Melvaunt

The smell of coalsmoke and burning peat burns the nostrils before Melvaunt even appears over the horizon.  Even the cold biting wind can’t shield the mix of fire and dung that announces the presence of the city.

A pall of smudgy smog marks the city rising above the coast.  A looming tower topped by a bright burning light marks the western edge of the two mile haharbor, flanked by the city walls that are immediately buttressed by coastal cliffs east and west.  The city spreads out beyond the docks covered by a everpresent cloud of firesmoke wafting among the spires of buildings.

The harbor master heads out to the ship and is welcomed below by the Captain.  The sails are reduced to the minimum necessary as they approach the harbor.

The city ascends up the hills, with the lower levels being of wattle and daub.  The harbor master asks all to stay nearby due to possible questions about the missing halflings and mentions the Roast Stag as a tavern and restaurant of interest for those with coin.

DonBrapp inquires about the forge of Corkin Markov and is provided directions.  The Barovians decamp toward The Northern Star and offer the companions to join them as it is their usual hotel.

DonBrapp and Quilro decide to rent a carriage rather than unload the Ampner wagon for the short stopover in town.
Large populations of indigent people are in the streets of the lower town, and the grime of forge smoke covers most buildings.

The Northern Star has a large plaza with open firepits warming the area.  The inn and tavern features a large common room but also can accommodate private rooms for the more discerning adventures.

Fyrnlocke heads upstairs to maintain his weapons while Pyotr and Rosvetta offer to guide the companions to the market.

Markov’s forge is in the more affluent portion of town.  This is evident by the wealthy and nobles moving with several guards, even some carried in palanquins.

The forge smoke grows thicker as you approach a large outdoor courtyard marked by four anvil stations and enormous forges.  A stout muscled human yells direction from behind his scorched leather apron, impervious to the cold to two humans and two dwarves hard at work.

“I’m looking for Corkin Markov!” DonBrapp shouts, and the muscled human retorts “Ya’ve found him, Dwarf!  How can I be of service to the little people of the hills?”

DonBrapp explains his requirement for an exquisite wrought iron rod for planar travel.  Markov agrees to the rush job after negotiation for 50gp.

Quilro attempts to sell a magical wand, but Corkin recommends he try better in the market where Ulblyn Blacklebuck runs an allgoods shop, and implies he may be related to the Harpers.

Quilro decides now is the time to recover the halflings from the Ampner wagon, and Kailute is amazed at the elf’s trickery.  DonBrapp agrees to assist and the half-orc informs Tomas he will be hosting a dinner at the Roast Stag for all affiliates of the Heroes of Waymeet.

As the group moves through the city the group observes the unique garments of the clergy of Loviatar;  garbed head to toe in black spiked leather, masks, whips and implements of pain.

“Melvaunt cocksuckers.” DonBrapp spits, as Pyotr explains that Melvaunt has one of the largest temples to Loviatar in the Moonsea north.

Melvaunt is unique in that there is a fairly large and open goblinoid demi-human population given the location and proximity to the wild north.  Kailute is more comfortable here than in many other cities given his familiarity from past dealings.

Returning to the North Star Kailute observes Rosvetta is distraught with news from Barovia and Pyotr is comforting her.

“My cousin Ireena has been summoned by Lord Zarovich.”  She sobs.  “We don’t know why, and the Burgomeister has requested we return as soon as possible.  When a lady attracts the interest of the Baron…  it is rare they return.”

Kailute presses the Barovians for how long Strahd has ruled, and their answers are vague and somewhat evasive.
“We cannot remember a time Strahd has not ruled.  Certainly as long as we have lived he has held sway.”

The Baron rarely forays outside his castle and his outings to the public are extremely sparse, and always at night.
The Barovians react with shock at the suggestion the Baron may be other than human…

“Barovians are a strong race, infused with the blood of the mountains and the pure waters of the streams!  This may seem odd to an outsider, but it is known!”

“Half-orcs are strong as well, but usually die young!” Kailute responds.

“Many lies and rumors are made up about Strahd by the other Damaran nobility;  he is in pact with devils.  He is an eater of flesh.  Thus the jealously and ambition of the other petty lords to deny the greatness of Barovia.  Strahd is strong;  Strahd is the land.  Barovians respect and fear strength and outsiders do not always understand our ways.”

They comment that the Baron knows and sees all, as his eyes and ears are everywhere.  And although they have never seen him cast a spell it is known he is a master of arcane necromancy.  They also impress the need for discretion when arriving at Barovia.

DonBrapp suggests to Quilro he apply some of his deft thievery skills to gain the promised sums to the crew of the Imperator.

Returning to the Imperator only a skeleton crew remains.  Quilro puts the halflings to sleep with a spell.  The Ampner wagon stinks of stale urine and body odor, and the dwarf and elf carry one of the invisible halfings under their arms and hastily debark the ship
.
The duo head to the Imperial Melvaunt, the finest inn the city.  The imposing marble building in the northern party of town has a gryphon tied to a post in the outer stable plaza.  The plaza opens to a ground level open area bar and an obvious paladin of Torm is sitting at the bar.

Quilro asks DonBrapp to outfit the halflings in servants attire, which he does with reluctance.

The elf arranges sumptuous lodging as the halflings chirp about their hunger.

Back at the Northern Star Kailute observes a human thief pilfer a coinpurse from one of the Barovians.  Catching thief in the act Kailute reproaches the youngling and gives him a gold piece.

DonBrapp finds his way to Ulblyn the half-elven who thinks he may recognize the dwarf and inquires about Waymeet and if he knows Bosmos.  It is understood that DonBrapp and companions reputation has preceded them.

The dwarf asks for two female halfling servant’s clothes, and both affirm their knowledge of Illayin in Elventree and it becomes evident to DonBrapp that Ulblyn is a Harper agent in Melvaunt.

Dimlum and Derry make themselves visible and the half-elf agrees to harbor and take care of the two initiate Harpers.

The dwarf notices a slave pen along the northern edge of the market as Ulblyn remarks “There is the blight of Thay, and I believe they’re selling their stock to the Zhentarim.  If you hear tell of it, inform me and I will take word of it to Illayin.”  With that DonBrapp remands custody of the halflings to the companions.

There is information about a waylaid shipment of Thayvian slaves intended for sale to the black network and it remains a mystery what became of them.  The waterfront is likely the best place to find more information.

Kailute overhears talk of the priests of Loviatar may be involved in the disappearance of slaves in transit, and that many are sleeping off the excess of the celebration the gnomes hosted in the Laughing Halls the night prior to the companion’s arrival.

Quilro marches to the bar in the Northern Star and introduces himself with his full name, and the recognition of the name results in immediate offers of an upgrade to his room.

The paladin strolls over and makes contact with the Heroes and Liberators introducing himself as Delvairn of Torm and acknowledges his gryphon outside.

Informed of their destination Delvairn immediately agrees to join the group on their current journey for the civilizing blade of Torm’s justice to the north.

The paladin agrees that the trade of slaves is despicable but still heavily invested by the ruling nobility.  There are several trading costers within Melvaunt, but most noble families (Bruils, Lehryaghons, and the Nanthers) keep their cash within their own estates.

Kailute joins the party at the North Star, avoiding several attempts at pickpocket and immediately orders the best whiskey the bar holds and Delvairn offers to pay.

The half-orc and paladin discuss the necessary processes to train an aerial mount for combat, specifically his own gryphon Chillax.

DonBrapp surreptitiously confirms the paladin’s lawful alignment.  Quilro directs the barkeep shift the accounts to the companions.

Delvairn relates the Laughing Halls of Liira and the raucous orgies and parties that their clergy and artisans participate.  Quilro makes a show of indignance before grabbing the dwarf and half-orc and heading directly to the laughing halls.

The sumptuous buffet at the Laughing Halls is laid out in an open area that has a large stage where a fairly ancient elven play.  The food and service is magnificent, and all manner of refreshment and intoxicant is readily available, but not in the dingy or illicit manner but within the professional and deliberate actions of the faithful of Liira.
Overhead by the group is that the first son of the ruling Nanther’s has been missing for several months, possibly related to Loviatar.

Kailute excuses himself to the Devil’s Fire in the harbor area where he joins members of the Imperator’s crew.  There he overhears that some slaves have been uniquely tattooed by the Red Wizards prior to sale to the Zhents.
A dark power is calling and summoning the goblinoids and barbarian tribes of the north toward the wastes of Vaasa.  While this is typical of the cycles of the north, such confirmation and size of the groups is unusual.
All save Quilro head back to the Nothern Star; the half-elf drops 80gp at the Laughing Halls before stumbling back to the Imperial to sleep well into the next day, 26 Uktar.

DonBrapp picks his rod up from Corkin, and Kailute rewards Tomas the hirelings on an incredible dinner.
Quilro moves to observes the slave market and attempts to make a purchase but lowballs his offer far too much for success.

Delvairn joins the companions at the Imperator, and the group boards the ship to head east.  The paladin does his best to genuinely assuage Rosvetta while also attempting to woo her.

On 2 Nightal the peaks of the Galena mountains crown the horizon before the small coastal village of Poltar appears on the coast.  The Barovians are excited to return to their homeland.

Delvairn takes flight of his gryphon and makes an aerial entrance.  The harbor master recognizes the nobility and makes a sign of courtesy.

The group settles in to the Weary Horse Inn, and Rosvetta asks what has happens to her cousin.