We started where we ended, at the top of the tower.  We decided, at the very least, to check to see if the undead had been put to rest and check in on the dragon spirit.  We searched through the castle but found nothing of interest or value.  The dragon was indeed gone as were everyone else.  We retrieved the +2 great sword which Baron Q elected to take.  It costs him a shield but once he made it his pact weapon, he could use it with CHR.  Several times, we tried to storyboard the search but Brian won’t quite let us.  We encountered one more trap but no treasure or monsters.  We talked about making this our base someday and decided to bury the bones.  So, we spent the remains of the day doing that, got a long rest, had a morning ceremony and headed out.  But to where? We had at least 4 options.  Back to Valaki to tie up loose ends and perhaps orchestrate another regime change.  South to the Amber Temple that Sir Godfrey mentioned.  North to the Cave of Fear to face a version of Strahdanya and finish Loki’s quest.  Or back to Kresk to do more research on the dark powers in play.  We decided not to decide and head to the crossroads.

At that crossroads, we found Vasilli waiting for us.  Ambrus started the talking since he missed his stealth roll but others started coming up.  The usual questions/accusations.  But once Ezra got close enough, he used his Detect Evil power.  As usual, he could not get a read on him however his horse did detect as evil.  On closer inspection, the horse’s hooves seemed to be smoldering.  He approached the horse in a threatening manner and Vasilli interposed.  Who started what first is up for debate but combat ensued.  He attempted a Fog Cloud but Baron Q Counterspelled it.  The vampire started using his legendary actions to grab and fling heroes across the board.  No rolls needed.  Loki dashed invisibly into his tent and felt the psychic attack of Strahdanya’s second in command.  Ranadin.  But he couldn’t find him.  He did warn the rest.  Strahadanya got on her horse and they went into the Astral Plane where we could not see or touch them.  And continued to attack.  Ranadin revealed himself and most targeted him.  However, after a round where we were getting beaten (as usual), Ranadin was being scratched and Strahdanya was untouchable, Loki called for a parley.  There just was no point in attacking them together.  Eventually, everyone stood down.  She revealed that Vasilli was in fact Strahadanya as we already knew.  We tried to talk to her about the higher evil powers in play in this land but she was not interested.  Basically, she was just messing with us and left.  Ranadin disappeared also and the empty tent was left. 

We debated where we should go and eventually Valaki got the most support.  Whether it was for regime change, loose ends or both, was still unresolved.  Brian reminded us that the wizard that defeated the vampire a year ago, supposedly went mad and lived in the forest north of the lake, north of Valaki.  (She came back though.)  Many remembered the fight with the wizard but none of the players remembered that he lived through it.  (Dan: We had all gotten the idea that the rebellion had taken place decades or more ago AND the wizards and his followers had been defeated.  Surprise!  He live AND won!) Anyway, the plan was to go there and maybe deal with the Lake Abboleth along the way now that the Paladin had some protections from charms.  Rather than camp at her camp, we pressed on.  We should have at least taken a short rest there but did not.  Retroactive play? Before reaching the bridge, we passed the location of our fight with the demon where we saw yellow tape across the road.  Kaladin said it said “Police Investigation.  Do Not Cross” in infernal.  There were 3 women who didn’t look Barovian looking around.  Evidently, a Pit Fiend had been destroyed and they were looking into it.  The players tried to be vague but it was evident soon enough that we were the guilty party.  Our point about him being returned to his native plane didn’t hold water as they said he never returned.  Combat was about to start but we were at the end of the night so we stopped there.  Ezra and Baron Q were down significant hit points from the previous fight but we’re most full up otherwise.