Barovia - Lake Zarovich - Romulich Home

[DM Indolence]

Word spreads among the fisherfolk of Lake Zarovich that a mob of Red Vardo Traders entered the Romulich Orchard, their visit punctuated by a tense standoff with the family's armed guards. The Traders depart not long after, but it doesn't go unnoticed that double the number of Romulich men now patrol the family's grounds, knuckles white on the hilts of readied weapons. Loose-tongued drunkards in filthy taprooms mutter into their cups that there'll be blood in the streets before long.

[Cody]

A short burly fellow of a man, wearing what resembled almost a shining white kettle pot for armor, white cloak flapping in the winter wind, and a faithful bastard sword sheathed at his side—stood outside the Romulich Orchard upon a hilltop. Where he kept a menacing watch on the whole breadth of the estate. Occasionally snacking upon a short loaf of bread, or on an apple as he studied the property. Chewing, staring, chewing, and even more glaring for all the while. The passionate fire in his eyes seemed to have kept him warm while he stood out in the freezing cold.

[DM Indolence]

With a final breath, Fall relinquishes its hold on Barovia and the grip of Winter begins in earnest. Rumors slowly trickle from those workers employed with the Romulich Orchard. The harvest of plums was especially fruitful this year, and yet the orchard itself was beset by troubles and fruit lingered unplucked on the branches. Some say a Poludnitsa, the beheading orchard nymph of legend, has taken residence on the property, or perhaps was there all along. With whispers of bewitched peasants falling from midday exhaustion and coming under the influence of the spirit, few Barovians dared to enter the orchard no matter the enticements offered by the Romulich family. A group of Outlanders was employed to see the harvest brought in, and ultimately is said to have slain the nymph and ended its disruptions. All is quiet beneath the now-dead branches, and next harvest season holds much promise.

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