The party, and Ireena, set off from the encampment early in the morning, riding a cargo cart driven by Ionel Orshaga, a young vistana man
During the ride Ionel shared a few pieces of information:
Strahd comes from a royal bloodline, died centruies ago
He named the valley (Barovia) after his father, King Barov, and his castle (Ravenloft) after his mother, Queen Ravenovia
There are three main settlements in the valley: Krzek (W), Vallaki (C), Barovia (E)
Stick to the road, the forests have wild druid, ghosts, wolves and werewolves
Strahd has influence over some beasts, like wolves and bats
They were dropped off near an old windmill, the Old Bonegrinder
Alfbern and Klildar noticed an old woman entering the build pushing a cart. Alfbern recalled seeing her selling her goods in the village of Barovia, and Klildar noticed a large sack that moved like some creature
The party decided to investigate, and when they reached the building a raven was sitting at the top of the door, the raven greeted them saying that they should look for the Blue Water Inn in Vallaki, where they could meet some new friends, and then it took off in flight
They entered the building and noticed the makeshift kitchen, the floor littered with small human bones, and a suspicious barrel with a greenish-black ichor
Alfbern identified the ichor as demonic in nature, and he and Klildar disposed of it by tumbling the barrel outside. Meanwhile, Jon peered on the first floor by sneaking on the staircase
Jon saw an old woman swiping the floor, her apron caked in dust and blood
The party drew the conclusion that the old woman is kidnapping the children and killing them, and possibly using them to bake mince pies
After hearing the woman shouting about going to check on the mince pies, the group decided to try and ambush her
Linus, Klidar and Ireena stayed outside the building, but still by the door, while Alfbern and Jon hid in the kitchen. The woman was able to spot Alfbern and a fight broke out
They managed to pin her down at the top of the stairs, and landed a bunch of attacks, but at some point she broke free from Linus magical grasp, and fled upstairs, calling out to someone asking for help
On the first floor she moved to the back of the room, Jon followed right after her, missing an arrow shot
He was able to hear movement from the second floor, and realised someone was about to join their foe