4. Session, Ears perked up

Our Heroes are on their way to the walled city Vallaki, with several hundred immigrants hot on their heels. Following the worn cobbles of the Old Svalich Road, they run into two Hunters, way too far away from any game. Only too late, in fact only when it is inches away from their faces, do our Heroes realize that the hunters were vile lupine shapeshifters out for any meat they can get their hands on. Combat ensues, and the beasts are driven back, but not without a fight. Next thing they know, they are being called out by Vallaki’s nightly city-watch. Through a combination of charm and intimidation (and a fair bit of manipulation), our Heroes find themselves safe behind a tall wood-log gate. After a short romantic dusk hike, our Heroes are greeted by Danika, at barduty in the Blue Water Inn.
  Our Heroes settle for nothing less than a small feast, and are quickly joined by Rictavio, a bright former circus artist, and now the lone resident of the Blue Water Inn. For some reason, he is immediately suspected of being a vampire, and several tests are made, some more discreet than others… Later that night some of our Heroes encounter a flock of ravens in the inn’s stable, and after several minutes of trying to communicate with them, they learn that one of them has the ability to speak with animals.The ravens lead them to Urwin Martikov, a leader of a secret resistance group trying to get rid of Count Strahd, called the Keepers of the Feather. A deal is struck, and a promise made between mutually interested parties. Now it is time for our Heroes to seek out the Baron of this city to make sure preparations are made for the incoming villagers.