Vallaki - Government District - Citadel

[KovosDatch]

A group of shady individuals sweep through the night. They paint an overweight Strahd bathing himself with coins on the outer door of the Citadel.

[Branchie]

A mysterious letter is left at the gates of the Citadel..

[Branchie]

[A horrific scene is left at the front gate of the citadel..

[DM Indolence]

Balthazaar the Executioner, wretched creature that he is, is often seem stalking about the slums of Vallaki on some dread errand for his master, the Count. Not so this night, or the next, or even the next after. Some foul business keeps him within the bowels of the Citadel, and the people of Vallaki claim that each evening fresh screams are carried upon a black wind, distance and unfeeling stone making them seem nothing but far off whispers born amid Tergish fortresses' spires and circular arches.

[DM Indolence]

No less than three emissaries of the Count attended the lightning-lit execution of Balthasar Eotvos, self-proclaimed Prince of Gundarak; Valentin von Zarovich, Talena von Zarovich, and Vasili van Holtz. Those local unfortunates who were rounded up to witness the spectacles say little in public, save that the Count's Own Executioner removed the man's head with his bare hands. In light of the flames that glittered upon the Citadel's walls and were quickly snuffed out, and means darker still, the folk of Vallaki whisper behind closed doors of foul sorcery, of demons, and above all the work of the Devil. In Gundarak, the tale is bolder-- of the noble deaths of a handful of souls who dared to try, and the cowardice of all those who stood by and let fiends rule the night.

[DM Indolence]

Svari Ionelus has not been seen descending from his residence since he was whisked away from the Citadel walls more than a week ago. While the usual rumors about ill-tidings persist in the wake of his absence, the noble Romulich family has come to call frequently, and the word from the mouths of maids and servants is the Burgomaster is recovering, albeit slowly.

[Midgetalien]

A black carriage bearing the mark of the Von Zarovichs leaves the Citadel, traveling west through the slums and then through the outskits. Its escorted by Von Zarovich Soldiers. Those that saw the carriage speak in hushed whispers of the occupant being non-other than Valentin. In the coming days, the mood around the citadel seems lighter.

[Lightweaver]

Though no cry of alarm would break the oppressive silence of night, it may have been noticed that each window of the citadel witnessed high above its walls was alight. It is an uncommon sight for each candle and torched burned with it a copper here and there in an expense seldom spared.

Shadows of movement would flit along these glimpses into the heart of Vallaki and the occasional hastened patrol would march with torches held high to illuminate an unspoken purpose. This frenzy would last an hour, two, and then as though succumbing to a quiet despair, the lights would extinguish one by one until all that remained were those that ever were.

Rumor would spread hours later as one shift of the guard changed to the next. What occurred that night was not said but from the grumbling complaints of the weary guardsmen picking over their breakfasts that morning, it had not been the standard shift any of them had been expecting.

Spoiler: show

OOC - Post Approved by DM Locust

[Despot]

As the morning arrives, a wooden wagon full of crates branded with the Romulich name is seen pulling through the gates of the citadel. Gossip surges among that morning's shift as it is said that the Romulich family has provided their own Tsuika for the festive day ahead.

[Despot]

In the early hours of the morning, an all-black stagecoach is seen entering the grey city. Peasants and others alike divert their attention and keep out of the way as the dark horses that pull it gallop through the dirt and stone roads, all noticing the Von Zarovich crest painted on it. The coach disappears into the walls of Citadel and remains unseen until night is about to fall, at which point it makes its exit at the ringing of the bell for the old night.

[Ash and meat]

[The night was filled with screams, including a few blasts of the horn which were interrupted. A ritual sight was left in front of the citadel gates: five bodies in a pattern around a skull. Conflicting reports from witnesses some say there was a note amongst the ritual, yet others had not seen the note.]

[Ash and meat]

[The sounds of battle filled the night, as first the battering of the citadel gate decorated the night. An attacker dressed in black and red threw itself in an assault upon it only to be cut down by it's defenders after a brief fight. Considerable damage was done to the gate, yet it's attacker was struck down and defeated.]

[Cakies]

[The Sun Priestess is seen emerging from Evermore's Vigil, worn and weary. Her familiar battle dress had been clawed through and stained thoroughly in dried blood. Without mind of her appearance that morning, she wandered towards the Citadel with a companion at her side, cloaked in a symbol of two hands bound in red cord. They stood by the gates, awaiting for attendance and only leaving quietly after several hours had passed.

In the next mornings that followed, the same priestess - while a little more presentable and clean - would be at the gates, whether alone or accompanied by another.
Her expression was marked with patience, but worry consumed the glimmer in her eyes.]

[DM Indolence]

The day sees a massive throng of locals and Outlanders gather in the courtyard of Vallaki's citadel for a day games, music, flowing tsuika, and speeches commemorating the prosperity of the town at the hand of its Burgomaster, Svari Ionelus. When the Burgomaster himself speaks, it's in remembrance of family present and long-gone, and culminates in announcement of his intent to wed Florica Romulich. The joy of the day is marred by the presence of a bent figure, who claims to be an emissary sent to mark the day's tidings. She offers the Burgomaster a gift before mounting her broom and taking to the skies, the plume of dust and chaos from her sudden flight knocking several of those assembled nearby to the ground. The woman quickly vanishes against the gathering dusk, cackling at whatever dark portents she's brought to the house of Ionelus.

[Flat Cap]

In the early hours of the morning a dark plume of smoke rose from the citadel courtyard. Apparently a pyre had blazed briefly which was eventually reduced to cinders. Whisps of smoke lingered in the air and neary the smell of charred flesh wafted through the air. No screams would be heard and the trail of smoke had cleared by mid day.

[Lightweaver]

A single, terrible scream of anguish is heard from the citadel walls before silence again reigns.

[Destinysdesire]

It is said at the early dawn hours, two women were seen rushing to the citadel doors. A third soon joined them ringing the bell with some urgency. Ushered inside one can only wonder what was going on.

[Despot]

Civil servants, esteemed families such as the Romulich, Dolevina, Ionelus, and Trouther, along with the Ezrites, Morninglordians and the top brass of the Red Vardo, gathered in the city hall to witness a proclamation by Burgomaster Svari Ionelus. His announcement, delivered with hope and pride, emphasized that Vallaki’s glory was not his burden alone but also that of his loyal council and the honor-sworn guards who serve the city.

He personally thanked them and unveiled a forthcoming change - one born from an idea of his bride, Florica Romulich, who, alongside the her own family and Ionelus family, helped fund this endeavor. The guards’ recognizable brown attire would soon be replaced with a new standard: dark blue upon black and gold, a finery befitting a reputable militia.

The declaration was met with applause, followed by a speech from Florica herself. She expressed her gratitude, offered praise, and affirmed that such a change was necessary. This was, supposedly, the first of many transformations to come with the couple’s blossoming union.