recursal/Fanatic-Fandom huggingface dataset:
Argynvost

**Argynvost** was a silver dragon that settled in Barovia. He was the founder and leader of the Order of the Silver Dragon which took up base in his fortified mansion Argynvostholt. He took it as his duty to prevent malevolent forces from finding and entering the Amber Temple and releasing the evil power within.

He battled Strahd von Zarovich's forces between Y347-Y350 and despite early victories was ultimately defeated and slain.

Some believe that Argynvost isn't at rest himself, and may one day return and bring light back into Argynvostholt, and across Barovia. Madam Eva stated that although it is not impossible, she does not foresee the silver dragon's revival. Upon his arrival in Barovia many remarked that Zrazire Caluhazan, a silver dragonborn adventurer, could be Argynvost returned.

There is a large portrait in Argynvostholt that Rahadin told Sigismund was Argynvost, and Sigismund noted that the man in the portrait was identical to Vassili van Holtz. Argynvostholt contains a draconic mausoleum for the bones and treasure of Argynvost. Rahadin suggested to Sigismund that he wanted to try return Argynvost's bones to the mausoleum in order to revive him.

## History

Argynvost came to the valley in the guise of a nobleman named Lord Argynvost. The dragon didn’t lair in the valley solely because of its idyllic beauty.

Like many silver dragons, Argynvost was extraordinarily wealthy, and he was comfortable living among humans while disguised as one of them. He used his resources to attract other champions of good, and valorous knights flocked to the valley to join Lord Argynvost’s prestigious Order of the Silver Dragon. Only those who were initiated into the order were told of Lord Argynvost’s true nature.

Arygnvost had his knights help him build the great mansion, Argynvostholt, as bastion of nobility and light, and a place to co-ordinate a stand against Strahd, with the help of his field commander Vladimir Horngaard. He also knew of a place called the Amber Temple — a repository of evil power guarded by the forces of good. He wanted to make sure that whatever was trapped inside the Amber Temple wouldn’t be allowed to escape, so he built Argynvostholt close by.

The mansion was destroyed by Strahd, who personally led his forces in a climatic battle with the Order of the Dragon and Argynvost himself. Since the dragon’s death, Argynvostholt has become a haunted ruin, a former bastion of nobility and light turned into a place of desolation and unrest.

Archwizard Khazan advised that when rallying troops in Y734 he spotted Argynvost's skull in the possession of Baba Lysaga in Berez. The following year, after defeating Baba Lysaga in battle with his companions, Zrazire Caluhazan invoked Bahamut's name and was able to supernaturally raise the skull from the ground. The skull was returned to Argynvost's crypt at Argynvostholt and a beacon of protection was lit.
Three Relics of Feohorn

The **Three Relics of Feohorn** are three legendary items said to have been passed down by the god Helm to his champion, Feohorn, centuries ago. The champion was to use them to topple a warlord favoured by the god Mask.

Before the plan could be carried out, Mask got word of the plot and swapped out the champion’s boon with replicas while the man slept. Mask hid the originals and to this day, explorers still search for them.

Lyrei Ravanelis is said to be attempting to collect all three of the relics, and Saphara Mystan was sent by her patron, the celestial Meqalbecouatl, to prevent her from succeeding. The Council of Cerberus are working to retrieve the relics on her behalf.

## Axe of Unclosing Wounds

A battleaxe of incredible power, when one becomes attuned to this weapon then any enemy they strike with it are unable to regain health for one hour.

The axe was in the possession of Rong after being located in a hidden cavern within White Bear Mountain until his death.

## Shield

A shield of unspecified powers, said to be somewhere within the Border Kingdoms by Qintoris Woodshadow.

## Ring

A ring of unspecified powers, said to be in the possession of Lyrei Ravenelis by Saphara Mystan.
1472 DR

* Narid Ashplantt is born in Sedossa.
* Dasharra Keldabar of Luskan writes to Commander Deng Tukra of Waycrest discussing her griffon business and remarking on some of the wonders she has seen from the air: silver dragons, floating ships, and a cloud giant castle matching the description of the Skyswept Palace.
Jamie Coldwell

Jamie Coldwell is a female character and is a recurring character in The Bellies: Minibellies Next Generation.

## Personality

Jamie is arrogant, cynical, sarcastic and mean. She is a troublemaker who wants to make trouble for her enemy Ermali Ago, showing his coldness and consideration for her. She is also arrogant, vindictive, mean to other teenagers, bragging about her country and nation and ridiculing people from other countries. She is also mean and vindictive, as Jamie also loves belittling people from other countries and bragging about his country, showing how arrogant and petty Jamie is.
Old Bonegrinder

The windmill to the east of Vallaki, referred to by Count Strahd von Zarovich as "**The Old Bonegrinder**", was occupied by Morgantha and her two daughters, the coven of nighthags. They used the windmill to make their Dream Pies out of children.

It is thought that the windmill belonged to the Durst family as Narid Ashplantt found the deed to it in the Durst House, and Baron Vargis Vallakovich confirmed the windmill in the deed to be the same as the one to the east of the town.

The windmill stands on desecrated grounds, and the party were warned away from entering the first time they passed by a wereraven, later determined to be Muriel, a member of the Keepers of the Feather. Irahja, a Vistani, told the party to stay away from windmills.

Next to the windmill is one of the Standing Stones.

## History

It isn't known how long the windmill had been occupied by the nighthags.

In a deal struck with Jenny Greenteeth the party of Hallgrimm Mikkenson, Sigismund, and Narid Ashplantt agreed to kill the hags in the windmill and return their heads to her in return for having their three curses removed from them. Archwizard Khazan felt it was likely related to the Standing Stones.

The party's assault on the windmill started strongly with Hallgrimm's Silence spell preventing the hags from using their magic to gain the upper hand and Sigismund's Protection from Evil and Good making it difficult for them to hit him physically, however the hags were able to gain the upper hand and capture the party, forcing them to share information with them on why they were here.

The hags allowed the party to leave with their lives, and feigned to lift Narid's curse from him, in exchange for some items which they surreptitiously took from the party members.

Three days later Hallgrimm and Narid returned again, this time with Eklyre Temere in place of the fallen Sigismund, and once again they attempted to gain the upper hand through a surprise ambush on one of the hags. Success seemed out of reach before Narid struck Granny with an immense guiding bolt, taking her down and allowing the party to finish the hags off.
Vladimir Horngaard

**Vladimir Horngaard**, Argnvost's field commander, found himself fighting Count Strahd von Zarovich's armies time and again as they swept across the land. When it became clear that Strahd couldn't be stopped, the knights of the Order of the Silver Dragon led hundreds of refugees to Argynvost's valley. Strahd tracked the retreating knights to their sanctuary and overwhelmed them with a vast force. Horngaard couldn't hold back the evil tide and was killed, only after the heartbreak of witnessing Strahd himself slay Vladimir's beloved, his fellow knight Sir Godfrey Gwilym. Rather than cower in his lair, Argynvost emerged and battled Strahd's armies to the bitter end.

Unwilling to accept his failure, Vladimir returned as a revenant. So great was his hatred of Strahd and his thirst for vengeance that those feelings fueled the spirits of many of his fellow knights, including Godfrey, to come back as revenants as well. Vladimir continued to wage the hopeless war, even as Strahd tightened his grip on the valley.

The vengeful revenants killed many of Strahd’s soldiers, and whenever the undead knights were cut down, their spirits found new corpses to inhabit. Though the knights were grossly outnumbered, they waged war for months and slew hundreds of foes.

When Strahd died and became a vampire, Vladimir’s knights should have gone to their everlasting rest, but their spirits couldn’t leave Strahd’s domain. They marched to Castle Ravenloft and were confronted by the Vistani seer Madam Eva, who told them Strahd had died, only to become a prisoner in his own land, tormented by the death of his beloved Tatyana and the murder of his brother Sergei von Zarovich.

After receiving that news, Vladimir ceased his advance and led his knights back to Argynvostholt. He realized that Strahd had already died and been damned to a hell of his own creation. With nowhere else to go and nothing else to do, Vladimir set his knights to killing Strahd’s agents and anyone else who might help to ease Strahd’s torment. Consumed by hatred, the knights have lost their honour and nobility. Their redemption hinges on whether Vladimir can set aside that hatred. The undead knight can be found brooding in the ruins of Argynvostholt.
The Doom

**The Doom**, "dragon of statues", is a ferocious blue dragon.

In 1487 DR after possibly visiting cloud giant Zephyros on his flying fortress in disguise, the Doom returned to attack the castle and send it crashing to Toril once and for all, with Zephyros narrowly escaping with his life. The Doom told Zephyros he *"should have taken the kraken's deal"* and left with Zephyros' walrus tusk horn.

Zephyros had previously been warned by a higher being that his meddling into the Shattering would bring about "Doom."

The simulacrum of Alta Cirrus stated he had been visited by the Doom and the Skyswept Palace he occupied showed signs of recent battle with a huge beast.
Karo Amakiir

**Karo Amakiir** is an elven magic user native to the island of Evermeet. He can usually be found scouring libraries for details of ancient knowledge and treasures lost to time.

He lost an arm and was horribly disfigured in a battle with gnolls, and since this day he has sought to find a ring of regeneration to restore his body.

In 1483 DR whilst visiting the city of Londinium he and Wrelen Kindrock rescued the owner of Alba'ar's Bazaar from his own home defences when they went haywire.

In 1487 DR along with Estrid Stormbringer and Clerebold Quentin he was able to defeat Ghazuul of the Council of Cerberus and his manticore outside the city of Waycrest.
Dreamer's Amulet

The **Dreamer's Amulet** is rumoured to be a relic that malevolent forces are attempting to smuggle into Port Nyanzaru.

Late in 1489 DR Klevin Van'Sheran advised Galerion 'The Golden' that he has heard rumours of the artifact being brought undetected to the city in four parts, which when united will complete the cursed relic. He did not know who it was that was seeking to bring the Dreamer's Amulet to the city, or to what end, but he had reason to believe the Serpent's Coil smuggling route had been used to deliver pieces within the city walls.

## Parts of the amulet

Rumours suggest the amulet is being smuggled into Port Nyanzaru in four separate parts, to be united when they are brought together by whoever is seeking them.

1. **Half-moon relic** - now in the possession of Soggy Wren after being handed over by Aeron Dunkrild; was being used by the corrupted priest Viplo to lure citizens towards his lair where he would turn them into his undead minions. Anyone close to the relic experienced feelings of uneasiness and trepidation.
2. **Half-moon relic** - now in the possession of Sanuya Yefi; was being worshipped by grungs in the jungle and used to charm pterafolk into bringing them human sacrifices. Though adventurers would bring this ritual to an end and Mzolo Jaharok took possession of it he was killed whilst investigating the Serpent's Coil smuggling route. CAREN discovered that after being charmed by the relic she suffered horrifying nightmares involving vicious serpents and soft voices calling for her to join them in the arms of oblivion.
3. **Gem of brilliant orange** - now in the possession of Mesika after being won by the "Bladefangs" in a tournament at the Grand Coliseum; previously owned by Merchant Prince Kwayothé after being gifted to her by a suitor but she noted it put her at unease whenever she looked at it.
4. **Unknown**
Order of the Gauntlet

The **Order of the Gauntlet** is a coalition of morally upstanding warriors, knights, paladins, and clerics who dedicate themselves to the destruction of evil in Faerûn.

Members of the Order vow to protect others from the depredations of evildoers. Placing their faith in good-aligned deities such as Tyr and Helm, they bring the strength of their faith, their hearts, and their weapons to bear against villainy.

## Members

* **Alastar Bol** - representative in Port Nyanzaru, smart, wise, and double-chinned.
* **Bosch the Dragonheart**
Abbey of St Markovia

The **Abbey of St Markovia**, located in the town of Krezk, is the most holy site in the Church of the Morninglord. The grounds themselves are consecrated.

They Abbey is led by the Abbot of St Markovia, a deva.

Behind the ornate sun icon on the interior wall of the Abbey the party located the Holy Symbol of Ravenkind. The beauty of the Abbey along with the discovery of the holy symbol compelled Narid Ashplantt to become a cleric of the Morninglord.

## History

### St Markovia

The Abbey was named after St Markovia who dedicated her life to helping the downtrodden and to building the Abbey for them.

According to Father Lucien, St Markovia challenged Count Strahd von Zarovich and fought him alone in the catacombs of Castle Ravenloft. She knew that she did not stand a chance of defeating him alone, but sacrificed herself to save Krezk. After she was defeated she walked out of Ravenloft alongside Strahd.

### Recent history

When the party of Hallgrimm Mikkenson, Sigismund, and Narid Ashplantt arrived at Krezk they were told by Burgomaster Dmitri Krezkov that the Abbey had been closed for a long time until around 100 years ago when the current Abbot arrived. Dmitri advised that since the Abbot arrived it has not been the same and people no longer use the Abbey to worship. In this time the Abbot does not appear to have aged, which is likely due to his race.

The Abbey is now populated by "mongrelfolk" which are stitched together people/beasts that the Abbot has created as a hobby.
Ba'al Verzi

The **Ba'al Verzi** is a brotherhood of assassins, which reaches far back into the history of Barovia. Unnaturally swift and magically stealthy, the Ba'al Verzi have been known infiltrate any organisation and dispatch any target, their signature weapon being a curved dagger with a hilt wrapped in black, red and gold, which can penetrate any armour as if it was silk. it is said that if a target manages to kill their would-be assassin then they are allowed to live. Eklyre Temere stated that they draw their power from the Feywild, which assists their stealth.

During the reign of King Barov, the Ba'al Verzi had a large part to play in the War of the Silver Knives; a series of revenge-driven assassinations between the Dilisnya, Katsky and Petrovna families. Count Barov von Zarovich ordered an end to it. Peace was restored, but the distraction and the losses helped pave the way for the Terg Invasion in Y320.

The only known member of the Ba'al Verzi was a man named Leo Dilisnya, a Lord and a high ranking member in Strahd von Zarovich's army at the time of reconquering the valley of Barovia. Leo was faithful to Strahd, and helped bring great success to his Commander's campaign, until the night of Sergei von Zarovich and Tatyana's wedding. Leo assassinated several guests of the wedding, and provided cover for Strahd, who used the confusion and opportunity to kill his brother Sergei and blame Leo for it.

Leo Dilisnya managed to escape the castle, and was on the run from Strahd for decades thereafter, before being caught and killed.

Lady Petrovna has an enchanted mirror in her dressing room which can be used to summon the Ba'al Verzi.
Ezmerelda d'Avenir

**Ezmerelda d'Avenir** was a capable human warrior. She had a magical rapier and knew a series of powerful spells.

She was a student of Dr Rudolph van Richten and followed him to Barovia in order to assist him in Y735.

She was killed in trial by combat by Ismark Kolyanovich, in a battle which was forced by Count Strahd von Zarovich.

## History

Ezmerelda was a student of van Richten, who taught her about lore and how to fight and kill monsters.

Ezmerelda chose to follow van Richten into Barovia in order to help him, although he seems reluctant to let her find him. Ezmerelda advised that she knows the Vistani so was able to obtain their help to pass through the mist into the valley.

The party of Hallgrimm Mikkenson, Sigismund, and Narid Ashplantt first found her upstairs in the Abbey of St Markovia in Krezk. She told the party that the Abbot was not to be trusted, but that she had no interest in him or in retrieving Ireena Kolyana. Her sole focus was to find van Richten. She handily dispatched of the shadows which attacked the party in the Abbey.

The party found her trailer at Baratok Tower but she was not inside either the tower or her trailer. Her trailer contained several useful spell scrolls, pages from her journal written about van Richten's past, and was completely booby trapped with alchemists fire, which Sigismund and Hallgrimm almost tripped.

When Hallgrimm and Narid were on their way to spy on the druids at Yester Hill she appeared on the route and told them that the druids appeared to be planning some kind of ceremony, which Narid suggested could be Wintersplinter. At Yester Hill she turned herself invisible and killed many of the druids before Hallgrimm or Narid could get close to them. After the druids had been defeated she agreed to keep an eye on the hill and retrieve the missing gem from the Wizards of the Wine for the Martikovs, which was thought to be on one of the druids bodies.

When Eklyre Temere accidentally opened a portal to the Nine Hells Hallgrimm sent a note to Ezmerelda to ask her to help, which she exasperatedly did.

She was kidnapped by Strahd on the day of his wedding, and forced to fight Ismark Kolyanovich in trial by combat as Strahd's "champion". She was defeated and killed by him after Strahd prevented her from using magic spells. The Abbot of St Markovia recovered her corpse and was planning to use her for body parts, but the party turned up in time for Hallgrimm to make a trade for her.
Grimgrim Iron Jaw

**Grimgrim Iron Jaw** is a dwarven cleric of Skoraeus Stonebones and holds very strong convictions of justice and the rule of law. He claims to be a Chosen of the patron deity of giants as he is wielder of the *Sword of the Chosen* - however he did not actually remove the sword from the stone which the Chosen was supposed to remove it from, he simply cut around the stone and uses the blade (and residual rock) like a warhammer.

He has an interest in fine stone artwork and in 1487 DR he travelled to Waycrest to seek an audience with Commander of the Shore-Corp Seldon Yulis, who pointed him in the direction of Carolyn Bearskin.

He was present when the party of Estrid Stormbringer, Clerebold Quentin, Karo Amakiir, and Katoo Gosnyoka defeated the Viper and Imra Balfiel of the Council of Cerberus in the Waycrest Merchant's Port.

He and Clerebold participated in the battle at the Waycrest Ruling Council which began once Carolyn Bearskin's true nature was revealed. Although Grimgrim was downed during the fight the defenders of Waycrest successfully defeated the oni.

He was then a part of the special envoy that took down the Skyswept Palace.

Katoo then tasked Grimgrim with investigating rumours of more giant attacks across the Sword Coast along with Estrid and Clerebold, and teleported them to Daggerford.
Vallakovich Family

The **Vallakovich family** is a notable family within Barovia.

Vargis Vallakovich is the current Baron of Vallaki.

The family's insignia is a bear.

## Harkus Vallakovich

Ancestor of Vargis.

Wrote the History of Barovia in Y397. Understudy to Archwizard Khazan.

## Vargis Vallakovich

Husband of Lady Petrovna, father of Victor.

See Vargis Vallakovich.

## Lady Petrovna

Wife of Vargis, mother of Victor.

Lady Wachter advised that Lady Petrovna is older than Vargis, as she is around 60 or 70, and she seems to have completely lost her mind, as though she has become a shell, a complete follower, and a puppet of her husband.

At the Durst House the party found an unsent letter addressed to Lady Petrovna which was written by Elizabeth Durst. When this letter was shown to Lady Wachter she confirmed it sounded like they were carrying out activities of the Children of the Mother Night.

She has an enchanted mirror in her dressing room which can be used to summon the Ba'al Verzi.

## Victor Vallakovich

Son of Vargis and Lady Petrovna.

Victor is a young spellcaster, forced to hide his abilities from his skeptical father, who stated that he beats his son to beat sense into him. He was discovered by Sigismund to be unsuccessfully practicing a teleportation spell in the attic of the Baron's mansion.

Lady Wachter described how Victor had corrupted her daughter Vistella, making her act completely feline. She stated he is an adept spellcaster that needs to be stopped.

During the Festival of the Blazing Sun Victor attempted to assist Izek Strazni in protecting his father from Sigismund. His father got away, however Victor became the focus of Sigismund's frenzied attacks and appeared to be killed in combat.

Vargis and Count Strahd von Zarovich claim that Victor did not actually die, and Strahd suggested it could be to do with Granny taking away Sigismund's victories.
Hekaton

**King Hekaton** is the Storm King of the Sunken Court, the highest ranking of all giants according to the Ordning, until the Shattering potentially threatened his position.

According to Zephyros, Hekaton's wife, Queen Neri, was always fond of "smallfolk" and would visit them. Centuries ago Queen Neri spent a considerable fortune for the purchase of the "Wyrmthrone" - an old relic of a bygone dwarven kingdom which features dragon skulls. Reports indicate it was an anniversary gift for her husband. She was accompanied by her youngest daughter who she lovingly called "Little Sers."

Queen Neri was murdered in 1487 DR, after "the Shattering" and according to "higher beings" her death was carried out by smallfolk as a consequence of the Shattering. Rumours state that her murder was carried out by the Lords' Alliance. Since her death King Hekaton has been largely reclusive.

Since then it is possible that Hekaton himself is now plotting a large scale war against the smallfolk.

Hekaton is over 300 years old and is known to have three daughters.

## Hall of the Storm King

The legendary Storm King's Sunken Court, located somewhere beneath the Trackless Sea. Zephyros stated it consists of several giants of all kinds. He advised it was within Hekatos' power to annoint his heir when the time came.

### Members

* Countess Sansuri - cloud giant, worshipper of Memnor
* Duke Zalto - fire giant with many followers
* Hellenhild - frost giant pledge
Astral Plane

*"It is the space between everything. It is the road that goes everywhere. It is where you are when you aren't anywhere else."*

*"The pylons! The pylons! Protect the pylons!" -- Jarber Jamjar*

The **Astral Plane**, also known as the **Astral Sea**, is one of the planes of existence in various models of cosmology.

The Astral Plane is described as a barren place of other-dimensional nothingness extending in all directions. What little solid substance that floats in the bright, gray void is typically chunks of matter broken off from their original plane. The Astral Plane has no gravity but objects do retain their mass so you can throw small items or push off from large objects to move in the weightless environment.

Time in the Astral Plane flows at the same rate on a Prime Material plane but the effects of time are slowed almost to a stop - a thousand years in the Astral Plane feels like only a day to the traveler. Creatures do not go hungry or age while in the Astral Plane. For that reason its mortal inhabitants need to return to the Material Plane in order to have children or to reach adulthood.

Entering the Astral Plane can be accomplished in one of two ways: projecting your astral form into the plane via the *astral projection* spell, or by physically entering the plane. A party of adventurers recently happened across a portal to the Astral Plane outside the quiet village of Puentlatoani.

The Astral Plane was the plane in which most of the Dawn War was fought.
Old Svalich Road

The **Old Svalich Road** is the main road which connects the major settlements of Barovia.

At its western end is the town of Krezk, towards the centre is the town of Vallaki, and on its eastern end is the village of Barovia. It is surrounded almost entirely by forest.

For their safety travellers in Barovia are advised not to stray from the Old Svalich Road.
Beyond the Moon (book)

**Beyond the Moon** is a book that was found by Narid Ashplantt in the library of the Durst House which caught his eye because at the time he believed himself to be afflicted by lycanthropy. The book is separated into the chapters summarised below.

## Lycanthropy & You

Increased body hair is the first cosmetic change followed by fast growing nails, your muscles repair themselves quicker and your metabolism increases so that you become more lean and more toned. The transformation into the were-form is not like a druid's wildshape in that your equipment doesn't meld into your new form, but you drop everything and rip through any clothes.

The transformation only at a full moon is a myth, it's only at a new moon that transformations don't occur. Depending on an individual's susceptibility, they will transform at different stages of the moon's cycle, with all lycanthropes transforming at the pull of a full moon, and only those most susceptible transforming for the majority of the month, with most falling somewhere in between. The transformation will last all night.

## Lycanthropic Abilities

There are generic and specific abilities for all lycanthropes. The generic abilities are that they are completely immune to physical slashing, piercing and bludgeoning damage (with non-silvered weapon). All lycanthropes gain the attacks associated with their beast, be it claws, bites, beaks etc. And all lycantropes gain at least one heightened sense (sight, hearing, or smell) and gain physical attributes (strength, dexterity and constitution) depending on the beast.

## Infected v Inherited Lycanthropes

Inherited lycanthropes can control the transformation, which will occur for them almost instantly, and it is a dominant gene, which originates as a gift or as a curse to a family line from a some crazy powerful mage. Infected lycanthropes pass it on based on biting etc to an enemy, who may or may not be afflicted. It is possible for one to be cursed with infected lycanthropy too. Their transformation takes up to an hour and is very painful.

Inherited lycanthropes will retain their mental faculties and will fully control and remember their actions. Infected lycanthropes will not have any control over their actions and will not remember what occurred in their were-form.

## Various Lycanthropes & Where to Find Them

* Werelions - desert
* Werebears - forest
* Werewolves - forest
* Weretigers - forest
* Wereboars - swamps
* Wereeagles - mountains
* Wererats - swamps
* Werecrocodiles - swamps
* Werepolarbears - arctic

## Destroying/Removing Lycanthropes

A remove curse spell can rid an infected lycanthrope of the curse, but an inherited lycanthrope can only be cured with a wish. Both types of lycanthropes can be cured by a little thing called death.
Kolyan Indirovich

The late **Kolyan Indirovich** was Burgomaster of Barovia Village until his death in Y735 as a result of fright during an attack on his home by an army of zombies and wolves, under the command of Count Strahd von Zarovich.

He is the father of current Burgomaster Ismark Kolyanovich and adoptive father of Ireena Kolyana.

## Letters to the outside

On their way to Barovia village the party discovered the corpse of an apparent messenger that was carrying a sealed letter which was signed from "K. I. Burgomaster". This letter issued a plea for help, describing how the "love of my life Ireena" had been "afflicted by evil", and that for any who came to their aid there would be many riches to be shared. The party subsequently compared the letter to another letter they had which was written by Strahd and found that the two had matching handwriting.

When visiting the Burgomaster's mansion in Barovia village shorty after Kolyan's death the party found a second letter which was still on Kolyan's person and was confirmed by his children to be his own handwriting. The letter began "Hail to thee, valour and might" and went on to describe Barovia as a lost cause, and asked only for the region to be surrounded by holy symbols. It describes how his daughter Ireena has been bitten by a vampire.

### Letter #1 - "We plead for thy assistance"

> *Hail to thee of might and valor.*
>
>

> *I, a lowly servant of Barovia, send honor to thee. We plead for thy so desperately needed assistance.*
>
>

> *The love of my life, Ireena Kolyana, has been afflicted by an evil so deadly that even the good people of our village cannot protect her. She languishes from her wound, and I would have her saved from this menace.*
>
>

> *There is much wealth in this community. I offer all that might be had to thee and thy fellows if thou shalt but answer my desperate plea.*
>
>

> *Come quickly, for her time is at hand! All that I have shall be thine!*
>
>

> *Kolyan Indirovich*
>
>

> *Burgomaster*
>
>

### Letter #2 - "Give us up for dead"

> *Hail thee of might and valor:*
>
>
> *I, the Burgomaster of Barovia, send you honor—with despair.*
>
>
> *My adopted daughter, the fair Ireena Kolyana, has been these past nights bitten by a vampyr. For over four hundred years, this creature has drained the life blood of my people. Now, my dear Ireena languishes and dies from an unholy wound caused by this vile beast. He has become too powerful to conquer.*
>
>
> *So I say to you, give us up for dead and encircle this land with the symbols of good. Let holy men call upon their power that the devil may be contained within the walls of weeping Barovia. Leave our sorrows to our graves, and save the world from this evil fate of ours.*
>
>
> *There is much wealth entrapped in this community. Return for your reward after we are all departed for a better life.*
>
>
> *Kolyan Indirovich*
>
>
>
>
> *Burgomaster*
>
>
Winston Duckmunch II

**Winston Duckmunch II** is a halfling rogue recognisable for his large ginger afro.

He was one of the foremost halfling athletes and narrowly missed out on gold in the Halfling Olympics uneven bars event, a fact he feels was down to underhand methods employed by his opponent.

In 1489 DR whilst in Allaton of the Cosarchian Kingdom took on a quest to clear out goblins raiding local farmers. Along with Veil of a Mask and Mick Picklewick he succeeded and on their way back to the city were approached by Finethir Shinebright in the form of a reindeer. They agreed to try return him to his true form by battling his former apprentice, Master Noke. They defeated Noke and his polymorphed minions but their attempts to transform Finethir went awry and he died. They were able to negotiate his revival in return for heading to Port Nyanzaru to search for Derio, a missing cleric.

Veil and Winston were teleported to Port Nyanzaru and were joined there by Aeron Dunkrild, an adventurer Veil had previously travelled with. They traced the mysterious "Call of the Dead" to a ziggurat in the Old City, where a priest named Viplo was carrying out rituals and raising undead. The party defeated and captured him but were not able to save Derio and the other captives from the undead horde.
Taagon Willowwind

**Taagon Willowwind** is an elvish monk that is seeking refuge from the destruction being caused by The War. His travels brought him to the city of Thollos during the Midwinter Festival, where he made contact with and joined the Amethyst Affiliation. He has attained the Summerchipper rank within the organisation.

Along with his work for the Amethyst Affiliation he has also worked alongside Wrelen Kindrock and Rong to protect the innocent. His heroism has been repeated without allies, in particular on a solo quest saving the Dashwood twins from certain death in the pits of Thollos whilst putting himself in mortal peril.

## History

In 1487 DR after arriving in Thollos to seek the assistance of the Amethyst Affiliation he found himself contributing to their cause with the help of Wrelen and Rong, establishing contacts, protecting the innocent, and striking down enemies with steely determination and proficiency. When Wrelen's soul was torn from his body he answered the call to set out to Chult with Rong and Kurk of the Lastfingers to retrieve Wrelen's soul.

The three of them, along with Bulzo Warmwater, began the trip inland to find it and encountered a portal to the Astral Plane outside the tiny village of Puentlatoani, whilst in the process of finding the missing Jarber Jamjar.

Taagon, Rong, and Kurk made it to the Ahmakiq Valley in time for the Autumn Festival of the Cocolia and Necalli tribes, which decended into a bloodbath. The adventurers are narrowly able to prevent the militant Necalli tribe from enslaving the Cocolia.

Their search lead them to Tunde Mountain, known to locals as "Kobold Mountain", and they entered the cavern. They fought off several waves of kobold ambushers as well as countless swarms of cave-dwelling insects and defeated a muscular kobold referred to as "Swolbold", managing to rescue two prisoners along the way. Taagon and Rong defeated a hill giant known as Trog but tragically Rong was killed in battle. Before Taagon and Kurk reached the blue dragon wyrmling at the heart of the mountain they were joined by Seazkale Kruvah and together they defeated it and retrieved the bracelet containing Wrelen's soul.
Mages of Saruun

The **Mages of Saruun** are a merchant wizards' guild that is shrouded in mystery - even its most high-ranking members are unknown. Their highly profitable operations consist mostly of trading with the Underdark and are considered illegal.

## History

Year ago three wizards discovered several magic amulets which allowed them to control the minotaur constructs known as the bronze warders. The wizards used the bronze warders to establishing a stronghold, the Seven-Pillared Hall, and found the order of the Mages of Saruun.

The Mages of Saruun sent out an expedition to discover more about the activities of an elven wizard called Lazarus who had established a lair beneath the village of Sedossa. They were so impressed with his abilities that they chose to become his students and abandon their status as part of the Mages of Saruun.

## Notable members

* The Founders: The three wizards that founded the guild and the Seven-Pillared Hall: Hasifir, Niame, and Samazar. Their whereabouts are unknown.
* Barrocus, Redina, Tristaine, and Marwyn - an expedition sent to investigate the activities of Lazarus at some point circa 1380 DR, but were so impressed by his power and intellect ended up abandoning their membership of the Mages of Saruun to become his students.
* Imra Balfiel: A member of the Council of Cerberus.
Moonshae Isles

The **Moonshae Isles** are a collection of islands located west of the Sword Coast in Faerûn. The archipelago is occupied by the kingdoms of Moonshae – which are often mistaken for one single polity by those who do not know better.

These islands divide the Trackless Sea to the west from the Sea of Swords to the east, with the Sea of Moonshae lying at their centre.

## Trade

The Moonshae Isles are exporters of armour, rose-gold, timber, and weapons. The main imports to the isles are coal, horses, minor magical items, ore, parchment, and silk.

## Notable locations

### Moray

An island rumoured to be plagued by lycanthropes.

### Norland

An island inhabited mostly by humans who earn their living through fishing.

## Notable people

* Hallgrimm Mikkenson - human adventurer from Norland
* Estrid Stormbringer - human adventurer from Alaron
Ashplantt Family

The roots of the **Ashplantt family** can be traced on one side to the Illuskan people north of the Sword Coast, and on the other from humble townsfolk of the Cosarchian Kingdom.

### Zemli Dubovoye

Father of Olga Ashplantt, grandfather of Mocic, Narid, and Ekatia.

See Zemli Dubovoye.

### Levo Ashplantt

Husband of Olga and father of Mocic, Narid, and Ekatia.

Levo Ashplantt was a cobbler by trade, however when merchants from Cosarchia City moved into Sedossa village their cheap imported goods put Levo out of business and he was forced to take up work on a local farm.

### Olga Ashplantt

Wife of Levo and mother of Mocic, Narid, and Ekatia.

Olga Ashplantt is a descendant of the Illuskan peoples of northwest Faerûn. A tall and imposing woman, she was born in Sedossa after her father, Zemli Dobovoye, sought to find a new home for his family away from the developing metropolis on the Sword Coast.

### Mocic Ashplantt

Born in 1469 DR, oldest child of Levo and Olga.

See Mocic Ashplantt.

### Narid Ashplantt

Born in 1472 DR, second child of Levo and Olga, father of Yakov Kavanovich Ashplantt-Dilisnya.

See Narid Ashplantt.

### Ekatia Ashplantt

Born in 1476 DR, youngest child of Levo and Olga.

Ekatia was 11 when the family fled their home in Sedossa following Mocic's arrest.

### Yakov Kavanovich Ashplantt-Dilisnya

Born in Barovia in 1492 DR (Y735), son of Narid and Marta Dilisnya.
Véra Adler

Véra Adler is a female character and is a tertiary character in The Bellies: Minibellies Next Generation.

## Personality

Véra is a mean and glamorous Frenchwoman who only wants to know about glamor and clothes. She is obsessed with being a stylist and will do anything to achieve it, even using negligible methods or asking for help from English teenagers to help with her plan, although Véra detests the English as much as any other European. She hates Chika Achebe and sees her as an obstacle in her plans and with this she wants to get rid of her so that she can be a stylist and success without anyone getting in the way.
Rosarian Kingdom

The **Rosarian Kingdom** sits in the Border Kingdoms of Faerûn. The symbol of the Kingdom is a golden eagle.

The current ruler is King Sergius of the Flintslayer dynasty. The current Royal Magus is Lyrei Ravanelis.

The Kingdom of Leon is a dominion of the Rosarian Kingdom on the island of Ithica.

## History

The Rosarian Kingdom was at war with the Cosarchian Kingdom over territorial disputes for a number of years. The tide of war began to turn against Rosaria, however in 1487 DR the fortunes were reversed when the Rosarians began to utilise the help of azers to conquer and raze Cosarchian settlement.

After capturing Thollos the Rosarian King Firgil Flintslayer passed away, amidst rumours of foul play. His heir, King Sergius, signed the peace treaty to end the war.

## Notable settlements

* Thollos - recently captured from the Cosarchian Kingdom but officially indepdendent
* Leon - capital city of the Kingdom of Leon, a dominion of the Rosarian Kingdom

## Notable people

* King Firgil of the Flintslayers, recently deceased King.
* King Sergius of the Flintslayers, heir of Firgil, considered a softer touch than his father.
* Lyrei Ravanelis, the Royal Magus.
* Jakub Rubia - human gangster who attempted to assassinate Lord Duckmountain of the Cosarchian Kingdom during the Midwinter Festival of 1487 DR.

## Relations

The Rosarian Kingdom was recently at war with the Cosarchian Kingdom over long running territorial disputes.

Relations with the city-state of Thollos are very strong as of 1487 DR, to the point that some outsiders would claim that Thollos is a de facto Rosarian city.
Zulaica Cartagena

Zulaica Cartagena is a female character and is a quaternary character in The Bellies: Minibellies Next Generation.

## Personality

Zulaica is a calm, reserved and quiet girl because she likes to always be in yours. She has few friends, but Zulaica is quiet, and very lively, but English teenagers always test their patience by making her angry. Her closest friends are: Chika Achebe and Ademola Abayomi, although she is also very friendly with Ermali Ago and Ermal Agalliu, but with Chika and Ademola, Zulaica has more intimacy.
Ulrich Family

The **Ulrich family** were referenced in the History of Barovia as being one of the noble families that bought copious amounts of wine from the Wizards of the Wine at one time.

Lazlo Ulrich was the Burgomaster of Berez, until Count Strahd von Zarovich flooded and destroyed the town to punish Lazlo. Strahd would state this was because of his inappropriate relationship with his adopted daughter, Marina, however it is thought to be because Lazlo would not let Strahd marry her.

## Members

### Lazlo Ulrich

Father of Marina. Burgomaster of Berez.

Strahd stated that he had an inappropriate desire for his adopted daughter, Marina, and paid a priest to allow them to be married, drawing the ire of Strahd.

He was said to be in possession of some mystical tomes, which presumably Strahd took after destroying Berez.

### Marina Ulrich

Daughter of Lazlo.

She was said to have been raised in a church as an orphan.

Possibly the first reincarnation of Tatyana, drawing unwanted attention from Strahd von Zarovich. Strahd stated that she was the adopted daughter of Lazlo, and that Lazlo had an inappropriate desire to marry her and paid off a priest to allow them to marry.
Baratok Tower

**Baratok Tower** stands proudly upon a small island in the centre of Lake Baratok, with a small land causeway connecting it to the mainland.

The tall structure appears to have fallen into disrepair, cracks appearing in the walls particularly in the upper floor. Despite this griffon statues stand proud atop the tower.

The tower was constructed by Archwizard Khazan as his home following the successful construction of Castle Ravenloft for Count Strahd von Zarovich.

Many thought that after Khazan left his tower lay abandoned, and this may have been true for centuries, however when the party of Hallgrimm Mikkenson, Sigismund, and Narid Ashplantt investigated the tower it was clear that despite the lower levels being derelict the top floor had recently been lived in. It was subsequently discovered that it had been Dr Rudolph van Richten using the upstairs quarters for around a month.

The entrance door was protected by 15 magical switches, each of which having an Open, Neutral, and Close position. Should they attempt to enter with any switches in the incorrect position they received a strong paralysing jolt which would last for longer after each successive failure. To receive an indication of the correct position one is required to conduct an attack on the door, and for the correct position of another a different type of attack would have to be used.

There is a central lift which can be used to access the upper floors, and there are living quarters on the top floor. The top floor was home to a strange animated armour which seemed to obey the command of one who spoke the name "Khazan". Sigismund took the armour with him and wore it for several days before his death.

The tower is protected by an anti-magic field.

Whilst resting at the tower van Richten, Hallgrimm, Narid, and Eklyre Temere were attacked by a pack of werewolves but were able to successfully defeat the attackers, leaving no survivors.
Mount Gakis

**Mount Gakis** sits in the south of the Balinok mountain range in Barovia. At the foot of the mountain, which itself is a four hour trek into the range along the Tsolenka Pass, sits a fortified gatehouse formerly manned by the Order of the Silver Dragon in order to prevent those seeking to reach the legendary Amber Temple from proceeding.

Gakis has other protections in addition to the fortification including Sangzor, a huge demonic mountain goat which will attempt to ram any that pass off the side of the mountain. Archwizard Khazan stated that Sangzor had been killed before but seemed to return unscathed next time anyone tried to pass again.

## Inhabitants

The mountain is home to the valley's native mountainfolk, who appear to have settled here due to the lack of encroachment from those they would deem outsiders. There are around 50 mountainfolk living on the mountain, who still appear to revere their legendary chieftain - Kavan.

There are demonic creatures on the mountain as well as yetis and at least one roc.

### Demonic creatures

* Vrocs
* Sangzor - giant demonic goat
* Shoosuva
* Yezru

## History

When the party of Khazan, Hallgrimm Mikkenson, Narid Ashplantt, and Eklyre Temere sought to climb Gakis in Y735 they were met by demonic vrocs on the fortifications which Khazan noted had not been there before and he did not know where they may have come from.

Inside the gatehouse was a note scrawled on the floor in common which had not been there last time Khazan had visited: *"Violet leads to the mountain's spire."* The party theorised that it may have been Ludmilla Vilisevic or Rahadin that left the note for them to assist their journey. They would come to find the Violet was actually the name of a teenage mountainfolk that had been captured by a shoosuva.
Puentlatoani

The sleepy jungle village of **Puentlatoani** is home to a small number of residents on the peninsula of Chult. A day's travel inland from Port Castigliar, the village sits close to the River Olung.

In 1487 DR whispers escaped the village of some sort of "incident" having occurred. When the party of Taagon Willowwind, Rong, Kurk of the Lastfingers, and Bulzo Warmwater passed through the village they saw strange tendrils seem to appear and disappear around the village as well as strangely coloured trees, and the locals were all reluctant to be near them; all but Lidda Jamjar, who approached the party to ask they help in finding her missing husband, Jarber.

The party tracked Jarber down in the jungle tinkering around with "pylons" amongst an unusual twisted metallic structure surrounding a large blue ring which contained a pulsating green image within. As the green orb pulsed slimy creatures began to emerge which the party had to prevent from destroying the pylons. Once the invaders were struck down the party and Jarber stepped through to find that the ring was a portal to the Astral Plane. They were attacked by larger slime creatures but were able to defeat their attackers, before leaving for the Material Plane safely and returning Jarber to Lidda.

## Jarber Jamjar

Jarber Jamjar is the most interesting person in Puentlatoani, although the other residents would more likely describe him as wierd. It is his curiosity that sets him apart from others - he loves discovering and inventing new things. He and his wife Lidda are deeply in love, and as a result she puts up with his experiments despite her disapproval.

Jarber is determined to seek out peculiar things and try to discover how the stars and the sky are connected to the world around him. As of late he has begun spending more time out in the jungle than he did before, apparently tinkering with contraptions which seem to control a portal to the Astral Plane. He stated that he found the portal a short while ago and has been trying to work on it ever since.