<div align="center"><span class="bbc_u"><span class="bbc_size" style="font-size: 26pt;"><strong>CURSE OF STRAHD</strong></span></span></div><br/>It has been a long journey on the road along the Sword Coast that leads from Baldur's Gate to city of splendors that is Waterdeep.  In these troubled times, bandits often plague these lonely stretches of road, making it pay to travel in company, and as fortune would have it you have all fallen in with company of travelers.  These flamboyant people identify themselves as Vistani - an unfamiliar name, but the realms are large and its people nothing if not diverse - carrying their homes, families and possessions in their colorful caravans.  By day, they provide witty conversation, but by night they light roaring bonfires where meat might be roasted to songs and dance and the free flow of rich wines.<br/><br/>Tonight is a night like any other in the past few days, or perhaps a little less so.  The headman of the caravan, an ageing man named Stanmir beckons all outsiders to join him at his personal fireplace, away from the general revelries of his kinsmen, where he is joined by his daughter,<strong>Damia (https://i.imgur.com/xwpcGDQ.jpg)</strong>, and son,<strong>Rakta (https://i.imgur.com/LqI3ntn.jpg)</strong>.  Some nine other Vistani men and women hang nearby, clearly away from the festivities, but distanced enough for politeness.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">SUPPLEMENTARY INFO: Damia, Rakta, &amp; Stanimir</div><div class="spoiler_body"><strong>Rakta</strong> is a generally stoic individual who seems to be in charge of keeping the caravan safe.  He seems handy with the short sword that juts over his shoulder at virtually all times.  He checks on the safety and well-being of everyone travelling with the Vistani, often several times a day.<br/><br/><strong>Damia</strong> is far more carefree than her brother.  If Rakta embodies the traditions of the Vistani, Damia is more representative of its free spirit.  She's flirted in some capacity or other with all the male party members, without promising anything, and seems unlikely to do more than that.  Rakta seems exasperated by this behaviour, though Stanimir merely laughs it off.<br/><br/><strong>Stanimir</strong> is the headman of this Vistani caravan and its spiritual leader.  He is obviously held in high regard by his people and is an even-tempered, even-handed man who seems to be enjoying his dotage with grace.  He has never been heard to raise his voice, nor give in to baser emotions.</div></div><br/><br/><div class="floatright">(https://i.imgur.com/0NQ5wLq.jpg?1)</div>"Welcome friends!" Stanimir toasts when you are within earshot.  "I trust you are enjoying your time among us?  Please, please!  Gather around.  Perhaps it is this fine wine, or perhaps I'm getting old, but I feel inspired to tell you a tale tonight!"<br/><br/>When all have gathered, the old man fills his mouth with wine, then spits into the fire. The flames turn from orange to green. As they dance and sway, a dark shape appears in the bonfire’s core.<br/><br/>“We come from an ancient land whose name is long forgotten - a land of kings. Our enemies forced us from our homes, and now we wander the lost roads.”<br/><br/>The dark shape in the fire takes the form of a man being knocked from his horse, a spear piercing his side. Stanimir continues.<br/><br/>"One night, a wounded soldier staggered into our camp and collapsed. We nursed his terrible injury and quenched his thirst with wine. He survived. When we asked him who he was, he wouldn’t say. All he wanted was to return home, but we were deep in the land of his enemies. We took him as one of our own and followed him back toward his homeland. His enemies hunted him. They said he was a prince, yet we didn’t give him up, even when their assassins fell upon us like wolves.”<br/><br/>Deep in the bonfire, you see the dark figure standing with sword drawn, fighting off a host of shadowy shapes.<br/><br/>"This man of royal blood fought to protect us, as we protected him. We bore him safely to his home, and he thanked us. To us he said,<em>’I owe you my life. Stay as long as you wish, leave when you choose, and know that you will always be safe here.’</em>"<br/><br/>The figure in the dancing fire vanquishes its final foe, then disperses in a cloud of smoke and embers. Stanimir's face becomes a somber mask.  "A curse has befallen our noble prince, turning him into a tyrant. We alone have the power to leave his domain and so my people travel the world to find heroes who might bring an to end our dread lord’s curse and put his troubled soul to rest."<br/><br/>The embers crackle for a moment before leaping up into full orange flame, and Stanimir drains his cup and laughs.  "At least, so my father told me, as did his father before him.  At the very least it makes for a fine tale as to why we keep to the road and never settle!  Nevertheless, it is good to share the road with fine company; Rakta, my son, bring some wine to my fire that we toast to more nights such as these!"<br/><br/>The headman's request is quickly fulfilled and a new cask is quickly tapped and goblet filled until everyone around Stanimir's fire has one for themselves.  The old man raises his cup in toast and drinks until he has drained his cup before tossing it aside.<br/><br/><div class="spoiler_container"><div class="spoiler_header" onclick="hideSecond (this);" role="button">A NIGHT WITH THE VISTANI</div><div class="spoiler_body">Everyone can feel free to introduce their character here, and maybe socialize a little in required.  Stanimir will be offering several rounds of wine, which can be declined if wished.  Those who indulge will have disadvantage on any Strength, Dexterity, Intelligence, and Wisdom checks, but will gain advantage on Charisma checks against any Vistani they interact with.<br/><br/>The caravan is comprised of 4 wagons, though they have been organised in staggered fashion for the night rather than a protective circular formation.  With Stanimir finishing with his tale, he remains by his fire alone (but with the 9 Vistani remaining within sight).  Rakta goes to join the other revelers at the main bonfire to dance and sing, whilst goes to the rear of the caravan where she disappears in the night.</div></div>