# [[Captive Harpy]] Alkonost, the **harpy**, is a captive of the [[Vistani]] at [[Tser Pool]]. She claims that her people possess ancient knowledge about [[Barovia (the Land of)|Barovia]] and have lived in the land since before [[Strahd von Zarovich|Strahd]]. ### In Session 14, - The Gang found the harpy imprisoned in a magically warded cage at [[Tser Pool]]. Touching the bars appeared to burn her. - She claimed that her people were in [[Barovia (the Land of)|Barovia]] before [[Strahd von Zarovich|Strahd]] and once served the land's former master, whom she called the **Iron Devil**. - She implied that her people know something about the **source of Strahd's powers**, but refused to reveal more unless the Gang helped free her. - She offered to provide information and spy for the Gang in exchange for her freedom. - She told the Gang that her mother is somewhere beyond [[Tsolenka Pass]]. - When questioned about [[Arrigal#Arabelle's Disappearance|Arabelle]], she claimed she may have seen something while her caravan was traveling along the Old Svalich Road near Lake Zarovich, but deliberately withheld the details as bargaining leverage - She claimed the Vistani intended to harvest her feathers and other magical components for potions before eventually selling her beyond the Mists, preventing her from ever seeing her family again. (Verification needed.) - She described the [[Vistani]] as servants of their **Blood Father**, [[Strahd von Zarovich|Strahd]], and claimed that her people's knowledge makes them dangerous to him. - [[Novgor]] was responsible for the enchantments restraining her. - After negotiations with [[Arrigal]], the Gang arranged for her release as a scout. Arrigal agreed to purchase an **ether-steel collar and leash** from [[Novgor]], allowing the harpy some freedom of movement while keeping her magically restrained. In return, the Gang agreed to continue helping [[Arrigal]] [[find Arabelle]].