Upon arrival in Baldur’s Gate, I proceeded to The Lusty Strigiforme as previously documented. A symbol consistent with one frequently employed by the individual known as Feron was observed on a weather‑worn barrel outside the establishment. Inspection revealed a small piece of scratched hide lodged within a knot in the wood. The hide displayed five crude pictographs: sun, shell, cat’s eye, flower, vampire fangs.
Inside the tavern, application of basic observational principles identified a group of five adventurers whose number corresponded to the symbols recovered. No direct correlation was confirmed.
Symbolic Observations (Recorded Without Conclusion):
• Sun: Typically associated with illumination or resistance to undeath.
• Shell: Indicates concealment, guarded behavior, or undisclosed information.
• Cat’s Eye: Suggests heightened perception or external surveillance.
• Flower: Represents innocence or the degradation thereof.
• Vampire Fangs: Implies a marked individual or one of interest to an unholy external force.
A fog formed outside the tavern concurrent with each adventurer recounting their personal histories and circumstances of arrival. During this period, a stranger approached the shared table. Clothing was atypical; trousers were notably billowed. The individual issued a directive: “Come to my master’s aide at first light.” He provided eastward directions, estimated travel time of five hours to Barovia, deposited a sealed letter and coin, and departed.
The letter bore a wax seal resembling a bird motif with apparent dripping features. Contents referenced a local named Kolyan Indirovich, his associate Ireena, and an unspecified “wound.” The coin left by the stranger resulted in increased tavern activity due to free alcohol distribution. Patrons were unable to provide verifiable information regarding Barovia, Kolyan, or Ireena.
The group remained in the tavern overnight. Fog persisted in the morning. Eastward travel commenced; paving stones diminished in frequency beyond expected recollection. After approximately five hours, fog obscured the road behind. An iron gate with two headless stone guardian statues was encountered. The gate opened without physical contact, producing audible metallic strain.
The statues displayed a faded sun‑like motif. No additional data could be extracted. Gate closed behind the group with significant noise. Dense trees and a detectable odor consistent with decomposition were present.
A corpse was located by Nyx within nearby underbrush. Condition: claw marks, presence of large animal tracks. The corpse held an envelope marked K.I. The letter inside was signed identically to the tavern letter but written in different handwriting. Contents advised immediate departure from the region.
Audible howls consistent with direwolves (estimated three individuals) interrupted examination. Group reassembled and proceeded until reaching a clearing. Howls ceased; distant human sobbing detected.
Two pale children were observed on the street. The female stated: “There is a monster in our house.” Location confirmed as Barovia. Parents identified as Durst. The male referenced a baby vulture (“Valter”) located in a third‑floor nursery. Children identified themselves as Rosavalda and Thornboldt. They reported the “monster” had been present for several days.
Entry to the Durst residence proceeded through poorly maintained gates. The foyer contained stained glass, stone‑faced portraits, and a shield displaying a golden windmill on a red hill. Despite low light, the area was clean and orderly. Northern double doors led to a chamber containing a cold fireplace, red marble staircase, and multiple unmarked doors. A cloakroom contained several cloaks and a top hat.
A southern room contained taxidermy and furnishings indicative of wealth. Carved goblets and an untouched cask of wine were present. Nyx unlocked a cabinet containing a small arsenal. A second cabinet, already unlocked, contained additional goblets and a deck of cards in an unfamiliar artistic style; these were retained for further study.
Returning to the staircase, Atwaad was not visible, though audible mewling indicated proximity. Sister had already ascended. Atwaad reported locating servant quarters and a concealed door.
From the stairs, Karku was observed rushing alone to the third floor. Upon reaching the second floor, portraits displayed individuals of apparent hereditary wealth. Party cohesion had degraded into smaller subgroups. Mechanical sounds—iron striking steel—were audible from above.
Ascending, a suit of armor of darkened coloration was observed attacking members of the fellowship. An arrow struck the construct, producing flame, yet the armor remained animated until neutralized by this investigator’s short sword.
Inspection of the level outside combat revealed increasing neglect and structural decay. Nyx entered a deteriorated master bedroom showing signs of rot. In a southern room, a spectral apparition manifested and advanced toward this investigator. Loss of consciousness followed. Upon recovery, the immediate threat had dissipated and unfamiliar faces were present.
Welcome to the Realms 
Cartographer’s Note: Eastward Road, Baldur’s Gate to Barovia’s Gate:
Five hours’ walk, no stops of consequence: ~15,840 paces by my own count. Set down on my chart simply as fifteen miles, due east of Baldur’s Gate/Rivington.
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