Who they are
The Vistani are a nomadic people who travel freely throughout Barovia and beyond, enjoying privileges that no other inhabitants of the valley possess. Unlike other Barovians, the Vistani can leave and return through the mists at will—a gift granted to them centuries ago by Count Strahd himself.
They are known as storytellers, fortune-tellers, and keepers of ancient traditions. Their culture places great value on hospitality, the sharing of tales, and the reading of fate through the Tarokka—a mystical deck of cards used for divination.
What the party knows
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Origins with Strahd: Stanimir’s Tale revealed that centuries ago, the Vistani saved the life of a wounded prince—nursing him back to health and escorting him safely home through enemy territory. That prince was Strahd, who in gratitude promised the Vistani free passage and safe haven in his lands forever.
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The Tser Pool Encampment: The party spent an evening at the Tser Pool Encampment, a Vistani camp along the Tser River led by Stanimir (“Papa”). They participated in the Game of Stories, sharing tales around the campfire while eating mutton stew and drinking Barovian wine.
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Madam Eva: The ancient Vistani seer Madam Eva resides at Tser Pool. She performed The Tarokka Reading for the party, revealing cryptic clues about artifacts and allies that could help them defeat Strahd.
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A Second Vistani Camp: Madam Eva mentioned that her great-grand-niece Arabelle lives at a Vistani Camp southwest of Vallaki, along with her father Luvash and his brother Arrigal. The party agreed to deliver a toy from Blinsky Toys to Arabelle by noon on her name-day.
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Trusted but Not Entirely: While the Vistani have shown the party hospitality, Madam Eva warned of a “shadow” among them—a servant of Strahd seeking knowledge of the party’s future. The party strongly suspects this refers to Eliza, a Vistani woman who seemed overly eager to befriend them.
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Arturi’s Curse: The Vistani traveler Arturi Radanavich is cursed to be hunted by undead each night, forcing him to hide in trees until dawn to protect those around him.
Where we’ve seen them
- Session 06 - Met the Vistani at Tser Pool Encampment, played the Game of Stories
- Session 07 - Received the Tarokka reading from Madam Eva at the crossroads cemetery
- Session 11 - No Bones About It - Visited the Vistani Camp near Vallaki (referenced in session frontmatter)