other undead. In the guard's words, the creature in turn defended herself by striking Ovidiu with hands and feet "made of stone" with "a touch as cold as ice," knocking him aside before turning away and fleeing "as swiftly as the wind".
It is not commonly known if the creature is here because she followed the Pale Man--whether as his accomplice, his enemy, a villainous opportunist or a mere seeker of curiosities--or if she simply came of her own accord. But the village is laid out with numerous holes and cellars where such a creature may hide. Barring a massed effort to drive her out of Krofburg, the bizarre creature may be here to stay, for better or for worse.
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A white-skinned lady has been seen visiting the cold and unwelcoming mountain village rather often. Locals are rather suspicious about Outsiders, considering the not-so-hidden gossips about the Bellegrade company. Yet, curiosity is a temptation even for the most narrow-minded brains, and a break in the routine of the manual labours.
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Those that survived the harsh winter in the Balinoks felt no safety when spring finally crept into the shadow of Mt Ghakis, during one of springs first eve's an attack in the Burgomasters house took place. Baffled by how the thick robed witch managed to enter the mansion, he was seen chasing a young woman threw the mudy paths of Krofburg, any peasant, Garda that attempted to swat the mage was struck aside with its varya. Upon the young woman flee'ing into a Inn, the dracu-witch transformed in sickening ways into a large caliban like beast, it returned moments later carrying the young woman who was screaming in fear.
A single Garda ws brave enough to chase the beast up into the Mountains...the brave soul never returned...
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A surviving guard sent for help for the nearby Vallaki, which was answered by Corporal Belovich and his men. When they arrived they could find what the dark witcher beast had done. The guard from Krofburg was informed that the Corporal and his men explored the dreaded mountain for any trails. And so they left up the rocks to explore what has caused this misery...
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The Vadims are seen spending more and more time in the village of Krofburg, some say they mean to become a permanent fixture there. They seem to spend a lot time in the vineyard looking at farms and such. Though walking through the tiny town they often cast glances at the Bellegarde building, ideas floating around in their heads.
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A regiment of Zarusian knights, clad in their black-and-gold uniforms, arrive in Krofburg. They enter the inn, pay heartily, and discuss battle plans against the regional creatures of the night. The Chaplain spends a good part of the day preaching the word of Zarus in the streets, despite his knowledge of the innate distrust of organized religion that Barovians are notorious for.
He preaches messages concerning the values of strength, hardiness, hard work, and purity, using the native Balok tongue to deliver his message, linking these values to Barovian culture and folklore.
(a brief example of some of the preaching)
"Zarus grants betterment to those who seek it! The craftsman who honors Zarus seeks perfection and mastery of his art! The laborer finds his work more efficient and satisfying! The soldier, his martial skill unmatched! Misery is naught, for one must only look within ones self to find strength!"
"Astra protects Humanity's children, her ever-watchful gaze safeguards the young against evil spirits and feyfolk which seek to take away the most precious of Human life! A mother who has faith in Astra will see her daughters grow to be healthy and beautiful, her sons to grow strong and hearty! No evil can hope to stand against Her maternal protection!"
The Chaplain offers to heal wounds and scars the villagers may have, and restores damaged limbs and sicknesses the local miners may be suffering, should any approach him.
Less obvious are the Zarusians' critical, but subtle hunt in the village, searching for signs of lycanthropy and non-human impurity hidden away in the villagers.
The Chaplain also requests a meeting with the Burgomeister of Krofburg, offering protection to the village. The Zarusians are previously known in Krofburg for aiding to rebuild the village itself, with whispers stating that a massive sum - over 120,000 fangs - were given to build it. (link) (http://www.nwnravenloft.com/forum/index.php?topic=15937.0)
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A recent transfer has brought Krofburg a new Garda. A well decorated Soldier, taking on the position as Corporal in the small mountain town. While the addition to their small force of Garda is mostly welcomed, many shy away from the new peg-legged Corporal, due to his horribly burned face, and grizzly necklace of leathery ears he wears at all times. During the day the Corporal spends his time familiarizing himself with the town, and spends his nights in a bottle at the Wandering Billy.
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The new Corporal in Krofburg has been seen spending a few hours a day at dusk chopping down trees, removing their branches, and stacking the logs near the old watermill. Now, he's even hired a new arrival to Krofburg to assist him in this, a quiet barovian man named Tihomir. The Corporal has yet to say what the plan for this is, but the normally dull town of Krofburg is abuzz with speculation.
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The garrison of this sleepy little village has received another transfer from the Vallaki Guard. The distinguished and controversial veteran has been seen patrolling the village's perimeter with his new commander. Both soldiers have been heard discussing plans to build a defensive wall and a tower around the village.
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Vague whispers are heard of a large shepherd tending a small flock of goats amongst the more uninhabited areas of the Balinoks. Only fleeting glimpses of the herdsman are seen, as the individual seems to be making no effort to come in contact with the townfolk. Incredulous accounts of a possibly two-headed hound working as a herding dog are largely dismissed as fanciful exaggerations of taletellers that have drunk too much tsuika.
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Rumor spreads in the peaceful village of Kroftburg, that some ox goaders went missing on the slopes. Some blame the weather, others the chasms, agreeing that the mountains are not forgiving at night, others are on the opinion that hungry mountain lions are behind the deed. No traces left only some thrown aside wool and barrels of cheese, and a blood trail of a dragged away animal near the ravines.
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For anyone who start to folllow the route to Kroftburg becomes swiftly obvious, that someone or something marked that area it's own territory. Decapitated heads pinned on trees and warning boards. With the tip of a knife someone carved the word 'outlander' into torn off heads' thin flesh , though the decaying skin slowly make the word unreadable.
Might be some savage group of people taking up residence on the slopes? Band of criminals, perhaps deserting invidians? What is obvious that a large number of half-devoured ox and mountain goats decorate the path towards Kroftburg. A harvest for the carnivores and scavangers.
Strangely enough Kroftburg is untouched, not even a single chicken missing, and though the locals are terrified some murmurs about the rage of the Balinoks sweeping down on the foreigners. For the better or the worse.
Though if this continues like this, the economy of Kroftburg will be gravely harmed, seeing the ox goarders try to avoid the old wool-route. It might soon even harm the local mining company's business. Miners grumbling about the curse of the mountain spirits, other claim they saw hordes of thugs and rascals roaming the mountain half-naked only in a fur loin cloth, others blame the pitic rock-witches.
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Rumor spreads in Vallaki and Kroftburg, that miners gone missing in the Balinoks. Those who travel the wool-road will eyewitness this with their own eyes, heads pinned on trees, claw marks, corpses without heads. Someone or something is marking it's own territory.
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Those who are visit the Balinok mountains, especially near the lakes, can often hear a growling like raving carried by the winds, echoing the slopes. The words that can be identified are balok, speaking about loss, hunger, pain and mourning. Names of Dimitri and Ilena became a common voice of the chill winds of the coming winter. As the season draws close the echoes and raving can be heard further from Kroftburg, and closer to Dvergheim, sometimes even down on the foothills.
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In the coming weeks, few and few travelers go missing on the Balinoks, the miners finally go back to continue their daily labor by the copper seams. Those lost, are on the account of the raging mountains at the Barovian winter, and the hungry crag cats. Life returns to the Wool-road slowly, ox-goaders carrying wares from and to Kroftburg. No new reports arrive from the farms by the foothills on bear attacks, none beyond the occasional.
Whispers around the campfire near Kroftburg starts to speak about the monster of Kroftburg is gone, vanished or changed his territory, nothing is certain.
And they'd whisper that one of the woodcutters of the mountain village, Vasile Ionescu gone missing. No corpse had been found.
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//Correction, if they look hard enough they will find his grave next to his family's.
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A new Garrison Commander has been appointed to the sleepy mountain village. Alin Baboescu, former Militia-Captain of Vallaki and veteran of many years in the Barovian Army. The arrival of an officer from the "Grey City" has set many a peasent wondering. Why would someone of his achievement and standing choose an assignment in a backwoods mountain community like Krofburg?
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This morning, farmer Raduescu awoke to find two of his prized goats slaughtered and eaten inside his small barn. Tracks in the snow reveal a large wolf as the culprit, one bold and smart enough to enter the village limits after night. Strange thing being, How did the beast manage to unlatch the barn door or that none of the usually keen eared neighborhood dogs managed to detect the night intruder.
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Just past sunset, in the twilight between day and night, Young Peroti came rushing into the Wandering Billy Tavern. The boy, clearly disturbed and frightened claimed to have seen a large dark wolf stalking the village streets. Quickly the patrons of the tavern shuttered the windows and door.
Come morning three more goats belonging to the Ghanescu family where found slaughtered and half eaten. Again, the animals were secured inside the barn behind a latched door.
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Wolf traps set out have been found sprung. The poisoned meat left untouched. Behind shuttered windows and bolted doors, the inhabitants of the village find themselves fearfully cowering from this "Rogue Wolf". Despite the best efforts of the local law, all efforts to organise a hunting party have been met with silence.
Rumors have begun circulating that this "Creature" is more then just a comman wolf, but a spirit of the mountain, angered by the encroachment of the Bellegrade mines or maybe even a ghost from the villages diabolic past.
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An emergency shipment of flour, dried meats, vegetables and cheese was brought up the mountain from Vallaki by members of the Morninglordian Church.
It is said that the life saving supplies will feed the families who where robbed by the "Devil Wolf" throughtout the remaider of the winter.
Four Morningloridans in particular were noted by the village inhabitants as saviors, Prosper Iverno, Octavian Vlas, Izabela Miklos and Petra Doyevska.
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The off duty soldier Radu Cernea was heard complaining in the Wandering Billy Tavern last night;
[Finishes in fifth mug of Stout Heart Ale]"Hic" Iadul Baboescu chassed us outa tha barracks last noapte... Said eh needin his privacy. Now I have ta spend me fangs on rentin a room ere tonight... "hic"
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A lone traveler arrived to the backwoods village not long ago, and rented a room in the Billy for a longer stay. His face is not unknown in the village, often he was seen goading oxen, bringing supplies. He's currently spending much of his time in the woodworkers's workshop or on the slopes. Also asking questions about the "Devil Wolf". Rumor that he might be a hunter judging from his equipment.
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Upon asking about the traveler the locals have little to say. They mention he stirs little attention, waking early leaving the village, coming back late usually with wolf pelts and logs of wood, which he leaves for the crafters without asking compensation. He resides in the Billy, the farthest room, registered on the name of Emry. Every now and then he makes contact with the caravaneers sending small packages and receiving some himself.
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Signs have been posted along the mountain road warning of foul beasts & creatures sighted, even the locals of the windswept village mumble in fear of hidious shadows lurking at the edge of town and live stock slain.
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Local residents notice a newcomer coming in, and settling at the local Inn. She seems to shuffle between tradesmen, talking and conversing, and working where needed. With deep red hair, and a formidable set of platemail, she sticks out from the other residents of the remote town.
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Rumour has it that many Ezrites as well as a strange, lone fey were seen battling two women in the vineyards; The younger, dressed also as an ezrite, and the old, a poerful witch who summoned giant demons. The younger of the two was slain, but the older escaped.
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~One of the Local's from Krofburg has recently left, setting off down the beaten path's of the mountain passes towards Vallaki. He was known around the small Village as a Miner and was something of a local pariah amid the populace due to a scandalous event that saw his wife leave him for the son of a rich vineyard owner. There is a slight decrease in the production of valuable minerals for a short time, but the community soon finds itself recovering.~
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~ It's been said of late some of the Bolder members of the small community of Krofburg have begun keeping regular watch over the mountains as well as working as go between's for the various commerce that transpires between Vallaki and The Small Mountain Village. Many have seen them about along the mountain passes and it's said they have a habit of making camp sometimes down by the Vistani near the outskirts, though far enough away to not be associated with them. They Keep to themselves mostly and seem to have the typical demeanor one might come to expect of the hardy mountain people of the balinoks~
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~Late in the Night some manner of Wolf neuri was sighted in the small Village, leaving behind a trail of unrest in it's wake. It is said one of Krofburg's very own Son's Ran the beast off with the assistance of his woman, but as any sensible barovian's would they did not give chase to the creature as it scurried off howling in the night, dealt a severe blow by the Large mans Halberd and with several bolts sticking from it's pelt.~
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A young Gundarakite man has shown up in Krofburg, known to shopkeepers by the name "Franjo". He's begun pulling his weight, assisting the Barovians with their day to day work as if he was one of them. He does not force his help, or expect payment for it. Any who deny him are left alone.
When he is idle, he is either seen in the tavern, making a trip back down the mountain, or stitching what appears to he a linen doll with whatever he can find.
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~The Village of Krofburg has welcomed three new recruits into their branch of the garda, grossly underpowered the small mountain village can use all the help it can get. Among them are said to be a Man known to many as Ril a known local, his woman Felicia said to hail from vallaki originally and a barovian named Mihail who rumor has it comes up from the Mount Sawtooth region. All three have been known to work towards securing the roads that serve as the arteries to the heart of the small mountain village and helping commerce thrive by personally seeing to the escort of goods to and from the large settlement of vallaki. ~
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~Of late Patrols can be sighted along the Mountain passes that lead towards Krofburg, mostly these Garda do little to affect Commerce but it is not unknown for them to stop passerby and ask them of their Destination or check over their shipments. On Occasion Civilian inhabitants of the small village can be seen in their company as well, likely being escorted by their brethren to and from the much Larger Settlement of Vallaki.~
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~In recent news, yet another Neuri attack has plagued the small village. Whether this was the same Neuri from before or an altogether different one remains to be seen. It's possible a rising threat looms up near Krofburg though the only victim's thus far have been a single lamb, largely due to the efforts of two of the Mountain Villages Inhabitants. It was said the couple were recently camped out enjoying some alone time when the most recent event transpired and when the pair mustered the courage to give chase the beast fled~
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Following tragedy the young mountain man known as Bogdan was spotted, yet bearing signs of the previous nights events, with pack in hand and doi axes slung to belt. He spoke to none as he left Krofburg, yet his face bore a mix of anger and pain.
It was said he returned as night fell, bloodied and no less angry than he left. He was accompanied by the small thin woman from the bottom of the mountain. They parted ways shortly after though no kind words were shared in the parting
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~More whispers of dread beasts and unrest fill the idle chatter among the community as a loud howl followed by heavy systematic thuds against the door to the wandering billy were heard by patrons and those in the vicinity. None were foolish enough to open the door yet it was rumored several of the hearty mountain people of Krofburg stood ready inside the tavern with Silvered weapons drawn, having been prepared for just such instances by one of the town locals known as Ril As the sunrise came it was said both he and the towns resident scout Felicia followed the trail though as has happened on two separate occasions the beast had escaped once more. That very same day a new Oaken door was constructed by one of the Sons of Krofburg Named Bogdan, Reinforced with Iron which was said to be acquired by Ril. The pair helped one another put the new door up all the while grumbling at one another over some matter. They retired to the Inn that night in the company of one of their Childhood friends named Camelia who has recently returned home from a two year stint on her grandmothers farm in Krezk~
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Perhaps coincidentally a new face can be seen around Krofburg at times. Typically cloaked and hooded, the figure has at times been noted to be of Vistani blood, and often times can be seen running up or down the long, mountainous road to the the village in spite of the treacherous conditions of said road. With the recent string of Neuri sightings, it does not take long for rumours to begin circulating among the locals of some connection between the 'Crazy Outlander' and the recent rash of werecreature sightings.
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A peculiar band of garishly-dressed outlanders arrived in Krofburg recently, claiming to belong with some manner of foreign theater troupe looking for inspiration of some kind. As they talk to the villagers, they themselves glance about with guarded expressions, as if they themselves expect trouble almost as much as the villagers themselves do. The villagers might notice that for a troupe, they're fairly well armed...
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~A bald, brash man has just arrived in Krofburg this evening carrying a deliver. He had three crates upon his back and the man beside him one. He has talked much in his endeavors about the local bars about finding work and making a copper blade, with his own hands, while he stays here. A passerby thought the man to be of Tepestani decent, though few had actually met any or wanted to speak of it at the time~
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~Of Late one of the quiet Villages Garda can be seen standing in the market square of a day, eying the commoners perhaps slightly more than usual. It's possible the stern Man known as Ril is keeping an eye out for specific behaviors or perhaps his Taciturn nature gives him cause to mill about. He does however seem to keep a close eye on this 'Troupe' that has made it's way to the village, mostly however he leaves them to their research, allowing them to seek out the inspiration they so desperately seek for their next production~
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Rumours that are whispered throughout Krofburg speak of a friend, of a friend, who disappeared one night 'on the mountain'. The Krofburg guards are never contacted on these occasions that are whispered of, so it is hard to know of an exact number of these missing people. A strange mood is present nowadays in Krofburg, the village folk even more suspicious than usual.
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Several arrests were made by the local krofburg guard. One being a guard himself, and the other a cultist. They were heard being accused of aiding in the disappearances of good barovian folk. There was a great deal of tension within the Wandering Billy as well, as one of those guards made certain to make all outlander guests feel unwelcome within their territory.
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~One of the Town's Garda was seen Drinking heavily after the arrests were made, his knuckles bloody and several splotches of blood covering his armor. Perhaps on an unrelated note the 'Troupe' that had stayed amid the quiet mountain Village for the past few days were seen departing. The Villagers likely as pleased as the Troupe to be parted from one another's company.~
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~After all the commotion at the inn, and the town calming down, one outlander still remains. The man who plays the fife each night about his tray of mugs. He works the mines by morning, and spends his afternoon at the forge diligently working on a copper sword. Some have heard him murmur of having troubles with its completion, that when it is through he will be leaving the mountain village~
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There's a ruckus in the small village in the middle of the night, several men seen entering the home of one Dmitri Niculescu and leaving with a small form wrapped in a bloody sheet. The man, known for his good nature, friendly temperament, and love of his family is seen hunting down the Krofburg Garda known as Gavril with the repeated beggings of, "Find my daughter." It appears as if his wife had met her end that night, whispers of why and how spreading through the village like wildfire.
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In the past few weeks a man has been seen quite often in the small mountain village.
Most of the time alone, but on occasions with others, he comes and goes quite regularly.
At first his clothing and armour were in bitter state, however as he brought delivery after delivery, he started to spend quite an amount in the nearby shops.
The smithery and the tannery are that seem to be his focus, and little by little, the mans outfit and weaponry has changed and improved. With various tools, weapons, half made products, he is a regular sight in town, however he seldom seems to frequent the tavern, as if he was working through most nights, while in the village.
On occasions he is even seen to rid the vineyards and the goat ponces of the pestering wolves.
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[A Notice Placed in several obvious places amid Krofburg]
(http://i1303.photobucket.com/albums/ag145/Werewolftimetraveler/warning_zpsa0bb319e.jpg) (http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/Werewolftimetraveler/media/warning_zpsa0bb319e.jpg.html)
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[Loud, bellowing roars rocked Krofburg this past night. As morning came, it would seem whatever was responsible for the nightly terrorizing had slaughtered an entire stock of goat, and had defaced a statue and multiple doors with claw marks.]
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[rumors speak of how the local woodsman of the Morninglord, Felix comenscu, plans to hold a service to the morninglord this weekend]
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Rumors spread that the Vicar of the Grey City is visiting the temple in Krofburg, he can be seen sitting by the fire at night and kindly speaking to the locals by day.
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[talk that "the black Paw of the mountain" is active around the village lately. Rumors go about how there was a lot of noise in the night, banging and what sounded like bear growls. Of course others just blame outlanders for stirring up trouble or the cause of all this ruckus.]
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[rumors speak that 'the black paw of the mountain' is once again active in krofburg...]
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[rumors go around that an outlander woman was attacked by 'the black paw of the mountain' She was seen using a spare chair leg from the tavern as support for her injuries....]
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A man clad in snow white steel armour and clothing, which was quite stained, by most likely blood and some kind of green goo, and a man clad in full plate, a strange duo has spent the night talking in the tavern.
Their words often hushed, but other times quite distirurbing....
"The man who acts like a beast is still a man. The beast that acts like man is still nothing more but a beast. To kill the former may taint your soul, to kill the latter may save your fellow mens life."
The locals obviously steered away from them, the guard often sending a glance at them, since it is not often that too well armed men come to visit their humble little village.
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There have been a number of attacks in the Village of Krofburg. A growing number of bodies are being found drained of blood, the attacks show the signs of a vampire, yet they are more vicious than one would normally expect.
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Frequently, a young woman in red has been seen around Krofburg, walking the streets in the wee hours of the day. She always vanishes before dawn, leaving in her wake bodies drained of blood. Sobbing and crying can be heard during these early hours. One could only assume the blood moon was behind these vicious attacks, and the mournful crying come day break.
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Two men in brown travel garb - one human, one hin - were seen leaving Krofburg for the famed vineyards, after a short visit to the Burgomasters residence.
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[Dawnbringer Riley of Vallaki visits the small place of worship within the mountain town, and asks that any priests or priestesses of the Morning Lord that reside there make themselves known to her.]
((Can PM me here on the forums or find me in game on Riley. :) ))
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Rumors spread through Krofburg about the elite squad of Vallaki Garda known as squad III traveling to Kroburg to aid the people. When they began their trek to the mountains, they were met with hushed mockery and unwelcoming eyes. The Town seemed surprised when the men returned, battered and bruised. No one knows what happened to squad III out on that mountain. No one knows the dangers they faced and triumphed over. It seems that they returned victorious, having vanquished an enemy that wished to disrupt the way of life of the Krofburg citizens. They can rest assured now that the sons of Vallaki came and restored safety to Kroburg. They were heroes now, despite no one knowing of the terrible challenges they overcame for the sake of Barovia.
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[Posters begin to crop up in this area, bearing the seal of the Church of the Lawgiver. (http://www.nwnravenloft.com/forum/index.php?topic=40039.msg514501#new)]
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A woman, said to be local to Krofburg and not a follower of the Morninglord, is said to have gathered all the above posters.
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[Posters begin to crop up in this area, bearing the seal of the Church of the Lawgiver. (http://www.nwnravenloft.com/forum/index.php?topic=40039.msg514501#new)]
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The posters are removed again by the same woman. Some recognize her as the daughter of the late garda Dumitru Vasilovschi.
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[The garda Private Ecaterina Lacusta is seen arriving in Krofburg, meeting with her family to enjoy some well-earned leave from her duties.]
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Word spreads around Krofburg about a dark knight wandering the mountains around the village, especially at dusk, rarely during the day. As he seems to avoid the people, one can only guess his motives or if he is a threat or not.
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A grisly sight greeted the sleepy village of Krofburg on a recent cold morning. The local memorial, where the villagers had long buried their deceased, was found to be disturbed and graves dug up and the bodies missing. One of the local guards was found torn up by wolf claws, savaged and covered with fur from the animal.
Wolf-prints and hair in the muddy soil around the grave also suggested wolves to the concerned townspeople, and word spread that the particularly harsh winter had driven wolves into more and more desperate actions, such as scavenging the graves of the dead. The Krofburg village guards are preparing themselves for more wolf attacks.
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A middle-age Mordentish woman has arrived in Krofburg, equipped for the cold weather and trials of the mountains. She moves stiffly, her back, occasionally, seeming to give her great discomfort, which she attempts to bear with only quiet grimaces of pain. Staying at the local inn, she spends most of her time there, asking polite questions to those that would share rumors of the disturbed graves and sightings of wolfprints and fur.
Curiously, she seems more than a simple traveler, as an ornately scabbarded sword is nearly always strapped at her waist.
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A man in armor of taupe and grey has been making regular stops at the Wandering Billy. He only stays for a mug of hot water and some goat stew before hiking back up into the mountains.
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Krofburg is kissed by an unseasonable winter morning, one that brings with it ill tidings, of an innocent family slaughtered. White fur tracks through the village, covered in blood. The villagers are quick to blame the nearby crag cat population, spitting curses at whatever emboldens and empowers the creatures. Husband and wife Belododia are quickly buried in the packed dirt, and the whole mountain community laments that there was nothing left of their poor girl Sylvie to bury...
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Concerned for the safety of himself and his workers, a superstitious low level supervisor within the mines workforce spends contemplative time within the Morninglords shrine as a result of the ominous omens befalling the village. Here, he takes to silent prayer, seeking a sign from the Dawn as to what these portents may be, speaking with the local priest and trusted workers alike for what they think may be amiss.
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Smoke can be seen emitting from the cliffside of Krofburg's vineyards, where the wolves often dwell. Before it started, a man wearing a suit of armor arrived in the settlement.
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Even with the tremors and other ill events that have plagued Krofburg in the recent weeks, villagers of the mountain town have noticed a Dementiluese man, visiting and leaving the village often. The man, a courier it seems, stops by the Bellegarde building on each of his visits. Rather he is on business for the Agency, or is stopping to seek employment with them, is as of yet, unclear.
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Uneasy whispers around the mountain town start filtering through the Wandering Billy's tavern of mountain goat carcasses being found along the road between Krofburg and Vallaki. While one might lay the blame on the crag cats, whispers are that it is something much larger. One herder even swore he saw the prints of a hunting cat that were bigger than the size of a man's foot. Whatever the cause, it seems it is only one thing after another for the hardy men and women of the mountain village.
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Almost as quickly as they appeared, the signs of the unusal predator have vanished from the mountain region. Perhaps whatever it was was driven off or something bigger got ahold of it. Either way, the villagers rest better knowing it is gone.
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Rumors of a commotion in Krofburg. The lord's steward's hand chopped off in the central square, another man dead trying to interfere, and a young woman, the daughter of a dead man, now Steward in his place. Most believe the Burgomaster has just finally finished his descent into mad self-pity.
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[A notice is pinned to the front door of the Bellegarde Consortium.]
(http://i.imgur.com/jcryV14.jpg)
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(http://i1363.photobucket.com/albums/r717/Maharella/Gaping%20Wound%20Hiring_zpskhbyy3mr.jpg) (http://s1363.photobucket.com/user/Maharella/media/Gaping%20Wound%20Hiring_zpskhbyy3mr.jpg.html)
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An armored woman bearing relief supplies for Krofburg trudges slowly into town and makes her way to the Temple of Dawn. There she unwraps something she has swaddled in her cloak to reveal that healing is not all she brings: she has a nearly frozen body found in the cold of Mount Ghakis.
A few might recognize the armor wearer as the same meek Outlander taunted and spat upon during the early morning beatings in the Citadel.
-
Word comes from Krofburg, eager, whispered breathlessly from mouth to ear, ear to mouth. The word says that silver has been found, silver beyond imagining, silver beyond possibility. Word says that the Burgomaster will grant a claim to those who wish to work it, and that Bellegarde is hiring men to push their own shafts deeper into the mountain than ever before. From across Barovia, men and women leave their families hurriedly, carrying little more than the shirts on their backs, marching towards Krofburg, towards a gleaming future. And as word spreads, they come from farther afield: Borca, Invidia, Kartakass, then Hazlan, Nova Vaasa, Mordent, Richemulot, even distant and snowy Lamordia. Great eyes are fastened on Krofburg now. The small half-ruined hamlet is suddenly the subject of conversations and considerations that only a day before would have been entirely unthinkable.
-
Word spreads around Krofburg that a woman in the black and red armor of the Von Zaroviches was seen entering the Burgomaster's Residence. Shortly afterwards, the Burgomaster's minstrel was seen slipping out of the House in the early dawn, one eye livid with bruises and her eyes haunted.
-
The night's events left corpses behind, at least two prospectors are dead and the remains of a woman have been burned in the Rift, scorched lace caught on stone flaps like an ominous flag.
One of the local guards forms an undignified heap as she's slumped on a table in the Wandering Billy, the smell of tsuika like a barrier about her.
-
Rumors swirl around the court session held in the Burgomaster's hall. They say the Burgomaster himself was, as usual, a no-show, and his Steward Constanta Lazarescu sat in his place. Much of what occurred was routine, but there were complaints by the caliban of Caliban Hill that they were being mistreated by one guard in particular. The Red Vardo alleged terrible conditions in the Bellegarde mine, and rumor says they even suggested that men were puking blood and dying. Though it does not seem to have dulled the enthusiasm of those who come seeking their fortunes, the rumor seems to be persistent, even though some insist that they know a man who overheard the Lieutenant telling his witness what to say.
-
Whilst checking snares set on the slopes above Krofburg, a huntsman is delivered an unpleasant gift by his hound: it is a worn hide boot containing a detached human leg that appears to have been hacked off at the knee. The skin is bruised and the bone is utterly crushed. More curious is the bangle slipped around the ankle: it is made from adamantine, and contains a lock of golden hair on the inner rim, sealed with resin. The huntsman brings his find back to Krofburg, often bragging at the Wandering Billy. Locals are curious to get a glimpse of the treasure, but it doesn't occur to anyone to discover the fate of the leg's owner. Yet.
// If your character has heard the rumors and you want to find the 'mountain pirate', let me know via PM or tells and I'll log him in! Rumor approved by Chaos.
-
In the dead of the night, something was heard dragging its way across the frosty ground at a glacial pace. It moved through the prospectors' camp and towards the main part of town. At the break of dawn, the trail made is visible in the snow. It leads to the food cellar behind the Wandering Billy. Those who come near would hear a bestial moaning.
// Once again, just let me know if you want to check it out!
-
A badly wounded man, clad in torn leathers and missing his leg from the knee-down, was carried out of the food cellar by one of the local militiamen. He was brought to the garda hut, and has not emerged since, though for a time, an awful wailing noise came from the building.
-
Amongst the throngs of new faces that have flocked to the city of tents about the Village of Krofburg, a rather odd sight might be found. The most recent newcomer to the area, a bloodless man with a cadaverous face and a neatly kept mane of silver, has drawn both jeers and and more subtle, whispered insults as he takes a place as the new bartender for the popular establishment; the Miner's Merriment.
Not a day after his arrival the word has gone out that the tented tavern has undergone a recruitment explosion. Dancers, minstrels, and nymphs of all types are being called upon to flock to the place, in return they are promised steady work and fair wages.
((If your character would seek employment, drop me a line on the forums or Discord and we can figure out a time that works for a meet up.))
-
The screams of dying men echo over the valleys of the mountains, carrying all the way into the mountain hamlet of Krofburg.
A short distance out on the mountain road, toward the north, the great doors to the Bellegarde's mines stand ajar - one of its agent, and two of its miners lying dead in the snow, a nimbus of warm crimson gathering underneath, soaking into the snow and shriveled mountain grass...
What horrors lie within...?
(http://i.imgur.com/Jnu2RHu.png)
-
Rumors swirl of a minstrel that has been holding performances at the Wandering Billy and the Miner's Merriment nightly. Gossip is that she's been employed by the Stewardess' minstrel for the town and miners, though she has yet to make a large performance.
-
A small group of travellers returning from a supply run to Krofburg discuss among themselves the macabre sights they witnessed during their journey:
* A human skull and intestines littering the road
* Enormous claw marks on the landscape
* The glint of something--a large beast?--looking down at them from one of the peaks
* Slain crag cats, their furs left untaken
* A sign warning any who would aid the Bellegarde Consortium to do so at peril of life and limb.
-
In the aftermath of the great quake and the ensuing avalanche that beset the bonanza in the Ghakis range, an itenerant priest in faded red garb has been spreading a message of hope amongst the displaced and the downtrodden. Seen as an opportunist in the wake of calamity by many of the more skeptical residents, the priest names himself Friar Sand, and has taken to preaching primarily to the laborers of the tent city with great fervor despite the mixed results from his sermons.
-
Only days after the great quake another priest shows up. Sister Loredana Vaduva of the Morninglord faith has come to help Vicar Sima in his time of need, tending to the downtrodden and instilling hope in those who otherwise had none.
-
Throughout the day a bespectacled gnome is seen going to and from the Bellegarde building in Krofburg. Occasionally she arrives in the company of others and frequently she is carrying folded notes. On arrival she is often out of breath and as the day wears on exhaustion is clearly etched on her features.
-
A glimpse of a foreign hooded figure is seen only for a moment outside of the consortium's office building long after regular business hours.
-
Colourful advertisements for The Tent City's least-reputable drinking establishment can sometimes be found litter the road, crushed underfoot or burnt for the meager warmth they provide.
(https://i.imgur.com/iaOskli.jpg?1)
-
A small caliban is seen handing a large bag of coins to Mariu at the One-Legged Dancer, enough for at least a few months stay.
-
Early morning seven oxen are brought into the City of Tent's marketplace, accompanied by a red headed gnome, plated Borcan, dour man and finely dressed woman. Each ox is laden with iron ore. After a brief exchange with the owner of the smithy, the ore is unloaded and both the smith and the dour man can be seen smelting ingots until late into the day. The gnome is later seen following a Vos man into a black tent.
-
A new arrival has appeared in the One Legged Dancer: a horrid creature that refers to itself as "Grubo". His presence is noted by his boisterous and bull-headed personality, but more interesting is just how horrifically deformed he is. In fact, his face seems barely human, seeming more goblin-like than man. Known to cause the occasional ruckus, the creature seems to be looking for work.
-
Following a series of tremors, the Ghakis Mines are hurriedly evacuated in the dead of night. A coppery haired gnome is seen affixing a notice to the mine's sign the following day:
MINES CLOSED TEMPORARILY
-
Rumor states there's going to be a smelters shut down and some kind of gathering of the workers inside the One Legged Dancer.
-
A bulky member of the Krofburg Militia and a bespectacled gnome are seen entering the Ghakis Mines together. Some time later the pair emerge before the gnome removes the 'MINES CLOSED' notice from the sign.
-
[Chaos and bedlam would overtake the massive encampment to the west of the Village of Krofburg. What started with a group of shifty-looking men of Vos descent leading a familiar red-headed woman out of the Miner's Merriment westwards ended in a mysterious tyrant mage sworn to serve the Count visiting all manner of foul and contemptuous witchery on the soon-to-be-judged. After the dust had finally settled and blood had ceased to be spilled, a host of women emerged from a sinister-looking black tent, gazing at the sun in wonder and breathing in fresh air.]
-
Colourful advertisements for The Tent City's least-reputable drinking establishment can sometimes be found litter the road, crushed underfoot or burnt for the meager warmth they provide.
(https://i.imgur.com/3m9Wskq.jpg)
-
[Notices are put up around the village.]
(https://i.imgur.com/BgpAzud.png)
Work Available
Can you read and write? Are you patient, polite and neatly-presented?
The Steward seeks a secretary to assist in the daily administration of the village.
You will be:
- fluent in Balok (if you are not local),
- good-mannered and respectful,
- prepared to deal with the requests and needs of those in Krofburg, recording and reporting these to the Steward,
- aware of the sensitivity of many requests and treat them accordingly,
- invested in the village and its people.
Present yourself to the Burgomaster's House if you are interested.
Constanta Lazarescu
Steward of Krofburg
-
[The notices are refreshed.]
-
[New notices spread throughout the village.]
(https://i.imgur.com/VThGfY8.jpg)
-
An elven woman discovered a man unconscious in the snow this evening. A guardsman was called to assist, who then carried the individual (suspected to be a drunkard) to a room in The Wandering Billy. He has remained there since.
-
Numerous women have been noted coming and going from the sick man's room. Strangely, each and every one of them has had red hair.
-
[Fresh posters are plastered throughout the village]
(https://i.imgur.com/VThGfY8.jpg)
-
(https://i.imgur.com/iaOskli.jpg)
-
[Fresh posters are nailed up to light posts and the noticeboard]
(https://i.imgur.com/CGbR4yi.jpg)
-
[A singular flyer outside the Wandering Billy.]
Aid and Service
To those of Her flock that seek confession, the sacred vows of marriage, the settling of small quarrels or healing, I make myself available.
To those that have not found Her light I offer wisdom in Her ways and salvation of the soul.
Send letter of notice to the Wandering Billy.
- Signed, Yves Berger, Travelling Anchorite of Her First Revelation
-
Aid and Service
To those of Her flock that seek confession, the sacred vows of marriage, the settling of small quarrels or healing, I make myself available.
To those that have not found Her light I offer wisdom in Her ways and salvation of the soul.
Send letter of notice to the Wandering Billy.
- Signed, Yves Berger, Travelling Anchorite of Her First Revelation
[This poster finds itself now adhered to the noticeboard on the entrance to the Tent City, as well as the Wandering Billy. After a few days, however, the Anchorite putting them ceases his practice, though he is still seen frequently in both village and encampment.]
-
The night in the Tent City is eventful and macabre as usual. Tonight, a man lies dead on the ground, dark blood soaking into the dust and dirt, killed, some whisper, in a quarrel with his brother, the oldest conflict in the world. His sightless eyes and gaping mouth testify to the fact that silver can't come out of the ground untainted by crimson.
-
[A fresh batch of posters advertising the miltia are spread throughout the village and tents]
(https://i.imgur.com/CGbR4yi.jpg)
-
[Posters advertising the militia are freshed with small addendums tacked on to the bottom of the parchment]
(https://i.imgur.com/CGbR4yi.jpg)
Enlistment bonuses now offered for those who heed the militia's call. Seek out Corporal Albescu if you've the stones and discipline to make an honest day's coin.
-
An explosion of violence outside the Burgomaster's Residence: the so-called "Silent Scream" demonstrating its contempt for the law of the land, killing or badly wounding a number of guards and outlanders. It is heard to shout, in a macabre voice, "Tell the peasant girl she still owes me three deaths!"
-
As the festivities for the Merriment's re-opening wind down, a dawn raid shocks the tent city: death and destruction descends as a dozen undead, ancient Destroyers and Ravagers of Barovia, fall upon the prospector enclave, led by the one known as the "Silent Screm". Their gaping, rotten mouths scream battle cries to their lord and master, Irlek-Khan, as they fall upon the prospectors and outlanders gathered for the festivities without mercy, their ferocity unbridled and relentless. Eventually the assault is stopped at great cost; the dead and destroyed are counted, yet there is still no sign of the "Silent Scream" or its remains amongst the fallen...
-
As dawn breaks over the industrious mountain village, weak light spills on to a new, some say worrying sight. An array of palisades block off the narrow entrance to the city of tents, behind them stand an array of militia men prepared for all comers. It seems something has sparked heightened security within the previously easy-going hamlet.
-
In the dead of the night, a commotion of nearly explosive proportions occurs at the very front of the tent city, where the Krofburg guard have erected a small checkpoint. The Neureni cultist that rose from the dead was said to have confronted a lone guard standing station there, preaching and making its dark offers. Upon the arrival of a woman in a long black coat and a man in a red-chain cuirass, a fight broke out between them all. The man in red was felled as well as the guard, and the latter was dragged down the paths by the undead. A quick pursuit of the woman in the black coat ended up in the recovery of the guard. After helping the man in red back up, the two brought the guard to the Morninglord hut where his wounds were healed...
-
Past the tent city into the furthest reaches of the archaeological dig, an odd scene is left at the top of the stone steps. Bloodied metal spikes are strewn about on the ground. Into the mountainside, four holes have been placed. At each hole, streams of dried blood run down to the ground. A trail of blood can be faintly traced back into the guard house of Krofburg.
-
A one eyed militiaman was seen disappearing into the humble hut that houses the Burgomaster's forces for the better part of a day. When he finally emerged he did so in a suit of heavy furs with a weighty pack upon his back, prepared for a long journey. He departed the village in silence as dusk claimed the land and thus far has failed to return.
-
A familiar figure makes his return just as the last light of afternoon gives way to the dusk. The absent militiaman, his travelling furs now battered and worn and once weighty pack now bereft of all but the most meager of supplies, returns with a disarmingly wide smile on his otherwise tired, wind-burned face. With an obnoxiously cheerful tune on his lips, he'd march his way through the village before retiring to the militia's hut for the evening.
-
The Militia's presence seems to have waned as of late. The local corporal seemingly absent from his post, as there has not been hide nor hair of him spotted since making his way into the offices of the Bellegarde in full, recently polished uniform a few days prior.
-
A new round of barricades and signs have been put up along the road down the mountain. The Militia's newest recruit has also been seen setting up a checkpoint at the entry to the Tent City.
However, she did not stay at the checkpoint: instead, she left a note at the Burgomaster's home and hurried into the Guard's hut,
where she's been holed up since.
-
After visiting the Burgomaster's House throughout a noapte, Valerca was seen exiting it with the Minstrel. They left past the checkpoint and returned soon after.
The recruit has returned to her duties since then: even though she seems to leave for the Lowlands throughout a day or twwo at a time, the wood she returns with to fix up signs and barricades might point at her simply going looking for it.
-
Valerica no longer leaves Krofburg, and she has stopped maintaining the road's torches, signs and barricades. Instead, she can be seen patrolling the city, Tent city and vineyard.
-
In the early morning, cold from the rain, a young woman entered Krofburg entirely naked and shivering. She appeared in a dazed state, and shortly after her arrival, received some clothes and was whisked away to a tavern.
-
A familiar copper-haired bard can be seen wandering about the tent city. She ignores the corpse of a fey woman, as she enters the Merriment, only to exit seconds later, and heave the body over her shoulder. Her path to the alcove across from the Burgomasters is made in clear, and she remained there a hour or two, before going about her business once more.
-
Chaos once again struck the quiet village of Krofburg as, out of nowhere, a dark armoured figure appeared and kidnapped the steward, Constanta Lazarescu. All who came to her aid were slain, and then assailant and victim fled into the shadows...
-
Several hours later, assisted by a small band of people (leaning her weight against one in particular), Constanta Lazarescu returned to Krofburg. She looked rather worse for wear, bloodied and pale and a little uncertain in her steps, but she was alive. The woman she rested against, identifiable by some as Morrigan Harding, the Minstrel, looked bloodied and wounded herself. Constanta was ferried into the Burgomaster's House and did not emerge.
-
[After a short time of calm following the demise of the Silent Scream, it seems that Krofburg is again suffering a new threat. A sombre air hangs over the Burgomaster’s House. Several militia members posted to guard the Burgomaster’s House have been slain. There is also a rumour that a crazed prospector viciously attacked Lord Bochinsky’s Steward, who was so fearful for her life that she beat him to death with her rod of office. The Steward herself is rarely seen outside of the House, and when she is, she appears to have lost much of the colour in her face. Weariness clings to her features.]
-
After a bestial screech was heard in the dead of Old Night, large handfuls of individuals were ushered indoors by a woman dressed in dark armor, both in the village and the Tent City. As the first light of dawn broke over the nestled settlement, the villagers were greeted by a horrid sight -- near three dozen of their goats torn asunder by something massive. In the Wandering Billy, and in the field of the massacre, the culprit was confirmed to be the Liliacul Negru. After a rousing speech given by the Steward, most of the peasantry that nearly erupted in a riot were quelled, and their resolves hardened for the time being.
(https://i.imgur.com/krjY4gf.jpg)
Guards and villagers alike are said to be seen setting up torch brackets all across the village and tent city in hopes to ward off this ancient terror of Old Night..
-
In the tent city of Krofburg, there is a minor epidemic among the prospectors as an illness takes hold around many campsites leading to coughing of blood, dehydration, and severe fatigue. Two were reportedly deceased as a result of this wave of illness in the cold, winter town of Krofburg. So far, it appears the native populace has been spared from most of the illness in the town. The reports of illness has kept the local Barovians even more wary of the foreigners, keeping their distance from the strangers who had come only to fill their pockets with the mineral riches of their homeland...
-
It has been a night of bloodshed.
The open court was disrupted by a masked woman, who, when made to leave, struck all those in attendance with terrible sorcery.
Many have fallen. While reports are few and scattered, given the scale of the bloodshed, it becomes known they have begun to be tended.
The air over Krofburg, and particularly over the House, is quiet and sorrowful.
-
It was said Vallaki garda were slain on the way to Krofburg from Vallaki including a Sergeant whose body was covered in arrows and slashes indicating a long battle against an archer with a mask. The next day, word spreads as some bizarre murders had occurred at night in the mining tunnels of the Great Rift. The bodies of three men were uncovered including the locally known criminal kingpin Dmitri 'the Sly' were found with gunshot wounds and their arms crossed on their chests in a ceremonial manner. Although the plague deaths have drawn most of the attention of the local guards and the rowdy foreigners of the tent city who have been traumatized and concerned about the minor outbreak that was since contained.
-
A trio of Darkonians arrive in the Tent City of Krofburg, escorted by Understeward Harding. Two haul large oxen, each carrying large, sagging satchels and an assortment of coffins – while one of the Darkonians hauls several satchels with much strain.
They quickly take their load to a large, brown tent near the Tent City’s entrance. After some time, two darkonians emerge. But one remains, toiling through the night, stepping out only to accept deliveries from small, hand-drawn wagons that unload near the tent’s doorway, as if to obscure the contents.
-
A Gundarakite man has been seen entering and leaving the Bellegarde Consortium’s office in the company’s colors. He brings in mining supplies and books in tow. The young gentleman surveyed Bellegarde operations near the Rift before lounging and reading inside the office. Word is that he seeks knowledge of Barovian folklore and local history.
-
A young woman clad in bright garments has been seen wandering about the tent city in Krofburg. She leaves only to make quick deliveries, however is said to be in search of more stable work at one of the local venues.
-
The mountain Village had seen dark days before - many overshadowing the massacre that happened in the late hours - Though it was rare for the miners and shepherds to be reminded so vividly of the bestial plague down in the vale, and even less expected was the outlandish, timber beast bursting out of the Bellegarde office covered in viscera, shredding the unfortunate souls that rested their weary bodies closest to the building before roaring out in rage and sprinting back inside...
-
A bloodied and limping man stumbled into the Tent city with single minded purpose and walked into the ajar entrance of the Bellegarde Consortium and disappeared inside without closing the door. He could be described as the grey-eyed, olive-skinned Gundarakite Subdirector that shortly before had been missing for several hours. No comment could be reached from inside of the Consortium's building at the time.
-
[Old posters begin circulating again, and it seems the Anchorite has come back through the mining village on his travels...]
Aid and Service
To those of Her flock that seek confession, the sacred vows of marriage, the settling of small quarrels or healing, I make myself available.
To those that have not found Her light I offer wisdom in Her ways and salvation of the soul.
Send letter of notice to the Wandering Billy.
- Signed, Yves Berger, Travelling Anchorite of Her First Revelation
-
In the last hours of dusk, as night encroached a preacher of the declared "Hailed Final Revelation" sermonized the miners of the tent city. When a Krofburg Guard attempted to disperse the preacher with a threat of violence, an apparent new convert in the crowd threw himself unarmed and unarmored to save the preacher and was killed. The preacher was grievously wounded but left after pleading for the safety of his flock.
-
In the darkest of night, a small, weary looking elven woman entered the quiet town, drenched by the torrents of rain falling at the time. She made her way slowly to the inn, face concealed, though a large sword was seen sheathed on her back, while a golden harp was hanging from her belt.
-
Notices are posted in Krofburg at the Miner's Merriment and the General Store,
"Looking to acquire local mountain lion, must be used to the chill of the mountains. Send inquiries to Ulric Gauste at the Tenements, Port-á-Lucine".
-
The last couple of weeks a young man with golden hair has been seen moving about the city, talking with the inhabitants, and helping out those whom ask him. He seems to be working at the Miner's merriment, where he spends most of his time conducting repairs and maintenance of the building.
-
The Burgomaster of Krofburg, Dimitry Bochinsky, was seen departing early in the hours of a recent morning. Travellers passing on the Old Svalich Road describe seeing a small party in the colors of the village of Krofburg approaching the gates of Castle Ravenloft itself. A day passes; then another; then three; but the Burgomaster does not return.
-
On recent mornings, Lord Bochinsky's Steward, Constanta Lazarescu, is seen upon the road heading into the village.
At times, she stops travellers in their tracks to ask them about their journeys up the mount. Heavily clothed against the wintry chill, she remains a silent watch-woman on the mountain road for an hour or so at a time, holding fast to her rod of office with one hand, the other held protectively across her round belly. She watches, waiting for her Lord and his men to return, before returning to her duties.
With each passing morning, hope flickers a little less brightly in her eyes.
(http://i.imgur.com/G93KV7Wl.png) (https://imgur.com/G93KV7W)
-
Krofburg is visited by dreaded figures that dot the slope like malign mountain goats; grisly shrines and effigies are left to gruesome dinner. Plates with human eye's and thigh of elf, and tongue of dwarf. Old bodies buried returned to the surface once more for one last meal.
(https://i.imgur.com/K8zoDKu.png)
-
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/486236706920726529/625050945969061898/unknown.png)
-
Women from the Wayfarer Kinship patrol the mountain roads and passes from Vallaki to Krofburg throughout the night, checking in on miners and those burning the midnight oil in the taverns, and yes, even a reputed bawdy house. For one evening at least, fear is kept at bay, as no creature of the darkness dare show its face or harm the innocent.
(http://i.imgur.com/DG6HVBG.png)
-
At night, a lone figure clad in a heavy armor is seen patrolling the mountain paths. With a hammer held firmly in hand, and a shield in the other it makes its way up and down the mountain, as if searching for something.
-
In response to the repeated attacks of the undead upon Krofburg, torchbrackets have been placed on the road from Krofburg to the mines. The roads, which are most commonly patrolled by the lone figure in the night.
-
Roving bands of cannibals can be seen along the mountain ridges; discarded bones and viscera marking these dark days for Krofburg and the surrounding locals. Heroes rise but yet the monster responsible does not fall. Are these the twilight hours for the mining settlement?
(https://i.imgur.com/9LeCEjB.png)
(https://i.imgur.com/Sh2Nulq.png)
-
In the dead of night, two men in heavy-looking coats, the patches worn on their coats revealing them to be of the Bloodhounds were seen leaving the Tent city, armed and alert, they went up the mountain. Sounds of thunder and bloodcurdling roars could be heard, even as far as the Tent City itself. Hours passed before the same two men returned, slipping into the tavern in hushed whispers.
-
A small, raven-haired woman clad in sun-drenched armor is profiled against this selfsame bridge by moonlight. She builds a campfire and burns the half-eaten corpse left by the cannibals, buries several bones including a skull, and disposes of their blood-filled bowl. She then cleanses the area with holy water and prayers before heading down the mountain to greet the dawn.
-
A man in a fur-coat with peculiar paintings on his arms could be seen walking around the tent city peering around the periphery of the tent city as if searching for someone or something, on prompting he would quietly warn others to avoid traveling out at night or to not lurk near the edge of the tent city following the recent death of a prospector by some manner of beast.
On occasion, distant howling could be heard coming from the nearby mountains.
-
Despite the thawing of spring, Krofburg today is bitterly cold. The few people who venture outside of their homes do so thickly wrapped in cloaks and suspicion, eyeing the others whom they pass with fearful, threatening eyes. In the night, the rumors go, the Count's men came and took away the Steward; in her place, they have a new lord, Edoard, whom few remember as other than a spoiled, impetuous boy who disappeared decades ago. His sudden reappearance, and the violence of the night's actions, chill the city like hoarfrost. Even the Tent City's usually boisterous and irrepressible energy is subdued, flat. The wind has changed, and it is a bitter one.
-
During the night, residents of Krofburg can hear screams and wolf howls echoing through the mountains... Come the morning, rumors of a vicious werewolf attack spread like wildfire. Apparently a young woman was attacked on the road and only intervention of a lone traveler saved her from certain death.
-
During the night sounds of a battle could be heard echoing from the vineyards surrounding Krofburg. Those who would come to examine the place come the morning, would find a door to one of the houses covered with scratch marks, as well as blood mixed with the mud. Reportedly, two figures - male and female - were seen leaving shortly before the dusk.
-
A feminine figure wearing a hood and tattered cloak has been spotted late at night foraging for food, disappearing soon after. Within one of the small caves near Krofburg's outskirts a note has been placed addressed to the owner of the shelter.
-
[Word spreads of a confrontation between the new Steward and a drunken self-styled 'war hero' from Teufeldorf; after a series of dismissive words from the Steward in response to the man's grievance and a demand that he leave her sight, the man struck the Steward. An Invidian man with an eyepatch shot the man, sending him crumpling to the ground. The Steward, sent into a fury, delivered her sentence then and there, borrowing a serrated blade and severing the hand of the man who struck her in full view of prospectors and villagers alike.]
-
Just before nightfall a young, tired looking priestess of the morninglord enters Krofburg. Her mood is pleasant despite her obvious exhaustion. She quietly makes her way to the House of Eternal Dawn to stay the night.
-
A new face wearing the uniform of a Krofburg militia recruit has been seen making patrols along the streets and checking visitors in at a checkpoint near the entrance. The gruff, muscular woman reportedly has a very short temper about her peculiar hairstyle.
-
[The last evening and subsequent day are rife with hubbub and activity at the local inn, The Wandering Billy. Several guards are observed entering and speaking, at length, with a distraught and agitated Marilena Tugurlan and the chef, Josef. Scuttlebutt in the mountain town speaks of the dreaded and enigmatic mists billowing into the establishment, a verbal altercation between a pitic and the management, and hearsay of a diabolical, opportunistic theft in the wake of the chaos.
Though the gossip was highly speculative, the curious still wondered what exactly transpired and if justice will ultimately prevail.]
-
(https://i.gyazo.com/d9437b635e42402742f53464944cf43e.png)
Late into the night, occult chanting pervades the silence of the noapte and creeps through the chilled Krofburg air. Within a recluse and forlorn cave, a blood sacrifice rests fresh upon an altar and a message for those whom might discover it in Common, Balok and Luktar:
"Upon this altar, offer the meek...
Upon this altar, the power you seek...
We will be watching."
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The village begins to become noticeably colder than usual weather after a series of tremors rocked the region lately. It appears as if even during the warmer times the air chills people to the bone and many do not stay outside if they can help it at least not without heavy clothing. There are murmurs that something strange has been happening in the southern Balinoks... Some claim to have seen a wandering spirit that spoke in a soothing voice while hiking in the hills beneath the peak of Mt. Ghakis.
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Those who pass through the southern Balinoks on the road to Krofburg and to Krofburg itself feel a bone-shattering chill seep in the air. Despite the coming spring most remain indoors, those who labor dress heavy. A lifetime since a cold snap this harsh...
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Travellers, prospectors, adventurers, and other outsiders begin to disappear as regulars are abruptly missing over the past few weeks. Notably, an ex-gendarme turned mercenary known as Sylvie Morel vanished after conducting work with the Mordentshire Cartographic Society. On occasion, the tremors return, but it has recently become a somewhat accepted fact of life as the more troubling matter has been the cold, even in the warmer months, that has harmed vineyards and animal husbandry to an oppressive degree and has slowed down mining efforts to the chagrin of the local Bellegarde Consortium. The Krofburg Garda is seen questioning outsiders as these strange efforts play out and put pressure on the formerly sleepy village.
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A series of tremors in the mountains outside Krofburg rumble once more. Those in Krofburg and along the road to Vallaki feel a great tremor and this is followed by a sharp, freezing wind that kills the less hardy beasts. Miners and merchants withdraw indoors and the chill has even reached Vallaki's farmlands...
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Among the wildlife of the Balinok Mountains, there is a troubling new sight on those who travel and hunt in these environments. Wildlife becomes increasingly violent, and strange creatures of ice increase in volume. Some of the wildlife's eyes glow an eerie blue as they aggressively pursue their prey beyond their typical ferocity. Some of them exhibit unnatural features and deformities as time passes. The village of Krofburg has increased its patrols and security in the wake of increased attacks by wildlife. The typically insular dwarves of Dvergheim have sent a party of well-armed dwarves southward toward the Barovian village in these chilling times...
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The unusual chills, rumors of monstrous beasts, risen undead attacking travelers soon comes to an end as a sense of normalcy returns to the treacherous peaks of the southern Balinoks around Mt. Ghakis. It is said among the locals a bright blue light was witnessed in the sky before fading, the strange event being the topic of rumors and gossip with few knowing what it could have meant or what omens it may signal...
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A signpost is put up near the foot of Mount Ghakis. Written on it, a warning of some entity hunting in and around the premises. A call to be aware - And to turn back.
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A series of strange occurrences coincide on this night past, the 5th day of the 8th month of 777. The smell of sulphur wafts up from the mountain sides and into the nearby orchards. A devout Morninglordian and priest of the House of Eternal Dawn goes missing. And, as the morning rolled over, strange noises once present in the night grow silent and the depths of dark places begin to feel a wintery chill...
(https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/608345385928491008/1005129459189424339/the_cult.png)
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Some on the road between Krofburg and Vallaki may have witnessed a man, cladded in white, marching himself up Mount Ghakis - Alone. Who knows when he might return. If he does at all.
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Activity at the Bellegarde Consortium offices has picked up in days of late. Troupes of foreign men arrive in groups, and depart the offices clad in fresh uniforms of the Bellegarde colors.
Whispers among the locals and The Miner's Merriment would lead to believe that these new arrivals are no ordinary hires, but Dementlieuse strike breakers, former members of Company of The Fox, and hand-picked thugs from abroad.
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The night erupts into combat around the mining city. Small groups are seen pushing into the mountains, only returning as dawn breaks. The Bellegarde slowly retreat into their offices, wounded and exhausted.
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Several flyers make their way to highly trafficked areas in the dead of night, for those who wake to find. (placed in game)
(https://i.gyazo.com/be1d251cbeaabe480e758bd622336860.png)
(https://i.gyazo.com/00dfdb865f380710674748e6afeae1a8.png)
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A Caliban, reeking of the sewer, is seen hanging up posters around the Tent City with a rallying call for their kind.
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The smell of sewage lingers long after a hulking and pompous Caliban is once again seen strutting around the Tent City, posters in hand.
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The Ghakis echoed with the screams of horror in the early fragments of dawn. Fredek Sima’s, the Morninglord priest, lamentations startled awake any still slumbering inhabitants of Krofburg. As the villagers rose, they witnessed the town guard carrying the priest from the House of Eternal Dawn and boarding up the doors to the small temple. Blood coated the priest’s vestments which were singed and carried with it a putrid, acrid scent. Though the guards tried to console and calm the priest as they escorted him away, his keening cries cut through even the bitter cold mountain wind.
Screams of murder, defilement, and blasphemy.
The town is left to only speculate what horrors the priest witnessed within the sanctum devoted to the Dawnbringer, though many are too fearful to wish to know.
(https://i.imgur.com/L81UDqL.jpg)
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The young man, Danut Solinescu, can be seen praying over the orchard before dancing under the rainy sky...
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A Caliban troupe composed of a variety of shapes and sizes arrive at the tent city reeking of moldy sewer water. The sudden shout from a heavily armored woman causes each to instinctively draw weapons only to realize it's for a routine contraband check. With a grunt of disapproval half the forces draw back into the mountains leaving those who remain to dump a hoard of filth before the already impatient woman. A shrug and nod from the guard signals their approval for entry, each disappears into shop doorways.
As soon as they entered they're seen leaving higher into the freezing mountains. Hours later the shrill wind is accompanied by the sound of shattering bone, wolf howls and guttural shouts.
~"POWER"~
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Word gets around that a member of the Militia is looking for information about a 'Tall woman, Who spoke little and wore a wide brimmed hat that looked like a mushroom, She had her face and body covered and her clothes were mostly the colour of a dark almost purpleish brown'
Seek out Uta ingame
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Rumors abound that a Falkovnian peasant was caught smuggling opium and is to be punished at sundown on the stage in the tent city //Ingame dusk 7PM
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The order of the search line that has become something of a custom to combat the smuggling activity in the village was disrupted today with the sight of an armed garda chasing an outlander through the village with crossbow in hand. Her black-clad friend often seen with her shares some joviality with the line as they nonetheless grumble of the delay. A perfomer in the line soothes things with some gentle guitar. An .. interesting day, if nothing else.
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Rumors spread when Oksana Kretski, a Krofberg native, is overheard speaking with the Krofberg Militia. The bloody massacre found on the road near Krofberg led to a dozen courageous travelers following a narrow ravine to an icy plateau. There they battled with two waves of ten or twelve white wolves who breathed frost. Worse yet - two huge wolf-like creatures taunted them, and warned of a greater beast on its way. The walking wolf-beasts were not defeated but temporarily driven off, heading uphill towards the ruins of a tower. A strong force will be needed to defeat this threat. In the meantime, travelers should be cautious, not only of screaming hawks and the crag cats, but of the possibility of frost wolves hunting close to Krofberg, if indeed there are more of these wolves that were not slain in the battle.
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Militia woman Uta Tomaskovich is seen putting up the following notice around the exit of the tent city a warning perhaps to those that would venture along the road to Vallaki
ALL TRADE CARAVANS AND WORKERS ARE REMINDED THAT NOAPTE IS DANGEROUS AND WHERE POSSIBLE TRAVEL ALONG THE ROAD SHOULD BE AVOIDED BETWEEN THE HOURS OF SIX AT NIGHT UNTIL SIX IN THE MORNING!
TRAVEL AT THESE TIMES RISKS BRINGING ALL MANNER OF IADUL SPAWN, NEURI, VROLOKS, AND IMMORTJI TO THE VILLAGE, ANY THAT ARE FOUND RESPONSIBLE FOR ENDANGERING THE HARDWORKERS OF KROFBURG WILL BE PUNISHED SEVERELY.
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Danut Solinescu is seen tending to the body of Miners that were slaughtered days earlier by forces unknown. Through back breaking labor he has put them to their final rest. A prayer was spoken over the graves in hopes that the Morninglord's light will guide their souls to the peaceful beyond.
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Danut Solinescu is seen returning to Krofburg. The unusually joyful youth now secludes himself and prays. Is it answers he seeks or something more?
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After dawn, Danut is seen cleaning the defacement of the statue in front of The House of Eternal Dawn. Someone, or something, had affixed a freshly severed hand to the statue. Inside the hand's palm lie a broken, defaced Morninglord amulet...