Chokahr chases the needle blight into the fog and watches as it grows in reverse: younger, healthier, then smaller, finally into a little sapling, then a flower, then a bud, then it goes into the ground and is gone.

He holds up his hands to see the scars fade. Still covered in black sap and mud, but he remembers them like this when he was a young man. Thankfully he feels just as strong, if not even stronger.

He looks up to see a brilliant white castle outlined in the fog beyond. But just up the path is a 3 story fortress, rectangular in function, the drawbridge down, the gate open. At the top of the fortress is a tree that looks just like the Gulthias Tree you saw at Yester Hill, though this one doesn't bleed black, it is white and pure.

Reason returns to you. You could go back, or you could go forward.

Slightly confused, Chokahr kicked the ground around the place where the sapling had disappeared, to no avail. This place was bad news... probably. Despite the healthy glow on his hands, the barbarian felt like going too far could be the last mistake he'd ever make. He made a mental note of the castle , the fortress and the tree, and backed cautiously out of the fog onto the hill again. Maybe he could remove that battleaxe back there, see what it would do.

You enter into the mists and find yourselves at the peak of your prime, whatever that may be for your species. For me that would have to be at 20, before I could legally drink, because I kid you not I had like 5% body fat and could bench 2 plates. Now I can eat 5 plates and have the fat of 2 bodies. Stop me if you've heard that joke before.

A brilliant white castle outlined in the fog beyond. But just up the path is a 3 story fortress, rectangular in function, the drawbridge down, the gate open. At the top of the fortress is a tree that looks just like the Gulthias Tree you saw at Yester Hill, though this one doesn't bleed black, it is white and pure.

Jun's staff stretches itself toward the fortress. "Where is Kavan?" She asks.

There is no sign of him.

"I don't know," said Ceila, looking around.  "...this is a strange place.  Time seems... strange."

Vyktor felt invigorated as he passed into the strange mists. He looked around in wonder to see his companions in their primes, vigorous and vibrant. He looked at his own hands and saw that many of his hard-earned scars had faded.

"That way I would assume," Vyktor said and began walking in the direction of the tower.

Feeling strangely satisfied after his brief fights and invigorating gardening, Chokahr follwed his companions towards the rejuvenating mists, whistling happily. Pulling out a somewhat cleaner piece of cloth from his package as he walked, he began to clean up his new axe, removing the sticky sap and dirt. As they stood on Yester's edge, he simply acknowledged his companion's choice of direction with a nod, and followed.

As a young woman, Jun Jia was already in her prime. Still, she felt reinvigorated in the strange mist, the effects of previous battles washed away. Gulthias got her attention with the insistent tugging. Jun Jia held onto Gulthias with a gentle, but firm, grip. “If Kavan is in the tower, we shall reunite you shortly.” She glanced at their destination—the tower. “Gulthias, what can you tell us of Kavan and this fortress?”

"If you remember the black tree where we were before, you will see what the white tree becomes. The castle beyond the fortress becomes the hill. Although you had to travel west to enter the mist, you did not travel west to come to where you are. You travelled Yester to come to where you are. Mind boggling I know."

She continues tugging you gently toward the fort. The beautiful white stone, the stained glass windows, you feel peace that you have not experienced since awaking in Barovia. Perhaps you could stay here? Gulthias's voice attempts to snap you out of the idea, "To the top, please. Do not explore. You may decide to stay forever."

https://www.dndbeyond.com/atta...719/850/1129/702.png

17 on map, The door opens to the main entrance. Four white marble pedestals stand near the west and east walls. Atop each pedestal is a corked flask made of opaque green glass.
Four cockatrice feather dusters are constantly dusting each pedestals and flasks. Vyktor likely recognizes the unseen servant spell at work.

“Your story only confuses those who think of Time in the linear sense. In my temple, we learned other ways of understanding Time,” Jun Jia said with a half-shrug. Although the comfort of the place appealed to Jia, she needed Gulthias’ warning. “I do not wish to spend my life—or other lifetimes—here.” Jia walked the hall until she found stairs.

Ceila wasn't really used to comfort, and this place was strange.  She kept walking... she did wonder about those bottles, but so much might be dangerous here!

Perhaps for the best you wisely ignore all else and take the stairs.

This second floor is adorned with long purple rugs with gold trim. Wood-framed portraits of wizards cover the floors as if they've been pulled from the walls. Where the halls widen, carved oak chairs padded with red velvet are available to weary visitors. At the foot of each chair rests an ottoman. Crystal-barred windows face the courtyard (area 23).

Many doors to many rooms are shut, but the stairs to continue up are easily within reach.

The castle's interior was unlike anything Chokahr had seen. Sure, the house in Krezk had hinted at the riches such buildings could hide, but he would never have imagined such opulence, all for the sake of only one man, or at least only one family. Back home, the chiefs had the most spacious tent, the most wives, the best choice of food and drink. But even the mightiest tent he had ever set foot in would have fit easily into the entrance hall. As for the rest... who ever needed that much in a lifetime?

Then again, he remembered that, in this strange world, some people seemed to dwell around for longer than a mere lifetime. And even time itself seemed a flexible concept around here.

"Dragon-touched," he said to Jun Jia, a hint of deference on his otherwise snarky tone, "what do you know of the time in this place? How dangerous is it?"

“I know only as much as you know, Barbarian,” Jun Jia said with a cautious glance around the hall. “Heed the warning from Gulthias. Touch nothing but the stairs leading up to the top of this place.” She spared a backward glance for the group. “Remember the mission.”

Then, she headed for the stairs…

Ceila followed, sword drawn.  This place was dangerous.  She could feel it...

Vyktor continued with the others though his curiosity was growing by the moment. The construction and decor were similar to that which he'd grown up around. He kept his vigil as he walked.

OOC: Sorry for brevity, been super busy the last two weeks.

38
The stairs lead to the 3rd floor.

The halls on this level join to form a circuit, with crystal-barred windows looking down on the central courtyard (area 23).

The floor is made of tiny bits of colored glass and crushed gems, polished to a lustrous sheen. Four living unseen servants, each carrying a mop and a bucket of soapy water, stand outside the doors to areas 39 through 42, ready to clean up any spills in the hall.

Stairs to the north lead to the rooftop.

A floor made - partially, at least - of gemstones. Actual gemstones. Chokahr stood there for a moment, an incredulous look on his face, stunned by this ludricrous display of opulence. While the first two floors had definitely hinted at the vampire's financial status, it was definitely the somptuous gallery that led the barbarian to understand how insanely wealthy King Kavan must be. Certainly enough to own more lands, troops and treasures than most men in history, probably.

In any case, finding the old man would be the first step towards claiming a minuscule bit of this wealth for himself. Chokahr walked towards the closest invisible servant and waved vaguely in its direction.

"Hey you! We come at the invitation of your master. Take us to him."

“We come to restore Gulthias, Chokhar.” Jun Jia led the group toward the stairs to the north. “Speak with the Master of this place afterward.”

"Although I imagine we'll face the master of this place soon enough," said Ceila, darkly.

Vyktor nodded to Celia, "I'm sure you're right about that. Though I find myself growing more curious with every stair we ascend... and more nervous."

He continued with the others.

“Merely distractions, Vyktor. Pay them no mind.”

The tall man shrugged, "This is a big place... some of those distractions could be very, very interesting." He replied as he looked down halls with curiosity.

Leaving the servant alone, Chokahr followed Jun Jia with a shrug. She was right, of course. Again. Though he dare not ask what knowledge helped her navigate the strange palace. There was, yet again, some uncanny magic at work. That much was certain.

 He bumped Vyktor's shoulder gently as he passed him.

"Nice place, huh? I sure hope King Kavan shows us around a bit, afterwards," he said with a smirk.

47

You successfully avoid temptation and climb the last flight of stairs to the rooftop.
The echoes that a single footstep can create are astonishing.  Each noise you make seems to echo throughout the sky as it moves forward in time, but is only a reflection of the past. Four-foot-high crenellated battlements enclose the roof. From here you have a grand view of the much larger and richer castle further Yester. Behind you is the white and pure Gulthias tree in the center of the courtyard.

Jun Jia's staff is practically pulling her toward it.

When it gets in reach you see the dryad spirit leap from the branch to the tree and as if months flashed by in a moment, the tree grows leaves, flowers, buds then fruit.

"Take. Eat. Be strong. Keep the staff as well, my dear. Thank you for restoring what was past. Good luck in your struggle against the vampire."

pm

"Well and truly done," said Ceila.  She plucked a fruit and bit into it; it seemed like a safe choice.

pm

“May you find the peace denied you in life,” Jun Jia told the replenished Gulthias. The Staff felt light, but strong. “The Staff pulses with an eagerness for battle…and blood. I must use Gulthias’ gift cautiously.”

She watched Ceila pluck and eat the fruit. “How is it, Ceila?” She glanced around, wondering if the vampire lover would make himself known, too.

Ceila's eyes were distant, seeing something grand, beyond this place.

"It is... it is strength, and self-knowledge.  It has made me stronger."

“Gulthias gave generous gifts of herself…and I am also hungry.” Jun Jia reached for the fruit and gave the tree a grateful nod. Then, she plucked the fruit and bit into it. She was curious what it would taste like for her.

Vyktor's stomach rumbled, whether from hunger, previously consumed food that didn't agree with him, or compulsive curiosity, he could not tell. He marveled at the situation and reached for his own portion of the offered fruit, hoping and expecting more flavor than he'd gotten from the meals since he'd entered the mists...

"Very generous. Appreciated. Tell us, what will become of the castle and this place now?"

Fruit? Now that was something new to his diet. Chokahr eyed the fruit with curiosity. Of course, he had had his share of tart berries and the occasional woody apple back in his native woods, but none had quite the shine and delectable appearance of Gulthias'. He sniffed it for a second, then popped it in his mouth and chewed it gently.

You all level up, the fruit granting knowledge of your future somehow.

"And so you found your way my friends!" A voice calls out from below the castle. When you move to the ramparts to look down you see King Kavan and Queen Gulthias together in royal adornments. The colors bleed away toward the castle, rendering the royal purple robes in a sort of monochrome.

Kavan holds up his spear. "Did you think I wouldn't reward you? I did not forget. Come down from there."

Feeling fresh and renewed, the barbarian made his way down the tower and into the garden. The lightness and strength he felt made him almost forget about the castle's riches, and he found himself in a particularly good mood as he joined the royal couple in the courtyard.

"King Kavan, Queen Gulthias." he said, bowing as politely as his barbarian manners would allow.

Their task fulfilled, it was time to greet the reunited royal couple. After Chokhar paid his respects, Jun Jia clasped her hands together. “Xing fu mei man. May you be blessed and happy.” Jia curtsied and stepped aside.

Ceila came down, abruptly aware that she had no idea whatsoever how to address royalty.  She bowed deeply.  It seemed like the best thing to do.

The scene pained Vyktor's heart, though he tried to show nothing of how this reunion was bitter sweet and reminded him of his own exile. He shook it off and approached the royal couple.

"Best of tidings to you and my deepest congratulations. May the happiness you feel now be preserved forever!"

He bowed gracefully, setting himself apart from his companions due to his knowledge of etiquette and courtesan protocols.

The taste of the fruit lingered deliciously in his mouth.

"You had all the time in the world to explore the fortress, but you avoided temptation and kept on the straight path to restore my Queen. Thank you. For your unwavering devotion I give you this..."

Unseen servants exit the front doors of the court carrying a chest for each of you, but not Chokahr.

Vyktor: Cloak of Protection. +1 to ac and saving throws
Jun Jia: Bracers of defense. While wearing these bracers, you gain a +2 bonus to AC if you are wearing no armor and using no shield.
Ceila: +1 draconic longsword. This longsword has a dragon-shaped hilt. While you carry it, you gain the ability to speak and understand the Draconic language.

Kavan holds out his hand to Chokahr, "Please, give me the skull, in return I give to you the Stone of Golorr. This stone will help you remember the things of Yester, and help guide you to defeat Strahd." He holds up a glossy, green-gray stone half the size of his hand.

When/if Chokahr reaches for the skull named First, wherever he carries it, he holds up a dead noble woman's head, she does not speak and is not alive.
This message was last edited by the GM at 19:51, Mon 15 Nov 2021.

“Thank you for your generous gifts,” Jun Jia said, as she donned the Bracers. The leather bands fit her slender wrists surprisingly well. She felt empowered as she wore them.

After Chokhar traded the First for the Stone, Jia looked at Kavan. “These weapons will aid us in Strahd’s land. Your Majesties, do you have any information about Strahd that could help us? Does he have any weaknesses, or even other enemies of equal power?”

Kavan shakes his noble head, almost embarrassed that he doesn't know, "These things are beyond my time. Use the Stone of Golorr when you return to the Present, it will guide you, speak to you, answer your questions."

Hesitantly, Chokahr reached out for First in his dirty backpack, and held it out. The skull felt eerily... dead. No onnection, no speech, nothing, just a sad lump of bone from a long-dead victim of a crazed cult. The barbarian couldn't help but feel a twang of sadness. Slowly, he extended his arm to give the skull to Kavan.

"First was... a good companion. I will remember her fondly. Make sure she finds peace."
With tense jaws, the large man accepted the greyish stone from the King's hand, feeling it vibrate slightly in his fingers. Something inside the stone was trying to reach his mind, talk to him.
"Now that is a curious little one," he said with a chuckle. "Thank you, King. I believe Golorr and I have many things to discuss."

With a polite nod to Queen Gulthias, Chokahr stepped back into the ranks of his companions. They too had received gifts mathcing their nature and ability. King Kavan had not only been generous, but thoughtful as well.
"We need to get back," he told his companions after a while. "We still have much to do."
This message was last edited by the player at 13:19, Tue 16 Nov 2021.

Jun Jia glanced at Queen Gulthias. “I hope you and Kavan find the happiness that evaded you before. Thank you for your gifts, King Kavan. We shall use them responsibly.” Jia waved farewell to the couple, as they slowly departed the palace.

As they walked, Jia admired Ceila’s new rapier. The dragon-shaped hilt caught her eye, and her eyebrow rose at what she thought was exotic lettering etched into the blade. She stepped closer and whispered, although the harshness of it made her whispers almost a guttural sound.
This message was last edited by the player at 08:21, Tue 16 Nov 2021.

 Ceila growled back.

"Agreed, Chokahr," said Ceila.  "No need to delay... Can either of you ride?  I can provide myself with a mount, now."

“Do you offer a ride, then? If so, I will ride with you.”

Vyktor accepted the cloak gratefully and fastened it around his neck, taking the clasp from the old, tattered one which he would cast off later. "Your generosity is appreciated. Tell us, when we leave from this realm, will we ever be able to come back? A place of sanctuary would be of great value to us in our efforts to correct the problems in the lands of the mists..."

They both open their arms, "You will always be welcome here. You may stay forever if you like. You could eventually learn to forget the problems that exist out there."

“No,” Jun Jia said with a polite tone. “Thank you for your gifts, and we may someday avail ourselves of your hospitality. However, we all have homes that we hope to see again.”

Glancing at Ceila, she reached a hand for help on the mount. “If two may ride. If not, I can walk. We must leave soon, though.” Despite her disciplined will, even Jun Jia felt the tug of Yester. She sensed that she could enjoy the comforts of the castle and Queen Gulthias’ friendship until the end of days. As much a trap in its own right as the wretched “Death House” that they survived.

A rest, oh, tempting... but no.  Ceila's oath drove her on, as she summoned her mount, and offered Jun a hand up in mounting it.  At times, a helping hand could be most useful.

Chokahr took a last good look around, then slung his backpack over his shoulders. With a dirty thumb, he tested the sharpness of the axe's blade, sucked on the drop of his own blood with a grim smile. Peace and comfort? How could he have entertained that thought for longer than a second? No. He didn't know his true purpose with certainty, but he was sure there was definitely more bloodshed involved.

"Thank you for everything, King Kavan, Queen Gulthias. This place cannot be home to someone like me. I belong somewhere else. May you have the best of lives."

Swinging the heavy axe across his shoulders, the barbarian turned and followed his companions out of Yester and back into the mists.-

Vyktor trembled.

A cascade of emotions flooded across his countenance as if the pressures, heartbreaks and sacrifices of the last decade of his life were all manifesting at once. He tried to suppress the tears that suddenly came to his eyes. One hand pressed to his heart, the other rested upon the handle of his strange, thunderous weapon beneath the fold of his new cloak.

He longed for the promised rest after what had already seemed like an endless exile, though in fact it had probably been less than a fortnight since he'd been banished to the horror filled realm. The temptation was very powerful and he slowly began to advance toward the outstretched arms of Kavan and Gulthias.

"To stay would be to leave... her... alone, without even the slimmest of hope that I might ever return. The love you two share was once mine, but honor and pride set into motion a chain of events which led me here. I must find my own way back from the exile wrongly placed upon me... but, if you are willing, I would seek your help."

Turning to his companions, Vyktor said to them, "Go on, I'll be along shortly, there is one more thing I would ask of the King and Queen..."

And then Vyktor approached and embraced them both!


PM

The last thing you see is the embrace.

When you turn to leave it is as quick as remembering where you were before.

Or perhaps where you were going...

(will resume in a new thread)