**Session Journal: 12/30/2024** # Meeting with Lady Wachter The party arrived at the Wachterhaus and was greeted by Haliq, Lady Wachter’s butler, who escorted them to the parlor. On the way, they briefly encountered Nikolai Wachter, who was walking Stella Wachter through the halls. The party noticed that Stella seemed vacant and devoid of emotion. Once in the parlor, Lady Wachter joined them and shared Stella’s tragic story. According to Lady Wachter, Stella had been in this state since returning from the Vallakovich mansion under the care of Izek Strazni. Lady Wachter expressed her belief that the Vallakovich family was responsible, either through direct harm or negligence. She specifically called Victor Vallakovich a coward for his unwillingness to assist. # Dinner and the Deal The party was invited to dinner in the Wachterhaus dining room. Over the meal, the conversation turned toward a shared foe: Izek Strazni. Lady Wachter proposed an alliance, requesting that the party assassinate Izek. In return, she offered: - 100 gold pieces. - 500 gold pieces’ worth of gear from the barracks. - A letter of recommendation granting the party entry to Krezk. The party agreed to her terms. # Preparations for the Assassination At dawn, Ernst, Lady Wachter’s servant, provided the party with key tools for their mission: - A vial of poison. - A bag for delivering Izek’s severed head as proof of the deed. # Stalking and Poisoning Izek The party observed Izek Strazni’s movements throughout Vallaki and identified an opportunity to strike. They infiltrated the chef’s kitchen at the Vallakovich mansion and planted the poisoned bottle. Later, they ambushed Izek in an alley after he consumed the tainted drink. Though the poison weakened him, Izek still put up a fierce fight. # The Battle in the Alley The battle was grueling, and the party sustained multiple injuries. However, Yanki landed a critical strike, hitting a vital spot and delivering the killing blow to Izek. Dain then removed his head with Izek's own axe, as Lady Wachter had requested. # The Aftermath The party divided Izek’s belongings, including: - His battle axe (claimed by Dain). - A mysterious Amber Shard that emerged from his disintegrated arm. With their mission complete, the party returned to Lady Wachter to deliver Izek’s head and claim their reward, setting the stage for the next phase of their journey.