Vallaki

The Freehold of Vallaki

"Baron Vargas Vallakovich, by the grace of the Morninglord, Burgomaster of Vallaki, Archbishop of the Order of Light, Marshall of the Knights of Golden Bear Hall, Lord of Barovia and Protector of the Realm, so proclaims the Freehold Barony of Vallaki, under his charge and protection. All will be well!"

Ruler: Baron Vargas Vallakovich

Baron Vargas was invested in the year 1443 after the untimely death of his brother Baron Bruno Vallakovich at the age of 25. He married Baroness Lydia Petrovich the same year. The Baron has over the years revived many old festivals that were thought lost to time. The wellbeing of Vallaki underwent significant difficulty over his reign, but it is clear that were he not in place, things would be much worse.

Device:

A Bear Sable Rampant wielding a longax on Field d’Or.

Lawmaster: Chancellor Rolf Hagel

Born in 1426 the Chancellor is known for enforcing laws with an even hand. Even highborn nobles that would previously have been diplomatically immune to criminal charges were brought up when they broke the Laws of Vallaki. His Fastidiousness is a credit to the wisdom of the Baron Vargas Vallakovich. He has also allowed for the citizenship of aliens in Vallaki in exchange for an oath of allegiance to Golden Bear Hall.

Captain of the Guard: Capt. Izek Stranzi

Found Orphaned in 1430, Izek was fostered by the Stranzi family of West Vallaki. He joined the guard in 1446 and quickly rose through the ranks. He is disfigured by a scar endured in battle with a witch of the Venger Wood. He defeated the witch, and acquired many accomplishments including, exposure of the conspiracy of Adamus Venger, leading to his imprisonment and the execution of his co-conspirators, to which he dealt with personally. In addition, he uncovered the fraud of the Voigt family in dealings with the Barovia Conveyance Company, leading to a dispute with our dearest neighbour. This led to Gunter Voigt’s Imprisonment and his promotion to captain of the guard.

High Priest: Fr. Lucian Petrovich

Fr. Lucian resides in St. Adrenals Cathedral and presides over the Diocese of Vallaki. His efforts have been focused on reconciliation between the New and Old Churches. His students note his kind demeanour, Wisdom and kindness. He has established St. Cuthberts Orphanage, which cares for the orphaned and downtrodden children of Vallaki.

Master of the Treasury: Olaf Dyandolf

Olaf Dyandolf has made many measures to increase trade and productivity in Vallaki, including increased trade relations with Berez and Barovia. He alongside Chancellor Hagel have both enforced new rules for public works in the Guilds to benefit the town as opposed to standard taxation. The result is an increase in the resources of the state, a better armed Military, and new construction projects for defence.

Streets

Arasek Square

The Centre of Commerce for Vallaki, and home of the Trades Guild and the Wayfinders Guild. There are 21 shops in the square from all manner of crafts, all under the auspices of the Trades guild to regulate commerce, competition and most disputes.

Golden Bear Crescent

A residence for many of the Nobility of Vallaki, many of these Manors were built in the 1200’s by nobles eager to gain the Baron’s favour. Many of the original houses are now extinct, and some lower class merchants or upstarts have purchased houses since, much to the chagrin of their more established neighbours.

Lyars Square

An old working class square where many households performed laundry, it serves as an informal gathering spot and hub for the city’s lower classes.

Venger Way

Stretching from the Sunset Gate to Venger Square at the Centre of Vallaki. It serves as the residence for more middle to upper class residents of the city. Named in honour of Artur Venger.

Venger Square

Dominated by a statue to Artur Venger, the square is the site for many festivals and celebrations which are more and more common under Baron Vargas Vallakovich. The square sees a seasonal market for produce and occasionally trinkets associated with the latest festival.

Notable Locations:

St. Andral’s Cathedral

The Oldest known and largest building in Vallaki, constructed by St. Andral himself, the

Golden Bear Hall

The Seat of the Baron of Vallaki, Golden Bear Hall was built in 1309 Berengar Vallakovich. It serves as the Inn of Court of Vallaki and the centre of state business. It also serves as the abode of the Vallakovich Family.

Wayfinders Place

One of the oldest buildings in Vallaki, its origins going at least as far back as the year 400, the Building was taken over by the Wayfinders guild in 1203. Ever since, it has been permitted to admit aliens to Vallaki on condition that they comply with binding rules of the company to protect Vallaki in time of need or emergency.

Whispered Flame Hall

Constructed in 1438 by the Knights of Castagon guild, the building was constructed solely by the Arasek company. Funded by the Voigt Family.

Blue Water Inn

The biggest and grandest Inn in Vallaki, the Blue Water Inn is owned and operated by the Marikov clan who also own the famous Wizard of Wines Vinyard south of Krezk. Performances of music and poetry are common, and they are known to accommodate Horses, large parties, and purchases from the Martikov family stock of the finest Fruits of the vine.

Twisted Thorn Chamber

An upmarket tea room for the city's upper classes, collections of herbs, spices and other beverages and baked goods are on offer in this luxurious lounge. The Proprietor is Jules Voigt.

Wachterhaus

The abode of the Wachter clan, this manor is on Strengor Way. This is one of the oldest houses in Vallaki, even more so than Golden Bear Hall, and has been passed down multiple generations of the Wachter family.

The Mourning Gate

The

The Zarovich Gate

Leading to the road to Lake Zarovich, the Northernmost gate of Vallaki is well secured by the city guard. In

The Sunset Gate

Guilds and Organisations

The Trades Guild (“The Trades”)

Guildmaster Gunther Arasek

Arasek Place, Arasek Stockyard. Lumened Way, Vallaki

The Trades Guild is a loose federation of guilds. It includes representatives of many crafts and is exclusive to each. Amateurs must seek the blessing of a delegate of the Trades Guild, the Master of the Guild at issue, and the Chancellor of Vallaki. With a majority, a premise may be occupied in the stockyard. Otherwise, their craft is forbidden in Vallaki. Gunther Arasek usually sits as the delegate for the Trades Guild and normally favours competition by adding newcomers who will pay membership fees. However the individual guilds rarely vote for competitors, and rely on the seldom given vote of the Chancellor to break ties. This has only been broken on three occasions. Twice in the field of Mercenary work, the addition of the Wayfinders Guild who were set up to deal with matters the Golden Bear Knights were not able or willing to attend to were authorized, and the Knights of Castagon. Similarly, the noble Voigt family set up appraisers, which remain despite it being set up primarily to profitably dispense with the crumbling houses fortunes.

The Merchants in Question are.

Stinkinders Aromatics

Johannes Schnieders Lidsters

Voigt Appraisers

Burgheim Appraisers

Berthrams Jewelers

Mia Meyers Scribes and Prints

Stantos Jurisconsults

Souer Concotions

Vogelheim Artisans

Blinsky’s Toys

Miller Produce

Wayfinders Guild

Weyland Arasek Smithyard

Valdergasts’ Arcana

Wayfinders Guild

1. Wayfinders Place, Arasek Stockyard. Lumened Way, Vallaki

1. Founded 1203
3. Guildmaster: Julian Tarbrand
5. A Mercenary and Consignment Guild under the Trades Guild. Members are authorised to bear arms in the city of Vallaki despite the normal prohibition. Guild is compelled to rise to the Baron’s aid if called upon. On the Commerce side, the guild protects shipments to and from Vallaki and offers these services at a discount to Trades Guild members. They have safe houses all over Barovia, and have many different departments dedicated to various different products. This status is dubious due to the Guild’s anti-competition charter, but the guild is too essential for commerce for anyone to protest.

1. Knights of the Whispered Flame (defunct)

1. Jaspa Raszpaszazsi (Deceased)
2. Whispered Flame Hall (Formerly)

1. Tier und der Prächtige Hochwald Vier

* Tier Jaeger
* Whispered Flame Hall
* Mercenary company.

Vintners Guild

* Blue Water Inn

# Nobility

## Vallakovich

Baron Vargas Vallakovich

* After the sudden death of his brother Victor Vallakovich, Vargas was invested in 1443.

Baroness Lydia Vallakovich (Nee Petrovich)

Baronet Victor Vallakovich

\*Chart for Previous Burgomasters

## Wachter

Lady Fiona Wachter - Stella Kresque-Wachter I (Deceased 1442)

Lord Karl Wachter (Nee Karasov)

Nicolai Wachter

Karl Wachter II

Stella Wachter II

## Stantos

Lord Euren Stantos

Markus Stantos

Emellie Stantos

## ? Venger

Adamus Venger

* Age 62
* Occupation: Scholar and Historian (formerly)
* The last descendant of the infamous Artur Venger, he was once a historian dedicated to the history of Vallaki. Currently Imprisoned for False Propaganda, Slander, Crimes Against the State.
* Residence, (formerly) Venger Manor.
* Currently, Vulgrim Prison (for the last couple decades)

Other Vengers:

* Historic: Arthur Venger, saved the town from the Venger woods?
* Abarama Venger, Druid hermit with infernal and fey powers (peaceful)

## ? Arasek

Gunther Arasek

* Age 48
* Master of the Trades Guild
* A Blacksmith by Trade, the remainder of his family deceased, Gunther inherited a significant family fortune. Through Marriage to the shaky Voigt heiress, he was able to cement his position as guildmaster of the Trades guild. He is unabashedly pro-commerce, despite occasionally disturbing his members by advocating for newer members. He is involved with politics of other city states, in particularly Barovia and Berez, for which he engages in commercial arrangements to their mutual benefit. All without the knowledge of the Baron who would not look kindly upon such independent foreign policy. He has on occasion come up against certain fiscally reckless policies of Golden Bear Hall, but has been a staunch supporter of others, like a crackdown on counterfeiting. He appears largely above politics and is satisfied with continuing and expanding his often feuding federation of enterprises.

Yelena Arasek (Nee Voigt)

* Age 44
* Treasurer of the Trades Guild
* The heiress of the once wealthy Voigt family, Yelena has done much to restore her family’s lost pride. Under her management, the Trades Guild has significantly expanded. She is a capable leader and businesswomen, and while negotiation is her husband’s forte, the cloak and dagger politics of Vallaki is a common place to test her considerable wits.

Lucas Arasek (Deceased, age 21 in 1459)

* Slain during a campaign to slay a werewolf with the Wayfinders guild. Laid to rest in St. Andral’s Cathedral.

Rainer Arasek

Age: 22

Occupation: Blacksmith

The younger son of the Araseks, Rainer has little head for commerce, but he is a capable smith. Many of the weapons and arms of the guard of Vallaki have been forged under his hammer. Practically minded and focused, his recent marriage to Fay Weyland has brought additional prestige to the Arasek clan.

# History

Founding

Dawn of the Dusk Elves

In the year 472 BML, a caravan of elves made their way to what is now Vallaki. What is not clear, is that they were by all accounts, not like they are now. What happened to the dusk elves to make them different from other elves, but it is clear that this event occurred from their lore.

In that year, the kingdom of the Dusk Elves established itself, they made war with local tribes, druids, witches and monstrosities of the land. After time at war they settled their borders to their greatest extent to Luna River, to the lake in the north, and the far end of the Screiewald in the East and as far south as where Berez now stands.

They worshipped Fey, and in particular a Fey of dubious reputation known as Ceithlinn of the Crooked teeth. Others including Damh, Lugh, Danu and Aestrin.

Their King, Taranis, was slain in Strahd’s conquest. What remains of the nation is localized at Yanner Hill; leaderless.

St. Andral’s

In 376 BML St. Andral, from a land that is unclear, inspired by the Morninglord, came to Vallaki. He began teaching and doing war with the local tribes and occasionally the Dusk Elves, and occasionally allying with them. It is believed that his knowledge of their ways that he too came from High Forest.

St. Andrals Cathedral was constructed over 20 years beginning with his arrival.

## The First Vallikean Crusade 371 BML

The Battle of Vallaki

After St. Andrals arrival, a resurgence of druids and tribes united under the Dark Druid Gulthias. Sowing discord and bewitching the beasts of the wood, the people lived in a period of great Darkness before St. Andral was able to repel them.

St. Andral united the Dusk Elves, the four local Tribes, and many crusaders from Foreign lands to beat back the threat. During the first battle of Vallaki, St. Andral, slew the Witch Baba Malaga, and forced the Druid’s forces to retreat. The campaign began in earnest, with the friendly tribes and Dusk elves taking severe losses.

The Battle of Yanner Hill

At the Battle of Yanner Hill, St. Andral led the defence of the Tribal home against Gulthias, who took a grievous wound. While the Four Tribes took losses, the attack was repelled.

The Battle or Crispins Copse

In the wood known as Crispins Copse, Castle Laventz was garrisoned by 1,000 Soldiers which led to disrupting guerrilla tactics in the area. Under cover of night, many of the soldiers were poisoned, and possessed by fell spirits. The Druids were merciless, slaying who resisted, and sacrificing those who remained to Devils and Fey and their Dark God known only as “The Ancient”. The battle was a total rout for the forces of light and the fort was ruined. The attack was speculated to have been motivated in part with some site of significance to their perverted religion. These rumours remain unconfirmed. Castle Laventz remains a ruin to this day.

Battle of Yester Hill

Having pushed the central forces of the Druids back, and coercing captives of their base of operations, St. Andral turned to Yester Hill. The Hill rose west of the Balinok Mountains, and through a significant amount of Forest. St. Andral was determined to put an end to the conflict. After the long march, his army of 13,000 men was reduced to 9,000.

The battle was fierce, with dark magic and curses sent towards the soldiers of Light. After fighting their way to the peak of the Hill, St. Andral slew Gulthias in a flash of silver light, and routed the remaining Druids and tribes. Knowing there was no redemption in sight for these vile people, St. Andral ordered the execution of all prisoners on the hill. It is said that every blade of grass grew red thenceforth in memory of the slaughter. The Druids made little difficulty to the people for many years thereafter.

## ? Aftermath,

Andral died at 109 years old (282 BML), his remains are buried in the cathedral of St Andral in where they lie to this day.His Son Andrejs became the First Burgomaster of Vallaki.

An Andralite sect of the Morning Lord’s religion is established after his death, arguing that he was a greater prophet and exemplar than the church in a distant land that had once sent him. This sect is known as the Cult of the Silver Sun

Wicker men Raids

Druid War

## Tserford Founding

In the year 682, a group of local farmers and merchants saw the increasing need for metals. Craftsmen, miners and artisans moved from Vallaki, Berez and near the site and founded a settlement on the plain of the Tser river. Tserford was a place where Vistani were welcomed and after some became burgomasters, relations were cut off.

Straw men Raids

## ? The Terg Wars

During the rule of Count Strahd Von Zarovich, an invading army invaded from a foreign land. The Terg attack from the East was sudden and overwhelming. Krezk became a staging ground for a war that coloured the whole land in blood.

Thousands of common folk were slain, the nobility ransomed and old historical sites and heirlooms were plundered. Their

The Rape of Krezk

The siege of Krezk began, and their Krezkan knights fought a valiant defense. However Terg numbers of more than 30,000 proved too much. The Kreszkan Burgomaster was executed, his wife married off to a Terg general, and their sons made hostages. Strahd himself negotiated their return for 80,000 Gold Pieces. The Abbey of (now St. Markovia) was Sacked and its relics plundered. It was a dark time for Krezk.

Shortly after, Berez fell, and Vallaki was surrounded and began to starve. Relying on tunnels, the city was fed in large part by fishing expeditions on lake Zarovich, organised by Lord Olaf Wachter and Strahd Von Zarovich. This 9 month long siege is remembered in vallaki in the festival of

The Fall of the Mists

In the aftermath

Yanner Hill

# Surrounding Areas

## ? Argenvostholt

Argenvostholt was a holdfast of the Knights of the Silver Dragon. These Knights were originally allied with Strahd with the intention of fighting the restored Gulthias. After his fall, they resisted his Tyranny, but were slain to a man. Their keep still houses their bodies and like much of what the Devil Strahd touches, it is rumoured to be cursed.

* Beacon
* Argenvost
* From another land.

## Lake Zarovich

* Threats
* Monsters
* Undead
* Trade
* Fishing

## Luna River

Terminus of the western edge of the Vallikean freehold. Runs from

* Bridge

## ? Ruins of Castle Laventz

Site of numerous battles, including the battle of Crispins Copse.

## ? St. Ezra’s Church

Founded by St. Ezra to serve the community. The Church has since fallen into abandonment and disrepair. Place of a miracle

## St. Vala’s

Founded

Place of a miracle.

Sturmans Copse

## ? The Venger Wood

The place it is rumoured Artur Venger saved the people of Vallaki from. It is rumoured that

## Yanner Hill

Originally the capital of the Dusk Elves, now houses the largest Vistani camp in Barovia. The Dusk Elves live under the Vistani protection after their purge at the hands of Strahd.